Here are three things we’ll be looking at around the world of baseball all day today:
1. Will Marte’s negotiations come to an end?
The star of the Diamondbacks Ketel Marte was one of the most talked about players on the trade market this offseason. GM Mike Hazen made waves yesterday in that room of the market, however, when he noted that he plans to end negotiations about a trade for Marte in the near future. Hazen’s suggestion that the club simply take Marte off the table for negotiations is a more likely outcome than the trade that is currently in the works. This has been the case for Hazen throughout the offseason, as he has said he did not foresee Arizona dealing with a star player this winter. Still, a deal remains possible as long as Hazen and the Arizona front office remain willing to entertain trade talks for Marte.
Whether he’s traded or not, it looks like it’s going to shake up the market in a big way when Marte is finally off the market. That would leave the Cardinals utility man Brendan Donovan as a clear trade chip in the infield this offseason, barring a surprise deal involving someone like that Isaac Paredes or Nico Hoerner. It will also remove another option to land a free agent like them Alex Bregman again Eugenio Suarez who have been delayed by the market until now. If Marte is dealt, it will take away a pitcher from those players but also leave the Diamondbacks hungry for a middle-of-the-pack reliever to replace him.
2. Angels, Rendon ways of separation:
The Angels and the veteran striker Anthony Rendon it caused Rendon to lose his job in the organization yesterday when they renegotiated the last year of his contract before his expected retirement. Rendon is technically still on the roster for now but he doesn’t think he can resume his playing career, either with the Angels or another club. While Rendon’s retirement doesn’t change much for the Angels on the field due to his injury history and lack of production, it could still have an impact. The restructured deal removes a significant amount of money from Anaheim’s books heading into 2026, and club officials have made clear their desire to bring in help at third and center this winter. This influx of financial flexibility could allow the team to make a splash at one of those positions, or at least add a reliable bat to one or both of those spots on the roster.
3. Meeting of Imai and groups:
Right-handed sweepstakes Tatsuya Imai it is nearing its end. The right-hander has started holding personal talks with teams in the US and figures to continue talking to teams in the coming days. With more than 48 hours left until his posting window closes at 4pm CT on January 2nd, the right-hander has limited time to get a deal. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Imai’s contract come to an end soon, to give Imai the time he needs to train with his new club before the looming deadline. The right-hander’s youth and recent record in NPB have made him one of the most intriguing arms available this offseason in the eyes of fans and teams. The Yankees, Mets, Cubs, Phillies, and Orioles have all been linked to the righty at one time or another, but it’s certainly possible that many teams outside of that group of five could be involved in the righty market.
