MLB Player News

Paul’s nightmare offseason continues. His name was used in an identity hoax earlier this month in Australia, the Pirates DFA’d him 10 days ago, and now he’s been given his walking papers. MLB.com’s Jenifer Langosch writes that the Pirates expressed interest in Paul returning, but he cannot resign with the organization until May 16, per baseball rules, which makes a reunion unlikely. The 26-year-old outfielder batted .255/.292/.346 with two homers, 20 RBI, 16 stolen bases and a .638 OPS over 262 plate appearances this season between the Dodgers and Pirates.

The 22-year-old outfielder was a ninth-round selection by the Phillies from the 2023 draft class. Owusu-Asiedu slashed a respectable .258/.366/.385 with seven homers, 44 RBI, 33 stolen bases and a 102/58 K/BB ratio over 425 plate appearances between Single-A Clearwater and High-A Jersey Shore in 2025. He’s likely a couple of years away from being an option to help out the Diamondbacks at the major league level.

After dealing away left-hander Matt Strahm on Friday morning, the Phillies moved quickly to add another left-handed reliever to their bullpen mix. Backhus, 27, registered a 4.62 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and a 22/8 K/BB ratio over 25 1/3 innings across 32 appearances with the Diamondbacks in 2025, his first taste of big league action. He’ll add bullpen depth from the left side for the Phillies.

The deal, which was agreed upon on Thursday, is now official. The backloaded deal includes opt-outs for the 30-year-old hurler after each of the first two seasons. As long as he remains healthy, King should have a good shot at finishing as a top 30 starting pitcher for fantasy purposes in 2026.

The Astros would be receiving Burrows from the Pirates in the proposed deal while Lowe would head to the Pirates along with Jake Mangum and Mason Montgomery. Melton and Anderson Brito would move from the Astros to the Rays in the massive swap. With discussions this advanced, it sounds like something is going to get pushed across the finish line, so stay tuned.

Toro, 28, spent the 2025 campaign with the Red Sox where he slashed a meager .239/.289/.371 with seven homers and 27 RBI in 284 plate appearances. With a strong showing in Cactus League play, he could crack the Royals’ Opening Day roster in a reserve role, though he’s unlikely to carve out any sort of fantasy value.

The 29-year-old left-hander is set to hit free agency following the 2026 season and it seems like a question of when, rather than if, he’ll be traded. The Yankees and Mariners have also expressed interest in his services this offseason. While Romero functioned as the Cardinals’ closer down the stretch in 2025, it’s more likely that he’ll wind up working in a setup role wherever he winds up for the 2026 season.

The Yankees had been mentioned as a possible landing spot for King after the 30-year-old hurler spent his first five big league seasons with the club from 2019-2023. Heyman notes that while the Yankees are in the market for starting pitching, they simply had other targets. It’ll be interesting to see if they get more aggressive now that there is one fewer upper echelon option for pitching-starved clubs to chase after on the free agent market.

It’s an interesting reliever for reliever swap. Bowlan, 29, registered a 3.86 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and a 46/17 K/BB ratio across 44 1/3 innings with the Royals in 2025. Given that he’s out of options, Bowlan seems destined for a middle relief role in the Phillies’ Opening Day bullpen.

Strahm returns home to the organization that drafted him in the 21st round back in 2012. The 34-year-old hurler debuted with the Royals in 2016 before traveling around the league. While he has some experience in the ninth inning, it’s likely that he’ll settle into his traditional setup role with the Royals.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com adds that Jonathan Bowlan will be heading to the Phillies in the trade. It’s a terrific get for the Royals though, as Strahm has developed into one of the most reliable left-handed setup men in all of baseball. The 34-year-old southpaw registered a 2.74 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and a 70/20 K/BB ratio over 62 1/3 innings while snagging six saves during the 2025 campaign.