Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

Understanding MLB free agency rumor phraseology

There are several buzz phrases you’ll read this offseason regarding free agents, much of it confusing. Here’s a helpful guide:

“[team] is looking at [player].”

All teams look at all players. The Pirates are probably looking at Josh Hamilton, perhaps in bewilderment.

“[team] is interested in [player].”

The team looked at the player and likes what they see. Don’t we all.

“[player] is a good fit for [team]”

The sportswriter is moonlighting as a general manager. All baseball players fit on all teams. In fact, 100 percent of baseball rosters are comprised of baseball players.

“[team] has been in contact with [player].”

This is a notch or two above being interested, but still miles away from being signed.

”[player] “has agreed to terms...”

The contact with the player went well! He will most likely play for your team...

“...pending a physical”

...Assuming the player isn’t dead.

“Edwin Jackson”

Your team is going to sign Edwin Jackson.

See More:

More in General

GeneralFromPosting and Toasting
An SB Nation New Yorker needs our helpAn SB Nation New Yorker needs our help
GeneralFromPosting and Toasting
General
Sabastian Sawe breaks 2-hour barrier, shatters marathon world recordSabastian Sawe breaks 2-hour barrier, shatters marathon world record
General

The mythical two-hour mark was broken at the London Marathon.

By Bernd Buchmasser
A Huge Dog
THE HISTORY OF CHARGING THE MOUND, EPISODE 1THE HISTORY OF CHARGING THE MOUND, EPISODE 1
Play
General
Super Bowl 60 coin toss resultsSuper Bowl 60 coin toss results
General

The Seahawks and Patriots will open the Super Bowl with the coin toss to determine who starts with the ball. We have the full coin toss results for Super Bowl 60.

By David Fucillo
General
Marc Marquez completes a comeback for the agesMarc Marquez completes a comeback for the ages
General

MotoGP’s Marc Marquez completed a comeback for the ages with his 2025 title

By Mark Schofield
General
How to make sure SBNation.com appears in your Google search resultsHow to make sure SBNation.com appears in your Google search results