MLB general managers discuss offseason priorities, with Padres targeting starters and Yankees focusing on bullpen
At recent general-managers meetings, teams outlined their offseason plans, highlighting the Padres' aggressive pursuit of starting pitchers and the Yankees' emphasis on strengthening their relief corps.
At the latest MLB general-managers meetings, 28 of the 30 team front offices shared their offseason strategies. A handful of contracts were announced, including the Detroit Tigers' one-year, $11.5 million deal with former Cincinnati closer Emilio Pagán, the Atlanta Braves' three-year, $35 million signing of reliever Evan Phillips, and the Boston Red Sox's four-year, $58 million agreement with first baseman/DH Jake Bauers. The Pagán and Phillips deals suggest a market value of roughly $11-$12 million per season for proven relievers.
San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller emerged as the most active participant, meeting with numerous agents and executives. The club, backed by new owners Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano, is exploring free-agent options for several starting pitchers, including Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta, Michael King, Nick Pivetta, Shota Imanaga and Dustin May, as well as outfielders Seiya Suzuki and Teruaki Sato. The organization indicated it is prepared to offer a contract for Skubal that could exceed $350 million in total value, potentially setting a record for starting pitchers.
New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said the bullpen is his top priority. The Yankees are pursuing free-agent relievers such as David Bednar, Paul Blackburn, Tim Hill and left-hander Adrian Morejon, and are also considering a reunion with Jonathan Loáisiga. After addressing the relief corps, the club plans to evaluate options at second base, third base and center field, with interest in Sato, Brandon Lowe, Luis Arraez and a right-handed catching option to pair with Austin Wells.
Other clubs mentioned include the Miami Marlins, who are targeting Morejon as a potential closer, and several teams—Philadelphia, Baltimore, Toronto, Kansas City and Seattle—looking at outfield upgrades involving Suzuki, Randy Arozarena, Jarren Duran and Sato. The Oakland Athletics, San Francisco Giants, Colorado Rockies, Washington Nationals and Cincinnati Reds are primarily seeking pitching depth, while the Nationals continue to pursue James Wood and the Milwaukee Brewers are interested in World Series MVP William Contreras.
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns indicated a more flexible approach to long-term contracts for starting pitchers, opening the possibility of pursuing Skubal and King. The Mets have previously competed for high-profile pitchers, such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and could enter a bidding war for Skubal.
Overall, most executives expect to complete the majority of moves by Dec. 1, when the current collective bargaining agreement expires and a lockout is anticipated. Teams are monitoring potential changes to the agreement while preparing to act quickly in the coming weeks.