Top MLB Rumors on Pete Alonso, Munetaka Murakami and More Amid World Series Bracket

While the Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, Milwaukee Brewers, and Los Angeles Dodgers continue to battle for a World Series Championship, 26 other teams in Major League Baseball have set their sights on the offseason and the moves that will help ensure they are not on the outside looking in at the League Championship Series next year at this time.

There are several big names poised to make headlines as free agents, with Pete Alonso leading the way.

What is the latest on the Mets slugger and his expectations for free agency?

Find out in this collection of insider reports, also featuring a Tigers starter and an international sensation looking to bring his talents stateside.

Update on Pete Alonso's Asking Price

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Last off-season, the New York Mets signed Pete Alonso to a short-term deal and basically dared him to prove that he deserved something longer-term. He did, smacking 38 home runs, 126 RBI, and his highest OPS (.871) since his rookie season in 2019.

Now, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post, he is looking for at least seven years on his next contract.

It will be interesting to see if a 30-year-old can command that type of financial commitment from another team, especially with questions about his ability to continue playing first base amid concerns about his throwing.

Any long-term deal of that magnitude likely comes with teams asking Alonso about his willingness to switch from first to the designated hitter position, where he can still impact games with his hitting while not jeopardizing the team's defense with the occasional wild throw.

It might be a tough ask.

The Mets will likely make Alonso an offer but it would be very surprising if they suddenly came through with everything he wants after being so bullish a season ago, which opens the door for a team in need of a hitter, like the Phillies, Red Sox, or Giants, to take a swing (no pun intended) and potentially land Alonso.

Regardless, the former Florida Gator and his team know what they want this off-season and are unlikely to settle like they did last year at this time.

Munetaka Murakami Update

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Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that the Yukult Swallows on the Nippon Baseball League are expected to post Munetaka Murakami this offseason, making him a free agent.

He added that there are several potential suitors for the 25-year-old, including the New York Mets and Yankees, Seattle Mariners, and Philadelphia Phillies.

It is no surprise that he would be attracting the attention of World Series-caliber squads, either.

He played in 69 games this season, hit 24 home runs, drove in 52 RBI, and had the second-highest OPS of his career at 1.051. He is a hard-hitting, corner outfielder with great plate discipline and elite power.

There are 20 or so teams in MLB that would realistically love to add him to their rosters this offseason in hopes of him enhancing their world title aspirations.

Perhaps the most interesting of the teams mentioned is the Mariners, who already had one of the most explosive offenses in the league this season and would become even more dangerous at the plate with the addition of a player of Murakami.

Will Jack Flaherty Pick Up His Option?

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With the Detroit Tigers still freshly eliminated from the MLB Playoffs, there are questions about what the team will look like when Opening Day rolls around next spring. That includes the starting rotation and righty Jack Flaherty, who is reportedly undecided on whether he will pick up his option.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network posted on X that he has not decided as of yet whether he will or not, but did send a lengthy statement about how much he has enjoyed his time in Detroit.

Tigers beat writer Evan Woodbery of MLive.com added that it would be surprising if Flaherty exercised said option, but did note a qualifying offer may be in play to bring him back even if he does.

Flaherty delivered his worst ERA in four seasons in 2025 with a .464 in 31 games. He went 8-15, with a WHIP of 1.28.

Considering that Detroit is built for at least one more year of playoff and World Series contention with Tarik Skubal under contract through the 2026 season, one would think it would behoove Flaherty to exercise the option, stick around, and chase a championship.

Especially coming off of a down season.

It is ultimately his decision but if he does love Detroit and everything that organization has built over the last few years, sticking around to see it through and putting himself in the best position to succeed would seem to make the most sense.