The 2026-27 MLB offseason is only two days old and already the hot stove moves and rumors are coming in. Here are our top 50 free agents and top 25 trade candidates, and here are the important offseason dates and deadlines you need to know. Here now are Friday's hot stove happenings.
As expected, Mets infielder Bo Bichette has picked up his $42 million player option for 2027, reports The Athletic. He holds another $42 million player option for 2028. Still only 28, Bichette had a poor first season in Queens, posting a .702 OPS with 18 home runs while showing growing pains as he transitioned from shortstop over to third base.
For now, the Mets are set on the infield with Bichette at third, Francisco Lindor at short, and Marcus Semien at second. They must figure out first base, and it is possible they will make a trade to shake up that veteran infield. Moving Semien would be ideal, but it may not be doable.
Lindor's name figures to pop up in trade rumors against this offseason. The Diamondbacks are expected to listen to offers for second baseman Ketel Marte, reports the Arizona Republic. The D-backs entertained trade offers last offseason, but were unable to find a match.
Marte has full no-trade protection and can direct where he lands, if he wants to leave Arizona at all. His desire to change teams is unknown. Marte, 33, had a down year by his standards in 2026.
He also went AWOL in August, prompting the D-backs to put him on the restricted list. Manager Torey Lovullo later revealed it was the fourth straight season Marte missed a game without permission. Beyond the on-field fit, teams will have to weigh the potential clubhouse impact and headaches.
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