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MLB News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Wednesday, February 18

Cal Raleigh Ranked Top 10 Catcher, Set for WBC with Team USA

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Seattle Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh has been ranked among MLB's top 10 catchers by Buster Olney, following a season where he was the AL MVP runner-up and set a high standard for hard-hitting catchers. Raleigh's significant impact solidifies his elite status. He is also set to suit up for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, which will create a need for additional catchers during the Cactus League. Mitch Garver is expected to compete to back up Raleigh.

Dodgers' Brusdar Graterol to Miss Opening Day Amid Shoulder Recovery

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Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that reliever Brusdar Graterol will miss Opening Day as he continues recovery from shoulder surgery for a torn labrum. The team is taking a cautious approach after Graterol struggled to dial up his velocity in early spring training sessions. Graterol, who boasts a 2.78 career ERA, missed all of last season due to the injury and is on an intentionally slow build-up, adding to the Dodgers' bullpen concerns alongside Brock Stewart and Evan Phillips.

Gavin Williams Aims for Elite Status After Dominant 2025 Second Half

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Cleveland Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams is determined to become 'one of the best' after a breakthrough 2025 season. He posted a 3.06 ERA and 173 strikeouts in 167 2/3 innings over 31 starts, with a remarkable 2.18 ERA in 12 post-All-Star break starts, tying for the AL lead. Manager Stephen Vogt noted Williams' unprecedented focus after a 'tremendous offseason.' Despite leading the Majors with 83 walks in 2025, Williams made a key mechanical adjustment in June and implemented a sinker, leading to significant improvement. He aims for 31 starts and 200 innings in 2026.

Guardians' Clase Pleads Not Guilty in Pitch-Rigging Case

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Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase pleaded not guilty to a rewritten indictment in Brooklyn federal court regarding a pitch-rigging scheme. Accused of colluding with bettors to win over $460,000, Clase faces charges including wire fraud conspiracy. The trial is likely postponed until October. Allegations include using code words for pitches and signaling during a May 2025 game to influence bets, winning $27,000. Clase, a three-time All-Star, has been on non-disciplinary paid leave since July, with prosecutors stating he began providing info in 2023.

Chris Bassitt: MLB Salary Cap 'Doesn't Fix Anything' Amid Lockout Threat

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Baltimore Orioles pitcher Chris Bassitt, a member of the MLBPA’s executive subcommittee, stated that an MLB salary cap "doesn't fix anything" as a lockout looms post-2026 season. Bassitt, who recently signed an $18.5 million contract, argues that MLB already boasts superior parity compared to other major sports, despite high spending by teams like the Dodgers and Mets. He believes suppressing salaries for owners' profit is not the answer to helping lower-spending teams, emphasizing that player strength remains paramount in ongoing labor discussions, even after the MLBPA executive director's resignation.

Astros Eye Free Agent Michael Conforto Amid Dwindling Trade Options

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The Houston Astros are reportedly eyeing free agent outfielder Michael Conforto as a left-handed hitting option, with their trade market options dwindling. Conforto, 32, slashed .199/.305/.333 with 12 homers and 36 RBIs in 128 games for the Dodgers last season. The article notes he's 'a shell of what he once was' post-2021 shoulder surgery, showing some power but poor contact and defense.

Paul Skenes Favored for Back-to-Back Cy Young, Pirates Bolster Offense

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Paul Skenes is the rightful favorite to win his second consecutive NL Cy Young Award, having posted stellar ERAs of 1.96 and 1.97 in his first two seasons with a 0.95 WHIP. Despite a 10-10 record last year due to limited run support, the Pirates have added four new bats this offseason. At 23, Skenes is considered one of baseball's most dominant pitchers, with his rookie debut ticket previously selling for $708.

Healthy, Slimmer Teoscar Hernández Returns to LF for Dodgers

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Teoscar Hernández reported to Dodgers camp healthier and slimmer, ready for a new role in left field. He revealed playing through a nagging groin injury and being overweight in 2025, which led to a decline in his performance (25 HR, .247 AVG, .738 OPS). Now back to his ideal weight and moving to LF after Kyle Tucker's signing, manager Dave Roberts expects him to be a top run-producer, noting Hernández is 'out to prove something' this season.

Bogaerts to Play WBC with Protégé Rafaela, Reflects on Mentor Role

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San Diego Padres star Xander Bogaerts will team up with Ceddanne Rafaela for the Netherlands in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Bogaerts, who played over a decade with the Red Sox before joining the Padres in 2023, is a significant role model for Rafaela and other young players from Curacao and Aruba. He kept tabs on Rafaela during his minor league career, offering advice. Rafaela expressed that playing with Bogaerts was his main reason for joining the WBC squad, highlighting their strong mentor-mentee relationship.

Rays' Junior Caminero Emerges as Future MVP Candidate After 45-Homer Breakout

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Junior Caminero had a breakout 2025 season, hitting 45 home runs in a campaign described as 'far from a fluke.' With 100th-percentile bat speed and 92nd-percentile average exit velocity, the young slugger has ascended to a franchise cornerstone for the Rays. If he can refine his defense at third base and optimize his launch angles, he's projected to be a 'future MVP candidate' for the Rays.

Blue Jays' Trey Yesavage on Fast Track, Bolstering Pitching Outlook

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Trey Yesavage is on an 'unfathomable fast track' in his development, significantly transforming the Toronto Blue Jays' pitching outlook. He is now headlining a promising younger wave of pitchers, indicating a positive shift in the team's future on the mound.

Angels' Zach Neto Emerges as Cornerstone Talent with Strong Performance

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Angels shortstop Zach Neto, 25, has been 'downright fabulous' over the past two seasons, accumulating an impressive 10.2 bWAR since Opening Day 2024, ranking sixth among eligible players. Despite areas for improvement in defense and plate discipline, Neto is considered a 'real cornerstone talent' for the Angels, having quickly ascended to the big leagues less than a year after being drafted.

Blue Jays' Tommy Nance Aims for Bullpen Spot After Strong 2025, ALDS Struggles

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Blue Jays right-handed reliever Tommy Nance, 34, had a strong second half in 2025, posting a 1.99 ERA with 5 holds in 30 games after a late-July call-up. He moved into higher-leverage situations, demonstrating a 52.9% ground ball rate, but struggled in the ALDS. Nance, who is out of options, faces stiff competition for a bullpen spot in Spring Training, with projections anticipating a 3.80 ERA over 58 games.

Griffin Canning to Start Season on IL with Achilles Injury; Late April Return Possible

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San Diego Padres pitcher Griffin Canning will begin the season on the injured list as he recovers from a torn left Achilles. While he feels 100 percent throwing off the mound, Canning still needs to complete running and agility work. Reports suggest he might not be on the IL for long, with a potential season debut around late April or early May, though no firm timetable is set. Canning posted a 3.77 ERA and 70:35 K:BB over 76.1 innings for the Mets in 2025 and is expected to join the Padres' rotation once healthy.

Fernando Tatis Jr. Confident Dominican Republic Will Beat Japan in WBC

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Padres superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. is set to debut in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (March 5-17) for the Dominican Republic, playing under his father, Fernando Tatis Sr., who serves as hitting coach. Tatis Jr. expressed strong confidence in his team's ability to defeat reigning champion Team Japan, stating, 'They’re nasty, but we’re going to beat them.' He joins a star-studded roster including Juan Soto and Manny Machado, calling the experience a childhood dream and a bid for global glory.

Braves' Schwellenbach Undergoes Elbow Surgery, Out Indefinitely

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Spencer Schwellenbach underwent a procedure Wednesday to remove loose bodies from his right elbow. While no official timeline is set, manager Welt Weiss hopes the right-hander can pitch in 2026, despite being expected to miss at least the first two months after a 60-day IL placement. Schwellenbach, considered a core rotation piece, could miss up to half the season, adding to Atlanta's current rotation challenges.

Braves' Waldrep Undergoes Elbow Surgery, Faces 3-Month Absence

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Hurston Waldrep is scheduled for elbow surgery Monday to remove loose bodies, sidelining him for approximately three months and placing him on the 60-day IL. The right-hander had a strong 2025 season with a 2.88 ERA over 56.1 innings. Manager Welt Weiss hopes Waldrep can still pitch this season, but his absence, alongside Spencer Schwellenbach's procedure, elevates Joey Wentz and Bryce Elder in the rotation pecking order. The timeline for his return remains uncertain.

Cubs' Javier Assad Healthy, Playing WBC, Expected to Make Roster

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Chicago Cubs right-handed swingman Javier Assad, 28, is healthy after a Grade 2 left oblique strain derailed his 2025 Spring Training. He's currently playing for Mexico in the WBC, focusing on his health. Assad, who posted a 3.43 ERA over 78 career games (54 starts), is expected to make the Cubs' roster this spring as a versatile swingman, capable of starting or providing long relief, and is considered an injury away from the rotation.

Joe Musgrove Cleared for Full Padres Camp Participation; Workload to Be Monitored

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Joe Musgrove (elbow) is a full participant in Padres camp after missing the entire 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery. While he won't have a strict innings limit in 2026, the Padres will monitor his workload early on, potentially utilizing a six-man rotation. The 33-year-old boasts a 3.20 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 25.5% strikeout rate, and 6.1% walk rate in his four seasons with San Diego.

Nationals Eye Daylen Lile for Extension After Impressive 2025 Debut

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Daylen Lile is emerging as the Washington Nationals' top extension candidate, with his contract not expiring until 2032. In his 2025 MLB debut, the speedy outfielder showcased a 'phenomenal feel to hit,' batting .299 with an .845 OPS and hitting 11 triples in 91 games. While his defense and base-stealing efficiency require refinement, his current production and high athletic upside make him a prime target for an 8-year, $65 million contract offer.