Overview
- Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen said the club is likely to end Marte trade discussions soon and is leaning toward keeping the All-Star second baseman.
- The posting windows for Japanese players are closing, with Tatsuya Imai’s window set to end Jan. 2 and Kazuma Okamoto’s on Jan. 4 after meetings with MLB teams.
- ESPN’s Jeff Passan said stars like Bo Bichette, Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman and Cody Bellinger remain unsigned because their valuations exceed team offers, and he views a short-term, opt-out-heavy pact as especially plausible for Bichette.
- Trade chatter continues to link the Mets to Tigers ace Tarik Skubal as a top fit, though reports indicate Detroit is inclined to keep him and no deal appears imminent.
- Depth moves continue as the Blue Jays agreed to a two-year minor-league deal with reliever Nic Enright, the Angels are reported to be signing Kirby Yates for one year at $5 million, and the White Sox invited Jarred Kelenic to spring training on a minor-league deal.