Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Nathan Lukes, 31, is facing stiff competition for playing time despite a solid 2025 season where he hit .255/.323/.407 with 12 homers in 135 games. With one option year left, the versatile defender, who posted a 2.0 bWAR, is challenged by new acquisitions and existing talent. Projections anticipate fewer games for Lukes, highlighting the crowded Blue Jays outfield picture.
Colorado Rockies third baseman Kyle Karros, the heir apparent after the Ryan McMahon trade, is focused on making the team his own. After a 2025 debut where he hit .226/.308/.277 in 43 games, Karros gained significant weight in the offseason, feeling "strong and durable." He's working closely with new hitting coach Brett Pill, reporting he's "hitting the ball harder," and aims to build trust with teammates and coaches.
Munetaka Murakami, a significant acquisition for the Chicago White Sox, brings immense power but faces a challenge with pitches over 92 mph, a common velocity in MLB. While projections anticipate a .232/.342/.449 slash line with 30 homers and 80 RBIs, his expected "abysmal" fielding significantly impacts his overall WAR. Murakami aims to adjust to major league velocity and contribute to the White Sox.
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Edwin Uceta arrived at camp with a 'cranky shoulder' and will not participate in the World Baseball Classic for the Dominican Republic. Manager Kevin Cash stated the decision is precautionary, and the team expects the right-handed reliever to be ready for Opening Day, though he will be slow-played during spring training. The 28-year-old could factor into the late-inning mix this season, having recorded one save and 21 holds with 103 strikeouts across 70 appearances and 76 frames in 2025.
Longtime Colorado Rockies pitcher Germán Márquez has signed a one-year deal with the San Diego Padres. He will now compete for the fifth spot in the Padres' starting rotation, marking a new chapter in his career after his tenure with the Rockies.
Dylan Ross, a New York Mets pitching prospect, has been noted as a significant reliever on the team's offseason top-25 prospect list. While a recent article highlighted fellow reliever Ryan Lambert, Ross's inclusion on the list indicates he is also a notable talent within the Mets' system.
Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar is entering spring training with no restrictions after undergoing sports hernia surgery in November, which required six weeks of recovery. He had played through core discomfort in September 2025. Profar, who missed 80 games last season due to a PED suspension, slashed .245/.353/.434 with 14 homers and nine steals. He is expected to transition from left field to primary designated hitter for the upcoming season.
Detroit Tigers veteran closer Kenley Jansen continues to baffle hitters with his elusive cut fastball, a pitch he throws over 80% of the time. Averaging 92.8 mph with elite spin, his cutter exhibits 18.8 inches of induced vertical break and 2.4 inches of gloveside movement. Jansen, who posted a 2.59 ERA last season with opponents hitting just .159 against the pitch, brings his unique repertoire and 476 career saves to the Tigers bullpen.
New York Mets left-handed reliever A.J. Minter will not be ready for Opening Day. Despite this, the team has expressed encouragement regarding his progress during recent bullpen sessions in Port St. Lucie, indicating a positive outlook for his eventual return.
Edwin Díaz has signed a three-year, $69 million deal to become the new closer for the Los Angeles Dodgers, their first major offseason signing. Díaz explained his decision to leave the Mets, stating the Dodgers' recruitment process played a significant role. He expressed respect for his former organization but is now focused on his new journey with the Dodgers.
Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Brusdar Graterol, who missed the entire 2025 season after undergoing surgery for a torn labrum, has not yet thrown off a big league mound since the 2024 World Series. Despite a full offseason of recovery, his velocity is not up to the Dodgers' desired level, which may delay his return until after Opening Day.
Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, fresh off his World Series MVP performance where he dominated with 2 runs allowed in 17 ⅔ innings and 15 strikeouts, including a Game 7 relief outing, is now setting his sights on winning a Cy Young Award. Yamamoto, who finished third in NL Cy Young voting last season, remains humble about his historic feats and plans to play in the World Baseball Classic. Manager Dave Roberts stresses the importance of maintaining health after his 30 starts last season.
Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto stated he “never felt like a Plan B” option, emphasizing his value to the team. He continues his efforts to ensure catchers across the league are compensated fairly, highlighting his commitment to the position's worth and fighting for better pay.
Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola is entering spring training under the spotlight, identified as a prime candidate for a bounceback season. Expectations are high for the right-hander to regain his top form and deliver a strong performance in the upcoming 2026 season, aiming to succeed in this quest.
New Orioles pitcher Chris Bassitt has arrived in Baltimore, immediately expressing his ambition to win a World Series with the team. He cited Alonso as a significant factor in his decision to join the Orioles. While the manager has yet to disclose starting rotation plans, Bassitt's arrival brings high expectations, drawing comparisons to past signings like Andrew Cashner, with hopes for a more successful outcome.
The Red Sox have acquired 28-year-old infielder Andruw Monasterio from the Brewers in a trade that sent David Hamilton, Shane Drohan, and Kyle Harrison to Milwaukee. Monasterio, who debuted in 2023, offers defensive versatility, playing all four infield positions and left field, primarily at second and third base. In 2025, he committed just one error in 68 games, posted a .270/.319/.437 slash line with 4 HR, 9 2B, 16 RBI, and a 111 WrC+. He is expected to begin the 2026 season in Triple-A Worcester.
Infielder David Hamilton has been traded to the Milwaukee Brewers as part of a deal that sent Andruw Monasterio, Caleb Durbin, Shane Drohan, and Kyle Harrison to the Boston Red Sox. The Brewers reportedly viewed Hamilton as a more viable infield option compared to Monasterio, making him a key piece in their acquisition.
Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas, 36, became a World Series hero in Game 7, hitting a dramatic game-tying home run in the 9th inning after a month-long hitless streak. He followed up with a crucial game-saving defensive play, throwing out Isiah Kiner-Falefa at the plate to force extra innings. Rojas, who didn't play the first five games, also contributed to Mookie Betts' defensive improvement at shortstop. He plans to retire after the 2026 season to join the Dodgers in player development.
Dodgers reliever Will Klein, 26, emerged as an unexpected World Series hero, pitching four shutout innings in a crucial 18-inning Game 3 victory after being called up due to Alex Vesia's absence. Klein, who threw 72 pitches in the outing and was congratulated by Sandy Koufax, hopes this career-defining performance will serve as a springboard for his future in the majors, acknowledging he must continue to put in the work.
Nick Castellanos has officially signed a one-year, $780,000 contract with the San Diego Padres after being released by the Phillies. The Phillies will cover the remaining $20 million he is owed this season. The 33-year-old outfielder is expected to contribute at multiple positions, including outfield, first base, and designated hitter, seeking a fresh start after a difficult offensive season.
