Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Brendan Donovan has been traded from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Seattle Mariners as part of a three-team deal. His departure significantly impacts the Cardinals' projected starting lineup, which now leans heavily on a younger core as the team undergoes a full rebuild. Donovan's move to Seattle marks a new chapter for the player, while St. Louis continues to reshape its roster.
Video footage has emerged showing Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. experimenting with playing second base and hitting left-handed. While these clips are intriguing, the article suggests his established roles in right field and as a designated hitter are preferred, with an emphasis on protecting his lower body. Spring training often sees players trying new positions or skills, but Acuña's primary focus remains his current roles.
Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki is working on incorporating a cutter and two-seamer to develop an effective third pitch, a requirement set by manager Dave Roberts for him to earn a starting role. Sasaki's first season saw him struggle in eight starts before excelling as a dynamic bullpen option in the postseason. With pitchers and catchers reporting soon, Sasaki posted a video of himself warming up, indicating his preparation for the upcoming season.
As the NFL season concludes, Phillies news mentions Zack Wheeler as a key player for the upcoming baseball season. While no specific updates were provided, his inclusion in the team's news stream indicates his importance to the Philadelphia Phillies as spring training approaches. The team is preparing for the new season, with the batting lineup expected to be a hot topic.
Three-time World Series champion Terrance Gore, renowned for his dynamic baserunning, has passed away at 34 due to unexpected complications following a routine surgical procedure. Gore, who died Friday night, secured rings with the 2015 Royals, 2020 Dodgers, and 2021 Braves. An eight-year MLB veteran, he stole 48 bases in 58 attempts over 112 career games, primarily as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement. He is survived by his wife, Britney, and three children. The New York Mets organization extends condolences.
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Keegan Akin lost his salary arbitration case against the club, marking the first victory for MLB teams this year after five prior player wins. Akin was awarded $2,975,000, falling short of his $3,375,000 request. The 30-year-old left-hander posted a 5-4 record with a 3.41 ERA and eight saves in 64 relief appearances last season. He has a career 16-22 record with a 4.48 ERA and 11 saves over six major league seasons, all with the Orioles, and is eligible for free agency after this year's World Series.
Seven-time All-Star and 2022 NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt has re-signed with the New York Yankees on a one-year, $4 million contract, with an additional $2 million in plate appearance incentives. In 2025, the 38-year-old first baseman hit .274 with 10 homers and 45 RBIs. He is expected to back up Ben Rice at first base, particularly against left-handed pitching, despite a drop in his OPS against lefties after Memorial Day last season.
Free-agent reliever Lou Trivino has agreed to a minor-league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, including an invitation to major-league spring training. Trivino is familiar with the team, having appeared in a few games at the end of last season, and will add depth to the bullpen.
Phillies shortstop Trea Turner, 32, is on the verge of becoming MLB's active stolen base leader. Entering his 12th season, Turner finished 2025 with 315 career steals, having swiped his 300th last July. His path to the top depends on Starling Marte's status; if Marte (37, 7 SB in 2025) plays, Turner needs 47 steals in 2026. If Marte retires, Turner would need 26 steals to surpass Jose Altuve (10 SB in 2025). Turner boasts elite speed, maintaining his status as one of baseball's fastest players, and has an impressive 85.6% career success rate on 315 steals in 368 attempts, including a perfect 2023 season.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have significantly strengthened their bullpen by signing closer Edwin Díaz to a three-year, $69 million contract. Díaz, who set a record for highest average annual value for a reliever, has maintained an ERA starting with a one in four of his last seven seasons. Over the past two seasons, he ranks second among MLB relievers in both strikeout rate (38.4%) and strikeout-minus-walk rate (29.7%).
Relief pitcher Tyler Rogers, known for his unique submariner delivery, has signed a three-year, $37 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. After being traded from the Giants, Rogers had a career-best 2025 season, posting a 1.98 ERA, 2.88 FIP, 0.94 WHIP, and 203 ERA+ over 81 appearances and 77.1 innings pitched. He led the Majors in appearances for a second consecutive year.
After being cut by the Blue Jays from their Opening Day roster in 2023, Jeff Hoffman signed a minor league deal with the Phillies. Following a strong recommendation from Bryce Harper during his rehab, Hoffman was added to the major league roster and developed into a top setup reliever, earning an All-Star selection in 2024.
In Game 4 of the 2015 NLDS, Clayton Kershaw delivered a magnificent performance on three days' rest, pitching seven innings and allowing only one run (a Daniel Murphy solo home run) to help the Dodgers stave off elimination against the New York Mets. The ace recorded 11 strikeouts, showcasing his dominance in a critical postseason start.
Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who signed a 14-year, half-billion dollar extension last April, is continuing his climb on franchise leaderboards. Seven seasons into his MLB career, he boasts a 25.9 bWAR, a .288/.366/.495 batting line, and 183 home runs. Guerrero had a significantly improved second half in 2025 (.314/.376/.515) and an "all-world" playoff performance, hitting .397/.494/.795 with 8 home runs in 18 games.
Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia was notably omitted from MLB Network's Shredder third baseman rankings. This exclusion is expected to serve as motivation for the player as he heads into the upcoming season.
Former Kansas City Royals reliever Scott Barlow has agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with the Oakland Athletics. The right-handed pitcher will join the A's bullpen for the upcoming season.
San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen will have various options when constructing his lineup, aiming to put a competitive team on the field game after game. The Padres' bullpen is considered the best in the sport, and the team recently added Miguel Andujar for his hitting against lefties and positional versatility.
Lenyn Sosa, who led the White Sox with 22 home runs and hit .264 in 2025, faces an uncertain future due to his "horrible" defense and poor plate discipline (18 walks in 544 PAs). With the addition of Munetaka Murakami, Sosa is likely the odd man out in the infield. Being out of options, he could be claimed on waivers by another team.
The Atlanta Braves have added veteran infielder Kyle Farmer as a non-roster invitee to spring training. Farmer, who spent 2025 with the Colorado Rockies hitting .227 and playing various infield positions, is considered a good fit for an Opening Day roster spot with the Braves.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have lost newly-signed infielder Andy Ibáñez off waivers to the Oakland Athletics. This move occurred during a busy transactional Friday for the Dodgers, who also re-claimed catcher Ben Rortvedt and designated pitcher Anthony Banda for assignment.
