The 2026-27 MLB offseason is only two days old and already the hot stove is heating up with several significant developments on Friday.
Bichette exercises player option with Mets
New York Mets infielder Bo Bichette has picked up his $42 million player option for the 2027 season, as reported by The Athletic. The 28-year-old also holds a $42 million player option for 2028. In his first season in Queens, Bichette posted a .702 OPS with 18 home runs while transitioning from shortstop to third base. The Mets now have a veteran infield set with Bichette at third, Francisco Lindor at shortstop, and Marcus Semien at second base, though first base remains a question mark and Lindor's name could surface in trade talks this offseason.
Diamondbacks open to trading Marte
The Arizona Diamondbacks are expected to listen to trade offers for second baseman Ketel Marte, according to the Arizona Republic. The 33-year-old has full no-trade protection and can dictate any potential destination. Marte endured a down year by his standards in 2026 and went AWOL in August, leading the club to place him on the restricted list. Manager Torey Lovullo revealed it was the fourth consecutive season Marte missed a game without permission, raising concerns about potential clubhouse impact for any acquiring team.
Seibu Lions to post Taira for MLB teams
Japanese club Seibu Lions announced they will make right-hander Kaima Taira available to MLB teams via the posting system this offseason. The 27-year-old, listed at 5-foot-8, features an extreme low release point and a diverse arsenal including a mid-90s fastball, cutter, sinker, sweeper, slider, changeup, and splitter. In 2026, Taira threw 146 innings with a 1.36 ERA and 141 strikeouts. Once the posting is official, he will have 45 days to negotiate and sign with an MLB club or return to Japan in 2027.
Red Sox complete two minor trades
The Boston Red Sox executed the offseason's first two trades on Thursday. They sent utility man Nate Eaton to the Oakland Athletics for minor-league right-hander Jareth Rayo, a move facilitated by former Red Sox assistant general manager Taylor Smith, now the A's president of baseball operations. Boston also traded infielder Tsung-Che Cheng to the Detroit Tigers for cash considerations. Both deals open 40-man roster spots for the Red Sox, who must create three additional spots to accommodate seven players on the 60-day injured list who must be activated by Monday.
