Table of Content
The General Manager meetings in Las Vegas conclude on Thursday, bringing an increase in trade chatter and offseason rumors across Major League Baseball as executives and reporters gather. Several teams are already making moves and assessing their rosters for the upcoming season.
Braves Secure Reliever Evan Phillips
According to CBS Sports Headlines, the Atlanta Braves have completed one of the major-league deals of the offseason by signing right-handed reliever Evan Phillips to a three-year, $35 million contract. Phillips was ranked No. 34 on the top 50 free agent list.
The 32-year-old pitcher has served as a setup man and closer for the Los Angeles Dodgers in recent seasons. Returning from surgery last year, Phillips appeared in 31 games with a 3.46 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP, and 33 strikeouts across 26 innings, having previously notched 24 saves in 2023.
With former closer Raisel Iglesias hitting free agency, holdover Robert Suarez could step into the closer role, alongside Phillips, lefty Dylan Lee, and young pitcher Didier Fuentes in the late-inning bullpen plans.
Blue Jays and Mariners Eye Outfield Help
The Toronto Blue Jays are exploring outside reinforcements after dropping from an elite offense in 2025 to a struggling unit in 2026. Sportsnet reports that the Blue Jays have met with representatives for free agent infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Chisholm, 28, posted a .231/.312/.399 batting line last season but is being pursued based on his stellar 2025 performance. While Toronto has second baseman Ernie Clement, either player could see time in the outfield to address the team’s needs.
Meanwhile, MLB Network reports that the Seattle Mariners have shown interest in free agent left fielder Ian Happ. Happ, 32, spent his entire 10-year career with the Chicago Cubs, winning four Gold Gloves and averaging 3.9 WAR from 2022 to 2025 before recording a .218/.326/.412 line last season. The Mariners have an opening in left field following Randy Arozarena’s departure in free agency.
Phillies Listen on Marsh and Mets Pursue Bohm
The Philadelphia Phillies have informed opposing teams that their outfield configuration is flexible, with The Athletic reporting that All-Star outfielder Brandon Marsh is available in a trade. With Bryce Harper returning to first base, the current alignment features Bryan De La Cruz in right, Justin Crawford in center, and Marsh in left. Marsh, 28, earned an All-Star nod after hitting .319/.352/.530 through July 1 last season, though a subsequent slump brought his overall OPS+ down to 90.
In other market news, The Athletic reports that the New York Mets have joined the race for free agent infielder Alec Bohm, alongside the New York Yankees. Bohm batted .249/.315/.383 with 15 home runs and 88 RBIs last year, drawing attention due to a thin market for right-handed power and a strong finish to his season.
Pitcher Market and Catcher Updates
Free agent starting pitcher Dustin May is generating interest from the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, San Diego Padres, and Houston Astros, according to MLB Network. May, 29, split last season between the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers, finishing 7-9 with a 4.70 ERA across 145 two-thirds innings.
Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers will decline the team’s qualifying offer of a one-year, $23.15 million deal by next Tuesday, according to the Minnesota Star-Tribune. However, the Twins remain interested in negotiating a multi-year contract to keep him in Minnesota after he batted .256/.353/.461 with 14 home runs in 2026 despite missing several months with a broken hamate.
The Tampa Bay Rays are looking to capitalize on a generally weak 2027 free agent position-player class by utilizing the trade market. The Athletic reports that the Rays could shop center fielder Jonny DeLuca, who appeared in a career-high 112 games last year with a .266/.300/.429 line, 11 homers, and 1.7 WAR, in anticipation of shifting Victor Mesa Jr. to center.
Guardians Plan Payroll Increase
Coming off a playoff appearance despite operating with baseball’s lowest payroll at roughly $75 million, the Cleveland Guardians intend to raise their spending. Club president Chris Antonetti told The Athletic regarding a payroll increase, “We’ll go up. We have to.”
The Guardians hosted six postseason games last year and face upcoming arbitration cases for multiple players. Additionally, ownership is reportedly pushing for a salary cap when the collective bargaining agreement expires in a few weeks, with Major League Baseball floating salary floor proposals around $180 million.
