The latest Moustakas free-agent rumors

Mike Moustakas has crushed 66 homers the past two seasons -- only Nolan Arenado, Manny Machado and Jose Ramirez have more among players with at least 50 percent of games at third base in that span. That power makes the 30-year-old, who is in his second straight offseason as a free agent, a solid alternative to Machado.

Below you will find the most recent buzz and rumors about the third baseman.

Is Moose the Phils' contingency plan in case they don't land Machado?
Jan. 20: The Phillies have made it clear they're looking to land one of the two premier free agents on this offseason's market, Bryce Harper or Manny Machado. But what would Philadelphia's plan be for third base in case it doesn't land Machado? According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, Plan B could very well be free agent Mike Moustakas.

Tweet from @JonHeyman: Phillies have interest in Mike Moustakas. A Move for Moose likely depends on how Machado pursuit works out for them, though.

Moustakas, 30, lingered on the free-agent market last year before re-signing with the Royals on a one-year deal. He was traded to the Brewers in July, and helped Milwaukee come within one game of the World Series. Overall, he hit .251/.315/.459 with 28 home runs in 152 games. In '17, Moustakas had a big year, belting a career-high 38 homers while posting a 117 OPS+.

The Phillies are apparently looking for an upgrade at third even if it isn't Machado. In '18, Maikel Franco, who got the lion's share of time at the position, slashed .270/.314/.467 with 22 homers. It was his best season since posting a 130 OPS+ in 80 games during the '15 campaign. But Moustakas' track record is undeniably better; Franco saw his offensive production decline significantly from '16-'17, when he slashed .242/.294/.418.