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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
The Baltimore Orioles appear to be placing their confidence in Colton Cowser as their starting center fielder for 2026. Despite battling injuries and inconsistency in 2025, Cowser showed promise in the latter part of the season. The Orioles have not pursued major additions at the position, suggesting a belief in Cowser's potential to develop and hold the role, with Enrique Bradfield Jr. as a potential future option.
The Atlanta Braves are celebrating the Hall of Fame induction of Andruw Jones. The article also poses a question to fans about how they predict Ronald Acuña Jr. will perform in the 2026 season, indicating ongoing discussion about the star outfielder's future performance.
Veteran left-handed pitcher Tyler Anderson is being considered as a potential addition to the Colorado Rockies' starting rotation. Anderson, a former Rockies draft pick, offers reliable innings-eating ability, having consistently worked at least 130 innings since 2018. His ability to limit hard contact and provide length makes him an intriguing, affordable option for the Rockies as they rebuild.
Anthony Volpe enters the 2026 season facing increased pressure at shortstop for the New York Yankees. Despite his lifelong fandom, Volpe's offensive production (83 wRC+ over three years) has been underwhelming, and his defense regressed in 2025. With top prospects George Lombard Jr. and Dax Kilby emerging, 2026 is a critical year for Volpe to retain his role as he recovers from shoulder surgery.
The Hall of Fame case for former Cardinals center fielder Jim Edmonds is being re-examined, with comparisons drawn to Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina. Edmonds' career WAR, offensive production (wRC+), and defensive prowess are highlighted, alongside his postseason performance. The discussion also touches upon the recent Hall of Fame inductions of Andruw Jones and Carlos Beltrán, and the ongoing debate about Hall of Fame criteria.
The Philadelphia Phillies have announced a reunion with catcher J.T. Realmuto. This news comes amidst discussions about trying to acquire Bo Bichette, highlighting the Phillies' active offseason as they aim to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.
Giants top prospect Bryce Eldridge is in the final week of rehab after having a bone spur removed from his wrist this offseason and is expected to be 100% for spring training. He addressed recent trade rumors, expressing his strong desire to remain with the Giants long-term and make the Opening Day roster. Eldridge will wear No. 8, a choice inspired by Alexander Ovechkin and Lamar Jackson, replacing his previous No. 78. He is eager to play for new manager Tony Vitello.
Giants second baseman Casey Schmitt is nearing 100% health after undergoing wrist surgery due to being hit by a pitch last June. He has been dealing with months of speculation about the team acquiring a veteran at second base, but he's currently training at the position. Schmitt dropped approximately 10 pounds this winter to improve his defensive quickness. The front office plans to utilize him in a utility role if a trade for another second baseman occurs, but he remains focused on his current role.
Infielder Luisangel Acuña, 23, has been traded from the New York Mets to the Chicago White Sox as part of the Luis Robert Jr. deal. Acuña, who struggled in his 2025 big league season (.234 BA, 8 RBI in 95 games), is currently dominating the Venezuelan Winter League with a .282 BA, .397 OBP, .939 OPS, 8 HR, and 12 SB, including a recent four-homer game. Known for his versatility and speed, he's seen as a key piece for the White Sox, despite not finding his footing with the Mets.
The New York Mets have acquired center fielder Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for infielder Luisangel Acuña and RHP Truman Pauley. Robert, 28, is expected to take an everyday starting role. Despite being limited by hamstring strains in 2025, he recorded a career-high 33 stolen bases. He was a 2023 All-Star and Silver Slugger, and a 2020 Gold Glove winner. The Mets will absorb his $20M salary for 2026 and a $20M club option for 2027 ($2M buyout). Robert maintains elite defense and sprint speed despite offensive regression in 2025.
Forecasting Ronald Acuña Jr.'s 2026 production is challenging due to his history of dramatic performance swings and persistent injury concerns, including two ACL tears. Despite offensive adjustments and defensive tentativeness, his 2025 season was statistically good, recording 3.5 fWAR and a 161 wRC+. Health remains the primary question, with his availability significantly impacting his projected WAR. His current contract includes two club options for the 2027-28 seasons.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have acquired Nolan Arenado, who seeks to rebound after a 2025 season marred by a finger injury and shoulder issues he regrets playing through. The multiple Gold and Platinum Glove winner saw his batting decline, but a move to Chase Field is anticipated to boost his power. His elite defense remains a significant asset, projected to add two wins for the Diamondbacks.
Bo Bichette has signed a three-year, $126 million contract with the New York Mets, featuring opt-outs after the first two years. The deal, which sees Bichette projected to play third base, addresses the Mets' need for a right-handed bat. The Philadelphia Phillies, who were reportedly close to a seven-year, $200 million agreement, called the Mets' acquisition a 'gut punch.' Bichette matched his career-high .311 batting average in 2025 with 18 HR and 94 RBI, though he missed playoff time due to a knee injury.
San Francisco Giants pitcher Kai-Wei Teng, despite a 6.37 ERA in 29.2 IP in 2025, is showing promise as a valuable bullpen arm. The 6'4", 241 lbs right-hander's fastball velocity reaches 94-95 mph in relief, effectively pairing with his sweeper, which held batters to a .191 average. He recorded 31 of his 39 strikeouts from these two pitches. After being briefly DFA'd in 2024, Teng demonstrated strong September performance with 27 K's in 16.1 IP, though control remains a work in progress. He has two major league options remaining.
Miguel Andujar, coming off a strong 2025 season where he hit .318 with 10 home runs and an .822 OPS, is drawing significant interest from multiple MLB teams, including the Rangers, Padres, Cardinals, Reds, Cubs, and Athletics. He particularly excels against left-handed pitching, posting a .389 average last season. After battling injuries and a changing role, Andujar has rediscovered his bat over the past two seasons and is likely seeking a one-year contract, potentially in the $5.5-8 million range, with an option for 2027.
Rich Hill, 45, has announced he does not plan to pitch in the 2026 season, though he stopped short of officially retiring. The oldest pitcher in baseball last season, Hill appeared in two games for the Kansas City Royals in 2025, allowing five earned runs over nine innings. He is open to staying involved in baseball in a non-playing capacity. Hill's extensive 21-year career saw him play for 14 different MLB franchises, tying an all-time record.
Kyle Tucker has signed a four-year, $240 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, featuring a $60 million average annual value, making it one of MLB's most expensive deals. This acquisition, which includes $30 million in deferred money, has reportedly incensed MLB team owners. Sources indicate a "100 percent certainty" that owners will now push for a salary cap during upcoming collective bargaining agreement negotiations, fueled by the Dodgers' projected $402.5 million luxury tax payroll for 2026.
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve received positive news regarding the 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame voting. The analysis of the ballots indicates a favorable outlook for Altuve's future induction prospects. This update provides an early look into the potential trajectory for his Hall of Fame candidacy, suggesting a strong position among the candidates.
Utility man Ryan Fitzgerald cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Oklahoma City by the Dodgers, removing him from the 40-man roster. Fitzgerald, who was claimed off waivers from the Twins on January 9, was designated for assignment on January 13 to accommodate Andy Ibáñez. He made his MLB debut in 2025 with the Twins, hitting .196/.302/.457 with four homers in 24 games, and offers versatile defensive depth after hitting .244/.336/.418 with 14 home runs in Triple-A in 2025.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially signed Andy Ibáñez, a move that resulted in utility man Ryan Fitzgerald being designated for assignment on January 13 to clear a 40-man roster spot. Ibáñez's acquisition is part of the Dodgers' recent flurry of activity, which also included the signing of Kyle Tucker. The team's ongoing roster adjustments reflect their efforts to bolster depth and talent for the upcoming season.
