Category: Baseball

Matt Blake was perhaps the Yankees’ highest-profile free agent this year. Consistently considered one of the best pitching coaches in baseball, his tenure since 2020 has seen the development of a star in Cam Schlittler, solid major-league starters like Will Warren and Clarke Schmidt, and perennially delivered a nails bullpen that is markedly cheaper than some of the big-money, volatile closers the club has featured since Mariano Rivera retired.

Blake is great and all reports are that he’s coming back on a new deal to continue his work on Aaron Boone’s staff. Boone himself will manage through the final year of his deal; indeed, as of now, the entire coaching staff* will be in the dugout for whatever the 2027 season looks like. And this makes me ponder.

*Contracts are up on bench coach Brad Ausmus and catching instructor Tanner Swanson, but there are no announcements yet on their departures, though Ausmus is interviewing for jobs in Houston.

I was taken aback by how sternly Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman laid the season at the feet of the players in their offseason Zoom conference. Praise was passed down from Hal to Cashman and further to Boone, with the company line that the players were responsible for what ended up being a pretty disappointing campaign. Perhaps that conference more than any other single event best sums up Cashman’s iron rule over the organization — he and those he selects can do no wrong, and can only be failed by the mercenaries wearing pinstripes.

Don’t overlook Hal’s personal interests as an owner, headed into labor trouble. Steinbrenner confirmed how much of a priority a salary cap is for ownership in the very same presser, and any opportunity to blame players instead of The Yankee Organization is one more lock added to the vault that ownership is trying to put even more money into. Cashman is less directly incentivized to see a salary cap in the league but he’s very incentivized not to publicly cross the only man in the organization that can actually punish him.

There are actual good cases to let some of the coaching staff go though. The Yankees scored 739 runs last year, on the back of a 101 wRC+. That’s 110 runs and 17 points of wRC+ worse than in 2025, and while Aaron Judge only played in half the season, the absence of Judge alone doesn’t explain near teamwide regression:

There are logical answers for some of these — it was always unlikely, even without a broken rib, that Aaron Judge would have another 200 wRC+ season, and José Caballero is just not a 135 true talent. The top-to-bottom decimation of offense still has to be systemic, Ben Rice was the only hitter to take any kind of step forward and we spent all of 2025 screaming that his underlying metrics would yield a better 2026. Everyone else either stalled or got worse.

And there is not a single question about James Rowson apparently coming back as hitting coach. Despite not having scored on the contact play since 1947, Luis Rojas will be back at third base. There has not been a murmur about any changes in coaching, and we’re getting too close to the expiry of the CBA to go through the normal hiring process.

The club was adamant that they were not “running it back” in 2026, despite more or less returning the same roster that saw two guys take steps forward and everyone else step back. It’s difficult to imagine, given the free agency market and labor uncertainty, the team making a big splash in the winter, so while they may not be “running it back” in 2027, we probably see a lot of the same faces on the roster. We’ll also see the same faces directing the action on the field.

1903
The drama surrounding the fate of future Hall of Fame shortstop George Davis finally appeared at an end, as the New York Giants left Davis off of their reserve list, essentially ceding the fight over his services to the White Sox.

The White Sox had convinced Davis to jump from his longtime New York environs for the 1902 season, in which Davis 5.9 WAR over 132 games. However, the battle between the National and American Leagues was still broiling, and the Giants coaxed Davis into breaking his Chicago contract and playing again for New York in 1904. The battle over the player became one of the hardest-fought of the early 1900s, with court injunctions limiting Davis to just four games in New York for the year.

After the season, Giants owner John Brush threw in the towel, and on this November 3 AL president Ban Johnson spoke out in assurance that Davis would play for the White Sox in 1905.

That turned out to be true, as Davis would finish his career with the White Sox, playing until 1909. His 1905 and 1906 seasons were good for 7.2 WAR apiece, the best of his career; in 1906, in fact, Davis led the AL in WAR with that mark.

The Veterans Committee made Davis a Hall-of-Famer in 1998.

1959
The White Sox sent first baseman Ron Jackson to the Boston Red Sox for southpaw swingman Frank Baumann. The southpaw swingman had a terrific, if uneven, White Sox career in the early 1960s, beginning by leading the American League with a 2.67 ERA in 1960. But that 3.4 WAR season was followed by Baumann leading the AL with 117 earned runs in 1961, ending in an astoundingly bad -2.1 WAR. But in 1962, Baumann bounced back with a solid 2.3 WAR season that saw him start (10) nearly as many games as he finished (12, with four saves). He was a more marginal pitcher for the Sox for two more seasons, before being traded to the Cubs in a rare Crosstown swap to finish up his career in 1965.

Jackson, a giant of the time at 6´7´´, 225, never really panned out as a major leaguer, toiling for six years on the South Side but seeing action in only 186 games. He’d see scant time in Boston (10 games) in 1960, ending his MLB career.

1983
Tony La Russa, who guided the White Sox to a 99-win season and their first playoff appearance in 24 years, was named the Manager of the Year by the Baseball Writers Association of America. It was the first year the BBWAA handed out that award. 

La Russa received 17 of a possible 28 votes to take the honor. He beat out Baltimore’s Joe Altobelli, who picked up seven first-place votes. La Russa would also take Manager of the Year honors from The Sporting News and the Associated Press.

1988
The White Sox named Jeff Torborg as the team’s new manager. The former major league catcher, and Cleveland manager, would go on to gain notable success with the White Sox.

His “team and family” philosophy took hold, and a young group of players stunned the baseball world by winning 94 games in 1990. Torborg was named Manager of the Year that season. He followed that up by winning 87 games in 1991 before being forced out by White Sox GM Ron Schueler, who wanted to hire his own man.

Torborg, by the way, is the only man in baseball history to have caught a perfect game from Sandy Koufax and a no-hitter from Nolan Ryan, as he played for the Dodgers and Angels from 1964-73. Torborg also caught a third no-hitter, courtesy of L.A.’s Bill Singer.

2003
Former White Sox All-Star shortstop Ozzie Guillén was named the team’s manager, replacing Jerry Manuel. Guillén was granted an interview late, intended as a courtesy from Ken Williams, as Guillén was busy coaching third base for the World Champion Florida Marlins; in fact, Williams had decided on Cito Gaston as his hire — at least until sitting down with Ozzie.

The “Wizard of Oz” immediately set about changing the fortunes of the franchise.

His “Ozzie-Ball” philosophy of pitching, smart/aggressive base-running, defense and doing the little things instead of just waiting for the home run would help lead to a World Series title in 2005, the season he would be named Manager of the Year.

He’d return to the playoffs with the club in 2008. 

Before being allowed to leave in late September 2011, Guillén appeared to be headed for a very long career on the South Side, but his relationship changed with GM Ken Williams, and after Guillén forced owner Jerry Reinsdorf to essentially choose between his two “kids,” a parting of the ways was best for all concerned. 

2020
Though the season was just 60 games due to the pandemic, the Glove was still made of Gold: Luis Robert Jr. was named the AL’s Gold Glove winner in center field.

First baseman Evan White joined Robert as Gold Glove winners who had never played a single MLB game before 2020.

2022
Royals coach Pedro Grifol was hired as manager to replace Tony La Russa, who officially retired in October due to health concerns.

Grifolplayed college baseball at Florida State and got as close to the majors as Triple-A, spent 10 years in the Royals organization and before that had a lengthy stay in the Mariners ranks. His hiring as an “outsider,” someone who had no connection to either Jerry Reinsdorf or the White Sox organization, marked the first time that had happened in the managerial search since Jerry Manuel got the position before the start of the 1998 season.

Through his first season, 2023, Grifol’s 61-101 record places him as the worst skipper in White Sox history among those who lasted at least one full season.

2023
The White Sox were willing to stand by Liam Hendriks through cancer but not Tommy John surgery, as the club released the closer and team leader rather than pay him to mentor a young pitching staff and possibly return in time to be a trade deadline asset.

Of course, by cutting Hendriks the White Sox saved an immediate $13.5 million, as rather than a full $15 million salary for 2024 the club would pay that figure out over 10 years, in $1.5 million installments.

The following February, Boston inked Hendriks to a two-year, $10 million deal worth up to $30 million over three years.

As imagined back in 2021 when Hendriks signed a four-year, $54 million deal, the contract did not pan out as a good value, especially considering the closer’s surgeries for lymphoma and TJS. His first two (healthy) seasons, Hendriks was an All-Star and earned an overall 4.3 WAR. However, even had that pace kept up in 2023-24, there’s almost no way for a closer to bring in necessary value.

Hendriks ended his White Sox career with impeccable numbers, including a 14-7 record, 2.76 ERA/2.59 FIP, 0.875 WHIP and 76 saves.

Phillies News:

• Phillies Ball Girlshosted a Halloween Party!
• An offseason roundtable on Phillies trade candidates
• Some think an Orion Kerkering trade seems inevitable
• It will be important this offseason for the Phillies to add starting pitching depth

MLB News:

• Posting Season! Pitchers Kaima Taira and Hiromi Itoh and infielders Teruaki Sato and Si-Hwan Roh must sign before the CBA expires
• Exploring the Top Free Agents for the 2026-27 offseason ($$)
• Mets and Dodgers look to be favorites to add SP Tarik Skubal in free agency
• Remember that betting scandal with players like Emmanuel Clase? Yeah that’s finally going to trial

The 2026-2027 offseason for the sport of Major League Baseball has finally arrived after the St. Louis Cardinals were officially eliminated a little over 6 weeks ago. While the floodgates of the sport have yet to be opened with the beginning of Free Agency, that hasn’t stopped the fanbase and their clamoring for change and investment on the roster. After the conclusion of the World Series, Andrew Wang of the “Dealin’ the Cards” podcast created an interactive roster tool that allows fans to be the GM of their favorite team across all 3o major league franchises. With this tool, fans everywhere tipped their hand at some of the adjustments they’d like to see brought to fruition.

A notable number of fans included a veteran starter, some of whom are well beyond their prime or who just aren’t the same pitchers after experiencing their fair share of injuries and are on the wrong side of 30. The assumption being made is that “If they can do it with Dustin May, they can do it with this guy.” Which isn’t true. Dustin May was still under the age of 30 and needed a healthy offseason and a new extended opportunity to reclaim his career, which he seemingly did so between St. Louis and Milwaukee this season, and by winning a World Series (Congrats, Dustin; sorry again about Winter Warm Up).

So, I wanted to write about WHY I think the Cardinals should steer clear of some very notable names that fans have visions of seeing in the Show Me state in 2027. This list isn’t about the very top guys. Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta, or Trevor Rogers don’t quite fit into this bucket that I’m talking about, though the Cardinals signing those guys to deals this offseason, I’ve been informed by various sources in and around the team, is unlikely to pursue seriously.

If I’m Chaim Bloom, I’m staying far away from these guys this offseason.

RHP Zac Gallen

2026 was a true bottoming-out season for former Cardinals farmhand Zac Gallen. It’s been back-to-back disappointing years for Gallen. After posting a 4.83 ERA in 192 IP in 2025, it was an “okay-ish” season despite the tough ERA, but it was followed up by a 6.07 ERA in 105.1 IP in 2026. Not to mention he was in the bottom 1% of baseball in xBA, xSLG, xwOBA, xwOBACON, xERA, and K%. Those are all big red flashing light indicators screaming this guy doesn’t belong at this level any longer! He also produced a “Pitching Run Value” of -19, which put him in the bottom 5% of all of baseball in terms of how his stuff performed this season. This isn’t a guy who is in need of a “change of scenery”; this is a guy who might need to consider what a knuckleball could do for his career, because he already does the kitchen sink thing and it’s not working for him either. Those of you who understand that reference, hopefully that puts into context just how far away from success he is at this juncture of his career.

RHP Shane Bieber

Let’s start with the obvious with Bieber, his health is failing him and he hasn’t made more than 20 starts in a season since 2023. He hasn’t been the Cy Young caliber arm that everyone knew him as since 2022, which, by the way, was the last time the Cardinals were in the playoffs, so in that context, it’s been a little bit. In 2026, Bieber mustered 11 starts in the regular season, and they were “meh,” to be quite honest with you. Posting a 4.37 ERA with a 5.99 xERA… bad news! Remember all those fun expected stats that I referenced with Gallen? They’re not all that much better with Bieber. Bottom 4% in xBA, Bottom 2% in xSLG, Bottom 2% in wOBA, xwOBA, and xwOBACON. Which for those non-advanced numbers readers at home, this means he was getting hit hard early and often in his starts and they weren’t particularly fluky occurrences either.

RHP Max Scherzer

Personally, I think it’s more likely that Scherzer retires than he attempts to make one last run at another ring. At 42 years old, father time has finally caught up with Mad Max. The time and place for a Scherzer to St. Louis merger was back in the mid 2010’s when Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. vetoed the opportunity to bring the Gateway City native in to pitch for his hometown Cardinals. I really don’t want to make this argument against one of my favorite pitchers to watch and all-time competitors to watch taking the bump. But it doesn’t make sense for St. Louis given that they’re not in an “All-in” position going into 2027.

Scherzer posted a 5.74 ERA and 4.24 xERA in 2026; his average 4-seam FB velo has been down each of the last 4 seasons, and his slider isn’t what it used to be, posting a -7 PRV. I really don’t want to go any further than that other than to say it was one hell of a career for Max, and his legacy as an inner-circle Hall of Fame pitcher is unquestioned.

As I stated earlier this offseason, my view is to allow guys like Richard Fitts, Cooper Hjerpe, Tekoah Roby, Mason Molina, Jurrangelo Cintje, Liam Doyle, and Tanner Franklin the opportunity to compete for that 5th spot and allow for continued upward mobility for guys who have big stuff and such significant upside in their profile over guys who might be “reclamation projects.” I don’t think a true Dustin May type exists in this free agent class as it currently stands. Now, if a guy like Shane McClanahan is non-tendered by the Rays, that becomes a different conversation, though, even then, I’d be 50-50 on the proposition. It might be unsexy and generate very little excitement for non-prospect-watching fans to go with the “internal options” route. But it provides greater upside than shelling out unnecessary dollars to guys like Gallen, Bieber, or Scherzer who are either well past their prime, suffering under the toll injuries have taken, or are unable to deceive hitters in a meaningful way to find success.

-Thanks for reading

Good morning, Camden Chatters.

It’s just a few weeks now until the MLB lockout is expected to begin, essentially freezing all baseball roster moves for however many months it may last. Folks, it’s going to suck.

But until that happens, the Orioles have been staying busy. That was especially true yesterday, when they made a slew of transactions to bring in some organizational filler and clear some spots on the 40-man roster, which included parting ways with a pair of former first-round picks.

The most notable departure is that of the longest tenured Oriole, Ryan Mountcastle, whose $7.5 million option was declined. Mountcastle had spent more than a decade with the organization, pre-dating the Mike Elias era, as the Dan Duquette-led Orioles drafted him 36th overall in the 2015 draft. He had an eventful rise through the Orioles’ minor league system as the O’s could never seem to figure out a position for him, initially playing him at shortstop and third base before his porous defense forced them to move him to the outfield and, finally, first base. But his bat was his calling card, and he won International League MVP honors in 2019 after hitting 25 homers and posting an .871 OPS for Triple-A Norfolk.

Mountcastle made his major league debut for the O’s during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, and he burst onto the scene with a .333 average and an .878 OPS in 35 games, then had a strong 2021 campaign with 33 homers and a .796 OPS. Mountcastle received AL Rookie of the Year votes in both those years, one of only three players in MLB history to get ROY votes in multiple seasons.

But it was all downhill from there. Mountcastle never really emerged as the middle-of-the-order thumper the Orioles hoped he’d become, and their decision to move back the left-field wall at Camden Yards did the righty swinger no favors. His homer total dropped every season since 2021, from 33 to 22 to 18 to 13 to 7 to, this year, zero, as his 2026 campaign ended with a left foot fracture after just eight games. He finished his O’s tenure with a .263/.312/.438 line and 98 homers in 660 games, amassing 7.7 WAR. It was a disappointing end to a once-promising Orioles career.

Still, Mountcastle shined in comparison to Kjerstad, who is also now a free agent after the O’s outrighted him off the 40-man roster yesterday. The Orioles took a gamble in 2020 when they selected Kjerstad as the second overall pick, which was considered a bit of an overdraft for a player ranked as about a mid-first rounder. The O’s saved a bit of money on the pick which allowed them to draft Coby Mayo in a later round, so in that sense it may have worked out, but Kjerstad ultimately didn’t deliver the prodigious left-handed power he’d displayed at Arkansas.

His O’s stint was riddled with health issues that were often beyond his control, including the myocarditis that almost ended his career before it began, and the horrific beanball from Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes in 2024 that gave him a concussion from which Kjerstad never seemed to fully recover. The writing was on the wall when the Orioles kept Kjerstad mired at Triple-A for nearly the entire 2026 season, only calling him up in September and then never letting him play. It’s telling that no other team claimed Kjerstad on waivers when the O’s outrighted him, though he’ll probably land a minor league deal somewhere. Mountcastle, too, should be able to find a new home. Good luck to both of them, wherever they end up.

Meanwhile, the Orioles also cut loose Leody Taveras, Yohel Pozo, and Dietrich Enns, three players who probably won’t be missed. Taveras was a fifth-outfielder type who was badly overexposed by having to get regular playing time this season, and the third catcher Pozo seemed like a good vibes guy on the bench but hardly ever got into the lineup. Enns was a member of the Opening Day bullpen after a solid stint for the Orioles in 2025, but flamed out quickly and was banished to the minors for the rest of the year.

And finally, the O’s extended a qualifying offer to Trevor Rogers, a no-brainer of a decision. That assures that the O’s will receive a compensatory draft pick if Rogers signs as a free agent with another team. Technically Rogers has the option to accept the QO and return to the Orioles for a one-year deal, but there’s almost no chance he’ll do so when he’s certain to receive a hefty multi-year contract in free agency. It would be nice if the Orioles were the team to give him that contract, but I’m not holding my breath.

Links

Sources: Orioles open to trading almost anyone in search for rotation and outfield help – The Baltimore Banner

I’ve gone on record saying I’d be in favor of the Orioles trading everyone except Pete Alonso. Apparently I’m not too far off.

Top MLB free agents for the 2026-27 offseason: Tarik Skubal leads a shallow class – The Athletic

Keith Law isn’t a big fan of Trevor Rogers, saying he wouldn’t go past a three-year, $75 million deal for him. If that’s all it would take, sign me up.

Should Orioles try Mayo or Encarnacion-Strand in outfield? | MAILBAG – BaltimoreBaseball.com

It seems like the Orioles have Coby Mayo learn a new position every season, but for some reason they haven’t tried him in the outfield yet. As Rich Dubroff points out, a likely-truncated spring training might not be the best time for it.

Here are the finalists for MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, more – MLB.com

If you can imagine, the Orioles have no finalists for any of the major end-of-season awards. What, no Craig Albernaz??

Orioles birthdays and history

Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! Five former Orioles were born on this day: right-hander Armando Benítez (54), outfielders Mark Corey (71) and Dwight Evans (75), and the late lefty Ken Holtzman (b. 1945, d. 2024) and outfielder Earl Robinson (b. 1936, d. 2014).

On this date in 1982, Hall of Fame Orioles ace Jim Palmer fell short of his fourth career AL Cy Young Award, finishing second to the Brewers’ Pete Vuckovich. Palmer had better stats than Vuckovich nearly across the board, except for wins, which was the be-all and end-all for voters back in those days. The fact that the Brewers edged out the Orioles in the AL East standings probably was a factor, too. But both probably should have lost to Toronto’s Dave Stieb, who logged 288.1 innings and threw an MLB-best 19 complete games and five shutouts, but finished fourth in the voting.

It’s tempting to call this a free agency period like Major League Baseball has never seen.

Alas, we did this exact same exercise five years ago.

Once again, the hot stove will almost certainly be cooled by an industry-shuttering lockout Dec. 1, as commissioner Rob Manfred pulls the plug on the offseason as collective bargaining talks with the players’ association lurch on. Until then, it will be a moderate scramble for teams to sign players – with another feverish trade and free agency sprint once the CBA is settled.

Whenever that is.

Until then, though, there are dozens of players to dream on, some who will sign quickly, others who will beat the buzzer at the end of November and still more that will have to wait until 2027. With that, USA TODAY Sports presents its top 112 free agents, from the most desired to those reasonably expected to sign a major league contract. Rankings based on projected future performance and perceived market value:

Ages on April 1, 2027

1. Tarik Skubal (LHP, 30, Dodgers)

Still the one. Skubal’s elbow procedure in May and his decent but not indomitable playoff stint after a trade to the Dodgers might cool his market a tad, but he’ll easily sail past the $325 million record for a free agent pitcher. Expect him to sign shortly before the lockout plug is pulled.

2. Michael King (RHP, 31, Padres)

Yeah, this free agent class is a little short on star power. King will make someone happy, though: In 77 starts over three seasons in San Diego, he pitched to a 3.15 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP and struck out 436 in 432 innings. A solid No. 1, an excellent No. 2 for a team with playoff aspirations.

3. Freddy Peralta (RHP, 30, Rays)

What a roller-coaster for ol’ Fastball Freddy, who seemed to jeopardize eight seasons of greatness with one half of terrible with the Mets. Yet Peralta reignited his value with an increasingly electric three-month stint in Tampa Bay, capped by a postseason in which the Rays won the first four games he pitched in before running into the Brewers. That run likely brought him back into the nine-figure contract club.

4. Sonny Gray (RHP, 37, Red Sox)

Yeah, we’re a little heavy on veteran arms, here. Such is the game today, though: A paucity of starters, a slew of fungible offensive options. Gray won 18 games and posted a 2.72 ERA and while some below him on this list will outshine him in total value, he should make a very nice killing in average annual value after opting out of a $30 million player option.

5. Clay Holmes (RHP, 34, Cubs)

Again with the reliable if not dominant right-handed starters. Holmes re-made himself very nicely with the Mets, stretching out to become a starter again and he was bound for an All-Star bid before a comebacker resulted in a freak broken bone in his leg. Still, he posted a 3.26 ERA over 40 starts there and has a knack for suppressing the home run.

6. Trevor Rogers (LHP, 28, Orioles)

Rogers’ up-and-down stint in Baltimore after a 2024 trade ended on a very high note, as he pitched to a 2.89 ERA and 2.90 FIP in his final 20 starts. His age and apparent remaining upside make him a nice fit for a club that fancies itself pitching savants.

7. Seiya Suzuki (OF/DH, 32, Cubs)

He’s likely just a future DH and we’re not altogether convinced he’s the best position player on this market, but: It’s tough to argue with four consecutive seasons with an OPS between .804 and .841. Get him out of Wrigley Field – which ranks 22 ND for batters in park factor and 26 TH for right-handed swingers – and it could be a very smooth transition into his mid-30s.

8. Randy Arozarena (OF, 32, Mariners)

Did someone mention park factors and right-handed hitters? Well, Seattle T-Mobile Park is the worst for righty swingers, per Statcast, yet Arozarena put up a 26-homer, 26-steal season and career bests in OPS (.865) and WAR (5.7). Given his age and that speed is a fairly big part of his game, there’s a little buyer beware here. But he can be instant offense for a team in need.

9. Teruaki Sato (INF, 28, Hanshin Tigers)

All hail the Central League Triple Crown winner, who hit 39 homers and drove in 106. Sato did strike out 27% of the time the past two seasons, but his market will no doubt benefit from Munetaka Murakami’s success, hitting 35 homers his rookie year after similar whispers about contact issues.

10. Nick Pivetta (RHP, 34, Padres)

A flexor strain cost him five months of this season, but he looked crisp in his return and brings to the market a nice two-year sample in San Diego: A 2.87 ERA over 216 1/3 innings and a 0.99 WHIP. Durability concerns might force him to accept a deal laced with some incentives, but Pivetta and his signing club will feel pretty good betting on each other.

11. Foster Griffin (LHP, 31, Guardians)

Talk about a winning bet on yourself: Griffin came back from Japan and posted a 15-6 record and 3.60 ERA with the Nationals and Guardians, appearing in three playoff games for Cleveland. Griffin’s eight-ish pitch mix makes him tough to square up, even if his 8.2 strikeouts per nine innings may give pause to clubs obsessed with swing-and-miss.

Brewers World Series book

12. Nick Martinez (RHP, 36, Rays)

Speaking of first-time All-Stars who induce weak contact, Martinez had an extremely precise season with the Rays: A 1.09 WHIP despite just 109 strikeouts in 180 innings. But Martinez was extremely valuable in the rotation and clubhouse for Tampa Bay and, like many pitchers on this list, might not be a bona fide No. 1 but can make a decent rotation playoff-caliber.

13. Matthew Boyd (LHP, 36, Cubs)

Boyd backslid a fair amount from his 2025 All-Star campaign, his ERA bumping from 3.21 to 3.91 and his FIP from 3.65 to 4.21. Boyd required surgery on his meniscus after a mishap playing with his children and also had a biceps issue, but in 61 starts over three seasons has a 3.41 ERA. Quality you can rely on.

14. Shota Imanaga (LHP, 33, Cubs)

He pitched last year after accepting the qualifying offer and had a Shota-esque year, dominating in six April starts before blowing up in May and August, landing on a 3.77 ERA overall. His three major league seasons have had similar roller coasters, and the Cubs have lost both playoff games he’s appeared in before staying away from him in the 2026 wild card series. Still, the stuff is good and he’s posted a 1.04 career WHIP.  

15. David Bednar (RHP, 32, Yankees)

Who knew how valuable this dude would be when the Yankees acquired him in July 2025? He saved 45 games in 52 chances across 1 ½ seasons, plus two more in the postseason, giving up one earned over nine innings of playoff ball. The Yankees extended him the qualifying offer, so perhaps a reunion could be worked out before he fully hits the market.

16. Evan Phillips (RHP, 32, Dodgers)

Injuries limited Phillips to just 38 appearances the past two seasons, but he was 42-for-49 in save opportunities in 2023 and ’24 and has given up zero runs in 18 1/3 career playoff innings. Yes, that’s an Aaron Ashby-like run across five postseasons, including two World Series championships and an NLCS run this year.

17. Kaima Taira (RHP, 27, Seibu Lions)

An intriguing posting, to be sure, as Taira posted a 1.36 ERA in 23 starts this year – and saved 36 games as a reliever the year before. He has a career 9.4 strikeouts per nine innings, generating mid-90s velocity despite a 5-foot-8 frame.

18. Raisel Iglesias (RHP, 36, Braves)

Is this guy getting better with age? Iglesias saved 34 games for Atlanta last season, capping a five-year run in which he posted a 0.97 WHIP and saved 131 games. Gave up just 48 hits in 60 innings.

19. Adrian Morejon (LHP, 28, Padres)

Morejon suffered shoulder inflammation at the finish line this year, the Padres opting to stay away from him in their last two NL Division Series games against Milwaukee, but then extending him the qualifying offer, which may ensure his return. He was one of the game’s greatest relievers the past two seasons, making the 2025 All-Star Game and striking out 177 in 159 2/3 innings. Pitched in 75 and 76 games, so you can call him Every-Other-Day Adrian.

20. Brandon Lowe (2B, 32, Pirates)

The Pirates extended him the qualifying offer after he ripped 35 home runs and produced 5.4 WAR in his lone season in Pittsburgh. Lowe also struck out 189 times – 28.8% of his plate appearances – yet his OPS of .824 was in line with his .810 career mark. An interesting market for a guy entering his mid-30s.

21. Jazz Chisholm Jr. (INF, 29, Yankees)

After a 31-homer, 31-steal season, Chisholm’s homers dropped to 19 and his OBP from .332 to .312. Still, he’s the youngest position player on the market and a dynamic talent in an offensively uninspiring class; might be best served if a club made him a multi-positional everyday option.

22. Bryan Abreu (RHP, 29, Astros)

Had an amazing two-year run in 2022 and ’23, posting a 1.84 ERA and striking out 12.8 batters per nine innings as the Astros won the World Series and reached Game 7 of the ’23 ALCS. Now, he’s still pretty good but not quite as dominant – his home runs per nine innings have leaped from 0.3 in 2022 to 1.3 this past season.

23. Luis Arráez (INF, 29, Phillies)

His marketability took a big leap under the tutelage of infield wizard Ron Washington, who helped Arráez become a serviceable second baseman. Banged out 185 hits between San Francisco and Philadelphia and his .765 slug was his highest since 2023.

24. Hiromi Itoh (RHP, 29, Nippon Ham Fighters)

Teams who obsess over strike zone control will love Itoh, who struck out 159 but walked just 34 in 172 innings this past season. The winner of the NPB’s Cy Young equivalent in 2025, Itoh figures to slot as a mid-rotation option in the major leagues.

25. Ian Happ (OF, 32, Cubs)

Happ’s 10-year run at Wrigley Field concluded with a career-low .218 batting average yet 24 homers that were just one off his career high. His streak of four consectuvie Gold Gloves in left field came to an end, but Happ is still a significant all-around add for a contending team.

26. Tyler Mahle (RHP, 32, Braves)

Mahle might want to send a Christmas bonus along to the Braves’ pitching department after his ERA dropped from 5.13 in 18 starts with San Francisco to 1.99 in nine starts with Atlanta. His overall 3.99 mark was probably what was expected all along but Mahle’s strong finish and overall healthy campaign – his 27 starts were his most since 2021 – will ensure a nice payday this winter.

27. Gleyber Torres (2B, 30, Tigers)

Not the All-Star offensive force he was a year ago, Torres nonetheless got on base at a .364 clip, while his eight home runs helped suppress his OPS to .727, just above league average. After accepting the $22 million qualifying offer for 2025, he’s unencumbered this season and should land a multiyear pact following two seasons as a Tiger.

28. Jake Bauers (1B, 31, Brewers)

Pat Murphy’s hot mic private moment with Bauers wasn’t totally accurate – the Yankees are pretty well covered at first base – but Bauers does figure to cash in after reviving his career with two solid seasons in Milwaukee. He hit 26 homers and turned around pivotal Game 3 of the NLCS with another longball at Dodger Stadium. Will the power of friendship compel him to accept the $23.15 million qualifying offer and try to go back-to-back with the Brewers?

29. Mauricio Dubon (INF/OF, 32, Braves)

That’s three-time Gold Glove winner Maurico Dubón, for the record. Simply, the man does anything a team could ask, this past season holding down shortstop for 51 starts and then making 89 more in the outfield, mostly after Ha-Seong Kim was healthy. Not the guy to center a rebuild around, but a perfect add for a club with championship aspirations.

30. Dustin May (RHP, 29, Brewers)

What happens when you debut at 21, suffer a litany of injuries yet bounce back with the World Series champs? You hit the free agent market at 29, youngest pitcher in the class, and in far better shape than imagined. May put it together nicely with the Cardinals, nearly throwing a perfect game, and aimed to fit into the Brewers’ pitching equation. He landed on “multi-inning fireballing option,” starting one playoff game and contributing a handful of relief efforts. An acquiring team could use him any number of ways, but his 8.9 strikeouts per nine innings in 2026 ensures he’ll be nicely compensated for it.

31. Trent Grisham (CF, 30, Yankees)

Will suitors weigh Grisham’s 34-homer, .811 OPS 2025 season more heavily than his injury-interrupted 18-homer, .703 OPS ’26 campaign? Grisham played through the qualifying offer to emerge unencumbered this winter, but now must convince teams he can maintain solid center field play and decent power into his 30s.

32. Daulton Varsho (OF, 30, Astros)

This is Grisham Part II. Varsho averaged 3.7 WAR and 19 homers his first three seasons in Toronto but fell off with the rest of the roster in 2026, hitting just 12 homers and compiling 0.9 WAR between the Blue Jays and Astros.

33. Kevin Gausman (RHP, 36, Cubs)

Gausman was weighing retirement this season and then saw his ERA balloon to 4.83 in nine starts after a trade to Chicago. Still, he struck out 10.2 batters per nine for the Cubs and in the right hands can make his fastball-splitter combo bite. If he doesn’t sign before the lockout kicks in, it might be tougher to get out of Dad Mode.

34. J.P. Crawford (INF, 32, Mariners)

Gradually made himself into a solid offensive player with the Mariners and eventually an indispensable cog, until injuries and the emergence of young infielders Colt Emerson and Cole Young infringed on his production. Crawford has signaled he’d like to come back, perhaps as a third baseman or super utility sort, but either way he still has plenty to give on the field and in the clubhouse.

35. Shane Bieber (RHP, 31, Blue Jays)

Still might not be fully ready to hit the market after opting into his $16 million player option for 2026. Lingering effects from a World Series run that followed Tommy John recovery limited Bieber to 11 starts, so perhaps one more short-term deal is in his future. He’s young enough and good enough to cash in once he’s able to go to the post 25 to 30 times.

36. Casey Mize (RHP, 29, Padres)

He looked primed to cash in in a big way after posting a 2.70 ERA in 16 starts with Detroit and then getting swept out of town along with Tarik Skubal, landing in San Diego. But it all went south, so to speak, with the Padres, as he was hammered for 56 hits in 44 2/3 innings and a 7.46 ERA in 10 starts. Given his uneven health history, a make-good situation might be best for Mize, too.

37. Ryan Jeffers (C, 29, Twins)

Seems like the guy’s been around forever but he doesn’t turn 30 until June 3. Jeffers averages 22 homers per 162 games, but was limited to 92 last season, a year the Yankees hoped to acquire him. Still, right-handed power is hard to come by, especially from a catcher.

38. Zac Gallen (RHP, 31, Diamondbacks)

He’s been backsliding since 2022, when he led the NL with a 0.91 WHIP and just 5.9 hits per nine innings. Yet his ERA has gone straight up since: From 2.54 to 3.47 to 3.65, 4.83 and finally 6.07 last year, when he yielded 10.9 hits per nine. It’s clear a change of scenery is necessary; the question is how much someone’s willing to pay who believes they can bring back the old Zac.

39. David Peterson (LHP, 31, Cubs)

An All-Star in 2025, when he pitched a career-high 168 2/3 innings, he was more swingman with the Mets in 2026, starting eight games and relieving in eight others before a trade to Chicago, where the Cubs put him back in the rotation. Still, a lefty who can start or go multiple innings retains significant value.

40. Tyler Stephenson (C, 30, Reds)

A 30-year-old catcher with pop is not a bad profile to bring to free agency. Stephenson has been a largely league average hitter over his career (lifetime 104 OPS-plus) with a career-best 19 homers and 112 OPS-plus in 2024. Solid change-of-scenery upside here.

41. Alec Bohm (INF, 30, Phillies)

Just a wild seven seasons in Philly for Bohm, who was an All-Star and Rookie of the Year runner-up, a defensive liability turned playable third baseman and a target of boos only to be relatively appreciated by the end of his tenure. After all that, he landed on almost exactly league average (career 101 OPS-plus). Yet if Bohm can survive that he can certainly help in a less-demanding situation, particularly with his family financial flap behind him.

42. Robbie Ray (LHP, 35, Padres)

Like Casey Mize, Ray backslid after a trade from an also-ran to San Diego. Still, there aren’t many more reliable inning-consuming lefties than Ray, who posted a 3.54 ERA over 60 starts for a couple bad teams in San Francisco.

43. Erick Fedde (RHP, 34, White Sox)

Almost the platonic ideal of Modern Pitcher, Fedde can start, open, serve as a bulk guy and get out of the way when needed. His second go-round on the South Side went just fine, even if his 5.01 FIP didn’t reflect it – he was worth 2.0 WAR and posted a 3.83 ERA.

44. Paul Blackburn (RHP, 33, Yankees)

The Yankee bullpen was their secret weapon and Blackburn was just about as big a piece of this as the closer Bednar was. Blackburn took down 85 innings with a 1.69 ERA. His K rate of 7.3 per nine innings isn’t necessarily what you want to see in the late innings but Blackburn is nonetheless reliable.

45. Martin Perez (LHP, 35, Braves)

The Braves sneaked him through waivers, dropped him back in the rotation and watched him take down 142 innings for a division-winning team – with a 139 ERA-plus, to boot. Probably not the guy for your playoff rotation, but one who can certainly help you get there.

46. Walker Buehler (RHP, 32, Padres)

It’s been a few years of baby steps for Buehler, and he quietly reached some nice plateaus last year: Thirty-two starts, most since he made 33 and finished fourth in 2021 NL Cy Young voting. His 153 2/3 innings were also highest since he took down 207 2/3 that year. And his 4.63 ERA nearly equaled a quality start, while his strikeouts per nine perked up from 5.3 to 7.7. He’s getting there.

47. Gregory Soto (LHP, 32, Pirates)

Not exactly a True Closer, but Soto did strike out 79 in 16 innings and saved 16 games. About as good as it gets for lefty heat these days.

48. Luis Robert Jr. (OF, 29, Orioles)

He doesn’t turn 30 until August and still possesses one of the finest skill sets in the game. But oh, those injuries. And oh, the miniscule production. Since his All-Star, 5.3-WAR campaign of 2023, Robert has a .223/.290/.379 slash line.

49. Carson Kelly (C, 32, Cubs)

Eleven years in and Kelly is aging gracefully, his two years in Chicago highlighted by a 15-homer, 3.5 WAR campaign in 2025. Can likely hold down two-thirds of a catching timeshare productively.

50. Jack Flaherty (RHP, 31, Tigers)

Injuries – most notably right flexor inflammation - limited Flaherty to 19 starts, though he was more or less a quality outing (4.48 ERA) every time. He threw his four-seam fastball 49% of the time, second only to 2021 in frequency, even as it averaged a career-low 92.7 mph.

51. Ty France (1B, 32, Padres)

From minor league deal to one of the top right-handed bats on the market – yes, it’s been quite a year for France, who ripped 21 homers with an .865 OPS even after waiting until Feb. 15 to get a spot in anyone’s spring training camp. Actually had a higher OPS vs. right-handers (.869) than lefties (.853).

52. Max Scherzer (RHP, 42, Blue Jays)

We’ll always leave the light on for Maxie if the old boy wants to find his way home. The consenting parties would know what they’re getting: An incentive-laden deal with no guarantee of health, but a Hall of Fame presence that can certainly still spin a gem.

53. Jonathan Loáisiga (RHP, 32, Diamondbacks)

Two years removed from Tommy John surgery, Loáisiga flourished in his lone season in the desert, with a 1.03 WHIP and 2.42 ERA across 67 appearances. Perhaps his K rate – 6.4 per nine – will perk up next.

54. Alex Vesia (LHP, 30, Dodgers)

Still a left-on-left king, he held them to a .138 average and two homers in 106 plate appearances while pitching in a career-high 72 games.

55. Chris Bassitt (RHP, 38, Orioles)

Like his pal Scherzer, Bassitt might take it to the house in 2027, but not until fulfilling union duties as an executive council member. Bassitt posted a 3.74 ERA and FIP over his last eight starts in Baltimore after undergoing a mild back procedure.

56. Jason Adam (RHP, 35, Padres)

An All-Star in 2025, injuries limited Adam to 38 appearances, but his recent work can only overshadow his four-year dossier so much: He struck out 295 over 256 2/3 innings and posted a 2.95 ERA from 2022-25 with the Padres and Rays.

57. Ha-Seong Kim (INF, 31, Braves)

The man has not played in more than 51 games since 2024. Perhaps next year will be the charm. Kim started his Atlanta stint 5 for 76 (.066) but contributed some key hits down the stretch and started four of their seven playoff games. There’s still a good player in there.

58. George Springer (DH, 37, Blue Jays)

What a six years in Toronto for Springer, who took his Playoff George persona up north and nearly helped them win a World Series. Now, he’s a full-time DH but, if he opts to come back in 2027, can at the least be a strong part-time DH option for a contending team.

59. Steven Okert (LHP, 35, Astros)

Sheesh, what a good year for Okert, finest of his career in the run-up to free agency: A 2.13 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 68 strikeouts in 67 2/3 innings. Held lefties to a .186 average and .301 slug.

60. Emilio Pagan (RHP, 35, Reds)

Fifty-seven saves over two seasons has to be worth something, even if Pagan’s 1.5 homers per nine was his highest since 2019.

61. Adolis Garcia (OF, 34, Phillies)

A tough stint for Garcia in Philly, as lat surgery ended his season after 231 at-bats. But he should be full go for spring training and might fit best in a right field time share.

62. Brandon Woodruff (RHP, 34, Brewers)

Run it back in Milwaukee? The Brewers know Woodruff better than anybody and perhaps nobody was more deserving to earn a ring with them than Woodruff. A moderate base salary and significant incentives will likely be the move, be it in Wisconsin or elsewhere.

63. Michael Soroka (RHP, 29, Diamondbacks)

He really did it: Soroka made it through 21 starts and 116 innings, most since he covered 174 2/3 innings over 29 starts for Atlanta in 2019. Incessant health issues followed, but Soroka posted a 3.19 FIP and 1.08 WHIP for the Diamondbacks and suddenly is a free agent before hitting 30.

64. Taylor Ward (OF, 33, Mariners)

Strange, strange year: Ward went from 36 homes and 75 walks to seven homers and 99 walks. Hey, walks are great, especially if you’re starring in Moneyball, but the power outage was a really odd set-up to free agency. Still boasts a .750 career OPS, 109 adjusted.

65. Sean Newcomb (LHP, 33, White Sox)

Newcomb might have unlocked the finest version of himself within the White Sox’s “pitching chaos” ethos, opening six games and pitching in 60 of them with a 3.05 ERA. He provided six scoreless innings in three ALDS appearances against Cleveland, including one start. The way folks run their pitching staffs these days, Newcomb will have plenty of suitors.

66. Paul Goldschmidt (1B, 39, Yankees)

Seems like he’s approaching Yankee For Life status, hitting 18 homers in a part-time role and strafing lefties for a .299 average and .967 OPS.

67. Eugenio Suarez (1B/DH, 35, Reds)

You can go home again, but it might not be the same. Suarez followed up his stirring second act in Seattle with a less-than-overwhelming Cincy encore, with a .212 average, .704 OPS and 34% strikeout rate. Still hit 26 homers, though, and can still inflict significant damage against lefties.

68. Patrick Sandoval (LHP, 30, Red Sox)

Provided 13 starts to the Red Sox in the back half of a two-year deal, the first spent recovering from Tommy John surgery. A year removed from that, he can certainly help someone’s rotation.

69. Isiah Kiner-Falefa (INF, 32, Red Sox)

IKF is eternal. Worth 1.6 WAR despite an 81 adjusted OPS. Every team can use an IKF, but there’s just one.

70. Jose Quintana (LHP, 38, Rockies)

 Quintana suffered a left elbow sprain, opted for a PRP injection and lived to tell about it. An injury-plagued year at Coors Field is no great selling point, but the man did pitch to a 3.96 ERA for Milwaukee a year ago.

71. Joc Pederson (DH, 34, Rangers)

Kind of wild to think he hasn’t been back on the postseason stage since 2021, when he donned pearls and won a second consecutive World Series title. Rebounded nicely from an ugly first year in Arlington (.181, nine homers in 96 games) to rip 26 homers with an .816 OPS.

72. Brock Burke (LHP, 30, Reds)

A lefty who took the ball 77 times and responded with a 2.30 ERA and a strikeout per inning.

73. Aaron Civale (RHP, 31, Cubs)

He started 16 games and finished seven others between Yolo County and Wrigleyville, his ERA dropping to 1.72 in 18 relief outings with the Cubs, who rostered him in the wild-card series.

74. Michael Conforto (OF, 34, Cubs)

His home run percentage of 4.8 – 15 in 314 plate appearances – was his highest since 2019, when he hit a career-high 33 in the juiced-ball year. At the least, reestablished himself as a viable platoon or bench bat.

75. Cal Quantrill (RHP, 32, Rangers)

Limited to 110 innings but made the most of them, making 15 starts and producing a 2.86 ERA. A 135 adjusted ERA yet a 4.01 FIP – he averaged less than a strikeout per inning – makes Quantrill an interesting case.

76. Colin Rea (RHP, 36, Cubs)

He’s been either a Cub or Brewer since 2020 and grew into a valued swing man in Chicago the past two seasons, starting 46 games and finishing 13 others with a 4.13 ERA.

77. Brent Suter (LHP, 37, Braves)

The 6-4, 213-pounder is a flexible dude, largely used in situations yet able to stretch out and give a few innings as an opener on occasion. Perked up significantly after a trade from Anaheim to Atlanta, posting a 1.62 ERA in 13 appearances and adding three scoreless playoff innings.

78. Edmundo Sosa (INF, 31, Phillies)

Hard to imagine the Phillies without Sosa, who filled in anywhere and everywhere when a health or other issue flared up with one of their veterans. More valuable than his career 97 adjusted OPS would suggest.

79. Ramon Laureano (OF, 32, Padres)

Not a bad injury bounceback bet, Laureano accrued 3.8 WAR and an .855 OPS in 2025 but tried playing through a hip injury that required season-ending labrum surgery in June. Still an elite defender with pop.

80. JoJo Romero (LHP, 30, Brewers)

Romero ate a couple of crucial October innings for the World Series champs and had an overall fine season between St. Louis and Milwaukee.

81. Tomoyuki Sugano (RHP, 37, Rockies)

Sugano and Coors Field looked like a nightmare but the right-hander simply maintained his near-quality start production. Oh, his 5.37 ERA won’t wow anyone, but he still made 29 starts with a 93 adjusted ERA.

82. Brady Singer (RHP, 30, Reds)

One of those rare deals where a guy posts a 5.85 ERA yet is allowed to make 31 starts because, as a Reds exec once suggested, “Where else you gonna go?” Singer led the majors by giving up 102 earned runs yet still got through 157 innings. Can likely benefit from a new environment.

83. Tyler Kinley (RHP, 35, Tigers)

Durable guy – appeared in 67, 73 and 64 games the past three seasons – and had a nice 15-game finish after a trade from Atlanta to Detroit, posting a 1.79 ERA.

84. Lane Thomas (OF, 31, Braves)

Ever-reliable extra or short-side platoon outfielder who has found his way into a playoff start two of the past three seasons.

85. Jordan Montgomery (LHP, 34, Rangers)

His three-year nightmare after leading Texas to the 2023 World Series is finally over. A cool free agent period, poor performance and then Tommy John surgery in Arizona sidetracked the big lefty but he did return for 13 relief appearances after sitting out 2025. Intriguing flyer.

86. Josh Bell (1B/DH, 34, Twins)

Switch-hitter, eternal masher, he crushed 21 homers for Minnesota this season.

87. Cedric Mullins (OF, 32, Rays)

An extra outfielder at this point in his career, Mullins hit 15 homers and stole 21 bases in 137 games while providing significant defensive value.

88. Ryne Stanek (RHP, 35, Cardinals)

Throws gas, will travel: Stanek has pitched for six teams the past eight seasons, collecting a World Series ring along the way. Still punches out more than a batter an inning, his career strikeout per nine rate 10.3 over 10 seasons.

89. Randal Grichuk (OF, 35, White Sox)

So long as there’s a dearth of right-handed power bats, Grichuk will probably be on your screen in October. Fifteen homers and a 141 adjusted OPS played just fine on the South Side.

90. Victor Robles (OF, 29, Mariners)

The Mariners revived Robles’ career but he struggled to continue his offensive renaissance after a shoulder injury derailed his 2025 season. Elite defense and speed still his calling card.

91. Tyrone Taylor (OF, 33, Cubs)

Useful extra outfielder who produced a 128 adjusted OPS and appeared in his fifth postseason in the past seven years.

92. Kris Bubic (LHP, 29, Dodgers)

You just knew when the Dodgers acquired this dude from Kansas City that he’d be some kind of high upside reclamation project. Sure enough, Bubic needed just five games with L.A. and 14 overall to work his way into their playoff bullpen trust tree. Not sure what this might mean for 2027 but an endorsement from the Chavez Ravine brain trust shouldn’t hurt his cause.

93. Nathaniel Lowe (1B, 31, Guardians)

Lowe continues his human victory cigar act, a trade from Cincinnati to Cleveland creating his third key playoff role in the past four postseasons. Hit 17 homers overall, and Lowe could go high a few more times with a more consistent role.

94. Jakob Junis (RHP, 34, Rangers)

Every team could use a Junis. He has a 4.31 career ERA yet it’s 3.31 since 2023 as clubs deploy him properly as opener, innings-eater, occasional leverage guy.

95. Kyle Freeland (LHP, 33, Rockies)

Freeland made generational money in Colorado, grossing $73 million in salary. You gotta figure he’s wondering how his ERA might look getting out of the altitude. It’s been a rough go since 2022 – a 5.23 ERA in 138 starts – yet Freeland continues taking the ball.

96. James McCann (C, 36, Diamondbacks)

McCann’s reputation – hard-nosed, great clubhouse guy – precedes him. Perhaps he’d be a nice fit in Philadelphia, bringing some edge to the role of J.T. Realmuto’s backup.

97. Tyler Alexander (LHP, 32, Rangers)

Seventy-five games, 73 innings pitched, a career-best 3.70 ERA. Alexander is approaching situational lefty nirvana.

98. Andrew Kittredge (RHP, 37, Orioles)

Re-upped in Baltimore after a 2025 trade to the Cubs and saved 11 games, posting a 3.54 ERA.

99. Jordan Romano (RHP, 33, Rockies)

Got peppered in Anaheim and strangely found stability in Denver, where he saved 11 games and posted a 119 adjusted ERA in 27 games. Plenty of high-leverage experience and still has a big arm for anyone willing to give him a shot.

100. Eric Lauer (LHP, 31, Dodgers)

A postseason hero in Toronto in 2025, things went sour this past year and he fared a little better in L.A. Consummate lefty swingman whose league average career adjusted ERA belies the wild swings he’s had over an eight-year career.

101. Kyle Higashioka (C, 34, Rangers)

Proverbial reliable timeshare catcher, though he may not approach his career-best 17 homers in 2024.

102. A.J. Minter (LHP, 33, Twins)

Minter was hurt most of his 1 1/2 -year stint in New York but put together a strong 48-game sample between Queens and Minneapolis, with a 1.05 WHIP and 164 adjusted ERA over 45 2/3 innings.

103. Austin Hedges (C, 34, Guardians)

Not just a glue guy anymore, Hedges had a breakout offensive season (.247, .702 OPS). His adjusted OPS in 2024 was 21. This year, it was 99. Hard to imagine a reunion won’t happen.

104. Christian Vazquez (C, 36, Astros)

In case you didn’t notice, we’ve entered Backup Catchers Estates. Vazquez could be head of the HOA, clawing out positive WAR in 86 games despite batting .207.

105. Ildemaro Vargas (INF/OF, 35, Diamondbacks)

Put together a fine season (1.3 WAR) as a utilityman, a fine example of a veteran knowing what he does best.

106. Dominic Smith (1B/DH, 31, Braves)

Smith has had to fight for roster spots the past few springs, including this year, but stuck all year with Atlanta, even notching a pair of hits in five postseason at-bats. A reliable DH platoon option and consummate clubhouse guy.

107. Trent Thornton (RHP, 33, Cubs)

At 32, had the best season of his career, with a 127 adjusted ERA over 48 games.

108. Jeff McNeil (INF/OF, 34, Athletics)

Not exactly an inspiring 144 games in West Sacramento, but McNeil played five positions with some competence and didn’t hurt the squad. Someone can probably use that.

109. Trevor Williams (RHP, 34, Rangers)

Has had endless health woes in recent years but looked decent (3.14 ERA) over 28 2/3 innings with Washington and Texas after his July 29 season debut.

110. Jonah Heim (C, 31, Athletics)

An All-Star and World Series champion in 2023, Heim did not impress with Atlanta and the Athletics (-1.1 WAR), but a backup catcher who can consistently reach double-digits in homers will always have some value.

111. Taylor Clarke (RHP, 33, Diamondbacks)

A 2.96 ERA and 1.00 WHIP always look good, though Clarke’s 45 strikeouts in 73 innings will likely relegate him to fighting for a lower-leverage role.

112. Ryan Yarbrough (LHP, 35, Yankees)      

Rubber-armed and willing to open, eat innings or pitch whenever needed, “Yarbs” is a relatively deluxe option at the end of a pitching staff, with a 3.66 ERA over 226 innings since 2024.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ranking MLB's top 112 free agents: Will Tarik Skubal sign before lockout?

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We’re three days into November, and the Yankees have made their first major roster decision of the offseason by issuing a qualifying offer to David Bednar… while declining to do the same for Jazz Chisholm Jr. It was expected, but it’s still a bit sad to see what is likely the end of Chisholm’s time in New York as he’ll become a free agent with no draft pick compensation attached to his case — in a relatively weak free agent class, that should draw him some decent attention even if his 2026 left a lot to be desired.

We’ve got plenty in store for you to start your day, beginning with Josh opining on the Yankees’ decision to not shake things up with Aaron Boone’s coaching staff despite a well-known underperformance offensively across the board. Matt hands out a grade to José Caballero for his 2026 season, Jonathan remembers Paul Quantrill’s time as a Yankee on his birthday, Estevao discusses the decision to not extend the QO to Jazz and why he thinks it’s the correct move, and Nick has a primer on the Hall of Fame Era Committee vote with some heavyweight names on the managerial/executive ballot.

Questions/Prompts:

1. Did the Yankees make the right call in not offering Jazz the qualifying offer?

2. Now that we know Cam Schlittler didn’t make the top three in MVP voting, where do you think he’ll ultimately end up finishing?

The Pittsburgh Pirates sent nine of their prospects to the Arizona Fall League, but there’s been two that have stood out above the rest of their counterparts.

Wyatt Sanford has returned to form with the Glendale Desert Dogs, and has picked up where he left off after his season with Greensboro was cut short due to injury. Sanford ended up playing in 72 games for the Grasshoppers, and had a great second season of professional baseball. The 20-year old shortstop bulked up a little bit from last year and in the process nearly quadrupled his home run totals.

With Glendale Sanford continues to show that the power he brought to Greensboro was not a fluke. He has left no doubt in the eyes of viewers and scouts that he’s currently the best Pirates hitter in the AFL. The Frisco native currently has a slash line of .291/.400/.436 with two homers, nine RBIs and one stolen base. On October 22, Sanford smashed a 454 foot home run.

On the pitching side of things, the surprise star of this group has been Bryan Mena. The 22-year old righty is not currently listed in the Pirates’ top 30 prospects list, but he has far in a way been the best pitching prospect from Pittsburgh’s system in the AFL. Although he had an average season with Greensboro, he’s playing some of his best baseball with the Desert Dogs as of late.

In his stint in Arizona, Mena has not given up a single earned run in four contests with the Desert Dogs. Mena’s most recent outing saw him appear for 2.2 of relief for Glendale. He gave up three hits and a walk, while striking out five batters in the 1-0 win over Salt River on Oct. Overall Mena has pitched 27.7⅔ scoreless innings (two starts) and has recorded 11 strikeouts, allowed just 3 walks, has a 1.57 WHIP and has limited opposing hitters to a .273 opponent batting average. Time will tell if this kind of showcase makes him a prime candidate for Pittsburgh’s bullpen in the future.

The AFL regular season concludes on November 11, and although Glendale has the worst record, the Pirates’ prospects represented on the team will have several more opportunities to showcase their abilities amongst the best minor league players in the league.

Yesterday market the beginning of free agency. Keegan Matheson of MLB.com has a roundup of the Jays’ roster moves, most notably declining Myles Straw’s $8m team option. He’ll instead receive a $1.75m buyout, financed by the Guardians as part of the trade that originally brought him to Toronto. Straw fills a useful role as an elite outfield defender and base runner in spite of his aenemic offensive output, and is really well liked in the clubhouse by all accounts. The team may well have interest in a reunion as free agency progresses, but guaranteeing $8 million was too steep. The team was looking at filling several vacancies with only $16m under the old luxury tax, and by the time the expected lockout is over that space may be even more constrained and/or more valuable with increasing penalties.

Yesterday also marked the switch from in-season to off-season roster rules, meaning players on the 60-day IL had to be reinstated to the 40-man roster. For Toronto, that included José Berríos, Jake Bloss, Bowden Francis, and Cody Ponce (no wonder the rotation struggled), as well as Anthony Santander, Addison Barger, and Jonatan Clase. CJ Van Eyk, optioned a few days ago, cleared waivers and was assigned to Buffalo, clearing a roster spot. At the end of all the shuffling, the 40-man roster stands at 37.

Those three spots, and maybe a couple more, will be filled with prospects needing protection from the Rule 5 draft. Teams might wait to make those moves on the expectation that a lockout delays or cancels the Winter Meetings and therefore the draft, but most likely the decisions will have to be made at some point. For the Jays, this year’s breakout pitcher, Nolan Perry, will need protection. So will one of last year’s big risers in Gage Stanifer. Daniel Guerra was another big 2026 riser, although elbow issues and command had him running out of gas a bit late in the year. All three have significant upside and the stuff to succeed in a major league bullpen in 2027, and they would be somewhere between likely and certain to be taken if left unprotected.

Josh Stephan, part of the return for Adam Macko at the deadline, is less of a prospect. He posted solid strikeout and walk numbers in a full AAA season this year, though, and his plus command makes him a potentially usable depth starter. The Jays will be eager to hang onto those after this past season.

On the position player side, Josh Kasevich snuck through last year’s draft unprotected after an injury-marred 2025. He was just average offensively this season in Buffalo, but he stayed healthy and his blend of versatile defence and top tier contact might make him a good candidate to stick as a utility man on someone’s roster. He’s the only bat I think is likely to be protected, but a couple others have a case. Nick Goodwin and Jay Harry also fit that bill, as guys with some offensive tools who can play somewhere on the dirt, but they’re more lightly regarded prospects with shorter upper minors track records and so might be the kind of guys the Jays are willing to allow to sneak through.

On the cutting side, third catcher Shawn Ross and relievers like Chase Lee, John Klein, and Brendan Cellucci could be cut and either signed back or replaced with basically similar guys without much worry. Most of the team’s arbitration eligible players look certain to be kept, although they’ll probably at least have a meeting about whether Josh Smith is worth an estimated $3.9 million with other corner infield bats on the team. I expect they’ll tender Ernie Clement as well, although his second half collapse and sudden defensive woes at age 30 are concerning enough to at least raise the question. All of which is to say, they should be able to protect everyone they really need to and create room for a free agent or two without cutting into the meat of the roster.

In more fun news, Dylan Cease is a Cy Young finalist. 2026 was, inning for inning, the best year of his career. He posted a 2.40 ERA on the strength of a monster 35% strikeout rate. Cease has been here before, finishing second to Justin Verlander in 2o22 and fourth in 2024. He’ll probably find himself the runner up again this year. Cam Schlittler posted nearly identically strong peripheral stats, but an ERA 0.45 runs lower over four more starts and 24.2 more innings. That takes nothing away from a great start to the Jays’ biggest ever free agent signing’s time in Canada, though.

Louis Varland is also a finalist for the AL Reliever of the Year Award. The BBWAA will vote on the award for the first time this year, as they do for other major awards, after MLB had simply selected the winner in past years. He ought to walk away with it, as his 1.27 ERA and 3.1 WAR both lead the league by significant margins (among pitchers with 45 or more innings). The BBWAA is the BBWAA, though, and Cleveland’s Cade Smith might take it on the strength of six more saves and 10 more strikeouts. It’d be nice to have one Jay win a major award in this mostly grim season, and Louis would richly deserve it. Results will be announced at MLB’s awards ceremony on the 11th.

In non-Jays news, MLB has announced that the posting window for Japanese players will not be extended in the event of a lockout, as it was in 2021. That means that the players posted on Sunday, including star third baseman/right fielder and reigning Central League Triple Crown winner Teruaki Sato (who would look excellent in blue and white…) will in all likelihood need to sign deals before midnight on December 1st or be forced to stay in Japan for another year. Agents are understandably angry, as their clients will have a third less time than the usual 45 days to negotiate the best deal. For the owners, it’s yet another sign that they intend to play hardball this winter and aren’t concerned with exacerbating tensions with the union as negotiations head into the final stretch.

FanGraphs | Ben Clemens: It’s going to be a strange winter, with labor uncertainty looming over all conversations about roster upgrades, free agent signings, and the usual business of the offseason. A new CBA could very well completely change how players are compensated, but we’re still going to talk about the guys that are available. Tarik Skubal is at the top of this year’s class, the former two-time Cy Young winner looking to be paid like the best pitcher in baseball. Beyond Skubal, after the disastrous season Jazz Chisholm Jr. had, there’s not a lot of high-ceiling talent available on the market, and it may be a slow winter made even slower by CBA negotiations.

New York Post | Greg Joyce: One of those men on the free agent market got a little more costly to sign yesterday, with the Yankees extending the $23 million qualifying offer to closer David Bednar. The righty has been terrific in a year and a half with the club, and will have until November 17th to decide whether to accept the one-year offer that would make him the highest paid reliever in baseball based on yearly salary. It’s noteworthy that the other big QO question was answered with Chisholm Jr. not being extended the same offer.

NJ.com | Adam Zagoria: Teruaki Sato is the highest-profile NPB player that will be posted this offseason, and he seems to fit the Yankees like a glove. His .990 OPS while playing a capable third base allows for a little bit of regression moving over to MLB while still being a heck of a lot better than what the club got out of Ryan McMahon at the hot corner this year. Ken Rosenthal confirmed that the Yankees will be keeping tabs on Sato’s market, and the org could get back into the business of signing Japanese stars.

MLB Trade Rumors | Darragh McDonald: The Yankees added Marco Luciano to the 40-man roster yesterday, after the former top Giants prospect spent time with the club’s Double-and Triple-A affiliates in 2026. Luciano, 25, can handle either middle infield spot and posted a .933 OPS across 116 MiLB games this past year.

Where Phillies could shop this winter: 20 free-agent targets to watch originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Phillies do not have one singular offseason need.

Baseball’s free-agent market opened to all 30 clubs Monday at 5 p.m. ET, beginning an offseason with an unusual clock attached.

The current collective bargaining agreement expires Dec. 1, and a work stoppage could freeze transactions immediately afterward. That gives teams and players less than a month to decide whether to act early or wait for a new agreement.

Five years ago, several prominent free agents signed shortly before the lockout. A large portion of the market remained unsigned until business resumed in March. It is too early to know which direction this offseason will take, adding another variable to every contract projection.

The Phillies do not have one singular need.

They need a catcher capable of reducing J.T. Realmuto’s workload, at least one infielder, an everyday outfielder with right-handed power, protection behind their five starters and multiple relievers.

Their rotation and closer are set. Almost everything around them carries some uncertainty, giving president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski several ways to divide the payroll.

Some additions could alter the shape of the lineup. Others would fill clearly defined roles around the existing core.

Here are 20 free agents who could fit at different prices, organized by position with their age for the 2027 season:

All ages are for the 2027 season. Contract projections are FanGraphs estimates where available and our estimates for players outside its top 50.

Catchers

Dombrowski wants Realmuto to catch fewer games after the 35-year-old finished the season feeling “more mentally drained.” Realmuto still made 122 starts behind the plate, while Rafael Marchán and Garrett Stubbs combined to provide little offense.

Stubbs has since elected free agency after being designated for assignment. The Phillies need someone Don Mattingly will trust enough to start regularly. Otherwise, reducing Realmuto’s workload will remain more of an idea than a plan.

Carson Kelly, C (32)

2026: 121 G, .258/.336/.376, 10 HR, 58 RBI, .712 OPS
Projected contract: One year, $10 million

Kelly offers the clearest path to a true catching tandem.

The right-handed hitter produced a .871 OPS against left-handed pitching last season and owns an .822 mark in those matchups throughout his career. He also controlled the strike zone, finishing well above average in chase, whiff and strikeout rate.

Kelly graded well as a blocker but struggled to control the running game. His throwing ranked near the bottom of the league and opponents were successful on 89 percent of their stolen-base attempts.

That weakness would have to be weighed against the offense he could provide. Kelly is capable of starting against left-handers, catching two or three times per week and allowing Realmuto to receive a full day away from the lineup. The challenge may be convincing him to accept that role when other teams can offer more playing time.

James McCann, C (37)

2026: 52 G, .282/.311/.455, 7 HR, 28 RBI, .766 OPS
Projected contract: One year, $4 million

McCann would provide experience at a much lower price.

He performed well in limited action for Arizona, producing his highest OPS since the shortened 2020 season. He also has familiarity with Dombrowski, who selected him in the second round of the 2011 draft while running the Tigers.

McCann would not represent a long-term solution, but the Phillies are not searching for one after signing Realmuto through 2028. They need a catcher who can handle an experienced pitching staff and provide more offense than they received from the position last season.

His production came in only 166 plate appearances, so the Phillies could not expect the same rate across a larger workload. Still, a one-year agreement would give them a veteran partner for Realmuto without requiring a substantial commitment.

Infielders

Bohm, Luis Arraez and Edmundo Sosa have reached free agency, leaving the Phillies with several possible alignments.

Bryson Stott can play second or third. Trea Turner will receive an opportunity to remain at shortstop, although Dombrowski made clear that his defense must improve. Aidan Miller has worked at shortstop and third base but played only four regular-season games in 2026 because of his back injury.

The Phillies also declined to extend Bohm the $23.15 million qualifying offer, allowing him to enter the market without draft-pick compensation attached.

They could pursue an established third baseman, add a second baseman and move Stott or sign a versatile player who keeps several alignments available.

Gleyber Torres, 2B (30)

2026: 96 G, .260/.364/.363, 8 HR, 38 RBI, .727 OPS
Projected contract: Two years, $28 million

Torres would give the top of the Phillies’ lineup a different look.

He walked in 13.6 percent of his plate appearances and chased only 19.2 percent of the pitches he saw, one of the lowest rates in baseball. Even during a season interrupted by two oblique injuries, he reached base at a career-best .364 rate.

That patience comes with tradeoffs. Torres hit for little power, did not steal a base and finished with minus-5 Outs Above Average at second. His value would come almost entirely from his bat.

Unlike Arraez, Torres does not have to hit his way on base. He works deep counts and forces pitchers into the strike zone, which could make him an option to hit first or second. Signing him would likely move Stott to third base and give the Phillies an on-base threat without committing to another corner infielder.

Ildemaro Vargas, UTIL (35)

2026: 130 G, .254/.298/.377, 9 HR, 67 RBI, .675 OPS
Projected contract: One year, $5 million

Vargas would give the Phillies a switch-hitting utility option at a modest price.

He batted .321 with a .347 on-base percentage, .500 slugging percentage and six home runs against left-handers. He rarely missed, finishing in the 94th percentile in whiff rate and 98th percentile in strikeout rate.

Vargas is aggressive. His chase rate ranked near the bottom of the league and he produced only a .580 OPS against right-handed pitching. That limits him to a platoon or utility role.

He appeared at all four infield positions and left field for Arizona, allowing Mattingly to rest veteran players without losing much defensively. Vargas would not carry the upside of a larger acquisition, but he could replace Sosa’s at-bats against lefties while covering more positions.

Teruaki Sato, 3B/RF (28)

2026 in Japan: 143 G, .306/.383/.609, 39 HR, 106 RBI, 8 SB
Projected contract: Five years, $110 million, plus posting fee

Sato would give the Phillies the greatest opportunity to reshape their lineup.

He won the Central League Triple Crown by hitting .306 with 39 home runs and 106 RBIs. That followed a 40-homer season in 2025, when he was named the league’s Most Valuable Player.

His power is not subtle. Sato produced a 56 percent hard-hit rate in Japan and recorded a maximum exit velocity of 116 mph. Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto combined for 68 home runs during their first major-league seasons in 2026, further demonstrating how Japanese power can translate.

There is considerable swing-and-miss in Sato’s game. He struck out 164 times last season, and FanGraphs projects a strikeout rate above 30 percent in the majors. Evaluators also differ on whether his throwing will allow him to remain at third base, although he won a Gold Glove there in 2025 and has experience in right field.

The Phillies have scouted Sato and need to establish themselves in the Japanese market. His left-handed bat would not improve their lineup balance, but his power would give them a dimension Bohm did not.

Mauricio Dubón, UTIL (32)

2026: 153 G, .276/.321/.399, 12 HR, 73 RBI, 10 SB, .720 OPS
Projected contract: One year, $8 million

Dubón could cover several positions while the Phillies wait to see when Miller is ready.

He started games at second, third, shortstop and all three outfield positions for Atlanta. He’s on track to win his third Gold Glove as a utility player and struck out in only 11.8 percent of his plate appearances.

Dubón does not walk often or provide substantial power, but he makes consistent contact, plays elite defense and would allow the Phillies to change their alignment without making another move.

He could open the season at third base, move to second if Stott shifts across the diamond or play the outfield when Mattingly wants to rest one of his regulars. If Miller forces his way to the majors, Dubón could move into the utility role he has handled throughout his career.

Outfielders

The Phillies have struggled to find sustained production in right field since Bryce Harper moved to first base.

Justin Crawford and Brandon Marsh give them left-handed options in center and left field. That leaves an opening in right for a hitter who can provide power from the right side and control the strike zone. The Phillies would also prefer to avoid platooning at all three outfield positions, as they did at times last season.

Randy Arozarena, LF (32)

2026: 154 G, .281/.381/.484, 26 HR, 79 RBI, 26 SB, .865 OPS
Projected contract: Three years, $69 million

Arozarena put together the best regular season of his career before reaching free agency.

He set career highs in average, on-base percentage, slugging and runs while recording his sixth consecutive 20-homer season. His combination of 26 home runs and 26 stolen bases would make the Phillies more athletic without sacrificing power.

Arozarena also owns a .946 OPS with 12 home runs in 45 postseason games. That experience will appeal to an organization that has repeatedly seen its offense slow down in October.

His defense is better suited to left field, and he received a $23.15 million qualifying offer from Seattle. Signing him would require the Phillies to surrender draft capital on top of a significant contract.

He would still provide the right-handed presence the lineup lacks, with enough on-base ability to hit near the top and enough power to remain in the middle.

Ian Happ, LF (32)

2026: 156 G, .218/.326/.412, 24 HR, 68 RBI, .738 OPS
Projected contract: Two years, $30 million

Happ’s batting average and strikeout total will receive the most attention after he hit .218 and struck out 189 times.

The larger record is steadier. Happ has appeared in at least 148 games in six consecutive full seasons, reached base at a .341 career rate and hit between 21 and 25 home runs in each of the last four years.

The switch hitter has been considerably better from the left side. He produced only a 36 wRC+ against left-handed pitching last season, meaning he would not completely solve the Phillies’ need for right-handed production.

He would provide power, walks and Gold Glove defense — four of those already on his mantle — in left field. Happ also did not receive a qualifying offer from Chicago, removing the draft-pick cost attached to Arozarena and Suzuki. He represents a less expensive way to improve the outfield without relying on a one-year rebound.

Taylor Ward, LF/RF (33)

2026: 143 G, .225/.359/.311, 7 HR, 37 RBI, .670 OPS
Projected contract: One year, $10 million

Ward would be the buy-low option of this group.

One year after hitting 36 home runs and driving in 103, the right-handed outfielder finished with seven homers and did not hit one after Seattle acquired him at the deadline. He batted .125 with a .386 OPS in 32 games for the Mariners.

His understanding of the strike zone remained elite. Ward chased only 14.9 percent of pitches outside the zone and drew 99 walks, keeping his on-base percentage at .359 despite the loss of power.

He also provided solid defense in left field before the trade, giving him value even while his offensive results declined.

Because Ward changed teams during the season, he was ineligible to receive a qualifying offer. A one-year contract would allow him to rebuild his market while the Phillies bet that some of his 2025 power returns at Citizens Bank Park.

Seiya Suzuki, RF (32)

2026: 143 G, .270/.368/.473, 26 HR, 86 RBI, .841 OPS
Projected contract: Four years, $108 million

Suzuki may be the cleanest offensive fit available.

The right-handed hitter has recorded an OPS above .800 in four consecutive seasons and owns an .823 mark since arriving from Japan. He chased only 22.5 percent of pitches last season and improved his contact rate inside the strike zone.

Suzuki also made progress defensively. After spending considerable time at designated hitter earlier in his Cubs tenure, he became a Gold Glove finalist in right field.

His combination of patience, power and defensive improvement would give the Phillies an everyday answer at a position that has remained unsettled. He would also become their first Japanese-born major leaguer since So Taguchi played for the club in 2008, potentially helping future pursuits in that market.

Chicago extended Suzuki the qualifying offer, and he should receive one of the largest contracts in this class. The price will be substantial, but so is the fit.

Starting pitchers

The Phillies do not need to promise another pitcher a permanent rotation spot.

They need someone capable of working multiple innings from the bullpen and making a start when one of their five becomes unavailable. Philadelphia went 2-14 in games not started by Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sánchez, Jesús Luzardo, Aaron Nola or Andrew Painter last season.

Dombrowski has already said the organization will add more starting depth. These four names were examined more extensively here.

Ryan Yarbrough, LHP (35)

2026: 38 G, 2 GS, 63⅓ IP, 3.69 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 49 K
Projected contract: One year, $4 million

Yarbrough offers the clearest low-cost solution.

His four-seam fastball averaged approximately 87 mph, but opponents produced a major-league-low 25 percent hard-hit rate against him. Yarbrough changes speeds, varies his shapes and avoids the center of the plate well enough to survive without velocity.

He has made 78 starts during his career and has extensive experience working as a bulk reliever. That would give Mattingly a pitcher who could follow an opener, provide three or four innings during a short start or enter the rotation without changing the bullpen’s entire structure.

The Phillies would not be signing him for dominance. They would be paying for a defined role and a pitcher who has shown he can handle it.

Colin Rea, RHP (36)

2026: 34 G, 19 GS, 137 IP, 4.34 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 101 K
Projected contract: One year, $6 million

The Cubs declined Rea’s $7.5 million option Monday, placing one of the market’s more experienced swingmen into free agency.

Rea spent two seasons moving between Chicago’s rotation and bullpen, making 46 starts and 20 relief appearances while covering 296⅓ innings. He also recorded two saves last season, reflecting how willing the Cubs were to use him in different situations.

His strikeout rate is modest and his margin for error can disappear when the ball leaves the park. He still offers something the Phillies lacked: the ability to take the ball for five innings without needing a lengthy buildup.

His age should keep the contract within the range Philadelphia can justify for a sixth starter.

Cal Quantrill, RHP (32)

2026: 32 G, 15 GS, 110 IP, 2.86 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 81 K
Projected contract: Two years, $18 million

Quantrill would be the most expensive pitcher in this group because his 2026 results could lead other teams to view him as a full-time starter.

After consecutive seasons with ERAs near or above 5.00, the right-hander signed a minor-league deal with Texas and rebuilt his value. He posted a 2.47 ERA as a starter and a 3.78 mark in relief.

Quantrill does not miss many bats, but he limited walks and consistently kept the Rangers in games. A lat strain ended his season in September, adding a medical question to an otherwise impressive year.

The Phillies would need to sell him on a fluid role or provide enough money to overcome another club’s rotation opportunity. If they can, he offers considerably more upside than a traditional depth signing.

Erick Fedde, RHP (34)

2026: 33 G, 15 GS, 141 IP, 3.83 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 99 K
Projected contract: One year, $6 million

Fedde handled the most balanced workload of the four.

He nearly divided his innings between 15 starts and 18 relief appearances for the White Sox, posting a 3.86 ERA from the rotation and a 3.80 mark out of the bullpen.

His 4.79 expected ERA and 16.3 percent strikeout rate indicate that some regression could follow. His value comes from his workload and willingness to pitch wherever needed.

Fedde would not have to be removed from the bullpen solely to cover one start. He could already be stretched to provide several innings, then remain in the rotation if the absence lasts longer. That flexibility would prevent the Phillies from repeating last season’s cycle of openers and short-term call-ups.

Relief pitchers

The Phillies have their closer in Jhoan Duran. What they lack is certainty in the innings leading to him, particularly from the left side.

Bullpen performance has repeatedly influenced their postseason exits, and the club cannot rely on one late-inning arm to cover every close game. This free-agent class includes proven setup pitchers, rebound candidates and several left-handers with swing-and-miss stuff.

Jason Adam, RHP (35)

2026: 38 G, 34⅓ IP, 2.62 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 22 K
Projected contract: One year, $8 million

Adam has been one of baseball’s most consistent late-inning relievers since joining Tampa Bay in 2022.

He recorded a 2.12 ERA across 197 appearances from 2022-24, then posted a 1.93 mark while making his first All-Star team in 2025. His 2026 season was interrupted by a shoulder strain that kept him out for nearly three months.

The ERA remained strong after his return, but his strikeout rate fell to 15.5 percent. That is a significant decline for a pitcher whose ability to miss bats helped establish him as a high-leverage arm.

Adam’s medical evaluation and velocity will determine the market. A shorter contract would allow the Phillies to add experience without paying exclusively for the pitcher he was before the shoulder injury.

Alex Vesia, LHP (31)

2026: 72 G, 58 IP, 2.64 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 74 K
Projected contract: Two years, $18 million

Vesia would immediately become the Phillies’ most dependable left-handed reliever.

Left-handed hitters batted .138 against him, the lowest average allowed by any lefty reliever who faced at least 100 of them. His four-seam fastball averaged only 92.1 mph but generated 21.2 inches of induced vertical break, allowing it to play above its velocity.

Vesia also expanded his changeup usage against right-handers, giving him a third pitch beyond the fastball and slider. His overall strikeout rate finished at 31.2 percent.

He has pitched in six postseasons and owns a 1.59 ERA across 31 career playoff appearances. His experience, durability and ability to handle hitters from both sides would make him one of the strongest bullpen options on the market.

Paul Blackburn, RHP (33)

2026: 62 G, 2 GS, 85 IP, 1.59 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 69 K
Projected contract: Two years, $18 million

Blackburn completely changed his market after moving into the Yankees’ bullpen.

The former starter worked 85 innings, made two spot starts and recorded a 1.59 ERA after signing for $2 million. His deep pitch mix allowed New York to use him for more than three outs without exposing him to the same lineup several times.

His changeup held opponents to a .090 average, while his curveball produced a 41.1 percent whiff rate and an .081 opponents’ average. Shorter appearances also helped his sinker average 94.3 mph, nearly two miles per hour harder than the previous season.

Blackburn could provide multi-inning relief when the rotation is healthy and serve as another starting option when it is not.

JoJo Romero, LHP (30)

2026: 49 G, 48⅓ IP, 3.72 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 46 K
Projected contract: Two years, $16 million

Romero could return to Philadelphia four years after the Phillies traded him to St. Louis for Sosa.

The left-hander developed into a reliable reliever after lowering his arm slot and leaning into a sinker-sweeper combination. He recorded a 2.91 ERA across the last three seasons and consistently generated ground balls.

Romero strengthened his market during Milwaukee’s run to the World Series. He allowed one earned run over eight postseason innings, striking out 11 and walking one.

His 2026 regular-season numbers were not as sharp as the previous year, when he posted a 2.07 ERA. Still, he has shown he can work in the seventh or eighth inning and neutralize left-handed hitters without being restricted to one-batter assignments.

Evan Phillips, RHP (32)

2026: 31 G, 26 IP, 3.46 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 33 K
Projected contract: Two years, $20 million

Phillips returned from Tommy John surgery in July and gradually regained the form that made him one of the Dodgers’ most trusted relievers.

He generated a career-best 35 percent chase rate, pairing an upper-90s fastball with a sweeper that can move more than 15 inches horizontally. His command was inconsistent at times, and he allowed five home runs in only 26 innings.

The larger record is difficult to ignore. Phillips posted a 2.31 ERA from 2022-25 and has not allowed an earned run in 17 career postseason appearances. He added three more scoreless innings in October this year.

A full offseason removed from surgery could improve his command. The Phillies would be paying for that possibility and for a pitcher who has already handled the type of postseason innings they need filled.

A.J. Puk, LHP (32)

2026: Did not pitch in the majors
Projected contract: One year, $4 million plus incentives

Puk is the greatest risk on this list.

The 6-foot-7 left-hander spent 2026 recovering from an internal-brace procedure on his elbow. He began a minor-league rehab assignment in June but developed a left shoulder capsule sprain and was shut down for the season.

His most recent healthy stretch showed why teams will remain interested. After Arizona acquired him in 2024, Puk recorded a 1.32 ERA with 43 strikeouts over 27⅓ innings. He throws in the upper 90s and has struck out nearly 30 percent of the hitters he has faced as a major-league reliever.

The Phillies could not enter the season counting on Puk as their primary left-handed setup option. Paired with a more dependable addition, however, an incentive-heavy agreement would give them a chance to add a high-end arm without guaranteeing high-end money.

It’s the eve of Election Day, and Shohei Ohtani has found himself on the ballot.

The NL MVP ballot, that is.

News broke on Monday that the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way superstar was as one of three finalists for the 2026 National League Most Valuable Player Award, alonside Milwaukee Brewers infielder Brice Turang and Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.

Despite Ohtani’s well-documented struggles during the final few months of the regular season and the postseason, him advancing this far in the NL MVP race doesn’t come as a surprise.

But this announcement feels different from past years in one major way: Ohtani isn’t expected to win the award.

Instead, Crow-Armstrong (aka “PCA”) is the favorite to win the NL MVP, which could mean Ohtani’s streak of three-straight unanimous MVP Award wins (he has four MVP Awards overall) will come to an end — even though voting is based on regular-season performance and does not account for the postseason.

The stats show that PCA being the MVP favorite isn’t the byproduct of greatness fatigue with Ohtani.

The 24-year-old Cubs star had the advantage over Ohtani in WAR (9.8 to 6.5), home runs (45 to 30), batting average (.280 to .275), and every other noteworthy offensive stat aside from Ob-Base Percentage (OBP), where Ohtani had a slight edge (.377 to .372).

Crow-Armstrong is also widely regarded as the best defender in baseball, which will help his MVP case. Ohtani didn’t play in the field during 2026 aside from when he was on the mound.

Of course, Ohtani’s pitching prowess has been pivotal in him winning the past three MVP awards, the last two of which have been with the Dodgers.

But he was relegated to being mainly a hitter this past season, given several injuries he endured that limited him to 85.2 innings pitched during the regular season.

Ohtani’s last pitching appearance was against the San Diego Padres on July 3.

The 2026 NL MVP Award winner will be announced on November 12 on MLB Network at 4 p.m. PT. 

Ohtani was the lone Dodger to finish in the top three in balloting for any of the five BBWAA Awards, which includes the MVP Award, the Cy Young Award, the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award, the Manager of the Year Award and the Reliever of the Year Award.

Not only did he empower the youngest team in the American League to reach the playoffs, Will Venable made history with the way as he managed the Chicago White Sox this season, earning his nominee as a finalist for the AL Manager of the Year as announced today with the remaining BBWAA award finalists.

Just a few weeks ago, Sporting News honored Venable with the publication’s award for AL Manager of the Year, and to be named a finalist in the BBWAA awards is hardly a surprise. The South Siders were coming off of three consecutive 100-loss seasons, and Venable led a team full of rookies — and roughly two total starting pitchers — to the playoffs, just shy of the AL Central title. In the history of MLB, no team has ever bounced back from two straight 100-loss seasons (let alone three!) the way the White Sox did this year. And they even swept the Wild Card series and took the Guardians to a winner-take-all Game 5 in the ALDS before succumbing to their fatigue and inexperience.

It’s not a secret that the Chicago White Sox clubhouse was radiating good vibes and positivity throughout the 2026 season, and this team of South Siders likely wouldn’t have been the same without Will Venable at the helm. While there were a few times that his inexperience was exposed (see the Noah Schultz five-batter incident), or his undying loyalty to the pitching matchup when building a lineup, Venable built a foundation of trust in the clubhouse that spilled into their performance on the field. In 2025, the South Siders finished the season at 60-102, and he managed to improve their overall record by 24-games (84-78).

Fifteen White Sox players made their major league debuts this season — behind only the San Francisco Giants and the Toronto Blue Jays — and even with a rocky April, Venable empowered the Good Guys to recover and be competitive. The coaches he has brought in have also been solid so far, and the South Siders wound up with one of the best offenses in baseball: They ranked first in the American League (fifth in MLB) in runs scored (776) and RBIs (740), while mashing 211 home runs as a team, second in the AL and fifth in all of baseball.

The other two managers listed as finalists alongside Venable were Kevin Cash of the Tampa Bay Rays and Chad Tracy from the Boston Red Sox, who are also solid candidates given each team’s season. Tampa Bay was the best team in the AL all year, and Cash led the Rays to the American League pennant before falling to the Milwaukee Brewers in the World Series. As for the Red Sox, they fired Alex Cora and decided to overhaul the coaching staff not even 30 games into the season, and though they ultimately fell to the New York Yankees in the Wild Card, Tracy led them on an insane 15-game win streak in July while finishing with a 77-58 record after he took over. Stay tuned for next Thursday, November 10, when the award winners will be announced.

Who do you have winning the AL Manager of the Year? Let us know in the comments!

Carson Benge may have missed on receiving a Gold Glove Award, but Monday he became a finalist for an even more prestigious honor. 

The Mets outfielder was named a finalist for National League Rookie of the Year along with Cincinnati’s Sal Stewart and St. Louis’ JJ Wetherholt.

The winner will be announced next week. 

Benge, 23, excelled offensively and defensively for the Mets. He produced a .282/.346/.430 slash line with 20 homers and 65 RBIs and led NL right fielders with 10 assists. 

Arizona’s Corbin Carroll received the Gold Glove for NL right fielders. 

Benge could join Tom Seaver (1967), Jon Matlack (1972), Darryl Strawberry (1983), Dwight Gooden (1984), Jacob deGrom (2014) and Pete Alonso (2019) among Mets who have won Rookie of the Year. 

The Mets added organizational pitching depth with moves ahead of the deadline for teams to set 40-man rosters. 

Jack Anderson and Pierson Ohl, both right-handers, were claimed off waivers from the Twins and Rockies, respectively. 

Anderson, 26, pitched to a 2.19 ERA in seven relief appearances with the Red Sox and Twins last season. 

Ohl, 27, spent last season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. He pitched in the major leagues for the Twins in 2025, when he appeared in 14 games (11 in relief) and posted a 5.10 ERA. 

Both Anderson and Ohl have ties to new senior adviser Derek Falvey, who was hired in September following a stint leading the Twins front office. 

The Mets had other moves: 

• Infielder Christian Cairo was signed to a major league contract and designated for assignment to create roster space. 
• Infielder Kyren Paris, who was claimed off waivers last week, signed a major league contract and was also designated for assignment. 
• Right-handed pitcher Cameron Weston was claimed off waivers by the Marlins. 
• Left-handed pitcher Philip Abner was claimed off waivers by the Orioles. 
• Outfielder Cristian Pache (who was designated for assignment last week) was outrighted to Triple-A Syracuse. 
• Infielder Eric Wagaman elected free agency rather than accept an assignment to Syracuse. 
• Reed Garrett, Tylor Megill and Jorge Polanco were all reinstated from the 60-day injured list. Garrett and Megill missed last season rehabbing from elbow surgery. Polanco underwent ankle surgery late in the season after appearing in only 37 games. 

Monday always figured to be a big transaction day for the San Francisco Giants, and Major League Baseball as a whole. With the World Series having been five days ago, Monday was the date when teams had to reinstate their players from the 60-Day Injured List … and, for many teams, cut other players to accommodate said players.

No team was more impacted than the Giants, who went into the offseason with roughly 109 players on the 60-Day IL (or 17, who’s counting). So, even though they made a handful of moves over the past week, they had a lot to get to today.

They made most of them in a big chunk, which Bryan covered earlier in the day. In one fell swoop, the Giants announced the departures of eight players: Shay Whitcomb, Brett Harris, Zach Morgan, Duncan Davitt, and José Buttó were claimed by other teams; Tristan Beck was released; and Joel Kuhnel and Seth Lonsway were outrighted to AAA Sacramento.

That left the Giants with 41 players on the 40-man roster, and one final move was needed. A few hours later, that move was announced: left-handed reliever Reiver Sanmartin was designated for assignment. Sanmartin, a 30-year old from Colombia, appeared in 24 games for San Francisco this past season, his first with the team. He was fairly nondescript in those games, posting a 4.22 ERA and a 4.41 FIP, with 16 strikeouts in 21.1 innings. Given how many names the Giants had to clear, and that Sanmartin was out of options, his departure seemed inevitable.

In addition to DFA’ing Sanmartin, the Giants announced that they declined the option for right-handed reliever Rowan Wick. The veteran, who turns 34 in a week, remains on the 40-man roster, and is now arbitration eligible. It’s an interesting move, since Wick — who was signed a year ago to a one-plus-one deal while he rehabbed a season-ending injury — was owed less money than he will get if the Giants tender him a contract through the arbitration process. My bet is that they are planning on non-tendering Wick and re-signing him to a Minor League deal, which would allow him to continue rehabbing with the medical team during the impending lockout. Had they waived Wick, he would have been eligible to be claimed by a rival team, whereas non-tendering him will allow him to go straight to free agency, and re-sign with them if they have a handshake agreement.

The Giants are now down to 40 players on the roster, and can lay low for a while, but more moves are certainly incoming. The date to make Rule 5 protections is November 17, so the Giants will need to clear a few spots by then, and also for any free agents they plan to sign.