bleacherreport
The championship series are set, with the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers battling for the National League pennant and the Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays competing for the American League title. However, for the rest of MLB's front offices, improving rosters through free agency is the top priority.
What are the latest developments regarding a potential free agent in the northwest and a pitcher with a high-profile mutual option? Here is a roundup from the game's top insiders.
Sonny Gray No Longer Considering Retirement
Sonny Gray will not retire and intends to return to the mound in 2027, according to a report by the Boston Globe (via MLB.com). The report indicates that Gray and the Boston Red Sox hold a mutual option, and if either side declines it, both parties would be open to reuniting in free agency this offseason.
That interest is justified. In his first year with Boston, Gray posted an 18-5 record over 29 games, with a 2.72 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP, marking one of the finest seasons of his major league career.
If the Red Sox were to inexplicably pass on bringing Gray back for his age-37 season, numerous teams would eagerly pursue the veteran right-hander to bolster their rotation. Should Gray sign elsewhere, it would be his seventh major league team.
Latest on Randy Arozarena and Seattle's Plans
Randy Arozarena was undoubtedly the offensive MVP for the Seattle Mariners in 2026, and that performance should earn him a significant payday this offseason. However, it likely won't be with the Mariners.
Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reported, "The Mariners aren't going to match the years or financial commitment that some teams might give Arozarena. It goes against their philosophy on high-dollar, long-term commitments to players in their 30s." He added that "a few MLB sources projected he might get a three-year contract with an annual salary between $18-22 million—similar to Teoscar Hernandez's three-year, $66 million contract with the Dodgers—with perhaps a vesting option for a fourth year."
Arozarena scored a career-high 113 runs in 2026 while batting .281/.381/.484. He also stole 26 bases and hit 26 home runs, earning All-Star recognition.
Divish wrote, "A team might push it to six years for a slightly larger total, but with a lower average annual value. He will almost certainly be looking for full no-trade protection. Teams like the Red Sox, Mets, Yankees, Phillies and Cubs all have known needs for a right-handed hitter." Each of those teams would benefit exponentially from adding a hitter and outfielder of Arozarena's caliber to their lineup.
Originally reported by bleacherreport.