For the past few months those covering the game have been guessing what players and coaches will be wearing new uniforms in 2026 and they’ve been wrong in most instances. However, since the end of the World Series has ended, players and teams have mutually declined options and some of them will find new homes in the coming months.

In some cases players are looking for better deals, others are looking for better opportunities which aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive. As much as I like to follow the trappings of the offseason, it’s damn near impossible especially when the media confuses actual news with activity. I won’t pretend to recognize the names of the 36th-40th men on each roster and most of these moves aren’t relevant beyond the families involved.

The likely work stoppage coming at the end of the 2026 season throws a wrench in every organizations plans for the future and because I don’t really understand how the stoppage will affect players’ contracts for the 2027 season, I won’t make any projections as to where specific players will land. I do have thoughts about who the Cubs should and will retain and pursue. That’s why I’m so interested in what the other29 teams do-it has an impact on what my teams will do.

Following the managerial market has been equally entertaining so far as a couple surprise newbies have gotten jobs already. That hasn’t been as much a surprise as how some retreads have gotten new jobs on coaching staffs around the league without really earning it.