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MLB News

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

Saturday, January 24

Ron Marinaccio Sold to Padres in 2025, Had Successful Stint

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On January 24, 2025, the Chicago White Sox sold reliever Ron Marinaccio to the San Diego Padres. Marinaccio, who was a waiver claim from the New York Yankees in September, never pitched an inning for the White Sox. Following the trade, he had a short but successful stint with the Padres in 2025. Over his first four MLB seasons, the right-hander accumulated a 2.1 WAR across 125 1/3 innings. This historical note reflects a minor transaction that led to Marinaccio finding a new home and contributing to the Padres' bullpen.

Dodgers Sign Kyle Tucker to 4-Year, $240M Deal; Bat Speed Analysis Positive

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All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker has signed a four-year, $240 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The deal includes a substantial $64 million signing bonus and $30 million in deferred salaries, structured to maximize his earnings due to Florida's lack of state income tax. Bat speed aging curve analysis suggests Tucker, now 29, is less likely to experience a sharp decline during this contract, with projections indicating stable, league-average performance. The signing has sparked debate among fans and media regarding the Dodgers' spending and its impact on MLB's competitive balance, with some questioning the value compared to other free agents.

Brendan Donovan's 2026 ZiPS Projections Align with Expectations

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Brendan Donovan's 2026 ZiPS projections for the St. Louis Cardinals have been released and are noted as being 'about as expected.' The projections, part of Dan Szymborski's comprehensive outlook for the team, offer an early glimpse into player performance forecasts for the upcoming season. While specific numerical details for Donovan are not provided in this summary, the general sentiment indicates a consistent outlook for the utility player. Fans and analysts were eagerly awaiting these projections, which serve as a benchmark for player performance expectations as the offseason progresses and the 2026 season approaches.

MacKenzie Gore Trade Deal Surprised Many; Impact on Nationals, Rangers Debated

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The trade involving MacKenzie Gore was met with surprise upon its announcement, with varying opinions on how both the Washington Nationals and the Texas Rangers ultimately fared in the deal. The article notes that the deal's outcome is subject to ongoing debate among analysts. While specific terms of the trade are not detailed in this summary, the general sentiment indicates it was an unexpected move in the league. Gore's departure from the Nationals and arrival at the Rangers has sparked discussions about its long-term implications for both franchises as they continue to build their rosters.

J.T. Realmuto Felt 'Undervalued' During Phillies Free Agency Negotiations

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During his free agency, J.T. Realmuto reportedly felt 'undervalued' during negotiations with the Philadelphia Phillies. This sentiment emerged from recent news, highlighting a point of contention in his contract discussions with the team. While the specific details of the negotiations are not fully disclosed, Realmuto's feeling suggests a disparity between his perceived market value and the team's initial offers. This insight provides a glimpse into the complexities of player-team relations during contract talks, even for established stars like Realmuto with his current team, the Phillies.

Friday, January 23

Luke Williams Returns to Braves on Minor League Deal, Offers Utility Depth

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Utility player/pitcher Luke Williams, 29, has rejoined the Atlanta Braves on a minor league deal, providing emergency depth. Having appeared in 89 games since 2023, he logged most of his 2025 innings at shortstop and also pitched. The signing coincides with Ha-Seong Kim's hand injury, potentially making Williams a temporary shortstop. Despite modest hitting (0 wRC+ last year), he offers versatile defense and baserunning, plus a 3.27 ERA in 9 pitching appearances for Atlanta in 2025.

Luis Arraez Still Available Among Top Free Agent Bats

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Luis Arraez is identified as one of the top two remaining free agent bats in the MLB market. He, along with Eugenio Suárez, remains unsigned, indicating his continued importance in the current free agency landscape. His availability is a key point of interest as teams continue to shape their rosters. Arraez's profile as a top bat suggests potential impact for any club he ultimately joins.

Eugenio Suárez Remains Top Free Agent Bat Available on Market

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Eugenio Suárez is currently one of the top two remaining free agent bats available in MLB. He, alongside Luis Arraez, has yet to sign with a team, making him a significant player in the ongoing free agency period. His continued availability highlights the dynamic nature of the offseason market as teams look to bolster their rosters. Suárez's status as a prominent bat continues to draw attention from clubs seeking to add power and experience.

Mets Prospect Nolan McLean Ranks No. 6 on MLB Pipeline Top 100, Set for WBC

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Nolan McLean, the Mets' top pitching prospect, is ranked No. 6 overall on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 preseason list for 2026, the highest for a Mets prospect since 2023. In his 2025 big league debut, he posted a 2.06 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 57 strikeouts across 48.0 innings over eight starts. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza is excited for McLean to pitch for Team USA in the WBC, anticipating the experience will greatly benefit his development by playing with and against top international talent.

Twins Finalize Two-Year, $14 Million Deal with Catcher Victor Caratini

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Catcher Victor Caratini has finalized a two-year, $14 million contract with the Minnesota Twins. The agreement was made official on Friday, securing his role with the team for the next two seasons.

Twins Sign Left-Hander Taylor Rogers to One-Year, $2 Million Deal

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Left-hander Taylor Rogers has officially signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Minnesota Twins. The deal was finalized on Friday, adding a key arm to their pitching staff for the upcoming season.

Mariners Acquire RHP Cooper Criswell, Eyeing Versatile Role After Mets Trade

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The Seattle Mariners acquired RHP Cooper Criswell from the Mets for cash. Criswell, 29, was DFA'd by the Mets to make room for Freddy Peralta, having been claimed from the Red Sox in December. Out of options, he pitched 7 MLB games for Boston in 2025 (3.57 ERA) before an elbow injury, and had a 4.08 ERA in 26 appearances in 2024. With a career 4.48 ERA, Criswell offers a low arm slot and four pitches, including a high-break sweeper. Seattle plans to utilize his versatility as a depth starter or potential "wipeout sweeper reliever."

Giants' Push for CJ Abrams Stalls; Nationals GM Not Rushing Trade

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Trade talks between the Giants and Nationals for All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams, 25, have stalled despite San Francisco's aggressive pursuit. Abrams, who hit 19 HRs and stole 31 bases in 2025, would have shifted to second base if a deal had materialized. Nationals GM Paul Toboni confirmed shopping Abrams but stated he views him as his shortstop and no trade is imminent, suggesting a high asking price. With three years of team control, a trade at the deadline or next offseason is considered more probable.

Healthy Max Scherzer Patiently Awaiting Right Team, Willing to Wait Past Opening Day

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Free agent RHP Max Scherzer, 42 in July, is healthy and ready for his 19th MLB season, but will patiently wait past Opening Day for the right team. After a 5.19 ERA in 17 starts with the Blue Jays in 2025, he excelled in the postseason with a 3.77 ERA. Scherzer, who signed a 1-year, $15.5M deal last year, ranks second among active pitchers with 221 career wins, and is among several big-name free agent starters still on the market.

White Sox Sign Seranthony Domínguez to 2-Year Deal as New Closer

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The Chicago White Sox signed Seranthony Domínguez to a two-year, $20 million deal, naming him their closer. Coming off a strong 2025 season with a 3.16 ERA and 11.9 K/9 in 67 games, Domínguez has pitched 50+ innings for four consecutive seasons since Tommy John surgery. His 97.7 mph fastball and new splitter/sweeper generated high whiff rates (33.3% whiff, 30.3% K), though also a 5.6% walk rate. The move is seen as a low-risk, high-reward acquisition to bolster the bullpen.

Mets' Bo Bichette Poised for Seamless 3B Transition, Praised by David Wright

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New Mets infielder Bo Bichette is expected to make a "seamless transition" to third base, according to Mets legend David Wright, despite not playing the position since his youth. Bichette, who played some second base in the 2025 World Series, rebounded with a .311 average, 94 RBI, and an .840 OPS in 139 games last season, finishing 16th in AL MVP voting. Manager Carlos Mendoza lauded Bichette's versatility, noting he could bat anywhere from leadoff to fourth, complementing Lindor and Soto in the lineup.

Juan Soto Trade Package Continues to Reshape Nationals Roster

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Juan Soto's past trade continues to reshape the Washington Nationals roster, as MacKenzie Gore, a key acquisition from that deal, was recently traded to the Texas Rangers. Rumblings also suggest that CJ Abrams, another player acquired in the Soto package, could be the next to be dealt by the Nationals, indicating a continued focus on roster adjustments stemming from that significant transaction.

Rangers Acquire All-Star Lefty MacKenzie Gore in Prospect Deal

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MacKenzie Gore, 26, has been traded to the Texas Rangers from the Nationals for five prospects. The former All-Star lefty posted a 3.02 ERA in the first half of 2025, though his second half saw a 6.75 ERA, possibly due to shoulder and ankle injuries. With two years of team control ($5.6M in 2026) and a 27.2% K rate, Gore offers front-line starter potential. The Rangers aim to refine his command to maximize his impact in their "win now" rotation. He was the first player from the Juan Soto trade package to be dealt.

Mets Acquire Ace Freddy Peralta from Brewers, Solidifying Rotation

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The New York Mets acquired 29-year-old RHP Freddy Peralta from the Brewers in a four-player deal. Peralta led the NL with 17 wins in 2025, posting a 2.70 ERA and 204 strikeouts over 176 2/3 innings, finishing fifth in Cy Young voting. He has consistently made 30+ starts and 165+ innings for three seasons, solidifying the Mets' rotation. Expected to contend for the Opening Day start, Peralta is "super excited" and willing to report early, with the Mets focusing on his integration rather than an immediate extension.

Luis Robert Traded to Mets; Manager Mendoza Prioritizes Health

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Outfielder Luis Robert has been traded to the New York Mets from the White Sox after two seasons of trade speculation. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza described Robert as a "very toolsy player" known for his defense, power, and base-stealing. Mendoza emphasized the team's priority is to keep Robert healthy and on the field, with trainers already working to understand his routines and make necessary adjustments.