Author: Passion MLB

The first domino in the free agent market finally fell last night (Sunday), as Josh Naylor signed a five-year pact with the Seattle Mariners.

That’s not to say things will necessarily move quickly, but if there’s one market that could explode at any moment, it’s the reliever market. In fact, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati Reds closer Emilio Pagan is attracting interest from at least ten MLB teams.

Pagan is coming off a fantastic season with Cincinnati, pitching for a career-high 70 games, while saving a personal-best 32 total games, with an earned run average of just 2.88. The latter’s fastball velocity climbed last season, from 94.6 to 95.8 MPH, making his fastball and splitter, his two most-used pitches, much more effective.

The veteran reliever is expected to initial a two-year, $22 million deal this winter.

Among the teams interested in his services is his former team, with Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall raising the possibility of bringing his colt back under the terms of a new contract.

I don’t want to say yes or no. I just don’t know. I loved Emilio. He was great for our club. I’d be absolutely open to bringing him back. It all depends on how everything comes together.

The Reds have also expressed interest in former Milwaukee Brewers and New York Yankees reliever Devin Williams. If they don’t get their hands on Pagan, they’ll need someone to take over their number-one reliever position, and Williams could do the job despite his struggles in the Bronx.

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The free agent market has been open for a few days now, and now the first major free agent has decided to put pen to paper on the terms of a Major League contract.

Who is he? The Canadiens’ Josh Naylor.

The first-rounder has agreed to a five-year contract to spend the next few seasons of his career with the Seattle Mariners.

That’s where he finished the 2025 season, and he clearly enjoyed his time there.

BREAKING: First baseman Josh Naylor and the Seattle Mariners are finalizing a five-year contract, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN. The first major free agent to sign this winter goes back to Seattle, where he was beloved after joining the Mariners in a deadline trade.

– Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 17, 2025

Since the organization liked him, he liked playing there, he was a leader in the locker room, the club needed offense and he’s not the most expensive guy in the world, seeing him back in Seattle isn’t a huge surprise, in the grand scheme of things.

Good for the Mariners, then.

Guys who only play one position (first base) like Pete Alonso now have one less team to go to for leverage in their negotiations.

I don’t know how much money the Mariners would have put out for Alonso… but hey.

Speaking of Alonso, it’s worth noting that if he does leave New York, there’s a growing sense that the Boston Red Sox would be aggressive in luring him to town.

Will it work? To be seen.

MLB Senior Writer Mark @Feinsand‘s case for why the Red Sox would be a fit for Pete Alonso:

“Boston shed a huge salary with last season’s trade of Rafael Devers, and with Alex Bregman back on the free-agent market, the Red Sox have ample room on the payroll for another star (or… pic.twitter.com/iXoNA0BkvT

– Matthew Crory (@matthewcrory) November 17, 2025

• The Mariners have also acquired pitcher Robinson Ortiz.

TRADE: The Mariners announce that they’ve acquired left-handed pitcher Robinson Ortiz from the Dodgers in exchange for Minor League right-hander Tyler Gough.

– Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) November 17, 2025

• Emilio Pagan in demand.

After a strong year as the #Reds‘ closer, Emilio Pagan is getting a lot of free agent buzz:https://t.co/35jsTxnv3z pic.twitter.com/TJRjLLkNQj

– MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) November 17, 2025

• A street named after C.C. Sabathia.

Witnessing my name go up on the very streets I grew up on is a feeling that can’t be described. Vallejo, CA “The Crest” is and will always be home. Grateful for the honor to be remembered in this way at a place that shaped me since day one pic.twitter.com/HWcN2YU6VJ

– CC Sabathia (@CC_Sabathia) November 16, 2025

• Josh Hader should be ready for the 2026 season.

#Astros closer Josh Hader has resumed throwing and is expected to be ready for the Opening Day roster:https://t.co/XpQ6qbQJSo pic.twitter.com/KPsTdsFmeD

– MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) November 17, 2025

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The New York Yankees need to take advantage of their best players’ window. Aaron Judge is a good example, considering that the veteran isn’t getting any younger.

But Gerrit Cole is another.

Why is that? Because Cole has been injured more than anything else over the past two years. You can feel his body slowly giving out on him… and that could continue to happen down the road.

So even if there are other guys, these two stars have to be maximized.

Cole, who hasn’t pitched in 2025, is clearly aware of all this. After all, he’s said he wants to do everything he can to get his team to the promised land as quickly as possible.

He wants to get the Yankees “where they deserve to be” for what’s next… which is at the top.

Gerrit Cole:

“I’m ready to do my part to bring the Yankees back to where they belong.” pic.twitter.com/z8kgD4cbhv

– tyo (@theyanksonly) November 16, 2025

With Carlos Rodon and Max Fried, the Yankees will have a dream top-3 when Cole returns to action. And with the youngsters here, including Cam Schlittler, the rotation is a good one.

And the rest?

It’ll be up to Brian Cashman to build a club capable of winning games in the playoffs, especially with good hitters. Because if Judge and Cole never win, it’s going to affect their legacy in the Bronx.

To be continued.

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Dustin May, back to normal

He wants to be ready for 2026.

https://twitter.com/mlbtraderumors/status/1989884841303630275

Freddie Freeman does the bacon again

We love it.

https://twitter.com/DodgerBlue1958/status/1989952191806001430

Dalton Rushing’s playing time

He could be playing on the left in 2026.

https://twitter.com/DodgerBlue1958/status/1990103826154635712

Speaking of the Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw had suspected for months that 2025 was the end.

https://twitter.com/DodgersNation/status/1989462776226484690

Last game in the USA for Robinson Cano

A page turns. His winter club played at Citi Field.

https://twitter.com/JomboyMedia/status/1989831399969325167

Speaking of the Mets: Edwin Diaz praised teammates.

https://twitter.com/JomboyMedia/status/1990073624150044891

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Munetaka Murakami linked to the Phillies

The Japanese power hitter, who is free as a bird and has a few weeks to come to terms with an MLB club, is increasingly being linked to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Nikkan Sports, a Japanese media outlet, reported on the matter.

Full Article (In Japanese): https://t.co/w1Ij7vCz0o

– Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) November 16, 2025

Signing the powerful slugger wouldn’t help the Phillies defensively (his future isn’t at third base and Bryce Harper is at first base) and would possibly mean Kyle Schwarber would be gone.

More importantly, Nippon often gets pulled on strikes, which is a problem for the Phillies. So he’s not the best fit on paper.

Kazuma Okamoto, if we stay in Asia, is also a name to keep an eye on. He can also play in the corners of the infield… and six clubs are said to be on his case.

The Phillies, Yankees, Padres, Angels, Blue Jays and… White Sox are the ones to watch.

Full Article (in Japanese): https://t.co/SiEkiUSYLq

– Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) November 15, 2025

Jake Meyers to be traded

The Houston Astros may decide to trade Jake Meyers, who is an excellent defensive outfielder. That’s what reporter Matt Gelb, who covers the Phillies, reported.

The Philadelphia club could go after him. Philly is the talk of the town today.

https://t.co/lpF5eFFAWr

– Full Seam Ahead (@FullSeamAhead) November 15, 2025

If the Phillies were able to retain Harrison Bader’s services, the chances of the Astros outfielder being traded to the Phillies would be very slim indeed.

But in the meantime, it’s a possibility.

Diamondbacks ready for anything

According to reports, the Arizona club would be willing to trade big pieces of the future if it means the organization puts itself in a position to get big pitchers from the Majors.

We understand what the needs are there.

Unless your name is Ryne Nelson, Geraldo Perdomo or Corbin Carroll you’re on the trading block this winter. https://t.co/EvxMpHs0kt

– Arizona Diamondbacks | Stats & Info (@DbacksStatsInfo) November 15, 2025

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Kyle Tucker is the best player on the market. Many teams will want his services, of course.

By necessity, the teams in the race will try to take advantage where they can. Certain players will therefore be called upon to attract Tucker to their organization.

In Toronto, the Blue Jays are counting on Tucker’s former Houston teammates: Myles Straw and George Springer.

Straw, who arrived in Toronto last year, is good friends with Tucker. The two patrolled the Houston outfield together for a few years and get along well.

And Straw is right on the case.

When Tucker announced that he and his wife were expecting, Straw congratulated his friend on social media. The Blue Jays outfielder also added that, should Tucker sign with Toronto, Straw could offer to babysit if need be.

Kyle Tucker and his wife announced on IG they were expecting a baby… and Blue Jays outfielder Myles Straw had to go into recruiting mode. pic.twitter.com/AFUqSwgTsg

– theScore (@theScore) November 15, 2025

Straw arrived in Toronto by default last year. The Guardians had traded him (and his ugly contract) to the Blue Jays to allow the Ontario club to raise international money to sign Roki Sasaki… without success.

But the outfielder was good in 2025. And if, on top of that, he can be used to get Tucker…

Note that this isn’t the first time clues on social networks have led to links between Tucker and the city of Toronto. Back in 2024, when the Astros were in Toronto, Tucker brought his wife to town… and she raved about the city.

This has resurfaced recently, of course.

just noticed kyle tucker’s wife said “toronto was a dream visit” last year pic.twitter.com/zMgUa7Btry

– ً (@tosports13) November 15, 2025

Remember that Tucker could sign, in the coming weeks, a contract worth at least $300M. The Blue Jays, Phillies, Yankees, Dodgers and Giants are teams that are circulating, right now.

The battle will be fierce.

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According to his agent Scott Boras, Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai will be made available to all Major League Baseball teams on November 19, three days from now. He will then become one of the top three pitchers on the free agent market, along with Dylan Cease and Framber Valdez.

From then on, several MLB teams will be after him, and according to his Japanese sources, David Vassegh of MLB Network lists five teams as the most likely destinations for the Nippon.

Among them, of course, are the Toronto Blue Jays. True to form, they’ll be involved in everything this winter. With a starting rotation that currently includes Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber and youngster Trey Yesavage, the Blue Jays need reinforcements on the mound.

Both New York organizations will also be in the running. The Mets will want to address the major deficiency that prevented them from making the playoffs in 2025, while the Yankees will want to make up for the early campaign absences of Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon and Clarke Schmidt.

According to his sources in Japan, David Vassegh lists off these 5 teams as the likeliest destinations for Tatsuya Imai:

– Yankees
– Phillies
– Blue Jays
– Mets
– Padres https://t.co/OUOVeLQjeQ

– Damon (@Damon98_) November 15, 2025

Next in line are the San Diego Padres, who will see Dylan Cease and Michael King go on the market. In addition, Yu Darvish will miss the entire season and Joe Musgrove is recovering from Tommy John-type surgery. Not to mention the fact that the West Coast of the United States always attracts players from the land of the Rising Sun.

Last but not least, the Philadelphia Phillies will also be in the mix. With a starting rotation including Imai, Zack Wheeler (if healthy), Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sanchez and Jesus Luzardo, the representatives of the city of brotherly love would be in the driver’s seat.

The Japanese pitcher is expected to initial a contract in the region of $150 million for six years. Where he lands remains to be seen.

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Pirates owner Bob Nutting insults the club’s fans by not getting his money out.

That’s true in normal times, but it’s even truer these days. But why? Because Paul Skenes earns peanuts , and that won’t always be the case over the next few years.

The club may want to spend a little more, but that won’t change everything. And anyway, I’ll believe it when I see it.

Obviously, fans who support the Pirates, a storied franchise that’s been successful in the past, feel that Bob Nutting’s nothing-spending avarice is sinking the club.

And it’s true.

Whether or not you believe the rumours that Paul Skenes is interested in playing for the Yankees, we all agree that… it’s a very credible outcome.

All this to say that recently, when Pat McAfee mentioned to the people of Pittsburgh that Skenes had won the Cy Young, Pennsylvania fans started shouting “sell the team” at the top of their lungs.

In other words? We’ve had enough of the owner and he needs to sell the club to someone willing to put money on the table to build a club that can win ball games.

“Sell the team” chants rained down from Pittsburgh fans after Pat McAfee mentioned that Paul Skenes won the Cy Young pic.twitter.com/163OGNEriN

– Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) November 15, 2025

Unfortunately for Pirates fans, they’ll have to put up with the current owner for a while, as there’s no indication that the club is for sale. Unless fans are in for a big surprise… but I doubt it, since the team is making money.

And within a few years, Paul Skenes will be pitching for another club. That’s the sad reality in Pittsburgh.

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Trey Yesavage a demandé sa blonde en mariage

Son année 2025 de rêve se poursuit.

Congratulations to Blue Jays star Trey Yesavage and his girlfriend Taylor Frick on their engagement! pic.twitter.com/GKA2BFGtTF

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) November 14, 2025

Où ira Pete Alonso?

Quelques clubs le veulent.

Best fit for Pete Alonso this offseason?@TheMayorsOffice mentions the Red Sox, Cubs, Giants and Astros.

“With that Green Monster he might hit 55 [HR] there, he might hit 60…” pic.twitter.com/hXEhxXG7AM

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 15, 2025

Kyle Tucker, pas à New York?

C’est possible.

.@JonHeyman says he doesn't see either the Yankees or Mets being in on free agent Kyle Tucker this offseason. pic.twitter.com/itj28OLBwv

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 15, 2025

Les Phillies veulent transformer leur enclos

Y arriveront-ils?

What I'm hearing about the Phillies: Schwarber's free agency, trade market, bullpen reboot https://t.co/JYSqx0uzwc

— The Athletic MLB (@TheAthleticMLB) November 15, 2025

Nick Sandlin, hors de l’alignement de 40 joueurs

Les Blue Jays font de la place.

The Blue Jays outrighted Nick Sandlin off their 40-man roster yesterday in what amounts to an early non-tender.

The move opens up a 40-man spot (Jays now at 37) & clears a projected $2 million (via @mlbtraderumors) from the Jays’ arb class. Sandlin likely to become a free agent.

— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) November 15, 2025

Kiké Hernandez opéré au coude

Il va rater la Classique mondiale.

Kiké Hernández just posted that he had left elbow surgery, which had been a possibility from when be injured it in May. Said in this post he wound up breaking bone in the elbow area.

The free agent will miss the WBC: https://t.co/Jspwnz7S21

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) November 15, 2025

It’s no secret: the Toronto Blue Jays intend to be aggressive on the free-agent market this winter. The club wants to improve its roster in an attempt to return to the World Series (and, this time, win it).

Obviously, this will involve repatriating key players from the 2025 edition who are currently as free as a bird. But if the club wants to improve, it will have to bring in reinforcements from outside.

And now, according to Francys Romero, there’s a name to keep an eye on in Toronto: Raisel Iglesias.

We’re talking about a Cuban reliever who’ll be 36 in January, but who’s had a fine track record in recent years.

And according to Romero, the Jays are actively trying to entice him to sign. The club is serious in its efforts.

According to sources, the Toronto Blue Jays have emerged as a strong suitor for Cuban reliever Raisel Iglesias.

Toronto is actively pursuing the veteran right-hander as they look to reinforce the back end of their bullpen.

– Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) November 15, 2025

Still, it’s interesting that Iglesias is already attracting so much attention on the market. After all, teams generally prefer to settle with the big names on the market before thinking about coming to terms with second-rate guys.

And Iglesias, despite his fine track record, isn’t exactly a Kyle Tucker or an Edwin Diaz. That’s the intriguing part.

That said, there’s no doubt that Iglesias could be a great addition in Toronto, solidifying a bullpen that seemed to need it at times. Jeff Hoffman and Louis Varland did an excellent job during the playoffs, but adding Iglesias would make for an interesting group in Toronto. Remember that Yimi Garcia will also be there in 2026.

Will it happen? Let’s see in the next few days… or weeks.

This content was created with the help of AI.