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MLB News

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

Tuesday, February 10

Blue Jays Manager Confident in Hoffman as Primary Closer for 2026

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Blue Jays manager John Schneider expressed '100 percent confidence' in Jeff Hoffman closing most games for Toronto in 2026, despite earlier offseason comments from GM Ross Atkins. This indicates Hoffman is set to be the primary closer entering spring training. In 2025, Hoffman recorded a 4.37 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and converted 33 of 40 save chances. The Blue Jays also bolstered their bullpen by signing submariner Tyler Rogers, who has only three saves in the past four seasons.

Justin Verlander Returns to Tigers on $13M Deal, Anchors Rotation

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Three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander has signed a one-year, $13 million deal to return to the Detroit Tigers, his original team. The 43-year-old will anchor a rotation with Tarik Skubal and Framber Valdez. Verlander, who turns 43 next week, posted a 3.85 ERA over 152 innings with San Francisco in 2025, but had a 2.60 ERA in the second half. His deal includes $11M deferred payments. He aims for a third championship with Detroit.

Mets' Lindor Faces Hamate Bone Surgery, Opening Day Status Uncertain

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Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor is being evaluated for a stress reaction in his left hamate bone and will visit a hand specialist Wednesday. President David Stearns confirmed potential surgery, which would entail a six-week recovery, making his Opening Day availability tight. Stearns remains optimistic for his return. Lindor, 32, hit .267 with 31 HR, 86 RBI, and 31 SB in 160 games last year, and is also recovering from an October elbow procedure.

Tigers' Reese Olson to Miss Entire 2026 Season After Shoulder Surgery

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Tigers pitcher Reese Olson has been placed on the 60-day injured list following a right shoulder labral repair on Feb. 2, which will sideline him for the entire 2026 season. The surgery was worse than initially feared, as there was previous hope for a postseason return in 2025. His absence, along with Jackson Jobe's elbow injury, means Troy Melton is an option for the rotation, following the recent signings of Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander.

Kris Bryant Placed on 60-Day IL with Degenerative Back Disease

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Colorado Rockies infielder/outfielder Kris Bryant will begin the MLB season on the 60-day injured list due to a degenerative lumbar disc disease in his lower back. The move means Bryant will be sidelined for at least two months, continuing a career frequently derailed by injuries. Since signing a $182 million, seven-year contract in March 2022, the slugger has appeared in just 170 games for the Rockies, severely limiting his ability to play.

Santander Undergoes Shoulder Surgery, Out 5-6 Months for Blue Jays

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Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a left shoulder labrum, sidelining him for 5-6 months. The procedure, confirmed by manager John Schneider, means a potential return after the All-Star break. Santander battled shoulder issues last season, and despite feeling 'normal,' surgery was required. Nathan Lukes and Davis Schneider are expected to see increased playing time in his absence, a significant blow for the Blue Jays.

Shane Bieber to Start Season on IL with Right Forearm Fatigue

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Blue Jays pitcher Shane Bieber will begin the season on the injured list due to right forearm fatigue, which will also cause a delayed build-up during spring training. Bieber reportedly pitched through forearm fatigue late last season after making five playoff appearances, including Game 7 of the World Series. This fatigue follows his return from Tommy John surgery last year, where he made seven regular-season starts. Manager John Schneider indicated Bieber is "feeling good," suggesting his time on the shelf may not be prolonged.

Bo Bichette Ranked Among Top Potential 2027 MLB Free Agents

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Bo Bichette has been included in a 'way-too-early' ranking of potential 2027 MLB free agents. The analysis, released as spring training camps begin, highlights Bichette as a significant candidate for a future high-profile free agency class. This comes after his departure from the Blue Jays in free agency, as noted in recent team injury news. He was also mentioned as a potential shortstop option for the Mets if Francisco Lindor faces a late start.

Stephenson Wins Arbitration, Secures $6.8M from Reds

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Catcher Tyler Stephenson has successfully won his arbitration case against the Cincinnati Reds. He will now earn $6.8 million for the upcoming season, a raise from the $6.55 million initially offered by the team. This decision was finalized on February 10, 2026, confirming his salary for the season.

Rockies Sign Japanese RHP Tomoyuki Sugano to $5.1M Deal

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The Colorado Rockies have signed Japanese right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano, 36, to a one-year, $5.1 million deal for the 2026 season. Sugano, known for his command and diverse arsenal, previously played 12 years in NPB and one season with the Orioles, where he posted a 4.64 ERA in 2025. He is expected to report to spring training Thursday and will pitch for Samurai Japan in the World Baseball Classic. Kris Bryant was placed on the 60-day IL in a corresponding move.

Juan Soto Shifts to Left Field for Mets in 2026 Season

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Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns announced that Juan Soto will move to left field for the upcoming season. While Soto has predominantly played right field, he was a full-time left fielder in 2023, suggesting the transition should not be difficult. Last season, Soto finished last among qualifiers with a minus-12 Outs Above Average in right field. Potential candidates for the Mets' right field include Carson Benge, Brett Baty, Tyrone Taylor, and MJ Melendez.

Mets' A.J. Minter Expected to Miss First Month, Targeting Early May Return

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Mets reliever A.J. Minter is expected to miss the first month of the season, with president of baseball operations David Stearns targeting an early May debut. Minter is recovering from left lat surgery he underwent last May and will be slow-played during spring training before beginning a rehab assignment. Once healthy, the veteran left-hander is projected to fill a setup role ahead of closer Devin Williams for the New York Mets.

Angels' Grayson Rodriguez Must Earn Rotation Spot After Injury-Plagued 2025

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Angels manager Kurt Suzuki indicated that Grayson Rodriguez (elbow) will need to prove his health and earn a spot in the starting rotation. Rodriguez, acquired from the Orioles in November, was sidelined for all of 2025 due to lat and elbow injuries and has a history of health issues. While he seems likely to make the rotation if he can stay healthy, his past injury struggles make his readiness for the Los Angeles Angels' Opening Day rotation uncertain.

Angels Manager Suzuki Updates Joyce's Recovery, Rodriguez's Rotation Status

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Angels manager Kurt Suzuki provided updates on two pitchers. He stated Ben Joyce (shoulder) is playing catch but his Opening Day return is uncertain as he recovers from torn labrum surgery. Suzuki also indicated that Grayson Rodriguez (elbow), acquired from the Orioles, must prove his health to earn a spot in the starting rotation, given his history of lat and elbow injuries that sidelined him for all of 2025. Rodriguez's health is not a given for the Los Angeles Angels.

Framber Valdez Joins Verlander, Skubal in Tigers' Vaunted Rotation

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Framber Valdez is set to be a key component of the Detroit Tigers' rotation for the upcoming season. He will join newly signed veteran Justin Verlander and fellow pitcher Tarik Skubal, forming what is anticipated to be a vaunted pitching staff for the Tigers.

Tarik Skubal Named Top 2027 Free Agent Candidate, Joins Tigers Rotation

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Tarik Skubal has been highlighted in a 'way-too-early' ranking of potential 2027 MLB free agents, identified as a significant candidate for a future high-profile free agency class. The left-hander is also expected to be a key part of the Detroit Tigers' rotation, alongside newly signed Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez, as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

Braves' Schwellenbach Placed on 60-Day IL with Elbow Inflammation

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Braves right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach will begin the 2026 season on the 60-day injured list due to right elbow inflammation, marking his second consecutive season impacted by elbow issues. He previously missed the final three months of 2025 with a fracture in the same elbow. The team hopes it's bone spurs, which could mean a 10-12 week recovery after surgery, potentially allowing him to return in April. This shelving means he will miss at least the first two months of the campaign, impacting Atlanta's rotation depth.

Ben Joyce's Opening Day Status Uncertain Following Shoulder Surgery

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Angels right-hander Ben Joyce (shoulder) is playing catch, but his availability for Opening Day remains uncertain. The 25-year-old made only five appearances in 2025 due to shoulder issues, which required surgery to repair a torn labrum in May. While a throwing program has begun, a significant ramp-up period is needed after major surgery. Once healthy, Joyce could factor into the Angels' closer mix.

Cal Raleigh Projected for 40 Homers, .235 Average in Regression Season

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Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is projected for a regression season, with an expected .235 average and 40 home runs. He will play daily, including DH time for defensive rest. Last season, he performed better on the road, hitting .267/.380/.619 with 32 homers away from Seattle. Despite his strong power, the depth of the catcher position makes him a Round 2 consideration in fantasy drafts.

William Contreras Ranked C4 in Fantasy, Entering Age-28 Season

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Milwaukee's William Contreras, 28, is ranked as the C4 in fantasy baseball, despite his weakest season in four years. He maintained strong run production and on-base skills, with a .260 average likely representing his floor. Contreras also shows resourcefulness with occasional stolen bases. He is considered a viable option at his current Yahoo ADP in the low 60s.