This is an article version of the CBS Sports HQ AM Newsletter, the ultimate guide to every day in sports. With the World Series complete and the book closed on the 2026 MLB season, it's just about time for the Hot Stove. This offseason will be defined by collective bargaining negotiations between MLB and the MLBPA, and the nearly certain lockout that seems destined to begin in December casts a ton of uncertainty over free agency.
But players will move at one point or another. We ranked the top 50 free agents. The No. 1 available player is no secret.
If you follow baseball even somewhat closely, you probably know that Tarik Skubal is the biggest prize. Expect the top World Series contenders to be in play for his services. Behind him is a mix of reigning stars and incoming international standouts.
One of the players in that latter group you should know is Teruaki Sato, the NPB Triple Crown winner. Our Mike Axisa has the scouting report on the third baseman. Closing out the rankings is a tier of left-handed pitchers who should fill out the back end of whichever rotation they land in. 47.
LHP Patrick Sandoval Week 9 delivers another light slate with only two ranked matchups and no top 10 showdowns. That doesn't mean this week is a complete nothingburger, though. Every game for College Football Playoff hopefuls from this point forward is meaningful, and if last week taught us anything, it is that a lack of top 25 battles is the recipe for a number of upsets.
It's also that time of year when conference title races heat up. This far out from championship weekend, there are more scenarios than the mind can comprehend. But the permutations will decrease with each week, and some teams are bound to fall out of the hunt on Saturday.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
