Category: MLB

Could the Phillies' next move shake up their infield? originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Yesterday at the press conference to introduce Adolis Garcia, PBO Dave Dombrowski said the team’s outfield is “pretty much set.” But there may be a way to upgrade the infield, without overspending.

The Phillies are big spenders. That results in a very talented roster, but very little ability for Dombrowski to make major moves without getting creative when the opportunity presents itself.

An opportunity could be popping up – a holiday miracle at that – from out west.

According to multiple reports, the Arizona Diamondbacks are suddenly interested in third baseman Alex Bregman, widely regarded as the biggest fish in the free agent pond. Signing Bregman will be expensive, meaning the team would have to part with at least one significant contract.

This is where the Phillies come in.

The player mentioned by MLB pundits as potentially expendable by Arizona is switch-hitting second baseman Ketel Marte. If the Phillies truly want to improve their offense, this is where you strike. You may remember Marte as the pest who had 12 hits in the 2023 NLCS against the Phillies, on the way to winning series MVP.

Ketel Marte gives the @Dbacks a quick lead! pic.twitter.com/cVrlc6MRpb

— MLB (@MLB) September 27, 2025

The 32-year-old is the two-time defending NL Silver Slugger at second base, and appears to be firmly in his prime as a hitter. Over the past three seasons, he has hit 89 home runs, most among MLB second basemen by 15, and his .887 OPS over that span ranks ninth among all players. He also hits for average; his .283 mark over the past 3 seasons ranks 17^th in MLB.

Marte has batted first or second in recent years, but his value would be in the much-needed protection in the lineup he would provide behind Bryce Harper, which would force teams to pitch Harper honestly, or face Marte with Harper on base.

Ketel Marte leads it off with home run No. 28! pic.twitter.com/oKxvZ55v3f

— MLB (@MLB) September 28, 2025

This is the kind of move that could not only bolster the Phillies’ lineup, but also give it the versatility it sorely lacks in spots.

Marte has five years and $91 million remaining on his contract, with a player option for 2031 at $11.5 million. That’s rich, but not so rich that it should scare Dombrowski off.

He will become a 10-and-5 player early next season, meaning Marte can veto any trade, but according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Marte’s current no-trade list has just five teams on it: the Athletics, the Yankees, Pirates, Giants, and Cardinals.

A Marte trade will likely require the Phillies parting with incumbent second baseman Bryson Stott, who has never lived up to the pure hitter reputation that led to the Phils selecting him 14^th overall six years ago. In addition, one or two prospects would need to be included, but not at the tier of Andrew Painter or Aidan Miller. After all, Arizona doesn’t have that kind of leverage in this case.

The Phillies’ No. 5 prospect, infielder Aroon Escobar, is a righty bat with pop that the Diamondbacks need. They are also looking for depth in their rotation, so they could include No. 11 prospect Jean Cabrera, who impressed at AA Reading last season.

This is the kind of move that could pay very big dividends for the Phillies, especially in October, when they need them most.

Michael King appears to be the most likely of the free agent starters to sign next, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. 

The belief, per Feinsand, is that King will land a four-year deal. 

Both New York teams are among his suitors, along with the Red Sox, Orioles, and Cubs. 

That certainly doesn’t come as a surprise, as Greg Joyce of the NY Post reported on Monday that the Yankees were open to a reunion with King, whom they dealt to the Padres as part of the Juan Soto trade. 

The Mets have also been connected to the 30-year-old this offseason, and the two sides reportedly had a video meeting ahead of last week’s Winter Meetings.

While King’s injury history makes him a bit of a risk, he does present an intriguing addition to either rotation. 

The Rochester-native was one of baseball's top arms two seasons ago in his first year as a full-time starter, finishing seventh in Cy Young voting after posting a 2.95 ERA and 201 strikeouts.

He was solid again when healthy this past season, but two different stints on the IL limited him to just 15 outings.  

The Mets made the Jorge Polanco signing official on Tuesday evening.

Days after New York signed Polanco to a reported two-year, $40 million deal, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns talked up his acquisition in a press release, and gave some insight into how he anticipates the team to use the 32-year-old.

“We are excited to add Jorge to our organization and expect him to be a big part of our team over the next two years,” Stearns said in a press release. “Jorge’s athleticism and versatility on both sides of the ball make him a perfect fit as we continue to build out our team.  As we stand now, we would anticipate Jorge playing first base, DH, and bouncing around to other positions as needed.”

After Pete Alonso signed with the Orioles last week, the Mets signed Polanco to give the team more versatility and to play first base. Interestingly enough, Polanco has appeared in just one game at the position in his 12-year career. 

Polanco slashed .265/.326/.495 with 30 doubles, 26 homers, 78 RBI in 138 games last year with the Mariners, and while he's not expected to deliver the offensive production of Alonso, it gives Stearns and the Mets options to fill out the rest of the roster. 

There are currently still other viable first base options in the free agent market, including veterans Paul Goldschmidt and Luis Arraez. There is also Cody Bellinger, who plays both outfield and first base, who is still available and the Mets are currently "very in" on. 

But the Mets do have other areas of need this offseason, including in the outfield, starting rotation and bullpen.

On the latest episode of The Mets Pod presented by Tri-State Cadillac, Connor Rogers and Joe DeMayo react to the deal between the Mets and Jorge Polanco, and look for more moves ahead. 

The guys break down the Polanco signing, and what his role will be with the team, then dig through the noise surrounding potential trade action between the Mets and Padres. 

Connor and Joe also go Down on the Farm to pick an “untouchable” prospect, and answer Mailbag questions about Devin Williams, Jett Williams, David Stearns’ style of negotiation, and how long of a leash the Mets president of baseball operations actually has with owner Steve Cohen.

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

García brings energy, aims for resurgent 2026 with Phils originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Eight homers, an electrifying walk-off blast in the Fall Classic and a championship ring with Texas to show for it. Adolis García made his mark in the 2023 postseason, emerging as a playoff hero.

Now, as the newest slugger in Philadelphia enters his age-33 season, García understands that the “focus is not to be a hero,” he said through Phillies assistant general manager Jorge Velandia at his introductory press conference Tuesday.

Three seasons ago marked the peak of García’s career. He clubbed 39 home runs, drove in more than 100 RBIs for a second straight year and posted an .836 OPS. The last two seasons, however, told a different story — and injuries played a significant role.

In 2024, García played through a patellar tendon strain that required eight weeks of rehab the following offseason. He finished that year with a career-low .684 OPS. Leading into 2025, he dealt with an oblique strain, then sprained his left ankle and later suffered a Grade 2 right quad strain upon his return. He still appeared in 135 games but posted another career-worst OPS, this time at .665.

The ineffectiveness in those two seasons ultimately led to his departure from Texas, as the Rangers non-tendered the outfielder on Nov. 21.

“I did everything that I could while I was there, and I have great memories in Texas,” García told reporters. “Unfortunately, things happen. Everything happens for a reason.”

The Phillies — who signed García to a one-year, $10 million deal on Monday — acknowledge the 32-year-old’s recent struggles but believe the two-time All-Star can still produce at a high level offensively.

“Even though some things were down, there are still positives,” President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said. “One thing we talked to Adolis about is being more under control with his swing. We don’t need him trying to hit the ball out of the park every swing.”

“We believe this is more about approach than ability,” Dombrowski continued. “The tools are still there. The bat speed is still there. The ball still jumps off his bat.”

Getting García back on track is a clear organizational priority. While the move is low-risk both financially and in years, the Phillies want to maximize his offensive profile. Manager Rob Thomson said assistant hitting coach Edwar Gonzalez will travel to Tampa soon to begin working with García as he prepares for the season.

While Thomson is unsure where García may slot into the lineup, he shares Dombrowski’s optimism, with the understanding that adjustments will be necessary.

“If Adolis is himself, he’s one of those guys who can protect the left-handed bats,” the Phillies skipper said. “Getting back to basics, controlling the strike zone, using the whole field … his power plays everywhere.”

Regardless, García’s defense gives the club confidence in its outfield alignment, presumably with Brandon Marsh in left field and Justin Crawford in center.

For the 6-foot, 205-pound García — built more like an NFL running back — defense has long been central to his identity.

“It’s something I take a lot of pride in. You may not get an RBI, but you can stop an RBI in the outfield. If you can take a run away, I’m willing to do that at any time,” the 2023 Gold Glove winner said.

Taking away runs is something García has consistently done. Since becoming an everyday player in 2021, he has totaled +36 defensive runs saved (DRS), per FanGraphs — the second-most among all outfielders in that span.

His arm plays a major role. In 2025, he averaged 91.9 mph, and in Outfield Arm Runs Saved (rARM), García ranks first with 24 over the past five seasons, doubling Cleveland’s Steven Kwan, who is second with 12.

“That’s part of what I bring every day. I concentrate a lot on defense in the offseason so I can be at my best in the outfield at all times,” García said.

For context, the defensive contrast is stark. Over that same span, Nick Castellanos posted -51 DRS and -12 rARM — both second-worst marks among all players in baseball.

Offensively, the gap may not be as wide. García and Castellanos are two of just eight outfielders to record five consecutive seasons with at least 200 total bases.

But “El Bombi” brings something else to the field: energy. From emphatic bat flips to memorable home run trots, García has never shied away from showing emotion.

“That’s in my blood,” García said. “Emotion is great. That’s one of the reasons I play this game.”

With the energy the Philadelphia fanbase routinely brings to Citizens Bank Park, García’s personality could make him a quick fan favorite.

“The energy I bring is how I give everything I have to the fans.”

Contreras a solid Plan B for Red Sox after missing out on Alonso originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

After losing — and hardly competing in — the Pete Alonso sweepstakes, the Boston Red Sox are still searching for a middle-of-the-order bat. St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras has emerged as an intriguing fallback option on the trade market.

The Athletic’s Katie Woo recently reported that the Red Sox have shown “significant interest” in acquiring Contreras, a three-time All-Star who recently changed positions from catcher to first base. The 33-year-old has two years and $36.5 million remaining on his contract.

Contreras’ bat isn’t on Alonso’s level, but the veteran is no slouch at the plate. The right-handed slugger slashed .257/.344/.447 with 20 home runs and 80 RBI in 135 games last season. Not counting the shortened 2020 campaign, he has hit at least 20 homers in six of nine MLB seasons.

Defensively, Contreras has adjusted well to his transition to first base. He ranked fourth among players at the position last season with six Outs Above Average. To put that into perspective, Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas had -10 Outs Above Average in 2024, his lone full MLB season. Alonso was one of the league’s worst defensive first basemen with -9 Outs Above Average in 2025.

The Red Sox won’t find a first baseman better than Contreras on the free-agent market. There’s a massive dropoff in talent with Alonso (Baltimore Orioles) and Josh Naylor (Seattle Mariners) off the board. Ryan O’Hearn, Carlos Santana, and Nathaniel Lowe are among the next-best first basemen available in free agency. Perhaps slugger Eugenio Suarez could switch from third base to first, but he’s a liability defensively and best suited as a DH.

Of course, Boston would likely have to part ways with multiple prized prospects to acquire Contreras. Left-handed pitchers Connelly Early and Payton Tolle are the names most commonly brought up in trade rumors, and it’s fair to question whether it’s worth getting that aggressive for two years of an aging first baseman/designated hitter. A trade package highlighted by Early and/or Tolle makes more sense in a blockbuster deal for Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte, Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans, or Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta — each of whom has been linked to the Red Sox.

Nonetheless, as a right-handed-hitting first baseman with solid pop and above-average defense, Contreras checks all the boxes as a perfect Plan B option for Boston. If Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow can pry him from St. Louis without losing Early and/or Tolle, it would be a massive win for a club that must make multiple offensive upgrades this winter.

A Contreras trade would also mark Boston’s second noteworthy deal with the Chaim Bloom-led Cardinals front office this offseason. In November, the Red Sox acquired veteran right-hander Sonny Gray in exchange for right-hander Richard Fitts and left-handed pitching prospect Brandon Clarke.

It was shocking when Edwin Diaz left the Mets to sign a three-year deal with the Dodgers, since there hadn't been any indication that Diaz didn't want to return to New York.

And that he not only left, but did so for a term that matched what the Mets were offering, made things even more confounding.

Now, we have an updated timeline of events.

Here's how things went down, as reported by Jorge Castillo of ESPN:

Diaz had a three-year offer from the Dodgers and five-year offer from the Braves, but he wanted to wait for an offer from the Mets.

The Mets initially offered a three-year deal worth $66 million, with $21 million deferred over 10 years. Following negotiations between the two sides, the Mets amended the offer to add a $9 million signing bonus (which matched the one Diaz got from the Dodgers) and included $21 million deferred over 15 years instead of 10.

The issue, per Castillo, was that Diaz wanted the average annual value of his deal to be at least $20 million and for the contract have less deferred money over a shorter time frame. The Mets "refused" to meet those asks, the Dodgers sweetened their offer, and that was that. 

Taking the above into account, it's easy to see why there was confusion after Diaz signed regarding whether the Mets got a chance to match the deal he accepted from the Dodgers.

In effect, they reportedly rejected his demands that could've perhaps led to an immediate return to New York, resulting in Diaz choosing Los Angeles.

During his introductory news conference with the Dodgers last week, Diaz discussed his decision to leave.

"It wasn't easy, wasn't easy. I spent seven years in New York," Diaz said. "They treat me really good, they treat me great. I chose the Dodgers because they are a winning organization. I'm looking to win and I think they have everything to win. Picking the Dodgers was pretty easy."

With Diaz gone, the expectation is that the Mets will use the recently-signed Devin Williams as their closer in 2026.

New York is still seeking bullpen help, and there are a number of intriguing options remaining on the free agent market -- including Pete Fairbanks and Luke Weaver.

The Mets have also reportedly been discussing trade ideas with the Padres, with Mason Miller, Jeremiah Estrada, and Adrian Morejon's names among those that have come up.

6 things you probably don't know about Adolis Garcia originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Phillies made it official Tuesday morning, signing outfielder Adolis Garcia to the club, and we know quite a bit about the newest member of the Phillies already. But we took a look beyond the baseball card to find some things you may not know about the Cuban slugger.

1. Keeping It In the Family

Garcia’s older brother, Adonis, also played pro ball. He was signed by the Yankees in 2012, then by Atlanta in 2015. He reached the majors with the Braves, playing three seasons before his release in early 2018. The two brothers were united as teammates with Gigantes of the Dominican Winter League in 2019.

2. Hold Your Phone, He’s Got a Cannon!

He packs some serious heat, bringing one of the strongest outfield arms in all of baseball. His average throw is measured at 91.9 mph, among the best in MLB. According to MLB Savant, he was a plus-1 Outs Against Average in 2025, tied for 12^th among 36 qualified right fielders. Nick Castellanos ranked 35^th, with a minus-12.

Check out this seed in the 2023 World Series:

ADOLIS GARCIA'S THROW IS ON THE MONEY 🎯

(via @Rangers)pic.twitter.com/WnFOKdK6Pt

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 31, 2023

3. Dealt for Chump Change

Garcia produced so little for his first MLB team, the St. Louis Cardinals, that they traded him to the Rangers in the 2019 offseason for cash. No players, no prospects. Straight cash, homey. He spent most of 2020 at the Rangers’ training site before bursting onto the scene in 2021, hitting 31 homers, making the All-Star team and finishing fourth in AL Rookie of the Year voting.

4. They Call Him What?!?

His nickname is not a flattering one. He is affectionately known by fans as “El Bombi,” which sounds cute, until you find that bombi is short for “bombilla,” which means “light bulb.” Garcia was given that nickname by the neighborhood kid growing up in Cuba, because he thought Garcia’s head resembled a light bulb.

5. Getting His Derby On

He is a two-time participant in the Home Run Derby during the All-Star festivities. In 2023, he hit 17 homers in the first round at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. Unfortunately, he drew Tampa’s Randy Arozarenam who walloped 24 on his way to the finals. The following year, at his home stadium, Globe Life Park, he improved upon on his first run, hitting 18, but again, not enough to make it past the opening round.

Adolis Garcia has been introduced at the Home Run Derby. It got loud in Globe Life Field. pic.twitter.com/Y45eTN72lq

— Shawn McFarland (@McFarland_Shawn) July 16, 2024

Imagine Citizens Bank Park this summer with not one, but two Phillies sluggers going swat for swat in the Derby.

6. Late Getting the Signals

He didn’t watch a World Series game on TV until he was 23 years old. He was unable to watch in his native Cuba, which makes it nearly impossible to see anything but state-run programming. In 2016, Garcia defected, becoming a citizen of the Dominican Republic, where he was able to watch the Cubs and Guardians in the Fall Classic, seven years before helping the Rangers win the Series himself.

Right-handed pitcher Adrian Houser, Giants reportedly agree to two-year contract originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Giants bolstered their starting rotation on Tuesday.

San Francisco agreed to a two-year, $22 million contract with right-handed pitcher Adrian Houser, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported, citing sources.

Right-hander Adrian Houser and the San Francisco Giants are in agreement on a two-year, $22 million contract with a club option for a third year, sources tell ESPN. Between the signing of Jason Foley and the addition of Houser, the Giants are shoring up their pitching staff.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 16, 2025

Houser, 32, went 8-5 and posted a 3.31 ERA with 92 strikeouts and 38 walks in 125 combined innings pitched with the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays last season.

Selected by the Houston Astros in the second round of the 2011 MLB Draft, Houser made his MLB debut with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2015 before returning to the minors for a few seasons and finally sticking at the major-league level starting in 2019.

Houser was traded from Milwaukee to the New York Mets in Dec. 2023 and signed with Chicago as a free agent in May of last season before he was dealt again to Tampa Bay before last summer’s trade deadline.

Over parts of nine MLB seasons, Houser has a career 40-44 record with a 4.06 ERA in 733 2/3 combined innings pitched.

It’s unclear exactly how San Francisco might use Houser next season, but he, at the very least, should provide valuable veteran depth in the starting rotation.

Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast

Giants sign right-handed relief pitcher Jason Foley to one-year contract originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Giants added additional bullpen depth on Tuesday.

San Francisco signed veteran right-handed relief pitcher Jason Foley to a one-year MLB contract, the team announced Tuesday afternoon.

Foley, 30, last pitched for the Detroit Tigers in 2024 before undergoing right shoulder surgery in May of this year to repair his anterior capsule that sidelined him for the 2025 season.

In 69 appearances in 2024, Foley posted a 3.15 ERA with 46 strikeouts, 20 walks and 28 saves in 60 innings pitched for Detroit.

Foley made his MLB debut with Detroit in 2021, and from 2022-2024, his 189 1/3 innings pitched ranked fifth among American League relievers during that span.

The Giants’ expectation is that Foley will be back pitching midway through the 2026 MLB season.

Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast

Are the Yankees considering a Michael King reunion?

The Boston Globe's Peter Abraham reported this week that New York, the Orioles and Red Sox "are competing for" the free-agent right-hander, whose "decision is not necessarily soon."

The New York Post's Greg Joyce added that the Yankees are "open to" reuniting with King, 30, whom they dealt among others to the Padres in their December 2023 trade with San Diego for outfielders Juan Soto and Trent Grisham.

"The thing about Kinger is he's got obviously great stuff and a great arsenal," New York manager Aaron Boone said last week at the 2025 MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando, Fla., according to Joyce. "He’s really smart and has a real good understanding of that stuff. It's allowed him to evolve as a pitcher, coupled with his confidence."

Starting 45 of 46 regular-season games for the Padres from 2024-25, King went 18-12 with a 3.10 ERA and 1.194 WHIP in 247 IP. He battled injuries during his second year in San Diego, limiting him to 73.1 IP over 15 starts.

"We are playing around with a lot of different ideas and seeing if it takes us anywhere," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told YES Network last week.

King transitioned from reliever to starter at the end of his time in New York, a chapter that spanned five MLB seasons (2019-23). He made his MLB debut Sept. 27, 2019, with the Yankees, who landed him from the Miami Marlins in a November 2017 trade.

The Marlins originally selected King from Boston College with the No. 353 overall pick in the 12th round of the 2016 MLB Draft. The Rochester, N.Y., native played at Warwick (R.I.) Bishop Hendrickson High School before heading to Boston College from 2014-16.