The 2026-27 MLB offseason is less than a week old and rumors are already circulating about potential moves by the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and Texas Rangers.
Yankees consider Skubal pursuit and trade
The Yankees are at least considering a run at free-agent left-hander Tarik Skubal, who posted a 2.72 ERA with 186 strikeouts in 158.2 innings last season. New York's rotation already includes Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Max Fried, and several young arms, but the team could sign Skubal and then trade a starter such as Will Warren to address needs at second base, third base, center field, and catcher. Warren threw 156 innings with a 3.92 ERA in 2026 and has four years of team control remaining.
Mets active in rotation market
The Mets are focused on adding starting pitching and are "active everywhere," according to reports. They are looking at top-tier free agents like Skubal as well as mid-tier veterans. New York's projected 2027 rotation currently locks in only Nolan McLean and Christian Scott, with Kodai Senga, Sean Manaea, and others filling out the depth chart. President of baseball operations David Stearns is reportedly reluctant to give pitchers long-term deals, which could hinder pursuit of Skubal.
Rangers prioritize center field after Carter surgery
Texas Rangers center fielder Evan Carter underwent right hip surgery last week and will miss the start of the 2027 season. President of baseball operations Chris Young said the team must find a short-term backfill, with Wyatt Langford as an internal option but better suited for left field. The free-agent center field market includes Trent Grisham (projected 2.1 WAR), Luis Robert Jr. (1.6 WAR), Daulton Varsho (1.3 WAR), and Cedric Mullins (1.2 WAR). Trade candidates such as Jarren Duran and Steven Kwan are also possibilities, though Kwan would command a high price. A defense-first stopgap like Denzel Clarke or Blake Perkins may be the most realistic short-term solution.
