AutoDraft Pro
Get the app

Player news from trusted outlets

MLB News

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

Tuesday, January 27

Spencer Strider's 2026 Outlook Uncertain After Uneven 2025 Season

AutoDraft Pro AI

Spencer Strider faces an uncertain 2026 outlook following an inconsistent 2025 season, which came after a year-long elbow layoff in 2024. Despite a dominant 2022-2023, his 2025 performance was marked by struggles early, a strong seven-start stretch, and an "awful" final eight starts where he allowed eight homers. Projections anticipate him as an above-average starter with health issues, with his future performance highly variable, impacting the Braves' competitive outlook.

Red Sox Prospect Payton Tolle Unfazed by Trade Rumors, Ranked in Top 100

AutoDraft Pro AI

Boston Red Sox pitcher Payton Tolle, a promising prospect, is reportedly unfazed by recent trade rumors, a topic he discussed in a recent MLB Network interview. Tolle has garnered significant attention, making both MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospects list at #19 and The Athletic's Keith Law's list at #40, despite Law's comparatively lower initial assessment of him.

Red Sox Prospect Connelly Early Featured on Top 100 Lists

AutoDraft Pro AI

Connelly Early, a promising prospect for the Boston Red Sox, has been recognized on multiple prestigious lists, including MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospects and The Athletic's Keith Law's prospect rankings. His inclusion on these lists highlights his growing reputation and potential within the Red Sox organization.

Red Sox Maintain Interest in Astros Infielder Isaac Paredes

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Boston Red Sox continue to show interest in Houston Astros infielder Isaac Paredes. While the Red Sox are reportedly keen on acquiring Paredes, sources indicate that a deal is not particularly close at this time. This ongoing interest suggests Paredes remains a target for Boston as they look to bolster their roster.

Dylan Cease Signs Five-Year, $210 Million Deal with Blue Jays

AutoDraft Pro AI

Right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease, 30, has signed a five-year, $210 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. Over seven MLB seasons, Cease holds a 65-58 record with a 3.88 ERA, including a standout 2022 season where he posted a 2.20 ERA and finished second in Cy Young voting. Despite an 8-12, 4.55 ERA in 2025, he has been remarkably durable, making 32 or 33 starts in each of the last five seasons. Projections for 2026 anticipate 32 starts, 185 innings, a 3.61 ERA, and 3.8 fWAR.

Tigers' Kevin McGonigle Lands on MLB's Top 100 Prospects for 2026

AutoDraft Pro AI

Detroit Tigers prospect Kevin McGonigle has been recognized as one of baseball's 'stars of tomorrow,' securing a spot among MLB's top 100 young players for the 2026 season. The ranking highlights McGonigle's significant potential and positions him as a key future talent for the Tigers, reflecting his status as a highly regarded young player in the league.

Yankees Officially Announce Signing of Cody Bellinger

AutoDraft Pro AI

The New York Yankees have officially announced the signing of Cody Bellinger, a significant move in the ongoing offseason. This announcement, made on January 27, 2026, solidifies Bellinger's commitment to the Yankees ahead of spring training. The team's acquisition of Bellinger is a key development, shaping their roster for the upcoming season and potentially impacting their strategic outlook. This signing was a major piece of news on an otherwise quiet day for the hot stove.

Monday, January 26

Mets' Bo Bichette Receives Positive Reviews in Early Third Base Workouts

AutoDraft Pro AI

Bo Bichette's transition to third base for the New York Mets is officially underway, with manager Carlos Mendoza providing encouraging first reports after watching him take reps in Port St. Lucie. Mendoza praised Bichette's athleticism, noting he looked comfortable at the hot corner despite primarily playing shortstop and some second base previously. Bichette, who signed a three-year, $126 million deal with the Mets last week, is expected to be the team's full-time third baseman, with the club expressing confidence in his ability to adapt quickly.

Mets' Marcus Semien Ranked #5 Second Baseman, Aims for MVP Form

AutoDraft Pro AI

New Mets second baseman Marcus Semien has been ranked #5 on MLB Network's "Top 10 Second Basemen Right Now" list for 2026. Semien remains a top defender, having secured his second career Gold Glove last season. While his 2025 offensive production (15 HR, .305 OBP, .669 OPS in 127 games) was underwhelming, both he and the Mets are confident he can return to the MVP-level form he displayed during the 2023 World Series campaign.

Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. Ranked #2 2B, Top Extension Candidate After 30-30 Season

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Yankees slugger Jazz Chisholm Jr. has been ranked the #2 second baseman on MLB Network's "Top 10 Second Basemen Right Now" list for 2026. He is coming off a spectacular 2025 season where he earned his second All-Star appearance, first Silver Slugger, and achieved his first 30-30 campaign with 4.2 WAR. Chisholm Jr., an impending free agent, is also identified as a leading candidate for a significant long-term contract extension this spring, highlighting his perceived value and future impact in the league.

Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte Tops MLB Network's 'Top 10 Second Basemen' List

AutoDraft Pro AI

Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte has been ranked #1 on MLB Now’s “Top 10 Second Basemen Right Now” list for 2026, marking the fourth time he has topped the list. The three-time All-Star was praised by MLB Network analyst Cliff Floyd as being "in his prime" and "the best in the sport" at his position. The ranking considered his performance over multiple seasons, advanced offensive and defensive metrics, and expert analysis.

Royals Sign Veteran Reliever Héctor Neris to Minor League Deal

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Kansas City Royals have signed 36-year-old right-hander Héctor Neris to a minor league deal, which includes an invite to spring training. Neris pitched for the Braves, Angels, and Astros in 2025, recording a 6.75 ERA with 35 strikeouts in 26.2 innings. He had 18 saves and a 4.10 ERA in 2024, and a 3.03 ERA with 11.0 K/9 from 2021-2023. While he still misses bats with his split-fingered fastball, his four-seamer was hit hard, and his groundball rate was a career-low in 2025. He will compete for a spot in the Royals' bullpen.

Twins Pitcher Joe Ryan Avoids Arbitration, Secures 1-Year, $6.2M Deal

AutoDraft Pro AI

Twins pitcher Joe Ryan has successfully avoided arbitration, agreeing to a one-year contract that guarantees him $6.2 million. The deal includes a mutual option for 2027, with Ryan set to earn $6.1 million in 2026, a $13 million mutual option, and a $100,000 buyout. This salary reflects the midpoint of figures exchanged. The 29-year-old right-hander is coming off a career year, posting a 13-10 record with a 3.42 ERA, 194 strikeouts, and 39 walks over 171 innings. He remains under team control through the 2027 season.

Andrew McCutchen Seeks 18th Season with Pirates for Farewell Tour

AutoDraft Pro AI

Andrew McCutchen, a free agent after his third season with the Pirates, desires to play an 18th MLB season with Pittsburgh to bid farewell to the fanbase before retiring. Despite his wishes, General Manager Ben Cherington has been noncommittal about re-signing the 39-year-old, indicating the team may be moving in a different direction. McCutchen, who hit .239 with 13 HR and 57 RBIs in 2025, expressed frustration on social media about the lack of transparency regarding his future, contrasting it with other franchise icons who received farewell seasons. He believes he still has the desire and ability to contribute, potentially in a more limited role.

Mets Acquire Freddy Peralta, Manager Mendoza Praises 'Front-of-Rotation' Arm

AutoDraft Pro AI

The New York Mets acquired Freddy Peralta from the Brewers last week in a trade that sent prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat to Milwaukee. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza praised Peralta as a "front of the rotation" arm and highlighted his character, noting that Peralta plans to report early to Port St. Lucie to meet his new teammates. This acquisition provides the Mets with the top-of-the-rotation arm they had been seeking this offseason.

Brandon Sproat Traded to Brewers, Expected to Compete for Rotation Spot

AutoDraft Pro AI

Brandon Sproat was traded from the Mets to the Milwaukee Brewers as part of the deal for Freddy Peralta. Though caught off guard, Sproat is excited for the opportunity and is expected to compete for a spot in the Brewers' Opening Day rotation. The 2023 second-round pick is still relatively inexperienced with only four big-league starts but is eager to build on his late-season call-up from the Mets in 2025.

Cubs Ink OF Dylan Carlson to Minor League Deal, Big League Camp Invite

AutoDraft Pro AI

Outfielder Dylan Carlson has officially signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs. The deal includes a crucial invitation to big league camp for spring training, offering Carlson an opportunity to compete for a roster spot. This move provides the Cubs with additional outfield depth as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Dodgers' Yoshinobu Yamamoto Confirmed to Pitch for Team Japan in WBC

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto has officially joined Team Japan's World Baseball Classic roster and confirmed he will pitch. Despite initial reluctance from the Dodgers due to his heavy 2025 workload, Yamamoto's strong desire and diligent offseason training prevailed. He was a key performer in Japan's 2023 WBC victory. Yamamoto is expected to join the team for exhibition games on Feb 27-28, with Japan's first WBC game on March 6.

Shohei Ohtani Named to Japan's WBC Roster; Pitching Role Uncertain

AutoDraft Pro AI

Shohei Ohtani has been named to Team Japan's World Baseball Classic roster, though his specific pitching role remains uncertain and will be determined after spring training. Ohtani, who won his fourth MVP award at the BBWAA Awards Dinner, also saw his dog, Decoy, receive the unique honor of National League Most Valuable Dog. Decoy, a kooikerhondje, has been a visible part of Ohtani's career, even having a bobblehead giveaway in 2024. Ohtani was the 2023 WBC MVP, leading Japan to the title.

Harrison Bader Signs 2-Year, $20.5M Deal with Giants for Center Field

AutoDraft Pro AI

Harrison Bader has officially signed a two-year, $20.5 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, with incentives potentially reaching $21 million. He is expected to take over as the starting center fielder, shifting Jung Hoo Lee to right field. Bader, a Gold Glove winner, is coming off a career-best 2025 season where he slashed .277/.347/.449 with 17 home runs and 11 stolen bases across 146 games with the Twins and Phillies. He was particularly effective after his trade to the Phillies. Bader expressed that the Giants are a "perfect fit" due to the opportunity, talented roster, and new coaching staff, including manager Tony Vitello, whom he believes will be successful.