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

Tuesday, February 10

A.J. Puk Optimistic for Early May Return After Elbow Surgery

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Diamondbacks pitcher A.J. Puk (elbow) believes he could make his season debut by early May, following an internal brace procedure last June for a UCL injury. While this less invasive surgery offers a quicker return than Tommy John, his timeline is considered optimistic, and the team's shared outlook is unclear. Puk expects to be cleared for mound work by late March, which should provide a clearer picture. He is a strong candidate for the closer role upon his return to Arizona's bullpen.

Andrew Walters Ranked No. 20 Guardians Prospect Amid Injury Recovery

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Cleveland Guardians right-handed reliever Andrew Walters is ranked the No. 20 prospect for 2026, a drop from No. 11 in 2025. After dominating Double-A and Triple-A in 2024, he made 9 scoreless MLB appearances and pitched in the playoffs. His 2025 season was lost due to shoulder soreness and a torn right lat tendon requiring surgery after just 1.1 MLB innings. Depending on his recovery, the flamethrower could miss the start of the 2026 campaign but is expected to be a key bullpen piece upon his 100% return.

Red Sox Acquire Caleb Durbin, 2025 ROY Finalist, to Bolster Infield

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The Boston Red Sox have acquired infielder Caleb Durbin, a 2025 Rookie of the Year finalist, from the Milwaukee Brewers in a six-player trade. Durbin, 5'7", 183 lbs, offers an average-to-plus hit tool, defensive versatility, and speed. In his rookie season, he slashed .256/.334/.387 with 11 homers and 18 stolen bases, while leading the NL with 24 HBPs. He played primarily third base for the Brewers but is projected to start at second base for Boston, potentially shifting to third against left-handers.

Gio Urshela Reunites with Twins as Spring Training Non-Roster Invitee

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Infielder Gio Urshela is reuniting with his former team, the Minnesota Twins, as he headlines their list of non-roster invitees for Spring Training. This move gives Urshela an opportunity to compete for a spot on the major league roster and provides the Twins with an experienced option for their infield depth.

Pirates Sign Veteran Slugger Marcell Ozuna to One-Year, $12 Million Deal

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The Pittsburgh Pirates have officially signed veteran slugger Marcell Ozuna to a one-year, $12 million deal. The move addresses the team's need for an experienced bat and marks a significant offseason transaction for the Pirates. Ozuna's signing was confirmed across multiple league reports today, solidifying his role with the club for the upcoming 2026 season.

Parker Meadows Faces Scrutiny in Center Field Amid Tigers' Depth Concerns

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Detroit Tigers center fielder Parker Meadows faces significant pressure this spring after a "strange, injury plagued 2025" season. While his defense is adequate, his streaky and mediocre offensive performance over 177 MLB games raises concerns. Now 26 with only one option remaining, Meadows needs to prove he can be a consistent presence at the plate. His performance will directly influence the timeline for top prospect Max Clark, the long-term answer at the position, who is expected to arrive later in the season.

Mets Sign Veteran Closer Craig Kimbrel to Minor League Deal

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The New York Mets have signed veteran closer Craig Kimbrel to a minor league deal with an invitation to major league spring training. The potential Hall of Famer, who ranks fifth all-time with 440 saves, could help fortify a Mets bullpen facing significant turnover. While his dominance has waned since 2019, Kimbrel posted a 2.25 ERA in 12.0 innings with two teams last season. He will compete for a spot, offering a chance to provide solid relief innings if he makes the major league roster.

Rockies Prospect Sterlin Thompson Shows Plate Discipline Gains, Nears MLB Call-Up

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Colorado Rockies prospect Sterlin Thompson, ranked No. 13, made significant strides in plate discipline and production in 2025. The 24-year-old lefty hitter, who primarily played left field and DH last season, slashed .296/.392/.519 with 18 homers and 12 stolen bases at Triple-A, earning a 40-man roster spot. He improved his walk rate by 2% and cut his strikeout rate by 2.7%. While he has a slim chance to make the Opening Day roster, Thompson is expected to be among the first options for a big league call-up, projecting as a hit-over-power platoon outfielder.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. ranked in way-too-early 2027 MLB free agency projections

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Jazz Chisholm Jr. is highlighted in a 'way-too-early' ranking of potential 2027 MLB free agents. The analysis, released as spring training camps commence, projects top players who could hit the market in 2027, offering an initial look at future high-profile free agency candidates.

Grant Holmes' 2026 Outlook Uncertain Amid Health & Role Questions

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Braves pitcher Grant Holmes faces significant uncertainty for 2026 regarding his health and role. After a strong 2024 as a swingman (86 ERA- in 68.1 IP), he made the 2025 rotation but suffered elbow issues in late July, though he avoided Tommy John surgery. His 2025 season saw him struggle early, then have a strong nine-start stretch marred by a high HR/FB rate, before fading again. With under two years of service time and out of options, Holmes is projected as a league-average swingman, with his production heavily dependent on his availability and usage.

Orioles Eye Free Agent Zac Gallen to Bolster Unfinished Rotation

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The Baltimore Orioles are targeting former Diamondbacks All-Star Zac Gallen to upgrade their rotation, which remains unfinished despite offseason moves. Gallen, 30, is coming off a disappointing 2025 season with a 4.83 ERA, attributed to command issues and increased fly ball rate. However, the Orioles believe their coaching staff can help him regain his 2022-2024 form (3.20 ERA, 9.4 K/9). Younger than other available options and with a strong health history, Gallen could provide a multi-year foundation for Baltimore's pitching staff.

Freddy Peralta Joins Mets, Expected to Anchor Rotation After Stellar 2025

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Freddy Peralta, 29, has joined the New York Mets and is expected to be the ace their rotation lacked last season. In 2025 with the Brewers, he posted a 2.70 ERA over 33 starts and 176.2 innings, earning his second All-Star nod and finishing fifth in NL Cy Young voting. His addition aims to stabilize the rotation and provide support for younger pitchers and veterans like Sean Manaea and Kodai Senga.

Junior Caminero Locked In as Rays Starter for Upcoming Season

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Junior Caminero has been confirmed as a lock for a starting position with the Tampa Bay Rays for the upcoming 2026 season. The team has penciled him into their lineup, indicating high expectations for the young player. Caminero is considered a foundational piece alongside Yandy Diaz and Jonathan Aranda.

Phillies Bring Back Reliever Lou Trivino on Minor League Deal

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The Philadelphia Phillies have re-signed reliever Lou Trivino to a minor league deal. This move brings the veteran right-hander back into the organization, providing additional bullpen depth as Spring Training gets underway. Trivino will aim to compete for a spot on the major league roster for the upcoming 2026 season.

Cardinals Claim Bryan Ramos Off Waivers, Offering Low-Risk Opportunity

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The St. Louis Cardinals have claimed third baseman Bryan Ramos off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles, presenting a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for the team. Ramos, who primarily plays third but also has experience at second base and left field, is out of options. He will compete for a roster spot in spring training; if he doesn't make the cut, he would likely return to waivers, where the Cardinals hope to retain him for Triple-A.

Marlins Sign Chris Paddack to One-Year Deal After 2025 Trade

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The Miami Marlins have signed right-handed pitcher Chris Paddack to a one-year, $4 million deal, with an additional $500k in performance bonuses. Paddack was previously part of the Minnesota Twins' 2025 trade deadline selloff, where he was among ten players moved. His signing provides the Marlins with a new arm for their pitching staff for the upcoming 2026 season.

Willi Castro Traded in Twins' Extensive 2025 Deadline Selloff

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Infielder Willi Castro was one of ten players, including nine from the active roster, traded by the Minnesota Twins during their aggressive 2025 trade deadline selloff. His departure was part of a surprising pivot by the Twins, which aimed to reshape the team but ultimately left the roster with significant gaps.

Harrison Bader Included in Twins' Aggressive 2025 Trade Deadline Selloff

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Harrison Bader was among the nine active roster players traded by the Minnesota Twins during their aggressive 2025 trade deadline selloff. His departure, alongside other key relievers and position players, significantly altered the team's composition. The move was part of a larger strategy that left the Twins' bullpen depleted and raised questions about their immediate competitiveness.

Danny Coulombe Among Players Traded in Twins' 2025 Deadline Selloff

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Reliever Danny Coulombe was part of a significant 2025 trade deadline selloff by the Minnesota Twins, which saw them move 10 players from their active roster. While some trades were expected, the overall impact left the Twins' bullpen depleted. Coulombe's departure was highlighted as one of the moves that still bothers fans, as the team could use his presence now.

Victor Robles Overcomes Personal Tragedy & Injury for Mariners Playoff Return

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Mariners outfielder Victor Robles endured an "annus horribilis" in 2025, dislocating his shoulder in April and later losing his mother in June. After missing most of the season, a frustrating rehab assignment saw him hit by pitches multiple times, leading to a viral incident where he threw his bat. Robles apologized, citing his physical and mental struggles. He returned for the Mariners' playoff run, making a crucial game-ending double play in Houston, showcasing his resilient and mercurial presence on the field.