The 2026-27 MLB offseason is a week old and already the heat is heating up and the rumors are coming. We’ve had a total of 50 free agents and a total of 25 trade candidates, and you’ve made important calendar dates and contacts. This is now happening on Thursday’s hot stove.
We need a lefty setup man
The Phillies will be looking for a hit man this offseason, according to the Athletics. Philadelphia has Tanner Banks and Tim Mayza, though both are middle infielders rather than light relievers. Manager Don Mattingly’s late-inning unit is all right at the moment: Jonathan Bowlan, Caleb Kilian, Jhoan Duran, and Alex McFarlane.
We have four lefties in our top 50 free agents: Adrian Morejon (No. 2), JoJo Romero (No. 31), Alex Vesia (No. 35), and Kris Bubic (No. 45). Morejon and Bubic may start next season. Other free agent lefties include Tim Hill, AJ Minter, Sean Newcomb, Steven Okert, AJ Puk, and former Phillie Gregory Soto.
Yankees interested in Blackburn reunion
The Yankees are in dire need of a new manager this offseason, and they are looking to hire Paul Blackburn, according to the New York Daily News. New York closer David Bednar the $23.15 million simply bid and it seems likely to get him back, either in a QO or a multi-year deal, but the crew will need to have a better plan.
We set Blackburn as No. 33 free agents this offseason. He had a terrific season with the Yankees in 2026, his first year as a full-time reliever. The Yankees have shown the ability to drum up quality relievers almost out of nowhere. They tend to leave guys as free agents, then build someone else to replace them. This happened when Luke Weaver replaced Blackburn.
The Marlins were looking for corner help
Among the list of reasons this offseason, the Marlins will look to the rotation and bullpen, as well as a corner bat, the Miami Herald reports. That corner at bat can be first base, third base, left or right field. Sandy Alcantara and Eury Pérez are the only hairs in Miami’s rotation, though Max Meyer should be ready for next season following a neck injury this year.
Gold Glove finalist Javier Sanoja has filled in capably at third base this year, though he’s best suited as a utility man who plays all over the place. Owen Caissie, Griffin Conine, and Heriberto Hernández are Miami’s corner outfield options, and Kyle Stowers moved from the outfield to first base in 2026 to improve the Marlins’ chances.