MLB rumors: Rays add former Silver Slugger, Mets eyeing outfield market, Phillies acquire another arm

The MLB offseason for 2024-25 is in full swing, with notable free-agent signings happening left and right. Players like Sean Manaea (Mets), Joc Pederson (Rangers), Walker Buehler (Red Sox), and Andrew McCutchen (Pirates) have all found new teams recently. However, there are still plenty of intriguing free agents and trade targets available, leading to a constant stream of hot stove rumors. Below are some of the latest rumors from Monday.

Mets looking at the outfield market

The New York Mets have already made a big splash by signing Juan Soto to a record-breaking $765 million deal and shoring up their pitching staff. Now, owner Steve Cohen might be shifting his focus to other areas. According to ESPN, the Mets are considering several options to further strengthen their lineup:

“The Mets, meanwhile, could go in multiple directions to further complement their addition of Soto to the lineup. First baseman Pete Alonso and third baseman Alex Bregman are the best remaining free agent hitters, and the Mets could re-sign Alonso or sign Bregman and shift Mark Vientos from first to third. The Mets also have dabbled in the free agent outfield market, sources said, and they remain active in trade talks, as well.”

While the idea of re-signing Alonso or moving Vientos to first base after acquiring a new third baseman is not new, the potential interest in an outfielder is. Currently, Soto and Brandon Nimmo have secured outfield spots in New York, with Tyrone Taylor expected to man center field. Starling Marte is likely to serve as the primary DH.

Rays sign Jiménez

The Tampa Bay Rays have reached an agreement with veteran outfielder/DH Eloy Jiménez on a minor-league deal, as reported by ESPN. Jiménez, 28, is coming off a challenging 2024 season split between the White Sox and Orioles, where he posted a .238/.289/.336 slash line with six home runs in a combined 98 games. Despite this, Jiménez has shown promise in the past, hitting 31 homers as a rookie and earning a Silver Slugger award in 2020. If he makes the Rays’ roster, he could be part of a DH platoon.

In other news, the Philadelphia Phillies have signed starter/reliever Joe Ross to a one-year deal, the team announced.

Ross, 31, had a 3-6 record with a 3.77 ERA (111 ERA+), 1.37 WHIP, and 66 strikeouts in 74 innings for the Brewers last season. The Phillies’ rotation seems set with Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suárez, Cristopher Sánchez, and Jesús Luzardo, with Taijuan Walker providing depth. Ross will have the opportunity to earn playing time as a spot starter or relief pitcher.