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MLB News

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

Thursday, February 5

Tarik Skubal Wins Record $32M Arbitration, Joins Team USA for WBC

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Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal won his arbitration hearing, securing a record $32 million salary for the 2026 season, $13 million more than the team's offer. This landmark award surpasses previous highs set by Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The two-time AL Cy Young winner (2024, 2025) posted a 2.21 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and 241 strikeouts over 195.1 innings in 2025. Skubal, a two-time All-Star at 29, is also named to Team USA's World Baseball Classic roster, with the tournament beginning March 5. He will be a free agent after the 2026 season.

Cubs Outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong Joins Team USA for WBC

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Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong will represent Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, leading a three-player Cubs delegation. Coming off a "marvelous" 2025 season where his stellar defense contributed significantly to his 6.0 bWAR and 5.4 fWAR, expectations are high for 2026. However, he needs to improve in-zone contact and plate discipline. Projections anticipate around 25 homers and 85+ RBIs, with fans hoping for more consistency throughout the season. He is already working in Mesa, Arizona, preparing for the upcoming campaign.

New Cub Alex Bregman Joins Team USA for World Baseball Classic

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New Chicago Cubs infielder Alex Bregman is set to represent Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. He is part of an 11-player Cubs delegation participating in the tournament, which gets underway on March 4. Bregman joins fellow Cub Pete Crow-Armstrong on the Team USA roster, as the Cubs will have a significant presence in the international competition.

New Series Highlights Clayton Kershaw's Dominant Postseason Performances

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A new series of articles aims to shed light on Clayton Kershaw's often-overlooked dominant postseason performances, despite his infamous playoff record. While his postseason ERA (4.62) is higher than his regular-season mark (2.53), he delivered magnificent outings, such as his 12-strikeout, 124-pitch performance in Game 1 of the 2013 NLDS against the Braves, following his second Cy Young win. Kershaw won his first World Series ring in 2020 and was involved in two other championship teams with minimal roles (injured in 2024, bullpen in 2025), but many of his prime playoff efforts were undone by a lack of support.

D-backs Acquire RHP Kade Strowd from Orioles in Alexander Trade

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Right-hander Kade Strowd, 28, was traded from the Baltimore Orioles to the Arizona Diamondbacks as part of a package that sent infielder Blaze Alexander to Baltimore. The deal also included two minor leaguers, Wellington Aracena and Jose Mejia. Strowd made his big league debut for the Orioles in 2025, posting a solid 1.71 ERA with 24 strikeouts over 25 bullpen appearances (26.1 innings). He averages 96 mph with his fastball and relies heavily on his cutter. Strowd arrives in Arizona with six years of club control, providing pitching depth for his new team.

Orioles Acquire Blaze Alexander from D-backs for Infield Depth

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The Baltimore Orioles acquired infielder Blaze Alexander, 26, from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for RHP Kade Strowd and two minor leaguers (Wellington Aracena, Jose Mejia). Alexander, a former D-backs No. 20 prospect, provides versatile infield depth for Baltimore, capable of backing up at second, short, and third base. Last season, he posted a .230/.323/.383 slash line with seven homers and four steals in 74 MLB games, complementing his .284/.413/.479 with eight homers and 11 steals at Triple-A Reno. He is under team control through 2030 and became expendable after the D-backs acquired Nolan Arenado.

Yankees Eye Gold Glove Winner Ty France as Potential Free Agent Target

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The New York Yankees are reportedly interested in veteran infielder Ty France as a potential free agent target to add a right-handed bat and depth to their infield. France, 30, is coming off his first career Gold Glove award in 2025, where he posted 10 Outs Above Average. Last season, he hit .257/.320/.360 with 7 home runs and 52 RBIs in 138 games. While his offensive production has declined since his 2022 All-Star season, his elite defense and contact skills make him a low-risk investment for teams seeking a complementary role player.

Nationals Claim LHP Ken Waldichuk Off Waivers as Reclamation Project

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The Washington Nationals have claimed left-handed pitcher Ken Waldichuk off waivers from the Rays, designating George Soriano for assignment. Waldichuk, a former top 100 prospect acquired in the 2022 Frankie Montas trade, missed all of 2024 due to Tommy John Surgery. He struggled in 2025 with an 8.17 ERA in the minors and reduced velocity (91.6 MPH), though he still managed 68 strikeouts in 54 innings. With a career 13.02 K/9 in the minors and recent bullpen velocity at 93.9 MPH, the Nationals view him as an intriguing reclamation project, potentially for a bullpen role.

Cardinals Ponder Long-Term Extension for Gold Glove SS Masyn Winn

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St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn, a Gold Glove winner in 2025 and finalist in 2024, is a candidate for a long-term extension. The Cardinals have four years of team control remaining, with arbitration eligibility after 2026. Winn posted a .267 average with 15 homers and a .730 OPS in 2024, but saw a dip in 2025 (.253 avg, 9 HR, .673 OPS) due to a surgically repaired torn meniscus. Projections for 2026 are strong (3.1-3.6 WAR). A potential 8-year, $100 million deal is being considered, with some advocating to wait another year post-injury.

Cole Young Remains Frontrunner for Mariners' Starting Second Base Job

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Seattle Mariners' Cole Young is currently favored to retain his starting second base job, with reports indicating he would need to struggle significantly to lose the position. Despite a .607 OPS over 257 plate appearances in his rookie season, the Mariners maintain high hopes for the 22-year-old's long-term potential. New acquisition Brendan Donovan is slated for third base, but could shift to second if Young falters, potentially opening the hot corner for Colt Emerson.

Royals Re-Sign Veteran Catcher Luke Maile to Minor League Deal

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The Kansas City Royals have re-signed veteran catcher Luke Maile, 34, to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. Maile appeared in 25 games for the Royals last season, hitting .244/.346/.356 with one home run in 54 plate appearances. Known for his solid defensive skills, he has thrown out nearly 30% of base-stealing attempts in his 10-season MLB career and excelled in pitch framing in 2025. He will likely serve as a third catcher, backing up Salvador Perez and rookie Carter Jensen, alongside fellow minor league signee Jorge Alfaro.

Framber Valdez Signs Record $115M Deal with Tigers, Joins Skubal

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Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez has signed a three-year, $115 million deal with the Detroit Tigers, making his $38.3 million average annual salary a record for a left-handed pitcher. This significant acquisition, announced Wednesday, pairs him with Tarik Skubal to form one of the American League's best 1-2 pitching combinations. Skubal playfully suggested Valdez would be paying for dinners. Valdez was previously the subject of MLB rumors concerning his arbitration status and potential trade interest before securing this landmark free-agent contract with Detroit.

Kevin McGonigle's Prospect Ranking: Successors Predicted for 2027

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Detroit Tigers prospect Kevin McGonigle is currently considered a top player, with discussions now focusing on potential successors for the No. 1 prospect spot in the 2027 MLB season. The analysis breaks down which emerging talents could challenge McGonigle's current standing in future rankings, highlighting his prominent position among the league's top young talents.

Wednesday, February 4

Skubal, Tigers Await Arbitration Decision on $32M vs. $19M Salary

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Tarik Skubal, the reigning Cy Young Award winner, and the Detroit Tigers have completed their salary arbitration hearing. Skubal is seeking $32 million, while the Tigers are offering $19 million. A decision on the dispute is anticipated to be announced on Thursday. The Tigers chose arbitration over meeting Skubal's $32M demand, raising questions about whether he will finish the season in Detroit. This hearing occurred on the same day the Tigers made a splash by signing Framber Valdez.

Framber Valdez Signs Record 3-Year, $115M Deal with Tigers

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Framber Valdez, 32, signed a record-setting three-year, $115 million contract with the Detroit Tigers, including an opt-out after the second season. The $38.3 million average annual value is the highest ever for a left-handed pitcher, making him an instant ace alongside Tarik Skubal. The Tigers will surrender a draft pick. Valdez brings championship experience from six seasons with the Astros, including the 2022 World Series. He earned All-Star nods in 2022-23 and finished top 10 in Cy Young voting for a third straight season in 2024, posting a 3.66 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 187:68 K:BB over 192 innings. He has thrown over 175 innings in each of the last four seasons with an ERA under 3.70 for six straight seasons.

Miguel Andujar Inks $4M Deal with San Diego Padres

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Outfielder Miguel Andujar has reached an agreement on a one-year, $4 million contract with the San Diego Padres, sources confirmed to ESPN's Jeff Passan on Wednesday. This significant deal, finalized on Wednesday, marks a key acquisition for the Padres as they look to strengthen their roster. Andujar's signing provides the team with additional depth and offensive potential for the upcoming season, with the terms of the agreement now officially in place. The contract ensures his presence with the San Diego club for the duration of the next year.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa Agrees to One-Year Deal with Red Sox

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Veteran utility player Isiah Kiner-Falefa has reportedly agreed to a one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox, according to sources including ESPN's Jeff Passan. The deal was confirmed on Wednesday. Kiner-Falefa, known for his defensive versatility and ability to play multiple infield positions, is expected to bolster the Red Sox's roster depth. This signing marks a significant addition for Boston as they look to strengthen their lineup for the upcoming season.

Trey Mancini Signs Minor League Deal with Angels for Comeback Bid

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Cancer survivor Trey Mancini is taking another shot at a major league comeback after agreeing to a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels. This agreement marks a significant step in his continued attempt to return to professional baseball.

Former D-backs Slugger David Peralta Announces Retirement After 11 Seasons

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David Peralta, a former Arizona Diamondbacks slugger and Gold Glove winner, has announced his retirement from major league baseball on Wednesday. He concludes an 11-year career, having hit .278 over that span, including nine seasons spent with the Diamondbacks.

RHP Mike Clevinger Agrees to Minor League Deal with Pittsburgh Pirates

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Right-hander Mike Clevinger agreed Wednesday to a minor league contract with the Pirates and will attend big league spring training camp.