MLB Free Agency

The Detroit Tigers have signed veteran pitcher Justin Verlander to a one-year, $13 million contract for the 2026 season, reuniting the future Hall of Famer with the franchise where he began his career. The deal includes $2 million in base salary and $11 million deferred starting in 2030. Verlander joins a strong rotation led by Tarik Skubal and Framber Valdez as the team aims for a third consecutive postseason appearance.

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The New York Mets have agreed to a one-year contract with free-agent outfielder MJ Melendez, pending a physical. The deal is worth $1.5 million plus up to $500,000 in incentives, according to reports. Melendez, a former top prospect with the Kansas City Royals, aims to rebound after a challenging 2025 season.

The New York Yankees have finalized a five-year, $162.5 million contract with outfielder Cody Bellinger, their biggest offseason move. The frontloaded deal includes $85 million over the first two years, opt-outs after 2027 and 2028, a $20 million signing bonus, and a full no-trade clause, solidifying the outfield with Trent Grisham and Aaron Judge while raising questions about prospects like Jasson Domínguez amid roster needs and a projected $320 million payroll.

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The Philadelphia Phillies' front office expressed strong frustration after shortstop Bo Bichette opted to sign with the New York Mets instead of accepting their offer. Despite a competitive seven-year, $200 million deal from Philadelphia, Bichette chose a shorter contract with higher annual value in New York. This decision has left the Phillies organization deeply disappointed.

The New York Mets and Yankees are both pursuing free agent outfielder Cody Bellinger amid a shifting MLB free-agent market. After the Mets signed Bo Bichette following a failed bid for Kyle Tucker, sources indicate New York teams see Bellinger as a key addition. Contract talks remain stalled over years, with Bellinger seeking seven while the Yankees offer five.

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The Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a three-year, $45 million deal with catcher J.T. Realmuto, pending a physical, after missing out on free-agent infielder Bo Bichette. The contract includes incentives that could add $5 million per year, bringing the total value to $60 million. This move provides stability behind the plate for the Phillies' pitching staff entering the 2026 season.