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Heyman adds that the deal also includes an opt-out after the 2024 season. Clearly, the Mets are banking on a nearly three mph uptick in fastball velocity and the addition of a new sweeper, which Manaea added to his repertoire last May, as key reasons the veteran southpaw can bolster their starting rotation. The improved velocity gap between his fastball and changeup, in addition to the highly effective sweeper, enabled him to post a sparkling 3.60 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 24 percent strikeout rate over 85 innings (26 appearances, four starts) for the Giants last year after May 30. The 31-year-old southpaw represents a relatively low-risk gamble for the Mets and could wind up hitting the open market again next offseason, if he continues to excel. He’s a decent late-round lottery ticket for fantasy managers in deeper mixed leagues, especially if last year’s changes remain intact.

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.

Independent journalist Francys Romero adds that the deal, which is still pending a physical, will be in the neighborhood of $13 million over three seasons. The 29-year-old slugger slashed a monstrous .315/.387/.530 with 26 homers, 90 RBI and 25 stolen bases for the Kiwoom Heroes of the Korea Baseball Organization in 2025. While he played primarily at third base in the KBO, Sung-Mun seems destined to play second base for the Padres with Manny Machado entrenched at the hot corner.

The deal is backloaded, so King will make $22 million if he opts out after 2026 or $45 million if he opts out after 2027. It’s a little odd he allowed it to be structured that way, given that he didn’t seem to have a shortage of suitors, but it suggests San Diego is where he wanted to be all along. The Yankees, Red Sox, Mets and Orioles were also thought to be interested in him. The 30-year-old right-hander finished seventh in NL Cy Young Award balloting back in 2024 but was limited to 15 starts this past season due to shoulder and knee issues, recording a strong 3.44 ERA — 4.42 FIP — and 76/26 K/BB ratio across 73 1/3 innings. He’s a top-30 range fantasy starter heading into drafts next spring.

Short fortifies New York’s middle infield depth heading into next season after hitting .220/.291/.380 with two homers across 56 plate appearances over 30 games for the Astros this past season. The 30-year-old journeyman shortstop is the prototypical emergency stopgap option for an organization like the Yankees after getting into 243 games in the big leagues between five different teams over the past half-decade.

Walton got into a pair of games for the Phillies this past season, going 1-for-8 with one RBI across nine plate appearances. He spent most of the year at the Triple-A level, hitting .270/.356/.396 with 13 homers and four steals in 123 games. The well-traveled 31-year-old infielder has gotten into 72 games at the highest level between the Mariners, Giants and Phillies since 2019. He’ll bolster Los Angeles’ infield depth heading into spring training.

Van Belle underwent elbow surgery earlier this offseason and is expected to miss all of next season. The 29-year-old righty was jettisoned from Tampa Bay’s 40-man roster earlier this offseason after making four relief appearances in the big leagues last year. He spent most of the year as a starter at the Triple-A level, recording a solid 3.17 ERA — 3.66 FIP — and 88/17 K/BB ratio across 105 innings of work.