The MLB offseason can be a wild ride for baseball fans. Teams scramble to land top talent and shake up their rosters.
This year, a handful of big-name starting pitchers still haven’t signed, so everyone’s speculating about where they’ll end up. Some clubs are desperate for arms, and there’s a lot at stake.
Money, timing, and team needs all play into this high-stakes shuffle. It’s never just about the best offer—other things matter too.
Top Remaining Starters on the Market
Right now, a few elite starters are still out there, and they’re getting plenty of attention from teams hoping to upgrade their rotations. Here’s who’s left:
- Jacob deGrom: He’s known for dominant outings and multiple Cy Youngs. Any team would love to have him.
- Justin Verlander: Even at his age, Verlander keeps surprising people with how good he still is.
- Max Scherzer: Scherzer brings tons of experience and that fierce competitive streak every time he pitches.
- Trevor Bauer: Bauer stirs up controversy, but his talent is tough to ignore. High risk, high reward, maybe?
Factors Influencing Team Decisions
So, what’s actually driving these teams as they chase top pitchers? It’s a mix of roster needs, finances, and timing.
Players have their own preferences too—location, team vibe, and the chance to win all matter. Let’s dig into these factors a bit more.
Current Roster Composition
Teams have to look at their rotations and figure out where they’re lacking. If a bullpen is solid but the starters are shaky, they’ll chase a frontline guy.
Sometimes, a team with a balanced staff just wants a veteran to help guide the younger pitchers. It’s not always about star power.
Financial Flexibility
Money talks, obviously. Teams with bigger payrolls can go after the biggest names.
The Yankees and Dodgers always seem to be in the mix because they can spend. Still, smaller market clubs can surprise people if they play their cards right and manage the budget carefully.
Competitive Window
The timing of a team’s competitive window matters a lot. If a club is close to contending, they might get aggressive and make a splashy move.
Take the Padres, for example—they’ve got a young core and seem ready to go all-in for a shot at winning now.
Player Preferences
Players aren’t just looking for the biggest paycheck. Some care about location, team culture, or the chance to win.
For a veteran, maybe signing with a contender is more appealing than chasing one last big contract. It’s not always an easy decision.
Potential Landing Spots
Given all these factors, a few teams stand out as possible destinations for the top remaining starters. Here’s a look at who could land a big name:
New York Yankees
The Yankees are always in the hunt for stars. They’ve got the money and the drive to win now, so it’s no shock they’re linked to guys like deGrom or Verlander.
Landing one of those arms could really tighten up their rotation and boost their title chances.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers love making big moves too. With recent success and deep pockets, they’re a top destination for elite pitchers.
Scherzer already had a stint there, and a reunion could give them a steady veteran presence and another ace.
San Diego Padres
The Padres are on the upswing with a roster full of young talent. They’ve shown they’re willing to spend and take risks.
Adding someone like Bauer could be the move that finally puts them over the top.
Chicago White Sox
The White Sox have a strong young core and are clearly aiming to win now. They’ve made some savvy veteran signings already.
Bringing in a top starter like deGrom could give them the edge they need in the postseason. Maybe this is their year?
Conclusion
The market for top remaining starters is heating up. Several teams are scrambling to secure these coveted arms.
Rosters, budgets, and timing all matter a lot here. Players have their own preferences too, which always adds another layer of unpredictability.
The offseason’s only getting started, and you can almost feel the anticipation. Teams are already jockeying for position before the 2026 campaign even begins.
If you want a deeper dive into possible landing spots, take a look at this detailed analysis.
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