It's 2025 and it's no surprise that some of the biggest names – including Juan Soto And Corbin Burnes — are off the board. Still, some notable free agents and trade targets remain available, and that means a daily supply of MLB Rumors as we delve deeper into the back half of MLB's Low season. Speaking of Friday's rumors, see below.
Alonso makes an offer Mets
Free agent hitter Pete Alonso is still available and it is clear that he prefers a return to the New York Mets, with whom he has spent his entire professional career. On this front Jim Duquette reports that Alonso's team, which includes agent Scott Boras, has offered the Mets a three-year contract with opt-outs. It's widely believed that the Mets have some interest in bringing back the hugely popular Alonso, even if they don't commit to him for many years. Perhaps these modest parameters will move the conversation forward.
Alonso, 29, has been a rich source of strength for years. In his six seasons with the Mets, Alonso amassed 226 home runs, a tally that includes his 53-homer season as a rookie. While Alonso still hits the ball hard and makes good contact, he has seen his production decline from its peak over the past two seasons and his strikeout rate has increased. Add in his subpar fielding, and it's fair to wonder how well he'll age. This risk is reflected in its limited market this offseason.
Yankees willing to eat salary to move Stroman
The New York Yankees are interested in trading the veteran right-hander Marcus StromanAnd according to Jon Heyman They are willing to pay back some of Stroman's salary as part of a deal. The 33-year-old Stroman is owed $18 million for the 2025 season, and his contract includes an $18 million player option for 2026 that will automatically vest if he pitches 140 innings next season. From the Yankees' perspective, they likely want to move Stroman as a prelude to adding infield support either via trade or on the free agent market. Right now, the Yankees are facing the prospect of everyday action Oswaldo Cabrera or DJ LeMahieuand they would prefer better options.
Stroman is coming off a 2024 season in which he posted a 4.31 ERA and 4.62 FIP in 154 2/3 innings in 29 starts and one relief appearance. Stroman has a career ERA+ of 113 and a WAR of 22.2 over parts of 10 MLB Seasons.
O's makes a deal with Kittredge
The Baltimore Orioles have agreed to an agreement with an experienced right-hander Andrew Kittredge with a one-year contract that will pay him at least $10 million, Ken Rosenthal reports. According to Rosenthal, the deal will pay Kittredge $9 million for next season and includes a $9 million team option and a $1 million buyout for 2026, respectively.
Kittredge, who turns 35 in March, will finish the 2024 season with the Cardinals in which he posted an ERA of 2.80 and 3.96 in 70 2/3 high-leverage innings. Over the course of his career, he posted an OPS+ of 121 in parts of eight MLB seasons. Kittredge spent seven of those seasons with the Tampa Bay RaysTherefore, he is very familiar with the American League East.
Boy sign Rea
The Cubs have signed the veteran righty Colin Rea to a one-year contract worth $5 million, reports on MLB trade rumors. Rea pitched for current Cubs manager Craig Counsell at the NL Central rival brewer in 2021 and 2023. He is expected to fill and compete in a swingman role Javier Assad for the No. 5 starting spot in spring training. Rea, 34, had a 4.29 ERA in 167 2/3 innings spread over 27 starts and five relief appearances with Milwaukee in 2024. We didn't include Rea in our top 50 free agents.
