MLB Free Agency Rumors, Buzz: Mets Agree To Trade For Luis Robert Jr.

Does it feel warm here to you? 

We’re now into the hot stove season with MLB free agency and big offseason trades expected to happen.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays played a World Series classic, and the winter meetings have passed.

Now we’re keeping track of players who may be on the move, manager comings and goings, and other buzz from around the majors.

Jan. 20

Mets make trade

The New York Mets have agreed to terms on a trade to acquire Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr., according to a report from ESPN. The White Sox will receive infielder Luisangel Acuña and right-handed pitcher Truman Pauley, per the report.

Phillies appear done spending

Philadelphia president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski expressed to USA Today Sports that the Phillies are “content” with where they are and likely done making substantial moves this offseason. Thus far, the Phillies have, most notably, re-signed designated hitter/outfielder Kyle Schwarber (five-year, $150 million deal) and catcher J.T. Realmuto (three-year, $45 million deal). They’ve also added outfielder Adolis Garcia (one-year, $10 million deal) and reliever Brad Keller (two-year, $22 million deal), among other moves. That said, they lost left-hander and 2024 All-Star Ranger Suarez to the Boston Red Sox on a five-year, $130 million deal.

Philadelphia is coming off a 96-66 that saw it win the NL East for a second consecutive season but lose in four games to the eventual-World Series-champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Division Series.

Jan. 15

Elly De La Cruz previously turned down extension

Last spring, the Cincinnati Reds offered De La Cruz an extension that would’ve been the largest contract in franchise history, but the shortstop rejected it, per MLB.com. The largest contract in Reds history was a 10-year, $225 million contract given to first baseman Joey Votto. De La Cruz, an All-Star in each of his first two complete MLB seasons (2024-25), totaled 22 home runs, 86 RBIs, 37 stolen bases and 3.6 wins above replacement last season, while posting .264/.336/.440. The year prior, he posted 5.2 wins above replacement and led the National League with 67 stolen bases.

Jan. 14

Red Sox sign Ranger Suarez

Left-hander Ranger Suarez and the Boston Red Sox agreed Wednesday to a $130 million, five-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced.

An All-Star in 2024, Suárez had spent his entire professional career with the Philadelphia Phillies after signing at age 16 in April 2012. The 30-year-old from Venezuela pitched out of the bullpen early on but has been a steady performer and mostly a reliable winner since moving into the rotation exclusively in 2022.

He was 12-8 with a 3.20 ERA last season in 26 starts covering a career-high 157.1 innings, then became a free agent for the first time and turned down a $22,025,000 qualifying offer from Philadelphia in November. Suárez has been outstanding on the mound in postseason play, too, going 4-1 with a 1.48 ERA and one save in eight starts and three relief appearances totaling 42.2 innings.

Back trouble has been an issue occasionally. Three times in the past four seasons Suárez spent time on the IL for lower back spasms, soreness or stiffness. He joins a rotation projected to include left-hander Garrett Crochet, right-handers Sonny Gray and Brayan Bello along with possibly right-hander Tanner Houck.

Because Suárez turned down the qualifying offer, the Phillies get an additional draft pick after the fourth round of the amateur draft this July as compensation.

Jan. 13

Blue Jays make long-term offer to Kyle Tucker

Though no specific terms are available, the defending American League champion Blue Jays have reportedly made a long-term offer to top free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker, per ESPN. 

Toronto, which lost to the Dodgers in the 2025 World Series – the Blue Jays’ first appearance in the Fall Classic since 1993 – has already added starting pitcher Dylan Cease (seven years, $210 million), posted Nippon Professional Baseball third baseman Kazuma Okamoto (four years, $60 million), starter Cody Ponce (three years, $30 million) and reliever Tyler Rogers (three years, $37 million) this offseason. That is in addition to full seasons of former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber – acquired at the trade deadline last July – and postseason hero and rookie Trey Yesavage – to look forward to in the rotation. 

Bringing Tucker into that mix would further improve both the team’s lineup and defense, while replacing what could be the lost production of shortstop Bo Bichette, given he remains a free agent and the presence of Okamoto complicates his return.

Mets Offer Tucker $50M Deal?

You can never count out Mets owner Steve Cohen during the offseason. 

All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, our top-ranked available free agent, has been linked with some of MLB’s top teams, including the Mets, Dodgers, and Blue Jays. Now the Mets are apparently offering him a short-term $50 million deal, according to FanSided and other outlets. 

Tucker had an uncharacteristically lackluster season with the Cubs where he hit .266/.377/.464 with 22 home runs and 73 RBI while dealing with a finger injury. But he’ll still command top dollar on the free agent market. Tucker has widely projected to sign a long-term contract worth at least $400 million, seeking to land a $40 million-plus average annual value that puts him in the stratosphere of Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Aaron Judge.

The New York Yankees are bolstering their bullpen after agreeing to a deal for Miami Marlins lefty Ryan Weathers, per multiple reports. The Marlins will reportedly receive four minor leaguers in exchange for Weathers.

The seventh overall pick in 2018, Weathers battled injuries in 2025 en route to recording a 3.99 ERA with 37 strikeouts in 38.1 innings of work across eight games for the Marlins.

Royals moving in outfield fences

Kansas City is moving the bulk of its outfield fence at Kauffman Stadium, its home ballpark, in by 10 feet, according to ESPN. The Royals are expected to shorten the power alleys and both respective outfield ranges by 10 feet but will keep center field at 410 feet and both foul poles in their current position.

“We want a neutral ballpark where if you hit a ball well, it should be a home run,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said, per ESPN. “The second they start feeling like they can’t get the ball out of the ballpark, they start changing their swing. I watched it for years and years and years, and I just felt like this is the time to try to push it and see if everything we felt for however many years is accurate.”

Jan. 9

Marte to Stay with Diamondbacks

Three-time All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte will stay with the Diamondbacks, according to Ken Rosenthal. 

Arizona had reportedly entertained offers for Marte throughout last season and this winter wanted to streamline its $195 million payroll from last year. Marte had another solid season for the Diamondbacks in 2025, hitting .283 with 28 home runs, 72 RBIs, and an .893 OPS while earning his third All-Star nod and a Silver Slugger award.

Among the teams that were reportedly interested in trading for Marte – a versatile position player who has logged time at second base, shortstop, and center field — including the Marlins and the Red Sox. 

Marte had been on Boston’s list of potential additions as that team tries to reinforce its infield options, which has already included acquiring first baseman Willson Contreras from the Cardinals. Third baseman Alex Bregman remains unsigned while Bo Bichette – a key piece of the Blue Jays’ run to the World Series – is also a highly coveted free agent. 

Jan. 8

Arozarena, Luzardo Avoid Arbitration

Of the 166 MLB players who were eligible for arbitration, 148 of them agreed to new deals ahead of Thursday’s deadline. 

Among the 148 striking deals were Seattle outfielder Randy Arozarena ($15.65 million), Cincinnati right-hander Brady Singer ($12.75 million), Baltimore outfielder Taylor Ward ($12,175,000), Philadelphia left-hander Jesus Luzardo ($11 million), Seattle right-hander Logan Gilbert ($10,927,000), Toronto outfielder Daulton Varsho ($10.75 million), and New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Philadelphia third baseman Alec Bohm (both $10.2 million).

Of the 18 players who did not agree, two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal was the most prominent. The ace asked for a record $32 million in salary arbitration while the Detroit Tigers offered the left-hander $19 million. Those without agreements face hearings before three-person panels from Jan. 26 to Feb. 13 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Phillies to Meet with Bichette

Free agent infielder Bo Bichette will meet with the Philadelphia Phillies in the coming days, according to the Athletic. 

The shortstop has been a pivotal piece for the Blue Jays, who fell short in the World Series to the Dodgers. But the market for the two-time All-Star remains high with teams like the Cubs, Red Sox and Dodgers also interested. 

The Phillies would have to make some tough choices if they do pursue Bichette. Namely, they’d likely let catcher J.T. Realmuto walk in free agency and may have to find a trade for third baseman Alec Bohm, who had just agreed to a one-year extension for $10 million. With Trea Turner at shortstop, the hot corner would likely be Bichette’s best fit in the infield. The 27-year-old did play some second base for Toronto during the 2025 season in which he slashed .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs. He was hampered by a knee injury during the final weeks of the regular season and into the postseason. 

Signing Bichette would be costly, as well. He would likely demand a long-term deal of at least $200 million. The Phillies are already going into Opening Day with a $266 million payroll. Starting pitcher Zack Wheeler has a $42 million salary this season and players such as Turner, Bryce Harper, and the recently re-signed Kyle Schwarber all make at least $20 million. 

Jan. 7

Toronto has “increased” its efforts to sign the four-time All-Star, according to The Athletic. Tucker, who spent the 2025 season with the Chicago Cubs after seven seasons with the Houston Astros, totaled 22 home runs, 73 RBIs, 25 stolen bases and 4.6 wins above replacement in 136 regular-season games last year, while posting a .266/.377/.464 slash line.

The defending American League-champion Blue Jays have been as active as any team in MLB this offseason, having already signed starting pitchers Dylan Cease (seven-year, $210 million deal) and Cody Ponce (three-year, $30 million deal), reliever Tyler Rogers (three-year, $37 million deal) and Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto (four-year, $60 million deal).

Cubs adding Marlins RHP Cabrera

The Cubs have reportedly bested the other possible suitors – including the Yankees – for Marlins right-hander Edward Cabrera, per Bleacher Nation. The Yankees were “never close” to completing a trade despite reports of their interest, per the New York Post.

Top outfield prospect Owen Caissie is the centerpiece of the return for the Marlins, along with two other hitting prospects, 22-year-old High-A shortstop Cristian Hernandez and 18-year-old Rookie League third baseman Edgardo DeLeon, per Craig Mish.

Miami had previously targeted Caissie, 23, in past trade talks with Chicago. Caissie has been a top-100 prospect on multiple occasions, debuted in the majors in 2025 and hit .286/.386/.551 with 22 home runs in 99 Triple-A games last season.

Cabrera, who will turn 28 early in the 2026 season, had a bounceback 2025 season, throwing 137.2 innings in 26 starts with a 3.53 ERA. He has been worth at least two wins above replacement in three of the last four years with the Marlins, with 2024 tough season – 4.95 ERA in 96.1 innings – the exception.

The hard-throwing starter averaged 97 mph on his fastballs in 2025, and the Cubs will presumably slot him into the rotation behind Matthew Boyd and Cade Horton, to join a group of starters including Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon and Colin Rea that will fill out the rest of the rotation. In addition, Justin Steele, who posted a 3.10 ERA from 2022-2024 with Chicago, is recovering from Tommy John surgery could could be back by midseason.

While Cabrera did miss time in late-August and September with an elbow sprain, that aforementioned starting depth could help to cover for an injury should Cabrera have a recurrence, or should he experience another IL trip due to blisters.

Jan. 5

Dodgers, Yankees and more looking at Freddy Peralta

It would require a trade – and the Brewers being open to a trade – but a number of teams including the Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox and Braves are looking into acquiring ace right-hander Freddy Peralta from the Brewers, per the Athletic. In addition to those clubs, unnamed “low-revenue clubs that can absorb” Peralta’s salary of $8 million are also in on the righty, as well.

Peralta would require a high return, given that he was worth a career-best 5.5 wins above replacement in 2025 and the Brewers are competing, not tearing down. However, reloading by dealing high-quality players close to leaving for free agency is typical of Milwaukee, as well: for the right return, Peralta could reportedly be had, and that return would include a big-league ready starting pitcher.

Orioles looking to add another starter

While the Orioles have already added Shane Baz and Zach Eflin to their rotation this offseason, they are reportedly in the market for another starter, per the Athletic. Said starter could be acquired by either a trade or through free agency.

As reported by the Athletic, Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez and Zac Gallen all remain free agents even at this late date, but whether or not the Orioles would invest what it takes financially to sign any of them – historically, this Baltimore front office regime avoids long-term and costly deals for pitchers – remains to be seen.

Phillies hire Don Mattingly as bench coach

The Philadelphia Phillies hired former Dodgers and Marlins manager Don Mattingly as a bench coach on Rob Thomson’s staff. Mattingly is reuniting in Philadelphia with his son, Preston, who is Philadelphia’s general manager.

Mattingly will be spending his 23rd straight season as a major league manager and coach, including the last three coaching for the Toronto Blue Jays, who lost World Series Game 7 to the Dodgers.

Mattingly left his role as Toronto’s bench coach under manager John Schneider after the World Series. “Having known Don for years and having worked closely with him in New York, I know that his knowledge of the game and his character make him a great addition to our tremendous coaching staff,’ Thomson said in a statement.

The longtime ex-big leaguer and manager replaced Mike Calitri, who became the Phillies’ major league field coordinator.

Jan. 4

Yankees seek pitching in trade market

The Yankees are looking to add to their starting rotation, and they’re reportedly looking to the trade market for some key targets.

According to The Athletic, Marlins right-hander Edward Cabrera is a topic of discussion. New York has been in contact about a trade for the 27-year-old, who’s under team control for the next three seasons.

Another name to monitor: Brewers ace Freddy Peralta, who’s set to make $8 million in the final year of his contract.

The report notes that Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon and Clarke Schmidt are all going to be unavailable at the start of the season, so the Yankees will need rotation depth.

Jan. 2

Alex Bregman likely staying in Boston?

The Red Sox have made an “aggressive offer” to re-sign Bregman, per ESPN, which provided a prediction that the third baseman will ultimately sign a new pact with Boston. Bregman, who opted out of a three-year, $120 million deal with the Red Sox after one season, has reportedly garnered interest from the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs, among other teams. Last season, Bregman, a three-time All-Star, totaled 18 home runs, 62 RBIs and 3.5 wins above replacement, while posting a .273/.360/.462 slash line in 114 regular-season games.

Dec. 30

Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen provided clarity on rumors surrounding the franchise looking to trade Marte. “I haven’t figured that out yet, but this isn’t going to continue to linger,” Hazen said, per MLB.com. “We need to focus our offseason. Again, my gut this whole time was that [a trade of Marte] wasn’t going to occur, and I feel it appears possible that that’s the case, and we wish to concentrate on different issues we have to do.”

The 32-year-old Marte, a two-time Silver Slugger and three-time All-Star, is coming into the second season of a six-year, $116.5 million contract. Final season, Marte totaled 28 dwelling runs, 72 RBIs and 4.4 wins above substitute in 126 video games, whereas posting a .283/.376/.517 slash line; he missed one month on account of a hamstring damage.

Dec. 28

The O’s are set to convey again a veteran right-hander to their bullpen, agreeing to a one-year deal, $10 million with pitcher Zach Eflin, per MLB.com. Eflin, whose deal features a mutual choice for 2027, joined the Orioles in July 2024 by way of a commerce with the Rays throughout the second 12 months of a three-year, $40 million deal. He struggled via an injury-plagued 2025 marketing campaign, posting 50 strikeouts with a 5.93 ERA over 14 begins.

Dec. 27

The Cubs “have had many conversations” with Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, per 670 The Score. In doing so, they reportedly be a part of the Blue Jays and Diamondbacks because the groups who’re pursuing the three-time All-Star. Bregman, who spent the primary 9 seasons of his MLB profession with the Houston Astros (2016-24), opted out of the second season of a three-year, $120 million cope with the Boston Red Sox. 

Within the 114 regular-season video games that he appeared in final season for Boston, Bregman totaled 18 dwelling runs, 62 RBIs and three.5 wins above substitute, whereas posting a .273/.360/.462 slash line.

Dec. 25

Left fielder Tyler Soderstrom and the Athletics have agreed to an $86 million, seven-year contract, in accordance with an individual with information of the negotiations. The deal features a membership choice for an eighth season, the particular person informed The Related Press on Thursday, talking on situation of anonymity as a result of the settlement has not been finalized.

Soderstrom’s settlement, which is topic to a profitable bodily, accommodates bonus provisions that might elevate its worth to $131 million, the particular person stated.

Soderstrom began 145 of the 158 video games he performed this 12 months — 100 of these begins in left discipline — his first full main league season after making his debut in 2023 and enjoying 45 video games earlier than 61 final 12 months. He batted .276 with 25 dwelling runs and 93 RBIs with 141 strikeouts and 55 walks this previous season.

Drafted twenty sixth general by the A’s in 2020, the 24-year-old Soderstrom has locked in a long-term contract to remain near the place he grew up in Turlock, California. He was on monitor to develop into eligible for arbitration after the 2026 season and at no cost company after the 2029 season.

Dec. 24

The Yankees are a possible vacation spot at no cost agent outfielder Hayes, and are an much more possible dwelling for him ought to one other free agent outfielder, Cody Bellinger, signal someplace moreover New York per the New York Post. The Royals are nonetheless linked to Hays as properly, regardless of including Isaac Collins and Lane Thomas to their outfield, and the Mets have “mentioned” including Hays to their outfield as properly, per the Post. 

Hays hit .266/.315/.453 with 15 dwelling runs in 103 video games for the Reds in 2025, and could be precious because the right-handed portion of a platoon given his profession .282/.340/.479 line in 807 plate appearances in opposition to left-handed pitchers. The Yankees may solely want Hays round if Bellinger – who was a pressure of their lineup a 12 months in the past – finally ends up some other place, however the Royals try to enhance on their poor outfield numbers from final summer time, whereas the Mets have dealt away each Jeff McNeil and Brandon Nimmo this offseason, opening up a possible house for an additional outfielder.

Dec. 22

Polanco expects to play 1B for Mets

Jorge Polanco, signed as a free by the Mets for 2 years and $40 million, each expects to and is able to play first base for New York in 2025 rather than the departed Pete Alonso, regardless of having precisely one pitch of expertise on the place.

Alonso, a fan favourite and a five-time All-Star, left the Mets as a free agent for a $155 million, five-year contract with Baltimore.

“I used to be providing my providers to groups as a primary baseman, second baseman, third baseman, so when the Mets requested if I used to be ready to do this, play a bit of little bit of first, play a bit of bit third, I used to be undoubtedly prepared to do this,” Polanco stated a Zoom information convention.

Requested whether or not he expects first base shall be his main place, Polanco responded: “I’d assume so. … They informed me that I’d be enjoying a superb quantity of first base, however that I may be bouncing round.”

A 32-year-old switch-hitter who has batted .260 in opposition to righties and .270 in opposition to lefties, Polanco was an All-Star in 2019 and set profession bests three years later when he had 33 homers and 98 RBIs. He was primarily a shortstop via 2020 after which a second baseman from 2020-24. Final 12 months, he began largely at designated hitter for the Mariners, who got here inside one win of their first World Series journey.

Dec. 19

Dodgers paying historic tax

Los Angeles has spent at historic ranges lately, and now it is being taxed at historic ranges. The Dodgers lead MLB with a $417,341,608 aggressive steadiness tax and 169,375,768 tax evaluation, according to USA Today Sports. Final season, the Dodgers led MLB with a $350 million payroll, per Spotrac. At current, the Dodgers’ 2026 payroll is first within the sport at $288.5 million.

Giants signal pitcher Adrian Houser

The San Francisco Giants and pitcher Adrian Houser agreed to a two-year deal that additionally features a membership choice for 2028. Houser has a 4.06 ERA in 125 profession begins. He spent final season with the Tampa Bay Rays and the Chicago White Sox, totaling a mixed 8-5 document in 21 begins. Houser might fill the function because the Giants’ fifth beginning pitcher, or he might come out of the bullpen. 

Rays commerce Baz to Orioles

The Orioles acquired right-hander Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday for 4 minor leaguers and a draft choose. The 26-year-old Baz went 10-12 with a 4.87 ERA final season in 31 begins. It was his first full season after Tommy John surgical procedure. He additionally went 4-3 with a 3.06 ERA in 14 begins in 2024.

Baltimore, which landed free agent slugger Pete Alonso with a $155 million contract, can also be making an attempt to remake its pitching employees after a poor 2025 and a commerce that despatched right-hander Grayson Rodriguez to the Los Angeles Angels.

Baz handled elbow issues in 2022 and ultimately wanted Tommy John surgical procedure. He had a $1.45 million wage final season and is more likely to double that for 2026. Baltimore can preserve Baz for at the least three seasons earlier than he would develop into a free agent. 

Within the commerce, the Rays acquired catcher Caden Bodine, outfielder Slater de Brun, right-hander Michael Forret, outfielder Austin Overn and a aggressive steadiness choose (No. 33) in subsequent 12 months’s draft. The 21-year-old Forret went 2-2 with a 1.58 ERA in 74 innings throughout Class A and Double-A in 2025.

Pirates add Brandon Lowe in 3-team commerce

The offense-starved Pittsburgh Pirates lastly made an aggressive offseason transfer, agreeing to accumulate two-time All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe from Tampa Bay as a part of a three-team commerce that additionally consists of the Houston Astros.

The Rays will ship Lowe, left-hander Mason Montgomery and outfielder Jake Mangum to Pittsburgh. The Pirates will deal right-handed pitcher Mike Burrows to Houston. Tampa Bay is buying a pair of prospects from Houston as a part of the deal.

The 31-year-old Lowe, an All-Star in 2019 and 2025, provides the Pirates a veteran bat for a lineup in determined want of some pop to assist a promising younger pitching employees led by Nationwide League Cy Younger Award winner Paul Skenes.

The left-handed Lowe hit .256 with 31 dwelling runs and 83 RBIs for Tampa Bay and now heads to PNC Park, the place the 21-foot-high Clemente Wall in proper discipline might be a tantalizing goal.

Pittsburgh was stated to be pursuing slugger Kyle Schwarber, who opted to remain in Philadelphia. The Pirates did commerce for outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia, who hit 18 homers in Triple-A within the Red Sox group final 12 months.

Dec. 17

Nationals rent new basic supervisor

The Washington Nationals tabbed Ani Kilambi as their subsequent basic supervisor. Kilambi, 31, had been working with NL East division-rival Philadelphia Phillies as their assistant GM earlier than the Nationals employed him. He’ll now assist oversee their rebuild. 

Tigers add nearer Jansen

Nearer Kenley Jansen and the Detroit Tigers finalized an $11 million, one-year contract on Wednesday that features a membership choice for 2026. The 38-year-old right-hander will get a $9 million wage subsequent season and the Tigers maintain a $12 million choice with a $2 million buyout.

Jansen is a four-time All-Star who was NL Reliever of the 12 months in 2016 and 2017. He trails solely Corridor of Famers Mariano Rivera (652), Trevor Hoffman (601) and Lee Smith (478) in saves. Jansen leads lively gamers with 933 appearances, together with 62 final season with the Los Angeles Angels. He was 5-4 with a 2.59 ERA and had 29 saves in 30 possibilities in 2025 after signing a $10 million, one-year cope with the Angels.

The 6-foot-5, 265-pound Jansen helped groups advance to the postseason 10 occasions, together with in 2020 with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. He signed with the Dodgers as a catcher out of Curaçao on the age of 17 in 2004, grew to become a pitcher in 2009 and was with the franchise from 2010-21. He went on to play with the Atlanta Braves for one season, in Boston for 2 years and with the Angels in 2025.

Bichette, a career-long shortstop, is “beginning to inform groups he’d be prepared to maneuver to second base,” according to MLB Network. The 2-time All-Star, who missed the majority of September and the American League playoffs in 2025, performed second base for the Toronto Blue Jays within the World Sequence, which was the primary time that he performed the place on the MLB stage.

Within the common season, Bichette, who led the AL in hits in 2021 and 2022, totaled 18 dwelling runs, 94 RBIs and three.5 wins above replacements in 139 video games, whereas posting a .311/.357/.483 slash line.

Dec. 15

The sidearming right-hander and the American League-champion Blue Jays finalized a $37 million, three-year contract on Monday, which features a 2029 choice. Rogers, 34, is the most recent pitching addition by the Blue Jays, who agreed to a $210 million, seven-year contract with Dylan Cease and a $30 million, three-year cope with Cody Ponce. Rogers leads the majors with 403 appearances and 406.1 aid innings since 2020. He had a 2.76 ERA in 420 video games for the San Francisco Giants (2019-25) and New York Mets (2025).

Mets open to shifting plenty of gamers from infield, rotation

The Mets are “open” to buying and selling infielders Ronny Mauricio, Luisangel Acuna and Mark Vientos, in accordance with the Athletic, after signing Jorge Polanco and buying and selling for Marcus Semien. The Mets have been beforehand rumored to be trying to transfer a number of of these infielders on the 2025 commerce deadline, as properly – including Polanco and Semien to the combo solely intensified their willingness to maneuver them, particularly after Brett Baty’s season, performed primarily at third base, wherein he hit .254/.313/.435 and produced over 3 wins above substitute.

Additionally in accordance with the Athletic, the Mets have engaged in commerce discussions involving multi-position infielder/outfielder Jeff McNeil, in addition to beginning pitchers David Peterson and Kodai Senga. In contrast to the infielders, this seems to be a case of the Mets procuring to see what they might get in return, greater than on account of a enjoying time and roster glut.

Diamondbacks reunite with Kelly on 2-year, $40 million deal

Veteran beginning pitcher Merrill Kelly agreed Sunday to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks on a $40 million, two-year deal, in accordance with an individual aware of the transfer. The particular person spoke to The Related Press on situation of anonymity as a result of the deal has not been introduced and is pending a bodily.

The best-hander spent the primary 6.5 years of his profession with the Diamondbacks earlier than the pending free agent was dealt to the Texas Rangers at this 12 months’s commerce deadline in July. He was good for each groups, ending with a mixed 12-9 document and three.52 ERA.

Kelly’s return to the desert is not an enormous shock contemplating he is a Scottsdale native and performed in faculty at Arizona State.

The fan favourite was a key piece of the staff that went to the World Series in 2023. He had a 12-8 document and a 3.29 ERA that season, including a masterful efficiency in Sport 2 of the World Sequence in opposition to the Rangers, which is the one sport the D-backs would win within the Fall Traditional.

The 37-year-old doesn’t have overpowering stuff however thrives because of a six-pitch combine that retains hitters off steadiness. He has carved out a stable MLB profession regardless of not making his debut till he was 30 in 2019.

Braves Conform to Convey Again Ha-Seong Kim

The Braves and shortstop Ha-Seong Kim have reached an settlement on a one-year, $20 million deal, per a number of experiences. Kim spent the offseason as a free agent after declining the mutual choice in his contract on the finish of the season.

Kim, a 2023 Gold Glove winner with the San Diego Padres, signed a 2-year cope with the Tampa Bay Rays in February however was launched in August after being restricted to 24 video games on account of damage. He was claimed off waivers by Atlanta and crammed in as a starter all through his 24 appearances for the franchise, and completed the season with 5 dwelling runs and 17 RBI in 171 at-bats throughout 48 video games performed. 

Dec. 12

Toronto announced that it has prolonged its president and CEO, Mark Shapiro, on a five-year deal. Shapiro has labored within the Blue Jays’ entrance workplace since 2015. Final season, Toronto gained the American League and reached the World Sequence for the primary time since successful the Fall Traditional in 1993 — previous to shedding a heartbreaking, seven-game sequence to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Toronto gained 94 video games within the 2025 common season, its most in franchise historical past since 1993.

“His imaginative and prescient and management when he got here in set the stage with how he wished us to speculate and construct this staff for the long run,” chair of the Blue Jays and government chair of Rogers Communications Edward Rogers stated in a press release. “It’s one thing he began on his first day. That began with constructing amenities that gamers wish to come to and constructing a tradition the place gamers collaborate and work as a staff. These are intangible issues which are typically more durable to grasp, however he was keen about it.

“His management fashion rubs off on all the staff. You noticed it this previous season, a staff that loved one another, labored extraordinarily onerous and have been nice characters. That begins on the high.”

Dec. 11

Chisholm obtainable for commerce?

The Yankees have “listened” to commerce provides on second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., per ESPN. Chisholm was an All-Star and gained a Silver Slugger in 2025 after batting .242/.332/.481 with a career-high 31 dwelling runs.

Second base is among the most risky positions in the marketplace after the winter conferences, with the likes of Ketel Marte, Brandon Lowe, Chisholm and the Mets’ Jeff McNeil all potentialities to be moved. Given Chisholm’s glorious 2025 marketing campaign, it is possible the Yankees would solely transfer him for a haul to fill holes elsewhere – not solely was he productive on the plate, however he’s additionally heading into his third 12 months of arbitration-eligiblility, so they may have him for a relative discount even when a elevate on final 12 months’s $5.85 million wage is incoming.

Braves signal nearer Suarez

Two-time All-Star reliever Robert Suarez and the Atlanta Braves agreed Thursday to a $45 million, three-year contract. He will get a $13 million wage in 2026 and $16 million in every of the next two seasons.

Suarez will donate 1% of his wage to the Atlanta Braves Basis.

The 34-year-old was 4-6 with 40 saves and a 2.97 ERA this 12 months and has 76 saves over the previous two season. He’s 22-13 with a 2.91 ERA and 77 saves in 4 main league seasons, all with San Diego.

Left-hander Ryan Rolison was designated for task.

Los Angeles has acquired calls in regards to the right-hander and “wouldn’t be against shifting” him, according to ESPN. Glasnow posted a 3.19 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 130 ERA+ within the 2025 common season, however he was restricted to 18 begins on account of a shoulder damage. Then, Glasnow posted a 1.69 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 25 strikeouts in 21.1 innings pitched within the postseason. The Dodgers acquired Glasnow, who was an All-Star in 2024, from the Tampa Bay Rays within the 2023-24 offseason. He is coming into the third season of a five-year, $136.6 million contract.

Jays finalize Ponce deal

Proper-hander Cody Ponce and the AL champion Toronto Blue Jays finalized a $30 million, three-year contract on Thursday. The 31-year-old was 17-1 with a 1.89 ERA for the Hanwha Eagles in South Korea this 12 months. He set league data with 18 strikeouts in a sport in opposition to SSG Landers and 252 for the season. He was chosen the league’s MVP whereas successful a pitching triple crown.

Ponce was chosen by Milwaukee within the second spherical of the 2015 newbie draft and was dealt to Pittsburgh for right-hander Jordan Lyles forward of the 2019 commerce deadline. He was 1-7 with a 5.86 ERA over 5 begins and 15 aid appearances for the Pirates in 2020 and ’21, then pitched in Japan for the Pacific League’s Nippon Ham Fighters (2022-23) and the Rakuten Golden Eagles (2024).

He joins a staff with a rotation projected to incorporate newly signed Dylan Cease together with Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber and Jose Berrios.

Dec. 10

Boston is attention-grabbing in signing Suarez, according to the New York Post. Final season, Suarez totaled a mixed 49 dwelling runs, 118 RBIs and three.6 wins above substitute, whereas posting a .228/.298/.526 slash line in a marketing campaign cut up between the Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks; he then hit three dwelling runs within the postseason for Seattle. The report talked about that the Purple Sox nonetheless have a level of curiosity in re-signing third baseman Alex Bregman, whereas having curiosity in including center infielder Bo Bichette, amongst different infielders. 

Mets lose free agent Alonso to Orioles

The Orioles have reportedly signed free agent first baseman Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155 million contract, per MLB. Alonso provides Baltimore a critical dwelling run menace in the course of their lineup for the foreseeable future: he hit .272/.347/.524 with 38 homers for the Mets in 2025, ending his seven-year run in New York because the franchise chief in dingers with 264.

Alonso and his energy transfer to Baltimore on the proper time for each him and the Orioles, as they moved their fences again in for the 2025 season, and as soon as once more grew to become a park the place right-handed batters might go deep with regularity, as a substitute of one of many hardest stadiums for energy hitters within the sport, because it had been with the fences moved again.

The $155 million contract is the second-largest the Orioles have ever signed a free agent to, behind Chris Davis’ seven-year, $161 million contract that started in 2016. Davis had already been on the Orioles, nevertheless, and was made a free agent after rejecting the qualifying supply, and Alonso’s common annual worth of $31 million is significantly greater than Davis’ $23 million.

The Mets have now misplaced Alonso and nearer Edwin Diaz on consecutive days, after the Dodgers inked their nearer to a three-year, $69 million contract on Tuesday.

Texas has acquired calls about Seager however is not trying to commerce the three-time Silver Slugger, according to The Dallas Morning News. The report famous that the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves are among the many groups which have inquired about Seager, who’s coming into the fifth season of a 10-year, $325 million deal.

The 31-year-old Seager has been restricted by accidents (hamstring, hip and appendectomy points, amongst others) of late, showing in not more than 123 regular-season video games in every of the previous three seasons. Nonetheless, Seager, a five-time All-Star, totaled 21 dwelling runs, 50 RBIs and 6.2 wins above substitute in 102 video games final season, whereas posting a .271/.373/.487 slash line and 16 defensive runs saved at shortstop. 

Dec. 9

Dodgers, Tigers Speaking Skubal Commerce?

The Dodgers are in search of a World Sequence three-peat. They boast a deep rotation with Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and two-way famous person Shohei Ohtani. And so they simply signed one of many sport’s high closers in Edwin Díaz. 

Can they actually pull off a cope with Tigers for two-time AL Cy Younger winner Tarik Skubal? Based on Los Angeles TV outlet KTLA, the “framework is finished” for a blockbuster deal to ship the Skubal out West. However there are holdups to the proposed commerce. First, Tigers possession should log off on it and the Dodgers desire a long-term dedication from Skubal. 

Skubal, 29, is coming into his last season underneath staff management, and the Tigers haven’t dismissed the potential of a commerce. The left-hander’s agent, Scott Boras, stated he’s open to listening to extension provides from Detroit. Over six main league seasons, the two-time All-Star is 54–37 with a 3.08 ERA and 889 strikeouts in 766 2/3 innings.

Purple Sox trying so as to add a number of gamers

Preeminent MLB agent Scott Boras spoke on the winter conferences, and stated that Purple Sox possession has “made it clear to us that they wish to add and enhance past what their roster was final 12 months,” per the Athletic. Based on Boras, Boston, which gained one of many American League’s three Wild Card spots in 2025, has had conversations with him on six or seven gamers. 

The expectation is that the AL East is already higher than it was in 2025 thanks to groups just like the defending AL champion Blue Jays including the likes of beginning pitcher Dylan Stop. If Boston is to maintain up – they completed third within the East, at 89-73, behind the 94-win Blue Jays and Yankees – then they can even want so as to add.

Mets open to shifting David Peterson

The Mets are usually not against buying and selling All-Star pitcher David Peterson, per the Athletic. If they will discover the correct match and return, as they did for outfielder Brandon Nimmo earlier this offseason when he was dealt to the Rangers for Marcus Semien, then New York would haven’t any concern shifting Peterson.

Due to the Nimmo commerce, one of many spots the Mets want to fill is within the outfield – Semien will take over at second base, becoming a member of shortstop Francisco Lindor in a high-potential double-play combo within the center infield.

Peterson, a 6-foot-6 left-hander heading into his age-30 season, posted a 4.22 ERA in 2025 with 8 strikeouts per 9 innings in opposition to 3.5 walks per 9. His ERA was 2.83 via his first 21 begins, earlier than it shot up almost a run-and-a-half over his last 9 video games, wherein he gave up 39 runs in 41.2 innings.

Diaz joins Dodgers bullpen

Nearer Edwin Díaz has agreed to a $69 million, three-year contract with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, an individual aware of the negotiations informed The Related Press. The $23 million common annual worth is a document for a better. Díaz’s settlement consists of deferred funds by the Dodgers, who already owed $1.051 billion in deferred pay to eight gamers from 2028-46.

A 3-time All-Star who turns 32 on March 22, Díaz joins a Dodgers bullpen that struggled final season, inflicting the staff to shift rookie starter Roki Sasaki to nearer within the postseason. Los Angeles relievers had a 4.27 ERA, twenty first among the many 30 groups.

New York ready for his doable departure by agreeing to a $51 million, three-year contract with Devin Williams, who left the crosstown Yankees after one season. Díaz had 28 saves in 31 possibilities final season with a 6-3 document and 1.63 ERA for a disappointing Mets staff that failed to succeed in the playoffs regardless of spending the second-most behind the Dodgers. He struck out 98 in 66 1/3 innings.

Díaz joins a Dodgers bullpen that features left-hander Tanner Scott, who was bothered by elbow irritation in his first season after signing a $72 million, four-year contract. Jack Dreyer, Anthony Banda and Alex Vesia are also within the bullpen.

Phillies prolong Thomson

The Philadelphia Phillies signed supervisor Rob Thomson to a one-year contract extension via the 2027 season after he led the staff to 4 straight journeys to the playoffs.

The 62-year-old Thomson guided the Phillies to the 2022 World Series and the 2023 Nationwide League Championship Sequence and led them in 2024 and 2025 to NL East titles. The Phillies have been eradicated in 4 video games by the World Sequence champion Los Angeles Dodgers within the Nationwide League Division Sequence.

Thomson has led the Phillies to the second-most wins (346) and second-best successful proportion (.580) amongst all staff in MLB, behind solely the Dodgers (368 wins, .616).

He grew to become solely the fourth supervisor in MLB historical past to succeed in the postseason in every of the primary 4 full seasons to start a managerial profession. He joined Dave Roberts, Aaron Boone and Mike Matheny as the one managers to perform the feat. Thomson grew to become solely the third supervisor in Phillies historical past to win consecutive division titles, becoming a member of Charlie Manuel and Danny Ozark.

Dec. 8

Pete Alonso assembly with Purple Sox, Orioles

One of many largest names of the offseason shall be current and assembly with groups on the Winter Conferences in Orlando this week. Pete Alonso plans to fulfill with the Purple Sox and Orioles in Orlando, whereas it is unknown if he has the Mets on his checklist of groups he is assembly with this week, the New York Post reported.

Alonso, who turned 31 on Sunday, opted out of the ultimate 12 months of his contract with the Mets in October. He is in search of a seven-year contract after failing to land a longterm deal final offseason, in accordance with the New York Submit. 

Alonso is the fifth-best free agent this offseason, according to FOX Sports’ MLB free agent rankings. 

Diamondbacks add Soroka

The Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to phrases with right-hander Michael Soroka on a $7.5 million, one-year deal, an individual aware of the deal informed The Related Press on Monday.

The particular person spoke to the AP on situation of anonymity as a result of the deal is pending a bodily.

The 28-year-old Soroka is predicted to bolster the again of the D-backs’ beginning rotation. He was 3-8 with a 4.52 ERA final season, beginning 16 video games for the Washington Nationals earlier than getting traded to the Chicago Cubs, the place he pitched largely out of the bullpen.

A 2019 All-Star with the Atlanta Braves, Soroka was one of many sport’s finest younger pitchers, ending with a 13-4 document and a 2.68 ERA that season. However he tore his proper Achilles twice — as soon as in 2020 and once more in 2021 — which saved him off the mound for greater than two full seasons.

Padres make determination on three pitchers

San Diego Padres supervisor Craig Stammen introduced Monday the staff intends to maintain pitchers Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon and David Morgan within the bullpen and won’t convert them to starters, per ESPN.

The choice figures to have an enormous affect on San Diego’s free company plans, with the staff nonetheless trying to find beginning pitchers after shedding Dylan Cease  to the Blue Jays, Yu Darvish (elbow) out for the 2026 season and free agent Michael King drawing curiosity from a number of groups. 

Rays conform to cope with Steven Matz

The Tampa Bay Rays are set to bolster their bullpen after reaching an settlement with left-hander Steven Matz on a two-year contract, pending a bodily, per ESPN.

Matz, 34, completed the 2025 season with the Boston Purple Sox following a commerce from the St. Louis Cardinals the evening earlier than the MLB commerce deadline. The veteran pitcher began twice for St. Louis and got here out of the bullpen for his different 51 mixed appearances, recording a 3.05 ERA with 59 strikeouts throughout 76 ⅔ innings.

Dec. 6

Pirates making a bid for Kyle Schwarber

A bunch of big-market groups have been linked to star slugger Kyle Schwarber, however a smaller-market staff is throwing its hat into the ring to land him. The Pittsburgh Pirates have made Schwarber a four-year supply that is “virtually definitely” value at the least $100 million in whole cash, FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported for The Athletic. 

Pittsburgh’s reported supply is definitely a shock if you have a look at its payroll. In truth, the Pirates probably signing Schwarber to that reported supply could be an unprecedented second in franchise historical past. Their signing of Francisco Liriano to a three-year, $39 million deal in 2015 is the richest contract they’ve ever given a franchise, at the least by way of whole worth. Outfielder Bryan Reynolds’ eight-year, $106.75 million contract is the one contract the staff has given out that is value at the least $100 million in its historical past. 

Nevertheless, Rosenthal additionally famous that Schwarber is unlikely to signal with the Pirates. His most definitely touchdown spot is believed to be the Philadelphia Phillies, in accordance with Rosenthal, which is the place Schwarber has performed for the final 4 seasons. 

Dec. 5

Red Sox have backup plan

If Boston does not retain star third baseman Alex Bregman, it might pivot to signing shortstop Bo Bichette, according to The Athletic. The report acknowledged that re-signing Bregman is a “precedence” for the Purple Sox however that Bichette is an “intriguing various” ought to they lose Bregman on the open market. 

Bichette, a two-time All-Star, has spent the primary seven seasons of his profession with the Toronto Blue Jays (2019-25), with whom he led the American League in hits in 2021 and 2022. Final season, Bichette totaled 18 dwelling runs and 94 RBIs, whereas posting a .311/.357/.483 slash line in 139 regular-season video games. Bichette missed six weeks on account of a knee damage and returned for the 2025 World Sequence, solely enjoying second base when he noticed the sector.

As for Bregman, the three-time All-Star signed with the Purple Sox after spending the primary 9 seasons of his profession with the Houston Astros (2016-24). He totaled 18 dwelling runs and 62 RBIs, whereas posting a .273/.360/.462 in 114 regular-season video games final season.

Marlins starters drawing main curiosity

Miami has been flooded with commerce requires right-handers Sandy Alcántara, Edward Cabrera and Eury Perez and left-hander David Weathers, per The Athletic. Final season, Alcántara, who gained the 2022 Nationwide League Cy Younger Award and is underneath staff management via 2027, posted a 5.36 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 31 begins; Cabrera, who’s underneath staff management via 2028, posted a 3.53 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 26 begins; Perez, who missed 2024 on account of Tommy John surgical procedure and is underneath staff management via 2029, posted a 4.25 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 20 begins; Weathers, who’s underneath staff management via 2028, posted a 3.99 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 9 begins.

Nationals left-hander a wished man

“Greater than half the league” has referred to as the Nationals about buying and selling for left-hander MacKenzie Gore, per The Athletic. Gore, an All-Star final season, is underneath staff management via 2027. He posted a 4.17 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 185 strikeouts and three wins above substitute in 159.2 innings pitched (30 begins) in 2025 and was acquired by Washington in 2022 as a part of its commerce return from the San Diego Padres for star outfielder Juan Soto.

Dec. 3

Bo Bichette desires to play for Brazil in WBC

Free agent shortstop Bo Bichette is on Brazil’s preliminary roster for the 2026 World Baseball Traditional, per Francys Romero, nevertheless there are potential roadblocks in the way in which of him truly taking part. As famous within the report, Bichette’s enjoying within the WBC should be accepted by no matter staff indicators him as a free agent this offseason, so, at the least hypothetically, stated membership might say no and have him stick round in spring coaching camp as a substitute.

That being stated, as a high free agent, Bichette might additionally make his participation on Brazil’s World Baseball Traditional roster a situation of his agreeing to a deal, which might be a straightforward sufficient premise to simply accept for a membership already prepared to fork over nevertheless a few years and {dollars} it might take to signal him. If Bichette is ready to play for Brazil, he would be a part of his brother, Dante, on the roster.

Bichette hit .311/.357/.483 with 18 dwelling runs and three.5 wins above substitute in an injury-shortened 2025 season. The 27-year-old did not take part within the postseason till the World Sequence, however as soon as there hit .348/.444/.478 throughout its seven video games for the Blue Jays.

Kyle Tucker visits the Toronto Blue Jays

One of many largest fish in MLB’s free-agent market visited the World Sequence runner-ups on Wednesday. Kyle Tucker went to the Toronto Blue Jays’ Dunedin, Florida-based facility to speak to their brass as he considers his future. Tucker performed for the Chicago Cubs final season after spending the primary seven years of his main league profession with the Houston Astros. The slugger slashed .266/.377/.464 final season, and hit 22 dwelling runs in 136 video games. He’s now an unrestricted free agent and might principally choose from the litter for his subsequent vacation spot. On Wednesday, Toronto had its likelihood to promote why it must be Tucker’s vacation spot of selection.

Dodgers, Miguel Rojas conform to one-year extension 

The Dodgers and utility infielder Miguel Rojas agreed to a one-year contract extension value $5.5 million on Wednesday. Rojas was an important a part of Los Angeles’ back-to-back World Sequence run. On this previous Fall Traditional, he hit a game-tying solo dwelling run within the high of the ninth inning in Sport 7. 

Rockies rent veteran exec Byrnes

The Colorado Rockies are bringing in senior vice chairman of baseball operations Josh Byrnes from the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers to develop into their basic supervisor, an individual aware of the choice informed The Related Press on Wednesday, The particular person spoke on situation of anonymity as a result of the choice had not been introduced.

Byrnes will staff once more with Paul DePodesta, who was employed Nov. 7 because the Rockies’ president of baseball operations. The 2 joined forces in Cleveland within the Nineteen Nineties, earlier than DePodesta went to the Oakland Athletics and Byrnes joined the Rockies to work with then-GM Dan O’Dowd.

Byrnes will attempt to flip round a franchise that is coming off a 3rd straight 100-loss season. He is recent off successful a World Sequence with the Dodgers for a second straight season. He additionally was with the Dodgers once they gained in 2020.

The 55-year-old Byrnes is aware of the NL West properly having additionally been within the entrance places of work with the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Diego Padres. He broke into the enterprise as a sophisticated scout in Cleveland. Byrnes was with Boston as an assistant GM when the Red Sox gained the World Sequence in 2004.

White Sox add Anthony Kay for $12 million

Anthony Kay is returning to the main leagues, agreeing to a $12 million, two-year contract with the Chicago White Sox.

The deal for the left-hander features a mutual choice for 2028, in accordance with an individual who confirmed the settlement to The Related Press on Wednesday on situation of anonymity as a result of it was pending a bodily.

The 30-year-old Kay pitched in Japan for the previous two years. He final appeared in an enormous league sport on Oct. 1, 2023, with the New York Mets.

The White Sox completed final within the AL Central this 12 months with a 60-102 document, however that was a 19-game enchancment from the earlier season. They’re hoping to take one other step ahead in 2026 behind a promising group of younger gamers that features Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel and Chase Meidroth.

Kay joins a bullpen that had a 4.16 ERA and a significant league-high 48 losses this 12 months.

Dec. 2

Mets have not moved on from Diaz but

The Mets signed nearer Devin Williams to a three-year, $51 million contract that features a $6 million signing bonus, however that does not imply they’ve shut the door on a reunion with final 12 months’s nearer. Per MLB.com, the Mets are nonetheless attention-grabbing in bringing again Diaz to have each of those pitchers on the again finish of their bullpen.

There’s a potential roadblock, nevertheless, per the Athletic: Diaz is in search of a five-year deal, whereas the Mets want to preserve it to a few, as they did for Williams. As well as, the Mets aren’t working inside a limitless finances framework, regardless of their willingness to spend: as is, the Athletic experiences that $15 million of Williams’ deal is deferred, which reduces its common annual worth so far as luxurious tax calculations are involved – that additionally means, although, that there’s potential room within the finances for Diaz, too.

Contreras extra open to waiving no-trade clause

The Cardinals are altering path underneath Chaim Bloom, and have already traded away Sonny Gray to sign as a lot. It is doable that Willson Contreras might be subsequent, as he’s now extra open to waiving his full no-trade clause to depart St. Louis, per the Athletic.

Contreras didn’t catch in any respect in 2025, however did play 120 video games at first base and 15 as a delegated hitter for the Cardinals. He hit .257/.344/.447 with 20 dwelling runs and 52 extra-base hits in 135 video games whereas producing 2.5 wins above substitute.

He has at the least two years left on his cope with the Cardinals, and is owed $18 million in 2026 and $18.5 million in 2027. For the 2028 season, St. Louis holds a $17.5 million membership choice that comes with a $5 million buyout hooked up. Contreras is coming into his age-34 season, and could be 36 by the point of that choice determination.

The Athletic experiences that buying and selling Contreras is just not one thing the Cardinals really feel they completely must do, but when they discover the proper return then might deal him to open up first base for Alec Burleson, who performed there when Contreras didn’t in 2025, in addition to within the nook outfield spots and at DH.

Dec. 1

Ponce set for an enormous payday? 

A right-handed starter who hasn’t pitched in MLB since 2021 could also be set for a return and a profitable deal.

Cody Ponce final performed within the majors since 2021, however The Athletic experiences that the previous Pirates man might demand a multi-year deal for at the least $30 million, and probably in extra of $40 million. The earlier excessive for a pitcher coming back from South Korea was the two-year, $15 million deal that Erick Fedde signed with the Chicago White Sox previous to the 2024 season.

Ponce 17-1 with the Hanwha Eagles within the KBO final season, winninv MVP and finest beginning pitcher honors.  He had beforehand spent three years in Japan which included a no-hitter in 2022. In his sole season in Pittsburgh, Ponce went 1–7 with a 5.86 ERA.

Nov. 26

Rendon, Angels Speaking Buyout

Anthony Rendon is more likely to retire if he and the Angels attain an settlement on a buyout deal, in accordance with ESPN. If it involves fruition, it’ll enable the Angels to maneuver from the veteran third baseman and the seven-year, $245 million deal that by no means reached its lofty expectations. 

Rendon has not performed for the reason that 2024 season, having missed the whole lot of the 2025 marketing campaign after hip surgical procedure. After signing with the Angels in 2019 following his World Sequence triumph with the Nationals, Rendon didn’t play greater than 58 video games in any subsequent season. He had a seemingly endless checklist of accidents, coupled along with his acknowledged disinterest in truly enjoying baseball.

The Angels, underneath new supervisor Kurt Suzuki, will look to get monetary flexibility and goal for a reset if Rendon’s contract is off the books. The staff has not made the playoffs since 2014 and never gained a sequence since 2009. 

Perez and the Miami Marlins are anticipated to proceed talks concerning a possible extension for the 22-year-old beginning pitcher this offseason, per MLB.com. A former esteemed prospect in Miami’s system, Perez has flashed the power to be an influence pitcher who posts strikeouts at a excessive price. The 6-foot-8 Perez made his MLB debut in 2023 however missed the 2024 season on account of Tommy John surgical procedure; he returned in 2025. Throughout his two seasons pitching on the MLB stage, Perez has recorded a 3.71 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 106.5 strikeouts in 93.1 innings (19.5 begins) per season.

Nov. 25

Arenado’s Days in St. Louis Numbered?

Following a deal that despatched pitcher Sonny Grey to the Purple Sox, it appears that evidently the Cardinals shall be shifting on from a big-time staple of their lineup. Eight-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado could also be traded or launched forward of the 2026 season, in accordance with ESPN. 

Arenado has two years left on his eight-year, $260 million deal and is owed $42 million throughout that span. The departure of Grey (and his $20 million wage) to Boston signifies that the Cardinals might be trying to shave additional wage within the winter. However Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom informed reporters on Tuesday {that a} straight-up launch of Arenado is “not an choice.”

Skenes earns document pre-arb bonus

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes acquired a document $3,436,343 from this 12 months’s pre-arbitration bonus pool, elevating his two-year whole to $5,588,400 underneath the initiative to direct more cash to high youthful gamers.

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sanchez was second at $2,678,437, adopted by Houston Astros pitcher Hunter Brown at $2,206,538, Seattle pitcher Bryan Woo at $1,540,676 and Arizona outfielder Corbin Carroll at $1,341,674, in accordance with figures compiled by Main League Baseball and the gamers’ affiliation.

Additionally topping $1 million have been Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz at $1,297,017, Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong at $1,206,207, Athletics catcher Drake Baldwin at $1,175,583, Milwaukee second baseman Brice Turang at $1,155,884 and Tampa Bay third baseman Junior Caminero at $1,068,739.

MLB and the union agreed to the $50 million annual pool of their March 2022 labor settlement.

Nov. 23

Semien joins Mets as Rangers proceed overhaul

The Texas Rangers are going to overtake their roster and say goodbye to items of their 2023 World Sequence title staff. 

On Sunday, the Rangers agreed on a commerce that might ship Gold Glove second baseman Marcus Semien to the New York Mets in alternate for outfielder Brandon Nimmo, in accordance with a number of media experiences. 

Nimmo, who is predicted to waive his no-trade clause who has performed all 10 of his huge league seasons with the Mets, simply accomplished the third season of the $162 million, eight-year contract he bought after changing into a free agent for the primary time after the 2022 season. The 32-year-old left-handed hitter is due annual salaries of $20.25 million every season via 2030, and can get a further $1 million from the Mets for waiving the no-trade provision.

Semien has three seasons and $72 million remaining on the $175 million, seven-year contract he signed with the Rangers in December 2021. That was on the similar time they, additionally in free company, added World Sequence MVP shortstop Corey Seager on a $325 million, 10-year contract.

Nov. 21

Dodgers execs to advise Lakers entrance workplace

Shohei to Showtime? Not precisely, however the ties between the Dodgers and Lakers are additional deepening.  

Two key executives with the Dodgers have began advisory roles with the Lakers as a part of the possession transition from the Buss household to Mark Walter, in accordance with ESPN. Walter already is the controlling proprietor of the Dodgers and can consolidate his sports activities holdings into his TWG Sports activities firm. As such, Dodgers execs Farhan Zaidi and Andrew Friedman have begun to advise on the NBA franchise. 

Rangers trio from ’23 title staff now free brokers 

The Bombi period is finished in Texas as Adolis Garcia was non-tendered by the Rangers, the staff introduced. The outfielder has seen his type on the plate dip since serving to the staff win its solely World Sequence in 2023. This 12 months, the 32-year-old Garcia (who gained the World Sequence MVP in 2023) hit simply .227 with 19 dwelling runs and a .665 OPS. García was reportedly set to earn $12.1 million in last season of arbitration earlier than hitting the free agent market in 2026.

Along with Garcia, the staff additionally introduced catcher Jonah Heim can even not be retained. Heim, 30, had 14 hits and three dwelling runs in that 2023 postseason run (wherein he was named an All-Star) but in addition had a dip in efficiency since then. Reliever Josh Sborz, who bought the ultimate seven outs of the World Sequence-clinching victory in Sport 5 in opposition to Arizona, was additionally non-tendered.

With a brand new supervisor in Skip Schumaker after Bruce Bochy determined to half methods, it appears that evidently the Rangers are flipping the web page all through the roster as they give the impression of being to return to the postseason. 

South Korea’s Sung-mun Track posted

South Korean infielder Sung-mun Track is coming into Main League Baseball’s posting system and shall be obtainable for groups to signal from Saturday via Dec. 21.

Track hit .315 with a career-high 26 homers and 90 RBIs this 12 months for South Korea’s Kiwoom Heroes. Primarily a 3rd baseman, the 29-year-old left-handed hitter has a .284 common with 80 homers and 454 RBIs in 9 seasons with Nexen (2015-17, 2018) and Kiwoom (2021-25).

Whereas the posting interval for gamers from Japanese golf equipment is 45 days, it’s 30 days for gamers from South Korean groups.

Underneath MLB’s posting settlement with the KBO League, the posting charge could be 20% of the primary $25 million of a significant league contract, together with earned bonuses and choices. The proportion drops to 17.5% of the subsequent $25 million and 15% of any quantity over $50 million. There could be a supplemental charge of 15% of any earned bonuses, wage escalators and exercised choices.

Nov. 20

Purple Sox, Wong conform to phrases

Catcher Connor Wong and the Boston Red Sox agreed Thursday to a one-year deal for $1,375,000, a day forward of the deadline for groups to supply 2026 contracts to unsigned gamers on their 40-man rosters.

Wong can earn a further $75,000 in efficiency bonuses for plate appearances: $25,000 every for 250, 300 and 350.

A 29-year-old who has made occasional appearances at first, second, third and the outfield, Wong hit .190 with eight doubles and 7 RBIs in 63 video games final season that included 52 begins at catcher.

Obtained from the Los Angeles Dodgers, Wong has a .245 profession common with 23 homers and 103 RBIs in 348 video games over 5 main league seasons. He was on monitor to be eligible for wage arbitration for the primary time if tendered a contract.

Astros making an attempt to remain underneath luxurious tax

Houston Astros proprietor Jim Crane does not wish to cross the posh tax threshold and pay the related penalties, per The Athletic. A part of the rationale that the staff traded Mauricio Dubon to the Braves for Nick Allen was due to these considerations: Dubon is coming into his third 12 months of arbitration eligibility after incomes $5 million in 2025, whereas Allen is coming into his first 12 months of arbitration and made $780,000 final season.

The Astros started the offseason already $20 million underneath the posh tax threshold, however at the moment are nearer to $36 million underneath that stage, per the Athletic’s calculations. As they should add rotation assist – ace Framber Valdez is a free agent, to allow them to’t simply run again final 12 months’s employees – and probably one other bat, they wanted room to take action whereas staying underneath the posh tax. Whether or not there are extra cuts to come back stays to be seen. 

Nov. 18

Schwarber, Tucker Reject Qualifying Affords

Some huge superstars are going to maintain their free company choices open after turning down the qualifying provides (one-year offers for $22.025 million) from their groups – together with Phillies duo Kyle Schwarber and Ranger Suarez. 

Each these gamers rank in the top 10 of our 30 free agents to watch this offseason, as does Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker (ranked No. 1). Additionally within the high 10 to show down qualifying provides are Astros ace Framber Valdez, Blue Jays infielder Bo Bichette, and Mets nearer Edwin Diaz. Padres pitching duo Dylan Stop and Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen additionally turned down the qualifying provides. 

All are nonetheless free to signal again with their former groups. But when they go away for an additional membership, their former group will get draft choose compensation. 

Three different gamers – Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham, Tigers infielder Gleyber Torres, Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff, and Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga – did settle for their groups’ respective provides for that quantity. 

Mets minimize ties with veteran starter

The Mets designated right-hander Frankie Montas for task and requested waivers for his unconditional launch. Montas had one season remaining on a two-year, $34 million deal. The veteran right-hander missed the primary three months of the 2025 season on account of a lat damage and the ultimate six weeks of the common season on account of an elbow damage. Within the 9 appearances/seven begins that he made, Montas posted a 6.28 ERA, 1.60 WHIP and -0.6 wins above substitute in 38.2 innings pitched.

Altuve undergoes minor surgical procedure

Astros outfielder, designated hitter and second baseman Jose Altuve underwent a minor process on his ailing foot, however is predicted to be prepared for spring coaching per MLB.com. 

Altuve, in his fifteenth season within the majors, hit .265/.329/.442 in 155 video games, with 26 dwelling runs and 51 extra-base hits. Whereas he started the 12 months with a transfer to the outfield, accidents pressured him again to second base, his earlier place, because the 12 months went on.

Nov. 17

LHP Yarbrough re-signs with Yankees

Left-handed reliever Ryan Yarbrough is signing a one-year, $2.5 million contract to stay with the Yankees, in accordance with ESPN. Yarbrough supplies insurance coverage for supervisor Aaron Boone’s pitching employees, whether or not he stays within the bullpen or does take the mound as a starter. Three Yankees starters – Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt – are all battling long-term arm accidents and are not more likely to begin the season. Yarbrough was within the rotation and the bullpen to make eight begins and 11 aid appearances. 

Kiké Hernández Will get Elbow Surgical procedure

Dodgers utlilty man Kiké Hernández underwent surgical procedure for a left elbow damage that bothered him for a lot of this previous season and he’ll miss subsequent 12 months’s World Baseball Traditional for his native Puerto Rico.The free agent infielder and outfielder didn’t present a timetable for his return.

He had 16 postseason hits in serving to the Dodgers win their second consecutive World Sequence title and his third with the membership. He hit .203 with 10 homers and 35 RBIs throughout the common season.

Padres Hold LHP Hart

Left-hander Kyle Hart is staying with the San Diego Padres, agreeing Monday to a one-year contract that features a membership choice for 2027.

Hart, who turns 33 on Sunday, went 3-3 with a 5.86 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP in six begins and 14 aid appearances for the Padres this 12 months. He started the season because the Padres’ No. 5 starter, frolicked within the minors and returned to San Diego as an efficient reliever down the stretch of the membership’s 90-win season. San Diego had declined a $5 million choice with a $500,000 buyout for subsequent season on Hart, who was chosen the highest pitcher in South Korea whereas pitching for NC Dinos in 2024.

Nov. 16

Naylor’s New Deal: Mariners Hold Slugger

The Seattle Mariners agreed to phrases with first baseman Josh Naylor on a five-year contract, according to ESPN. The transfer retains Naylor, 28, in Seattle months after he joined the membership by way of a deadline commerce with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Naylor was ranked No. 11 in our top 30 free agents to observe this offseason. 

The Mariners completed the 2025 season 90-72 to win their first American League West divisional title since 2001 and reached the AL Championship Sequence earlier than shedding to Toronto. 

Nov. 13

Mets GM: We might love Alonso, Diaz to return

Pete Alonso opted out of the two-year, $54 million deal he signed with the Mets earlier this month and the All-Star slugger continues to be within the combine to return to Queens. However in accordance with the New York Post, the primary baseman can have loads of suitors. It is even bought MLB superagent Scott Boras doing a trademark quip for his shopper. 

“There’s little question Pete’s pursuers are primed to pay the ability piper,” Boras alliterated on the GM conferences in Las Vegas on Wednesday. “Pete picked an ideal interval to play preeminently at a main place. A playoff parched plethora will pounce to take part within the Polar Plunge.”

So it feels like there’s a marketplace for the five-time All-Star, who ranks as the fifth-best free agent on our offseason checklist. The identical goes for nearer Edwin Diaz (ranked No. 10 on our list), who additionally opted out of his deal and is predicted to be among the many most closely pursued relievers in free company. 

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns stated: “We love each Pete and Edwin. They have been nice representatives of the group … We might like to have them each again. At this stage of the offseason, it’s actually powerful to foretell any outcomes, however definitely, we’d like to have each these guys again.”

Nov. 11

Final month, Philadelphia president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski stated that Harper “did not have an elite season” in 2025 and the Phillies “guess” they will “solely discover out if he turns into elite, or he continues to be good.” Harper, a two-time Nationwide League MVP, stated he was “upset” by these feedback. 

“I’ve spoken to him,” Dombrowski stated at MLB’s basic supervisor conferences of his feedback about Harper, according to ESPN. “We had a pleasant dialog. Every thing went properly.”

Final season, Harper totaled 27 dwelling runs, 75 RBIs and three.1 WAR, whereas posting a .261/.357/.487 slash line in 132 regular-season video games.

Dodgers occupied with Devin Williams

Yankees nearer Devin Williams is a free agent following a tough 2025 season with New York, wherein posted a 4.79 ERA – over 3.5 runs greater than his 2024 determine with the Brewers – and by no means grew to become totally dependable for them behind their bullpen. Reportedly, that hasn’t stopped the Dodgers from eager to convey Williams on board, per the Athletic.

The Dodgers reportedly wished to commerce for Williams on the time that Milwaukee was procuring him, however he ended up going to the Yankees as a substitute. Given his current struggles, Williams may not be a high-cost acquisition in the way in which that Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates have been for the Dodgers final offseason, when Los Angeles spent almost $90 million to accumulate the pair of relievers.

Pittsburgh Pirates basic supervisor Ben Cherington expressed that Skenes “goes to be a Pirate in 2026,” per FanSided. Final season, Skenes, an All-Star in every of his first two MLB seasons, recorded a 1.97 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 216 strikeouts in 187.2 innings pitched (32 begins).

Mets occupied with free agent Cody Bellinger

The Yankees want to reunite with free agent outfielder Cody Bellinger after he opted out of his contract earlier in November, however in accordance with the New York Post, they may face competitors from, amongst different groups, the crosstown Mets.

FOX Sports activities MLB analyst Rowan Kavner positioned Bellinger No. 6 in his free agent rankings, because the veteran outfielder had a resurgent 2025 the place he batted .272/.334/.480 with 29 dwelling runs for the Yankees, whereas producing over 5 wins above substitute. Whereas he has had off years – notably in 2021 and 2022 with the Dodgers, and a letdown followup marketing campaign with the Cubs previous his commerce to New York – Bellinger’s highs are as promising as virtually anybody else on the free agent market this offseason. That the Mets would need him for his or her outfield – which presently options Tyrone Taylor and his .598 OPS from 2025 in middle discipline on the depth chart – is self-explanatory. 

Cubs trying into including beginning pitching

Even with free agent Kyle Tucker doubtlessly leaving Chicago, the Cubs are centered on including to their beginning pitching this offseason. Normal supervisor Carter Hawkins spoke to assembled media on the GM conferences in Las Vegas and stated that the rotation was, “the place probably the most alternative is,” per ESPN.

The Cubs declined their 2026 choice for Shota Imanaga earlier than extending the homer-prone starter a qualifying supply. Their rotation has many arms to select from, however they’re usually on short-term offers, in contract with the extra locked-up lineup. Additionally per ESPN, Chicago has curiosity within the lately posted NPB starter, Tatsuya Imai, to affix their rotation. 

FOX Sports activities’ MLB analyst Rowan Kavner ranked Imai No. 17 in his top-30 free agents, saying that, “He’s not a very huge man, however groups who simply watched Yoshinobu Yamamoto win World Sequence MVP honors may not be scared off by that. Imai continues to get higher yearly, seeing his strikeout price rise and his stroll price decline precipitously.”

Tommy Edman to bear ankle surgical procedure

Los Angeles Dodgers utility participant Tommy Edman can have proper ankle surgical procedure subsequent week, basic supervisor Brandon Gomes informed reporters Tuesday on the Main League Baseball GM conferences.

Gomes stated Edman might be prepared for spring coaching.

Edman has been coping with a nasty ankle since halfway via the 2024 season when he was with St. Louis. He continued to play, was traded to the Dodgers that July and wound up the NL Championship Sequence MVP.

He batted simply .143 on this 12 months’s seven-game World Series victory over Toronto, however Edman made a number of essential defensive performs at second base and middle discipline to assist the Dodgers repeat as champions.

Nov. 10

Japan’s Tatsuya Imai to be posted

Tatsuya Imai is more likely to be the subsequent Japanese pitcher to maneuver to MLB after his staff, the Seibu Lions, stated Monday he shall be made obtainable to groups via the posting course of. A 27-year-old right-hander, Imai was 10-5 with a 1.92 ERA this season, hanging out 178 in 163 2/3 innings.

A 3-time All-Star, he pitched eight innings of a mixed no-hitter in opposition to Fukuoka on April 18. Imai struck out 17 in opposition to Yokohama on June 17, breaking Daisuke Matsuzaka’s prior staff document of 16 from 2004. Imai is 58-45 with a 3.15 ERA in eight seasons with Seibu, hanging out 907 in 963 2/3 innings.

Nov. 6

Rockies enter their “Moneyball” period

The Colorado Rockies are hiring Paul DePodesta of ‘Moneyball’ fame from the NFL’s Cleveland Browns to run baseball operations, an individual with information of the transfer informed The Related Press.

The particular person spoke to the Related Press on situation of anonymity Thursday as a result of the transfer has not been introduced by the staff.

DePodesta, who impressed Jonah Hill’s character within the film “Moneyball,” returns to baseball after almost 10 years with the Cleveland Browns. He was named Cleveland’s Chief Technique Officer on Jan. 5, 2016.

Throughout his almost 20 seasons in Main League Baseball, he was the one government to win divisional titles with 5 completely different organizations — the New York Mets, San Diego Padres, Athletics, Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland. DePodesta was the Dodgers’ basic supervisor throughout the 2004 and 2005 seasons.

Padres rent Craig Stammen as supervisor

The Padres have made their determination for supervisor, and regardless of repeated phrase that Albert Pujols was the frontrunner, they’ve employed former pitcher Craig Stammen for the function. He acquired a three-year contract Thursday to start his first managerial job at any stage of the game.

The longtime right-handed reliever retired from his enjoying profession with the Padres in August 2023, and he spent final season as an assistant to the main league teaching employees and the baseball operations division headed by basic supervisor A.J. Preller.

The 41-year-old Stammen replaces Mike Shildt, who retired Oct. 13 after simply two seasons in cost. The Padres gained at the least 90 video games and made the playoffs in each seasons underneath Shildt, who cited burnout and exhaustion in saying his departure.

“Craig has been a robust presence in our group for almost a decade,” Preller stated in a press release. “He possesses deep organizational information and brings pure management qualities to the supervisor’s chair. As each a participant and in his post-playing profession, Craig has displayed a capability to raise these round him. His power of character, aggressive nature and expertise for bringing folks collectively make him the perfect selection to steer the Padres.”

Cubs decline Turner’s choice

Infielder Justin Turner grew to become a free agent Thursday after the Chicago Cubs declined a $10 million mutual choice.

Turner will obtain a $2 million buyout as a part of a contract that included a $4 million wage this 12 months.

A primary baseman and third baseman who turns 41 on Nov. 23, Turner hit .219 with three homers and 18 RBIs in 80 video games.

Turner is a two-time All-Star and was a 2020 World Sequence champion with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has a .283 common with 201 homers and 832 RBIs in 17 main league seasons with Baltimore (2009-10), the New York Mets (2010-13), the Dodgers (2014-22), Boston (2023), Toronto (2024), Seattle (2024) and the Cubs.

Braves choose up Albies choice

The Atlanta Braves exercised second baseman Ozzie Albies‘ choice on Thursday, whereas declining choices on pitchers Pierce Johnson and Tyler Kinley.

Albies will get a $7 million wage in 2026 for what would be the final season in a deal value $45 million over 9 years. The 28-year-old hit a career-low .240 with 16 homers and 74 RBIs.

Johnson will get a $250,000 buyout fairly than a $7 million wage, finishing a two-year contract guaranteeing $14.25 million. The 34-year-old right-hander was 3-3 with a 3.05 ERA in 65 aid appearances, hanging out 59 in 59 innings.

Kinley receives a $750,000 buyout as a substitute of a $5 million wage. A right-hander who turns 35 in January, Kinley was acquired from Colorado on the commerce deadline. He was 6-3 with a 3.96 ERA in 73 aid appearances, together with 5-0 with a 0.72 ERA in 24 video games for the Braves. Kinley and the Rockies agreed forward of the 2023 season, when he was nonetheless recovering from proper flexor tendon surgical procedure, to a $6.25 million, three-year contract.

Nov. 5

Jorge Polanco declines choice

Jorge Polanco is formally a free agent. The shortstop had the choice to return to the Seattle Mariners, however on Wednesday, he declined his participant choice, which was value $6 million. There’s nonetheless an opportunity the Mariners re-sign him, however his providers at the moment are obtainable to the open market. 

Polanco slashed .265/.326/.495 with 26 dwelling runs and 78 RBIs throughout his second season in Seattle. He hit a walk-off single within the fifteenth inning of Sport 5 of the AL Division Sequence in opposition to the Detroit Tigers. 

Bochy returns to Giants

Bruce Bochy reportedly rejoined the San Francisco Giants as a particular assistant on Wednesday. Bochy was the supervisor in San Francisco from 2007-2019, main the Giants to World Sequence victories in 2010, 2012 and 2014. Bochy briefly retired from managing earlier than returning to the Texas Rangers from 2023-2025. He gained a World Sequence with the Rangers in his first season on the helm. 

However after the Rangers’ moved on this offseason, Bochy returned to San Francisco. He’ll seemingly assist information Giants’ new supervisor Tony Vitello. 

Braves retain Sale

The Braves have reportedly exercised their membership choice on ace left-hander Chris Sale, per ESPN. Atlanta pays Sale $18 million in 2026, earlier than he heads to free company earlier than his age-38 season in 2027. 

The reigning NL Cy Younger winner had a tricky April, posting a 4.84 ERA, however was unimaginable from that time ahead: Sale completed with a 2.58 ERA over 125.2 innings, with a stint on the IL limiting him to 21 begins. Sale struck out 165 batters and averaged 97 pitches and 6 innings per begin. The 15-year veteran will flip 37 in late-March, and can as soon as once more be anticipated to steer the Braves’ rotation.

Nov. 4

Story Continues in Boston

Veteran shortstop Trevor Story won’t choose out of his contract and as a substitute will return to the Purple Sox in 2026, in accordance with ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Story has two years and $55 million remaining on his deal. The membership has had the choice to tack on one other 12 months at $25 million.

Story had a stable season at Fenway with 25 dwelling runs, 96 RBIs and 31 stolen bases in 32 makes an attempt. Story will supply stability to an infield that noticed Alex Bregman choose out of his last two years of his cope with the Purple Sox.

Bieber Stays a Blue Jay

Shane Bieber has opted into his $16 million cope with the Blue Jays, maintaining the previous Cy Younger winner in Toronto for 2026, in accordance with the New York Submit’s Jon Heyman. As a commerce deadline acquisition from the Guardians, Bieber had a 3.57 ERA over seven begins, then a 3.86 ERA in 5 appearances within the postseason. It is a increase for the Blue Jays after shedding to the Dodgers in seven video games within the World Sequence, with Bieber giving himself one other 12 months to reestablish his free company worth. The 30-year-old right-hander is a two-time All-Star and had Tommy John surgical procedure in 2024.  

Flaherty Stays in Detroit

Detroit Tigers right-hander Jack Flaherty declined to choose out of his contract and can return to the staff in 2026 on a $20 million wage, in accordance with ESPN’s Jeff Passan. His return to Detroit helps stabilize the Tigers’ rotation amid neverending rumors about two-time Cy Younger Award winner Tarik Skubal.

Phillies’ Bader to check free company

The Philadelphia Phillies introduced middle fielder Harrison Bader declined his $10 million mutual choice for 2026 and can develop into a free agent. Bader, a 2021 Gold Glove winner with the Cardinals, slashed .277/.347/.449 with 124 hits, 54 RBI and 17 dwelling runs in 146 video games performed in 2025; he performed 50 video games for the Phillies after getting traded from the Twins in July.

Cubs commerce Kittredge; Thompson indicators with Reds

The Cubs have been concerned in a few strikes, buying and selling right-handed reliever Andrew Kittredge again to the Orioles for money concerns. Kittredge had 5 saves after arriving forward of the commerce deadline, with 5 playoff appearances.

The Cubs additionally noticed Keegan Thompson go away for a cope with the Cincinnati Reds agreed Tuesday to a one-year contract that pays $1.3 million whereas within the main leagues and $350,000 whereas within the minors. A 30-year-old right-hander, Thompson was 6-2 with a 4.50 ERA in 5 begins and 28 aid appearances for the Chicago Cubs’ Triple-A staff in Iowa and have become a free agent final month.

Kansas Metropolis introduced it has agreed to phrases on a two-year contract with the veteran catcher that can preserve him underneath contract via the 2027 season. Perez, 36 has spent his total 15-year profession with the Royals, incomes 9 All-Star picks together with back-to-back nods in 2023 and 2024.

Brewers decline choices of Contreras, Hoskins, Quintana

The Milwaukee Brewers are declining the choices of three gamers: first baseman Rhys Hoskins, left-hander Jose Quintana, and two-time All-Star catcher William Contreras. 

Hoskins receives a $4 million buyout that completes a $34 million, two-year contract. Quintana had a $15 million mutual choice and receives a $2 million buyout. Milwaukee additionally declined a $12 million membership choice on two-time All-Star catcher William Contreras, who will get a $100,000 buyout. Contreras could be eligible for arbitration if he’s tendered a 2026 contract by the Nov. 21 deadline. 

Hoskins, 32, batted .237 with a .332 on-base proportion, 12 homers and 43 RBIs in 90 video games this season after exercising his $18 million player option for 2025.. He missed two months with a sprained left thumb, bought moved to a bench function upon his return and was left off the Brewers’ postseason roster.

Muñoz Stays in Seattle

The Seattle Mariners exercised their $6 million membership choice for 2026 on nearer Andres Munoz, basic supervisor Justin Hollander introduced Tuesday. Muñoz, 26, went 3-3 with a 1.73 ERA and a career-high 38 saves, third-most within the main leagues. He didn’t enable any runs in seven postseason innings whereas getting two saves.

Padres’ Darvish to overlook 2026

Proper-hander Yu Darvish will miss the 2026 season with the San Diego Padres after surgical procedure to restore the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow for the second time in his profession. The 39-year-old Darvish additionally bought an inside brace within the surgical procedure carried out final week, the Padres introduced Tuesday.

The five-time All-Star went 5-5 with a 5.38 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP in 15 begins for the Padres final season after lacking the primary three months on account of elbow irritation. Darvish began the decisive Sport 3 of San Diego’s wild card sequence in opposition to the Chicago Cubs, however he took the loss after permitting two runs on 4 hits and failing to document an out within the second inning.

Darvish has accomplished three seasons of the $108 million, six-year contract he agreed to in February 2023 with the Padres, who acquired him earlier than the 2021 season. Darvish led the AL in strikeouts in 2013 and led the NL in victories in 2020.

His damage is a blow to a Padres rotation that was already in flux: Dylan Cease is a free agent, and Michael King grew to become a free agent Monday after declining his choice for 2026.

Pete Alonso opts out

Earlier than the 2025 season, Pete Alonso signed a two-year cope with an choose out after the primary 12 months to return to the Mets after not discovering the main free agent deal he was searching for. And after a high-quality ’25, he has now chosen to make use of that choose out and return to free company.

Alonso acquired $30 million for one season underneath his $54 million, two-year deal and declined a $24 million wage for 2026. The five-time All-Star first baseman, who turns 31 subsequent month, batted .272 with 38 homers, 41 doubles and 126 RBIs, whereas changing into the Mets’ franchise chief in dwelling runs. 

Purple Sox keep away from arbitration, signal Duran

The Red Sox agreed to a $7.75 million, one-year contract with outfielder Jarren Duran on Tuesday to keep away from arbitration for a second straight 12 months. Durran can earn extra efficiency bonuses subsequent season for plate appearances: $25,000 every for 400, 500 and 550.

The 2024 All-Star performed underneath a $3.85 million deal this previous season and earned bonuses totaling $150,000. That deal included an $8 million staff choice for 2026 that’s changed by the brand new contract.

The 29-year-old hit .256 with 16 dwelling runs, 84 RBIs and 24 stolen bases in 2025. His 13 triples led the American League and he ranked third in doubles with 41, and sixth in extra-base hits with 70.

Alex Bregman elects free company

Alex Bregman and the Red Sox agreed to a $120 million, three-year contract in February, and the third baseman has now opted out of that deal to return to the free agent market. He gave up $80 million for 2026 and ’27, of which half annually would have been deferred and payable via 2026. He will get $40 million for his one 12 months with Boston, of which he acquired $20 million this 12 months. He additionally will get a $5 million signing bonus payable on Jan. 15, 2028, and $20 million payable in annual $2 million installments every June 15 beginning in 2035.

He hit .273 with 18 homers and 62 RBIs in 114 video games. A 31-year-old three-time All-Star third baseman, Bregman was sidelined between Might 23 and July 11 by a strained proper quadriceps.

The Chicago Cubs turned down the power to increase Imanaga’s contract to a fifth 12 months and the southpaw subsequently rejected a $15 million participant choice for 2026 and have become a free agent, per ESPN. Throughout his two seasons in Chicago (2024-24), Imanaga, a 2024 All-Star, recorded a mixed 3.28 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 4.5 WAR.

Nov. 3

New O’s Deal for Enns

Dietrich Enns agreed Monday to a one-year contract guaranteeing $2,625,000 that can see keep on with the Orioles.

Enns will get a $2.5 million wage for 2026 and the deal features a $3.5 million staff choice for 2027 with a $125,000 buyout. Enns has the proper to develop into a free agent on the finish of the contract.

Baltimore had a $3 million choice for 2026 as a part of the contract he signed for 2025, which included a $1.25 million wage whereas within the main leagues and a $210,000 wage whereas within the minors. He might have develop into a free agent had the choice been declined.

Enns, 34, made his main league debut with Minnesota in 2017 and pitched for Toronto in 2021. He performed for the Seibu Lions in Japan’s Pacific League in 2022 and ’23 and for the LG Twins in South Korea in 2024, earlier than returning to MLB via Detroit.

Lucas Giolito opts out

Purple Sox starter Lucas Giolito has reportedly declined his half of a mutual choice with the Purple Sox, per the Boston Globe. They’re able to make him a $22 million qualifying supply, which might be greater than the $19 million he was set to make if he exercised his choice for 2026, but in addition considerably lower than Giolito might make on a multi-year deal after posting a 3.41 ERA over 145 innings and 26 begins. Giolito, 31, missed the 2024 season after present process inside brace surgical procedure for {a partially} torn UCL – 2025 is perhaps the one season in a possible three-year deal that the veteran right-hander pitches for the Purple Sox.

Braves promote acquainted face as new supervisor

The Atlanta Braves introduced bench coach Walt Weiss, 61, will function the membership’s new supervisor.  Weiss, who performed 14 seasons and gained a World Sequence as a participant and coach, has been with Atlanta for the reason that 2018 season and beforehand managed the Colorado Rockies for 4 years from 2013 to 2016.

Brewers train Freddy Peralta’s choice

Brewers’ ace Freddy Peralta will stay in Milwaukee for the 2026 season, as they triggered his $8 million membership choice. The Brewers introduced this transfer, together with their declining of catcher Danny Jansen’s mutual choice and right-handed pitcher Brandon Woodruff declining his mutual choice, on Monday.

Peralta led the NL in wins with 17 in 2025, and was value 5.5 wins above substitute. His 2.70 ERA over 176.2 innings performed a major function in Milwaukee’s main the majors in wins and making it to the NLCS, and his choice for 2026 is the final 12 months that he’s underneath contract with the membership.

Gurriel Jr. triggers choice

Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has elected to set off his participant choice for 2026, incomes him $13 million per BeisbolFR. Gurriel had a below-average bat in 2025, hitting .248/.295/.418 with 19 dwelling runs, and can spend a lot of 2026 recovering from the ACL surgical procedure he underwent in September.

This determination additionally locks Gurriel Jr. in for 2027, if the Diamondbacks wish to preserve him round, as there’s a staff choice on his deal for 2027 for $14 million with a $5 million buyout.

Miller Time? Suárez opts out of Padres deal

Are the Padres going to lean on Mason Miller extra as their nearer with Robert Suarez reportedly now deciding to check free company? The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported that Suárez, who led the NL with 40 saves final season, has opted out of his deal that was value $16 million over two remaining years. The 34-year-old  made 70 appearances, sporting a 2.97 ERA throughout 69.2 innings as he earned his second straight All-Star look. 

With Suárez possible getting a much bigger payday, the Padres will possible have Miller be their fundamental ninth-inning choice after buying and selling for the 24-year-old All-Star forward of the deadline. He shined as a reliever however might develop into a part of the beginning rotation in San Diego. 

Marlins promote Gabe Kapler to GM

The Miami Marlins promoted Gabe Kapler to basic supervisor on Monday amid a sequence of entrance workplace strikes, the staff introduced.

Moreover, Frankie Piliere was promoted to vice chairman of newbie forecasting and participant analysis initiatives, and Vinesh Kanthan was moved to senior director of baseball operations.

Kapler would be the membership’s sixth basic supervisor after starting his tenure with the Marlins in 2024 as an assistant GM specializing in participant, teaching and employees improvement.

This previous season, the Marlins’ minor league system made membership historical past with 4 completely different associates reaching the postseason at their respective ranges. That features Jacksonville, which claimed the Triple-A Nationwide Championship.

Kapler spent the earlier six seasons as a supervisor with Philadelphia (2018-19) and San Francisco (2020-23). The Los Angeles-native was additionally the World Series champion Dodgers’ director of participant improvement from 2015-17, throughout which he labored with Marlins supervisor Clayton McCullough.

King, Lorenzen and Garver develop into free brokers

Pitchers Michael King and Michael Lorenzen together with catcher Mitch Garver grew to become free brokers Monday when their mutual choices for 2026 have been declined.

King declined his choice with San Diego, whereas Kansas Metropolis turned down Lorenzen and Seattle declined Garver.

King was assured $7.75 million underneath a one-year contract with San Diego that included a $3.75 million buyout of a $15 million choice. The 30-year-old right-hander was 5-3 with a 3.44 ERA this 12 months, restricted to fifteen begins by stints on the injured checklist for proper shoulder irritation that sidelined him between Might 18 and Aug. 9 and left knee irritation that saved him out between Aug. 9 and Sept. 9.

Lorenzen was assured $7 million in a one-year cope with Kansas Metropolis that included a $1.5 million buyout of a $12 million choice, and he earned a further $1 million in efficiency bonuses for innings and video games pitched. Garver joined Seattle in December 2023 as a free agent with a $24 million, two-year contract that included a $12 million mutual choice with a $1 million buyout. He hit .209 with 9 homers and 30 RBIs this 12 months.

Bellinger, Diaz opt-out

Outfielder Cody Bellinger opted out of his 2026 choice with the Yankees, as did Mets‘ nearer Edwin Diaz, per ESPN. Bellinger had a rebound 12 months for New York after he was traded there by the Cubs within the offseason, batting .272/.334/.480 with 29 dwelling runs – the previous MVP had $25 million and $27.5 million choices for 2026 and 2027, however the 30-year-old will search to finest that as a free agent this offseason.

Diaz produced a 1.63 ERA with 28 saves in 66.1 innings for the Mets in 2025, one in all his higher seasons with New York. He had an $18.5 million choice for 2026, in addition to one other $18.5 million choice for 2027 and one for $20.4 million in 2028. As an alternative, like Bellinger, the 31-year-old Diaz will try and signal an extended, extra profitable pact as a free agent.

POSTSEASON BUZZ

Washington is hiring Rays Senior Director of Participant Improvement Blake Butera to be its new supervisor, per ESPN. The 33-year-old is the youngest MLB supervisor in over 50 years. Butera was with the Rays’ franchise as a supervisor within the minor-league ranks from 2018-22 — coming into the job at simply age 25 because the minor league’s youngest supervisor earlier than altering roles within the group — and was a participant within the system beforehand. The Nationals have not had a successful document or made the playoffs since successful the 2019 World Sequence. Butera is changing interim supervisor Miguel Cairo, who in flip crammed in for Dave Martinez, who had been the Nationals’ supervisor since 2018 earlier than his 2025 dismissal.

Twins to rent new supervisor

Minnesota has picked former bench coach Derek Shelton as its new supervisor, in accordance with a number of experiences. Shelton served as supervisor of the Pirates for five-plus years with an general document of 306-440 earlier than he was fired on Might 8, simply 40 video games into this season. The 55-year-old was the bench coach for the Twins in 2018 and 2019 underneath two completely different managers, Paul Molitor and Rocco Baldelli. With the under-funded Pirates, Shelton by no means completed greater than fourth place within the Nationwide League Central or higher than 76-86. Baldelli was fired the day after the common season ended with a 527-505 document over seven years, plus 3-8 within the postseason. The Twins gained three AL Central titles underneath Baldelli, together with their 101-61 end in 2019 when the rookie skipper gained the AL Supervisor of the 12 months award, however they made the playoffs solely as soon as in his final 5 seasons.

Padres interview Albert Pujols once more

San Diego is that a lot nearer to changing the retired Mike Shildt as supervisor, because the Padres entered their second spherical of interviews, with Albert Pujols being interviewed “for a number of hours,” per the San Diego Union-Tribune. 

Per the New York Post, San Diego has interviewed Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty, Rangers government and former Padres catcher Nick Hundley, Padres pitching coach Ruben Niebla, Padres scout and former Mariners supervisor Scott Servais and Padres third base coach Brian Esposito for the job. The Union-Tribune confirmed Esposito and Niebla, although, neither report is evident on who else moreover Pujols superior to the second spherical.

Whereas Pujols has not managed within the majors or minors, he is set to handle the Dominican Republic within the 2026 World Baseball Classic, and he managed Leones de Escogido within the Dominican Republic, which gained each Dominican League and Caribbean League titles prior to now 12 months. The Angels had prioritized Pujols of their supervisor search at first, earlier than the 2 sides reportedly disagreed on far an excessive amount of in regards to the function to make the connection work. The New York Post reported they’d differing opinions on “coaches, assets and compensation.” Pujols is presently underneath contract with Los Angeles as a part of a post-playing-career “private providers” deal that has him in a particular assistant function.

Bryce Harper commerce chatter making him “really feel uncomfortable”

Harper did not like how the Phillies‘ season ended, and he definitely does not like several speak about any potential huge adjustments in Philadelphia. The famous person slugger helped the staff to the NL East title, however they fell quick of their pursuit of their first World Sequence title since 2008. Harper, who missed time with a wrist damage, hit 27 homers in 132 video games whereas posting an .844 OPS in 2025 — his lowest mark since 2016.

“I’ve given my all to Philly from the beginning,” Harper told The Athletic. “Now there’s commerce discuss? I made each effort to keep away from this. It’s all I heard in D.C. [with the Nationals]. I hated it. It makes me really feel uncomfortable.

“All gamers get harm. I harm my wrist this 12 months and missed a month. After all, I don’t have full-year numbers.”

Harper is six seasons into his 13-year, $330 million cope with the Phillies, which he signed earlier than the 2019 season. 

The feedback come weeks after the Phillies’ president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, mentioned what he considered his star participant’s performances. “He’s nonetheless a high quality participant,” Dombrowski stated on Oct. 16. “He didn’t have an elite season like he has had prior to now, and I suppose we solely discover out if he turns into elite or if he continues to be good. … Can he rise to the subsequent stage once more? I don’t actually know that reply.”

Angels tab new supervisor

The Angels are hiring a former participant of theirs to be their subsequent supervisor. Kurt Suzuki and the staff have agreed to a deal to make him their subsequent supervisor, per multiple reports. Suzuki, who was an MLB catcher for 16 seasons, ended his enjoying profession with the Angels, spending two seasons there earlier than retiring on the finish of the 2022 season. He stayed with the membership after his retirement, working as a particular assistant to basic supervisor Perry Minasian since 2023. 

Previous to Suzuki’s rent, Albert Pujols was considered because the front-runner to get the Angels’ supervisor job. The previous star slugger and the Angels reportedly had disagreements throughout contract talks that have been too sizable to conform to a deal. The Angels have the longest lively non-playoff look streak, failing to succeed in the postseason since 2014. Suzuki shall be tabbed to attempt to change that, however he’ll must attempt to accomplish that with a staff that hasn’t gained 80 video games in a season since 2018. Ron Washington was the Angels’ supervisor for the previous two seasons, stepping down after well being points sidelined him for the second half of the 2025 season. 

The Brewers are anticipated to “at the least discipline provides” for his or her ace, per The Athletic. Peralta, a two-time All-Star, is a free agent after the 2026 season. Within the 2025 common season, Peralta posted a 2.70 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 5.5 WAR and 204 strikeouts in 176 2/3 innings pitched (33 begins). Throughout three postseason begins, the long-time Milwaukee RHP posted a 4.70 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 19 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings pitched (three begins). Milwaukee, which gained an MLB-best 97 video games within the common season, was swept by the Dodgers within the Nationwide League Championship Sequence. 

The Phillies are anticipated to launch Castellanos if they cannot commerce him this coming offseason, per The Athletic. Castellanos, who shall be 34 at the beginning of the 2026 season, is coming into the ultimate season of a five-year, $100 million deal. The best fielder totaled 17 dwelling runs and 72 RBIs within the 2025 common season, whereas posting a .250/.294/.400 slash line; he went 2-for-15 within the postseason.

Famous person outfielder Aaron Judge will not want surgical procedure for his injured elbow, however shortstop Anthony Volpe (shoulder) and left-hander Carlos Rodón (elbow) had surgical procedure for his or her respective accidents, supervisor Aaron Boone shared on Oct. 16. These surgical procedures might doubtlessly preserve Volpe and Rodón out of fee a few of subsequent season. New York, which gained 94 video games this season, was eradicated by the American League East-rival Blue Jays within the AL Division Sequence.

The Red Sox‘s All-Star third baseman is ready to choose out of his contract and develop into a free agent this offseason, per the New York Post. The 31-year-old inked a three-year, $120 million contract in spring coaching that included opt-outs after every season. Bregman earned his third All-Star nod in his first season in Boston, slashing .273/.360/.462 with 18 dwelling runs and 62 RBIs. A quad pressure restricted Bregman to 114 video games performed, however the 10-year veteran is predicted to have loads of suitors, although a return to Boston can also be reportedly nonetheless on the desk.

Detroit basic supervisor Scott Harris stated he prolonged supervisor A.J. Hinch’s contract throughout the 2025 season and insisted possession will present the assets essential to signal ace Skubal to a long-term deal. Harris declined to say how lengthy Hinch is underneath contract. “We wish him to be right here so long as he’s prepared to be right here,” Harris stated. “I wish to work with him so long as I can probably work with him.”

Skubal signed a $10.15 million, one-year contract final offseason — avoiding wage arbitration — and is ready to develop into a free agent after the 2026 season. He gained the AL Cy Younger Award and was the league’s pitching Triple Crown winner in 2024. He adopted that with a career-low 2.21 ERA and a career-high 241 strikeouts and is the front-runner to repeat as winner. Harris insisted staff proprietor Chris Ilitch would assist the group with what is required for payroll, together with what it might take to maintain the 28-year-old lefty long run. “I’ve no considerations about that,” Harris stated.

A current report acknowledged that the Yankees outfielder is predicted to opt out of his contract for subsequent season and develop into a free agent. Whereas Bellinger’s first season with the Yankees was a believable one (29 HRs, 98 RBIs and a .272/.334/.480 slash line) and a long-term pact would make sense for each side, fellow outfielder Trent Grisham — who hit a career-high 34 dwelling runs this season — can also be a free agent. 

Schwarber fought again tears after the Phillies’ Sport 4 loss to the Dodgers within the NLDS as he contemplated not solely the top of the season however his essential offseason determination.

“You simply make lots of completely different relationships within the clubhouse,” Schwarber stated. “You do not know how it may work out. You simply make so many private relationships with these guys … They develop into household. You simply by no means know. These guys all know the way I really feel about them. This can be a premier group and lots of people must be very fortunate that, one, you are enjoying for a staff that tries to win each single 12 months — and you’ve got a fan base that cares and possession that cares.”

Schwarber is predicted to be one of many premier free brokers within the offseason, having hit a career-high 56 homers this season. Phillies catcher Realmuto was much more frank about his offseason determination: “I’m not right here to speak about free company, dude. Don’t ask that query proper now.”

The Related Press contributed to those experiences.

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