Martin went on the Injured List multiple times, though -- for right shoulder fatigue, a left calf strain, and a thoracic outlet syndrome diagnosis in September.
He'll turn 40 in June, so Martin's days have to be numbered. Apparently, though, he doesn't want to hang the spikes up yet.
Martin entered pro baseball originally as a 21st-round pick of the Colorado Rockies in 2005 out of McLennan Community College.
He has pitched for the Rockies, Yankees, Rangers, Braves, Cubs, Dodgers, Red Sox and Rangers again, in addition to a stint in Japan.
Martin has a career 3.33 ERA in 418 MLB appearances. And it sounds like he'll be getting on a big league mound again in 2026.
Duarte did help his cause by getting back on the mound in the Mexican Winter League, where he has thrown 19.2 scoreless innings.
He's 29 years old, so there's still time for him to make a solid impact at the MLB level if Duarte's stuff has hung in there as he recovered from elbow surgery.
The Mets seem likely to start Duarte at Triple-A Syracuse, but they often need extra arms, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him spend at least a portion of the 2026 season in Queens, too.
It's a good opportunity for Duarte to show he still belongs at the upper levels of baseball after dealing with the serious injury. He'll arrive at spring training looking to prove himself.
The Boston Red Sox found their ace in Garrett Crochet this year, after trading for him around this time last year. Now, they’ve made some moves to finally get him some support in the rotation, but none of those moves are truly a No. 2 to back him up.
Fansided’s Cody Williams believes he has the perfect trade for a name that’s been floated around as an option: Milwaukee Brewers All-Star Freddy Peralta.
“While Boston has long looked like an obvious suitor for Peralta, the trade assets haven't necessarily lined up perfectly for both them and Milwaukee…Now, the Brewers still aren't in need of outfield help, so to speak, but there is certainly room to upgrade over the likes of Jake Bauers, Garrett Mitchell or Blake Perkins, which Duran or Abreu would allow them to do. Furthermore, in typical fashion for Milwaukee, they could flip an asset they're unlikely to be able to pay in Peralta for immediate major-league upgrades with plenty of club control at low cost and prospects that could help keep the ball rolling under Pat Murphy,” Williams wrote.
Peralta posted a 17-6 record, a 2.70 ERA, 204 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.075 over 176 innings pitched last season. Combine him with Crochet, and the Sox have a World Series-contending-level rotation.
The only problem with this is it’s basically a one-year rental. Peralta’s contract is up after this year, and he’s projected to get a five-year, $152 million deal.
The Sox have shown they don’t believe in giving long-term contracts out to players over 30, and Peralta will be 30 in the upcoming season. Hopefully, the Sox make an exception, get uncomfortable like they said they would, and pursue this trade.
Appleton West High School alumnus Danny Jansen, who spent the latter portion of the 2025 season with the Milwaukee Brewers, signed a two-year, $14.5 million deal with the Texas Rangers, a source told MLB.com.
The Rangers reportedly made a flurry of moves Dec. 12, including the signing of another 2025 Brewers player, Tyler Alexander, though the club hadn't confirmed the signings as of the morning of Dec. 13.
Jansen joined the Brewers shortly before the trade deadline, acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays, where he was stationed after signing a one-year offseason deal.
Jansen, 30, batted only .215 last year between his two stops but still posted a highly respectable .779 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) in 25 games with the Brewers, including three home runs. Jansen was often left on the bench with William Contreras handling such a large share of the catching innings; Jansen didn't even appear in the postseason despite his place on the Brewers roster throughout.
Jansen homered and drove in two runs in a 4-2 win over Cincinnati on Sept. 28, a win in the regular-season finale that represented a franchise-record 97th victory for Milwaukee.
Alexander posted a 6.19 earned-run average with the Brewers in 21 games at the start of the 2025 season before the club released him in June, and he finished the year with a 4.26 ERA per 31 games with the White Sox.
Former Brewers reliever Hoby Milner to Cubs
Former Brewers left-handed reliever Hoby Milner is going the opposite direction of Jansen, relocating from Texas back to the Midwest, this time as a member of the rival Cubs.
Milner posted a 3.84 ERA with the Rangers in 2025 over 70 innings of work, his highest career workload. From 2021-24 with the Brewers, Milner posted a 3.64 ERA. He turns 35 in January.
The MLB offseason can sometimes move at a painfully slow pace, but if history is any indication, December will be the busiest month — thanks in part to the Winter Meetings, which can sometimes lead to a flurry of player movement.
The annual congregation of executives, managers, free agents and, of course, agents takes place in Orlando this year, and there is plenty of business to get done.
Names such as Dylan Cease, Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz are already off the board and headed to new teams. Meanwhile, a number of big names remain unsigned or involved in trade rumors.
Speaking of the trade market, things on that front could be worth watching more closely in the coming days. While a Tarik Skubal trade doesn’t seem imminent or even particularly likely this offseason, Ketel Marte, MacKenzie Gore and Jarren Duran are among the names who have surfaced in rumors.
The Sporting News is tracking all of the latest buzz below, from rumors to signings and trades. Follow along with the latest updates.
Mets starter Jonah Tong is "highly coveted in trade talks," per Heyman, and the team will listen with a high asking price. Nolan McLean is viewed as "off-limits," while Carson Benge "close to that."
Longtime closer Kenley Jansen is signing a one-year deal with Detroit, also with a club option for a second year. Jansen sits at 476 career saves, and will attempt to reach 500 next season with the Tigers.
Padres open to moving Mason Miller, but would need to be 'overwhelmed'
Despite acquiring him at last season's trade deadline, San Diego has received inquires on Mason Miller, but the Padres would "need to be overwhelmed" by an offer, although they will listen to calls, per Heyman.
Per Sammon, the Mets are signing former Mariners infielder Jorge Polanco to a two-year, $40 million deal. Polanco had an .821 OPS and 26 homers for Seattle last season.
Toronto is acquiring RHP Chase Lee from Detroit in exchange for prospect Johan Simon, per Rosenthal. Lee appeared in 32 games for the Tigers in 2025, registering a 4.10 ERA as a reliever.
Right-hander Josiah Gray and the Nationals agreed to a one-year, $1.35 million deal to avoid arbitration, per Passan. Gray did not play in 2025 due to elbow surgery.
Miami is signing former Rays OF/DH Christopher Morel, per Rosenthal, on a one-year contract. He is expected to mostly play first base for the Marlins after hitting .219 with 11 home runs and 33 RBIs for Tampa Bay in 2025.
Garcia is coming off a breakout season, producing an .800 OPS, a 5.8 bWAR and his first All-Star appearance. The 25-year-old is now locked in with Kansas City for the next five years, forming a dynamic pair with SS Bobby Witt Jr.
New York has a vacancy in the outfield after trading Brandon Nimmo earlier in the offseason, and Robert is a possible trade candidate. Heyman mentions that the Mets would likely want the White Sox to eat some of Robert's $20 million salary, and he says that New York is still interested in free agent OF Cody Bellinger.
Baddoo has spent his entire career with the Tigers until this point, but only played in seven games last year. The 27-year-old outfielder now gets a fresh start in Milwaukee.
Braves to sign RP Robert Suarez to three-year, $45 million deal
Suarez was the best reliever on the market after Edwin Diaz and Devin Williams found homes, and the former Padres reliever is now headed to Atlanta. The three-year deal worth $45 million in the a similar range as Williams' and Diaz's contracts, as the reliever joins Raisel Iglesias in the back of Atlanta's bullpen.
Leiter spent the past 1.5 seasons with the Yankees, but was non-tendered during the offseason. He provides the Athletics a reliable bullpen arm that has pitched in big moments before.
Cody Bellinger "could be waiting" for Kyle Tucker to sign
Kuty reports that Bellinger's agent, Scott Boras, may prefer Tucker to be off the board before finalizing a potential Bellinger deal. Bellinger and Tucker represent the top two outfielders on the market, so Boras may feel as though any team that misses on Tucker would then try to pivot to Bellinger.
The Braves made their first major move of the offseason by signing outfielder Mike Yastrzemski to a two-year, $23 million deal. The contract includes a third-year club option.
Orioles remain active, still talking to Framber Valdez
Even after signing Pete Alonso, the Orioles remain active on the free agent market and continue to talk to former Astros SP Framber Valdez, Jon Morosi reports. Baltimore has also been connected to MacKenzie Gore in trade talks.
Eugenio Suarez's market has been quiet, at least publicly, but the Red Sox are showing interest in him, along with a handful of other infielders, Jon Heyman reports.
The Mets never made an offer to Alonso, Joel Sherman reports, noting that they knew the first baseman was receiving offers longer and more expensive than they were comfortable going.
Pete Alonso signing a five-year, $155 million deal with Orioles
Pete Alonso is leaving Queens and heading to the AL East — but not to a team people expected. It is the Orioles that will be the first baseman's new home, as the free agent agreed to a five-year contract $155 million deal with Baltimore. It gives the Orioles a veteran slugger to add to their mix of young studs.
Brian Cashman says Yankees 'not an open blank checkbook'
Speaking to reporters at the Winter Meetings, Yankees GM Brian Cashman said while the franchise is "aggressive," it cannot be an "open blank checkbook" when it comes to spending money. "Everything adds up. Everything counts," Cashman said. The Yankees have had a quiet offseason outside of Trent Grisham accepting his qualifying offer to return in 2026.
The Dodgers would be willing to give OF Kyle Tucker a lucrative deal for three or four years but are reluctant to give out a deal spanning six or seven years, The Athletic reports.
The Red Sox are seen as strong candidates for Ketel Marte compared to the Blue Jays because of their young starting pitching depth, Jon Morosi reports. The Diamondbacks have been known to be targeting young starters in any Marte talks.
The Tigers have agreed to a two-year, $19 million deal to bring back reliever Kyle Finnegan. Acquired from the Nationals at the July deadline, Finnegan impressed with a 1.50 ERA and 11.5 K/9 rate in 16 appearances with the Tigers, putting himself in line for save opportunities in 2026.
The Orioles and Nationals have had "steady communication" about SP MacKenzie Gore, whose name has been floated in trade rumors since the July deadline, Jon Morosi reports.
Tampa Bay's Brandon Lowe is among the names surfacing in trade talks for second basemen, and the chances of a deal this week are "increasing," Jon Morosi reports.
The market for Diamondbacks 2B Ketel Marte is "heating up," Jon Heyman reports, with the Red Sox, Mariners, Blue Jays, Phillies and Rays all believed to be in the mix for the All-Star.
The Red Sox have discussed a Corey Seager trade with the Rangers, the Boston Globe reports, though WEEI's Rob Bradford says the talks don't have momentum at the moment. Seager has been a superstar with the Rangers when healthy, but Texas is on a mission to shed salary this winter and the two-time World Series MVP still has six years remaining on his massive contract.
The Marlins are "engaged" in trade talks involving SP Edward Cabrera with numerous teams, Jon Heyman reports. Cabrera enjoyed a breakout season for Miami in 2025 and was a popular name leading up to the July deadline.
The Pirates have agreed to a one-year, $7.75 million deal with reliever Gregory Soto, who posted a 4.18 ERA and 3.42 FIP between the Orioles and Mets in 2025.
With Kyle Schwarber off the market, and Baltimore being one potential landing spot for him, Morosi reports that the Orioles have spoken with the camp of Kyle Tucker.
Orioles, Reds, Pirates made offers for Schwarber before Phillies reunion
Before Kyle Schwarber agreed to re-sign with the Phillies, Baltimore matched Philadelphia's offer of five years, $150 million, per Rosenthal. The Reds offered Schwarber a five-year deal "in the $125 million range," while the Pirates offered four years and $120 million.
Red Sox viewed as stronger candidate for Ketel Marte than Blue Jays
Per Jon Morosi, within the AL East, the Red Sox are viewed as a stronger trade candidate for star infielder Ketel Marte than the Blue Jays, because of Boston's depth of MLB-ready starters.
Scott Boras expects Pete Alonso's market to heat up
Speaking at the Winter Meetings, agent Scott Boras said he expects 1B Pete Alonso's market to pick up now that Kyle Schwarber has signed. Alonso has reportedly been in and out of the meetings to meet with teams, including the Red Sox and Orioles.
The Tigers have been floated as a potential Alex Bregman suitor, but they also have real interest in SS Ha-Seong Kim, according to the Detroit Free Press. Kim, a terrific defender, landed with the Rays last offseason but missed most of 2025 and finished the year with the Braves. After a healthy September, Kim opted out of his deal.
Mets could be reluctant to go beyond three years for Alonso
The Mets "may be hesitant to go more than three years" on a new deal for 1B Pete Alonso, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reports, which could complicate the path to a reunion between the two sides. Alonso settled for a short deal last winter but is looking for long-term security this time around after a strong season at the plate.
The Angels are acquiring infielder Vaughn Grissom from the Red Sox, in exchange for OF prospect Isaiah Jackson. Grissom, Boston's one-for-one return for Chris Sale two years ago, struggled in a brief MLB stint in 2024 and spent all of 2025 in the minor leagues, posting a .783 OPS. 2026 will be Grissom's age-25 season.
The Padres and GM A.J. Preller are "shooting big" in trade talks and working on "multiple fronts" to put together significant deals, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
With the Mets' former closer, Edwin Diaz, off the market, New York is now viewed as a suitor for the new top available reliever, Robert Suarez. The Blue Jays are also in the mix, per Jon Morosi.
Former Mets closer Edwin Diaz has agreed to a deal with the Dodgers, according to The Athletic's Will Sammon, bolstering a bullpen that was a rare weakness for much of the regular season in 2025.
Diaz's deal is worth $69 million over three years, per Jeff Passan.
The Phillies have agreed to a five-year, $150 million deal to re-sign DH Kyle Schwarber, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. Schwarber, who was the runner-up for NL MVP in 2025, was also pursued by the Reds, Pirates, Orioles and Mets.
While the Red Sox are taking a look at a bevy of infielders, including Pete Alonso, Bo Bichette and Ketel Marte, a reunion with Alex Bregman remains Boston's "No. 1 target," according to The Athletic. A trade for Isaac Paredes could be a fallback option if a deal can't be reached with Bregman.
Scott Harris says he "doesn't believe in untouchable players" regarding Tarik Skubal
Harris answered a question about Tarik Skubal's trade status, as the executive said he wouldn't be doing his job if he didn't listen. Skubal has one year left on his contract, which could prompt Detroit to trade him before the season begins if the team gets a good deal.
Matz is a former starter who transitioned to the bullpen last season, and found success with the Red Sox late in the year, finishing the season with a 3.05 ERA between St. Louis and Boston. Topkin adds that the deal will span two years.
Brewers RP Trevor Megill drawing interest from Mets, Yankees
Megill was the best relievers on the Brewers last year, but Milwaukee is always exploring different ways to mix up its team. The Yankees have a reliever vacancy after losing Devin Williams to the Mets in free agency, but the Mets also still need to upgrade their bullpen.
According to Rome, no deal is close, but Houston's interest in Baz is real and could be the type of move that the team prefers. Baz is coming off a season where he made a career-high 31 starts for the Rays, but still pitched to a 4.87 ERA.
Yankees have checking in on Nationals SP MacKenzie Gore
Gore is one of several pitchers who could be traded, as the Nats look to build for the future. While Golden also reports the Red Sox and Padres explored a Gore trade at the trade deadline, he specifically names the Yankees as a team that has made a call in recent days.
Mets, Blue Jays, Dodgers among teams interested in Robert Suarez
Suarez is one of the top relievers on the market, and the Mets, Blue Jays and Dodgers are all teams that have shown interest in improving their bullpens. Those three teams have also been linked to top closer Edwin Diaz, which makes Suarez a potential fallback option.
Kyle Schwarber likely the next name to come off the board
Cotillo added that other teams may be waiting for Schwarber to sign before moving on to other players. While the Phillies are believed to be the favorite to retain the DH, but the Red Sox, Mets, Reds and Pirates have all been linked to Schwarber as well.
Diamondbacks targeting starters in Ketel Marte talks
The Diamondbacks are willing to listen on 2B Ketel Marte and are emphasizing MLB-ready starting pitchers in talks, but their asking price remains high, according to Jon Morosi. Marte has been one of the hottest names as the Winter Meetings get underway, indicating teams believe he can be had in a trade, and interested teams reportedly include the Red Sox, Blue Jays and Mariners.
The Orioles are in on free agent starter Ranger Suarez, Jon Heyman reports. Suarez is one of the top free agent arms available, and Baltimore has been connected to starters since the offseason began.
Free agent 1B Pete Alonso is heading to the Winter Meetings to meet with interested suitors, including the Red Sox and Orioles, according to the New York Post. Alonso lives a short drive away from Orlando, so he will meet in-person with interested teams.
Brian Cashman says Yankees are covered in 'most areas'
Yankees GM Brian Cashman said at the Winter Meetings that the organization is "open-minded" but doesn't have to do as much as last winter because of the talent on the roster. "We have really good players on this roster, and we are covered in most all areas that you need to be covered."
The Nationals are receiving heavy interest in SS CJ Abrams in trade talks and are open to dealing him, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon report. Washington is also talking about deals centered on SP MacKenzie Gore as the new front office looks to shake up the organization.
The Blue Jays are also among teams talking to the Diamondbacks about 2B Ketel Marte, Jon Heyman reports. The Red Sox and Mariners were reported Sunday as potential suitors for Marte, though there doesn't appear to be much traction in talks yet, Heyman reports.
The Diamondbacks have agreed to a one-year, $7.5 million deal with pitcher Michael Soroka. Soroka split the 2025 season with the Nationals and Cubs, posting a 4.87 ERA and 4.16 FIP over 16 starts with Washington before an injury limited him to 8.1 strong innings with Chicago. Soroka could function as either a starter or reliever in Arizona.
Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte is in high demand this offseason, as a number of suitors have pursued the All-Star infielder. The Red Sox, Mariners, Pirates, Rays, Tigers and Jays are all listed as targets by New York Post's Jon Heyman.
One of the top arms available on the market, Valdez has been travelling from coast to coast, as it's reported he's visited Baltimore, New York and San Francisco. The 32-year-old lefty finished his eighth season in Houston last year with a .366 ERA.
The Pirates said they were looking to spend this offseason around Paul Skenes. How about Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber? Pittsburgh has reportedly put a four-year offer in for the free agent, while Red Sox, Cubs, Reds and others remain in the mix.
Mariners send prospect Harry Ford to D.C. for Jose Ferrer
The Mariners have acquire reliever Jose Ferrer from the Nationals, in exchange for catching prospect Harry Ford and pitching prospect Isaac Lyon. The 25-year-old Ferrer has unspectacular raw numbers as a major-leaguer, but a career 3.33 FIP, impressive walk rate and high velocity make him a potential high-leverage reliever for Seattle, while Ford is a consensus top-75 prospect in baseball and could be the Nationals' catcher of the future.
Despite July's firesale, the Minnesota Twins are not planning to trade Joe Ryan, Byron Buxton or Pablo Lopez this winter, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reports. The Twins discussed a Ryan trade with the Boston Red Sox at the deadline but decided against dealing their young ace.
The Detroit Tigers remain "engaged" with teams on a potential Tarik Skubal trade, according to ESPN's Buster Olney, but they are still unsure about dealing him and have an "enormous" asking price. Skubal, the back-to-back reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, is set to be a free agent after the 2026 season and is reportedly far apart in extension talks with the Tigers.
MLB free agent signings and trades by team
Blue Jays
SP Dylan Cease (7yr/$210M)
SP Cody Ponce (3yr/$30M)
Orioles
OF Taylor Ward (trade)
RP Ryan Helsley (2yr/$28M)
1B Pete Alonso (5yr/$155M)
Rays
OF Cedric Mullins (1yr/$7M)
OF Jake Fraley (1yr/$3M)
P Steven Matz (2yr/$15M)
Red Sox
SP Sonny Gray (trade)
SP Johan Oviedo (trade)
Yankees
P Ryan Yarbrough (re-signed, 1yr/$2.5M)
Guardians
RP Colin Holderman (1yr/$1.5M)
Royals
Tigers
P Drew Anderson (1yr/$7M with $10M option for 2027)
Japanese standouts Tatsuya Imai and Kazuma Okamoto were also posted and are available to MLB teams, making for one of the strongest-ever free agent crops of Japanese talent in one offseason.
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