As the calendar flips to February on Saturday, a few marquee free agents remain unsigned, presenting a major dilemma with the start of spring training only two weeks away.

How long will the likes of Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso remain available? Well, since both are represented by super agent Scott Boras, your guess is probably as good as any. But perhaps the rumour mill’s latest nugget can provide a sense of optimism — at least for one of those two.

Multiple outlets have already well-documented the six-year, $156-million offer Bregman’s camp received from the Houston Astros earlier this winter. And it appears he has a similar six-year offer on the table from another club.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported Wednesday that the 30-year-old has been offered a lucrative six-year deal with an opt-out after Year 1, allowing him to re-enter free agency next off-season. He also added it came from a team that likely isn’t high on his list of preferred destinations.

Separately, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale appeared on the Area 45 podcast with Bijani and Creighton earlier this week, hinting that the Toronto Blue Jays may have submitted a six-year offer to Bregman.

Other teams previously linked to Bregman this winter include the Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs.

While it’s unclear how much truth there is to these rumours, one thing is certain: Boras is putting in overtime to land his client(s) the best possible contract. That strategy has worked in the past while proving costly for others — just ask Jordan Montgomery.

There’s probably a 95 per cent chance that Stroman will be traded before spring training begins, and that day might be around the corner by the sounds of it.

The Yankees have been exploring trade conversations involving the 33-year-old starter for much of this winter. They’ve expressed interest in retaining a significant portion of the $18.5 million left on his two-year, $37-million contract — which includes an $18-million vesting option for 2026 that triggers with 140 innings pitched in ’25 — to help facilitate a trade.

And, as former major-league outfielder Cameron Maybin teased on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, trade discussions could soon reach a conclusion.

It’s possible the now-MLB Network analyst was having a bit of fun at everyone’s expense. Even so, that doesn’t change the fact that New York’s roster remains unfinished — with holes to fill at either second or third base — and will likely need to move out some cash before making other additions.

Stroman could benefit from a change of scenery now that he no longer fits with the Yankees following Max Fried’s arrival, with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt expected to occupy the other four rotation spots.

Switching to the shockingly still-loaded reliever market, Coloumbe is one of the few impact lefties who remains without a contract for next season, though that may not be the case for much longer.

The 35-year-old southpaw, whose $4-million club option was declined by the Baltimore Orioles in November, has become extremely popular recently as FanSided’s Robert Murray reports his market has begun to materialize.

Coloumbe pitched fairly well for the O’s in 2024, posting a 2.12 ERA and 2.83 FIP with 32 strikeouts in 29.2 innings across 33 relief appearances. He also converted one save for the club, the third of his 10-year major league career.

Of course, his biggest strength is neutralizing left-handed batters, which he’s done exceptionally over the previous two seasons, recording a 1.10 ERA and 2.21 FIP with a .242 OPP wOBA and a very respectable 16.8-per-cent strikeout-to-walk rate difference (K-BB%).

The Blue Jays are among several logical destinations for Coloumbe, considering Brendon Little is currently projected to be the club’s lone lefty in the bullpen next season. Beyond him, Easton Lucas and Josh Walker are the only other southpaw relief arms on the 40-man roster, with prospect Mason Fluharty (Rule 5-eligible next winter) serving as triple-A depth.

Andrew Chafin would be another potential target for the ‘pen if Coloumbe signs elsewhere.