The Winter Meetings, baseball's annual extravaganza, will be held next week in Orlando. These will be the busiest four days of the offseason, with trades, free agent signings and rumors galore. Here are Thursday's Hot Stove Rumors to help tide you over until things really pick up next week.
Cubs expected to pursue Imai, 'renewed interest' in Bregman
The Cubs are expected to be among the teams pursuing Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai, reports 670 Account. Chicago is said to have been in the running for Dylan Cease before he signed with the Blue Jays, indicating a willingness to spend a good amount of money. Imai's 45-day posting window ends at 5:00 pm ET on January 2nd.
MLB Free Agency: What you need to know about NPB, KBO players to be released this winter, including home run champion
R.J. Anderson
Even with Shota Imanaga acceptance of a qualifying offer in the amount of $22.025 millionThe Cubs will need another starter in 2026. Imanaga will rejoin the team. Matthew Boyd, Cade HortonAnd Jameson Taillon in rotation, with Javier Assad And Colin Rea serve as depth options. Lefty Justin Steele He had elbow surgery in April and is not expected to return until mid-2026.
Additionally, the Cubs say they have “renewed interest” in All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman after failing to sign him last offseason. Athletic. Although he was limited to 114 games by a quad injury, Bregman hit .273/.360/.462 with 3.5 WAR last season for the Red Sox. The Cubs had a rookie. Matt Shaw in third place, where he played excellent defense, hitting .226/.295/.394 with 3.1 WAR. His offense improved significantly in the second half.
However, there is something to think about here. Shaw also played second base and Nico Horner will be a free agent after the 2026 season, as will the corner outfielders. Ian Happ And Seiya Suzuki. This means that adding Bregman will help solidify the position player long-term, and that Shaw's versatility means he won't need to be traded if Bregman is signed.
Tucker visits Blue Jays'spring object'
Kyle Tucker, #1 free agent of the offseasonvisited the Blue Jays' spring training facility in Dunedin, Florida, on Wednesday, reports Fan. However, this visit demonstrates sincere mutual interest, since Sportsnet notes that this is a fairly common part of the hiring process. Tucker is originally from nearby Tampa and may visit other springs in the area (Phyllis And Yankeesespecially).
The defending American League champions have already been one of the most active teams of the offseason, signing Dylan Keys And Cody Ponce to strengthen an already strong rotation. The club could still re-sign the pal Bo Bichette, although things have been pretty quiet on that front. Tucker fits Toronto's high-contact offensive approach and will improve an already strong team defense.
Metz interested in Ryan Bellinger
Count the Mets among the teams interested in Twins ace Joe Ryanaccording to New York Post. The club is known to be looking for a top-tier starter this offseason, and the Twins, who sold the contract well at the deadline, expect to listen to any offers for Ryan. New York's farm system is quite deep, potentially giving them an advantage in trade negotiations.
The Mets, like their rival Yankees, are also actively courting the free agent outfielder. Cody Bellingerreports Major League Baseball Network. Even before trade Brandon NimmoThe Mets have been in need of an outfielder this offseason, especially one who can play center field. Bellinger qualifies, although his heavy approach as a left fielder is better suited to Yankee Stadium than Citi Field.
Dodgers We are discussing the exchange of Hernandez, there is interest in Suarez
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez came up in trade discussions, according to Athleticbut the deal is considered unlikely. The two-time defending World Series champions already need one outfielder this offseason. Trading Hernandez would create an even bigger need, although it would give the Dodgers a chance to get younger and better on defense in particular.
The Dodgers have also expressed interest in acquiring the free agent. Robert Suarezreports Athletic. The club would prefer a short-term contract with a high annual salary for the 35-year-old footballer. The Dodgers have shown no interest in fellow free agent closer just yet. Pete Fairbanks. Helping the bullpen is a priority this winter, especially after Tanner Scott a disappointing 2025 season.
Red Sox looking for a mid level bat
Middle hitter on Red Sox shopping list for next week's winter meetings, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said Athletic recently. “We are going to look for someone who is a threat, who can get into the middle of the order and can lengthen our lineup. This is absolutely the way to improve our team,” Breslow said.
Boston finished 15th in home runs in 2025 and currently has a left-handed lineup. Alex Bregman fits very well in both the lineup and at third base, so adding a middle-order bat might just mean re-signing Bregman. Pete Alonso will handle Boston's power deficit better than Bregman, but won't improve the right side of the infield defense, which was a weakness in 2025.
Defenders negotiated with Fairbanks
Diamondbacks held negotiations with a loved one on free agent status Pete Fairbanks, the publication reports Arizona Republic. Arizona is looking to import a lot of pitchers this offseason, both starters and relievers. Their bullpen ranked 27th in ERA and 27th in WAR in 2025, and their two best right-handed pitchers Justin Martinez and left-handed Also Pakwill miss the start of 2026 after having elbow surgery in June.
Having failed to find a trading partner last month, Rays rejected Fairbanks' $11 million club option and sent him to the free agent market. The aid market is really moving… Ryan Helsley, Phil Mathon, Emilio PaganAnd Devin Williams everyone has signed within the last 10 days or so, and several teams have been linked to Fairbanks. Signs point to him signing a contract fairly soon.
