MLB rumors: Diamondbacks in on Bregman, Imai’s suitors emerge, Yankees target reunion

The 2025-2026 Major League Baseball offseason continues, and, Winter meetings moving further and further from us, we move deeper into off-season sports calendar. Among other things, winter in baseball means a constant influx of rumors about free agent signings, trades and the like. Speaking of which, you can find Tuesday's recap just below.

D-supports Bregman?

There have been rumors about a possible trade Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte for several weeks, even as Arizona aims to compete in the tough National League West. So if they make a deal with Marte, where can they turn? Enter free agent third base Alex Bregman. Diamondbacks are 'busting' Bregman, reports USA today.

This needs a bit of shuffling, but it might work. If defense finds a suitor for Marte, who has five years and $91 million left on his team-friendly contract, Bregman could take his place as one of the team's stars. Bregman plays third and Marte second, but the prospect is in the infield. Jordan Lawlar Has experience playing both second and third base.

This may seem like a lot of effort with Marte already locked in for a long period of time, but since the end of the summer there have been rumors of problems at the club surrounding Marte.

Imai Market

Right-hander Tatsuya Imai is considered one of the top starting pitchers on the market this offseason, and with the January 2 signing deadline as part of the posting rules, he is expected to select his Major League Baseball employer in the near future. Imai has already made it clear that he is not inclined to sign a contract with Dodgersand instead Wall Street Journal reports that Yankees, CubsAnd Phyllis are the teams that seem to be counting on Imai's services the most.

Earlier this offseason, CBS Sports rated Imai as No. 12 free agent in current class. Here's part of RJ Anderson's review:

Compared to how front offices feel about moving hitters from the NPB, pitchers are almost a certain number. There are too many success stories to get hung up on differences in ball and schedule or assume it will have a devastating impact on the talent in question. This is good news for Imai stock. He's just coming off a dominant season in which he posted a 1.92 ERA and a 3.96 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 163 innings. He has mid-90s speed and a forkball-like slider that he throws from a low release point. Imai isn't far from struggling with his team (he had walked fewer than four batters per nine innings until his seventh professional season), but teams confident in his hitting ability could envision him becoming at least the No. 3 starter as early as next spring.

The king may decide soon

Michael Kings Two seasons in San Diego have made him a first-line starting pitcher, at least when his health allows, and that has made him a desirable presence on the free agent market. Speaking of this, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports that King could be the next starting pitcher to make his decision and that the Yankees, Red SoxCubs, OriolesAnd Metz are currently the strongest contenders for his services.

King, 30, moved from pitcher to starter after Parents bought it from Yankee. In 45 starts and one relief appearance for San Diego, he posted an ERA+ of 134 and a FIP of 3.65.

Mets eyeing new deals

Left Pete AlonsoEdwin Diaz and Brandon Nimmoand in them Jorge Polanco, Devin WilliamsAnd Marcus Semien. The Mets, under David Stearns, may not be done changing their roster this winter. In particular, rotation can be associated with significant turnover, and this turnover can be achieved through transactions. Speaking of this, David Peterson And Kodai Senga available in trade ESPN's Jorge Castillo reports, on a contract-by-contract basis with the goal of adding cutting-edge talent to the rotation to accompany the promising young man. Nolan McLean. However, improving the rotation in Queens is likely the most important issue heading into the offseason.

Weaver returns to Yankees radar

The right-hander has changed over the past two seasons. Luke WeaverThe 32-year-old was isolated in the Yankees bullpen. Weaver is now a free agent, and Athletic reports that there is mutual interest in a reunion. The Yankees already lost Devin Williams to the Mets this winter, so bringing back Weaver could be a priority for general manager Brian Cashman.

GiantsHouser agrees to the deal

Giants and right-handed pitcher Adrian Houser agreed to a two-year contract worth $22 million with a club option for a third year, according to a report ESPN.

Houser, 32, has primarily been a starter throughout his career, but he has also done utility work. He made 11 excellent starts for the team last season. White Soxgoing 6-2 with a 2.10 ERA and 3.0 WAR before being traded to Rays. With the Rays in 10 starts, he was 2-3 with a 4.79 ERA and 0.3 WAR.

The Giants' rotation is led by a pair of All-Stars. Logan Webb And Robbie Ray. Beyond these, there may well be competition for the final three spots as things currently progress. Landen Rupp has likely done enough to earn another chance in the rotation in 2026, but he may not be sure. Houser will also be on the list along with Hayden Birdsong, Kai-Wei Teng, Carson Whisenhunt And Trevor McDonald.

Reds add help

Lefty pitcher Caleb Ferguson agreed to a one-year contract with the Reds, according to Cincinnati Inquirer. Ferguson, 29, began his career with the Dodgers but has traveled extensively the past two seasons with the Yankees. Astros, Pirates And Sailors. He made 70 appearances last year, pitching to a 3.58 ERA and 1.16 WHIP with 51 strikeouts in 65⅓ innings. He made three playoff appearances for the Mariners.