Author: MLB Baseball News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

If the Tigers aren't willing to trade Tarik Skubal this offseason, the Mets' best bet when looking to add an impact starting pitcher via trade this offseason could be calling the Brewers about right-hander Freddy Peralta.

And after waffling on the possibility of dealing Peralta, Milwaukee is considering "cracking the door open for trade discussions," reports Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, who notes that interest in Peralta is "significant."

Peralta, 29, is set to make just $8 million this season in what is his final year before free agency. 

The cost-conscious Brewers have made a habit of trading their most valuable players in the final year or two of their deal.

They traded pending free agent Corbin Burnes during the 2023-24 offseason and pending free agent Devin Williams last offseason. At the 2022 trade deadline, the Brewers dealt Josh Hader to the Padres when he still had a year and change of team control remaining.

So Peralta getting moved this offseason would keep with the above philosophy.

For the Mets, Peralta would be a perfect fit atop a rotation that is expected to include Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, Sean Manaea, and David Peterson.

It's unclear what the Brewers would want in exchange for Peralta, but it's fair to believe they would want at least one of New York's highly thought of young starters -- Brandon Sproat or Jonah Tong -- as part of a deal.

Peralta is coming off a phenomenal 2025 season, where he had a career-best 2.70 ERA in 176.2 innings. He posted a 1.07 WHIP, allowed just 124 hits, and struck out 204 batters -- a rate of 10.4 per nine.

Since transitioning in 2021 from mainly a relief option to the starting rotation, Peralta has been one of the best pitchers in baseball. In 139 starts over the last five years, Peralta has a 3.30 ERA and 1.09 WHIP and has fanned 895 batters in 738.1 innings while allowing just 536 hits. He has also been reliable when it comes to taking the ball, tossing 165.2 innings or more reach of the last three seasons.

His ability to miss bats and limit hits is elite, as is his stuff. 

Peralta relies mainly on a four-seam fastball (which he threw 53 percent of the time this past season), a changeup, and a curve. He'll also mix in a slider.

In 2025, his pitching run value graded out in the 97th percentile, via Baseball Savant. And all of his individual pitches were tremendous -- the fastball was in the 84th percentile, the breaking balls were in the 88th percentile, and the changeup was in the 96th percentile. Looking at Peralta's advanced metrics, he was near the top of the league in xERA, xBA, average exit velocity, whiff percentage, strikeout percentage, hard hit percentage, and extension.

If the Mets don't land Peralta, other possibilities on the trade market include Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez of the Twins, Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera of the Marlins, and MacKenzie Gore of the Nationals.

SNY's Joe DeMayo answers your Mets prospect questions...

---

What is your opinion of Elian Peña and what are the chances he is a phenom who could make the major leagues by 20? - @JeopardyJesseC on X

I, and more importantly, the Mets, are incredibly high on Peña, who ranked as the No. 9 prospect in the Mets system in my latest update.

After signing with the Mets for a franchise record $5 million in January, Peña started his pro career in an 0-26 stretch in the Dominican Summer League.

In the remaining 46 games, Peña looked a lot more like the player they thought they were getting. He hit .341/.463/618 (1.081 OPS) with 13 doubles, a triple, nine home runs, 32 RBI, 18 stolen bases and walked more (33) than he struck out (29). He also had two separate three-home run games.

From a tools standpoint, Peña possesses strong bat-to-ball skills with a compact, quick swing and an advanced knowledge of the strike zone. This even dates to prior to him turning professional at either showcases or even in batting practice, where he would refuse to swing at pitches he deemed outside the zone as not to make a habit out of it.

From a power perspective, scouts project him to be above average with a chance for more as he physically matures. There have been public comparisons to multi-time All-Star Rafael Devers.

Peña may have the highest upside of any prospect in the Mets system, and it would not shock me if he cracked top 100 prospect lists in the next 12 months.

Despite that, making the big leagues at 20 years old might be a tall ask. Peña will be 18 years old for the entirety of the 2026 season, where he will come stateside and either play for the Florida Complex League Mets or go straight to Low-A St. Lucie. To make it to the major leagues by 20, he would need to rise through every minor league level in just two years.

Could it happen? I try not to rule anything out, and if there is a prospect who could do it, Peña might be the one. I just think that is an aggressive timeline and leaves little room for error and development. He is an exciting prospect, and it could be a quicker ascent than your typical international free agent signing -- just maybe not to the big leagues in two years.

Could A.J. Ewing make a huge jump on prospect lists this year? - @JahrellC on X

Absolutely. Ewing was the biggest riser in the Mets organization in the calendar year 2025. He just missed making the preseason top 30 list and climbed all the way to No. 6 in my most recent ranking.

In 124 games split between three levels, reaching Double-A, Ewing hit .315/.401/.429 (.830 OPS) with 26 doubles, 10 triples, three home runs and 70 stolen bases.

His offensive profile is tailored to bat-to-ball and limiting swing-and-miss. There was a point in the season when I wondered if Ewing would finish with more stolen bases than strikeouts.

He's currently spraying line drives and utilizing his legs on balls into the gaps. The next step in his development will be adding strength and impacting the baseball more.

As the Mets' farm system continues to grow into one of the best in baseball, Ewing is a prospect who likely will land just outside of top 100 lists when the major publications update those.

If Ewing can improve upon what he did in 2025, I suspect he will find his way into those top 100 lists. And as some prospects graduate from the Mets list, he could find himself very high in a midseason update.

With the Mets recently trading Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers for Marcus Semien -- a move that will lead to aftershocks for New York as the offseason progresses -- the outfield situation is in flux.

What was going to be a straightforward situation in the corner spots, with Nimmo in left andJuan Sotoin right, is now anything but.

In light of the new hole in left field, the Mets can go a number of different ways.

They could go internal, filling left and center with players already on the roster.

They could swing big for one of the left fielders on the free agent market, or turn to someone via trade to play there.

They could also go internal in left and fill center from outside the organization.

Let's break it down...

The Internal Candidates

Before the Nimmo trade, president of baseball operationsDavid Stearns was touting prospectCarson Benge, noting that he would enter spring training with a chance to win the starting center field job.

While Benge might be a better long-term solution in a corner outfield spot, he could obviously be a fit in center to start the 2026 campaign if his bat is deemed ready.

After dominating Double-A Binghamton last season to the tune of a .317/.407/.571 triple slash in 32 games, Benge struggled after being promoted to Triple-A Syracuse -- posting a .583 OPS. He caught fire over the last week of the season, though, reaching base 12 times in his final 31 plate appearances of the season while belting a pair of home runs, a double, and a triple. 

If the Mets go internal in center and Benge isn't ready (or they use him in left field instead), they could theoretically go defense-first and hand the job to Tyrone Taylor.

Taylor's bat was an issue in 2025, as he put up an OPS+ of just 70 after being about average in 2024 (OPS+ of 98). But his defense remained elite. He was worth three Outs Above Average (in the 84th percentile), had an arm value that graded out in the 98th percentile, and his arm strength was also terrific (82nd percentile).

It stands to reason that if the Mets use Taylor as the starting center fielder, they will have upgraded the offense in multiple other spots in order to counterbalance the possible minimal offensive production from center. 

Jett Williams could also be in the mix as an internal option, though it seemed notable that Stearns did not mention him as an Opening Day possibility while discussing Benge's chances of breaking camp. 

That means it's fair to believe Williams wouldn't be viewed as an answer from the jump.

There's also the possibility Williams is traded this offseason, especially now that his potential long-term home of second base is blocked by Semien. 

The External Candidates

If the Mets go the free agent route for a center fielder, the most obvious fit could be Harrison Bader.

Bader had a very good year at the plate for the Twins and Phillies in 2025, hitting .277/.347/.449 with 17 home runs and 24 doubles in 146 games. He was especially strong for Philadelphia down the stretch after being acquired at the trade deadline, posting an .824 OPS in 50 games. He was also elite defensively, worth seven Outs Above Average (in the 92nd percentile).

For the Mets, a reunion with Bader would give them a center fielder with pop and likely result in Taylor being a fourth outfielder -- a role he's better suited for than starting. 

Another option could be signing Cody Bellinger and using him in center field until Benge is deemed ready. But that would seemingly leave left field unsettled.

There are also two very intriguing trade possibilities. 

Luis Robert Jr., whom the Mets had interest in acquiring at last season's trade deadline, is available again. This time around, the White Sox -- who are in a deep rebuild -- are expected to deal him. 

The 28-year-old will earn $20 million in 2026 and has a club option for $20 million for 2027. That means the Mets can easily move on if he doesn't succeed, or easily retain him at a reasonable cost if he excels. 

Robert emerged as one of the best young players in baseball in 2023, posting an .857 OPS and blasting 38 homers in a career-high 145 games. But it's been a struggle for him at the plate since -- he had a .657 OPS in 2024 and .661 OPS in 2025.

The tools, including elite bat speed and an ability to use his plus speed to swipe bases (he had 33 last season) are still there, though. And Robert turned a corner offensively in the second half of the 2025 campaign, slashing .297/.350/.469 in 35 games. But his season ended in late August after he suffered a hamstring strain. 

Twins star Byron Buxton is also reportedly available, but his situation is complicated. 

Buxton has a full no-trade clause, meaning he can veto a trade to any team. 

He's also struggled to stay on the field, playing 100 or more games just three times during his 11-year career -- that includes 126 games last season and 102 in 2024.

When healthy, Buxton is among the most dangerous hitters in baseball and a tremendous defensive center fielder, making him a tantalizing option. 

• Dundee United are winless in their last 11 league meetings with Rangers (D3 L8) since a 1-0 victory in August 2021.
• Rangers have won each of their last three league visits to Dundee United, last winning more in a row in August 2003 (run of five).
• Dundee United have kept just one clean sheet in their last nine home league games (W3 D1 L5), doing so in a 2-0 win over Aberdeen in September.
• Rangers remain unbeaten in their last 17 away league games (W8 D9), their longest run since May 2021, when they went 21 without losing on the road – a run which was ended by Dundee United in August 2021.
• Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin remains winless in 16 Scottish Premiership games against Rangers as a manager (D2 L14) – the only side he has faced more than twice in the competition without yet winning.

Danny Young is staying in the NL East.

The Braves have signed the former Mets reliever to a one-year, split contract. 

Young, of course, was non-tendered by the Mets late last month. 

The southpaw is working his way back from Tommy John, and according to a Will Sammon of the Athletic, he has already resumed throwing. 

He will begin the year on the IL, but is on pace to return at some point in the first half.

Young was limited to just 10 games last season before going down to injury. 

When healthy he put together a bit of an up-and-down tenure in Queens, pitching to 4.50 ERA in 52 outings. 

He’ll now return to Atlanta, where he spent some time during the 2023 campaign. 

Young will also have the opportunity to reunite with former Mets pitching coach Jeremy Hefner. 

With a no-trade clause in his pocket, it was an immediate yes for Sonny Gray when he found out the Cardinals were dealing him to the Red Sox this offseason. 

There were a number of factors that played into the veteran right-hander’s decision to okay the deal, and one of them is the heated rivalry with the Yankees. 

Gray, of course, had a stint to forget after being dealt to the Bronx from the Athletics ahead of the 2017 deadline. 

While he’s grateful for how those struggles helped him grow both on and off the field, he’s extremely excited to team up with one of their most-hated foes this season. 

“It feels good to go to a place where it’s easy to hate the Yankees,” he said. “It’s easy to go out and have that rivalry, and go in full-force, just full steam ahead -- I like the challenge, I appreciate the challenge, I accept the challenge.”

Gray admitted that he never wanted to be dealt to the Big Apple in the first place, and while he was there, he simply felt that he couldn't be himself. 

The 35-year-old ended up being traded to the Reds during the 2019 offseason, and after fighting through some early-season struggles, was able to regain his dominant form, putting together his second All-Star appearance. 

He lasted for three years in Cincy, then enjoyed a two-year stint in Minnesota, and spent the past two seasons with the Cardinals before being dealt to the Sox. 

Though there’s some concern about him back under the bright lights with a big market club, Gray is confident Boston will be the perfect fit for him this time around. 

“I followed along last year," he said. "I felt like it would be a good situation, because I’ve always said I wanted to go to a market that is super competitive, a big market that wants to win -- I know I can thrive in that situation.

“I've wanted another opportunity to prove to myself and just go and be myself, and Boston checked all of the boxes -- it’s a situation that works for me and one that I'm comfortable in, that's what's important for me.”

Giants reportedly were ‘involved' in contract talks for starter Cody Ponce originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Another notable starting pitching option is off the market for the Giants in MLB free agency.

Right-hander Cody Ponce, who has spent the last four years playing overseas and won the 2025 KBO MVP, reportedly has agreed to a three-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays worth $30 million.

San Francisco reportedly was “involved” in talks for Ponce, but his price tag ended up being too steep, The Athletic’s Andrew Baggarly reported Tuesday.

The 31-year-old Ponce has 20 games of MLB experience, pitching to a 5.86 ERA for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2020 and 2021 before spending the next three seasons in Japan. He then moved to the Hanwha Eagles of the KBO in 2025, when he went 17-1 with a 1.89 ERA across 29 starts en route to winning the Choi Dong-won Award — given to the league’s top starting pitcher.

The former second-round pick in the 2015 MLB Draft has Bay Area connections; he is married to 49ers tight end George Kittle’s sister Emma.

Ponce’s signing comes a day after Baggarly reported the Giants “do not anticipate” signing star Japanese righty Tatsuya Imai this offseason. The three-time NPB All-Star is expected to earn a contract worth over $100 million after being posted last month by the Saitama Seibu Lions.

The Blue Jays also already added another big-name free-agent starter, signing Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract last week.

However, even with those names off the board for San Francisco, Buster Posey and the Giants’ front office still have options in the starting pitching market — namely Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer, who both pitched for Toronto’s AL pennant-winning roster in 2025.

Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast

On the latest episode of The Mets Pod presented by Tri-State Cadillac, Connor Rogers and Joe DeMayo react to the news that the Mets agreed to a deal with reliever Devin Williams, while delivering a full preview of next week’s MLB Winter Meetings. 

First up, the guys look at the deal for Williams, including what it means for the Mets and the future of Edwin Diaz. 

Later, Connor and Joe dive into stories of friction in the Mets clubhouse, explore trade scenarios surrounding Kodai Senga, break down deals for Dylan Cease and Ryan Helsley, and go Down on the Farm in search of more relief help. 

The show wraps up with a Mailbag featuring questions about Tatsuya Imai, Juan Soto as DH, Luisangel Acuña, and more. 

Be sure to subscribe to The Mets Pod at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

When the Rangers best defenseman Adam Fox was crushed by Brandon Hagel during the Tampa Bay victory over New York, no member of the home team went after Hagel.

Veteran hockey writer Al Greenberg – watching from The Garden press box – told me that he was disappointed that not a single revengeful move was made.

It was interpreted by Greenberg – and many others – that the non-reaction was a signal that the Rangers lack toughness. But upon further review, no retaliation was in order because the Hagel hit is the kind sanctioned by the National Hockey League.

Because it was completely and eminently legal; a perfect hit, as a matter of fact.

It was the kind of clean bodycheck that historic Rangers defensemen such as Bill Juzda, Bill 

Moe, and Bill Gadsby – right up to Ryan Lindgren and Jacob Trouba – have delivered.

How can anyone take issue with Hagel?

1. His stick was down.

2. He made contact with good posture. 

3. He finished through the hands and arms.

4. It was well-executed just as you'd find in a reputable hockey manual.

5. If a hit is to be finished; Hagel showed how.

Too often, clean hits that do damage to a foe inspire retaliation no matter what because of emotion not reason. One veteran Rangers fan I know insisted that – in his eyes – legal hit or not, didn't matter to him. "Get back at Hagel" was his theme.

Are The Rangers Really Trying Hard Enough For Coach Sullivan?How does one explain the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers">Rangers</a> frustratingly listless effort in a big game against the formidable Tampa Bay Lightning?

As for those who claim the Rangers are too soft, Sam Carrick has proven otherwise as well as Will Cuylle – plus Matt Rempe when he eventually returns. 

Super scout Jess Rubenstein studies the Rangers as intensely as anyone I know. When The Maven asks him if the Rangers lack toughness, his response intrigues me.

"It's not a lack of toughness," says Rubenstein, "they are emotionally fragile!"

Cole Ragans to Red Sox? Royals ace should be among top trade targets originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Red Sox may not be done bolstering their starting rotation after trading for veteran right-hander Sonny Gray.

According to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe, the Red Sox could shift their attention to Cole Ragans this offseason if the Kansas City Royals opt to move their All-Star left-hander for outfield help. Jarren Duran, who’s widely expected to be moved this winter, could headline the lucrative package going to Kansas City in such a deal.

“For teams that are in the market for high-end starting pitching and willing to deal big league talent to get it, the Royals represent one of the most interesting potential trade partners of the offseason,” Speier wrote. “Kansas City isn’t hiding its willingness to deal a rotation member for an outfielder. ‘Our starting pitching, we have some depth there,’ said Royals general manager J.J. Piccolo. ‘A lot of teams are looking for starting pitching, so if we have what they may be interested in, and they have an outfielder that would be of interest, then there’s potentially the opportunity to make a deal.’

“Is anyone, including left-hander Cole Ragans, off limits? ‘I wouldn’t say off limits,’ said Piccolo, who noted that the Royals were reluctant to deal either Seth Lugo or Michael Wacha after the two veteran right-handers committed to them via free agency. ‘There would have to be a really big return for one (starter) in particular.’

“That starter, of course, is Ragans. Though the Royals would prefer a right-handed-hitting outfielder, they won’t be tethered to the notion — making their considerable interest in Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran at the trade deadline notable.”

While it’s up for debate whether the 36-year-old Gray could be Boston’s No. 2 starter behind Garrett Crochet, Ragans has ace upside. The soon-to-be 28-year-old placed fourth in the 2024 American League Cy Young vote, finishing with a 3.14 ERA and an AL-best 10.8 strikeouts per nine innings. He’s under team control through 2028 after signing a bargain $13.25 million contract extension last year.

That said, there are injury concerns. Ragans missed time last season with groin and rotator cuff ailments, limiting him to only 13 starts (61.1 innings pitched). He posted a 4.67 ERA, though his 2.50 FIP and 14.3 K/9 suggest he still had his Cy Young-caliber stuff.

A first-round draft pick by the Texas Rangers in 2016, Ragans has undergone two Tommy John surgeries — the first in March 2018 and the second in May 2019. His 2024 All-Star campaign marked the only full season in his four-year MLB career.

It would almost certainly take more than just Duran to pry Ragans from the Royals. Similar to last offseason’s Garrett Crochet blockbuster, multiple top prospects would likely have to be involved. Slugging outfielder Jhostynxon “The Password” Garcia, left-hander Connelly Early, and southpaw Payton Tolle are among the Red Sox prospects who could entice Kansas City.

With the Crochet and Gray deals, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has proven willing to part ways with promising prospects in exchange for a “win-now” arm. If Ragans is truly on the trade block, Breslow shouldn’t shy away from making another big splash to upgrade Boston’s rotation from good to great.

With Ragans in the mix, the Red Sox’ rotation would look something like this:

1. Garrett Crochet, LHP
2. Cole Ragans, LHP
3. Sonny Gray, RHP
4. Brayan Bello, RHP
5. Kutter Crawford, RHP

Other possible contributors include Connelly Early, Patrick Sandoval, Payton Tolle, and Hunter Dobbins.

That’s a potentially elite rotation, especially if Bello can build off the best season of his young career. The No. 5 spot would remain a question mark, but that 1-4 could match up against most starting staffs in MLB.

Ragans should be a top trade target for Breslow and the Red Sox. The free-agent market for starting pitching is underwhelming — even more so now that Dylan Cease signed a mega deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. Adding Ragans to the mix and signing a slugger or two would point Boston toward contention again in 2026.

New Red Sox pitcher Sonny Gray has good reason to lean into Yankees hatred originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

If Sonny Gray is trying to win over Boston Red Sox fans, he certainly played the right card Tuesday.

Gray spoke with reporters for the first time since the Red Sox acquired him in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals last week. And right off the bat, the veteran right-hander reminded everyone he needs no introduction to Boston’s fiercest rivalry.

“It feels good to me to go to a place now where, you know what, it’s easy to hate the Yankees, right?” Gray said. “It’s easy to go out and have that rivalry and go in it with full force, full steam ahead.”

As you might expect, there’s context here. The Oakland Athletics dealt Gray to New York at the 2017 MLB trade deadline, and he never really adjusted to the move. While Gray posted a respectable 3.72 ERA (albeit with a 1.255 WHIP) in 11 starts down the stretch of the 2017 season with the Yankees, he regressed significantly in 2018 to the tune of a 4.90 ERA and 1.496 ERA in 30 appearances.

In fact, Gray struggled so much in pinstripes that New York demoted him to the bullpen in August of 2018 while giving his rotation spot to Lance Lynn. Five months later, the Yankees traded Gray to Cincinnati, where he immediately rebounded and became an All-Star for the Reds in 2019.

“It just wasn’t a good situation for me,” Gray said of playing for the Yankees. “It wasn’t a great setup for me and my family. I never wanted to go there in the first place.

“When that was happening, and we were in Oakland and getting traded — that was a long time ago — I never wanted to go there. So then I was there, and it just didn’t really work for who I am.

” … I just wasn’t myself. I just didn’t feel like I was allowed to go out there and be Sonny.”

Newest Red Sox Sonny Gray on his time with the Yankees:

“I never wanted to go there in the first place.”#MLBNHotStovepic.twitter.com/Nz3siNwUpL

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 2, 2025

Now, Gray finds himself on the other side of the rivalry, where he’ll face New York 13 times this upcoming season as a member of the rival Red Sox. And considering Gray’s rough stats at Yankee Stadium — he owns a 6.06 ERA and 1.644 WHIP over 101 career innings in New York — it’s fair to wonder how he’ll fare in the pressure cooker that is the Bronx.

But Gray says he’s stronger now after that rough stint in New York.

“I do appreciate my time there, because … I do feel like the last seven years of my career, my life and everything has been better,” Gray said. “I’ve been a better baseball player, husband, everything from having that experience and going through that.

” … I like the challenge, I appreciate the challenge, I accept the challenge. But this time around, it’s just go out and be yourself.”

The Red Sox’ first series against the Yankees in 2026 begins on April 21, and here’s hoping Gray takes the hill so he can play the villain role vs. New York.

There are generally two trains of thought that have emerged since the Mets traded outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers last month.

The first is that with a corner outfield spot now open, New York is suddenly in position to pursue one of the biggest outfielders available -- whether they do it via free agency or trade.

The second is that since the Mets just created flexibility, they won't necessarily be in a rush to add another potentially big contract right back on the books in the same position -- especially with Carson Benge almost ready for the majors. 

The reality is more nuanced.

Yes, it's fair to wonder if the Mets will go full bore after someone like Kyle Tucker so soon after trading Nimmo.

But it's also reasonable to believe the Mets didn't move on from Nimmo because they didn't want a long deal for any left fielder on their books. They moved on from Nimmo because they didn't believe he was the right fit anymore as he approaches his age-33 season. 

Nimmo's defense had regressed to the point where an issue was developing with New York's overall outfield defense -- which has Juan Sotoin the other outfield corner. And Nimmo's offense, while still above average, has also regressed.

Could the Mets go internal with Benge in left field and Tyrone Taylor in center field? Sure. 

But they could also dive head first into the outfield market. 

Here are the free agent outfielders they should be targeting, ranked...

5. Harrison Bader

Bader had a very good year at the plate for the Twins and Phillies in 2025, hitting .277/.347/.449 with 17 home runs and 24 doubles in 146 games.

He was especially strong for Philadelphia down the stretch after being acquired at the trade deadline, posting an .824 OPS in 50 games. 

Bader was also elite defensively, worth seven Outs Above Average (in the 92nd percentile).

For the Mets, a reunion with Bader would give them a center fielder with pop and likely result in Taylor being a fourth outfielder -- a role he's better suited for than starting. 

4. Adolis Garcia

The free agent crop of outfielders is not deep, nor is it very impressive beyond the top two. That's one of the reasons Garcia, who has struggled badly the last two seasons, is on this list. And he's only available because he was recently non-tendered by the Rangers. 

Offensively, Garcia still hits the ball very hard -- his average exit velocity was in the 89th percentile this past season. But his other advanced offensive metrics were ugly. 

He provides serious value elsewhere, though.

Garcia is a strong base runner, is an above average outfielder when it comes to range, and has one of the best arms in baseball.

If the Mets think Garcia's bat can bounce back, he could make sense as a low-risk. high-reward move. 

3. Rob Refsnyder

SNY contributor Joe DeMayo recently mentioned Refsnyder as one of the better under-the-radar options for the Mets this offseason.

And if he's paired with a left-handed hitting platoon partner, Refsnyder could be a nice fit.

For the Red Sox this past season, Refsnyder mashed left-handed pitching, slashing .302/.399/.560 in 138 plate appearances.

Defensively, Refsnyder's range was a tick below average, but his arm continued to be a strength. 

Now, a caveat: In a world where the Mets sign Garcia, Bader, or Refsnyder as a main outfield move, it would have to be in conjunction with big swings elsewhere on the roster -- at first base, designated hitter, and/or third base. 

2. Kyle Tucker

The most impactful offensive player available via free agency this offseason, Tucker is expected to get a deal worth more than $300 million.

A relatively young star (he'll be entering his age-29 season in 2026) who controls the strike zone at an elite level and whose Baseball Savant page lights up red, Tucker is coming off an uneven season with the Cubs that was interrupted by a fractured hand.

But even in a relatively down year, Tucker posted an OPS+ of 143.

Inking Tucker would add a third megadeal to New York's books to go along with the ones given to Soto and Francisco Lindor. But Tucker is a special offensive player still in his prime whose addition would take New York's lineup to another level.

Tucker hasn't played left field since 2020, so the Mets would need him or Soto to shift to left field in the event a deal is struck.

1. Cody Bellinger

Numerous reports have linked the Mets to Bellinger, a versatile player the Yankees have spoken about wanting to retain.

For the Mets, Bellinger could fit snugly in left field, where he spent the majority of his time last season.

An elite defender, Bellinger can also play right field (if the Mets explored a move of Soto to left) and first base.

Offensively, Bellinger has put his poor 2021 and 2022 campaigns behind him, settling in as an above average performer -- though he hasn't come close to the height he reached for the Dodgers during his 2019 MVP campaign. Still, what Bellinger provides on both sides of the ball has immense value.

Over the last three seasons for the Cubs and Yanks, Bellinger has slashed .281/.338/.477 (.815 OPS). He's also been reliable, playing 130 games or more in every full season of his nine-year career except one. 

Right after the Mets signed Devin Williams to a three-year deal worth $51 million on Monday night, the attention turned to what the acquisition of the elite late-inning reliever meant for the future of free agent Edwin Diaz.

The answer?

The Mets are still in on Diaz, SNY's Andy Martino reported shortly after Williams agreed to move from the Bronx to Queens. 

If the Mets are able to retain Diaz, it will give them an elite 1-2 punch at the end of games, with Williams setting up (a role he excelled in for a large part of his time with the Brewers) and Diaz closing. 

Per Will Sammon of The Athletic, Diaz is seeking a five-year deal, with the Mets' preference being a contract for three years or so.

It's fair to believe a compromise at four years is possible -- especially with Williams (who profiles as a setup man if Diaz is retained) already getting three.

In addition to the Mets, multiple reports have linked the Dodgers and Blue Jays to Diaz.

As it pertains to the Dodgers' interest, Martino noted on Monday that the talk at last month's GM Meetings was that Los Angeles could be reluctant to offer a significant amount of years to Diaz.

The Blue Jays, who already have closer Jeff Hoffman, have recently been linked to free agent Pete Fairbanks -- who would likely cost significantly less than Diaz. 

Some have speculated that the Yankees could also be interested in Diaz, though there hasn't been any recent reporting linking them.

Diaz has repeatedly discussed his affinity for the Mets organization, and Stearns has said multiple times this offseason that he would "love" to retain both Diaz and fellow free agent Pete Alonso.

Whether Diaz returns remains to be seen, but the door remains very much open despite the signing of Williams. 

Giants reportedly among teams checking in on free agent Kyle Schwarber originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Kyle Schwarber is one of the hottest bats to hit the free-agent market this MLB offseason. 

The Giants are among the list of teams that have checked in on the left-handed slugger, per MLB Network’s Jon Morosi. 

The Giants are among the teams that have checked in on Kyle Schwarber, as I just reported on @MLBNetwork.

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 2, 2025

Adding another left-handed power hitter to go along with Rafael Devers is one of the many offseason needs for San Francisco’s roster. Schwarber fits the bill. 

Schwarber spent the previous four seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies. He played in all 162 regular-season games, leading the National League with 56 home runs while also leading MLB with 132 runs batted in.  

He served as the Phillies’ designated hitter in 154 games and started in left field for the other eight. 

Schwarber has hit at least 32 home runs in his previous five seasons. For the Giants, Willy Adames is the only player to reach 30 home runs in a season since 2004. 

In 2022, Schwarber and the Phillies agreed to a four-year, $79 million deal. His market value is just shy of $25 million per year, according to Spotrac. 

As expected, many teams are showing interest in Schwarber. Although Schwarber may find a new home come spring, re-signing with Philadelphia is not out of the picture. 

Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast