The General Manager meetings in Las Vegas concluded on Thursday, marking the end of the initial phase of the offseason. While no major transactions have been finalized yet, the concentration of front-office executives and reporters in one location has led to a noticeable increase in market chatter. Industry insiders note that such gatherings often spark speculation, even when the underlying substance remains limited.
One prominent name in the current discussions is Ian Happ, who is reportedly attracting attention from the Seattle Mariners. The 32-year-old outfielder has spent his entire ten-year career with the Chicago Cubs after being drafted in the first round in 2015. He established himself as a consistent performer between 2022 and 2025, averaging 3.9 WAR and winning four Gold Gloves during that span. However, his production dipped slightly last season, where he posted a .218/.326/.412 line and 2.7 WAR, though he still hit over 20 home runs for the fifth time in the last six years.
The Mariners are looking to fill a void in left field following the departure of Randy Arozarena to free agency. With a clear need to upgrade their offensive lineup, Seattle is exploring options to secure a reliable contributor in that spot. Happ’s track record of defensive excellence and consistent power makes him a logical target for a team seeking to bolster its outfield depth.
Simultaneously, the New York Mets have joined the pursuit of first baseman Alec Bohm, a target previously linked with the New York Yankees. Bohm struggled offensively last year, finishing with a .249/.315/.383 line and negative 0.2 WAR. Despite these numbers, he remains in demand due to the scarcity of right-handed power hitters on the open market. His strong finish to the season, where he batted .318/.402/.453 in his final 42 games, has likely enhanced his appeal to teams looking for immediate impact.
The Mets are particularly motivated to address their first base situation after the disappointing tenure of Jorge Polanco last year. While young prospect Jared Young showed promise at the position, he suffered a concussion in September after colliding with a teammate, leaving the Mets vulnerable at the cold corner. Adding a proven veteran like Bohm would provide stability to a key offensive position.
In the Twin Cities, focus has turned to catcher Ryan Jeffers, who is expected to decline the qualifying offer from the Minnesota Twins. The decision deadline is Tuesday, after which he will enter free agency. Reports from the Minnesota Star-Tribune indicate that despite the decline, the Twins are interested in re-signing him on a multi-year contract. Jeffers delivered a standout season in 2026, hitting .256/.353/.461 with 14 home runs, although he missed several months due to a broken hamate bone.
Minnesota has depth in its farm system, including Vahn Lackey, the third overall pick in last year’s draft, and Eduardo Tait, who was acquired in the trade for Jhoan Duran. However, the team appears willing to invest in Jeffers to maintain continuity behind the plate. The situation illustrates how teams can still re-sign players who decline qualifying offers, providing a path for long-term commitment.
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays are positioning themselves to exploit a relatively weak free agent market, particularly on the position-player side. With top options like Jazz Chisholm Jr., Seiya Suzuki, and Arozarena already in play, Tampa Bay is looking to leverage trade opportunities. According to The Athletic, the Rays are considering trading center fielder Jonny DeLuca in anticipation of moving Victor Mesa Jr. to center field.
DeLuca, 28, saw a significant increase in playing time last year, appearing in 112 games with 370 plate appearances. He contributed a .266/.300/.429 line, 11 home runs, 50 RBI, and 17 stolen bases, recording 1.7 WAR. For the Rays, moving DeLuca could be a strategic move to reshape their outfield while capitalizing on market inefficiencies before the free agent class solidifies.
