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MLB News

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

Monday, February 16

Juan Soto Calls Mets Prospect Benge 'Big-Time,' Shifts to Left Field

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Juan Soto met Mets No. 2 prospect Carson Benge, calling him a "big-time prospect" and expressing excitement for his contributions. Soto, who will move to left field, creating a potential opening for Benge in right, told Benge to ask if he ever needs anything. Benge, the Mets' 2024 first-round pick, hit .281/.385/.472 with 15 homers and 22 stolen bases across three Minor League levels last year, playing strong defense in both center and right field.

Byron Buxton Waited All Offseason for Twins to End Trade Rumors

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Byron Buxton was a prominent figure in the winter and 2025 trade deadline rumor mill as the Minnesota Twins underwent a roster breakdown. He waited throughout the offseason for the team to address and conclude the ongoing trade speculation surrounding his future with the club, as the Twins worked to finalize their roster decisions.

Jose Altuve to Focus Exclusively on Second Base This Spring

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Astros manager Joe Espada announced Monday that Jose Altuve will focus exclusively on second base during spring training. Last season, Altuve started as the Opening Day left fielder and split time between left field, second base, and designated hitter. This year, he is slated to return to his natural second base position on an everyday basis. Zach Cole is expected to take most of the reps in left field for Houston.

Jackson Holliday's Cast Off Monday, Recovery Progressing After Hand Surgery

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Baltimore Orioles prospect Jackson Holliday is set to have the cast removed from his surgically repaired right hand on Monday. He underwent surgery last week to remove a fractured right hamate bone. Currently, Holliday is able to field grounders and run in Orioles camp, with the goal of taking live at-bats in approximately three weeks. He is expected to begin the season on the injured list, though the team anticipates it will be a brief stint as he continues his recovery.

Crow-Armstrong Aims for Consistent Swing After Second-Half Fade

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Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is working to make his swing more consistent and compact this year after fading down the stretch last season. Before the All-Star break, he blasted 25 homers with an .846 OPS, but managed only six long balls and a .634 OPS afterward. Assistant hitting coach John Mallee noted a longer stride developed, leading to missed pitches or weaker contact. Despite the fade, the 23-year-old still finished with 31 home runs and 35 stolen bases, one of only seven players to achieve 30/30 in 2025. Improving swing consistency could lead to a significant step forward in 2026.

Sunday, February 15

Castellanos Joins Padres, Details Phillies Split & New Chapter

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Outfielder Nick Castellanos has signed a league-minimum deal with the San Diego Padres, where he's expected to play three different positions. Entering his age-34 season, Castellanos expressed gratitude for a fresh start after a 'rocky ending' with the Phillies, who cut him loose this month. He aims to win with the Padres, a move praised by teammate Manny Machado as securing a '20 million player for pennies on the dollar.' Castellanos also detailed lessons learned from his Phillies split.

Tarik Skubal Brews Up Locker Room Culture with New Espresso Machine

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Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal, with teammate Casey Mize, has installed an espresso machine in his locker at Joker Marchant Stadium, viewing caffeine as a 'performance enhancer.' Inspired by Charlie Morton's previous clubhouse setup, Skubal incorporates iced Americanos into his pre-game routine, consuming his last coffee 1.5-2 hours before games, typically up to four shots of espresso. He admits to a 'trial and error' process in mastering the machine, aiming to perfect his brewing skills.

Braves' Waldrep Out Indefinitely with Elbow Discomfort, May Need Surgery

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Atlanta Braves pitcher Hurston Waldrep is experiencing right elbow discomfort, with an MRI revealing "loose bodies" but no ligament damage. He is scheduled to see specialist Dr. Keith Meister this week, and a procedure to clean up the elbow is likely. This puts his availability for the start of the season and his bid for an Opening Day rotation spot in serious question, despite a strong showing in August 2025.

Yordan Alvarez Reports Pain-Free from Ankle Injury

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Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez has reported to spring training pain-free from his ankle, confirming he's entering camp at 100% health after dealing with a left ankle sprain and early offseason inflammation. Limited to just 48 games in 2025 due to the ankle and a hand fracture, Alvarez posted career lows with a .273/.367/.430 slash line, ending his streak of four straight 30-homer seasons. He is now a popular rebound candidate for 2026.

Roki Sasaki Developing Third Pitch for Starting Role

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki is actively working on adding a third pitch to his arsenal. This development is aimed at enhancing his effectiveness and success as a starting pitcher for the team, as he prepares for the upcoming season.

Aaron Judge Has No Limits for Workouts, Set for WBC

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Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced that Aaron Judge will have no limits at the start of workouts. Judge is scheduled to play in "four or five" of the first nine Grapefruit League games and will be built up to six innings before departing on March 1 to join Team USA for the World Baseball Classic.

Diamondbacks Claim RHP Grant Holman Off Waivers

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The Arizona Diamondbacks have claimed right-hander Grant Holman off waivers from the Athletics. The 25-year-old, who debuted in MLB in August 2024, has made 40 big league appearances with a 4.66 ERA. His 2025 season concluded on June 11 due to rotator cuff tendinitis. Holman is under D-backs control until 2031, with LHP A.J. Puk moved to the 60-day IL to accommodate the roster move.

Mets Claim Catcher Ben Rortvedt Off Waivers from Dodgers

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Catcher Ben Rortvedt has been claimed off waivers by the New York Mets from the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking his third team this offseason. The Dodgers had signed him for $1.25 million but designated him for assignment due to being out of options. The Mets made room by placing Dedniel Núñez on the 60-day injured list. With four catchers now on the 40-man roster, Rortvedt's long-term status with the Mets remains uncertain.

Harper 'Mystified' by 'Not Elite' Comments, Eyes Healthy 2026

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Phillies star Bryce Harper expressed continued dismay over President Dave Dombrowski's "not elite" comments, calling the public critique "wild" and against an in-house understanding. Harper acknowledged his 2025 season (.261 AVG, .844 OPS, 27 HR, 75 RBI) and postseason (3-for-15, .600 OPS in NLDS) didn't meet his standards, partly due to a wrist injury. He's ramping up early for the WBC, undergoing an EBOO regimen, focusing on health and improving his plate approach after an increased chase rate last season.

Yankees' Cam Schlittler Nearing Mound Return After Back Injury

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Yankees right-hander Cam Schlittler (back) is slated to resume mound work Tuesday, as confirmed by manager Aaron Boone. The 25-year-old reported to spring training camp this week dealing with mid-back inflammation. His anticipated return to pitching activity indicates the injury is minor, and if he experiences no further setbacks, Schlittler is expected to undergo a relatively normal ramp-up period to prepare for the start of the regular season. This update suggests a positive outlook for his early camp progression.

Machado Praises Dodgers' Spending, Opposes Salary Cap

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Padres star Manny Machado voiced strong approval for the rival Dodgers' aggressive spending, stating, "I f***ing love it" and that it's "great for the game." He believes every MLB team has the ability to spend similarly and is vehemently opposed to a salary cap. Machado also credited Padres GM A.J. Preller for acquiring Nick Castellanos at a below-market price, highlighting the team's strategic moves despite taking a backseat in major free agency.

Cubs Sign Shelby Miller to Two-Year Deal Amid TJ Recovery

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The Chicago Cubs have signed right-hander Shelby Miller to a two-year deal with a team option for 2028. Miller is not expected to pitch in 2026 as he recovers from his second Tommy John surgery, making this a move to secure a reliever for 2027. The reported $2.5 million deal led to infielder Ben Cowles being designated for assignment to create a 40-man roster spot.

Cubs DFA Ben Cowles to Make Room for Shelby Miller

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Infielder Ben Cowles has been designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs to clear a 40-man roster spot for the newly signed right-hander Shelby Miller. Cowles is expected to clear waivers and will likely remain in the Cubs' spring training camp.

Cavan Biggio Signs Minor League Deal with Astros, Joins Camp

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Cavan Biggio has signed a minor league deal with the Houston Astros, receiving an invitation to spring training as a non-roster player. Following in his Hall of Fame father's footsteps, Biggio aims to earn a big league roster spot. The veteran infielder, who played 37 games for the Royals in 2025, brings defensive versatility, having played every position except pitcher and catcher across his seven-season career, where he holds a .223 average with 52 home runs.

Brandon Nimmo Set for Leadoff Role, Right Field in Texas

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Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker expects Brandon Nimmo to open the season as the team's everyday right fielder and leadoff hitter. Nimmo, with a career .350 on-base percentage, is seen as a strong choice for the top of the lineup, potentially pushing for his first 100-run campaign since 2022 while hitting ahead of Corey Seager and Wyatt Langford. The move to right field marks a significant adjustment, as he played exclusively in left and center field during his final five seasons with the Mets.