The Seattle Mariners have considerable depth in their starting rotation, which could lead to a trade that improves another part of the roster.

Luis Castillo and Robbie Ray are locked in for the foreseeable future on massive contracts, while Logan Gilbert and George Kirby proved this past season that they can be capable Major League starters.

It's possible the Mariners could look to trade Chris Flexen, who multiple clubs inquired about at this summer's deadline. Flexen had his $8 million option for 2023 vest after posting a 3.73 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 137 2/3 innings.

The Seattle Mariners are looking to improve further after authoring a 90-72 season, their best mark since 2003, and advancing to the ALDS.

Jerry Dipoto said his "great preference" this offseason "would be to land a shortstop that would like to play second base."

There are four star shortstops that are expected to be free agents next month -- Xander Bogaerts, Carlos Correa, Dansby Swanson and Trea Turner.

The Atlanta Braves have shifted their focus to the offseason after being eliminated at the hands of the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS.

Club chairman Terry McGuirk told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in an interview that the Braves want to increase their payroll so that it ranks among the top five in the Major Leagues.

Atlanta ranked eighth in payroll this season, spending just over $200 million on their roster.

 "My goal now is to get to be a top-five (payroll) team," McGuirk said.

Eric Hosmer gained full no-trade rights when the San Diego Padres traded him to the Boston Red Sox this summer.

Hosmer was initially reported to be part of the package the Padres sent to the Washington Nationals in the Juan Soto deal, but he used his limited no-trade rights to block the deal. Luke Voit was included in the deal instead.

San Diego pivoted and traded Hosmer to Boston, who was not on his no-trade list.

Hosmer still has three years and $39 million left on his contract and he'll now have full no-trade rights over the life of the deal.