As Major League Baseball’s offseason unfolds, teams are preparing for a brief pause during the holiday season while still looking to finalize outstanding transactions. Recent action saw the Chicago White Sox sign Japanese power hitter Munetaka Murakami and the Boston Red Sox trade for first baseman Willson Contreras in a notable four-player deal. With the offseason momentum continuing, observers are curious about the next moves on the horizon.
The Seattle Mariners recently announced the signing of corner outfielder Rob Refsnyder on a one-year contract worth $6.25 million. Known for his strong performance against left-handed pitching, Refsnyder, 34, recorded a .923 OPS against southpaws from 2022 to 2025 while playing for the Red Sox, although his performance dipped to a .670 OPS against right-handers. With an outfield consisting of right-handed hitters like Randy Arozarena, Victor Robles, and Julio Rodríguez, Refsnyder is expected to split time between designated hitter and the corner outfield positions, offering depth to the Mariners’ lineup.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox are on the lookout to bolster their offense further, prioritizing the retention of third baseman Alex Bregman. After a solid season in which Bregman posted a 128 OPS+ and contributed 3.5 Wins Above Replacement in 114 games, his return to Boston remains a key focus. His presence would be vital for the Red Sox as they evaluate their young infield options, particularly when it comes to finding a second baseman. Interest in Bregman is not limited to Boston, as teams like the Diamondbacks, Blue Jays, Cubs, and Tigers are also keeping an eye on the talented third baseman.
On another front, the Pittsburgh Pirates are also actively seeking offensive upgrades following their recent acquisition of second baseman Brandon Lowe. According to reports, they have held several virtual meetings regarding Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto. Although he may not be as widely known as his counterpart Murakami, Okamoto boasts strong batting skills, having posted an impressive .327/.416/.598 line with 15 home runs during a 69-game stint in Japan. There are questions about how his success will translate to Major League Baseball, particularly with the speed of MLB pitching, but some analysts see him as one of the best bets for potential success in the league. The Pirates hope to secure Okamoto before his posting period ends on January 4.
With teams making strategic moves and gearing up for their rosters ahead of the coming season, the offseason continues to be an exciting time for both players and fans.