#free-agency

#free-agency

1999- The Atlanta Braves acquire second baseman Quilvio Veras, first baseman Wally Joyner and outfielder Reggie Sanders from the Padres in exchange for first baseman Ryan Klesko, second baseman Bret Boone and pitcher Jason Shiell. 1999 - In an interview in Sports Illustrated magazine, Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker offends virtually every race and ethnic group in a hateful outburst. Community leaders, media, management, coaches, and teammates alike call for action to be taken against the lefthander who had 38 saves for Atlanta this past season.

The Braves likely remain involved in many of the conversations focusing on adding a starting pitcher. And with the added bonus of not having traded away any prospects to feel their offseason needs, they could always pivot to the trade market as well. The good thing is that many avenues remain available for the Braves to strengthen their already strong rotation, even if it could into the new year when the move finally occurs.

Of the Mariners' three primary position-player free agents, Josh Naylor returned to the team on a five-year, $92.5MM contract, and Jorge Polanco headed to the Mets on a two-year, $40MM deal. This leaves Eugenio Suarez on the open market, and in an interview with MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM, Mariners general manager Justin Hollander said there's "certainly a chance" Suarez could join Naylor for another stint in the Pacific Northwest.

Free agent left-hander suffered an Achilles rupture while working out this week, he announced on social media. He underwent successful surgery yesterday. Means didn't specify a recovery timeline but seems likely to miss the entire 2026 season. It's another devastating injury for a former All-Star whose career has been sidetracked by health issues. Means has made a total of 10 MLB appearances since the end of the 2021 season.

The Phillies have agreed to a one-year deal with free agent outfielder Adolis Garcia, reports Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com. It's still pending a physical. He'll earn a guaranteed $10MM on the contract, per the report. Garcia is represented by Octagon. Garcia was non-tendered by the Rangers last month. He'd been projected for a $12.1MM salary in 2026, his final year of arbitration, per MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz.

A couple of Toronto Blue Jays have taken to social media in an attempt to try and recruit a superstar to come north. First, Myles Straw sent Tucker a funny message about baby sitting his child, after Tucker and his wife announced they were expecting. Now, it's Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s turn to get the rumor mill rolling again after he posted on Tucker's feed a few days ago. The post, an emoji and not an actual message, was more than enough to cause some excitement.

Framber Valdez is a 32-year-old left-handed pitcher who signed as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic. He's spent his career with the Houston Astros, though he declined their qualifying offer to enter free agency.

The New England Patriots made some notable moves at wide receiver this past season that have transformed their team. Stefon Diggs was added on a three-year deal and has been an incredible addition, Mack Hollins has been excellent as a deep threat, and rookie Kyle Williams has made his impact felt with two touchdowns on only five catches this year.

The Winter Meetings have been over for a few days now, but we're still not past the typically refractory period that follows. Even though the annual summit isn't quite the same as it once was in terms of deals being consummated, agents and team execs are working around the clock at a frenzied pace for 3-4 days. It's like the requisite training/prep montage in any sports or battle movie, whether it's Rocky prepping for Drago or Dutch getting ready to face the Predator.

"It's almost like a slap in my face, bro," "I ain't gonna lie." "Did Philip Rivers send any type of sign that he was available?" "Why you asking me to do something that everybody else didn't do? I ain't no sucker. I ain't no lab rat. Come on, bro."