MLB rumors: Cubs pursuing Zac Gallen, Mariners and Nats strike a trade, another AL East team eyes Bo Bichette
Here's the latest from the hot stove ahead of MLB's Winter Meetings
The 2025-26 Major League Baseball offseason is fully underway, and we're working our way through the sport's offseason calendar. Among other things, the winter in baseball means a steady supply of rumors regarding free agent signings, trades, and the like. Speaking of which, you can find Saturday's roundup just below.
Phillies among teams interested in Bellinger
Outfielder Cody Bellinger's renaissance as a frontline talent is now three years deep, and going into his age-30 campaign in 2026 he can once again expect a healthy market for his services. Speaking of which, Jeff Passan reports that the Phillies are among the teams interested in Bellinger. The incumbent Yankees remain the most likely destination for Bellinger, and the Mets also maintain some level of interest. From the Philly standpoint, their Bellinger interest probably hinges on what becomes of free agent slugger Kyle Schwarber. If Schwarber inks elsewhere this winter, then the Phillies could pivot to Bellinger to fill that lineup hole, assuming he outlasts Schwarber on the free agent market.
Red Sox eyeing Bichette as Bregman fallback?
The Red Sox's offseason priority now that the rotation has been fortified is bringing back third baseman Alex Bregman. Bregman in 2025 was an essential part of Boston's return to the postseason, but he's now on the market after opting out. If Bregman lands elsewhere, might the Sox turn to Bo Bichette? The Athletic reports that some within the organization see Bichette as a strong "alternative" to Bregman and would angle to move him to second base. Bichette has spent his entire career with the Blue Jays, and they remain the favorites to retain his services this offseason. However, they could have some competition from their division rivals in Boston.
Mariners, Nationals make trade
The Mariners have acquired lefty reliever Jose A. Ferrer from the Nationals for catcher Harry Ford and pitching prospect Isaac Lyon, according to the Washington Post.
Ferrer, 25, is a three-pitch lefty (sinker, changeup, slider) who has compiled a 4.36 ERA (95 ERA+) and a 3.46 strikeout-to-walk ratio in nearly 150 big-league appearances. He does have some positive underlying traits that suggest better days await, including top-notch arm strength; a great feel for the strike zone; and an undeniable ability to generate a ton of ground balls.
Ford, 22, is a former top-100 prospect who didn't have a clear pathway to steady playing time behind Cal Raleigh. He hit .283/.408/.460 with 16 home runs and seven stolen bases in Triple-A. He could take over everyday catching duties from Keibert Ruiz, who remains under contract through 2030 despite having suffered through consecutive down seasons.
Cubs pursuing Gallen
The Cubs are looking to bolster their rotation with veteran right-hander and free agent Zac Gallen, the Athletic reports. Gallen, 30, is coming off a 2025 season in which he didn't live up to his established standards:
Gallen on three occasions has placed in the top 10 of the National League Cy Young vote and because of that impressive larger body of work, he found a multi-year market this winter. Earlier in the offseason, CBS Sports ranked Gallen as the No. 18 available free agent in the class of 2025-26. Here's part of RJ Anderson's write-up:
"Gallen salvaged what he could with a good 11-start closing stretch, but an otherwise miserable walk year makes him feel like a strong candidate to accept the qualifying offer (if one is tendered) and try again in 2026. Otherwise? He's a candidate to sign a one-year deal elsewhere and modify his arsenal in an attempt to push back against a trend that has seen his performance slip in each of the past two years."
For his career, Gallen has pitched to a 119 ERA+ and an FIP of 3.65 across parts of seven MLB seasons. Over that span, he's compiled a WAR of 20.7, and he's topped 30 starts and 180 innings in three of the last four seasons. Gallen spent the last six seasons and change with the Diamondbacks.
Castellanos willing to play first base
Trade speculation continues to swirl about veteran Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos. He's in decline at the plate going into his age-34 season, and he's owed $20 million for 2027. In other words, there's no real market for his services. Even so, Castellanos recently said he's willing to learn and play first base in the event of a trade to a team that needs that role filled. That, though, doesn't address his declining offensive abilities.
