Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Kyle Tucker (Chicago Cubs) is linked to a significant $240M deal, a figure that underscores the Dodgers' aggressive offseason strategy. The Dodgers have notably focused on securing 'needle-movers' through strategic short-term deals, successfully bringing in two of the best free agents available on the market. This calculated approach aims to establish a new level of supremacy for the team within the league.
Cody Bellinger has officially re-signed with the New York Yankees on a substantial $162 million deal, securing a key piece of their outfield. This move solidifies a roster whose outfield combined for 112 home runs in 2025, impacting the market for other free agent outfielders. The re-signing of Bellinger, brought back this week, is a significant move for the Yankees, who have otherwise experienced a mostly quiet winter offseason.
Cal Raleigh was referenced in a Chicago Cubs player profile for Carson Kelly, highlighting his status as an elite catcher. The article noted that Kelly's career-best 2025 season, while impressive, still didn't reach Raleigh's level, implying Raleigh sets a high standard in the league. No specific performance updates or news regarding Raleigh himself were provided, only his comparative standing as a top-tier player.
Catcher Carson Kelly, 31, is coming off a career-best 2025 season with the Cubs, posting 3.6 bWAR, a .249/.333/.428 slash line, 17 HR, and 50 RBI in 421 PAs, including hitting for the cycle in March. He also excelled defensively with 777 putouts (5th NL) and a 34.3% CS rate (2nd NL). While his workload is expected to diminish to 40% in 2026, analysts believe his improvements are repeatable. Kelly has a $7.5M mutual option for 2027, with a projected 10 HR, 35 RBI, .240 BA for 2026.
The Seattle Mariners have added a much-needed depth arm, agreeing to a minor league deal with former Texas Rangers right-hander Dane Dunning. This move aims to bolster the Mariners' pitching depth.
Ben Brown, 26, is being advocated for a permanent bullpen role with the Chicago Cubs after posting a 5.26 ERA in 23 starts and a 4.79 ERA as a reliever. In 2025, his ERA was 6.30 in 15 starts versus 4.99 in 10 relief appearances. Lacking a varied pitching repertoire for a starter, his fastball velocity (96.4 mph in 2024) could increase in a dedicated relief role, where his curveball can be devastating. With the Cubs' strong starting rotation, Brown is seen as a potential setup or closer.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet has been recognized as the 12th-best player in Major League Baseball on MLB Network's annual top-100 list. He led the Red Sox contingent, which included four other players, on the prestigious ranking.
Former Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber has been traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in a one-for-one deal for pitching prospect Khal Stephen. Stephen, a 2024 second-round pick, was acquired by Cleveland from Toronto in the exchange.
Chase Petty is ranked as the #9 prospect in the Cincinnati Reds system, despite a difficult 2025 season. He allowed 14 runs (13 ER) in just 6.0 MLB innings and 91 runs (80 ER) over 112.2 innings at Triple-A Louisville. Petty, who turns 23 shortly after the 2026 season begins, still possesses significant potential, having thrown up to 101 mph with a full five-pitch mix. He could develop into a big league starter or transition to a bullpen role.
Jadher Areinamo, acquired by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2025 Danny Jansen trade, is ranked 7th on the DRaysBay Community Prospect List. After a successful promotion to Double-A, the infielder carried his strong performance into the Venezuelan winter league, where his 1.112 OPS and 13 home runs were second-highest in the league, earning him the ROY award. He is noted for his high baseball IQ, strong motor, excellent bat control, and defensive flexibility.
Bryce Eldridge is featured in a ranking of the top 20 prospects in the NL West. The article notes the Dodgers have the division's best farm system, placing Eldridge within a competitive prospect landscape. This highlights his status as a notable talent for the San Francisco Giants.
Jake Cronenworth remains with the San Diego Padres, despite being a frequent topic in trade discussions over the past few seasons. Valued for his multi-positional play and steady performance at the plate, he is currently projected to be the Padres' second baseman on Opening Day. However, his exact role for the 2026 season could still change in the coming weeks.
Matt Vierling's current status and aspirations for the upcoming season have been detailed by The Detroit News. The report provides an update on the outfielder's outlook as the Detroit Tigers prepare for the new season, focusing on his hopes and expectations for his performance.
Zach Eflin has re-signed with the Baltimore Orioles on a one-year, $10 million deal with a mutual option for 2027, eager to prove himself after an injury-plagued 2025 season. The righty struggled with a lat strain and lower back discomfort, undergoing a lumbar microdiscectomy in August. Eflin, who felt immediate relief post-surgery, aims to be ready for Opening Day 2026, stating he's in the best physical condition of his life. The Orioles hope for a return to his 2023 form (16-8, 3.50 ERA, AL wins leader) to solidify their rotation, with Eflin motivated to contribute after a challenging year.
Aaron Judge has been ranked as the second-best player in baseball by MLB Network entering the 2026 season. He placed behind Shohei Ohtani for the second consecutive year, with Bobby Witt Jr. rounding out the top three. This ranking reaffirms Judge's status as one of the premier talents in MLB, recognized among the league's most impactful players.
Bobby Witt Jr. has been ranked third in MLB Network's list of the best players entering the 2026 season. He placed behind Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge, who took the top two spots. This recognition solidifies his position among the league's elite talents, following two-time reigning MVPs Ohtani and Judge.
Shohei Ohtani has been named MLB's best player entering the 2026 season by MLB Network, marking his fourth time since 2022 and second consecutive year, beating out Aaron Judge and Bobby Witt Jr. Ohtani won NL MVP in both 2024 and 2025, leading the Dodgers to back-to-back championships. He set new franchise home run records with 54 in 2024 and 55 in 2025, also becoming the first member of the 50-50 club. He was runner-up in 2023 to Ronald Acuña Jr.
The New York Yankees have claimed infielder/outfielder Marco Luciano, 24, off waivers from the Orioles. Once considered the Giants' shortstop of the future and a top prospect, Luciano spent all of 2025 in Triple-A Sacramento, batting .214 with 21 doubles, 23 home runs, and 66 RBI, but did not play in the majors. He previously appeared in 41 MLB games with the Giants (2023-24), hitting .217. This marks his third waiver claim this offseason, following stints with the Pirates and Orioles. He is seen as a reclamation project, likely providing infield depth.
Cody Bellinger has re-signed with the New York Yankees on a five-year, $162.5 million contract, which includes opt-outs after years two and three. This signing pushes the Yankees' projected CBT payroll comfortably past $300 million and completes their top offseason task. Bellinger's adjustments, focusing on contact and pulling fly balls, are seen as a perfect fit for Yankee Stadium. His return solidifies a crowded outfield alongside Aaron Judge and Trent Grisham, potentially impacting playing time for Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones.
The New York Mets acquired center fielder Luis Robert Jr., 28, from the White Sox for infielder Luisangel Acuña and pitcher Truman Pauley. The Mets will pay Robert's full $20 million salary for 2026, with a $20 million team option for 2027. Robert, a 2023 All-Star and Silver Slugger (38 HR, 20 SB, 5 WAR), has been plagued by over 30 IL stints in six seasons, leading to mediocre 2024-25 campaigns. Despite this, he maintains elite sprint speed (33 SB in 2025) and excellent center field defense (7 OAA, 93rd percentile), with underlying metrics like xwOBA comparable to Cody Bellinger. The Mets hope their improved infrastructure can help him rediscover his 2023 form.
