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

The Mets are non-tendering right-handed reliever Max Kranick ahead of Friday's 6 p.m. deadline, reports Will Sammon of The Athletic.

Kranick was a great story early in 2025, posting a 2.55 ERA in 17.2 innings through the end of April while becoming one of the Mets' most reliable relievers.

But he struggled after that, allowing runs in seven of his next 12 appearances (between May 1 and June 15).

After his outing on June 15, Kranick was diagnosed with a minor flexor strain and was initially shut down for three-to-four weeks. 

However, he underwent Tommy John surgery over the summer and is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2026 season.

In addition to Kranick, the Mets are also non-tendering left-handed reliever Danny Young, who had Tommy John surgery in May.

The Mets have lots of work to do this offseason when it comes to putting the bullpen together.

Aside from A.J. Minter (who exercised his player option for 2026) and Brooks Raley (whose club option for 2026 was picked up on Tuesday) there are no 2025 bullpen members who are a lock to be back. And Minter's start to the season will likely be delayed by a few weeks as he works his way back from the lat surgery that ended his 2025 campaign. 

Trade deadline acquisitions Ryan Helsley, Tyler Rogers, and Gregory Soto are all free agents.

Members of the Mets' 40-man roster who could be relief options next season include Huascar Brazoban (who is arbitration-eligible), Jonathan Pintaro, and Dylan Ross.

Reed Garrett, who has been a mainstay the last two seasons, is expected to miss the entire 2026 season due to Tommy John surgery.

In what suddenly looms as a tantalizing opportunity for the Mets, Corey Seager apparently can be had in a trade with the Texas Rangers. If so, David Stearns should be first in line to make it happen. 

Yes, Seager is an All-Star shortstop, same as Francisco Lindor. But he could easily slide to third base, where he’d be an above-average defender, and more significantly, give the Mets another elite hitter who could take their offense to a championship level.

If they re-sign Pete Alonso as well, that is. 

Consider the idea of…Lindor, Juan Soto, Alonso, and Seager? Now that’s a Big Four, one to match the firepower of any lineup in baseball, including the big, bad Dodgers.

With such a move, suddenly all the talk about the need to change the Mets’ core could be dismissed, especially with high-ceiling prospects Jett Williams and Carson Benge expected to force their way to the big leagues at some point during the 2026 season. 

In fact, if Williams proves to be the leadoff hitter that scouts project, with his high walk totals and noted plate discipline, he would lengthen the lineup and allow Brandon Nimmo to slot in at the No. 6 spot, or perhaps even lower, where he’d have plenty of value. 

I’d also make the case that with Seager on board, the Mets could live with Tyrone Taylor as their primary center fielder until Benge is ready. 

Likewise, Jeff McNeil could stay at second base as a placeholder for Williams, while Brett Baty could transition to playing first base in partnership with Alonso. After Baty proved more athletic than expected at both third and second base, there’s no reason to think he couldn’t be an above-average first baseman as the Mets ease Alonso into a part-time DH role. 

With all of that in mind, re-signing Alonso and trading for Seager obviously would solve a lot of potential problems for the Mets. 

They’d still have to upgrade the starting pitching, of course, and re-sign Edwin Diaz as well if they’re serious about winning it all in 2026, but Steve Cohen’s billions and the Mets’ highly-ranked farm system give Stearns plenty of ammunition on that front. 

As for Seager, the lefty hitter who turns 32 in April, he’s only available because the Rangers are trying to shed payroll, according to the Dallas Morning News, and he has six years and $189 million remaining on his contract. 

"That’s the most obvious move to make if they’re under orders to cut payroll," one team executive told me. "I’m sure they wouldn’t want to trade him otherwise. He’s a star player but if Texas needs to get out from under his contract, the price to get him won’t be prohibitive for a team willing to take on all the money."

That might appeal to the Yankees as well, as he could replace Anthony Volpe at shortstop. But if re-signing Cody Bellinger is their top priority, it’s hard to see Hal Steinbrenner also taking on Seager’s contract. 

In any case, the Mets should seize the opportunity here, presuming they’re not one of the eight teams on Seager’s no-trade list. And since the Dallas Morning News reported that neither the Yankees nor the Boston Red Sox were on that list, the Mets wouldn’t figure to be, either (although the Atlanta Braves are reportedly on the list, so it remains to be seen).

Seager has consistently put up big offensive numbers and he’s a two-time World Series MVP, with the Dodgers in 2020 and the Rangers in 2023, which says something about his ability to deliver on the big stage. 

The one knock on him is he has missed considerable time due to injury in recent years. Last season, Seager played only 102 games, missing a few weeks due to a hamstring pull and then all of September due to an emergency appendectomy.

Still, he’s worth the gamble because, as a high-average hitter with power, Seager could be the ideal bat to add consistency to a Mets’ offense that has been maddeningly inconsistent in recent years. 

His career slash line of .289/.362/.509/.871 reflects that consistency, and last season his .860 OPS was the highest among all shortstops, though he didn’t have enough at-bats to qualify for official stats. His 151 OPS+ number was among the best in baseball. 

Seager’s underlying numbers have been consistently elite as well. Last year, according to Baseball Savant, he ranked in the 90th percentile or higher among all major league hitters in hard-hit percentage, average exit velocity, and expected batting average, on-base, and slugging.

“He puts up superstar numbers,” one scout said. “He probably wouldn’t be thrilled at the idea of changing positions if the Mets were to get him, but they could make the case that playing third would be a little easier on his legs, which could matter for a guy who has had his share of injuries. And he’s probably going to have to move to third at some point anyway as he gets deeper into his 30s.

“He’d be a finishing piece for the Mets. You add Seager to what they already have, assuming they work out a deal with Alonso, and that lineup would be a nightmare for pitchers.”

What would it take to get him? If the Rangers do need to trade Seager for financial reasons, the Mets probably could put together a package without including the likes of Williams, Benge, Brandon Sproat, or Jonah Tong.

“They have enough depth in their farm system to give them that kind of leverage,” the scout said.

And that’s significant because they might well need to move a couple of those top-of-the-system prospects for starting pitching, whether it’s the dream trade for Tarik Skubal or a deal for the likes of Joe Ryan, Freddy Peralta, or Sandy Alcantara.

After all, acquiring front-of-the-rotation pitching has to be the priority of the Mets’ offseason. But they have the resources and the need to take advantage of other opportunities as well, which is why they should make every effort to go get Seager.

Phillies' arbitration decisions ahead of Friday's non-tender deadline originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Today marks an important day in the offseason. The non-tender deadline is set for Friday at 5 p.m. ET.

The Phillies have a number of arbitration-eligible players and by Friday the club will decide whether to trade, non-tender (essentially release) or submit an annual salary, which triggers the arbitration process.

A player becomes arbitration-eligible after accumulating three years of major-league service time. So, who qualifies for the Phils?

SP Jesús Luzardo 

Service Time: 5.165 | Free Agent: 2027

In his first season in Philadelphia, the left-hander was both reliable and durable. In 2025, he led the team in wins (15), posted a 3.92 ERA and made 32 starts. His 2.90 field-independent pitching mark ranked sixth in MLB. President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski expressed interest in an extension, positioning Luzardo as a staple in the rotation for years to come.

Projected 2026 Arbitration Value (per Spotrac): $12 million

INF Edmundo Sosa

Service Time: 5.140 | Free Agent: 2027

The 29-year-old has solidified himself as the utility man. In his fourth season with the Phils, Sosa slashed .276/.307/.469 for a .777 OPS. His career average of 3.3 WAR per 162 games underscores his value. He hit .318 with an .895 OPS versus left-handed pitching in 2025, making him a go-to match-up option for manager Rob Thomson.

Projected 2026 Arbitration Value (per Spotrac): $7.5 million

3B Alec Bohm

Service Time: 5.106 | Free Agent: 2027

Speculation has mounted around Bohm’s future in Philadelphia. Though 2025 was deemed a “down” year, the 29-year-old still produced a .287 average — the best mark among third basemen with 400+ plate appearances. Bohm provides contact and all-field hitting, but just 11 homers in 120 games invite questions about power at the position. Keep an eye on what the Phillies choose to do prior to the deadline.

Projected 2026 Arbitration Value (per Spotrac): $10.25 million

C Garrett Stubbs 

Service Time: 4.148 | Free Agent: 2028

At age 32, Stubbs appeared in just five games at the big league level after spending most of the season at Triple-A. He remains an affordable option if the club keeps him on the 26-man roster, though his value diminishes if he remains a minor-league depth piece. His status may also hinge on how the team handles free-agent catcher J.T. Realmuto.

Projected 2026 Arbitration Value (per Spotrac): $925,000

OF Brandon Marsh

Service Time: 4.078 | Free Agent: 2028

Marsh was the team’s most stable everyday outfielder in 2025. He hit .280/.342/.443 for a .785 OPS while rotating between left and center and offering above-average defense at both spots. Against right-handed pitching, he hit .300 with an .838 OPS. Currently, he seems to be locked into the Phils’ outfield for 2026.

Projected 2026 Arbitration Value (per Spotrac): $5.5 million

CP Jhoan Duran

Service Time: 4.000 | Free Agent: 2028

The flamethrower came to Philadelphia in mid-season and delivered: 16 saves and a 2.18 ERA in 23 appearances. He finished 2025 with a career-high 32 saves and a 2.35 FIP. With two seasons of team control remaining, Durán represents high value in the ninth inning — reflecting the value the Phils gave up to acquire him from Minnesota.

Projected 2026 Arbitration Value (per Spotrac): $8 million

2B Bryson Stott

Service Time: 4.000 | Free Agent: 2028

Stott’s profile is clear: an athletic middle infielder with a plus glove and a below-average bat. In 2025, he slashed .257/.328/.391 (96 OPS+). He was one of three players at the position to walk 50+ times and struck out fewer than 100. His left-left splits remain troubling (.575 OPS in 123 plate appearances), making his status as starter questionable.

Projected 2026 Arbitration Value (per Spotrac): $5.5 million

RP Tanner Banks 

Service Time: 3.092 | Free Agent: 2029

Banks had a strong season for a left-handed reliever: a 3.07 ERA across 69 appearances, which placed him in the top-20 among southpaw relievers. Most notably, he held left-handed hitters to a .175 average and a .456 OPS. He’s a bullpen asset, especially in match-up scenarios.

Projected 2026 Arbitration Value (per Spotrac): $1.25 million

C Rafael Marchán

Service Time: 3.006 | Free Agent: 2029

The switch-hitting catcher emerged as a reliable backup option behind Realmuto. Although he didn’t qualify for many advanced metrics, Marchán posted above-average marks in square-up percentage, chase rate and strikeout rate. Defensively, he ranked in the 84th percentile for caught steals and registered a 1.88-second pop time (top-4 % in MLB).

Projected 2026 Arbitration Value (per Spotrac): $1 million

There has been lots of buzz about the Mets potentially shaking up their offensive core this offseason -- something president of baseball operations David Stearns suggested was possible while speaking during his end-of-season news conference.

Since then, the Mets have made both Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil available via trade. 

Meanwhile, Pete Alonso is a free agent for the second time in as many years.

So big changes could be coming for New York.

The possible trades of Nimmo and/or McNeil add a layer of intrigue to the offseason. And a deal that ships Nimmo out of New York -- something that would likely be a bit complicated given his contract and full no-trade clause -- would obviously create a domino effect when it comes to what the Mets do with the offense.

Regarding the infield specifically, though, an Alonso return would take up one huge spot -- though his willingness to DH more often is something to keep an eye on. 

But no matter what happens with Alonso, the Mets should be exploring third base and second base options via free agency.

Here's who they should be targeting, ranked...

5. 1B/3B Munetaka Murakami

Murakami, who will be entering his age-26 season in 2026, has absolutely massive power.

His biggest power season came in 2022, when he slugged .710 and smashed a career-high 56 homers.

Murakami was limited to just 56 games in 2025, but he made the most of them, smacking 22 homers while slashing .273/.379/.663.

The elephant(s) in the room? Murakami strikes out a ton and is not a plus defender.

But if the Mets lose Alonso, they could do a lot worse than Murakami, who could be a true difference-maker if his power translates to the majors and is five years younger than Alonso. 

4. 1B/3B Kazuma Okamoto

Okamoto -- a six-time All-Star in Japan -- has led the Central league in home runs three times (2020, 2021, and 2023), and has an .882 OPS in 1,074 NPB games.

And he is a better fit than Murakami for two reasons, despite being 29 years old. 

First, while there are some questions about how Okamoto's power will translate, he does not have the strikeout issues Murakami has. 

Second, Okamoto is a plus defender, having won two Golden Glove awards (2021 and 2022).

Okamoto could be a replacement at first base if Alonso departs via free agency. He could also fit at third base if the Mets decide to go in a different direction there.

3. 2B/SS Bo Bichette

Bichette had a huge bounce back season for the Blue Jays in 2025, hitting .311/.357/.483 with an .840 OPS.

Ahead of his age-28 campaign Bichette seems destined for a big commitment in terms of years. And with the Mets, he'd have to switch positions (likely to second base, where he played during the World Series against the Dodgers).

It can be argued that the Mets need to add two bats this offseason -- Alonso and one other or (in a scenario where Alonso leaves) two new ones.

Bichette, and the hitter right after him on this list, would be ideal fits.

With the exception of his down 2024 season, Bichette -- who has a .294 career batting average -- has been an offensive force during his seven-year career, putting the ball in play a ton while racking up doubles (he smacked 44 in just 139 games in 2025) and averaging 24 homers per 162 games. 

2. 3B/2B Alex Bregman

Bregman would bring three important elements to the Mets: a plus bat, plus defense, and leadership.

Offensively, while Bregman might not get back to the heights he experienced with the Astros earlier in his career, he remains an above average hitter. In 114 games last season for the Red Sox, Bregman slashed .273/.360/.462 with 18 homers and 28 doubles -- in a year that was interrupted by a quad strain. The 128 OPS+ he put up was his best since 2022, and he continued to be elite when it came to making contact.

Bregman struck out just 70 times in 495 plate appearances in 2025, and has never fanned more than 97 times in a season.

A look at his advanced numbers show that Bregman was in the 79th percentile in batting run value. And he was near the top of the league in squared-up percentage (97th percentile), chase percentage (95th percentile), whiff percentage (92nd percentile), and strikeout rate (88th percentile).

Defensively, Bregman was strong at third base, where he was in the 83rd percentile and worth 3 OAA (Outs Above Average).

In Boston's dugout and in the clubhouse, Bregman had a huge impact -- something that has been the case throughout his career. 

For a Mets team in need of a jolt in the lineup, improved defense, and perhaps some more leadership, Bregman checks all the boxes. As a bonus, he would also give them a needed right-handed bat in a lineup that is lefty-heavy.

1. 1B Pete Alonso

There's the logical side of this -- Alonso, while not a great defender, is a really good hitter at a position of need for the Mets, and has proven he can excel in New York.

Then there's the emotional side of it.

In addition to what he brings at the plate, Alonso has been a terrific Met off the field, is beloved by most of the fanbase, and has repeatedly expressed a desire over the last few seasons to remain in New York.

But the most important thing here is that Alonso is a really damn good hitter, and his advanced stats back it up. He was in the 90th percentile or better this past season in xwOBA, xBA, xSLG, average exit velocity, barrel percentage, hard hit percentage, and bat speed.

And while Alonso could perhaps be seeking a deal worth five or six years at roughly $30 million per season, it's not a slam dunk that any team will be prepared to give that to him. The guess here is that the most logical fits for Alonso (beyond the Mets) could be the Red Sox, Nationals, Orioles, and Reds. But the O's just added Taylor Ward and have huge starting rotation issues, the Reds have been linked more to Kyle Schwarber, the Nats aren't ready to contend, and the Sox could be an unlikely fit if they re-sign Bregman. 

So it's possible Alonso falls back into the Mets' lap, though it will obviously take a bigger deal in terms of length than it did last offseason.

As the Mets weigh whether to reunite with Alonso, it's also worth noting that they don't have anyone ready to step in at first base if he leaves.

Before they re-signed Alonso last offseason, they floated the idea that Mark Vientos could be his replacement. But after Vientos had a down year (.702 OPS), it's impossible to see New York going in that direction for 2026. As far as options in the minors, the power-hitting Ryan Clifford could theoretically become one at some point soon. But he's not ready, and doesn't have the same kind of polished approach at the plate that Carson Benge and Jett Williams possess.

With Scott Boras as Alonso's agent, this will likely not be easy. But as was the case last offseason, the most sensible outcome is Alonso winding up back with the Mets. In that regard, nothing has changed.

Giants acquire outfielder Joey Wiemer in trade with Marlins, DFA Andrew Knizner originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO — The major offseason deals won’t happen until closer to December’s Winter Meetings, but the Giants made another minor move Friday. 

Outfielder Joey Wiemer was acquired from the Miami Marlins in exchange for cash considerations, with catcher Andrew Knizner getting designated for assignment to clear a roster spot. Wiemer, 26, had been DFA’d by the Marlins earlier this week. 

A fourth-round pick in 2020, Wiemer reached the big leagues with Milwaukee in 2023 and had a solid rookie year, hitting 13 homers but posting a wRC+ of 76. He has played just 48 games since and has been traded twice. 

Wiemer and old friend Jakob Junis got sent to Cincinnati at the deadline in 2024. That offseason, he was part of the Jonathan India-Brady Singer swap between the Reds and Kansas City Royals. This past August, he was claimed by the Miami Marlins, who let him go earlier this week as part of 40-man roster shuffling. 

Wiemer has a wRC+ of 74 in the big leagues, which is below league-average, but it’s easy to see the traits that stood out to the Giants. In 2023, when he got his most big league action, he ranked in the 89th percentile in sprint speed and was worth six Out Above Average. He is capable of playing all three outfield spots, and the Giants have made it clear that improving their outfield defense — which ranked 30th last year — is one of their top priorities this winter. 

The front office has now traded for Wiemer and claimed Justin Dean, who is an excellent defender and also can play all three spots. It appears the Giants are preparing to make real changes with their outfield mix, which includes multiple young players who are out of options. 

Knizner was let go on a day when teams have to decide whether to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players. Jesus Rodriguez is the current favorite to be Patrick Bailey’s backup, but the Giants will add additional depth. 

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How Giants plan to find outfield improvements before crucial 2026 MLB season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO — If you scroll down the lists of top available outfielders this offseason, you’ll pretty quickly get to a veteran who would check a lot of boxes for the Giants.

He’s a good defender who runs the bases well and has been an above-average hitter by wRC+ throughout his career. Because he’s 35 years old, he should be available on the kind of one- or two-year deal that would appeal to a front office that already has some long-term commitments to hitters. He’s a good clubhouse guy, and as a Nashville resident, he might have even already crossed paths with new manager Tony Vitello. 

If Mike Yastrzemski hadn’t already played nearly 800 games for the Giants, he might stand out as one of their most obvious free agent targets this offseason. But given how poor their outfield production was for long stretches of last season — which was one reason for the deadline sale that Yastrzemski was part of — it’s hard to see Buster Posey and Zack Minasian wanting to fully run it back. 

The current plan is to do that in two of three spots, leaving an opening in right field that needs to be filled in some way this offseason. On the position player side, that’s easily the most glaring hole on the roster. 

“I look at it as an open spot right now,” Posey said at the GM Meetings last week. “We’ll see how the offseason progresses as far as if there’s anything we can do additions-wise to put us in a better spot. It’s a work in progress.”

On paper, at least, the Giants have plenty of players vying for that spot. Aside from starters Jung Hoo Lee (center) and Heliot Ramos (left), their 40-man roster includes newcomer Justin Dean as well as Jerar Encarnacion, Drew Gilbert, Marco Luciano, Luis Matos, Grant McCray and Wade Meckler. 

With a few of those guys, there is some urgency to figure out where they fit. Former top prospects Luciano and Matos will both be out of options next season. After a disappointing year that was spent entirely in Triple-A, the 24-year-old Luciano is playing Winter Ball. Matos, 23, was passed by others in the second half, but Posey indicated he is still in the organization’s plans. 

“I’m hoping he comes into spring and is in the best shape of his life and is pushing the envelope and is playing great and makes us make a really tough decision,” he said last week.

The free agent class is top-heavy, and the best player on the market does technically fill the biggest hole in the lineup. Kyle Tucker has posted five consecutive four-WAR seasons and hit free agency at the age of 28, but he’s chasing a $400 million contract and might actually get it given the lack of star power available this offseason. 

If the Giants are in that race, they have done a good job of hiding it. All of Posey’s public comments have signaled a desire to spend most of his available dollars on pitching this offseason. 

Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, Harrison Bader and Cedric Mullins are also available, along with a long list of veteran outfielders likely to sign one-year deals, some of whom — Michael Conforto, Austin Slater, Andrew McCutchen — already are familiar in the Bay Area. 

The Giants will also scour the trade market, but ultimately their biggest solutions in the outfield might not come from external options. Ramos is set to become the first Giant since Barry Bonds to start in left field on back-to-back opening days and Lee is locked in as the center fielder.

Ramos had an up-and-down second full season, but he might be the young player who will most benefit from a new staff. Given his background as a center fielder, it was a shock that he had so many issues in left field early last season. 

Lee, entering the third season of a six-year contract, stands out as a crucial piece for Vitello and his new coaches. He dropped about 10 pounds during his first full season, leading manager Bob Melvin to give him extra rest days in the second half. Lee rated poorly defensively, but the Giants intend on having him in center field at the start of the year, not a corner spot. 

Posey said there’s “meat on the bone” with Ramos and Lee, both of whom ranked well below average defensively. As a group, the Giants ranked dead last in Outs Above Average from their outfield. 

When asked about the roster’s biggest needs this offseason, Posey has always at some point mentioned outfield defense. He will look for help, but on the “Giants Talk” podcast last week, he also indicated that a lot of this might be up to Vitello and his crew. 

“Ultimately, my belief is that the player has to get the most out of himself,” Posey said. “But I’ve been fortunate to be around great coaches, too, and this is not a slight against our previous staff (but) sometimes a different voice makes a difference, as well.”

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Yankees general manager Brian Cashman recently said the return of Trent Grisham via the qualifying offer wouldn't prevent the club from pursuing a reunion with Cody Bellinger. But his sentiment on the matter then hasn't relaxed any fans bothered by the business decision now.

The speculation on Grisham's future ended Tuesday, when the veteran outfielder accepted the one-year, $22 million contract that guaranteed him a third season in pinstripes. And just two days after the falling of what could be a heavy domino, Cashman had to restate his offseason plan to those criticizing the move.

"Our first order of business, we got Grisham in the fold. One of our big hitters and defenders is back, so that solves one area of our needs," Cashman said Thursday, bundling up for his annual sleep on a Manhattan sidewalk for charity. "But we have two big important free agents who left us -- Grisham was one, Bellinger was another. We'd love to have Bellinger back."

Grisham's choice raised eyebrows across the league. Not only was he one of just four players who took the qualifying offer (nine declined), but he was also positioned to land a multi-year deal in free agency and capitalize on a breakout 2025 campaign.

Of course, the Yankees were comfortable with Grisham potentially returning -- after all, they extended him the contract two weeks ago. But the odds of the 29-year-old accepting it never seemed high, and therefore, Cashman is receiving outside flak for misreading the market value.

Cashman views the situation differently. He believes Grisham gives the Yankees "a little more comfort" and "a lot more certainty" as they search for players -- via free agency or trade -- to fill voids on their roster. He also wasn't surprised by Grishman's selection.

"I kind of thought 50-50 going into it when we made the offer," Cashman said. "We wouldn't have been surprised if he turned it down because it's a very weak outfield market... It was a close call. We made the offer because we thought if he takes it, we'd be fine if he took it and excited he's coming back because we believe he's capable of replicating what he did last year."

No matter how the winter plays out for the Yankees, they're banking on Grisham providing the same 30-homer, short-porch power he produced during a career season. But the back of Grisham's baseball card suggests his 2025 numbers were merely an aberration, as he's a career .218 hitter.

No surprise, Cashman disagrees. The Yankees anticipate an upward trajectory for Grisham, even though the baseline metrics and eye test indicate otherwise. 

"All the support information backs up the changes he made are real and should continue," Cashman said. "He did it all [in New York] and he was doing home and road too. It wasn't just the Yankee Stadium effect. It came unexpected. Thankful it did."

The Yankees' sights remain on Bellinger, and if they aren't confident in Jasson Dominguez or Spencer Jones properly developing in the outfield alongside Grisham and captain Aaron Judge, there's added urgency to make a big splash before negotiations intensify.

Bellinger is one of the top free-agent outfielders, and the Yankees should label him as a proven commodity. The former NL MVP smacked 29 homers with 98 RBI and an .813 OPS in his first season in the Bronx, while playing all three outfield positions and first base as a versatile defender.

It won't be easy for the Yankees to retain Bellinger, who should have many suitors entering his age-30 season. The lefty slugger produced the second-highest WAR (5.1) of his career in 2025, and also registered a career-low strikeout percentage (13.7) in 152 games.

Brian Cashman shares he spoke to Casey Close about Kyle Tucker, Paul Goldschmidt, Michael King and Kyle Schwarber.

He shares he's also spoken with Scott Boras about Tatsuya Imai.

He has not made contact yet regarding Kazuma Okamoto. pic.twitter.com/ioO2omO2Ig

— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) November 21, 2025

The Yankees and Brian Cashman have a long offseason ahead of them.

After several key agents left in free agency, Cashman will look to retool his outfield and bullpen -- and perhaps add another starter -- before the start of the 2026 season. One chip that has fallen the Yankees' way is the return of Trent Grisham.

The veteran outfielder accepted his qualifying offer and gives Cashman another outfielder alongside Aaron Judge. However, Cashman isn't necessarily content with just bringing in Grisham. He's been in contact with agents for the top two outfielders in the free agent market: Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker.

"We’d love to have Bellinger come back," Cashman told the media Thursday night at his annual Covenant House Sleep Out in NYC. "Talked to [agent Scott] Boras yesterday about Belli and other free agents of his. Talked to Casey Close about his free agents; he’s got Kyle Tucker, amongst others. That’s the nature of the beast in the winter. Had several conversations with teams today, try to find a way to make a trade or add a free agent and keep going and going and going."

Close also represents Paul Goldschmidt, Michael King and Kyle Schwarber.

Bellinger was the team's second-best hitter behind Judge this past season. The versatile outfielder hit 29 home runs to go along with .272 batting average and 98 RBI, all while playing a Gold Glove-level left field. 

The 30-year-old opted out of his contract this offseason and will likely look to get a big payday after doing so well in the Bronx. The Yankees aren't the only team vying for Bellinger's services, as the Blue Jays, Mets and even Bellinger's old team, the Dodgers, have shown interest. 

And then there's Tucker. Arguably the best free agent hitter on the market, regardless of position, Tucker will enter free agency for the first time after being traded from the Astros to the Cubs last offseason. 

The 28-year-old had a solid year, blasting 22 home runs and driving in 73 runs while hitting .266 on the North Side. He made his fourth All-Star team in 2025 and won his second Silver Slugger this offseason. 

Whether Cashman can pull off that signing is yet to be known, but the veteran GM is doing his due diligence to try and get the Yankees their first World Series win since 2009. And Cashman knows he needs to make his team better, and he hopes to do that this winter.

"The team that we had last year, which was really good on paper, but fell short of our ultimate goal, is now depleted because of free agency," Cashman said. "We have to at least get back to where we were, but the ultimate goal is to make it better. Got a lot more work to do and the whole winter to do it."

Brian Cashman says he talked to Scott Boras yesterday about Cody Bellinger, Casey Close today about Kyle Tucker, as well as other conversations with different teams pic.twitter.com/UKz60CzUY6

— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) November 21, 2025

With MLB's non-tender deadline set for Nov. 21, the Mets are set to release one of their depth relievers.

According to The Athletic's Will Sammon, the Mets are planning to non-tender LHP Danny Young, making him a free agent.

Young, 31, appeared in 10 games for the Mets this season before undergoing Tommy John surgery in May. Sammon reports that Young started throwing recently and is on pace to return at some point in the first half of the 2026 season.

The Florida native was not arbitration-eligible and was set to make about $820,000 in 2025, according to Spotrac. 

The southpaw was drafted in the eighth round by the Blue Jays in 2015 but didn't appear in the majors until 2022 with the Mariners. That season, he made just three appearances between Seattle and the Braves. He then made eight relief appearances with the Braves in 2023 before going down with an injury. He elected free agency that offseason and the Mets signed him to a minor league contract in 2024. 

In his first season with the Mets, Young pitched to a 4.54 ERA across 42 relief appearances. 

Young may not be the only player to be non-tendered by Friday's deadline. There are nine arbitration-eligible players on the Mets' roster, including Tylor Megill and David Peterson.

When it comes to constructing their 2026 bullpen, retaining Edwin Díaz should be Job 1 for the Mets. He’s the best available closer, has some of the game’s nastiest stuff, and has proven he can weather high-pressure moments and rough times in the roil of New York’s baseball cauldron.

OK, so we’ve already given away the top spot of our list of free agent relievers the Mets should target this winter. But this one is that obvious, isn’t it? 

The rest is a little more tricky, because if Díaz re-signs, the Mets must hunt skilled setup men for a bullpen with multiple vacancies. If he goes elsewhere, the Mets need a big-time closer. Our list will reflect both categories.

The Mets were 15th in bullpen ERA (3.93) last season and their relievers allowed 35 percent of inherited runners to score, tied for the fourth-highest percentage in the majors. The Mets also threw the third-most relief innings in baseball last year. 

So they have significant bullpen work to do. Here’s a list of five potential targets to get them started:

5. Flushing is Mr. Rogers' neighborhood

You may feel some lingering dissatisfaction with the Mets’ relief moves at last summer’s trade deadline. It wasn’t Tyler Rogers’ fault. He had a 2.30 ERA in 28 games for the Mets, got a ton of ground balls, per usual, and walked three and gave up one homer in 27.1 innings. He does not throw hard – his fastball averaged 83.5 miles-per-hour last season – but his sinker-slider combo is hard to pick up. His pitches come at hitters from grass level because of his submarine arm angle, giving him a unique look that would diversify any bullpen. The righty, who turns 35 in December, has proven durable with five straight seasons of at least 68 appearances, including an MLB-best 81 last season. Hello, again?  

4. We like Kyle’s style

Since Kyle Finnegan has three seasons of 20-plus saves on his Baseball Reference page, he’ll probably get market attention as a closer, especially after a sparkling second-half with Detroit following a midseason trade. But perhaps the 34-year-old righty would set up in the right circumstance and maybe that’s the Mets. Finnegan tweaked his pitch mix with the Tigers, moving his splitter up in his arsenal, and had a 1.50 ERA in 18 innings. He gave up just nine hits in that span and did not give up a run in his first 12 appearances with the Kitties. Overall, in 56 appearances between Washington and Detroit in 2025, Finnegan had a 3.47 ERA and 24 saves. 

3. Rapid Robert

If Díaz departs, Robert Suarez profiles as an easy answer to the Mets’ closer spot. With San Diego last season, he led the NL with 40 saves and has one of the game’s best fastballs, a 98.6-mph monster that held hitters to a feeble .169 average. It’s nicely complemented by a sinker with around the same heat and a changeup in the 90s. He raised his strikeout rate and lowered his walk rate last season, an enticing combo, and was an All-Star for the second straight year. He did not get a qualifying offer, so there’s no draft compensation for the Mets to fret over. If Díaz does return, it’d be fun to think about the Mets adding Suarez as a smothering setup man, but that seems unlikely given that Suarez is easily the second-best closing option on the market, even though he’ll be 35 in March. 

2. New York, New York?

Devin Williams spent last season with the Yankees and notched a career-worst, by far, 4.79 ERA. Losing the closer’s job is no way to build a strong platform for free agency. But Williams still has stuff – his “Airbender” changeup remains difficult for hitters to cope with, and he struck out 90 batters and allowed only 45 hits in 62 innings for the Yankees. ESPN reported that the Mets are in on Williams as part of their bullpen remake. He could close or possibly set up if Díaz is back.

David Stearns, the Mets’ front office boss, was with Williams in Milwaukee when the righty was becoming one of the best relievers in baseball. Whatever happens, the Mets must evaluate whether the bright lights and big city contributed to Williams’ struggles in pinstripes. After last season’s disappointment in Queens, there figures to be plenty of pressure and scrutiny for the 2026 Mets, especially back-end relievers whose bad nights tend to be loud.

1. Sweet reunion

Bring “Sugar” back. Yes, Díaz will be 32 in March and his hellacious stuff won’t last forever. Giving him a contract of four years or so might feel uncomfortable, but he also gives a club that has won exactly two World Series in its history a significant asset in its Fall Classic quest. 

Díaz had a 1.63 ERA last season and allowed 37 hits in 66.1 innings while striking out 98, plenty of evidence that he’s back to his old self after his WBC injury. Batters hit .133 against his 97.2-mph fastball and .179 against his 89-mph slider. Obviously, he’s a very uncomfortable at-bat and, in what was a combustible year for Mets relievers, Díaz provided so much security.

There figures to be big competition for Díaz from big-time contenders, which could add some urgency to the Mets’ Díaz pursuit. The Blue Jays lost Game 7 of the World Series, in part because their closer gave up a key home run. That closer, Jeff Hoffman, allowed two homers per nine innings last season. Díaz, who once had his own longball woes, allowed 0.5 HR/9. Toronto is rich, stacked, and eager to make another run. Do the Mets want to be the ones facing Díaz in big October games?