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MLB News

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

Monday, February 16

Mike Tauchman Signs Minor League Deal with Mets, Eyes Roster Spot

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Veteran outfielder Mike Tauchman, 35, has agreed to a minor league deal with the New York Mets, providing additional outfield depth and a legitimate chance to make the Opening Day roster. Tauchman spent last season with the White Sox, appearing in 93 games with a .263/.356/.400 slash line, 9 homers, and 40 RBIs. He previously contributed significantly to the Yankees (2019-21) and played in South Korea (2022) before returning to MLB with the Cubs and White Sox. Known for consistent offensive production and average defense, he will compete for a right field spot, offering valuable lefty depth.

Edwin Díaz Responds to Mets Owner Cohen's Comments on Departure

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Edwin Díaz, now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, calmly responded to Mets owner Steve Cohen's comments questioning his departure. Cohen had suggested the Mets' offer "might've been better" and declared New York ready to compete with the Dodgers. Díaz stated he was a free agent and chose the Dodgers due to their recruitment efforts. This exchange highlights the competitive dynamic between the two high-spending franchises, with Cohen aiming for a playoff showdown.

Corbin Carroll Suffers Hamate Bone Fracture, Opening Day Return Possible

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Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll suffered a broken hamate bone in his hand at the start of spring training. With approximately six weeks until Opening Day, there's a chance he may not miss significant regular season time. While hamate injuries are often perceived to negatively impact power post-recovery, an analysis of past MLB cases suggests no statistically significant decline in isolated power (ISO) after players return. Medical advancements in surgery and rehabilitation may be mitigating the long-term effects on grip strength and bat control.

Alex Freeland to Vie for Dodgers Second Base Spot with Edman Injured

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Dodgers infielder Alex Freeland, 24, a former third-round draft pick and top prospect, is set to compete for playing time at second base following Tommy Edman's confirmed absence for Opening Day. In his 29 big-league games last season, Freeland showed flashes of potential, including back-to-back home runs, but struggled overall, batting .190 with 35 strikeouts in 97 plate appearances. Manager Dave Roberts noted the game "sped up" on him, and Freeland is focused on learning from his rookie struggles to earn an immediate redemption opportunity.

Hyeseong Kim to Compete for Dodgers 2B Role with Edman Out

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Dodgers infielder Hyeseong Kim, 26, is expected to compete for playing time at second base with Tommy Edman ruled out for Opening Day. An offseason signing from South Korea, Kim had a strong start in his rookie campaign last year, batting .383 over his first 36 games, showcasing pop, speed, and defense. However, he struggled with a .175 average for the remainder of the season and missed a month with a shoulder injury. Kim is working on swing adjustments and will play for South Korea in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Cardinals Claim RHP Zak Kent Off Waivers for Second Time

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The St. Louis Cardinals have claimed right-handed pitcher Zak Kent, 27, off waivers from the Texas Rangers, marking the second time this offseason they've acquired him. Kent, originally drafted by the Rangers in 2019, debuted with the Guardians in 2025, posting a 1-0 record with a 4.58 ERA over 17.2 innings. He was previously claimed by the Cardinals in December, waived in January, then claimed by the Rangers before returning to St. Louis. This move adds him to the 40-player roster, with Bryan Ramos designated for assignment.

Marcus Semien's Mets Trade Linked to Rangers Relationship Rumors

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Marcus Semien's offseason trade from the Texas Rangers to the New York Mets was reportedly influenced by a "toxic" relationship with former teammate Corey Seager, though Seager has dismissed these claims as speculation. The Rangers traded Semien, shedding the final three years and $72 million of his contract. Semien, 35, had a down offensive year in 2025 (15 HR, 62 RBI, .669 OPS) but earned his second Gold Glove with strong defense. He is now Francisco Lindor's middle infield partner at second base for the Mets.

Corey Seager Dismisses 'Toxic' Relationship Rumors with Marcus Semien

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Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager addressed and dismissed rumors of a "toxic" relationship with former double-play partner Marcus Semien, which had been reported as a factor in Semien's trade to the Mets. Seager stated that he and Semien had a "fine relationship," respected each other professionally, and together achieved a World Series title in 2023. Seager, 31, was limited to 102 games in 2025 due to season-ending appendectomy surgery in August.

Trout Misses WBC, Expresses Strong Desire for Angels CF Return

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Angels star Mike Trout will miss the 2026 World Baseball Classic due to insurance issues. He has expressed a strong desire to return to center field this season, finding it less physically demanding than corner outfield spots. Trout primarily served as a designated hitter from late April 2025 after a bone bruise to his surgically repaired left knee. General Manager Perry Minasian has indicated that playing some center field in 2026 is not out of the question for Trout, aligning with his preference.

Cardinals Exploring Outfield Role for Infield Prospect Thomas Saggese

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The St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly considering a transition to the outfield for versatile infielder Thomas Saggese, who hasn't played the position since he was 10 years old. While Saggese has solid defensive numbers at second and third base, his speed is rated as average to below-average. This potential move aims to increase his playing time, as primary infield spots are filled. Saggese has shown some power in the minors, hitting 26 homers in 2023 and 21 in 2024, and the Cardinals hope he can develop into a super-utility player.

Mets Owner Steve Cohen Ends Captain Speculation for Francisco Lindor

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New York Mets owner Steve Cohen has definitively stated that he will "never" name a team captain as long as he owns the franchise, effectively ending speculation that star shortstop Francisco Lindor would receive the title. Cohen, who has held this view since buying the team in 2020, believes the locker room should sort out leadership roles organically. Lindor, entering his sixth season with the Mets on a 10-year, $341 million contract, has posted a .261/.338/.462 slash line with 141 homers and 117 stolen bases in his five seasons with the team.

Mariners Acquire Lefty Reliever Josh Simpson from Marlins

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The Seattle Mariners have acquired left-handed reliever Josh Simpson, 28, from the Miami Marlins for cash considerations, placing Logan Evans on the 60-day injured list in a corresponding move. Simpson made 31 relief appearances for Miami in 2025, posting a 4-2 record with a 7.34 ERA over 30.2 innings, along with 22 walks and 36 strikeouts. He debuted in MLB on June 21 after recording a 3-1 record with a 3.41 ERA in Triple-A. Simpson, who has a history of injuries, possesses strikeout potential with a strong sweeper and changeup, but has faced command issues.

Braves Prospect Didier Fuentes Ranks 90th on FanGraphs Top 100 List

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Atlanta Braves prospect Didier Fuentes has been ranked No. 90 on FanGraphs' 2026 Top 100 Prospect List, receiving a 50 future value grade despite a "rushed" stint in the majors last year. Fuentes is described as advanced beyond his years with a simple, repeatable delivery. He primarily utilizes a mid-90s fastball and a sweeper, effectively spotting his fastball with good command, and also incorporates a curve and splitter. With the Braves facing several starting pitcher injuries, there's a real possibility Fuentes could reach Atlanta this year.

Gold Glover Ty France Returns to Padres on Minor League Deal

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Veteran first baseman Ty France, 31, has agreed to a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres, including a non-roster invite to spring training. France, a San Diego native who debuted with the Padres in 2019, earned his first Gold Glove in 2025 with a +10 OAA. Last season, he split time between the Twins and Blue Jays, batting .257 combined, and appeared in two World Series games with Toronto. While his power has declined since his 2022 All-Star season, France provides a reliable glove and will compete for playing time at first base and designated hitter.

Austin Riley Aims for 30 HR, 90 RBI After Injury-Riddled Seasons

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Atlanta Braves slugger Austin Riley, coming off injury-shortened 2024 (oblique, fractured right hand) and 2025 (abdominal strain, sports hernia surgery), is confident for the upcoming season. Riley expects 30+ homers and 90-100 RBIs annually, stating, "I expect it every year." His right hand, fractured in August 2024 and in a cast for 14 weeks, was cleared for hitting in January. With an unrestricted offseason and feeling physically and mentally ready, Riley has shown pop in his bat during Spring Training, including three consecutive opposite-field homers in batting practice.

Anthony Volpe Begins Hitting Program with Dry Swings Post-Shoulder Surgery

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New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (shoulder) initiated his hitting program Monday by taking dry swings. Volpe underwent left labrum surgery last October, and his recovery timeline suggests he will miss at least the first month of the upcoming season. The Yankees anticipate Jose Caballero will serve as the primary shortstop during Volpe's recuperation. His progress will be monitored as he ramps up activities, with a clearer return timetable expected as he advances through his rehabilitation.

Dodgers Sign Veteran Infielder Santiago Espinal to Minor League Deal

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed veteran infielder Santiago Espinal, 31, to a minor league contract with a non-roster invitation to spring training. Espinal, who has played six seasons in the majors with the Blue Jays and Reds, hit .243 with 12 doubles in 114 games for Cincinnati last year. A right-handed hitter, he boasts a career .291 average and 107 wRC+ against left-handed pitching. Espinal has extensive experience across the infield and some outfield, and manager Dave Roberts noted he is "in the mix" for second base while Tommy Edman is injured.

Zack Wheeler Progresses to 120-Foot Throws Post-Shoulder Surgeries

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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler (shoulder) has advanced his throwing program, extending his flat-ground distance to 120 feet Monday. Wheeler underwent a procedure in mid-August to remove a blood clot near his shoulder, followed by surgery on September 23 to address venous thoracic outlet syndrome. While manager Rob Thomson is uncertain when mound work will resume, Wheeler is making steady progress. He is not expected to be ready for Opening Day but appears on track to avoid an extended absence to start the 2026 season.

Spencer Jones Confident in Yankees Debut Despite Blocked Outfield Path

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Yankees top prospect Spencer Jones, 24, believes his MLB debut is "only a matter of time," despite a crowded outfield blocking his path. After a fluctuating stock due to swing-and-miss issues in 2024, Jones had a breakout 2025 season, leading all of MiLB with 35 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A, slashing .274/.362/.571 with 80 RBIs. He credits swing alterations for his improved production and spent the offseason refining his plate approach. While the re-signing of Cody Bellinger complicates his immediate path, Jones remains confident in his progression.

Cubs Prospect Pedro Ramirez Shows Utility Potential, Nearing MLB Debut

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Chicago Cubs switch-hitting prospect Pedro Ramirez, 21, is showing strong potential as a utility player with starter upside, though he's likely to begin the 2026 season in Triple-A Iowa. Ramirez boasts a lifetime minor league slash line of .291/.362/.412 with 86 stolen bases and a .774 OPS. While his power is limited, he possesses decent speed and a good glove, playing third, short, and second base. His development will be key for the Cubs, who see him as a versatile right-handed bat.