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MLB News

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

Thursday, January 29

Geraldo Perdomo Lands No. 6 Spot on MLB Now's Top 10 Shortstops List

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Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Geraldo Perdomo was ranked 6th on MLB Now’s “Top 10 Shortstops Right Now” list, a placement that might prove controversial. The ranking methodology considers player performance over multiple seasons, offensive and defensive metrics, advanced Statcast data, and expert analysis. His performance prior to the 2025 season, described as "good, but not elite," likely hampered his overall ranking. Despite this, the article suggests that Perdomo could out-produce several players ranked ahead of him in the upcoming 2026 season. Manager Torey Lovullo and Perdomo were pictured watching a game against the San Francisco Giants in September 2025.

Giants Trade Pitcher Kai-Wei Teng to Astros for Prospect Villarroel

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The San Francisco Giants have traded right-handed pitcher Kai-Wei Teng to the Houston Astros in exchange for minor league catching prospect Jancel Villarroel and international slot money. The move creates a 40-man roster spot for newly signed Harrison Bader. Teng, 27, made 12 appearances for the Giants over the past two seasons, including 7 starts in 2025, where he posted a 6.37 ERA in MLB but a strong 3.63 ERA in AAA with high strikeout rates. He will now get a chance to solidify his role with the Astros.

Giants Clear 40-Man Spot for Harrison Bader with Kai-Wei Teng Trade

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The San Francisco Giants have officially cleared a 40-man roster spot for newly signed free agent center fielder Harrison Bader by trading right-handed pitcher Kai-Wei Teng to the Houston Astros. In return, the Giants received catching prospect Jancel Villarroel and international slot money. Bader's agreement, a two-year, $20.5 million deal, necessitated this corresponding roster move. The Giants had been working to trim their roster since agreeing to terms with Bader earlier this week, finding a solution with this trade.

Snell Ramps Up Slowly Post-Playoffs; Dodgers Preach Patience

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Blake Snell is slowly ramping up this winter to recover from his extensive postseason workload, which included five starts and a relief appearance. The Dodgers pitcher acknowledged exhaustion following the team's playoff run. While Snell hopes to be ready for Opening Day, both he and the Los Angeles Dodgers emphasize patience. The team plans a cautious approach with its pitching staff overall, leveraging its rotation depth, especially early in the campaign, to manage his return.

Brendan Donovan's Versatility Key to Cardinals' Opening Day Infield Plans

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Brendan Donovan is expected to remain with the St. Louis Cardinals, offering crucial versatility for their Opening Day lineup. He could start in left field, or fill in at second base if JJ Wetherholt isn't ready, or at third base if Nolan Gorman struggles. Donovan also provides insurance at shortstop. While his trade value is high, the Cardinals value his ability to cover multiple positions, with the San Francisco Giants reportedly still engaged in trade talks for the infielder.

Royals Ink Reliever Eli Morgan to Minor League Deal After Injury-Plagued Season

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The Kansas City Royals have signed 29-year-old right-hander Eli Morgan to a minor league deal, bolstering their bullpen depth. Morgan, formerly with the Cubs, posted an excellent 1.93 ERA in 32 games in 2024 but was limited to just seven games in 2025 due to an inflamed ulnar nerve in his right elbow, leading to him being non-tendered. He mixes a 92 mph four-seamer with a slider and changeup, and the Royals hope he can contribute to the big league team, joining other veteran minor league signings.

Dodgers' Miguel Rojas Misses WBC Due to Insurance Issues, Age Factor

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Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas, 37, will not represent Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) this year due to insurance issues, a decision he announced with sadness on Instagram. His age, combined with a history of hernia, forearm, and intercostal injuries over the last two years, contributed to the insurance complications. This marks his final MLB season, and he will transition into a player development role with the Dodgers post-retirement. Rojas previously pulled out of the 2023 WBC due to a Dodgers' roster need.

Joey Votto Joins NBC's MLB Broadcast Team for 2026 Season

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Cincinnati Reds legend Joey Votto is set to join NBC's Major League Baseball coverage starting this spring, alongside Clayton Kershaw and Anthony Rizzo. Votto, who last played in MLB in 2023, is highly regarded for his insightful baseball analysis. While his exact role is still unconfirmed, he will be a prominent part of NBC's return to MLB broadcasting, which includes "Sunday Night Baseball" and a "Sunday Leadoff" package. This move brings one of the game's best minds to television.

Dodgers' Tommy Edman Welcomes Daughter Ava, Eyes Spring Training Return from Ankle Surgery

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Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Tommy Edman and his wife, Kristen, announced the birth of their daughter, Ava, on Tuesday. Edman is currently recovering from right ankle surgery in mid-November, which addressed a nagging injury he played through during the Dodgers' back-to-back World Series run. While he expects to be ready for Spring Training, his Opening Day status remains uncertain as the Dodgers typically take a conservative approach to player returns. The team has added depth like Andy Ibáñez in preparation.

Mets Ink Nine-Time All-Star Craig Kimbrel to Minor League Deal

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The New York Mets have signed veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel to a minor league contract. The deal, announced Thursday, includes an invitation to big league spring training, giving the nine-time All-Star a direct opportunity to compete for a roster spot. Should he make the club, it would mark his 10th different team, highlighting his extensive career. Kimbrel aims to secure a bullpen role and contribute to the Mets' upcoming season.

Austin Gomber Inks Minor League Deal with Texas Rangers

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Veteran left-hander Austin Gomber has officially signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers. This agreement notably includes an invitation to major league spring training, providing Gomber with a direct pathway to compete for a spot on the big league roster. The move offers the southpaw a fresh start and a chance to prove his value as he aims to secure a role for the upcoming MLB season with his new organization.

Clayton Kershaw Joins NBC's MLB Broadcast Team, Will Pitch in WBC

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Clayton Kershaw, who retired from MLB after last season, is finalizing a deal to join NBC's Major League Baseball coverage for 2026 and beyond. He will be part of a new broadcast trio alongside Joey Votto and Anthony Rizzo, bringing his extensive playing experience, including three Cy Young Awards, to the network. Kershaw is expected to work a limited schedule but still plans to pitch in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, indicating his continued involvement in the sport.

Anthony Rizzo Joins NBC's MLB Broadcast Team Post-Retirement

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Anthony Rizzo, who retired from MLB in September 2024, is finalizing a deal to join NBC's Major League Baseball coverage starting in 2026. He will be part of a new broadcast trio alongside Clayton Kershaw and Joey Votto. Rizzo's career included playing several years in big markets and helping the Chicago Cubs break their 108-year World Series curse, bringing significant playing experience, including Gold Gloves and a World Series title, to the network's return to MLB broadcasting.

Yankees Acquire Angel Chivilli from Rockies, Betting on Future Surprise

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The New York Yankees have completed a trade earlier this week, acquiring right-handed pitcher Angel Chivilli from the Colorado Rockies. Chivilli, who carries a career ERA of 6.18, is now a new Yankees pitcher with expectations that he could potentially surprise and make a significant impact for the team in the 2026 season. This move signals the Yankees' long-term strategy for their pitching rotation.

Yusei Kikuchi Nurtures Next Generation of Baseball Greats in Hometown

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Yusei Kikuchi is actively involved in nurturing the next generation of baseball talent from his hometown training facility in Iwate. The Los Angeles Angels pitcher is focused on developing future baseball greats, outlining his plans to support and guide young athletes in their journey to professional baseball.

Marcus Semien's College Ties to Rising Nationals Front Office Exec Paul Toboni

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Marcus Semien's college baseball career at Cal included playing alongside Paul Toboni, who has recently taken the helm of the Nationals front office at the age of 35. Toboni's rapid ascent through the Red Sox scouting department is a key highlight, with his past connection to the New York Mets player noted as part of his background.

Ronald Acuña Jr. Confirmed for Team Venezuela's World Baseball Classic Roster

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Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. is officially joining Team Venezuela for his second World Baseball Classic appearance this year. He will play alongside captain Salvador Perez, Wilyer Abreu, Maikel Garcia, and Jackson Chourio. Acuña is coming off an "epic comeback" 2025 season where he played 95 games with a .935 OPS and earned the NL Comeback Player of the Year award, and looks forward to a healthy 2026 season after the WBC appearance. Venezuela is set to play in Pool D on March 6.

Mets Sign Two-Time World Series Champion Austin Barnes to Minor League Deal

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The New York Mets have signed veteran catcher Austin Barnes, a two-time World Series winner with the Dodgers, to a minor league deal with a spring training invitation. The 36-year-old, known for his defensive prowess, appeared in just 13 games for the Dodgers last season before being released, followed by a brief minor league stint with the Giants. Barnes will compete for the Mets' third-catcher spot, behind Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens, with limited chances to make the Opening Day roster if the top two remain healthy.

Shohei Ohtani Fueled by World Series Game 7 Frustration for Cy Young Push

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Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is reportedly driven by his disappointing Game 7 World Series pitching performance in 2025, a frustration manager Dave Roberts believes will propel him to new heights. After winning back-to-back World Series titles and four MVPs, Ohtani, now healthy following his second elbow reconstruction, is expected by Roberts to contend for the Cy Young Award in 2026. He returned to pitching mid-2025 after rehab, gradually building up innings, and is poised for his most complete season yet, though Roberts will be mindful of his pitching future.

Mariners Claim Analytics-Savvy Pitcher Ryan Loutos Off Waivers

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The Seattle Mariners have claimed right-handed pitcher Ryan Loutos off waivers, adding a unique talent with a computer science background. Loutos, who developed pitching analytics software for the Cardinals' minor league system, had a "catastrophic" 2025 season after debuting in 2024. Despite his pitching profile not being notably interesting, his analytical knowledge and fastball velocity (up to 97 MPH) make him a natural fit for the Mariners, a team known for its pitching analytics. He will aim to grow within the system.