The MLB offseason has been remarkably slow-moving. As of Saturday, December 21, 2025, only three of the top 10 free agents have signed, and just two of the top 25 trade candidates have found new homes. However, a three-team trade on Friday suggests the market might be poised to heat up, and several teams are actively exploring options to bolster their rosters.
Philadelphia Phillies Pursuing Catcher Trades
With negotiations with free agent J.T. Realmuto stalled, the Phillies are pivoting to explore potential catcher acquisitions via trade, according to reporting from The Athletic. Philadelphia reportedly has an offer on the table for Realmuto, but a deal hasn’t materialized.
Victor Caratini, the next-best free agent catcher, offers versatility as he frequently plays first base and designated hitter. On the trade front, Minnesota Twins backstop Ryan Jeffers emerges as a logical candidate to be moved, as the Twins were active sellers at the trade deadline this past summer.
Baltimore Orioles Interested in JoJo Romero
The Orioles are among the teams showing interest in St. Louis Cardinals left-handed reliever JoJo Romero, as reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Romero, a year removed from free agency, is considered a likely trade candidate given the Cardinals’ current focus. Baltimore has already added right-handed relievers Ryan Helsley and Andrew Kittredge to their bullpen this offseason.
Romero, 29, specializes in inducing ground balls and limiting home runs. The Orioles currently have lefties Keegan Akin and Dietrich Enns in their bullpen, but neither has consistently emerged as a high-leverage option. A reliable left-handed reliever is a key need for teams in the competitive AL East, which features several potent left-handed hitters, including Roman Anthony, Jonathan Aranda, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Jarren Duran, Ben Rice, and Daulton Varsho.
