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MLB News

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

Saturday, January 17

Reds Star Elly De La Cruz Rejects Franchise-Record Extension Offer

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Elly De La Cruz, 24, has turned down a franchise-record extension offer from the Cincinnati Reds, which would have surpassed Joey Votto's $225 million deal. Reds President Nick Krall confirmed the offer, stating De La Cruz's agent, Scott Boras, is handling negotiations. The All-Star infielder, who hit 22 HRs, stole 37 bases, and recorded 86 RBIs last season, remains under team control until after the 2029 season. This decision has significant free agency implications, with De La Cruz aiming for a deal comparable to Bobby Witt Jr.'s $288 million extension.

Royals' Kris Bubic Drawing Trade Interest from Multiple Teams

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Kansas City Royals pitcher Kris Bubic is reportedly drawing significant trade interest from several teams, including the Mets, Orioles, Braves, Phillies, and Padres. The Mets are particularly keen, potentially as a fallback if they miss out on Framber Valdez. Despite the widespread interest, a trade is not a certainty, as the interested teams may not align well. Bubic's future with the Royals remains uncertain amidst these ongoing discussions.

Twins Sign Catcher Victor Caratini to 2-Year, $14 Million Deal

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Catcher Victor Caratini, a former Padre, has signed a two-year, $14 million deal with the Minnesota Twins. This agreement adds depth and experience behind the plate for the Twins as the offseason hot stove continues to see major player movements.

J.T. Realmuto Returns to 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 contract. His return solidifies the Phillies' catching position and prompts discussions about his historical standing among the team's catchers. This move comes as other major free agent dominoes fall around the league, with the Phillies securing a key veteran presence.

Bo Bichette Signs 3-Year, $126M Deal with Mets, Shifts to Third Base

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Bo Bichette has signed a three-year, $126 million contract with the New York Mets, with an average annual value of $42 million, after the Mets pivoted from the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes. He is slated to become the Mets' starting third baseman, a position he has not previously played in MLB. The Phillies reportedly offered a longer 7-year, $200 million deal. The contract takes Bichette to his age 31 season, with some speculation about his long-term aging profile. This signing marks a new chapter after seven seasons alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with the Blue Jays.

Craig Stammen Named New Padres Manager, Seeks Coaching Support

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Former reliever Craig Stammen has been appointed as the new manager of the San Diego Padres. Having no prior managerial experience, Stammen is expected to rely heavily on his coaching staff and front office personnel. The Padres' recent hiring of former club member Bud Black is seen as a positive move to support Stammen in his new role, as the team navigates a relatively quiet offseason focused on international prospects.

Red Sox Eye Cubs' Gold Glover Nico Hoerner Amid Trade Rumors

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The Boston Red Sox are reportedly considering a trade for Chicago Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner, who is rumored to be on the market. Hoerner, a two-time Gold Glove winner at second base, posted a 4.8 fWAR in 2025 with a .297/.345/.394 slash line, 7 HR, 61 RBI, and 29 stolen bases, along with exceptional plate discipline. While he lacks power, his defensive prowess and on-base skills make him an attractive target. Hoerner, who turns 29 in May, is set to be a free agent next season and is expected to command a high-value contract, potentially similar to Bo Bichette's recent deal. The Cubs, in "win now" mode, may opt to keep him.

Reliever Nick Robertson Returns to Dodgers on Minor League Deal

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Right-handed reliever Nick Robertson, who debuted with the Dodgers in 2023 before being traded for Kiké Hernández, has signed a minor league contract to return to the organization. The 27-year-old pitched in Triple-A for the Astros and Royals last season, posting a 4.30 ERA with 52 strikeouts. He has also seen major league action with the Red Sox, Cardinals, and Blue Jays in 2023-24.

Dodgers' Max Muncy Welcomes Third Child, Daughter Macie Grace

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Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Max Muncy and his wife, Kellie, celebrated the birth of their third child, a daughter named Macie Grace, on Tuesday. The happy family news comes amidst the Dodgers' busy offseason, which recently included the high-profile signing of Kyle Tucker.

Orioles Show Interest in Veteran Pitcher Justin Verlander

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The Baltimore Orioles are reportedly among several teams interested in acquiring 42-year-old right-hander Justin Verlander, a future Hall of Famer. Verlander, who posted a 3.85 ERA over 152 innings with the San Francisco Giants in 2025, is considered a Plan B for the Orioles as they seek a rotation upgrade. While a deal is not imminent, Verlander would offer innings and guidance, slotting behind Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers. His $15 million salary in 2025 makes him a potentially cheaper option, though his peak velocity and innings totals are behind him.

Nolan Arenado Traded as Cardinals Prioritize Youth Movement

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Veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado has been traded, with the deal now "in the books" as the St. Louis Cardinals continue to reshape their roster. This move aligns with President Chaim Bloom's long-term vision to build a team around young, internally developed talent, trimming veterans who no longer fit the plan. The trade of Arenado, alongside Brendan Donovan, signifies a clear shift in the Cardinals' organizational strategy.

Alex Bregman Joins Cubs, Red Sox Pivot to Ranger Suárez

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Alex Bregman has been acquired by the Chicago Cubs, a move that prompted the Boston Red Sox to pivot and sign Ranger Suárez to a five-year deal after losing out on Bregman. His departure marks a significant shift for the Red Sox, who were reportedly keen on retaining him. This transaction is part of a busy hot stove week that has seen several key players find new homes.

Friday, January 16

Bo Bichette Signs $126M Mets Deal, Shifts to Third Base After Phillies Miss Out

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Two-time All-Star Bo Bichette, 28, signed a 3-year, $126M deal ($42M annually) with the Mets, including opt-outs. He will transition to 3B, a new role with no prior experience and poor SS defensive metrics. Bichette posted a .311/.357/.483 line with 18 HR and 94 RBI in 139 games in 2025, bouncing back from an injury-riddled 2024. Injuries (calf, finger 2024; knee 2023, 2025) remain a concern. The Phillies, who were considered favorites, had reportedly offered a 7-year, $200M deal. Bichette reunites with former Blue Jays teammate Marcus Semien, with whom he shared a successful 2021 season.

Austin Riley's 2026 Outlook Clouded by Injuries, Performance Dip

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Braves 3B Austin Riley, 29, enters his 8th MLB season after two years of declining production, with 4.1 fWAR combined in 2024-25. His 2024 season ended due to a hit-by-pitch, while 2025 was cut short by abdominal strains requiring core surgery, with his xwOBA dipping to .328. Despite defensive improvements, concerns remain regarding his swing-and-miss and contact quality. Riley holds the Braves' most lucrative contract ($212M over 10 years). The team's 2026 success is heavily reliant on his ability to bounce back from these issues.

Mets Claim Infielder Tsung-Che Cheng Off Waivers for Versatile Depth

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The Mets claimed 24-year-old infielder Tsung-Che Cheng off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays, adding versatile depth. Cheng, a lefty-hitter, made his MLB debut in 2025 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, going 0-for-7 in 3 games. He spent most of last season in Triple-A, hitting .209/.307/.271 in 107 games. Over five minor league seasons, he holds a .736 OPS with 35 home runs. Cheng, who can play shortstop, second, and third base, was previously designated for assignment by the Pirates and then by the Rays before being claimed by New York, and is expected to provide minor league depth at Triple-A Syracuse.

Marcus Semien Reunites with Bo Bichette on Mets After Successful Blue Jays Stint

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Marcus Semien will reunite with former Blue Jays teammate Bo Bichette on the Mets, after Bichette's recent signing. The pair shared the middle infield in Toronto during Semien's 2021 season, where both players enjoyed career-best performances. Semien, who signed a one-year deal with the Blue Jays before that campaign, slashed .265/.334/.538 with a career-high 45 homers and 102 RBIs, finishing third in AL MVP voting and earning his first All-Star, Gold Glove, and Silver Slugger awards. The Mets acquired Semien in November, trading Brandon Nimmo to Texas for the veteran second baseman.

Twins Secure Catcher Victor Caratini on Two-Year, $14M Deal

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Catcher Victor Caratini, 32, officially signed a two-year, $14M deal with the Minnesota Twins. He is expected to back up Ryan Jeffers, providing coverage at 1B/DH as needed. Caratini, who spent the last two seasons with the Astros, posted a .263/.329/.406 line with 20 HR and 76 RBI in 114 games in 2025. The Twins will need to make a 40-man roster move to finalize the signing, with fellow catcher Alex Jackson a likely candidate to be moved.

J.T. Realmuto Re-Signs with Phillies on 3-Year, $45M Contract

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Catcher J.T. Realmuto, 35 in March, has re-signed with the Philadelphia Phillies on a 3-year, $45M deal, potentially reaching $60M with incentives. The move came after the Phillies missed out on Bo Bichette. In 2025, Realmuto posted a .257/.315/.384 line with 12 HR and 52 RBI in 134 games, leading MLB in games caught (132). Despite a .700 OPS, he remains a quality hitter with a strong arm, and is central to the pitching staff.

Reds' #5 Prospect Edwin Arroyo Poised for 2026 MLB Debut

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Edwin Arroyo, the Cincinnati Reds' #5 prospect, is poised for a potential MLB debut in early 2026. The 21-year-old shortstop returned to AA Chattanooga in 2025 after missing 2024 with shoulder surgery, improving his slash line to .296/.356/.402 with an 8% walk rate and 13% K-rate from June onward. Lauded for MLB-ready elite defense at shortstop, he's projected to hit .280 with a .340 OBP in the majors. With recent Reds roster changes, including trading Gavin Lux, Arroyo is a logical candidate to move from AAA Louisville to the big league rotation, despite still awaiting his power to fully return and having no Triple-A plate appearances yet.

Free Agent Pitcher Griffin Canning Drawing Interest from Multiple Clubs

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Free agent pitcher Griffin Canning is reportedly drawing interest from the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox, and New York Mets. Canning, who spent last season with the Mets on a one-year deal, had his season cut short by a torn Achilles tendon. Prior to his injury, he demonstrated a groundball rate exceeding 55% and solid strikeout and walk rates. With a career MLB record of 32-37 and a 4.65 ERA, the 29-year-old right-hander is considered a prime bounce-back candidate or a potential trade deadline acquisition if he makes a full recovery from his Achilles injury.