Merrill Kelly has no ill will toward the Arizona Diamondbacks. Months after the team traded him to the Texas Rangers, Kelly reportedly returned to his former franchise, agreeing to a two-year, $40 million deal to re-join Arizona, per multiple reports. 

Kelly, 37, is coming off a season in which he posted a 3.52 ERA over 184 innings split between the Diamondbacks and Rangers. 

Kelly’s career has taken quite a few turns since he was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2010. After putting up solid numbers in the minors with the Rays, Kelly never got the call to the majors. He eventually decided to play in Korea, signing with the SK Wyverns in 2015 and spending four years in the Korea Baseball Organization.

He returned to the majors in 2019 and signed a two-year deal with the Diamondbacks. His first year back wasn’t smooth. Kelly had a 4.91 ERA over his first 27 starts in the majors. Threatened with a demotion, Kelly rebounded down the stretch, posting a 2.18 ERA over his final five starts. Those starts may have saved his MLB career. 

Kelly looked solid in just five starts in 2020 before an injury shut him down for the season. He put up an average year in 2021, posting a 4.44 ERA over 158 innings. 

The following year, however, Kelly found another gear. He led the league with 33 starts, posting a 3.37 ERA over 200 1/3 innings. Those improvements have stuck. Since 2022, Kelly has a 3.47 ERA over 108 starts in the majors. 

He became the Diamondbacks’ de-facto ace over that period and started Game 2 of the World Series against the Texas Rangers in 2023. 

Kelly isn’t known for elite velocity or big strikeout numbers, instead succeeding thanks to a large repertoire of pitches and pinpoint location. That can sometimes be a tough line to walk in the majors, but it has helped Kelly remain effective as he’s hit his upper-30s. While he’s dealt with some injuries during his career, Kelly has mostly been durable, tossing at least 150 innings or more in four of his last five seasons.

The Diamondbacks clearly believe Kelly can continue to put up strong numbers despite his age, reportedly signing him through his age-38 season. The team will need him early, as ace Corbin Burnes is recovering from Tommy John surgery to start the 2026 season.

Kelly might not be the flashiest starter, but he’s proven to be a valuable rotation piece after some early-career struggles. After a brief departure to Texas, it’s only fitting that Kelly returns to Arizona — the place he blossomed into a reliable pitcher — for one more ride.  

Here’s the latest Mets free agency and trade buzz during the 2025-26 MLB offseason…

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Dec. 14, 10:25 a.m.

Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras has been a hot name in Mets rumors of late, but it sounds like the club’s interest in Contreras may not have been as strong as previously thought. 

According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, while the Mets did in fact inquire about the catcher-turned-first-baseman, “their interest was secondary,” with the Jorge Polanco signing reinforcing that point. 

The expectation for the Mets is that Polanco will get most of his at-bats as a first baseman or as a DH, though he has the ability to play every position along the infield. With Polanco’s versatile background, the Mets could still look to add a full-time first baseman.

Dec. 12, 3:19 p.m.

The Red Sox, who recently missed out on both Kyle Schwarber in Pete Alonso, have interest in Mets trade target Willson Contreras, reports Chris Cotillo of MassLive.

Per Cotillo, the Sox also remain interested in free agent Alex Bregman as well as potential trades for Ketel Marte and Isaac Paredes. 

Contreras, who is entering his age-34 season, has two years and $36.5 million remaining on his contract — plus a club option for 2028. 

He was a plus offensive player (123 OPS+) and above average defender at first base (90th percentile, 6 OAA) in 2025. So he certainly fits the mold of what David Stearns is looking for.

As far as what the rebuilding Cardinals would want, it’s fair to believe that they would be seeking a controllable big league player and/or prospects.

Dec. 11, 9:21 p.m.

The Mets have inquired about Chicago White Sox centerfielder Luis Robert Jr. this offseason, per Jon Heyman of The New York Post.

However, a deal for Robert to join New York would require sending prospects to Chicago and for the Mets to surrender prospects, they want money in return to offset Robert’s $20 million salary, per Heyman. 

That could pose a problem, as White Sox owner, Jerry Reinsdorf isn’t seen as a likely candidate to send money to Steve Cohen and the Mets.

After this season, Robert has a club option for the 2027 season worth $20 million before he becomes a free agent. 

The 28-year-old finished the 2025 season with a .223/.297/.364 slash line with 14 home runs and 53 RBI in 110 games. He also added a career-high 33 steals in 41 attempts.

After a phenomenal 2023 season in which he had a .857 OPS and a career-high 38 home runs in 145 games, Robert has had back-to-back underwhelming seasons. Still, in his career, he owns a .259/.313/.455 slash line and is an above-average defender in center, a position of need for New York.

Dec. 10, 3:37 p.m.

The Mets are interested in a reunion with free agent right-hander Tyler Rogers, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post.

Rogers, 34, performed well for New York late last season after being acquired from the Giants via trade.

In 27.1 innings over 28 games, Rogers had a 2.30 ERA (3.32 FIP) and 1.09 WHIP.

Over seven big league seasons, Rogers — whose funky delivery throws hitters off — has a 2.76 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 420 games.

Dec. 10, 8:24 a.m.

After losing Edwin Diaz to the Dodgers, the Mets remain in need of a reliever who can pitch in the late innings.

To that end, they are one of the “most aggressive suitors” for hard-throwing free agent right-hander Robert Suarez, reports Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, who notes that the Blue Jays and Braves are also after Suarez.

Per Feinsand, Suarez’s market started to heat up after Diaz signed with Los Angeles.

Suarez, who is entering his age-35 season, seems likely to receive a two-or three-year deal.

He had a terrific season in 2025 for San Diego, posting a 2.97 ERA and 0.90 WHIP while striking out 75 batters in 69.2 innings. 

An All-Star the last two years, Suarez’s 40 saves led the National League last season.

Dec. 9, 8:55 p.m.

The Miami Marlins are “progressing” in their efforts to find a trade partner for right-hander Edward Cabrera, The Athletic’s Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal reported on Tuesday.

According to the report, the Marlins are talking with the Baltimore Orioles and other clubs.

Cabrera, who turns 28 in April, pitched to a 3.53 ERA and 1.228 WHIP with 150 strikeouts and 48 walks in 137.2 innings over 26 starts last year. He has a career 4.07 ERA over 89 outings (87 starts) after breaking into the league during the 2021 season. 

The big selling point for the Mets and other interested clubs: He is under team control for three more seasons and is expected to earn a modest salary for the 2026 campaign. That means, of course, that Miami’s asking price is likely going to be so high that a trade may not come to fruition.

Dec. 8, 8:45 p.m.

As the Mets and Yankees continue to look to revamp their bullpen this offseason, they’ve both called the Brewers about reliever Trevor Megill, according to Joel Sherman of the NY Post.

Megill, of course, is the older brother of Mets starter Tylor Megill.

The 32-year-old would be a tremendous boost at the backend for either club, as he has developed into one of the top relievers in baseball over the past few seasons. 

Megill missed time to injury last year, but pitched to a stellar 2.49 ERA and 1.12 WHIP while locking down 30 saves.

Dec. 8, 6:55 p.m.

While baseball’s movers and shakers spend a few days in Orlando at the MLB Winter Meetings, the Mets were still taking meetings with people in absentia. 

The New York Post’s Joel Sherman reported that the club held a “video meeting” with free-agent starter Michael King. 

Sherman added that the Mets were not the only team the right-hander spoke with, but the meeting with the representatives from Queens exemplifies a level of seriousness between the parties.”

King, 30, enters the market after two seasons in San Diego. After a stellar 2024 campaign, last season was marked by two stints on the injured list and some solid pitching when healthy: a 3.44 ERA and 1.200 WHIP across 73.1 innings and 15 starts. King also struck out 76 batters to 26 walks, good for 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings.

Dec. 8, 8:51 a.m.

The Mets are “reluctant to hand out long-term offers” to the top free agent starting pitchers left on the market, reports Will Sammon of The Athletic. 

The consensus top starting pitcher remaining is Framber Valdez, who is entering his age-32 season. 

Other free agent starters include Michael King, Ranger Suarez, Zac Gallen, and Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai.

Imai, whom the Mets have been connected to, is 27 years old, putting him in a different tier than the other available free agents. 

King is coming off an injury-riddled season and seems unlikely to get a long-term deal.

As far as Suarez, his fastball velocity has been steadily declining the last three seasons, making him a risky proposition.

If the Mets don’t add a potential impact starter via free agency, they could turn to a trade market that might include Freddy Peralta, Tarik Skubal, and Edward Cabrera. 

Dec. 5, 5:57 p.m.

The Marlins are reportedly in the market to trade one of their starting pitchers.

Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic report that there’s a “strong possibility” the Marlins end up moving one of their starters, and that Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera continue to attract “serious attention” from other teams. 

While the report doesn’t name teams, the Mets are obviously in the market for front-line starting pitching and have the major league ready arms and bats to facilitate a potential deal with Miami. Cabrera has three years of club control remaining, while Alcantara has a club option (worth $21 million) for 2027. 

The Athletic also reports that young lefty Ryan Weathers has received interest from multiple teams. Weathers, 25, was having a breakout year in 2025 before he missed most of the year with a lat strain. He returned in September and finished with a 3.99 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP across eight starts. The report adds that the Marlins are at least listening in on each of their starters not named Eury Perez.

Dec. 5, 3:10 p.m.

It appears you can scratch three potential Mets trade targets off the board. 

The Twins don’t anticipate trading star CF Byron Buxton, ace Joe Ryan, or right-hander Pablo Lopez this offseason, according to Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic. 

Minnesota intends to hang on to and build around all three, as club officials believe that the team is talented enough to compete in the weak American League Central.

Ryan is someone whom the Mets have shown interest in, according to Jon Heyman of the NY Post, and Minnesota is said to like young right-hander Jonah Tong. 

Rosenthal indicated that the rebuilding Twins would obviously listen if teams continue calling about the trio, however, they’d likely have to be overwhelmed to accept a deal. 

Dec. 5, 11:33 a.m.

The Mets are among the teams “in the mix” for free agent left-hander Ranger Suarez, reports Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

Feinsand lists the Astros, Cubs, and Orioles as the “most serious” threats to sign Suarez. 

Suarez has been one of the most reliable and effective pitchers in baseball over the last five seasons, posting a 3.25 ERA (3.44 FIP) and 1.24 WHIP in 694.1 innings over 143 games (116 starts).

For the Phillies this past season, he had a 3.20 ERA and 1.22 WHIP while tossing 157.1 innings across 26 starts.

Dec. 1, 7:05 p.m.

Tatsuya Imai, the 27-year-old Japanese right-hander, has reportedly lost at least one potential suitor.

The San Francisco Giants “do not anticipate making the nine-figure investment” required to sign the free-agent pitcher, according to a report Monday from The Athletic’s Andrew Baggarly. 

The NL West club, which made big-money commitments to shortstop Willy Adames last year and took on the big contract of Rafael Devers in a June trade, is going to pass over getting involved in the market for big-money starters because of a “number of financial considerations” as they look at more “modestly priced alternatives,” Baggarly reported.

Imai, who was posted by his club (the Seibu Lions) in November, is seen as perhaps having the highest ceiling of the free-agent starters on the market. However, despite his fine season last year (1.92 ERA and 0.89 WHIP with 178 strikeouts in 163.2 innings over 24 starts), he isn’t seen as the same kind of can’t-miss prospect as Yoshinobu Yamamoto was a few years back.

SNY’s MLB Insider Andy Martino reported on Nov. 10 that the Mets “will be in on” the starter, but did not expect it to be a “full-tilt pursuit” as was the case with Yamamoto. 

“Why? Evaluators like Imai but suggest that he is no sure thing to succeed as an MLB starter. His mid-to-high ‘90s fastball might or might not play here; industry opinion on that is mixed,” Martino wrote at the time. “Imai is an interesting option and should prompt conversations with any club in search of pitching, the Mets included.”

Nov. 30, 2:44 p.m.

Kodai Senga, who has had his name come up in trade talks this offseason, has recently informed the Mets that he would prefer to stay with the ballclub, according to a report Sunday from The Athletic’s Will Sammon.

Earlier in November, SNY’s MLB Insider Andy Martino said there was “interest” in the right-hander “around the league right now because of his upside and because of what we’ve seen when he’s at his best.” 

“There’s certainly a rational line of thinking that would point to a change of scenery after the last two years being the best for player and team,” Martino said on Mets Hot Stove on Nov. 19. “It is not a definite he’s going to be traded, but there’s going to be so many moving parts coming into the Mets’ rotation, they hope and they plan, that Kodai Senga leaving could be a part of the overall overhaul, and I don’t think there’s going to be a problem finding a trade.”

Senga is coming off an uneven season with the Mets, pitching to a 1.39 ERA in his first 14 outings over 77.2 innings, with 74 strikeouts to 33 walks, only to post a 6.56 ERA in his next eight outings over 35.2 innings with 35 strikeouts to 22 walks. That second-half swoon, which came after missing time with a hamstring strain, saw him demoted to Triple-A for the season’s final weeks.

Nov. 29, 11:30 p.m.

The Phillies certainly would love to retain Kyle Schwarber in free agency this offseason; however, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com the two sides are currently not close on a deal. 

Unsurprisingly, Zolecki notes that Schwarber’s agents are looking to capitalize on his stellar campaign in which he only finished behind Shohei Ohtani in NL MVP voting. 

The expectation is that the 32-year-old will ultimately land back in the City of Brotherly Love, but we’ll see how things play out. 

The Pirates, Reds, and Red Sox are among the teams that have reportedly shown interest in Schwarber. 

Nov. 29, 3:30 p.m.

Former Mets reliever Ryan Helsley and the Baltimore Orioles are in agreement on a two-year contract, pending a physical, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The deal has an opt-out after the first season.

Helsley will be the Orioles’ ninth-inning option despite the right-hander fielding interest from numerous teams this offseason to be converted into a starter.

After six and a half seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, the 31-year-old was traded to New York at last season’s trade deadline to help fortify the Mets’ bullpen. A closer for the Cards who got to New York with a 3.00 ERA and 21 saves, Helsley was slotted as the Mets’ setup man in front of Edwin Diaz.

However, his time in New York did not go well, pitching to a 7.20 ERA in 22 games and ultimately losing the eighth-inning job.

Still, in 297 career games, Helsley owns a 2.96 ERA and 105 saves.

Nov. 26, 7:45 p.m.

While the Mets look to re-sign Edwin Diaz this winter, the team is reportedly checking in on other back-end bullpen pieces.

According to the NY Post, the Mets have talked with representatives for Robert Suarez and Pete Fairbanks.

Suarez, of course, was the Padres’ closer the last two seasons, including a 40-save effort in 2025. He’s a back-to-back All-Star and pitched to a 2.97 ERA across 70 appearances this past season.

Fairbanks pitched to a 2.83 ERA and converted 27 saves in 61 games with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2025.

Nov. 26, 6:25 p.m.

The Mets have one less potential starting pitching target on the board after Dylan Cease signed a seven-year, $210 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, according to multiple reports.

Cease is coming off a relatively down year, pitching to an 8-12 record and a 4.55 ERA across 32 starts. His strikeout rate was still very high (11.5) but the right-hander will look to help Toronto get back to the World Series.

As for the Mets, there are still plenty of free agent and trade targets for the team to target. While Framber Valdez doesn’t seem to be on their radar, Michael King, Ranger Suarez and Japanese star Tatsuya Imai are still available. 

Nov. 20, 5:53 p.m.

While the Mets are undoubtedly looking to rebuild their starting rotation, it doesn’t seem like free agent Framber Valdez is near the top of their wish list.

Appearing on Wednesday’s Mets Hot Stove, SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino reported that the Mets were not among the teams that met with the southpaw at the GM Meetings in Las Vegas.

Martino notes that Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns prefers to develop his own ace-level pitchers in-house and does not typically spend huge money for top-of-the-rotation starters, though Stearns could be flexible on that point. At 32, Valdez is likely looking for a lucrative multiyear contract.

Valdez is a two-time All-Star with the Astros and has pitched to a career 3.36 ERA, but he also seemed to intentionally cross up his catcher in September to hit him with a pitch, which raised some red flags.

Nov. 10, 4:26 p.m.

While the Mets are expected to be aggressive in their pursuit of starting pitching this offseason, one of their current rotation arms is already receiving some outside interest.

According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, right-hander Kodai Senga is considered a buy-low trade target among some teams, although it’s unclear if the Mets are legitimately open to moving him. 

The report also notes that Senga’s contract no longer includes a full no-trade clause — he can now block deals to only 10 clubs.

The 2025 season was a confounding tale of two halves for Senga, who resembled an ace for the Mets through June and ultimately lost a big-league roster spot by September. In between his peaks and valleys was a summer hamstring injury that required rehab starts and caused mechanical headaches. 

Still, he posted a solid 3.02 ERA with 109 strikeouts across 22 outings (113.1 innings).

There’s reason to believe that Senga can re-channel that Cy Young-caliber version of himself, and his contract is by no means an albatross to the reported suitors. The 32-year-old is set to make just $28 million combined over the next two seasons, with a club option for 2028.

Since joining the majors from Japan in 2023, Senga owns a career 3.00 ERA with 209 strikeouts over 52 starts (285 innings). He also placed top 10 in NL Cy Young voting as a Rookie of the Year runner-up.

December 15th is the unofficial start of NBA trade season, as free agents that were signed this offseason become eligible to be dealt. The rumor mill is already hard at work, with the Knicks a headliner in multiple rumors.

In recent days, Kris Pursiainen of ClutchPoints reported New York is interested in acquiring Donte DiVincenzo or Jose Alvarado, and ESPN1320’s James Ham reported they have shown interest in Dennis Schroder. DiVincenzo remains a fan favorite from maybe the best single-season Knick career in franchise history, while the other two are reliable, defensively stout guards, making for a natural group of targets.

What’s notable are their salaries: DiVincenzo earns $12 million and Schroder $14 million. If the Knicks are truly aiming to acquire one of them, in order to match salaries they’ll have to ship out half of their bench or one key player. 

Mitchell Robinson has been the longest tenured Knick throughout the Leon Rose era, making a huge impact on multiple playoff runs. But this is the final year of his contract, they didn’t agree to an extension, and historically the Knicks have traded players in similar situations before allowing them to walk in free agency.

Maybe this time is different, but Robinson’s health has been a major concern, his defense has dropped off dramatically, and his contract just so happens to be the only one that aligns with these reported trade targets. Are the Knicks gearing up to trade Robinson, and if so, should they?

If the former is true, it can’t be gleaned from reports of trade interest. On the rare occasion the Knicks have made a midseason trade, they weren’t pre-linked to their targets, and a report from an opposing team’s beat can easily be juicing the local player’s value for future talks. 

It’s possible New York wants the offseason flexibility and still re-signs Robinson this summer. He was immensely effective in the postseason and even with his struggles this year has been a beast on the offensive glass. 

The fact that his salary happens to match potential trade acquisitions means little, as complicated as combining salaries or roping in third and fourth teams are it still happens, and is an alternative route to secure these names. They could also just be interested yet not willing to move on from Robinson.

Should they be? The concerns about his health are legitimate, not having played a 60-game season since 2022 and being restricted this year. 

When he has played, he hasn’t looked the same defensively, with his mobility taking a big hit. With Robinson on the court, the Knicks are allowing 114.2 points per 100 possessions compared to 110.3 with him off, when historically he’s had the opposite impact.  

He’s been the same monster on the glass as usual, and is still their best option at backup center. Without Robinson, the Knicks are down to Guerschon Yabusele, Ariel Hukporti, and Trey Jemison III.

That’s one concern about trading him, though the Knicks could theoretically fill that gap in another move. Does moving Robinson and a Yabusele/ Pacome Dadiet/picks package for DiVincenzo/Schroder and a new backup five provide enough extra value to shake up team chemistry and avoid losing a free agent?

The answer likely depends on who New York can acquire on both ends. If DiVincenzo is actually in play, it’s hard for the Knicks not to consider this pattern of moves.

DiVincenzo would provide a jolt of shooting and creation in a system he’s especially equipped for, not to mention the narrative and aura surrounding such a reunion would take the city by storm. Schroder ironically may be the even better fit as a reliable ball handler and nosier defender. 

But if New York can’t backfill Robinson, it gets tougher. Perhaps they believe in Yabusele and Hukporti enough, or can somehow swindle a Daniel Gafford or JalenSmith. 

Even then, the upside and game-breaking impact Robinson can deliver in the Playoffs makes it hard to justify even a marginal on-paper improvement during a championship hunt. What’s more realistic is the Knicks are doing their due diligence on every front and exploring all avenues to maximize these upcoming playoff runs.

What that actually materializes in vis-a-vis a trade will more than likely be nothing from what we’ve seen. New York is especially low on chips and flexibility here, and won’t want to upset a 17-7 rolling Knicks team headed for the NBA Cup Championship. 

Still, anything is possible in this wild league and with this unforgiving franchise desperately pursuing its first title in 50 years. We’re sure to hear plenty more between now and February, but don’t read too much into it unless something finally happens. 

If you were hoping for an immediate big-splash response to losing Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz that would make you feel better about this Mets’ offseason, well, it’s clear by now that David Stearns just isn’t wired that way. 

Which is to say, Jorge Polanco is a solid player coming off a good season with the Seattle Mariners that included a few electric postseason moments. He’s just not a guy who’s going to send anyone running to buy season tickets. 

And that’s fine if he helps the Mets win a lot of games next season. Which remains to be seen, of course. 

For the moment, the timing of Polanco’s signing seemed to indicate that Stearns won’t be pushed into going big-game hunting no matter how outraged the fan base is by the events of this past week.

On the other hand, a potential trade with the San Diego Padres that has been reported — most heavily by The Athletic — in recent days could be of blockbuster quality, even if it apparently wouldn’t include Francisco Lindor or Fernando Tatis Jr.

More on that to come. 

As for Polanco, it’s not exactly a bargain contract, as $20 million a year seems to be pushing the envelope on value, given his inconsistent track record. But it’s only a two-year deal, or $40 million total, which is $115 million less than Alonso is guaranteed with the Baltimore Orioles. 

There is also the little matter of whether Polanco can play first base, which is where Mets’ people are saying they see him getting most of his at-bats. It’s notable because he’s virtually never played first base at the big-league level (one career game at first base, which came this past season), and though most middle infielders are a good bet to adapt well to the new position, it still adds some risk to the equation. 

It’s also thinking outside the box, to a degree, which is kind of what you want to see from Stearns after all the bloodletting this past week. Yet Polanco, whose 26 home runs last season was the second-highest total of his career, is hardly a guy who’s going to fill the power void left by Alonso’s departure. 

However, Stearns may think he can build an effective offensive team without big power. Consider what his old team, the Milwaukee Brewers, did last season, finishing third in the majors in runs scored despite ranking only 22^nd in home runs. 

Of course, the Brewers also finished second in the majors in stolen bases and had the fifth-fewest total of strikeouts, so they were a fast, contact-hitting team that would be hard for the Mets to emulate. They also were completely shut down in the postseason by the Los Angeles Dodgers, and indeed they’ve had little success in October in recent years.

Perhaps Stearns also had an eye on the Toronto Blue Jays, who had great success with a high-contact offense, including the second-fewest total of strikeouts. Polanco struck out only 84 times last season, which ranked in the 83^rd percentile of all major league hitters last season.

“What you’re seeing is David wants to build a team that is solid in all facets of the game,” one person who has worked for Stearns in the past told me. “He’s a sum-of-the-parts guy. I think he’d rather have grinders than stars.”

Polanco fits that mold. So does outfielder Ramon Laureano, who could be coming to Queens as well if the Mets make that multi-player trade with the Padres that has been reported in detail by The Athletic as being in the talking stages.

There is no indication that Lindor or Tatis Jr. would be part of such a deal, yet it could still fill a lot of holes for the Mets, as it reportedly could include starting pitcher Nick Pivetta, reliever and strikeout monster Mason Miller, as well as lefty reliever Adrian Morejon, who was dominant last season, and Laureano too.

Laureano isn’t the contact hitter that Polanco is, striking out 119 times last season in 132 games, but he hit .281 last season and he’s got some pop, as evidenced by his 54 extra-base hits and a .512 slugging percentage. Last year he ranked in the 93^rd percentile of all MLB hitters in expected slugging percentage, based on his quality of contact.

At age 31 he’s coming off his two best offensive seasons since 2019, and while he has very limited range in the outfield, according to Statcast, he does have one of the strongest arms in the game.

And Laureano is making $6.5 million on a team option in 2026 before reaching free agency next winter, which means he would come a lot cheaper than Cody Bellinger, not to mention Kyle Tucker.

Likewise, Pivetta could be a short-term answer to upgrading the starting rotation, coming off the best season of his career at age 32, with a 2.87 ERA over 31 starts and 181 innings. The righthander is due to make $19.75 million in 2026 and can opt out of the final two years of his contract (worth $33.5 million) after next season.

For the Mets to also get Miller, perhaps the hardest thrower in the game, in the same deal, it would take a huge package, but baseball people say the two teams do match up in terms of needs.

That is, the Padres are desperate for pitching, after losing Dylan Cease and (presumably) Michael King to free agency, as well as Yu Darvish to injury, and while the Mets would get Pivetta they could send back Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat, as well as David Peterson and perhaps Kodai Senga as well, in addition to a Mark Vientos or Ronny Mauricio.

It’s an intriguing possibility and, perhaps more to the point, it would fill some key needs for the Mets without dipping heavily into free agency.

“I’d bet on Stearns making some version of that trade (with the Padres) before I could see him giving (Framber) Valdez or (Ranger) Suarez a long-term deal,” said the person who once worked for Stearns.  “That’s just who he is. (Juan) Soto was the exception, and that was probably more (Steve) Cohen anyway. David wants to build something without committing to long-term contracts as much as he can.”

That’s becoming more obvious by the day.

Proving yet again that nobody combines excitement and entertainment like these guys, this week the Dodgers made baseball’s most important winter deal.

They acquired Timmy Trumpet.

In real life he’s an Australian impresario who, surprise, plays the trumpet. But in the breathtaking world of ninth-inning baseball, he’s the game’s most popular soundtrack.

It is Timmy Trumpet who plays the chillingly inspiring solo from “Narco” that accompanies closer Edwin Díaz from the bullpen to the mound. For the seven seasons Díaz played for the New York Mets, it was the coolest entrance song in the big leagues, creating the most intimidating scene in any ballpark anywhere.

And now it’s coming to Dodger Stadium, as the Dodgers and Díaz agreed this week to a three-year, $69-million contract that will include Timmy Trumpet rattling the bejeezus out of visiting teams who must be asking, do the Dodgers really have to buy everything?

Was it not enough for them to sign the best reliever in baseball? Did they also have to bring in the best ninth-inning atmosphere in baseball?

Yes, they do, and yes, they did, and if you haven’t witnessed the Edwin Díaz/Timmy Trumpet duet, Google it once and you’ll be hooked.

Upon his signing, the social media of Dodgers fans was filled with trumpet emojis. Even the venerable Dieter Ruehle posted a video of him playing the trumpet solo on the keyboard.

Welcome to LA, #EdwinDiaz ! #Dodgers#ITFDB#MLB#WinterMeetingspic.twitter.com/qxtfcn6SMj

— Dieter Ruehle (@DieterRuehle) December 10, 2025

In the pantheon of Dodgers entrance and walk-up songs, this immediately moves to the top of a playlist that has become ingrained in the hearts of fans who have come to associate the brief clips of music with the enduring heroics of their players.

From the late great organist Nancy Bea Hefley playing “Master of the House” for Orel Hershiser … to Kenley Jansen revving up the crowd with “California Love” … there is a rich history of Dodgers being identified by their accompanying music.

Read more:Analysis: Could Dodgers’ Edwin Díaz signing portend more big moves later this offseason?

This team is no different, with several songs reaching iconic status simply based on the splendid feats that spring from their chords.

One man’s nine best songs, in order of impact.

1. ”Narco” for Edwin Díaz

It is already the best Dodgers song and he hasn’t even shown up yet. Trust me.

Díaz chose it in 2018 when he played for the Seattle Mariners. When that became his 57-save breakout season, his wife advised him to keep it. After being traded to the Mets, he became so loyal to the song, he even asked it to be played in an empty Citi Field during the 2020 pandemic season.

In ensuing seasons the scene went viral, highlighted by an actual performance by Timmy Trumpet last summer. Expect the Dodgers to invite Mr. Trumpet to Chavez Ravine, maybe even for the opening series. Like so many things they have staged during these consecutive championship seasons, it will be an event.

2. ”We Are Young” for Clayton Kershaw

The pitcher is retired, but the song still warrants celebration on an emeritus basis.

Quick question: Has any Dodgers entrance hymn endured as long as this one? Dodgers fans have adult children as old as this song.

Another quick question: When you heard this song for the last time in the final months of this past season, did you surprisingly feel tears?

The perfect anthem for the perfect pitcher.

3. ”Bailalo Rocky” for Roki Sasaki

It’s not really a song, it’s a chant, bailalorocky, bailalorocky, bailalorocky with the “Rocky” sounding like, “Roki.”

It was chosen for the famously unhip Sasaki by Miguel Rojas in spring training and, by the time the kid pitcher returned from the disabled list to save playoff games, the fans were chanting it and dancing to it like few celebration songs in Chavez Ravine history.

“You can see it in Dodger Stadium … it was amazing,” Rojas told reporters before the World Series. “So electric, dancing on the bleachers in left-center field … I’m hoping everybody starts dancing to that song when Roki comes to pitch.”

4. ”Feeling Good” for Shohei Ohtani

Thank you, Michael Bublé, for singing what everybody is thinking every time Ohtani comes to the plate.

And thank you, Mamiko Tanaka, for making it happen.

“The coach of the Dodgers was nice enough to introduce me to Shohei, and I said to him, ‘Why did you choose my song?’” Bublé explained in an interview on “The Today Show.” “And very quickly he just turned to his wife … and it was his wife that chose it.”

Bublé added, “I’ll take it!”

He and about 4 million others.

5. ”Baila Conmigo” for Freddie Freeman

It played before Freeman’s game-winning grand slam in Game 1 of the 2024 World Series.

It played before Freeman’s game-winning home run in the 18th inning of Game 3 of this year’s World Series.

The horn solo at the beginning of this catchy tune has come to represent two words to Dodgers fans who now bounce to its beat.

Greatness coming.

6. “La Leche Materna” for Kiké Hernandez

Just like Hernandez’s Dodgers contributions, this tune saves its best for last.

The final 30 seconds of the song sound like, “Kiké, Kiké, Kiké” over and over again.

It’s weird, but also as powerfully effective as, say, a double play fly ball to end a World Series game.

7. A rotation of songs for Mookie Betts

Betts has walked out to a varied playlist, but his selections are included here because he can boast of one walk-up tune unmatched in baseball history.

He steps to the plate accompanied by an unreleased song written by Snoop Dogg just for him.

8. ”Amen” for Max Muncy

The chorus of this country song that accompanies Muncy to the plate appropriately begins, “Somebody say a prayer for me … ”

Considering all of his injury issues during his eight-year Dodgers career, fans have heeded that call.

Considering he holds the Dodgers record with 16 career postseason homers, those prayers have been answered.

9. ”Squabble Up” for Will Smith

His current Kendrick Lamar song is cool, but Smith is on this list in honor of a previous walk-up song that endeared him to Dodgers fans as that rare player who can laugh at himself.

This Will Smith once walked up to the theme from “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.