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MLB News

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

Monday, February 2

Padres' Postseason Hopes Hinge on Resurgent Joe Musgrove

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The San Diego Padres' postseason aspirations are tied to a healthy return for Joe Musgrove, who missed the entire 2025 season recovering from Tommy John surgery. His 2024 campaign was cut short by arm injuries (6-5, 3.88 ERA in 19 starts). With a career 3.73 ERA, Musgrove's six-pitch mix is vital. While no innings limit is planned, his progress will be closely monitored during Spring Training, and his Opening Day roster status is uncertain as the team prioritizes his long-term health.

Carlos Correa Unable to Secure WBC Insurance, Misses Tournament

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Houston Astros infielder Carlos Correa will miss the 2026 World Baseball Classic after failing to secure the necessary insurance coverage, reportedly due to his injury history. His absence, alongside Francisco Lindor's, has caused significant disappointment for Team Puerto Rico. Correa's status as a "chronic" player due to multiple career surgeries made obtaining insurance difficult, prompting MLB and MLBPA to lobby the insurance company for review.

Francisco Lindor Denied WBC Insurance, Out for Puerto Rico

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Mets superstar Francisco Lindor has been denied insurance coverage for the 2026 World Baseball Classic due to a right elbow cleanup procedure post-2025 season, precluding his participation. Despite being cleared for spring training, his "chronic" player status and large contract led to the denial, sparking frustration in Puerto Rico where he was set to captain the team. MLB and MLBPA are reportedly lobbying the insurance company to review such decisions.

Edwin Díaz Returns to WBC After Fateful 2023 Knee Injury

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Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz is confirmed for Puerto Rico's 2026 World Baseball Classic roster, marking his return three years after a complete patellar tendon tear in his right knee during the 2023 tournament ended his MLB season. Following an uneven 2024, Díaz rebounded in 2025, earning his third Reliever of the Year Award with a 1.63 ERA, 28 saves, and 98 strikeouts. He subsequently signed a three-year, $69 million deal with the Dodgers and will miss most of Spring Training for the WBC.

Reds Reunite with All-Star Slugger Eugenio Suárez on $15M Deal

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Eugenio Suárez is returning to the Cincinnati Reds, four years after being traded to the Mariners. The Reds signed the 34-year-old slugger for $15 million for one season, with a $16 million mutual option in 2027. Suárez, coming off an All-Star season where he led all third basemen with 49 homers, previously mashed 36 HRs for the Diamondbacks in 2025 before a trade to Seattle. Cincinnati, which finished 21st in home runs last season, hopes he'll provide much-needed pop, likely as a designated hitter or first baseman, offering protection for Elly De La Cruz. The Mariners are now moving towards a younger roster.

Shea Langeliers' Breakout 2025 Season Boosts Catcher Depth

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Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers is highlighted for his breakout 2025 season, contributing to a strong year for the catcher position overall. At 27 years old, his performance aligns with a trend of younger catchers achieving significant success. Langeliers is now ranked #3 among the top-12 catchers for the 2026 fantasy baseball season, indicating high expectations for his continued production.

Cal Raleigh's Monstrous 2025 Season Leads Fantasy Catcher Rankings

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Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh had a "monstrous" 2025 season, hitting 60 homers with 125 RBI and finishing as AL MVP runner-up, a performance deemed one of the best all-time for a catcher. Now 28, Raleigh is an early second-round pick in fantasy leagues and tops the 2026 catcher rankings, highlighting a trend of younger catchers excelling at the position.

Cubs' Nico Hoerner Enters Contract Year as Key Infield Anchor

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Two-time Gold Glover Nico Hoerner, 28, is entering the final year of his contract with the Chicago Cubs. Known for his high-average, contact-bat presence and exceptional defense, Hoerner has amassed 21.8 bWAR in seven seasons. Despite his consistent production and role as a team leader, he has yet to make an All-Star appearance. The Cubs have high demands for his services, and he's expected to lead off against left-handers, contributing to what could be MLB's best defensive infield.

Braves' Hurston Waldrep May Start Season in Minors Despite Strong 2025

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Hurston Waldrep, 23, could begin the season at Triple-A Gwinnett, per MLB.com's Mark Bowman. Despite a solid 2025 (2.88 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 55:22 K:BB over 56.1 innings), Waldrep's minor-league options make him a potential roster casualty. The Braves have Chris Sale and Spencer Strider locked in, with Spencer Schwellenbach, Reynaldo Lopez, and Grant Holmes expected to fill other slots. Waldrep is the only depth starter with options, suggesting an early rotation spot would mean 'something disastrous' has happened to others.

Tarik Skubal's Record-Setting Arbitration Hearing Set for Wednesday

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Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal's arbitration hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, with a historic $13 million difference between the team's $19 million offer and his $32 million filing. The panel's decision, expected within 24 hours, could set a new record for an arbitration-eligible player's salary if Skubal wins, or establish a firm cap if the Tigers prevail. This outcome will significantly impact the Tigers' 2026 payroll and roster plans as spring training approaches.

Miguel Rojas Denied WBC Insurance Due to Age, Expresses Frustration

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Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas has been denied insurance coverage for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, preventing him from representing Venezuela. Turning 37 in February, Rojas falls under a new WBC provision making players 37 or older ineligible for coverage, a factor he believes disproportionately affects Latin American players. Expressing deep frustration, Rojas was looking forward to his "first and only" chance to play for his country. MLB and MLBPA are lobbying for review of such insurance decisions.

Kevin McGonigle Leads Top Young MLB Prospect Talent Rankings

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Detroit Tigers' prospect Kevin McGonigle has been highlighted as a leading young talent, featuring prominently in the rankings of MLB's top 100 prospects. Unlike other sports, baseball prospects typically require several years to develop and make a significant impact on their major league teams. McGonigle is among those identified as poised to make their mark in the future.

Sunday, February 1

Reds ink Eugenio Suárez to $15M deal, includes 2027 option; hit 49 HR in 2025

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Eugenio Suárez has reportedly agreed to a one-year, $15 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds, including a mutual option for the 2027 season. The slugger, previously with the Seattle Mariners, is set to rejoin the Reds roster, bolstering their lineup with a veteran presence. Suárez, who hit 49 homers in 2025, was considered the top hitter remaining on the market, making this a key strategic acquisition for Cincinnati for the upcoming MLB season.

White Sox Acquire Hard-Throwing RHP Jordan Hicks from Red Sox

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The Chicago White Sox have acquired veteran right-hander Jordan Hicks, one of baseball's hardest throwers, and pitching prospect David Sandlin from the Boston Red Sox. The deal sends righty Gage Ziehl and $8 million cash to Boston. Hicks, 29, posted a 2-7 record with a 6.95 ERA in 34 games (9 starts) for the Red Sox and Giants in 2025, including an 8.20 ERA in 21 appearances after joining Boston. He is owed $24 million over the next two years. Sources confirmed the trade.

Pitching Prospect David Sandlin Traded to White Sox

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Pitching prospect David Sandlin has been acquired by the Chicago White Sox in a trade with the Boston Red Sox. Sandlin was part of the deal that also sent veteran right-hander Jordan Hicks to Chicago. Sources confirmed the trade.

Francisco Lindor's WBC 2026 Participation in Doubt Over Insurance Issues

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New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor and other key Puerto Rican players face uncertainty regarding their participation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Puerto Rico is reportedly considering withdrawing from the tournament due to unresolved insurance issues, as Lindor and several other notable players have not yet received approval for their insurance coverage, jeopardizing their ability to compete.

Saturday, January 31

Giants Sign Three-Time Batting Champ Luis Arraez to $12M Contract

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Luis Arraez has agreed to a one-year, $12 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, pending a physical. The three-time batting champion, who played mostly first base for San Diego last season, is expected to be San Francisco's starting second baseman in 2026, a role he hasn't primarily held since 2023. Last season, Arraez led the NL with 181 hits, batting .292 with a .719 OPS, 8 HR, 61 RBI, 66 runs, and 11 SB, striking out only 21 times in 675 PAs. He's anticipated to maintain an everyday role and hit for a high average with the Giants.

Dodgers' Miguel Rojas Denied WBC Entry Due to Age Provision

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Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas will not play for Venezuela in this year's World Baseball Classic. A new WBC provision, reportedly related to his age and insurance, is preventing him from participating. Rojas expressed unhappiness with the denial.

Dodgers' Ohtani Set for Full Two-Way Return in 2026; Opts Out of WBC Pitching

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Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani is set for a full two-way role at the start of the 2026 season, having successfully rehabbed from 2023 Tommy John surgery. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed Ohtani will not pitch for Samurai Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. In 2025, Ohtani posted a 2.87 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 62:9 K:BB across 47 innings over 14 starts, and is expected to join a six-man rotation. He also announced his children's book, 'Decoy Saves Opening Day,' releasing Feb. 20. Ohtani achieved MLB's first 50-50 season in 2024 and secured his third consecutive MVP in 2025.

Carlos Correa Ineligible for 2026 World Baseball Classic

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MLB player Carlos Correa is among the notable athletes confirmed to be ineligible for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The report details the specific reasons preventing his participation in the international tournament, alongside Jose Altuve and Francisco Lindor. These circumstances mean Correa will not represent his national team in the highly anticipated global baseball event.