Diamondbacks decisions headline new MLBTR podcast on offseason outlooks

The latest episode of the MLB Trade Rumors podcast is out, with host Darragh McDonald joined by colleague Anthony Franco to tackle some of the biggest early storylines of the 2026–27 MLB offseason. The conversation centres on the Arizona Diamondbacks and then widens to several clubs already turning the page after playoff elimination.

Diamondbacks keep Lovullo as Marte question lingers

The show opens with an extended look at the Diamondbacks, who have opted to retain manager Torey Lovullo while preparing to scale back payroll. The situation of Ketel Marte is described as a major unresolved issue hanging over the roster, framing much of the discussion about how Arizona might reshape its club without losing competitiveness in the National League West.

McDonald and Franco examine what that balance could look like, from potential reallocation of resources to the internal options the club might lean on. The segment underlines the challenge of managing costs while still aiming to contend in a division that has become increasingly unforgiving.

Offseason questions for Phillies, Cubs, Red Sox and Astros

From there, the podcast moves into team-by-team snapshots for the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros. Each segment looks at broad offseason priorities those organizations now face after another early exit from October play. Topics include how they might approach roster upgrades, key contractual decisions and the evaluation of players already in-house.

Rather than detailing specific moves, the episode focuses on identifying the main pressure points: where depth needs to be improved, how recent postseason disappointments could influence strategy, and what kinds of changes might be necessary to keep each club in the championship picture.

Creative pitching usage and Mariners trade scenarios

Later in the show, McDonald and Franco turn to pitching strategy, highlighting how several teams are experimenting with non-traditional roles on the mound. They note examples of clubs using starting pitchers out of the bullpen between turns, with the Miami Marlins cited as one such team exploring that approach.

The final major topic is the Seattle Mariners and whether they could ever line up a trade involving starters Logan Gilbert or George Kirby. The discussion centres on what sort of return would be required to justify moving pitchers of that calibre and under what circumstances Seattle might even entertain those conversations.

The write-up accompanying the episode also points listeners to recent MLBTR podcasts on Wild Card roster decisions for the Texas Rangers, Diamondbacks and Pittsburgh Pirates, free agent power rankings, Cade Cavalli’s extension with Washington, and a Dodgers-focused show that touched on Los Angeles storylines, Arizona’s waiver claim of Jesús Sánchez and prospect evaluation. Together, the episodes provide a broad snapshot of the transaction and strategy landscape around the 2026 postseason.