I spent the past few days in Las Vegas meeting with people all across baseball at the GM Meetings, including almost every general manager in the league. And the notebook is full. Very full.
There’s plenty of stuff that I’ve heard. I’ve written about it extensively on FanSided. There’s also plenty of other stuff that has been reported elsewhere. So, now that the dust has settled, I'm diving into the biggest nuggets from the week and sifting through the executive-speak to get to what really matters. Here are my thoughts on seven rumors from Vegas, including what you can believe and what you can forget this Hot Stove season.
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Paul Skenes to the Yankees
What I heard: Rumors that Skenes wants out of Pittsburgh and prefers New York.
After this was written, I had numerous people reach out to deny it. One person close to the situation called it a “joke.” Then Skenes himself denied it, telling The Athletic: “I don’t know where that came from. I don’t know the reporter. I don’t know the player that supposedly said that.”
He added: “I’m on the Pirates. My goal is to win with the Pirates. … The way that fans see us outside of Pittsburgh, we’re not supposed to win. There are 29 fan bases that expect us to lose. I want to be a part of the 26 guys that change that.”
What I believe: Time to forget this rumor and move on.
Joe Ryan's future
What I heard: Teams are testing whether the Twins would move Ryan.
I asked Minnesota Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey whether he’s open to moving Joe Ryan. He responded: “Our focus, and my goal, has been figuring out how to add around the group we already have. We think our starting pitching is the strength of this team.”
Translation: The Twins prefer to keep Ryan, but will listen to any and all phone calls that come in about the star right-hander.
And how could they not? Besides Tarik Skubal, Ryan is the best name that has been mentioned in trade rumors this winter. He’s only 29, he's coming off a season in which he posted a 3.42 ERA and he isn’t a free agent until 2028. Unless you’re truly blown away with an offer, you hold onto Ryan. And if you do end up trading him, perhaps that makes Byron Buxton reconsider his stance about wanting to finish his career in Minnesota. That’s something the organization has to keep in mind.
What I believe: Minnesota holds onto Ryan unless blown away.
Brad Keller’s role in 2026
What I heard: Teams view Keller as a swing option.
Free-agent right-hander Brad Keller is drawing interest as a starting pitcher and as a reliever, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
Before the offseason, a couple folks around the game mentioned the possibility of Keller being a starter in 2026. He’s coming off a breakout season in the Cubs bullpen where he posted a 2.07 ERA in 69.2 innings. And as a player with previous starting experience, a transition back to the rotation after a dominant year in relief always made sense.
What I believe: He’ll get starter looks after his Cubs breakout.
Fernando Tatis Jr. trade rumors
What I heard: The Padres might consider moving Tatis Jr.
There were some early reports suggesting that the Padres could entertain the idea of trading Fernando Tatis Jr. I just can’t see that happening.
Sure, teams will check in. It never hurts to ask. But Tatis Jr. is only 26 and is owed around $290 million over the next nine seasons. He also has a full no-trade clause, which further complicates any potential deal. Perhaps a trade becomes a more realistic possibility if the Padres elect to shed payroll in future seasons, but the organization, and especially AJ Preller, wants to compete in 2026. And their best chance of doing so is with Tatis Jr. on the roster.
What I believe: Tatis's contract plus no-trade clause plus Preller’s goals = this is not happening.
Scott Boras knew what he was doing with Kyle Tucker shade
What I heard: Boras "forgetting" Tucker raised eyebrows.
Did he forget that Kyle Tucker exists? That’s no slight on Bellinger. He’s a fantastic player coming off a great season in the Bronx. But Tucker is the best player in free agency.
In eight seasons, he’s hit .273/.358/.507 with an .865 OPS, 147 home runs and 490 RBI. Last season, despite dealing with a finger injury for a good chunk of the year, he hit .266/.377/.464 with 22 home runs and 73 RBI. He also has previously won a Gold Glove and can steal 25-30 bases in a season.
What I believe: Pure leverage play. Tucker’s the best player on the market.
Freddy Peralta trade chances
What I heard: Teams are poking around on Peralta.
On a potential Freddy Peralta trade, Brewers president of baseball operations Matt Arnold told me: “I anticipate him being part of our team moving forward.”
This has always felt like the most likely scenario. At just $8 million in 2026, Peralta is incredibly affordable. He also is mightily important to the clubhouse and the franchise views this as a situation similar to Willy Adames: He’s a player who is just so vital that trading him would be very, very difficult.
It’s not impossible. The Brewers will listen to inquiries. But it will take a lot for him to leave Milwaukee via trade this winter.
What I believe: Brewers love his deal and impact, so it’ll take a haul.
Kyle Tucker returning to the Cubs
What I heard: Chicago will stay in touch with Tucker’s camp.
The Cubs need pitching, especially with Shota Imanaga, Brad Keller and Michael Soroka currently free agents. But when I asked what that meant for Tucker and if he was a priority this winter, Jed Hoyer responded: “He’s a great player, we had a really good experience with him, and we’ll be talking to his agent Casey Close.”