Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch indicated Wednesday that Kenley Jansen is the team's favorite to open the 2026 season as closer. Hinch referenced Jansen's 'historic number of saves,' noting he is 24 saves shy of 500. While Will Vest and Kyle Finnegan are next-in-line, the 38-year-old is expected to be the first choice. In 2025 with the Angels, Jansen posted a 2.59 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 29 saves, despite a career-low 24.4% strikeout rate.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell may begin the season on the injured list due to lingering shoulder issues, according to Jack Harris of the California Post. Snell, who missed most of the first four months of last season with left shoulder inflammation, is hopeful to be ready for Opening Day. However, any potential IL stint is seen more as a precautionary measure for long-term preservation rather than an acute injury. The Dodgers, with their depth and likely six-man rotation, have the flexibility to slow-play Snell's return.
Marcus Semien was traded to the New York Mets for Brandon Nimmo, concluding his Rangers tenure. In 2025, the 35-year-old second baseman won a Gold Glove but struggled offensively, slashing .230/.305/.364 with a 97 OPS+ and 89 wRC+. He missed the final six weeks of the season and posted a career-low 16 doubles. Despite offensive woes, he still recorded 2.1 fWAR and 3.3 bWAR in 127 games. His departure marks a new chapter for the Rangers.
Kevin McGonigle has been invited to the Detroit Tigers' big-league spring training camp. The 21-year-old shortstop, considered a top prospect, showcased an advanced bat in 2025, slashing .305/.408/.583 with 19 home runs and 10 stolen bases across three levels. He's versatile, capable of playing shortstop, second, and third base, with shortstop presenting the clearest path to the majors. While an Opening Day roster spot is unlikely, McGonigle is projected to make an impact with the Tigers at some point during the 2026 season, joining fellow prospects like Max Clark and Max Anderson in camp.
Veteran Andrew McCutchen, 39, is still a free agent despite his desire to return to the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he played the last three seasons. The Pirates have yet to offer him a contract, with insider Ken Rosenthal citing payroll constraints and a desire to add other hitters. McCutchen expressed his wish to play and meet fans one last time, tweeting, "I'm not done." Pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 11, making a reunion less likely as time progresses.
Nolan McLean, the Mets' #1 prospect, is emerging as a significant pitching talent. After converting to a full-time pitcher in 2024, he made his MLB debut in 2025, posting a 2.44 ERA with 57 strikeouts in 48.0 innings across 8 starts, remaining under rookie limits. The 24-year-old right-hander features a six-pitch mix, including a mid-90s fastball, a plus sweeping slider (30.2% Whiff% in Triple-A), and a plus curveball (50% Whiff% in MLB). His velocity, sinker command, and overall growth in 2025 position him for a breakout season.
Shohei Ohtani, who signed a record contract in Dec 2023, has already won two championships and two MVP awards with the Dodgers. He set franchise single-season home run records with 54 in 2024 and 55 in 2025. With 109 homers in his first two seasons, Ohtani needs just 17 more in 2026 to break the Dodgers' three-year home run record. Projections for 2026 range from 44-52 HR.
The Kansas City Royals have signed infielder Brandon Drury to a minor league deal with a spring training invitation. Drury, a 33-year-old former Silver Slugger winner (2022) who hit 28 homers that year, did not play in the big leagues in 2025. After hitting 26 HR in 2023 with the Angels, his performance declined sharply in 2024 (.169 AVG, 4 HR in 97 games). The versatile right-handed bat, capable of playing 1B, 2B, 3B, and some OF, will compete for a reserve infield role.
Mets pitching prospect Christian Scott is healthy and ready for 2026 after missing all of 2025 due to Tommy John surgery late in 2024. Despite a promising MLB debut in 2024 and being the Mets' #5 prospect, he may not break camp with the team due to organizational pitching depth. Scott's mid-to-high 90s fastball, described as the "best heater in the minors" with elite command, is a key asset. His main challenge is limiting home runs, having allowed 18 in 18 starts across Triple-A and MLB in 2024.
Welinton Herrera, the Colorado Rockies' #1 relief prospect, is expected to make his MLB debut in 2026. The 21-year-old left-hander was added to the 40-man roster this offseason, showcasing a plus-plus mid-90s fastball (97-100 MPH). In 2025, he dominated High-A with a 0.49 ERA and 10 saves, then posted a 3.50 ERA with 7 saves in Double-A. Herrera, who represented the Rockies in the Futures Game and AFL, relies heavily on his fastball. He'll likely start 2026 in the upper minors.
Veteran first baseman Carlos Santana has agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The former Cub's signing was announced on Tuesday, providing the Diamondbacks with an experienced bat for the upcoming season.
Reliever Jackson Kowar has been claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Twins from the Seattle Mariners. Kowar was the last remaining piece acquired by the Mariners in the controversial 2023 Jarred Kelenic trade with Atlanta. This move sees Kowar depart Seattle, where he was part of a significant past trade.
Alejandro Osuna is expected to miss up to two weeks of spring training as he will be playing for Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. His participation in the international tournament will delay his start with the Texas Rangers' spring training activities.
Jack Leiter was unable to participate in the World Baseball Classic for Team USA due to insurance issues. The Texas Rangers pitcher, who was invited to play, will now focus on preparing for the upcoming season. This situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding player insurance for international tournaments.
Eury Pérez, ranked 21st among starting pitchers for 2026, is anticipated to have a breakout season. Now another year removed from Tommy John surgery, the Marlins pitcher boasts a deep five-pitch mix. His arsenal includes a 98 mph fastball with an elite zone rate, a sweeper with a 22% swinging strike rate against righties, and a harder slider with a 21% swinging strike rate against lefties, positioning him for significant success.
Bryan Woo is ranked as the 5th best starting pitcher for 2026, recognized for his great fastballs and improving secondary pitches. He is considered to have the highest upside in his tier, provided he can maintain his health. Woo has previously battled health concerns, making his durability a key factor for fantasy managers, but his talent is undeniable.
Nick Pivetta will forgo playing for Canada in the World Baseball Classic to concentrate on the San Diego Padres' 2026 season. After joining the rotation post-Spring Training in 2025, he emerged as the team's top arm. While trade rumors circulated, he's expected to return to the Padres. His career-best 2025 season, potentially aided by a deadened ball, raises questions about replicating his success, as he has only one career ERA under 4.00.
Jeremiah Jackson, who debuted in 2025, provided an offensive spark for the Baltimore Orioles, slashing .276/.328/.447 with 5 HR in 170 MLB at-bats after a strong Triple-A stint. However, his defensive versatility as a "utility player" is under scrutiny. While he played 34 games in RF and 13 at 3B in MLB, he hasn't played shortstop or center field at the major league level, traditional requirements for such a role. With three minor-league options, his defense will be closely evaluated in spring training to determine his roster spot.
Kevin Gausman is entering the final year of his $110 million contract with the Blue Jays, coming off a 2025 season where he posted a career-high 193 innings with a 3.59 ERA. Despite consistent volume in his 30s, his newly added slider was hit hard in 2025. Steamer projects 31 starts and a 4.02 ERA for the upcoming season as he approaches free agency.
The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired infielder Ben Williamson in a three-team trade, sending Colton Ledbetter and a compensatory pick in return. While not a blockbuster acquisition, Williamson possesses the tools to secure a spot on the Rays' roster. This move adds depth to the Rays' infield, with Williamson expected to contribute to the team's future plans.
