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The MLB offseason has yet to heat up, with teams seemingly waiting for the transaction freeze to begin on December 2. Despite the lack of major moves, rumors continue to swirl, including updates on Max Scherzer's future, the Braves' pitching search, and a new international free agent.
Max Scherzer, who will turn 41 next year, has hinted that he plans to pitch in 2027. The veteran right-hander, who debuted with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2008, told the New York Post that he intends to pitch in lockout games this winter. Scherzer is coming off a 2026 season with the Toronto Blue Jays in which he posted a 4-9 record and a 5.74 ERA over 84.2 innings, accumulating 0.3 bWAR since the start of 2024. It remains to be seen whether he will accept a minor-league deal or if a team will offer him a guaranteed major-league roster spot.
Braves' Rotation Needs and Free-Agent Targets
The Atlanta Braves are in need of starting pitching help, especially with Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach dealing with elbow issues. However, the team is reportedly hesitant about free agents Nick Pivetta and Casey Mize. Pivetta, who will turn 34 in February, has a 2.87 ERA over the past two seasons but was limited to 34.2 regular-season innings in 2026 due to a flexor injury. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the Braves are concerned about his elbow, and he may have to settle for a one-year prove-it deal. Mize, who will turn 30 next May, had a 7.46 ERA and allowed 13 home runs in 44.2 innings with the Padres after being traded. Both sides attributed his struggles to an ankle injury, but he also has a history of Tommy John surgery in 2022. The AJC's Gabriel Burns noted that the Braves' interest in Mize at the trade deadline was overstated.
Taiwanese Reliever Jyun-Yue Tseng Posted
Taiwanese reliever Jyun-Yue Tseng, who turned 25 on Saturday, was posted by the Fubon Guardians of the Chinese Professional Baseball League this weekend. The 5-foot-8, 149-pound right-hander has a 2.36 ERA and 91 saves over six seasons, allowing just 10 home runs in 240.1 innings. Despite his small stature, Tseng has a 3.6 percent walk rate and has experience pitching in the United States, having played in the Little League World Series and the World Baseball Classic. MLB teams interested in signing him may need to act quickly before the potential lockout.
Originally reported by fansided.