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MLB News

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

Thursday, January 29

Matt Mervis Signs Minor League Deal with Hometown Nationals, Eyes Roster Spot

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Matt Mervis, a former Cubs and Marlins first baseman, has signed a minor league deal with a Non-Roster Invite to the Washington Nationals, his hometown team. After a strong minor league 2022, Mervis struggled in MLB in 2023-2024, batting .167 and .155 respectively. He had a brief hot streak with the Marlins in April 2025 (6 HR in 12 games) but was later released. Known as a "Quad-A hitter," he now has a chance to make the rebuilding Nationals roster and potentially play on Opening Day at Wrigley Field.

Rangers Reliever Cole Winn's 2025 Season: Low ERA, Underlying Concerns

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Texas Rangers relief pitcher Cole Winn had a "surprisingly successful" 2025 season, posting a 1.51 ERA in 41.2 innings across 33 appearances, ranking second among Rangers relievers in bWAR. Despite this, underlying metrics like his 3.90 FIP, 10.5% walk rate, and 48.1% hard-hit rate suggest his performance may not be sustainable. Winn, who battled shoulder and nerve irritation injuries, is out of options and is expected to start 2026 in the Rangers bullpen, where he'll get an opportunity due to a lack of blue-chip relievers.

Cubs' Matt Shaw Shifts to Utility Role Following Alex Bregman Signing

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Chicago Cubs infielder Matt Shaw is transitioning to a utility role, potentially including outfield time, following the signing of Alex Bregman. Shaw, a "controversial figure" due to this shift, had a strong second half in 2025, posting a .226/.295/.394 slash line and 3.1 bWAR at third base. Team management expects his speed and athleticism to help him flourish in this new versatile role, though speculation exists about Nico Hoerner's potential departure to facilitate Shaw's move to second base in 2027.

Cody Bellinger Re-Signs with Yankees on Five-Year, $162.5 Million Deal

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Cody Bellinger has officially rejoined the New York Yankees, signing a five-year, $162.5 million contract after a lengthy free agency. The deal includes a $20 million signing bonus and opt-out clauses after the 2027 or 2028 seasons. Bellinger, 30, had a strong 2025 season with the Yankees, batting .272 with 29 homers and 98 RBIs, demonstrating versatility in the outfield and at first base. Manager Aaron Boone emphasized Bellinger's crucial impact on winning games, praising his ability to contribute in multiple ways, including standout defensive plays.

Brewers Acquire Pitching Prospect Brandon Sproat from Mets in Trade

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Pitching prospect Brandon Sproat was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers on January 21, 2026, after being ranked the Mets' #5 prospect. In 2025, Sproat posted a 4.24 ERA in Triple-A and made four MLB starts for the Mets, recording a 4.79 ERA. He showed promise with a dominant July in Triple-A before his call-up. Known for a diverse pitch mix, including a 100 MPH fastball, he has shown effectiveness with his sweeping slider and changeup but has struggled against left-handed batters throughout his professional career.

Zac Gallen Drawing Interest From Three Teams As Free Agent

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Zac Gallen, coming off a down year in 2025, is reportedly drawing interest from three MLB teams as spring training approaches. Ranked as the 18th-best free agent this offseason, Gallen's market is heating up despite his recent performance. The Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher is a key name in current MLB rumors.

Red Sox Prospect Connelly Early Appears on Top-100 Rankings

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Boston Red Sox minor leaguer Connelly Early is being recognized on new top-100 prospect lists, joining a group of four Red Sox prospects highlighted this season. His inclusion, alongside Payton Tolle, Franklin Arias, and Kyson Witherspoon, contributes to the Red Sox farm system's strong standing. The organization's farm system has been ranked 10th by Keith Law and 11th by ESPN, indicating a healthy pipeline of talent despite recent graduations and trades, showcasing promising depth for the future as spring training approaches.

Red Sox Prospect Payton Tolle Featured on Top-100 Lists

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Boston Red Sox minor leaguer Payton Tolle is gaining significant recognition, prominently featured on several new top-100 prospect lists. He is part of a notable quartet of Red Sox minor leaguers, including Connelly Early, Franklin Arias, and Kyson Witherspoon, who are being highlighted in prospect rankings. This collective presence contributes to the Red Sox farm system's strong standing, which has been ranked 10th best in the majors by Keith Law and 11th by ESPN, reflecting a healthy talent pipeline despite recent player graduations and trades from the organization.

Guardians Prospect Daniel Espino Returns from Injuries, Ranked No. 12

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Cleveland Guardians pitching prospect Daniel Espino, a former top-10 overall prospect, has been ranked No. 12 by Covering the Corner readers after missing over three years due to multiple shoulder surgeries. Espino finally returned late last season, pitching two-thirds of an inning for Triple-A Columbus where his fastball hit 98 mph and his slider looked "devastating." He also logged 4 and 2/3 scoreless innings in the Arizona Fall League. While unlikely to return to starting, he is anticipated to become a key bullpen piece for the Guardians in 2026.

Rockies Acquire Right-Hander Pierson Ohl from Twins in Trade

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The Colorado Rockies have officially acquired right-handed pitcher Pierson Ohl from the Minnesota Twins. This transaction was part of a larger trade that also involved infielder Edouard Julien moving from the Twins to the Rockies. In exchange, the Twins received minor league right-handed pitcher Jace Kaminska and cash considerations. Ohl will now join the Rockies organization, marking a change of scenery for the pitcher as he prepares for the upcoming season and looks to contribute to his new team's pitching staff.

Rockies Acquire Infielder Edouard Julien from Twins in Trade

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The Colorado Rockies have officially acquired infielder Edouard Julien from the Minnesota Twins. This transaction was part of a larger trade that also saw right-handed pitcher Pierson Ohl move from the Twins to the Rockies. In exchange, the Twins received minor league right-handed pitcher Jace Kaminska and cash considerations. Julien will now join the Rockies organization, marking a significant change of scenery for the infielder as he prepares for the upcoming season and aims to make an impact with his new club.

Mariners Outright Left-Hander Jhonathan Díaz to Triple-A Tacoma

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Left-handed pitcher Jhonathan Díaz has cleared waivers and been outrighted to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers by the Seattle Mariners. This administrative move means Díaz will remain within the Mariners organization, but he is expected to begin the upcoming 2026 season playing in the minor leagues. The outrighting allows the Mariners to remove him from the 40-man roster, providing flexibility for other transactions as spring training approaches and the team continues to shape its roster.

Cardinals' Lars Nootbaar Likely to Open Season on Injured List After Heel Surgery

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St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar is 'fair to assume' to open the season on the injured list as he recovers from early October surgery for deformities on both heels. While it's possible he could be ready for Opening Day, the Cardinals are expected to err on the side of caution. His progress will be further evaluated during spring training. If Nootbaar requires an IL stint, Brendan Donovan or Nathan Church are potential candidates to fill in at left field.

Wednesday, January 28

Gerrit Cole's Elbow Rehab Progresses Smoothly, Targeting May/June Return

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Yankees GM Brian Cashman reported Wednesday that Gerrit Cole has experienced no setbacks rehabbing his surgically repaired elbow. Cole, who underwent Tommy John surgery with internal bracing in March 2025 and missed the entire 2025 season, began throwing in August. Manager Aaron Boone has already ruled him out for Opening Day. Cole is expected to report to the Yankees' Florida facility soon, with a potential return to the big-league mound projected for late May or early June.

Edman's Ankle Rehab Delays Spring Training, Opening Day Questionable

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Tommy Edman (30) of the Los Angeles Dodgers faces a delayed start to spring training due to ongoing rehab from mid-November ankle surgery. Katie Woo of The Athletic reports his recovery hasn't gone fully to plan, making his availability for Opening Day 2026 questionable. Edman still has two months to get up to speed, but Hyeseong Kim and Andy Ibanez are potential second base options if he requires an IL stint. His progress will be closely monitored throughout spring training.

Yankees GM Cashman Confirms Cody Bellinger's Re-signing

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Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman officially announced Cody Bellinger's re-signing during a video call on Wednesday. Cashman used the occasion to express strong confidence in the team's roster, stating he is "openly willing to challenge anybody that we don't have a championship-caliber roster or team." The announcement confirms Bellinger's return, solidifying a key piece for the New York Yankees.

Catcher Reese McGuire Inks Minor League Deal with Brewers, Invited to Camp

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Veteran catcher Reese McGuire has officially signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. The agreement includes a crucial invitation to major league camp, providing McGuire an opportunity to compete for a roster spot during spring training. This move aims to bolster the Brewers' catching depth for the upcoming season, offering an experienced option behind the plate.

Aaron Judge's Elbow 'Doing Really Well' as He Ramps Up for WBC

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Yankees manager Aaron Boone reported Wednesday that Aaron Judge's right elbow is 'doing really well' as the outfielder ramps up throwing for the World Baseball Classic. Judge, who dealt with a flexor strain last season, was on the injured list and limited to designated hitter duties before returning to the outfield in September. Surgery was deemed unnecessary for the reigning AL MVP. Both the Yankees and Judge currently have no concerns about any lingering elbow issues.

Pierson Ohl Included in Trade to Colorado Rockies

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Pierson Ohl was acquired by the Colorado Rockies from the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday as part of a trade package. Ohl, along with Edouard Julien, was sent to the Rockies in exchange for Jace Kaminska and cash considerations. This move marks a change of organization for the prospect, who will now join the Rockies' system.

Julien Traded to Rockies, Expected to See Regular Playing Time

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The Colorado Rockies acquired infielder Edouard Julien from the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday in exchange for Jace Kaminska and cash considerations. Julien, who is out of minor-league options, has a slash line of .208/.299/.324 with a 32% strikeout rate over the last two seasons, but also boasts a 13% walk rate and 11.8% barrel rate at the major-league level. The left-handed hitter is anticipated to receive regular playing time against right-handed pitching, potentially at multiple positions for Colorado.