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MLB News

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

Friday, January 23

Shohei Ohtani Named MLB's Best Player for 2026, Continues MVP Reign

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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.

Thursday, January 22

Yankees claim former top prospect Marco Luciano off waivers

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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 re-signs with Yankees on 5-year, $162.5M deal

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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.

Mets acquire Luis Robert Jr. in trade, banking on high-upside despite injury history

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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.

Mets sign Bo Bichette, projected for third base role and strong offensive season

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The New York Mets have signed prized free agent Bo Bichette, who is expected to slide to third base, a position he has not played in the major leagues. This move comes after the Phillies' pursuit of Bichette ended with his signing in Queens. ZiPS projections for 2026 forecast a strong offensive campaign for Bichette, with a slash line of .294/.339/.445 (121 OPS+). The Mets are trusting his athletic intelligence to adapt to the new position, aiming to upgrade their run prevention.

Mets Acquire Ace Freddy Peralta from Brewers; No Extension Talks Yet

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The New York Mets acquired 29-year-old pitcher Freddy Peralta from the Brewers for prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat. Peralta, coming off a career-best 2.70 ERA in 2025, is expected to be a 'stabilizing force' in the Mets' rotation, according to GM David Stearns. He boasts a 3.30 ERA and 29.6% K-rate since 2021. Peralta is in the final year of his contract, and while the Mets paid a 'pretty prospect penny,' extension talks are not yet underway. He threw a career-high 176 2/3 innings in 33 starts last season but has a 5.56 ERA in his last five postseason starts.

MLB Clears Ex-Giants Reliever Sean Hjelle After Abuse Allegations

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Former Giants reliever Sean Hjelle has been cleared by MLB following an investigation into allegations of 'abuse' made by his wife, Caroline, in June 2025. The league concluded its inquiry, finding no grounds for disciplinary action. Hjelle, who spent four seasons with the Giants, signed with the Orix Buffaloes in Japan's Nippon Baseball League after a challenging 2025 season in San Francisco, where he posted a 7.80 ERA in 12 appearances before being sent to the minors. He is notable as one of MLB's tallest players at 6 feet 11.

Yadier Molina joins Cardinals front office as special assistant

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Legendary catcher Yadier Molina has been hired as a special assistant to St. Louis Cardinals President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom. In this new role, Molina will provide input on the catching program, advise staff on game planning strategy, and impart his "championship mindset" to players. This move fuels speculation about his potential future as the Cardinals' manager once the team's rebuild is complete, leveraging his elite tactical knowledge and proven leadership. Concerns exist regarding his commitment to a full season due to family needs and his patience with media.

Rangers acquire All-Star LHP MacKenzie Gore in major 5-prospect trade

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The Texas Rangers acquired All-Star left-hander MacKenzie Gore, 26, from the Washington Nationals in a five-for-one trade. The Nationals received five prospects, headlined by 2025 12th overall pick Gavin Fien, along with Alejandro Rosario (out for 2026 with elbow surgery), Abimelec Ortiz, Devin Fitz-Gerald, and Yeremy Cabrera. Gore, a 2025 NL All-Star, finished last season with a 5-15 record, 4.17 ERA, and a career-high 185 strikeouts in 30 starts. He is under team control for two more seasons and is expected to join Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi in the Rangers' rotation. Despite a post-All-Star break collapse (6.75 ERA, 1.70 WHIP) and command issues (1.35 WHIP, 3.6 BB/9), his raw stuff and 27.2% K-rate offer high upside for the Rangers' pitching infrastructure.

Lance McCullers Jr. projected for Astros' 2026 rotation amidst LHP shortage

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Lance McCullers Jr. is prominently featured in the Houston Astros' projected 2026 starting rotation. However, the team faces a "major red flag" with all projected starters being right-handed, as they are expected to move on from Framber Valdez, leaving Colton Gordon as the lone left-handed option. McCullers, entering the final year of his contract, will be given every opportunity to earn a rotation spot, but the front office is expected to remain active in seeking at least one left-handed starter before Opening Day.

Nationals designate catcher Riley Adams for assignment

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The Washington Nationals have designated catcher Riley Adams for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for newly claimed RHP Gus Varland. Adams, 30, acquired in 2021, posted a .640 OPS in five seasons with the Nationals. Despite possessing elite bat speed (78.3 MPH average swing speed) and a strong arm, he struggled to consistently put his tools together. Now out of options, it's uncertain if he will be claimed by another team.

Nationals claim RHP Gus Varland off waivers from Diamondbacks

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The Washington Nationals have claimed right-handed pitcher Gus Varland, 29, off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Varland, the older brother of Blue Jays reliever Louis Varland, missed the 2025 MLB season due to injury but posted a strong 3.42 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 26.1 innings in 2024. He features an exciting fastball/slider combination, with his 95 MPH fastball showing significant carry. The Nationals hope he can return to form and provide valuable depth to their bullpen.

J.T. Realmuto re-signs with Phillies on 3-year, $45 million deal

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Catcher J.T. Realmuto has re-signed with the Philadelphia Phillies on a three-year, $45 million deal, following the team's unsuccessful pursuit of Bo Bichette. Realmuto, who felt "undervalued," acknowledged his offensive production dipped in 2025 (sub-.700 OPS), but believes it's not age-related. He brings immense value in intangibles, having caught the most innings since 2019 and ranking third in defensive run value. His return is critical for the pitching staff, especially with Ranger Suárez gone, and he aims to finish his career in Philadelphia.

Diamondbacks bullpen remains largely unaddressed, Taylor Clarke noted

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The Arizona Diamondbacks' bullpen has seen minimal changes this offseason, with Taylor Clarke being one of the few mentioned. Despite pitchers and catchers reporting soon, the team's relief corps remains largely untouched, indicating a potential area for further work as the D-backs continue to shape their roster for the 2026 season.

Paul Goldschmidt remains free agent, seeking everyday role amidst D-backs reunion rumors

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Veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, 38, remains a free agent, reportedly seeking an everyday role despite his offensive production dipping against right-handers in 2024-25 (.651 OPS). He was solid against left-handers (.911 OPS). The Arizona Diamondbacks, his former team, are considering him for a one-year platoon role against lefties, but their offer is capped around $5 million, and Goldschmidt desires an everyday spot. After his contract with the Cardinals expired, he played 2025 with the Yankees on a $12.5 million deal. The Padres are a potential alternative if they offer an everyday job.

Diamondbacks still seeking replacement for Lourdes Gurriel in left field

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The Arizona Diamondbacks are still actively searching for a player to replace Lourdes Gurriel in left field for the upcoming 2026 season. With pitchers and catchers reporting in less than three weeks, the team's offseason remains a work in progress, and Gurriel's departure has left a clear void in the outfield that needs to be addressed.

Sal Stewart's fantasy ranking at No. 57 signals high upside for Reds

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Sal Stewart's surprisingly high ranking at No. 57 in fantasy baseball projections highlights his potential for a breakout season with the Cincinnati Reds. Praised for his ability to "hammer the baseball," Stewart is expected to bat lower in the order initially but could quickly ascend to the cleanup spot, with a strong chance at 100 RBI. His value could further increase if he gains additional position eligibility at third or second base.

Michael Harris II shows second-half promise despite declining OPS, ranked 30th in fantasy

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Outfielder Michael Harris II, ranked 30th overall in fantasy baseball, has seen his OPS decline from .853 in his rookie season to .678 in 2025. Despite this trend, projections are encouraged by his strong second-half performance in 2025 (.299/.315/.430, 14 HR), suggesting potential for a rebound. Currently projected to bat seventh, limiting his plate appearances, there's optimism he could be a "steal of the year" if he moves up the Atlanta Braves' lineup.

Dodgers sign Kyle Tucker to 4-year, $240M deal, bolstering lineup

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The Dodgers have signed Kyle Tucker, the consensus top free agent, to a four-year, $240 million contract that includes two opt-outs. Tucker, a career .273/.358/.507 hitter with a 138 wRC+, is expected to bat second or third in the lineup, complementing the offense with his balanced splits and strong bat-to-ball skills. His addition addresses the Dodgers' lacking outfield production from 2025 and is seen as a significant boost to their championship aspirations.

Shane Bieber dealing with 'arm fatigue,' may miss start of 2026 season

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Blue Jays pitcher Shane Bieber, 31, is reportedly dealing with 'arm fatigue' and may not be ready for the start of the 2026 season. Acquired at the 2025 trade deadline after recovering from Tommy John surgery in 2024, Bieber posted a 3.57 ERA in seven regular-season starts (40.1 IP) and a 3.86 ERA in the playoffs. He exercised his player option for 2026. A Cy Young winner with 883.1 career innings and 18.5 bWAR, his health in his 30s is now a significant question mark.