Teams left Las Vegas with the Braves already locking up a longtime player while speculation swirls over where two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal lands.
The GM meetings in Las Vegas wrapped with front offices bracing for a busy stretch before the collective bargaining agreement runs out on the night of Dec. 1. Brewers manager Pat Murphy wasted no time looking ahead either, reportedly telling head of baseball operations Matt Arnold he already had thoughts for spring training in '27 right after winning the World Series at Tropicana Field. Arnold told him now wasn't the time, but with one of Milwaukee's top sluggers already ticketed for a new uniform in 2027, the offseason business is clearly underway.
The biggest name on the board is Tarik Skubal, the two-time Cy Young Award winner set to hit free agency as the top prize available. The Mets have been floated as favorites, but insider Ken Rosenthal says he isn't buying that narrative, while noting owner Steven Cohen can't be ruled out of a potential signing.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers are reportedly interested in a shorter-term deal to keep Skubal, raising the question of whether a high-average-annual-value, short-term contract makes sense for a pitcher of his caliber. As Dec. 1 approaches, expect more movement, starting with the Braves' three-year deal already struck for a longtime player.