Category: MLB

So let’s say – speaking hypothetically, Hal – the Yankees do indeed lower their payroll heading into the 2026 season. Obviously, they still intend to contend and they probably have enough talent to be a playoff threat.

But what would their winter look like if they forgo spending mega free agent dollars and work to improve on the margins only? They of course will reap benefits from an eventual Gerrit Cole return to an already-plus rotation, in addition to the usual Aaron Judge awesomeness and a roster with other strong points. 

Even so, they could use a Cody Bellinger return, bullpen fortification, a righty, defense-first first baseman and perhaps a stop-gap starter. Maybe a utility player, too. 

How does that all work in an offseason in which the owner, Hal Steinbrenner said, “Would it be ideal if I went down (with the payroll)? Of course. But does that mean it’s going to happen? Of course not. We want to field a team we know could win a championship, or we believe could win a championship.” 

With that in mind, here are some suggestions for the Yankees if we remove boldface free agent names such as Bellinger and Kyle Tucker from their options. 

Yeah, we know fiscal restraint doesn’t fit some folks’ “Act like the Yankees and spend big” worldview, but this is just one potential spending scenario in a Hot Stove winter where all things are possible. Heck, maybe it means they’re saving it up for next winter and a free-agent run at Tarik Skubal. Oh, now you’re interested.

Outfield options

This is easy. They want Bellinger back, but he’s so versatile and so skilled in multiple baseball departments that he’s in high demand. For instance, Met fans would love it if he were another Yankee relocation to Queens. So if Bellinger goes elsewhere, what do the Yanks do on the grass? 

Nothing.

Not sexy, we know. Signing Tucker would bring sizzle. But that might be $100 million more than whatever Bellinger costs. If the Yankees are trying to tamp down the payroll, they have choices here. Judge plays right, Trent Grisham, who accepted the qualifying offer, is back in center and Jasson Domínguez and/or top prospect Spencer Jones figure it out in left field. 

Swing-and-miss is a part of Jones’ game, yes. But so is admirable athleticism and dizzying power. He had a .932 OPS and 35 homers across two minor league levels last season. Might be time to find out what he’s got. 

“The Martian” might not have had the otherworldly (get it?) rookie season Yankees fans would have wanted. But Domínguez was once the most-hyped prospect in the world and one season doesn’t say it all about his career. Might be time to find out what he’s got, too. 

If the Yanks do re-sign Bellinger, they could put Jones, Domínguez, and perhaps even Grisham into the trade carousel to address other needs.

Pitching ponderables

With Cole and Carlos Rodón both starting the season late, the Yanks need rotation depth to add to Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Luis Gil and Will Warren. They re-signed Ryan Yarbrough, who will help, and could examine other lower-level free agents, too.

We’re thinking of names such as Tyler Mahle (2.18 ERA in 16 starts with Texas last season). The righty allowed only five homers in 86.2 innings and home run suppression skills could help in Yankee Stadium. Righty Adrian Houser revived his career with 11 sharp starts with the White Sox, though he had less success after a trade to the Rays. 

Across their history, the Yanks have thrived at bringing in older stars who made their name with other teams, dating way back to the days of Johnny Mize or Enos Slaughter. Could they do it with one from this duo of the Cooperstown-bound ageless hurlers Max Scherzer or Justin Verlander? Might be a fun one-year deal for either.

As for the bullpen, the Yankees have vacancies left by Devin Williams and probably Luke Weaver, who is a free agent. The club has been really good at finding and developing useful relievers who might not be household names. They got mileage out of Ian Hamilton, for instance, and Clay Holmes bloomed under their tutelage. Do they have a few more in the pipeline?

Maybe they go that route again. If not, there are plenty of potentially-useful relief arms available and they wouldn’t be top-of-the-market outlays, including Kyle Finnegan and Michael Kopech. Could they revive former Jays closer Jordan Romano, who is coming off two poor seasons?

Also, several of the Yankees’ most highly-regarded prospects are pitchers, including 22-year-old Elmer Rodriguez, who got to Triple-A for one start last season and had a 2.58 ERA in 150 innings over three levels. Could the kids figure as inexpensive options or trade fodder?

Bench marks

A righty-hitting complement to Ben Rice at first base would be a nice pickup -- someone who can help school the slugging Rice on the defensive nuances of the position. Paul Goldschmidt redux?

Signing a utility player would fortify the bench, too. They liked Amed Rosario last season for his righty bat and he can provide coverage in the infield and outfield. 

So could free agent Willi Castro, a coveted utility man last trade deadline. The switch hitter fizzled after going from the Twins to the Cubs, but he has experience at every position but catcher and first base. 

Five things we know as Phillies travel to the Winter Meetings originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The temperature outside may be dropping, but the hot stove is heating up.

From December 7-10, the Winter Meetings will take place in Orlando. The early stages of the offseason have moved slowly across baseball, but momentum is expected to build — especially for the Phillies. Here are five things to know as the meetings begin.

The Schwarber Sweepstakes is on

All offseason long, it’s been clear that one of — if not the biggest — priorities for the Phillies is bringing back the 32-year-old slugger. And for good reason. Kyle Schwarber is coming off his best season in Philadelphia, delivering a 56-homer, 132-RBI campaign. Although, just ten days ago, the Phils and Schwarber were “not close to a deal,” per MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki.

A true leader, strong community presence and an all-around professional, it’s no surprise his market includes multiple suitors. Big-market teams like the Mets and Red Sox have shown interest, but it’s Schwarber’s hometown team making a strong push.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Reds are one of the strongest suitors. Rosenthal notes that Cincinnati could have roughly $20 million to spend on next season based on comments from GM Nick Krall. The Phillies aren’t worried about getting outbid by the Reds for the Middletown, Ohio native, but Cincinnati is a much younger club that could benefit from his veteran presence.

Contract length is a key variable. On MLB Network, former GM and analyst Steve Phillips suggested that a fifth year may decide where Schwarber lands — and that could tilt the race toward the Reds.

If the Phillies don’t retain Schwarber, attempting to replace his power becomes the next priority. That could come through free agency (Pete Alonso, Marcell Ozuna), the posted Japanese market (Munetaka Murakami, Kazuma Okamoto), or potentially a trade if Byron Buxton waives his no-trade clause in Minnesota.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan recently noted on Threads that the Schwarber decision could come by the end of the meetings. Buckle up.

Where things stand with J.T. Realmuto

There are few players who know the Phillies’ pitching staff as well as Realmuto. The 34-year-old has spent the past six seasons in Philadelphia, and a thin catching market makes him one of the most attractive options available.

Passan reported that Realmuto is unlikely to seek more than a two-year deal, which increases the chances of a return. Boston and Texas were initially viewed as potential suitors, but neither team is expected to spend aggressively behind the plate.

The value he brings behind the plate remains a separator. On MLB Network, Jesús Luzardo highlighted Realmuto’s preparation and individualized game-planning, saying he “always has such a good plan,” with a clear understanding of how each pitcher attacks a lineup. He also added that the staff has “a lot of faith, a lot of confidence in him back there.”

If the Phillies leave Orlando with clarity on Schwarber and Realmuto, their offseason path becomes much sharper.

Names floated in trade talks

The contract dump of Nick Castellanos has dominated trade speculation, but other players have been mentioned in recent reporting, including Alec Bohm, Bryson Stott and, more unexpectedly, Brandon Marsh. Nothing appears imminent, but the organization could be moving away from running out a similar core.

A recent name mentioned in industry speculation is Matt Strahm. Adam Jude of The Seattle Times expressed that the Mariners are exploring left-handed bullpen options and identified Strahm as a fit. The left-hander has one year of club control remaining and has been effective in leverage situations while offering multi-inning capability.

Seattle also presents a potential match because of its roster situation. Randy Arozarena, entering his final arbitration year, would fill a need as a right-handed bat and is coming off his fifth straight 20-home run, 20-steal season. The Mariners also have an organizational surplus behind the plate, with top catching prospect Harry Ford blocked by Cal Raleigh, and they have a need at third base, where Bohm is a fit.

Once the top free agents sign, trade activity typically picks up quickly. It would not be surprising if the Phillies are involved on either side of a swap if one takes place soon.

How set is the Phillies’ rotation?

Starting pitching has received the least attention early in the offseason. The rotation just posted the lowest starter ERA in the National League at 3.53. But there are still questions that will shape the next few weeks.

Ranger Suárez is expected to have a strong market even if there has been little public noise to this point. His price likely rose after Dylan Cease signed a seven-year, $210 million deal with Toronto, putting him in a range that may be difficult for the Phillies to match with nearly $100 million already committed to their rotation in 2026 — without Suárez.

On Bleacher Report, Jon Heyman reported that the Phillies have maintained interest in a reunion and that Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai, who is expected to land a nine-figure deal, is a potential fit.

With Zack Wheeler recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, adding depth to the rotation would make sense, though it may depend on whether the Phillies can alleviate some of their payroll by moving Taijuan Walker.

A more affordable route exists through the mid-tier market, including options such as Nestor Cortes or Tyler Mahle, or potentially a reunion with Walker Buehler at an even lower number.

That scenario would require confidence in Andrew Painter taking a rotation spot out of camp. A group of Sánchez, Luzardo, Nola, Walker and Painter is viable on Opening Day, but the risk comes if Wheeler needs additional time to regain his form.

The market lacks top-end depth, but it has options that fit the middle.

Is Marte still an option?

Last month, Arizona signaled a willingness to discuss trades involving Ketel Marte, and on November 26, the Phillies and Blue Jays reportedly checked in. Marte has a full no-trade clause but did not include Philadelphia or Toronto on his list.

Acquiring him would be expensive, but if Schwarber leaves, the 32-year-old second baseman is one of the few alternatives that keeps the Phils among the top teams in the game.

Marte is a switch-hitter who has produced from both sides and would add a level of versatility the Phillies have lacked in their lineup in recent years. His contract also aligns well with the Phillies’ approach. He is owed $28 million over the next two seasons, a number that provides enough financial flexibility to remain active in other parts of the market.

Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen will likely have multiple conversations in Orlando, and the Phillies’ willingness to involve top prospects will determine how serious those talks become.

Former top prospect Marco Luciano claimed by Pirates, ending Giants tenure originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO — For five years, Marco Luciano was on the top 100 lists. He was the kind of player that front offices dream of building around, or trading in a blockbuster.

On Friday, the Giants lost him on a waiver claim.

Luciano’s time in San Francisco ended when he was claimed by the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team announced Friday. It’s a disappointing result for an organization that signed him out of the Dominican Republic but failed when it came to his development.

Luciano ended up playing just 41 games in San Francisco, hitting .217 with no homers. The Giants moved him to the outfield last offseason in hopes of jump-starting his career, but he had a .749 OPS in a hitter-friendly Triple-A league and his defense was viewed as poor. Luciano was out of options after the 2025 season and would not have been a real option for a 2026 roster spot next spring.

It was clear that the Giants would have to move Luciano this winter, but losing him for nothing shows how poorly he was managed over the years. The previous leadership in baseball operations kept Luciano at shortstop far too long, pushing back against the idea elsewhere in the industry — and even from some high-ranking Giants officials — that he needed to move to a corner spot or the outfield.

When he was given an extended look in 2024, Luciano struggled defensively. Still, the Giants put a high price on him in trades. For years, Luciano was brought up in potential blockbusters, including some that would have brought All-Star caliber pitchers to San Francisco, but the Giants held on, hoping that he would live up to his potential.

Instead, Luciano will join fellow former top prospect Joey Bart in Pittsburgh. It’s unclear if the outfield will work out for him, but he’s still just 24, and there has never been any question about his power.

Before the move, the Giants had 10 outfielders on their 40-man roster. Like Luciano, Luis Matos is out of options, and the new front office will have to, at some point, make a decision on his future, as well.

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• Kilmarnock have lost 12 of their past 14 league meetings with Rangers, although the two exceptions both came at home, 1-0 wins in August 2023 and October 2024.
• None of Rangers' past 11 league visits to Kilmarnock have been drawn, with the Glasgow side winning five and losing six since a 0-0 stalemate in April 2017 under Pedro Caixinha.
• Kilmarnock are winless in eight league games (D2 L6), last going longer without victory in the Scottish Premiership in March 2021 (10).
• Rangers have drawn their past three games in all competitions, last drawing more in a row in March 2015 (5), and last doing so as a top-flight club in November 2005 (4). In the league, the Ibrox side have already drawn eight of their 14 matches in 2025-26, their joint-most ever at this stage of a league campaign, alongside 1978-79.
• Although Rangers rank second-highest for shots per game in the Scottish Premiership this season (15.2, behind Celtic's 16.5), they have the third-lowest shot conversion rate (8.9%), netting 19 times from 213 shots.

Giants promote Paul Bien, add Curt Casali, Javier Lopez to front office originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO — When Buster Posey first took over the baseball operations department a year ago, he added two longtime friends — former Giants GM Bobby Evans and former agent Jeff Berry — to help him navigate the new job. As he begins year two, Posey is turning to former teammates, as well.

The Giants announced on Friday that Curt Casali and Javier Lopez have returned to the organization as advisors to the baseball operations department. The bigger move with that department was a notable promotion. Paul Bien has been promoted to assistant general manager after years as the organization’s vice president of baseball analytics.

Bien joined the Giants in 2012, the middle of a three-year title run that Posey and Lopez were huge parts of. He has had a steady rise through the front office over the past decade and is responsible for overseeing the organization’s analytics department. Bien is instrumental in the player-acquisition process and he has sat in on interviews this offseason as the Giants have filled out their coaching staff. Bien joins Jeremy Shelley as assistant general managers to Posey and GM Zack Minasian.

Lopez has been Mike Krukow’s primary backup on the broadcast team in retirement, but he joined Posey, Minasian, Shelley, Bien and others from the front office at the GM Meetings in Las Vegas last month. The left-hander spent seven seasons in San Francisco, winning three titles and the Willie Mac Award.

Lopez still will be involved with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Giants broadcasts.

Casali backed up Posey in 2021 and spent parts of three seasons with the Giants. The popular catcher is viewed within the industry as a potential future manager, much like Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt and Texas Rangers executive Nick Hundley, who at one point was a candidate for the job that went to Tony Vitello. Casali played for the Giants in 2024 and spent this past season in the Cincinnati Reds front office.

The additions give the Giants eight advisors to the front office. In addition to Evans, Berry, Casali and Lopez, the Giants have former managers Bruce Bochy and Dusty Baker, longtime coach Ron Wotus and John Barr, the man who drafted Posey.

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The Yankees' outfield is currently in flux and top prospect Spencer Jones hopes to be in the mix when the team breaks camp next March.

Jones, 24, had his breakthrough season in 2025, demolishing Double-A pitching before being promoted to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where the outfielder held his own. 

Through both levels of the minor leagues in 2025, Jones slashed .274/.362/.571 with an OPS of .932. He also had 35 home runs and drove in 80 runs. 

“Being able to be more consistent month-to-month, that was the biggest thing for me,” Jones told SNY’s Michelle Margaux at the Italian American Baseball Foundation Gala in the Bronx on Thursday night. “A lot of confidence and something I look forward to bringing in next year.”

It was a bounce-back season for Jones, who struggled in 2024 once he got to Double-A. He credits a change in his swing for his consistency and continues to work on it this offseason in preparation for spring training. 

“I changed some stuff with my swing, learned a lot about it and going into this offseason is just cleaning up some of the things that went wrong and moving into this next season,” he said. 

Outside of Aaron Judge in right field and Trent Grisham -- who accepted the qualifying offer -- in center, the Yankees have an opening in left field after the departure of Cody Bellinger. While the Yankees continue to try and bring Bellinger back, it’s not a guarantee, which gives Jones and other youngsters like Jasson Dominguez a chance to win the job this spring.

GM Brian Cashman said Jones "put himself in the conversation" to make the roster at the Yankees' end-of-season news conference in October, and the outfield prospect is getting ready to earn it.

When asked what he could do to prepare to compete for a roster spot, Jones described his mindset.

“Trying to prove to them, every reason why you should be there,” he said. “Being as competitive as possible and showing them how bad you want it is important and that’s going to be my job going into camp.”

Who is Johan Oviedo? Get to know Red Sox' latest trade acquisition originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Red Sox made another notable trade Thursday night, reportedly acquiring right-hander Johan Oviedo from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a five-player deal.

According to multiple reports, the Red Sox shipped outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia and minor-league righty Jesus Travieso to Pittsburgh. Two minor leaguers — left-hander Tyler Samaniego and catcher Adonys Guzman — will head to Boston with Oviedo. Right-hander Cooper Criswell was designated for assignment to make room for Oviedo on the 40-man roster.

Oviedo, who’s under team control through 2027, posted a 3.57 ERA over nine starts (40.1 innings) with the Pirates last season. The 27-year-old missed most of the year after recovering from Tommy John surgery, which forced him to miss the entire 2024 campaign.

In 2023, his last full season in the majors, Oviedo amassed a 4.31 ERA and 1.37 WHIP with 158 strikeouts and 83 walks across 32 starts (177.2 innings). The 6-foot-6, 275-pounder was solid at the back end of the Pirates rotation and projects as a No. 4 or 5 starter on the Red Sox staff. If he can’t crack the rotation, he’d likely revert to the swingman role he had early in his career with Pittsburgh.

When he’s on, Oviedo’s stuff can be electric. He averaged 95.5 mph with his fastball in his return from Tommy John last season, and he continued to see success with his sharp slider and curveball. Where Oviedo struggles is with his command. He had an alarming 13.5 percent walk rate, and that wasn’t an outlier, as he has struggled in that category throughout his professional career.

While the walks are concerning, Oviedo’s upside and the Red Sox’ need for pitching depth make him worth the price Boston paid in the deal. Garcia, nicknamed “The Password” (Red Sox’ No. 3 prospect, per MLB Pipeline), showed potential in the minors but didn’t have a path to consistent playing time in Boston’s crowded outfield. The soon-to-be 23-year-old went 1-for-7 with five strikeouts in nine games with the big-league club last season.

Travieso, the second prospect headed to Pittsburgh, signed with the Red Sox out of Venezuela in 2024. The 18-year-old appeared in seven games with Low-A Salem last season, posting an impressive 32 percent strikeout rate.

The other pitcher going to Boston, Samaniego, posted a 3.08 ERA across 26.1 innings in Double-A last season. The 27-year-old figures to spend most of 2026 at Triple-A Worcester but could play a role in Boston’s bullpen at some point during the campaign.

Guzman, 22, was selected by Pittsburgh in the fifth round of the 2025 MLB Draft. The Arizona product played only one game at Low-A but put up strong offensive numbers last season with the Wildcats.

The Red Sox’ trade for Oviedo marks their second deal for a starting pitcher in as many weeks. They recently acquired veteran right-hander Sonny Gray in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Buck Showalter knows the dynamics of the Mets’ clubhouse as well as anyone, and the club’s former manager gave his point of view on the relationship between Francisco Lindor and Jeff McNeil in a recent appearance on Foul Territory.

According to Showalter, who took over as Mets manager after the 2021 season and held the position until the end of the 2023 campaign, there were never any issues between the two while he was there, but he did note that Lindor and McNeil have their own, distinct personalities.

“Jeff and Francisco are different,” Showalter said. “Jeff’s a Long Beach State Dirtbag, loves everything about the game, thinks the world is against him sometimes with line drives at people. Lindor is a very stylish, worldly guy, but it works. I called them together the first day that I got there, and I had heard a lot of stuff, and we didn’t have a problem. Jeff, I think, led the whole globe in hitting. Nobody on the globe hit for a higher batting average than Jeff McNeil. 

“I think If you actually knew everything that went on behind the scenes with relationships when you're thrown together for eight months, seven months. I mean, heck, I’ve been married for 43 years and there’s not a day goes by that I don’t have to just shut up. But that’s okay. That’s not why they had a tough year. Their pitching wasn’t very good.”

Mike Puma of the New York Post recently reported that Lindor and McNeil had a “heated confrontation” this past season after a defensive lap during a June 20 game in Philadelphia. 

During the 2021 season, Lindor’s first year in Queens, he and McNeil reportedly also got into a scuffle in the tunnel to the clubhouse, with the New York Post reporting that Lindor grabbed McNeil by the throat during the altercation. 

"It was funny. I told him I was like ‘I’ve never seen a New York rat’ so we went down sprinting,” Lindor said that night. “I wanted to go see a New York rat, and [McNeil] got mad at me, and was like, ‘It’s not a rat, it’s a raccoon.’ And I’m like, 'Hell no, man! It’s a damn rat. It’s a New York rat, man.’ It was crazy. We were going back and forth debating if it was a rat or a raccoon. Crazy man, it was insane."

With McNeil entering the final year of his contract, coupled with the recent acquisition of second baseman Marcus Semien, the Mets have reportedly been fielding trade offers on the veteran.

Zack Minasian responds to report of Giants not matching Tatsuya Imai's price originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Giants general manager Zack Minasian, on Thursday, was given a chance to respond to reporting from The Athletic’s Andrew Baggarly that San Francisco isn’t expected to match the bidding for Japanese star pitcher Tatsuya Imai.

Although MLB tampering rules don’t allow Minasian to comment about specific free agents, the San Francisco GM appeared on KNBR’s “Murph and Markus” and provided some insight into the front office’s free agency approach.

“I think it’s obviously very well-known — our activity on other players who have come over from those countries, and we’re going to continue to be active with players who have a chance to make the team better,” Minasian explained. “Now, I think it’s on us as a front office to make good decisions, and we’re going to continue to push ourselves to do that.” 

The Giants are willing and able to sign international stars. In 2024, San Francisco signed KBO star Jung Hoo Lee to a six-year, $113 million contract. 

“We have an ownership group that’s always been extremely supportive,” Minasian noted. “I think a lot of those things as far as contract-wise, payroll-wise; it’s always been player specific. And that’s, as a baseball operations group, we have to take that responsibility of any particular player we’re signing – is this a good decision or not? 

“So, continuing to go through that and feel those things out, but continuing to look at really all avenues of continuing to bring in talent.” 

While Minasian’s comments do not indicate that the Giants are closed off to signing an international star like Imai, it appears that they will be very thorough in weighing his talent against other available options this offseason. 

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The Mets' best avenue when it comes to adding a top of the rotation starter this offseason could be the trade market, where Twins ace Joe Ryan and Brewers ace Freddy Peralta are among those who could be available.

And per Jon Heyman of The New York Post, the Mets have interest in dealing for Ryan.

Heyman notes that Minnesota is believed to like Jonah Tong.

With Ryan having two years of team control remaining and being set to make just $6 million or so via arbitration in 2026, the cost to acquire him would almost certainly be Tong (or another top prospect) plus a lot more.

Ryan, who is entering his age-30 season, had a 3.42 ERA (3.74 FIP) and 1.03 WHIP with 194 strikeouts in a career-high 171 innings for the Twins in 2025. He was similarly impressive in 2024, posting a 3.60 ERA (3.44 FIP) and 0.98 WHIP with 147 strikeouts in 135 innings.

Ryan relies heavily on a four-seam fastball (he threw it 51 percent of the time in 2025) that graded out as one of the best pitches in baseball last season. He also utilizes a sweeper, splitter, sinker, slider, and curve. 

The Twins are in the midst of a rebuild after having a fire sale at the 2025 trade deadline as they traded 10 players from the big league roster.

That included Carlos Correa, Griffin Jax, and elite closer Jhoan Duran, who -- like Ryan -- has two more years of arbitration remaining and will be wildly inexpensive in 2026 (he made just $1.3 million this past season).

Along with Ryan, it's possible the Twins entertain the possibility of trading center fielder Byron Buxton. The 31-year-old would be a fit for the Mets, but has a full no-trade clause.

As far as Ryan, he would be a great add atop a Mets rotation that is expected to include Nolan McLean, Sean Manaea, Clay Holmes, and David Peterson. 

Giants to look at ‘intriguing avenues' to bring in talent, per Zack Minasian originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Giants have had MLB offseason spending questions swirling for a few years now, only to be eventually outbid by other teams.

The largest deal the Giants made before Willy Adames’ last season was Buster Posey’s nine-year, $167 million contract back in 2013. Now, with Buster at the helm in his sophomore season as President of Baseball Operations, general manager Zack Minasian spoke with KNBR 680’s “Murph & Markus” show on Thursday about San Francisco’s approach in the 2025 offseason.

“I certainly want us to be an organization that closes deals…”, Minasian shared, “… And certainly feel like there are some intriguing avenues now that we’ll continue to explore and see where they go.”

His comments came hours after it was reported that the Giants are bringing in former Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington for an infield coaching position.

Former Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington is finalizing a deal with the San Francisco Giants to be their major league infield coach.
Washington, an infield guru, could have the most impact of any free agent this winter with his expertise.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 4, 2025

One big-name free agent Minasian was asked about specifically is Japanese star pitcher Tatsuya Imai

“Some possibilities are going to open up more and more as players start to sign, and yeah, hopefully we can add talent, that’s always the goal”, he continued.

Minasian further referenced San Francisco’s experience in snagging talent from the Korean Baseball League and Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball, specifically Jung Hoo Lee.

“It’s obviously very well known our activity on other players that have come over from those countries, and we’re going to continue to be active with players that have a chance to make the team better.”

The Giants made history by hiring Tony Vitello as their new manager, and bringing back Bruce Bochy as a special advisor will surely give a veteran presence to the front office. Until then, Zack Minasian is “continuing to really look at all avenues for bringing in talent”.

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Zack Minasian doesn't view any Giants player as ‘untouchable' in trade talks originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

General manager Zack Minasian completed one of the biggest trades in Giants franchise history last season by acquiring Rafael Devers.

To do so, Minasian and the Giants sent a player package including Kyle Harrison and 2024 first-round draft pick James Tibbs. Not often do teams part ways with young pitchers they evaluate highly, nor do they typically trade their first-round pick from the year before.

So, are there any players that the front office deems untouchable? Minasian joined KNBR’s “Murph and Markus” to discuss his position.

“I think you try to enter all of these things being open-minded,” Minasian explained. “I’m not one to say there are untouchables in any scenario.”

Beyond their core of proven major league players, the Giants have a plethora of intriguing prospects that could be used as trading chips.

Minasian pointed to an example during his time with the Milwaukee Brewers, saying that the team considered giving up Ryan Braun to acquire Rich Harden.

“I think there are certain players that it’s very hard to imagine trading them, both in terms of fit and ability,” Minasian said. “So, you try to stay open-minded as to not limit your player pool of who you can potentially access. 

“But obviously, there are certain players who are very difficult to move because of the fit, because of their ability, what you think they will be at the major league level.” 

Bryce Eldridge, the Giants’ top prospect, comes to mind as a potential asset if San Francisco were to attempt to trade for a star player. However, considering the anticipation of Eldridge playing at the major league level, coupled with how highly the organization evaluates him, he would be one of those players that is hard to imagine the Giants parting ways with. 

Nevertheless, there are no “untouchables” on the Giants. 

“I’m not one that’s going to shut down any avenues,” Minasian said, reaffirming his open-mindedness. “But, the likelihood it obviously varies from player to player.” 

In a follow-up question, Minasian was asked if the Giants would consider moving either Eldridge or Devers, considering that the two are both left-handed, power-hitting first basemen. 

The Giants GM reaffirmed that they try to keep an open mind, but he also added that there’s a difference between being receptive and trades actually taking place. 

“There are some players where – is it realistic?” Minasian posited. “And it’s tough to say this is a realistic thing to happen.” 

It’s not realistic that the Giants would move a star they recently acquired or their most-anticipated prospect in recent history.  

But that doesn’t mean the Giants aren’t listening. 

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As the Mets continue to reshape the team following the Brandon Nimmo trade and signing of Devin Williams, their needs are obvious.

There's the need to re-sign Edwin Diaz, which would give New York perhaps the best 1-2 late-game punch in baseball, or add another high-leverage reliever.

The starting rotation has to be addressed in a big way, with a trade for a top-of-the-rotation starter possibly the best way to go about it.

Power must be added to the lineup, whether it's with the return of Pete Alonso or the addition of someone else.

And with Nimmo on the Rangers, there are now holes in both left field and center field.

Taking the above into account, the third base situation seems pretty settled, with Brett Baty penciled in as the starter.

But if Alonso isn't retained, upgrading the offense by adding a third baseman could make a lot of sense.

Even if Alonso is back, addressing third base with a legitimate bat could still be in the cards in the event the Mets go internal or short-term at one or both vacant outfield spots.

Let's break it down...

The Internal Candidates

In 432 plate appearances spanning 130 games last season, Baty hit .254/.313/.435 with 18 home runs and 13 doubles. His .748 OPS dwarfed his previous career-best OPS of .633, his OPS+ of 111 was solidly above league average, and his defense at third base was smooth and reliable.

In addition to Baty's standard offensive numbers, his advanced metrics also told a nice story in 2025.

While his 51.0 percent groundball rate was improved from 2024 (54.5 percent), it was still well above the MLB average of 44.2 percent. Baty also strikes out at a pretty high clip for someone who doesn't hit for a lot of power. And he won't make an impact on the bases.

But Baty's above average offensive performance last season, strong defense, age (26 for all of next season), cost, and team control are all pluses. He won't become arbitration-eligible until after the 2026 season, is under team control through 2029, and made just $774,000 in 2025.

Following a down 2025, Mark Vientos is an option at third base as well. 

While Vientos struggled this past season, he continued to hit the ball incredibly hard and barrel it up at a well above average rate. There's also the fact that despite an overall down year, Vientos helped drive the offense for about a month, when he hit .304/.385/.759 with 10 homers and six doubles in 22 games from Aug. 17 to Sept. 9. 

But given Vientos' defensive struggles, it's hard to imagine him being given a starting role at the hot corner. His fit would be better at DH, and it's also a possibility he'll get traded.

Ronny Mauricio remains intriguing, due largely to his power potential and ability to hit the ball incredibly hard. Mauricio is also a versatile defender, able to handle third base, second base, and shortstop. But he's struggled offensively in the majors, slashing just .234/.295/.369.

The External Candidates

A possibility exists that the Red Sox sign Alonso, which would theoretically open the door for the Mets to turn to Alex Bregman.

In 114 games last season for Boston, 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.

Defensively, Bregman was strong at third base, where he was in the 83rd percentile and worth 3 OAA. And in Boston's dugout and in the clubhouse, Bregman had a huge impact -- something that has been the case throughout his career. 

Put it all together and it feels like Bregman checks all of the Mets' boxes: Right-handed, above average hitter, strong defense, and great in the clubhouse. But it's fair to wonder if New York will want to pay up for a player entering his age-32 season. 

A wild card could be Bo Bichette, as unlikely as a potential signing might be. But if the Blue Jays sign Kyle Tucker, a return to Toronto could be a lot less likely for Bichette. 

Before acquiring Marcus Semien in the Nimmo trade, Bichette -- who played second base during the World Series for the Blue Jays -- would've been a strong fit for New York there.

For the Mets to add him now, Bichette would have to be willing to move to third base -- a position he's never played in the majors. 

But most shortstops are able to handle third base, and Bichette is a special hitter the Mets would be wise to pursue. He's also entering his age-28 season, meaning a long-term deal might be more palatable. 

If the Mets want a short-term option, Eugenio Suarez could make sense -- especially if they're trying to add right-handed power in a world without Alonso. 

Suarez mashed 49 homers last season for the Diamondbacks and Mariners, tying the career-high he set in 2019. 

On the negative side, Suarez had a sub-.300 OBP and was a poor defender, grading out in the ninth percentile. So if the Mets sign him, he'd make much more sense as a DH. 

Then there's Japanese stars Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto, who are able to play both first base and third base.

When it comes to Murakami, most experts have him pegged as a first baseman only. And there are huge questions about whether he'll make enough contact in the majors for his offense and insane power to properly translate.

Okamoto is a plus defender, and could fit at third base for New York in certain scenarios. But the guess here is that he'd be viewed as a first base option if the Mets pursue him. 

In 2023, the Dodgers finally retired the number 34, worn with distinction by Fernando Valenzuela. It had been 42 years since the season of Fernandomania, 26 years since Valenzuela last threw a pitch in the major leagues.

Better late than never. The Dodgers generally do not retire the numbers of players not selected for the Hall of Fame, but it is never too late to do the right thing.

On Sunday, a committee is set to vote on whether Valenzuela should be admitted to the Hall of Fame. To the committee members: We commend Valenzuela to you with that same adage — it is never too late to do the right thing.

“He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame,” said longtime Dodgers broadcaster Jaime Jarrín, himself a Hall of Famer.

“The Hall of Fame is a special, special place, of course. But, what Fernando did for baseball, very few have done.”

Eight players are on the ballot, given a second chance at Cooperstown after the Baseball Writers Assn. of America passed on them all: Valenzuela, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Carlos Delgado, Jeff Kent, Don Mattingly, Dale Murphy and Gary Sheffield.

The 16-person committee includes seven Hall of Famers, two owners (the Angels’ Arte Moreno is one), four former general managers, two writers and one statistician. Each committee member can vote for up to three players; 12 votes are required for election.

By the numbers alone, Valenzuela’s candidacy is borderline. Sandy Koufax or Clayton Kershaw, he was not.

Still, of the 90 pitchers in the Hall, according to Baseball Reference, Valenzuela had a better earned-run average (3.54) than 11 of them. One of them, Jack Morris, had a 3.90 ERA. He was elected by a committee just like the one that will consider Valenzuela.

Morris was a workhorse and five-time All-Star best known for one game: a 10-inning shutout in Game 7 of the 1991 World Series. But Valenzuela, a workhorse, Cy Young Award winner and six-time All-Star, threw a 147-pitch complete game in Game 3 of the 1981 World Series, with the Dodgers at risk of losing the first three games of the series. The career postseason ERA for Valenzuela: 1.98. For Morris: 3.80.

Read more:Dodgers Dugout: Jaime Jarrín discusses Vin Scully, Fernando Valenzuela and Muhammad Ali

If you’re evaluating Valenzuela on the numbers alone, you’re missing half the story, and the legacy of a player that transformed a city and a sport.

The Dodgers built their stadium on land that was previously home to three Latino neighborhoods. The city of Los Angeles had envisioned grand housing projects there and kicked out the residents, long before the Dodgers moved from Brooklyn. The projects never were built, but many Latinos considered the destruction of the neighborhoods and removal of the residents as something of the Dodgers’ original sin and vowed never to set foot inside Dodger Stadium.

Until 1981, that is, when a shy, modestly pudgy and virtually anonymous Mexican 20-year-old showed up, looked to the heavens before every pitch, and started his rookie season with eight consecutive victories, including seven complete games and five shutouts.

That was the origin of Fernandomania.

Shohei Ohtani lures baseball fans from everywhere. Valenzuela lured humans from everywhere.

“People who hadn’t really thought about baseball, or Dodger Stadium,” said Peter O’Malley, who became the Dodgers’ president in 1970 and then owner from 1979-1998. “Suddenly, they were coming. They were flying from all over to see him.

“He captured the imagination of everyone. It was the most exciting time for me on my watch.”

If they didn’t come to Dodger Stadium, they came to see him somewhere else. President Reagan invited Valenzuela to a White House event with the president of Mexico.

“He was able to create such interest in baseball — not only in the Dodgers, but baseball in general,” Jarrín said. “In St. Louis. In Atlanta. In New York. In Chicago. They went wild when Fernando was throwing — 10,000 extra people at the ballpark when he was pitching.”

The Dodgers hurriedly set up a radio network in Mexico, so Jarrín’s broadcasts of Valenzuela’s games could be heard south of the border.

And talk about bringing the city together: In Los Angeles, half the television sets in use were tuned to a Valenzuela start on one Friday night, 60% on one Sunday, The Times reported.

“It was like watching the pope,” actor Danny Trejo said in the Times’ 12-part Fernandomania @ 40 documentary series. It’s worth watching, especially if you are one of the committee members voting Sunday.

The series did not focus on interviews with players, or with fans. Valenzuela’s impact on the community was told largely through the words of a playwright, a filmmaker, a historian, an actor, a singer, a songwriter, and a mayor.

Said O’Malley: “He has never gotten the credit he deserves for the impact he made on baseball — not just on the Dodger organization, but on Mexican baseball, international baseball, and the community.”

Read more:Dodgers star Fernando Valenzuela, who changed MLB by sparking Fernandomania, dies at 63

Valenzuela belongs in the Hall of Fame because his legacy outlasted his career.

The Dodgers did not draw 3 million fans in any of their first 20 years in Los Angeles. They drew 3.6 million in Valenzuela’s first full season, 3.5 million in his second, and now 3 million is a disappointment rather than an aspiration.

Jarrín said the Dodgers’ Latino fan base had grown from “8, 9, 10%” when he started calling their games in 1959 to close to 50% now.

And, when Valenzuela debuted, O’Malley said international baseball was “a nonexistent subject” in league meetings. In the wake of a World Series that set record ratings in Canada and Japan, and in anticipation of the World Baseball Classic three months away, Valenzuela’s election to the Hall of Fame would be not only worthy but entirely fitting.

The Hall of Fame includes players born in Canada, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Japan, Panama, Puerto Rico, the Netherlands and Venezuela.

Valenzuela would be the first player from Mexico. The Hall of Fame’s motto: “Preserving history, honoring excellence, connecting generations.” Who better fits?

“A whole nation is very aware of the Hall of Fame,” Jarrín said. “I’m sure they would declare a holy day on the day Fernando gets in.”

And we know what we would say: If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Longtime MLB coach, manager Ron Washington finalizing deal to join Giants' staff originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO — There’s never been a Major League manager with less experience than Tony Vitello, but the Giants are on the verge of adding another coach to his staff who will fill some of the gaps as he makes the transition from Tennessee to the big leagues.

During an appearance on KNBR on Thursday morning, general manager Zack Minasian confirmed a USA Today report that the organization is finalizing a deal with longtime coach and manager Ron Washington, giving Vitello another experienced voice, and giving the Giants one of the best infield coaches around. 

Washington, 73, was most recently the manager in Anaheim, where Minasian’s brother is the general manager. He has 10 years of big league managing experience with the Angels and Texas Rangers and has been a coach for the Athletics and Atlanta Braves. 

The Giants still are in the process of finalizing exact roles for their incoming coaches, and Minasian said it’s possible Washington gets in the mix as third base coach. But at the very least, he will coach up the infielders, and few have ever been better at that. With Washington and Ron Wotus in the organization, the Giants will have two of the most respected infield coaches in the industry. 

Minasian said Washington’s name was brought up by Vitello, who is putting the finishing touches on his first big league staff. He also will lean on Jayce Tingler, who has been hired in a to-be-announced role. Tingler has previous big league managing experience, as well. 

The Giants also have Bruce Bochy and Dusty Baker on hand as advisors. Between those two, Washington and Wotus, and Tingler, there will be no shortage of experienced minds around to help Vitello navigate his first season. Minasian said the entire group will get together for the first time at next week’s Winter Meetings and the Giants hope to officially announce their hires in the coming days. 

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