Pagan’s $11.5M deal leads busy MLB GM meetings; insider heard what teams believe about Skubal, Bohm

Deals may gather pace soon

Detroit’s agreement with Emilio Pagan was the biggest move at the GM Meetings. The reliever signed a one-year contract worth $11.5 million. Several sources expect the market to accelerate before the Dec. 1 lockout. One said more deals would happen than people expected, while another anticipated meaningful offers starting the following week and activity growing during the Owners Meetings.

Skubal draws major interest

Tarik Skubal is meeting with the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets, with additional clubs also interested. Many people spoken to in Las Vegas considered the Mets the team to beat, pointing to their need for a top starting pitcher and owner Steve Cohen’s resources.

The Dodgers previously acquired Skubal at the deadline, but may favor a shorter deal like Kyle Tucker’s contract from last winter; ESPN reported that approach does not interest Skubal. The Padres and Blue Jays are also pursuing frontline pitching, and there could be additional, less expected suitors.

Bohm is attracting suitors

Alec Bohm’s representatives met with at least the Yankees and Mets, among other teams. Clubs are intrigued by the 30-year-old and his second-half performance, when he batted .298/.369/.425 with a .794 OPS, four home runs and 41 RBI.

Bohm was the No. 3 overall pick in 2018 and made the All-Star team in 2024. His talent and recent production could make him a successful free agent, according to the writer’s assessment.

Milwaukee weighs its options

Other teams have wondered whether Milwaukee might trade catcher William Contreras, who is under contract through 2028, given the franchise’s past moves involving players such as Corbin Burnes, Josh Hader, Freddy Peralta and Devin Williams. League sources, however, consider a Contreras trade unlikely because the Brewers value him highly and believe he was essential to their World Series win.

Trevor Megill’s situation may be different. He has attracted trade interest before, and a deal this winter is considered possible; the San Francisco Giants were mentioned as a potential fit.