MLB free agency is underway as the Winter Meetings begin in Orlando, Florida, where all 30 teams will look to bolster their chances of adding talent ahead of the 2026 season.
Following their first season in West Sacramento, the Athletics are looking to capitalize on a strong 2025 campaign that saw the green and gold finish with a 76-86 record (best win-loss record since 2021).
One year removed from handing out a franchise-record $67 million deal to starting pitcher Luis Severino, The Athletic‘s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon report that the A’s “are showing little interest in simply dumping” their ace in an effort to offload salary.
Severino, who went 8-11 with a 4.54 ERA over 29 starts, still has $42 million guaranteed on his deal over the next two seasons (player option for 2027).
The A’s are showing little interest in simply dumping right-hander Luis Severino, who is guaranteed $42 million over the next two seasons, with the second year being a player option.
Teams have shown interest in taking Severino’s entire salary, but only if the A’s do not require them to part with talent in return. The A’s, already in need of a starter, would prefer to bank on Severino improving over his first season with the team instead.
The Athletic‘s Ken Rosenthal & Will Sammon on Luis Severino | December 2025
As was the case last season, the Athletics will look to add salary in MLB free agency–not offload–meaning they could be lurking as a surprise destination for this year’s player class.
While Rosenthal and Sammon don’t expect the A’s to chase free agent infielder Bo Bichette or trade for Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte, they did list a few names to keep an eye on if the Athletics address their second base position via trade:
In need of a second baseman, they are not considering Bichette or a trade for Arizona’s Ketel Marte. A deal for someone like Tampa Bay’s Brandon Lowe or the New York Mets’ Jeff McNeil is perhaps more likely.
The Athletic‘s Ken Rosenthal & Will Sammon on the A’s | December 2025
If the A’s don’t address second base via trade or MLB free agency, they have in-house options like Zack Gelof and Darrell Hernaiz to begin the 2026 season.
More MLB free agency content from Sactown Sports
The 2025 MLB Winter Meetings have arrived. Are free agent signings set to take place this week?
While it’s currently unknown if the big-name MLB free agency options like outfielder Kyle Tucker, infielder Bo Bichette, and starting pitcher Framber Valdez will ink new deals in the coming days, there is bound to be plenty of action between now and Wednesday in Orlando, Florida.
Here’s everything that you need to know about this year’s MLB free agency and the 2025 MLB Winter Meetings:
The 2025 MLB Winter Meetings take place December 7–10, 2025, in Orlando, Florida — the annual offseason gathering where executives from all 30 clubs come together to negotiate trades, free-agent signings, and other significant moves. With many of the league’s top free agents still available, this period often marks the beginning of a wave of blockbuster deals that can reshape club fortunes.
Beyond the big-name signings and trades, the MLB Winter Meetings host several key offseason mechanisms that shape franchises’ futures. For instance, the 2026 MLB Draft Lottery will be conducted during the meetings, offering non-playoff teams a chance at a top-six pick, with profound implications for rebuilding clubs seeking young talent.
On the final day, the Rule 5 Draft allows clubs to claim promising minor-leaguers left unprotected on 40-man rosters, a potential source for under-the-radar breakouts.
Fans should also expect a flurry of rumors. Some potential surprise trades — especially involving players many believed “safe” — often surface either during the meetings or shortly after. Pitching remains a significant focus, with teams scrambling to add starters and relievers to address gaps exposed in the previous season.
Meanwhile, international players — including those posted from leagues in Japan and Korea — could draw interest, meaning fan bases might see unexpected signings beyond North America’s usual free-agent pool.
What to know about the 2025 MLB Winter Meetings
Upcoming San Francisco Giants & MLB Offseason Schedule
MLB Free Agency begins the day after the World Series concludes
December 7-11th – MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida
Early-January – MLB Arbitration Negotiations
Mid-February – Pitchers & Catchers report for Spring Training
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