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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
David Hamilton was traded from the Boston Red Sox to the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday, February 9, 2026. The Brewers acquired Hamilton, Kyle Harrison, and Shane Drohan from the Red Sox. In return, the Red Sox received Caleb Durbin, Andruw Monasterio, Anthony Seigler, and a Comp B pick. The multi-player transaction was reported by Jeff Passan of ESPN.com, bringing Hamilton to the Brewers organization.
Padres prospect Tirso Ornelas' team, Charros de Jalisco (Mexico Red), won the Caribbean Series championship in a 12-11, 10-inning final against Mexico Green. Ornelas played for Charros de Jalisco during the winter league, hitting .236/.300/.292 with 7 RBI in 21 games, but was not with the team for the championship or the series. His brother Julian, also an outfielder, was their No. 2 hitter in the series.
Ben Rice's role as the Yankees' regular first baseman is now complicated by the re-signing of Paul Goldschmidt. Manager Aaron Boone indicated that Rice, who started 26 games at catcher in 2025, may see more starts behind the plate, particularly against left-handed pitching, to allow Goldschmidt to play first. Despite the shift, Boone anticipates Rice will remain a key slugger in the lineup.
Paul Goldschmidt has re-signed with the New York Yankees on a one-year, $4 million deal, complicating Ben Rice's everyday first base role. Manager Aaron Boone indicated Goldschmidt's return as a veteran backup could lead to Rice seeing more time behind the plate. The 38-year-old Goldschmidt posted a .981 OPS against left-handed pitching last season, and his signing aims to balance the Yankees' left-handed heavy lineup.
Left-handed pitching prospect Mitch Bratt, acquired by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Merrill Kelly trade, is considered a dark horse for the 2026 roster. Ranked among the D-backs' top pitching prospects, the 22-year-old is lauded for his exceptional control, evidenced by a K:BB ratio better than 7 in Double-A last year. Despite a fastball around 91 mph and average pitch ratings, Bratt's Rule 5 eligibility led to his 40-man roster addition. He is expected to start the year in Double-A.
The Mets have signed former top prospect MJ Melendez to a one-year, $1.5 million split deal, which includes $500,000 in incentives. The 27-year-old outfielder, who spent his entire professional career with the Kansas City Royals, struggled in 2025, hitting .083 in 23 MLB games before being sent to Triple-A. Melendez, a career .215/.297/.388 hitter with 52 home runs, brings positional versatility (corner outfield, 1B, emergency catcher) and left-handed pop to the Mets' bench. He still has an option remaining.
Merrill Kelly was the sole player from MLB Trade Rumors' Top 50 Free Agents signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks this offseason, having already been with the team for most of the previous season. His re-signing, alongside additions like Nolan Arenado and Carlos Santana, is part of the D-backs' efforts to improve after a sub-.500 2025 season and address bullpen issues. The team's overall contention strategy remains a topic of discussion as spring training approaches.
Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw has been hired by NBC as an MLB analyst for their upcoming season, providing insights for the Wild Card round and select Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts. Kershaw, who completed his 18th and final season in 2025 by winning his third World Series with the Dodgers, is a 3-time Cy Young Award winner, 2014 NL MVP, and 11-time All-Star with over 3,000 career strikeouts.
Veteran slugger Joey Votto has been appointed as an MLB analyst for NBC, set to resume broadcasting MLB games this season. He will provide insights for the Wild Card round and select Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts. Votto, who spent 17 years with the Cincinnati Reds, is a 6-time All-Star, 2010 NL MVP, and 2011 Gold Glove first baseman, known for his power, patience, and engaging interviews.
Former Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo has been hired by NBC as an MLB analyst for their upcoming season, providing insights for the Wild Card round and select Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts. A 3-time All-Star and 4-time Gold Glove winner, Rizzo is known for his 2016 World Series win with the Cubs and his charitable work, earning him the 2017 Clemente Award. He transitions from a decorated playing career to the broadcast booth.
After three waiver claims by different teams, former San Francisco Giants top prospect Marco Luciano has finally cleared waivers, landing with the New York Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. The 24-year-old, who was once a top-100 prospect, struggled in 41 MLB games with the Giants, slashing .217/.286/.304. Out of options, Luciano's right-handed power and positional versatility (LF/1B/DH) make him an intriguing option for the Yankees, who have a lefty-dominated lineup.
Former MLB outfielder and baserunning specialist Terrance Gore tragically passed away at the age of 34 due to complications from a medical procedure. Gore, who played parts of eight seasons in the major leagues, was known for his exceptional speed, recording 43 stolen bases in 52 attempts across 112 career games. He earned World Series rings with the 2015 Royals, 2020 Dodgers, and 2021 Braves, and last played for the Mets in 2022. Former Royals GM Dayton Moore remembered him as a 'fearless and impactful' player.
Mets right-hander Christian Scott is 'feeling great' and 'excited to be back' after missing the entire 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery for a sprained UCL. The 26-year-old is a full-go for spring training, having already thrown bullpen sessions and faced hitters. Scott, who posted a 4.56 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in nine starts during his 2024 big-league debut, is expected to begin 2026 in Triple-A but aims to return to the majors later in the season.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa is being considered as the Boston Red Sox's starting second baseman, a move driven by his strong defensive metrics. In 2024, he posted a .990 fielding percentage and 5 Rtot (runs above average) in 56 games at second, improving to a 1.000 fielding percentage in 13 games in 2025. He is seen as a more reliable defensive option compared to Romy González, David Hamilton, or Nick Sogard, aligning with the Red Sox's new defense-first model.
Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez arrived early to Port St. Lucie, engaging in catch and defensive drills with Christian Scott. The 24-year-old is looking to build on a strong second half of 2025, where he hit .276 with 18 extra-base hits and a .921 OPS after an injury-plagued campaign. His early presence and work ethic are seen as encouraging signs for the Mets' lineup heading into spring training.
Mets pitcher Kodai Senga threw a bullpen session in Port St. Lucie, with pitching coach Justin Willard observing. Senga is working back from an injury-plagued 2025 campaign where he struggled late in the season, but the Mets are reportedly encouraged by his progress this winter. He is a key part of the Mets' starting rotation, which new additions Freddy Peralta and Clay Holmes view as having 'a lot of talent' and a 'great mix' for the upcoming season.
Two-time All-Star Freddy Peralta, recently acquired by the Mets from the Brewers, expressed optimism about the team's starting rotation, stating he sees 'a lot of talent' and 'a great mix.' Peralta was among the Mets pitchers who reported to camp early in Port St. Lucie, throwing batting practice. His acquisition is a significant move by the Mets to strengthen their rotation after a disappointing performance in the 2025 season.
Mets pitcher Clay Holmes, along with new acquisition Freddy Peralta, expressed optimism about the team's starting rotation, calling it 'a great mix' with 'a lot of talent.' Holmes was among the Mets pitchers who reported to camp early, throwing batting practice in Port St. Lucie. The Mets are hoping the revamped rotation, including Peralta and a bounce-back from veterans like Kodai Senga, will turn things around after a faltering performance in 2025.
Jared Young's prospects for major league playing time with the Mets are increasingly dim following a series of offseason acquisitions, including Jorge Polanco, Bo Bichette, and Luis Robert. Despite posting excellent Triple-A numbers in 2025 and showing a solid approach, Young is now slated to begin the 2026 season in Triple-A, with top prospects like Ryan Clifford, Jacob Reimer, and A.J. Ewing also pushing for spots. He still has an option remaining.
Retired Diamondback David Peralta fondly recalls the 2017 Wild Card game from his time with Arizona. Now playing for the Dodgers, he expressed his dislike for being booed by fans. Peralta's reflections offer a glimpse into his past career highlights and current experiences in MLB.
