When asked what message he thought it sent to Diamondbacks fans when the team signed free agent right-hander Corbin Burnes to a six-year, $210 million contract last month, managing general partner Ken Kendrick was short and to the point.

Pitchers Corbin Burnes (Diamondbacks), Blake Snell (Dodgers) and Max Fried (Yankees) -- who were all ranked in the top five of our top free agents lists -- also all signed before the new year.

The Toronto Blue Jays offseason took a step in the right direction when they signed Anthony Santander to a multiyear deal. Despite evidence to the contrary, Jay

"It has been reported that the Giants were one of the finalists to land Burnes, but missed out when he signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks. After reportedly offering over $210 million to sign Burnes, the Giants could potentially take half of that money and use it towards signing Flaherty instead," Finkelstein wrote.

The Toronto Blue Jays, who have repeatedly struck out on top free agents two offseasons in a row, have been the most heavily rumored suitor of late. The San Francisco Giants, too, have long sought a big bopper and could use a first baseman.

The latest MLB rumors include Jack Flaherty's potential landing spots, the Mets' continued interest in Pete Alonso, and another international star up for grabs.

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal writes that one of the reasons the free-agent market remains clogged in late January is that names like San Diego Padres right-handers Dylan Cease and Michael King are among the starting pitchers available on the trade market.

Alonso has clubs 226 home runs over the past six seasons, which puts him second only to Aaron Judge for that span.

Spring training is fast approaching as another MLB offseason winds to a close and teams get ready to shake off the rust in preparation for a new season.

The Dodgers have added six free agents this offseason — the same number as the rest of the division combined. Were there any non-Dodgers moves that could possibly move the needle, or is L.A. destined for another decade of dominance?

Plus more on how the Astros could defensively accommodate Alex Bregman's return, Paul Skenes' next steps and other offseason info.

If there’s been a theme of this baseball offseason … well, OK, it’s the Dodgers signing every member of your extended family. But if there’s another theme, it’s that starting pitchers have been doing quite well in free agency.