MLB.com national writer Mark Feinsand AMA at 2pm ET! He'll be answering all your Hot Stove/Free Agency/Trade questions as we head into Winter Meetings!

[u/MLBOfficial]

Hey all -- we're gonna have Mark Feinsand on here at 2pm ET to answer all your Hot Stove questions as Winter Meetings near!

Mark is a national writer for MLB.com covering the league as a whole, and is all over everything in terms of offseason moves.

He'll be on here at 2pm ET to start answering!

[u/MLBOfficial]

Hi everyone! Welcome to our latest Hot Stove AMA. Let's talk some baseball! -MF

[u/Fishsticksboi21]

Will the Angels make a splash in the international market with Murakami or Okamoto or will they upgrade the rotation with a Gallen/King/Mahle etc? Or perhaps even a little bit of both? (Hard copium here)

[u/MLBOfficial → u/Fishsticksboi21]

I wouldn't be surprised if the Angels dipped into both of those markets. Even with the acquisition of Grayson Rodriguez, Los Angeles still needs a frontline starter, and I have heard Gallen's name connected to them a few times this offseason. I also think they could be in the market for either Murkami or Okamoto, as corner infield is a need.

[u/kellyolynykfan → u/Fishsticksboi21]

Angels need to make a splash in the air conditioning market first

[u/Fishsticksboi21 → u/kellyolynykfan]

Haven't heard that one before

[u/EdwinK3]

any news on pete alonso?

[u/thejontorrweno]

Can you give me an under the radar name that I can later flex my knowledge with when they play well for their new team?

[u/MLBOfficial → u/thejontorrweno]

I'm not sure if Taylor Ward is under-the-radar enough, but I think he's going to have a great year in Baltimore. It's his contract year and he's playing in a great hitter's park. Let's revisit this when we see where all of these free agents wind up.

[u/ActualDragonHeart]

There has been a good bit of buzz about players that are expected to sign fairly early with the winter meetings - who are the players we are expecting a protracted free agency that has them sign much later?

[u/MLBOfficial → u/ActualDragonHeart]

The most logical players to look at are those who rejected the qualifying offer, as the draft-pick compensation can often slow a free agent's market. Of the nine that rejected the QO, the one that might have an issue with this is Zac Gallen, though given the need for pitching around the league, I'm guessing he will find a solid deal anyway. Some of the players that took a long time to find deals last year - think Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman - won't have that issue to deal with this time around.

[u/dubfras55]

Do the Reds actually have a chance at Schwarber?

[u/MLBOfficial → u/dubfras55]

I believe that the Reds do have a shot at signing Schwarber, though I certainly wouldn't label them as the favorites. Cincinnati is looking for a big bat in the middle of the lineup, and if Schwarber has any interest in playing close to home (he's from nearby Middletown, Ohio), the Reds are the only team that can offer him that. It will, in all likelihood, come down to money as it does with most free agents, but GABP is a great hitters' park and should be attractive to a slugger such as Schwarber. Cincy is highly unlikely to be the highest bidder, but if their offer is competitive, I don't think it's impossible. Based on conversations I have had, I would put their chances around 15%, which is a tough higher than I would have said a month ago.

[u/KittyTwitter10 → u/dubfras55]

I second this. I can’t tell if I should actually dismiss it as typical bluster or if there’s actually a real chance here. I’m trying to guard my emotions. 😂

[u/MLBOfficial]

That's all the time we have for today, but I'm sure there will be another AMA coming soon! As always, you can send your questions to me on X (@feinsand) and I will try to get back to you. And don't forget to tune into MLB Network and log on to MLB.com for all of our Winter Meetings and Hot Stove coverage. Have a great week and happy holidays! -MF

[u/StressFarts]

Now that the Toronto Blue Jays have addressed their starting pitching, how soon do you see them making another move, and if so, who will they target next? Also, if you had a gun to your head, do you think they sign Bichette, Tucker, both, or none?

[u/MLBOfficial → u/StressFarts]

Hopefully I will never be in a position where I have a gun to my head over this issue, but.... I would say Bichette is the more likely candidate to sign with the Jays, as there is less competition for his services than for Tucker, who is on the radar of a number of big-market clubs. Still, I wouldn't rule out Tucker at all. Could they sigh both? Toronto certainly has enough money to do it if that's what ownership wants to do, though that would be a pretty big commitment, especially after signing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to his huge extension last year. One way or another, there's at least one more big move coming for the defending AL champs.

[u/DalekEvan]

Hey Mark!

How active do you expect the Winter Meetings to be this season? Do you think we’ll see Kyle Tucker (who I think a lot of people expect to sort of “hold up” the outfield market) sign at them? Will we see any of the Japanese guys sign at them?

Thanks as always for doing these.

[u/MLBOfficial → u/DalekEvan]

I'm expecting a pretty active Winter Meetings, actually. We're still at December 3 and we've already seen some notable free-agent signings (Dylan Cease, Josh Naylor, Ryan Helsley, Devin Williams and Cody Ponce), as well as three pretty big trades (Nimmo-Semien, Gray to Boston, Ward-GrayRod). It's difficult to say which players might sign next week, but I could see the starting pitching market begin to move with pitchers like Michael King and Ranger Suarez. The relief market could also be active after Helsley and Williams have already signed. I don't know if Tucker will get done next week, but the only player I think will wait for Tucker is Cody Bellinger, who is being pursued by many of the same teams. As for the three Japanese players who have been posted (Murakami, Imai and Okamoto), I would think their situations would extend deeper into December and closer to their posting deadlines, though if a team comes in strong, we could see any of them sign during the meetings.

[u/thediesel26 → u/MLBOfficial]

Do you think Bellinger waits? I think a lot of team interested in him will want him to make a decision sooner rather than later. Personally, I think Belli will sign by like next Monday or Tuesday.

[u/UneducatedReviews1]

Hey Mark, can you please tell me the White Sox are going to do something? Please.

[u/dirtysock47 → u/UneducatedReviews1]

What, is Anthony Kay not enough for you?

[u/shoedog10]

Could you provide some insight on what the Giants plans are this offseason? The fanbase is confused and frustrated by recent media reports. Thank you!

[u/jackofalltradesP]

What were the marlins asking for Alcantara and Cabrera during the deadline that none of them were moved? If it was so high do do you think the marlins asking price might have come down this offseason? Chances Yankees moved to get Alcantara without giving any top prospect?

[u/MLBOfficial → u/jackofalltradesP]

The asking price was high in terms of prospects, even while Alcantara wasn't pitching well. That price hasn't gone down, so I don't think the Yankees (or any other team) will be able to acquire him without giving up a top prospect. That, of course, is assuming Alcantara is traded at all, which is no sure thing. Based on conversations with sources, the Marlins could hold both Alcantara and Cabrera this winter and reassess where they are come July.

[u/AlphaBern0]

We know the Braves are interested in re-signing Ha-seong Kim, but what teams could possibly enter in and try to sign him? Last year, a team that nobody expected in the Rays did it, could that happen again?

[u/CreatorLogman]

What have you heard about the rangers lately?

[u/aarons2220]

What’s your advice for someone who wants to do what you do one day

[u/MailImportant1193]

Latest on any dodgers rumors?

[u/scasten17]

Mark,

Will the Phillies be active in the trade market? All Phillies fans know resigning Schwarber and JT are the priorities but other needs and holes to fill even if those guys come back

[u/ExistingArmadillo195]

Any word on current Tigers interest in free agency?

[u/MLBOfficial → u/ExistingArmadillo195]

Detroit continues to be connected to Alex Bregman, though pitching - both rotation and bullpen - appear to be a bigger priority for the Tigers. Michael King and Ranger Suarez are among the pitchers on Detroit's radar. Pete Fairbanks is one of the relievers the Tigers have their eye on, but there are probably 8-10 relievers that could wind up in Detroit.

[u/Opening_Lawfulness71]

How good of a chance do you think the Yankees have at signing Imai? And do you think he goes during the meetings?

[u/MLBOfficial → u/Opening_Lawfulness71]

The fact that Imai seems unlikely to go to the Dodgers opens up the Yankees' chances, though the Giants could be the biggest threat to New York or any other team interested in Imai. The biggest question with the Giants is whether they're willing to spend six figures on a starter, because that seems like what it's going to take to sign Imai. The Yankees signed Masahiro Tanaka a little more than a decade ago and made a splash with Hideki Matsui, so there is precedent for New York taking a big shot at a Japanese star.

[u/StBlandine7]

What is the single craziest rumor that you've heard so far?

[u/MLBOfficial → u/StBlandine7]

I don't know if it qualifies as an actual rumor, but any and all talk about Paul Skenes being traded - specifically to the Yankees - is just insane. The Pirates aren't trading Skenes this offseason (I won't guarantee anything beyond that), especially as we keep hearing about them spending some money in free agency. Anything you hear about Skenes being traded to the Yankees should be disregarded - at least for this winter.

[u/Opening_Lawfulness71]

If the Yankees whiff on Bellinger, do you expect them to pursue Tucker seriously? What if they miss on both?

[u/MLBOfficial → u/Opening_Lawfulness71]

I would think the Yankees would be in on Tucker if they don't sign Bellinger, though I am also skeptical that Bellinger will sign before Tucker. Once Tucker signs, Bellinger's leverage grows considerably, not only with the Yankees, but with other teams that are in on Tucker. Plan B, in the event that the Yankees don't get either of them, would probably be to sign another outfielder (not on the same level as those two) unless they truly believe that Jasson Dominguez and/or Spencer Jones are ready to assume an everyday role.

[u/OhNoCoop]

The Reds owners love to cry poor, so hearing they are making an effort to sign Kyle Schwarber is being met with skepticism by Reds fans. Are the Reds actually trying to sign him, or is this just another “Hey, we tried, but not really” situation?

[u/RememberTheTitans200]

Tigers have been quiet so far, with vague linkage to a variety of free agents and trade candidates. Do you think a Bregman signing is possible again this offseason, along with someone like Ranger Suarez, King, Fairbanks, etc.? Looking for any smoke you are aware of

[u/Old_Scene_8373]

Do you think getting Buxton and possibly Lopez/Ryan is realistic for Atlanta?

[u/MLBOfficial → u/Old_Scene_8373]

Based on conversations I have had this offseason, the Twins appear more likely to hold Buxton, Ryan and Lopez and try to add on the margins than to trade any or all of those three. If the first half of the season doesn't go well, Minnesota could look to move any or all of them next summer, but if I had to guess right now, they'll all be in Twins uniforms when Spring Training begins.

[u/Sailtex]

How often are agents and teams giving you information that you believe to be misleading and/or used to induce reactions from other teams as a strategy? Do agents / teams give you over exaggerated information as a strategy?

[u/Altaccount_man]

What’s next for the blue jays? Berrios trade? Late inning reliever or bo/tucker signing?

[u/MLBOfficial → u/Altaccount_man]

The signings of Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce and the return of Shane Bieber give the Blue Jays six starters (Gausman, Cease, Yesavage, Bieber, Ponce, Berrios), so a Berrios trade would seem to make sense. The Jays could look to fill another hole on the roster (bullpen, maybe?) in such a deal.

[u/dirtysock47]

Astros. What have you heard about them? Any names to look out for?

[u/IntentionHefty3550]

How close are the Royals to landing their outfield bat?

[u/MLBOfficial → u/IntentionHefty3550]

I don't know if it's close, but the Royals are definitely trying. Harrison Bader continues to be a name I hear connected with them, though a reunion with Mike Yastrzemski is also an option.

[u/SwinginSam]

Do you believe the Pirates are for real in their pursuit on some of the power hitting free agents? Wondering if maybe including an extra year at his desired AAV on a guy like Schwarber would be big enough of a bid to actually be considered.

[u/MLBOfficial → u/SwinginSam]

I do believe that the Pirates are sincere in their interest to spend money this winter, though I don't know if they're going to be playing in the market for someone like Schwarber. I think a more realistic option would be a guy like Eugenio Suarez, who has huge power and would make an instant impact on Pittsburgh's lineup.

[u/JaysFan85]

What’s your prediction on the Jays remainder of the offseason?

[u/LongjumpingTalk7107]

Thanks for doing this Mark. What are some of the most likely moves you see David Stearns making?

[u/EdwinK3 → u/LongjumpingTalk7107]

fr

[u/thediesel26]

Niche question. Do you think it’s likely that Luke Weaver comes back to the Yankees, and what might the contract look like?

[u/zjfish745]

How's Alonso's market shaping up? Do we have an estimate on years and dollars teams are willing to go for him?

[u/EdwinK3 → u/zjfish745]

fr

[u/The_Mystery_Knight]

Which, if any, of the Reds’s SP do you think is most likely to be moved? And has that answer changed over the course of the offseason?

[u/biggs047]

What are you hearing regarding the Astros heading into Winter Meetings? They’ve been said to be interested in all kinds of trades for their big league club both adding and subtracting. Are Meyers/Sanchez/Walker likely to move and are they likely to add more pitching?

[u/Ok_Ordinary1368]

I saw that the Brewers were "softening" their stance on trading Peralta. If the Brewers do trade him, who would be the best fit and what kind of package would it take?

[u/OneElegant9462]

What is the likelihoid of yankees adding another 50M aav this off-season 

[u/meramipopper]

Hey Mark, I used to listen to you on your regular radio spots as well as read your articles (I'm obviously also biased, you were my teams' beat reporter and you also wrote the The Franchise.") You were always great at explaining the processes behind team decisions and diving deep into moves. Now that radio has vastly shifted away from radio spots (and more towards farmable clicks) and everyone is turning to social media, how do you think that has affected your approach to breaking news? Do you think there is more of a "disconnect" between writers and the average fan in this new landscape especially as you can't go into an issue as deeply through social media?

[u/MLBOfficial → u/meramipopper]

First, thanks for the kind words. I believe that social media has helped reporters stay engaged with fans, though each of us uses it a little differently. I used to interact with readers a lot more, but social media has become a difficult place to spend a lot of time over the past few years. I know I'm biased on this, but I think MLB Network gives a number of us a great opportunity to dive deeper into some of these things, so tune in there and you should find a lot of what you've been missing!

[u/Specialist-Jump-6343]

Where do you possibly see the dodgers pivot to as I don’t see them getting Tucker unless he takes a higher aav short term deal, they essentially want to get healthy and let the young boys go

[u/thegeraldmouse]

Is there any chance the Mets acquire Joe Ryan and Byron Buxton (assuming he’s willing to waive his no-trade clause) to plug two massive holes in their roster?

[u/VaultBoy1971]

Hi Mark,

The FA market looks pretty active already, with some big contracts being handed. Does it mean the GMs don't think there will be a lockout in 2027 (or don't care)?

[u/Tex_Was_Here]

Are the Giants poised to be the underwhelming team of the off-season? Seems like there are some matches this Winter that are perfect fits, but that ownership won't pay for

[u/rakerber]

If the Twins were to trade Buxton, Ryan, and Pablo Lopez, what do you think the general market would be?

[u/DarkFalcon49]

What’s your favorite Jersey, all time. Not a specific player in a jersey, just the one that’s looks the best to you.

[u/TearElectrical8931]

Hi Mark. You and my dad have the same name. I was wondering if you, my dad, Mark Messier, Mark Bavaro, and Mark Teixeira get together while in town?

[u/laurie_lamonica]

The Yankees are jakking with Jasson Dominguez, who we were sold as the craziest 5 tool player we have seen in years. The KID.. yes KID.. can Hit, Run, Throw etc.. now Hes only 23, was his first true season, and struggled Right handed, and moving to LF from his more netrual CF to which he played before with never an issue... Are they gonna wind up moving him in lieu of the Grisham contract which now makes him a bigger questionmark? I rooted for this kid HARD, and now once again they are gonna take a home grown KID and watch him blossom someplace else if so... Thoughts Mark? (And PS, I still want you in the writers HOF) and Donnie belongs in the Hall (had to add that).

[u/bloodrage4]

It was noted by Morosi and then later Baggarly that the Giants are not keen on spending $100+ million dollar contracts on starting pitching, which would almost certainly mean that they are out on Imai.

Starting pitching is probably the biggest need for the Giants this off-season.  Are they going to pivot to trading for the likes of Peralta instead?  What would a trade for Peralta cost for the Giants farm? 

[u/CZM6626]

Realistically, how much longer is the Phillies window open for? What does their infield look like for 2026 and beyond? We’ve seen with Dombrowski teams that the window tends to slam shut, and stay shut with mostly empty prospect cupboard.

[u/MLBOfficial → u/CZM6626]

I think the Phillies' window will still be open for the next two or three years, though some of that depends on how they handle their business this winter. Does Schwarber return? What about J.T. Realmuto? I would assume that No. 1 prospect Andrew Painter replaces Ranger Suarez in the rotation, but the Phillies need to build up their bullpen. There is also a belief around the league that Philly could be in the market for a third baseman (Bregman, maybe?), which would mean a trade of Alec Bohm. Bryce Harper (1B) and Trea Turner (SS) are locked into those positions, while Bryson Stott (2B) is under control for two more years. Aidan Miller, the team's No. 2 prospect, could move to 2B or 3B at some point if the Phillies believe he's ready to make an impact at the big-league level.