Major League Baseball's 2026-27 offseason is heating up with several teams exploring significant roster moves. The New York Yankees are considering a pursuit of free-agent ace Tarik Skubal, while the New York Mets are actively seeking rotation upgrades, and the Texas Rangers are prioritizing center field help after Evan Carter's hip surgery.
Yankees eye Skubal, could trade starter
The Yankees are at least considering a run at Tarik Skubal, the top available free-agent pitcher, according to ESPN. New York's rotation already includes Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Max Fried, and others, but adding Skubal would allow them to trade a starter like 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 on pitching market
The Mets are focused on adding to their rotation and are "active everywhere," per The Athletic. They are looking at both top-tier free agents like Skubal and middle-tier veterans. President of baseball operations David Stearns is reportedly disinclined to give pitchers long-term deals, which could hinder a pursuit of Skubal. The Mets' 2027 rotation currently has only Nolan McLean and Christian Scott as locks, with Kodai Senga possibly moving to the bullpen.
Rangers seek center field after Carter surgery
Texas Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young announced that Gold Glove finalist Evan Carter underwent right hip surgery and will miss the start of the 2027 season. The Rangers will prioritize center field help this offseason. Free-agent options include Trent Grisham, Luis Robert Jr., and Daulton Varsho, while trade candidates like Jarren Duran and Steven Kwan could be considered. A defense-first stopgap such as Denzel Clarke or Blake Perkins may be a short-term solution.
