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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Mariners right-hander Logan Evans, 24, underwent UCL reconstruction surgery with an internal brace on Jan 23, sidelining him for the entire 2026 season with an estimated 12-month recovery. This is a significant blow to Seattle's pitching depth, as the top prospect was expected to open at Triple-A. Evans debuted in 2025, posting a 4.32 ERA over 81.1 innings with 59 strikeouts, but previously missed time with elbow inflammation.
Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell, 33, could miss Opening Day 2026 after delaying his offseason throwing program due to a 'tired' left arm. The issue stems from a heavy workload of 34 innings across six postseason appearances, including a Game 7 World Series relief outing. The team is encouraging a patient recovery for the two-time Cy Young winner, who has a history of rarely pitching a full season but was healthy for the Dodgers' 2025 championship run.
Former Orioles super utility man Terrin Vavra is set to join Czechia for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, providing big league representation for the team. Vavra, whose great-grandfather is from Czechia, has played 68 MLB games across second, third, and outfield corners, and will likely man the infield for the national squad. Manager Pavel Chadim praised Vavra as a "left-hander with pull power" and "great character." Czechia, fresh off a 2025 European Championship bronze, faces a tough Tokyo pool including Japan and Korea, needing a win to avoid future Qualifiers.
Brandon Lowe was mentioned in a prospect list article as the player traded for right-handed pitcher Anderson Brito. Brito, a 21-year-old with three plus pitches, was acquired by the Rays in the deal that sent Lowe to Houston. No other specific news about Lowe was provided in the article.
Giants catcher Patrick Bailey has been named MLB's No. 1 defensive player by analyst Mike Petriello, backed by consecutive Gold Gloves (2024-2025) and leading Statcast Fielding Run Value every year since his 2023 debut (+79 runs). While his bat lags, his elite framing (+65 runs) and throwing (+16 runs, 29% caught stealing) are exceptional. His blocking has also improved to above average. Even with the 2026 ABS system, Bailey is expected to remain a top defensive force.
Marcell Ozuna, 35, a DH/outfielder for the Atlanta Braves, hit 21 HRs in 2025 and averaged 39.5 HRs/102 RBIs from 2023-24. If he leaves Atlanta as a free agent, ideal fits include the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, and Texas Rangers. The Pirates, last in MLB in runs/HRs in 2025, need his power. The playoff-contending Reds, 21st in HRs, seek more offensive "oomph." The Rangers, despite a strong rotation, were 26th in slugging/22nd in runs, making Ozuna a crucial addition for lineup clarity and slugging. He offers a veteran power threat.
Former Cubs slugger Patrick Wisdom, known for his power and high strikeout rates, has signed a minor league deal with the Mariners, including a Spring Training invite. Wisdom hit a franchise rookie record 28 HR in 2021 and 23+ HR for three consecutive years with the Cubs. After a limited 2024 MLB season, he played for the Kia Tigers in KBO in 2025, hitting 35 homers. He also made a relief pitching appearance for the Cubs in 2024.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal is being discussed as a potential trade target for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who might 'push all their chips in' for a three-peat. The Tigers could potentially gain payroll flexibility if they win his arbitration hearing, allowing them to pursue another ace.
Brody Hopkins, the Tampa Bay Rays' top pitching prospect, has received a non-roster invite to Spring Training. The 24-year-old right-hander, acquired from the Mariners in 2024, is lauded for his athleticism and a curveball considered among the best in baseball. In 2025, he posted a 2.72 ERA over 116 innings in Double-A and is projected to start 2026 in Triple-A.
Reliever Ryder Ryan has signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, including a non-roster spring training invite. The 30-year-old, older brother of Dodgers pitcher River Ryan, would earn $800,000 if he makes the majors. Ryan pitched for the Mariners (2023) and Pirates (2024), posting a combined 5.40 ERA in 16 relief appearances, and had a 4.73 ERA in Triple-A in 2025.
Dodgers pitcher River Ryan, who missed the entire 2025 season recovering from Tommy John surgery after his 2024 debut, is excited to have his older brother, Ryder Ryan, join the organization on a minor league deal. River, part of the Dodgers' 2026 rotation depth, expressed happiness about playing on the same team as his brother for the first time since high school.
Dodgers World Series star Miguel Rojas, 37, will miss the World Baseball Classic for Venezuela due to difficulties obtaining insurance for his $5.5 million salary. The veteran infielder, who has a history of lower-body injuries and plans for 2026 to be his final MLB season, expressed sadness. Rojas is known for his game-tying Game 7 HR in the 2025 World Series. This marks his second consecutive WBC absence, following 2023 when Gavin Lux's injury increased his Dodgers role.
The Mets acquired right-hander Tobias Myers from the Brewers on Jan 21, alongside Freddy Peralta. Myers, who had a winding minor league career before joining Milwaukee in 2022, posted a 3.00 ERA over 138 innings (25 starts) with 127 strikeouts and 2.7 bWAR in 2024. He struggled in 2025 due to an oblique strain, recording a 3.55 ERA in 50.2 innings. Myers offers the Mets bullpen versatility and rotational depth, and is under team control until 2031.
New Royals outfielder Lane Thomas has signed a one-year, $6 million deal. The 30-year-old had a strong 2023 season with a 2.9 WAR, but followed it with a less successful 2024 and an injury-filled 2025. While he has less upside than some peers, the Royals secured him for a modest contract. ZiPS projects him for 0.8 WAR in 2026.
Freddy Peralta was acquired by the New York Mets on January 21 from the Milwaukee Brewers, alongside Tobias Myers, in exchange for Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat. Peralta is considered the centerpiece of this trade, bolstering the Mets' rotation and leading to speculation about potential further roster moves.
Cubs veteran shortstop Dansby Swanson, turning 32 on Feb 11, enters his 11th MLB season. The 2015 first overall pick has amassed 28.4 bWAR, with power numbers trending up to around 20 HR since 2021. Despite a dip in batting average to .244, he remains a superb fielder and team leader. Swanson has four years left on his seven-year deal and is projected for a .244/.300/.417 slash line with 24 HR, 20 SB, and 77 RBI in 2026.
Phillies prospect Gabriel Rincones Jr., #8 on The Good Phight's Community Prospect list and on the 40-man roster, possesses significant power and excels against right-handed pitching. However, he struggles against lefties, a challenge for the Phillies. In 2025 at Lehigh Valley, he posted a .240/.370/.430 slash line with 18 HR, 73 RBI, and 21 SB. The 6-foot-3 outfielder's career has been impacted by multiple injuries, including a torn thumb ligament and sprained ankle.
Infielder Cavan Biggio, traded from the Blue Jays to the Dodgers in June 2024, is now a free agent. After hitting .192/.306/.329 in 30 games with the Dodgers, he was released and subsequently played for the Giants, Braves, Royals, and Angels before his current free agency status.
Blue Jays right-hander Braydon Fisher, acquired in 2024, had a terrific 2025 rookie season, posting a 2.70 ERA over 52 games and 50 innings with 62 strikeouts and a 30.7% K-rate. Despite a 6.43 ERA in 7 playoff appearances, he recorded 7 wins and 5 holds. Fisher, who throws a slider, curve, and 95.5 mph four-seamer, faces increased bullpen competition but aims to maintain his impact. Steamer projects a 4.08 ERA for him in 2026.
The St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly considering trading second baseman Brendan Donovan as the team undergoes a rebuild. Donovan is identified as a potential candidate to be moved, signaling a shift in the team's roster strategy. This development comes as the Cardinals look to reshape their future, with Donovan's departure being a key part of their ongoing restructuring efforts.
