NFL overtures, NCAA suspensions and fired assistants: Can Michigan get past the offseason chaos?
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Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior Writer
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — When Santa Ono’s phone pinged on Jan. 16 with intel that Jim Harbaugh would return to coach Michigan in 2023 and not bolt for the NFL, he did what any true blue Wolverines fan would do.
Ono grabbed his phone, opened X and started typing. But Ono isn’t just any Michigan fan — he’s the university president — and his text had come from a pretty good source: Harbaugh himself. Ono hit post.
Was this a Santa Scoop? A Har-bomb?
“I’m not your typical university president, I get excited and I really care about our teams,” Ono told ESPN. “So in this backdrop, I tweeted it out when [Harbaugh] texts me, ‘I’m staying.’ All I did was to say I’m excited that he’s staying and I told Warde.
“That’s all it was.”
Ono’s Harbaugh announcement and the addendum that he had communicated the news to athletic director Warde Manuel — not the other way around — set off alarms about the Harbaugh-Manuel relationship, which had reportedly frayed. Ono, not Manuel, had been the public face of the Harbaugh-NFL saga, first expressing the desire for Harbaugh to stay at U-M, and then ultimately confirming the coach’s return.
The lingering speculation about the Harbaugh-Manuel relationship led Ono to mention the Harbaugh tweets, unprompted, during a joint interview with Manuel on campus in June.
“Warde and I have always been absolutely 150 percent aligned,” Ono said. “We both wanted [Harbaugh] to stay here. I want to be really clear about that.”
Michigan football is at its highest point in a generation under Harbaugh, but the rise has coincided with some turbulent times away from the field.
The Wolverines have won back-to-back outright Big Ten titles for the first time in 20 years and have made their first two College Football Playoff appearances. They have consecutive wins over archrival Ohio State, after going 1-15 in their previous 16 matchups. And they start this year No. 2 in the AP poll.
But the last six months have brought a decade’s worth of drama.
Harbaugh, after a second straight offseason of NFL flirtation, will begin 2023 serving a self-imposed three game suspension for NCAA violations committed during the COVID dead period.
In January, co-offensive coordinator Matt Weiss was fired for alleged “computer access crimes.” In May, Michigan hired Shemy Schembechler — son of legendary Michigan coach Bo Schembechler — only to see him resign three days later because of offensive social media activity.
To this point, Michigan has navigated the self-generated storm clouds.
MICHIGAN’S RENAISSANCE IS significant, not only because of the hazards it has encountered, but how quickly the team has improved. The Wolverines completed a shortened 2020 season at 2-4 and faced significant questions about Harbaugh, who had become the first Michigan coach to start 0-5 against Ohio State and was 3-3 against Michigan State. Harbaugh overhauled much of his staff, and agreed to an incentive-laden contract with a reduced salary that also gave Michigan a more favorable buyout if it chose to fire him.
He then hired talented young assistants, leaned on a group of veterans to shift the culture in the locker room, and doubled down on his run-heavy offense. Michigan entered the 2021 season unranked for the first time since Harbaugh’s debut season of 2015, but finished No. 3.
“That was a year where everybody was calling for me to fire Jim, because of losses in the pandemic, when you had kids opting out, kids that were sick, injuries that occurred. You had all these things that were so different,” Manuel told ESPN. “But Jim was a great coach before the pandemic, and he’s a great coach now. He made the adjustments that were necessary to do it, and I give him all the credit.
“You have to adapt, you have to learn, you have to modify, you have to change. And he did it. That’s why we are where we are today.”
After 2020, Michigan players became more intentional about their shared goals. The fights that offensive lineman Zak Zinter saw in practices stopped. Wide receiver Roman Wilson saw the team’s biggest stars coming in for extra film study. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy saw divisive cliques splinter.
Team leaders like Josh Ross, Aidan Hutchinson, Brad Hawkins and Hassan Haskins would hold meetings, asking the group a simple question.
“What do we want to be as a team?” Edwards recalled.
The answer: A Big Ten champion that finally got the upper hand on Ohio State. After reaching those goals, the Wolverines focused on repeating their steps.
“That’s almost like the norm now,” McCarthy said. “It’s really special to be in the locker room where there’s not a single person that wouldn’t do anything for me and vice versa. That’s one of the main things you need. If we don’t have to worry about getting that chemistry, we can focus our efforts on the little stuff that’s going to make us even better.”
Michigan has transformed significantly since 2020, but that season remains a layered reference point for veterans like Zinter.
“I always think back to the 2020 season,” Zinter said. “Everyone wanted our heads. Everyone told us we were terrible, we sucked, Coach Harbaugh should be fired. We didn’t care about any of that. We knew what we had in the building. So it’s up to us older guys to be like, ‘Hey, all you know is winning, but it’s not always pretty.’ It’s not easy. You got to come in and work.
“And if there’s distractions, forget about it and move on.”
That mind-set has been tested.
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McCARTHY REMEMBERS A Monday morning weight training session in the winter — perhaps an indicator of Harbaugh’s frequent NFL dalliances, he can’t pinpoint if it happened in 2022 or 2023 — when Harbaugh was talking with an NFL team. Angst was building in Schembechler Hall.
Ben Herbert, Michigan’s director of strength and conditioning, began to speak.
“Let’s address the elephant in the room,” McCarthy recalled Herbert saying.
Herbert explained that Harbaugh was talking to an NFL team and might leave to pursue his dream of winning a Super Bowl. He said he supported Harbaugh and hoped the players would, too.
But it didn’t change that day’s plan.
“Coach Herb’s like, ‘We all know where he’s at. It doesn’t change what’s going on here,'” Wilson said. “We’re still about to put this work in. We’re still a great football team.”
Several players credited Herbert, one of Harbaugh’s most trusted assistants since his arrival in 2018, for helping the team overcome challenging moments.
Herbert, who was promoted to associate head coach last week, uses different strategies to redirect players.
Running back Blake Corum recalled being sent to the cold tubs before workouts, which are then done in wet shoes and clothes.
“He trains our mentals, and it helps with distractions,” Corum said. “So when stuff happens, it is what it is. We don’t think too hard about it.”
Still, Harbaugh’s continued dialogue with the NFL is a factor in forecasting Michigan’s future. When the NCAA rejected the negotiated resolution from Harbaugh earlier this month regarding the alleged violations in 2020, some immediately speculated the coach wouldn’t be at Michigan when the full penalties ultimately came down. No other CFP contender has a coach who stirs NFL rumors like Harbaugh.
“It’s an ongoing thing, something that we treat as a really positive thing,” Harbaugh said in February (he declined to be interviewed for this story). “NFL franchises, NFL teams, have a lot of interest in all of our personnel: coaches, players, staff. If somebody in our organization feels that’s going to benefit them professionally and personally, we say, ‘Have at it.’ We don’t hold anybody back.”
Harbaugh, who turns 60 in December, went 44-19-1 as San Francisco 49ers coach. He reached the Super Bowl once and the NFC championship game three times in his four seasons.
“Seeing what he did in San Francisco, I would have some interest, if I’m the GM or president or owner of an NFL team,” Manuel said. “So it is something we talked through. Jim was very open with me about it, each of the years, and I was open with him. Is it something you want to deal with every year? No, but it’s understandable that teams are interested in Jim, and given his longevity as [an NFL] player and his success as a coach, it’s also understandable that Jim might have some interest in talking to them.
“I don’t try to hold back people from having conversations about other things.”
Harbaugh’s NFL interest doesn’t worry Manuel because he believes the coach is “100 percent focused” on Michigan, which is thriving on the field.
“I’m here as long as Michigan wants me here,” Harbaugh said in February.
There have been other more delicate personnel challenges for the program, though. Manuel said Michigan responded exactly as it should have in the Weiss situation, immediately alerting university police (he declined to comment further, citing an ongoing investigation). The Schembechler situation “saddened” Manuel, who, like Harbaugh, played for Bo Schembechler at Michigan, and knew Shemy when he was growing up. Michigan now reassesses how it screens the social media of job candidates university-wide before making hires.
Michigan players have grown accustomed to changes, whether they’re the standard variety — defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald returning to the NFL after one year, for example — or more jarring, like Weiss. McCarthy was most directly impacted by Weiss’ removal, but said Kirk Campbell, an analyst promoted to coach the quarterbacks, has been a “game changer” for him.
“Coaches come and go,” Edwards said. “Like, [offensive coordinator] Josh Gattis left after my first year and it’s like, ‘OK, Sherrone Moore is stepping up.’ We love the coaches, but you can’t fall in love with them. It’s like leaving your parents to go to college. They’re not going to hold your hand forever.”
Although Harbaugh has contributed to potential distractions for Michigan, he hasn’t been a bystander to them. Wilson said Harbaugh addressed his NFL talks with the team, to ensure players would hear from him directly and not from social media.
“When it gets on Twitter, that doesn’t bother us, we already knew,” Wilson said. “It just feels better when Coach Harbaugh’s straight-up with us.”
After Michigan announced the self-imposed suspension for Harbaugh, the coach, who seemingly wanted to share his side of what happened with NCAA investigators, issued a short statement that read: “I will continue to do what I always tell our players and my kids at home: ‘Don’t get bitter, get better.'”
Asked earlier this month about how Michigan overcomes possible distractions, Harbaugh said the team is on “a happy mission.” Even one of his signature quotes — one borrowed from his father, Jack, a longtime college coach — has contributed to players remaining in the moment.
“It’s the beauty of my dad’s mantra: Attack each day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind,” Harbaugh said. “He just frames it right there: Attack each day, attack this day.”
THE SON OF Japanese immigrants, Ono was born in Canada but went to high school in Baltimore, where he developed a love of football. Ono felt the energy in the sport as he watched Colts stars Johnny Unitas and Bert Jones play on muddy fields at Memorial Stadium.
His excitement for football has only amplified since becoming Michigan’s president in 2022, after a six-year run at University of British Columbia. Michigan has had presidents who supported football or at least recognized its value, but perhaps none are as immersed as Ono, who even threw passes with McCarthy and Manuel this spring.
Ono knew Manuel from their time in the Big East/American Athletic Conference — Ono was Cincinnati’s president and Manuel was UConn’s athletic director — and said the AD was part of the draw to Michigan. Ono says he is in sync with Manuel and Harbaugh, calling them “three peas in a pod.”
“It’s incredible alignment,” Ono added. “If you look at a lot of the universities, you might have a president that barely knows there is a football team. That’s certainly not the case with me.”
Manuel and Harbaugh overlapped as players for the 1986 season under Bo Schembechler, when Harbaugh served as captain and Manuel was a freshman offensive lineman. Although Manuel did not hire Harbaugh, the two seemed like a natural pairing. During Manuel’s introduction as Michigan’s AD in 2016, Harbaugh interrupted, saying, “I just want to give you a hug!” He then presented Manuel with a personalized jersey.
“He’s been great for our athletic department and our university,” Harbaugh said in February of Manuel. “Nothing but good. I trust Warde; he trusts me.”
But Harbaugh has butted heads with his bosses at other stops. According to media reports earlier this year, his relationship with Manuel had deteriorated to the point where they barely spoke. Both Harbaugh and Manuel have pushed back against those claims.
“It doesn’t bother me, but it’s ridiculous,” Manuel told ESPN. “In any relationship, you’re going to have differences. That tension, in many ways, is healthy. It’s a healthy environment when you have discourse between two people working together so closely.”
POSTSEASON SUCCESS IS the next, obvious goal for Michigan and Harbaugh. Michigan is 1-6 in bowls under Harbaugh, including the two CFP semifinal defeats. The team’s struggles on the national stage extend a pattern that stretches back decades, even during Schembechler’s tenure. Michigan has claimed only one national title since 1948. Since 1969, the year Schembechler took over as coach, Michigan is 7-18 in the five major bowl games they have played in: Rose, Orange, Sugar, Fiesta and Peach.
Players look at the Georgia and TCU losses very differently. Michigan had never been to the CFP before 2021, and faced a Georgia team that produced five first-round NFL draft picks and 15 total, a record for the seven-round draft era. Last year, Michigan faced TCU as a favorite, threw two pick-sixes and allowed 50% of third downs to be converted in a performance that didn’t resemble any other it had delivered all season. Michigan created a “Beat Georgia” period in practice to match the longstanding period labeled “Beat Ohio State.” There is no such designation for TCU.
“Definitely hurt a whole lot more,” McCarthy said of the TCU loss. “When I went in freshman year and we were playing the defense of the decade, it was like, ‘All right, let’s see what I can do.’ … But this TCU one, it was all in my hands. It was obviously a team effort, but I was in the driver’s seat. It’s just a whole different pain.”
One of the few links between both games was McCarthy remaining on the field long after each had ended. McCarthy listened to a podcast from Tim Grover, the longtime trainer for Michael Jordan, who advised not to run from losses.
“Sit in it, soak in it, like really sit there and embrace all the pain, all the regret, all the disgust that a loss like that can bring you,” McCarthy said. “What that did for me both times has been very, very profound going into the offseason, because I feel like I can now go back to that point and channel the pain of regret and anger and use that as a sense of motivation.”
Michigan is set up to push for its first national championship since 1997. The Wolverines have experience, star power and depth. They once again have a favorable schedule, which includes no nonleague games against power conference teams and four home contests to begin the season. They end with Ohio State visiting the Big House.
The all-too-familiar distractions will be there, too, starting with Harbaugh missing the first three games. Defensive lineman Kris Jenkins, a potential first-round pick, said in July that Harbaugh’s absence will “hurt our hearts,” but the coach has prepared Michigan’s players to charge forward, undeterred, just like they have during the past two years.
“There’s always going to be distractions, there’s always going to be adversity, and it’s always going to hit you at the most random points in time,” Jenkins said. “You’ve got to keep pushing, regardless of what happens in your direction, on your path, to be great.
“That’s what we try to do every day.”
The MLB winter meetings are underway in Orlando, Florida, with the baseball industry gathering for an action-packed week of rumors, signings and trades — including big splashes by top NL powerhouses with the Philadelphia Phillies bringing back Kyle Schwarber and the Los Angeles Dodgers adding top closer Edwin Diaz.
We’ve got it all covered for you, from our predictions going into the meetings to the latest updates and analysis as the moves go down.
Which big free agents will pick a team? Who will be mentioned in blockbuster trade discussion? And what rumors will rule the week? Check out our predictions and refresh often for the latest intel and reaction as the week unfolds.
Key links: Olney, Passan: Latest intel | Every team’s plan | FA tracker | Grades
Winter meetings news and rumors
Dec. 9 buzz
Why Marlins, Orioles could be a trade match
The Marlins are active in trade talks with multiple teams for Edward Cabrera, a 27-year-old right-hander who has been considered the most likely among their controllable starters to be moved, a source familiar with the situation said. At this point, the Orioles are the most advanced in those talks, as first reported by The Athletic. If completed, it’s an ideal fit. The Orioles are in need of a top-of-the-rotation starter and the Marlins are seeking controllable offensive pieces. — Alden Gonzalez
Will Dodgers make another free agency splash for a star outfielder?
Now that the Dodgers have solved their glaring ninth-inning problem, agreeing to a three-year, $69 million contract with Edwin Diaz, they can shift their focus to adding an outfielder. And until he comes off the board, they’ll continue to be linked to top free agent Kyle Tucker.
The Dodgers aren’t expected to get into the $400 million range on a long-term deal, but like with Diaz, they’ll remain on the periphery in case a short-term, high-AAV deal makes sense. That might not be the case for Tucker, who’s 28 and widely considered the best free agent available. Another option is Cody Bellinger, though it remains to be seen whether both sides are truly interested in a reunion. Of note: Both of those players are attached to a qualifying offer, as was Diaz.
Asked Tuesday night if he could see himself making another big free agent signing, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said: “I would say we definitely can. Whether that makes the most sense within the timing of our roster — there’s so many factors that go into it, and any decision you make has a future cost. … So, yes we can. How likely it is is probably another question.” — Gonzalez
Why extensions could be coming for A’s core hitters
The Athletics still need to build out some depths in their starting pitching as they aim to become sustainable contenders in the leadup to their move to Las Vegas, but there’s little doubt they’ve built a formidable core of position players — and part of the focus this offseason, in addition to adding reliable arms throughout their pitching staff, is keeping that core intact.
The A’s extended Brent Rooker and Lawrence Butler last offseason, and now they’d love to find a way to lock up the likes of Nick Kurtz, Jacob Wilson and Shea Langeliers.
“There’s a big effort there to keep this group together,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. “If we look at the group prior to this, that you could identify as a group that you would have wanted to move forward with, a group that came together in ’17 and ’18 and ’19 — the resources weren’t there to afford to keep that group together. I think there’s a vision and a future here going forward with this group that we were able to at least get those opportunities out in front of these players.” — Gonzalez
Will D-backs get enough to move Marte?
All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte continues to be the talk of this year’s winter meetings, but the Arizona Diamondbacks are asking a high return at the moment, sources familiar with the market told ESPN, which falls in line with what general manager Mike Hazen has communicated publicly — that he’s not required to trade Marte, but he will surely consider the right deal.
The Seattle Mariners, Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays are among those who have been linked to Marte, though others are surely involved. A lot of teams have shown interest, but talks have yet to get serious.
The D-backs would ideally land a higher-end starting pitcher in return — a major need with Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly probably departing via free agency, and Corbin Burnes spending at least the majority of 2026 recovering from Tommy John surgery — and would require major league-ready talent as part of any package, a source said. Given that his 10-and-5 rights kick in in April, there is at least some urgency to trade him this offseason.
D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said he has been in touch with Marte over the offseason and that the mention of his name so aggressively in rumors “might have caught him by surprise a little bit.”
“But I think he gets it,” Lovullo added. “I told him just what I told you guys — teams are smart. They want really good players. He’s one of the best in the National League. I understand why teams are making phone calls on him. He gets that.” — Gonzalez
White Sox have high bar for dealing Robert
In his first 31 games after the All-Star break, Luis Robert Jr. demonstrated what kind of impact he could have, batting to a .298/.352/.456 slash line, clubbing five homers and stealing five bases. Throughout Robert’s career, the talk has been about his possible impact if he ever remained injury-free and in the lineup, and this was an example of that.
But then Robert got hurt, again, and the Chicago White Sox — with very little future payroll obligation — picked up his $20 million option for 2026, in the hope that he could hit that ceiling for an extended period. The White Sox don’t intend to trade Robert until some interested team is willing to pay for the value of what he could be at his best, rather than for a bargain price. Some teams have checked on Roberts’ availability, but to date, no team has met Chicago’s high bar for a trade return.
Short of that, the White Sox are likely to keep Robert into the ’26 season, and maybe beyond. The team holds another $20 million option for the ’27 season, a year of club control that could make Robert look even more attractive in trade if the 28-year-old is able to stay on the field and generate the kind of high-end production the White Sox enjoyed last summer. — Buster Olney
Fairbanks drawing lots of interest
Pete Fairbanks is a very popular player this offseason. The right-handed reliever has received interest from several clubs, including the Marlins and Blue Jays, sources told ESPN. Fairbanks, 31, recorded a 2.83 ERA in 61 appearances for the Rays last season. He reached free agency after Tampa Bay, in a cost-cutting measure, did not pick up his $11 million option. His injury history could be a concern for teams, but he’s expected to land a two- or three-year deal. — Jorge Castillo
Three teams to watch in trade talks
Free agent splashes dominated the winter meetings spotlight Tuesday morning, but trade winds continue to swirl in Orlando. The Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres are all coming up often as teams that could make a deal soon. — Jesse Rogers
Could the Blue Jays make another splash?
The reigning AL champions are still looking to spend after a strong start to the offseason and could leave the winter meetings with a new closer. Pete Fairbanks and Robert Suarez are two names to watch in Toronto’s reliever search — Rogers
Don’t expect a Valdez deal soon
The top closer and one of the top hitters in this free agent class agreed to deals Tuesday, but don’t expect to see the best available starting pitcher come off the board next. The market for right-hander Framber Valdez is still developing and he won’t be signing with a team for a while. — Rogers
Diaz’s deal with Dodgers spices up meetings
Moments after news broke of Kyle Schwarber‘s return to the Phillies, the Los Angeles Dodgers made a major move of their own in signing top free agent closer Edwin Diaz. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the deal is for three years and $69 million — which sets an AAV record for relievers.
The Dodgers had a clear need in the ninth going into the offseason, no matter how much they hyped up their depth publicly. But many doubted they’d go long term for the top guy in Diaz. A shorter, higher-AAV deal falls right in line with their preference. — Gonzalez
Will Schwarber’s return to Phillies heat up winter meetings?
Slugger Kyle Schwarber and the Philadelphia Phillies are in agreement on a five-year, $150 million contract, sources told ESPN. Schwarber’s return to Philly takes one of the most coveted free agents of this winter off the board and could be the move that sparks a run of action as the winter meetings roll on.
Dec. 8 buzz
Dodgers eyeing trades — but say Teoscar Hernandez won’t be dealt
The Los Angeles Dodgers aren’t expected to make major free agent moves this winter — at least not to the extent of the past two offseasons — and they’re certainly talking like a team content with where things stand.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said Monday that “there’s not as many clear paths to make the team meaningfully better.”
Earlier, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts — acknowledging the team’s philosophy last year, that injecting new blood into the roster might be a good way to maintain an edge — said, “There’s really no big splash we feel needs to be made, because this team is still focused, and there’s some talk about a three-peat.”
Still, sources have said, the Dodgers will continue to look for ways to upgrade their outfield and fortify the back end of their bullpen, with the trade market the ideal path. A center fielder would be ideal for the Dodgers because of how it would fortify the entire outfield’s defense, prompting Andy Pages and his plus arm to move to right field while Teoscar Hernandez and his shoddy defense transition to left.
But Gomes praised Pages’ center-field defense, adding that it allows the team the flexibility to pursue any outfielder. Gomes also shot down rumors of Hernandez potentially being traded.
“That doesn’t feel likely,” Gomes said. “Obviously, you can never say never on those types of things, but Teo, I know that’s come up. That’s not something we anticipate at all.” — Gonzalez
Teams checking in on former All-Star Willi Castro
The Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates and Colorado Rockies are among the teams interested in signing utility man Willi Castro, sources told ESPN. Castro, 28, was an All-Star in 2024 after a strong first half with the Minnesota Twins, but he regressed through the second half and into the 2025 season.
The switch-hitter slashed .245/.335/.407 with the Twins in 2025 before he was sent to the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline. He struggled in Chicago, batting just .170 with one home run and a .485 OPS in 34 games and did not have a plate appearance in the postseason.
Advanced metrics indicate Castro also regressed defensively in 2025, dropping from 0 to minus-9 outs above average, but he’s a versatile defender who played second base, third base, shortstop and all three outfield spots. — Castillo
Padres keeping trio in bullpen, need starting pitchers
In his winter meetings availability, San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen said the team will keep Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon and David Morgan in the bullpen rather than converting them to starters.
“It’s a risky proposition health-wise and performance-wise,” Stammen said.
So, the Padres are very much in the market for starters. — Gonzalez
What will Tigers do with Skubal?
The Detroit Tigers continue to have trade dialogue with other teams about two-time American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. At its heart, Detroit’s choice about whether to swap Skubal now — before he reaches free agency next fall — comes down to this question: Will owner Chris Ilitch and the team’s front office place more on the opportunity to win in 2026, or will they place a greater value on the extraordinary collection of young players they would presumably acquire in a Skubal deal?
What complicates this decision is that the Tigers reside in the highly winnable AL Central. The theoretical path to the World Series is probably easier than it would be to come out of the AL East, with all of its financial monsters, or the AL West, where the Mariners are poised to be a formidable force for years to come. Despite a late-season collapse, the Tigers were still just a run away from playing for the AL championship two months ago.
If the Tigers decide to keep Skubal, they will have to be at peace with the reality that they’ll recoup just a fraction of Skubal’s current value when and if he departs as a free agent — through draft pick compensation. This is the part of the market equation that has compelled the Guardians to flip the likes of CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee or Francisco Lindor in past trades, and why the Brewers dealt Corbin Burnes before the 2024 season. — Olney
Which Marlins starting pitcher will be traded?
Sandy Alcantara is a long shot to be traded at this point, as is teammate Eury Perez, the 22-year-old right-hander whom Miami Marlins would love to sign to an extension. The most likely Marlins starter to get traded, a source familiar with the team’s thinking said, is Edward Cabrera, who is out of options and would be controllable for three years.
Cabrera, 27, posted a 3.53 ERA with 150 strikeouts and 48 walks in 137⅔ innings in 2025. The Marlins would love to use Cabrera — and potentially fellow starter Ryan Weathers, who is coming off an injury plagued season — to address their offensive needs, primarily at first base.
Cabrera, though, is among a deep crop of available starting pitchers this offseason, alongside the likes of Freddy Peralta, Kris Bubic, Mitch Keller, Joe Ryan, Hunter Greene and, most notably, Tarik Skubal. Peralta, Ryan, Greene and Skubal will most likely stay put, but they are nonetheless in trade talks. — Gonzalez
How far will the Phillies go to keep Schwarber?
A lot of the industry is waiting on Kyle Schwarber‘s free agent decision. He has both big and small market teams chasing him but most important will be what he hears from the Philadelphia Phillies, and that can come as soon as Monday or Tuesday. Will they match any offer? Will Schwarber take a little less to stay in Philadelphia? Those questions should be answered soon. — Rogers
King’s suitors starting to take shape
Free agent pitcher Michael King has a half dozen suitors, including the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets and Chicago Cubs, but his market hasn’t completely materialized yet. — Rogers
Polanco could make a decision soon
Free agent second baseman Jorge Polanco, coming off a strong 2025 season with the Seattle Mariners, is expected to sign with a team during the winter meetings. — Rogers
Winter meetings predictions
Who will be the biggest name to sign (or get traded) in Orlando?
Jorge Castillo: I root for action at the winter meetings, so let’s pick the biggest name on the free agent market: Kyle Tucker. There aren’t many suitors that, whether it’s for fit or financial reasons, are in the mix, but there’s still interest for an ultra-talented player who can alter the championship landscape. And it starts with Toronto.
The Blue Jays whiffed on the brightest stars of the past two free agent classes — Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto — and Rogers Communications still has money to spend after investing $500 million in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in April and another $210 million recently in free agent starter Dylan Cease. Tucker visited the Blue Jays’ facility in Florida last week. Pairing the left-handed-hitting outfielder with the right-handed-hitting Guerrero would give Toronto a scary tandem for years.
Bradford Doolittle: The inclusion of Byron Buxton on our trade candidates ranking took me aback, mostly because Buxton has been insistent that he will remain a Twin. It’s surprising that he’s willing to waive his no-trade clause, but Buxton is 31, and the Twins don’t seem all-in on winning. Several leading contenders could use a bump in center field — the Houston Astros and New York Mets jump out as clear fits — and if the Twins are heading down this road, dealing Buxton soon would start those dominoes to fall.
Alden Gonzalez: A game of chicken might be brewing at the moment. On one side it’s Cody Bellinger, represented by the Boras Corporation. On the other it’s Tucker, whose free agency is overseen by Excel Sports Management. They’re arguably the two biggest names available, both of them versatile, multi-dimensional, dynamic outfielders, their markets naturally intertwined. And I think Bellinger goes first.
His price point — ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel predicts a six-year, $165 million contract — is more reasonable, and his list of suitors is seemingly more robust because of it. The New York Yankees want him back. The Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets are all a fit, to varying degrees. Given Bellinger’s ability to also play first base, other teams will undoubtedly emerge. Jumping on Bellinger before Tucker comes off the board and further inflates his market would be smart. And one team will do so this week.
Jesse Rogers: Ranger Suarez. Scott Boras clients usually take longer to come off the board, but not all of them can wait until the new year. Suarez isn’t staring at a megadeal, so checking him off the free agent list by late next week seems more than plausible.
The chatter surrounding the left-hander’s free agency from potential suitors such as the Astros, Mets, Orioles and others is picking up. He’s in line for at least a solid four-year deal — and if a team offers five or even six, it’ll likely land him.
What is one move fans might not expect you to predict will go down this week?
Castillo: Pete Alonso will probably wait until Kyle Schwarber decides on his destination, but I predict Alonso will sign with the Red Sox. Craig Breslow, Boston’s chief baseball officer, has been clear about his desire to acquire a right-handed slugger for the middle of the order. Not many players are better qualified for that role than the right-handed-hitting Alonso, whose 264 home runs since his debut in 2019 are the third most in baseball behind Aaron Judge and Schwarber.
Alonso is coming off a rebound All-Star season in which he clubbed 38 home runs with 126 RBIs, an NL-leading 41 doubles and an .871 OPS for the Mets. Defensively, Alonso is below average, but he could split time with Triston Casas at first base and designated hitter.
The Mets, on the other hand, are determined to improve their defense and would seemingly be in play for Alonso only if his market collapses for the second straight offseason.
Doolittle: Maybe it’s because I am overly susceptible to rumors that tickle my penchant for anti-Wolfean narratives, but I’ll say Schwarber will sign with his hometown Cincinnati Reds. It’s such a perfect fit, and not just because of Schwarber’s ties to Cincinnati. The Reds have a real chance to contend in the NL Central with the right upgrade on offense. And what an upgrade — Schwarber’s swing is perfect for Great American Ballpark, which has featured more homers from visiting lefty hitters over the past five years than any other venue (including 96 more than Citizens Bank Park). Even at 32, give Schwarber five healthy seasons at that park and he’ll reach 500 career bombs.
Gonzalez: This year’s market seems especially ripe for trades, and I think we’re going to see some big-name starting pitchers dealt during the winter meetings. Who, exactly, is anybody’s guess at this point, but there are a bevy of names to choose from, whether it’s two of the Miami Marlins‘ frontline guys (Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera), three steady veterans (Freddy Peralta, Luis Castillo and Pablo Lopez), two budding aces (Joe Ryan and MacKenzie Gore) or two Cy Young-caliber arms who are unlikely to move but are fascinating nonetheless (Tarik Skubal and Hunter Greene). All eyes will be on the big free agents this week, but the trade market will dominate. And the starting pitchers will be featured in it.
Rogers: How about a bold one: Nick Castellanos gets traded. Perhaps it won’t land as the biggest of surprises, considering how things went down in Philadelphia last year, but a deal would further show that the Phillies are turning things over a bit as they continue to chase a ring.
Castellanos could be the perfect fit for Pittsburgh, which is desperate for hitting. In a recent interview on MLB Network, Castellanos discussed the idea of playing first base. That opens the door to even more possibilities outside of Philadelphia.
What is the one rumor that will dominate the week?
Castillo: Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte, if moved, would be the best position player to move this offseason — Tucker and Schwarber included. So the fact that he is available will undoubtedly generate rumors all week.
First, Marte produces. His 15.3 WAR over the past three seasons is 13th in the majors. He has made the NL All-Star team each of the past two seasons. He finished third in the NL MVP race in 2024. He owns a .289/.363/.510 slash line since 2019. Second, his economical contract — he has five years and $91 million plus a sixth-year player option at $11.5 million remaining — only adds to the allure and makes him palpable for several clubs. Marte is 32 and drew anonymous criticism from teammates for his behavior last season, but a player of his caliber will draw substantial interest.
Doolittle: Something about Tucker? It doesn’t feel like there have been many concrete reports regarding Tucker’s possible destination, but he’s the top free agent, so the rumor mill is more likely to focus on his wanderings than anyone else until he signs. News about him will pick up in Orlando.
Gonzalez: There is no bigger name on the trade market than Skubal. On one end, he is beloved in Detroit, where he has established himself as the type of cornerstone who should never pitch anywhere else. On the other is the cold reality — that he is a Boras client who would command the types of sums in the open market that the Tigers are either unwilling or unable to pay him. And though the Tigers intend to contend in 2026 and would undoubtedly have a better chance of doing so with Skubal fronting their rotation, it would be foolish not to at least explore a trade and attempt to get major talent back in return. It’s the responsible thing to do — and yet Tigers fans have every right to be enraged about this even being a possibility.
Rogers: Where Kyle Schwarber will play in 2026 and beyond. His next contract should be in the $150 million range, though if a new team steps up and is willing to pay big time for not only his power but his leadership, then all bets are off. But as intriguing as a smaller market might be, the Phillies need him as much as anyone during their current window to win. His return there isn’t a guarantee, but it still makes the most sense.
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins placed center Evgeni Malkin on injured reserve Tuesday with an upper-body injury.
The move comes after the 39-year-old Malkin sat out a shootout loss to Dallas on Sunday. Malkin, in the final season of his contract with the Penguins, is off to one of the better starts of his 20-year career.
The Russian has eight goals and 21 assists in 26 games for surprising Pittsburgh, which began the season with modest expectations but is firmly in contention in the competitive Metropolitan Division.
The Penguins also placed forward Blake Lizotte on injured reserve with an upper-body injury. Lizotte has three goals and two assists in 27 games.
The club described Malkin and Lizotte as both week-to-week.
Pittsburgh recalled forwards Danton Heinen and Sam Poulin from their American Hockey League affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton to fill out the roster ahead of Tuesday night’s visit by Anaheim, the start of a five-game homestand.
TORONTO — Toronto Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann has been suspended one game for high-sticking Tampa Bay Lightning winger Oliver Bjorkstrand, the NHL announced Tuesday.
The incident occurred three minutes into the third period of Toronto’s 2-0 win over Tampa Bay on Monday night.
McMann received a match penalty after swinging his stick and hitting Bjorkstrand’s head following a cross-check from the Lightning forward.
McMann, who is being suspended for the first time in his career, will forfeit U.S. $7,031.25. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
He will miss Toronto’s game Thursday night against the visiting San Jose Sharks, and is eligible to return when the Maple Leafs host the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.
McMann, 29, has eight goals and six assists in 29 games this season.
Leafs coach Craig Berube disagreed with the match penalty on Monday, calling it a “tough one.”
“From our view on the bench, I couldn’t really see it too well. I’ll take a look at it, but I had a tough time with that,” he said after the game.
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