The 2026 MLB season ended on October 28, meaning offseason business — at least for one month — can proceed. Several teams made their first moves on the 29th, as the Athletics acquired Nate Eaton. Plus, several others hit the free agent market.
A’s make moves
The Athletics and Red Sox made the first trade after the World Series, as outfielder Nate Eaton was traded to the former for teenage pitching prospect Jareth Rayo.
Eaton played just 24 games and accumulated 60 plate appearances for Boston this past season. Between his time with Kansas City & Boston, the 29-year-old has only appeared in 137 total MLB games. He did get on base a good amount this year in Triple-A, and walked eight times during limited action with Boston.
Additionally, the Athletics outrighted Johnathan Rodriguez, Brian Serven, Henry Baez, Geoff Hartlieb, Joey Estes, and Michael Stefanic off the 40-man roster.
Baez is the most notable of the five, as he was a notable pitching prospect who came over from San Diego in the Mason Miller trade in July 2025. A heavy groundball pitcher in the Padres’ organization, Baez walked 32 over 53 innings, almost all the batters he gave a free pass to in 2025 (35 over 109 innings).
Overall, the 24-year-old posted a 7.09 ERA with Double-A Midland.
Giants outright three
The Giants outrighted Matt Gage, Osleivis Basabe, and Jason Foley to Triple-A Sacramento.
Foley is the big one of the bunch, as he spent one season with the Giants before he likely heads back into the free agent market. He missed all of 2025 and returned to appear in 24 games for San Francisco this past season. The ex-Tiger struck out 15 over 26 innings.
San Francisco lost two players to waivers, as well. Giants outfielder Grant McCray was claimed off waivers by the Mariners. Pitcher Braxton Roxby was grabbed by the Nationals.
New free agents
Per multiple reports, Michael King is back on the free agent market. King declined a player option to allow the Padres pitcher to jump back into free agency.
It was a much better 2026 for King, who re-signed with San Diego last winter after he missed significant time with injury in 2025. King struck out 159 over 185 innings and posted a 3.21 ERA.
Clay Holmes, who also had a player option for the 2027 season with Chicago, declined his player option.
Three Reds went to free agency on October 29. Brady Singer, Tyler Stephenson, and Brock Burke will go to market.
Victor Robles‘ club option for 2027 was declined, allowing him to become a free agent.
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