MLB

Phillies sign DH Kyle Schwarber to five-year, $150 million contract

Schwarber has always been a unique talent — limited in some areas, but overpowering enough in others to offset his weaknesses. Those limitations were more obvious early in his career, but as the years have gone by, Schwarber has gotten better and better. Now 32, he’s one of the premier hitters in baseball and a player that was desired by numerous clubs this offseason.

The Phillies, however, were likely an easy choice for Schwarber. The money was obviously sufficient, but so too was the team-player fit. After all, Schwarber’s four best seasons as a pro came with Philadelphia the last four years. Therefore, why wouldn’t Schwarber return to the Phillies? To be sure, there were other teams in pursuit of the power hitter — some expected and some surprising. In the end, loyalty and comfort won out. The Phillies — and Schwarber — are here to stay.

Schwarber hit .240 with 56 home runs and 132 RBIs last season.

Grade: A-

Dodgers sign RP Edwin Diaz to three-year, $69 million contract

The Dodgers have poured significant resources into their bullpen over the past few years, to scattered results. Sure, Los Angeles has won back-to-back World Series titles, but Dave Roberts’ club lacked a sure-fire ninth-inning option over that period.

Last year, that issue was supposed to be fixed with the signing of Tanner Scott, but the veteran scuffled in his first season with the team. With a seemingly unlimited budget, the Dodgers are attacking the problem again — with one of the best relievers of this generation.

Los Angeles had the ninth inning on lock with Kenley Jansen closing at the peak of his powers, and the Dodgers surely are hoping for a similar level of late-game security with Diaz. If last year is any indication, Diaz is a solid bet to offer that.

Diaz recorded a 1.63 ERA and 28 saves in 2025 with the Mets.

Grade: B+

Angels receive:
2B Vaughn Grissom

Red Sox receive:
CF Isaiah Jackson

Is it too late to call the Chris Sale trade a failure for the Red Sox? If not, allow me to be the last to say it.

Grissom came to Boston with heightened expectations following the aforementioned Sale deal, but success of any kind eluded him during his brief tenure with the franchise. With the Braves, the infielder at hit for a solid average over 200-plus at-bats. Across 105 at-bats with the Red Sox, Grissom hit just .190. As a result, the 24-year-old didn’t appear in a single MLB game last season.

Presumably, Grissom will receive a new lease on life with the Angels — at a somewhat high cost. Los Angeles drafted Jackson in the eighth round of this past summer’s draft, and he has already made it to High-A. Obviously he’s no sure thing, but neither is Grissom.

This transaction feels like a fresh bet on upside for each franchise. Additionally, it opens up a 40-man roster spot for Boston, which could be useful in today’s Rule 5 Draft.

Angels Grade: B+

Red Sox Grade: A-