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MLB News

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

Friday, January 16

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.

Kyle Tucker Signs Historic $240M Dodgers Deal, Sets New AAV Record

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Four-time All-Star Kyle Tucker, turning 29, signed a 4-year, $240M contract with the Dodgers, including a $64M signing bonus and $30M deferred. His $57.1M AAV sets a new record for a non-two-way player. The Mets offered $220M. In an injury-marred 2025 season with the Cubs, he batted .266 with 22 HR, 73 RBI, and 25 SB, showing elite plate discipline. This move bolsters the Dodgers' lineup, though it will cost them 3rd and 6th-round draft picks in 2026 due to competitive balance tax penalties. The deal, and the Dodgers' spending, is stoking lockout fears for 2027.

Bud Black Joins Padres Front Office to Advise New Manager Craig Stammen

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Former Padres manager Bud Black has joined the San Diego Padres' front office as an advisor to Craig Stammen, who is transitioning from an executive role to field manager. Stammen, lacking professional managerial experience, will benefit from Black's extensive background, which includes 18 seasons as a major league manager (2007-15 with Padres, 2017-25 with Rockies), two postseason berths with the Rockies, and 649 wins with the Padres. Black's mentorship is expected to be invaluable in helping Stammen navigate the complexities of his new managerial role.

Nats' DJ Herz Targeting 2026 Return After Tommy John Surgery

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Nationals LHP DJ Herz, expected to be a key part of the 2025 rotation, is targeting a 2026 return after Tommy John Surgery in April 2025. Herz posted a 4.16 ERA and 3.71 FIP with over 10 K/9 in 88.2 innings in 2024. His recovery, typically 9-18 months, will begin in the minors with a gradual build-up of innings. While an initial bullpen role is possible, the primary focus for 2026 is achieving 100% health for the 2027 season, rather than rushing his return for a team with low expectations.

Tim Tawa Played 74 Games for D-backs in 2025

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Tim Tawa, who was identified as a "dark horse" candidate for the Arizona Diamondbacks' roster in 2025, ended up playing 74 games for the D-backs during that season. This historical note highlights his previous presence on the major league roster.

D-backs' Top Pitching Prospect Kohl Drake Nears MLB Readiness

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Kohl Drake, the Arizona Diamondbacks' #6 prospect and consensus top pitcher, is nearing a major league call-up. The 25-year-old LHP, an 11th-round pick in 2022, excelled in Double-A in 2025 with a 2.44 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 55.1 innings. Despite struggling in Triple-A (9.18 ERA) and ending 2025 with a shoulder sprain, he is expected to be fully recovered for spring training and was added to the 40-man roster. His fastball sits 93-94 mph, and his deceptive delivery, combined with a developing curveball and changeup, project him as a potential No. 4 starter.

Mets' Ronny Mauricio Faces Uncertain Future After Bichette Signing

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Former top prospect Ronny Mauricio, turning 25, faces an uncertain future with the Mets following Bo Bichette's arrival. Mauricio hit .226/.293/.369 in 184 PA last year after missing all of 2024 with an ACL tear. While he showed promise in a small 2025 minor league sample (.323/.384/.508), his path to playing time is now less clear due to the Mets' crowded infield. A switch-hitter primarily effective from the left side, Mauricio has extensive experience at 3B, 2B, and AAA left field. Still cheap as a pre-arb player with an option, he is now a potential trade candidate as the Mets navigate their infield logjam.

Gavin Lux Traded to Rays in Three-Team Deal, Expected to Play 2B

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Infielder Gavin Lux, 28, has been acquired by the Tampa Bay Rays from the Cincinnati Reds in a three-team trade that also sent Josh Lowe to the Angels and Brock Burke to the Reds. Lux, who missed 2023 with an ACL tear, hit .269 with 5 HR and 53 RBI in his sole 2025 season with the Reds, playing DH, LF, and 2B. His defensive skills declined at 2B/3B. The Rays view him as a one-year stopgap, providing a new infield option with reps at second base, aligning with their focus on bat-to-ball ability. Lux, who has no options remaining, is expected on the Opening Day roster and will be a free agent after 2026.

Framber Valdez Explores Free Agency; Mets, Orioles Among Ideal Fits

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Former Houston Astros left-hander Framber Valdez is currently a free agent. Reports are speculating on ideal destinations for the southpaw, with the New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles highlighted as potential fits among other MLB teams.

Free Agent Infielder Sergio Alcántara Pitched for Cubs in 2021

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Infielder Sergio Alcántara, currently a free agent, notably pitched one out for the Chicago Cubs in 2021, throwing pitches up to 91 mph during a long doubleheader. After his time with the Cubs, Alcántara spent seasons with the Diamondbacks and Padres, and made one appearance for the Giants in 2025.

Judge's Elite Metrics Outshine Tucker's Record Contract

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Despite Kyle Tucker's record $60M AAV, Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, a three-time MVP, earns $20M less per season. Judge, who signed a 9-year, $360M deal before his age-31 season, demonstrated elite 2025 Baseball Savant metrics, ranking in the 100th percentile for batting run value, xWOBA, and walk rate, showcasing superior overall offensive production.

Reliever Brock Burke Traded to Reds in Three-Team Deal

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Left-handed reliever Brock Burke, 29, has been traded from the Los Angeles Angels to the Cincinnati Reds in a three-team deal. Outfielder Josh Lowe moved from Rays to Angels, and infielder Gavin Lux from Reds to Rays. Burke posted a 7-1 record with a 3.36 ERA in 68 relief appearances and one start for the Angels last season. He has a $2.325M salary and is a free agent after 2026. Burke, who previously struggled with shoulder issues, had a 3.40 ERA in 82 innings over 90 appearances for the Angels after being claimed off waivers in 2024. His addition is expected to strengthen the Reds' bullpen.

Outfielder Josh Lowe Traded to Angels in Three-Team Deal

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Outfielder Josh Lowe, turning 28, has been traded from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Los Angeles Angels as part of a three-team deal involving the Reds. Lowe, who signed a 1-year, $2.6M contract and is FA-eligible after 2028, had a career-worst 2025 season, batting .220 with 11 HR and 40 RBI, missing significant time due to his third right oblique injury in 13 months. While he had a strong 2023 season (.292/.335/.500, 32 SB), his production declined in 2024-25, especially against left-handed pitching. The Angels hope to help him recapture his previous form, acquiring a player with team control through 2028.

Michael Lorenzen Joins Rockies, Eager for Coors Field Challenge

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RHP Michael Lorenzen, 34, has officially signed a one-year, $8 million deal with the Colorado Rockies, drawn by the unique challenge of pitching at Coors Field. Lorenzen, who has ties to the new Rockies pitching staff, brings a six-pitch arsenal and plans to add another, having developed a consistent sweeper, gyro, and cutter. His fastball sits 93-94 mph. Described as an aggressive strike-thrower with a deep arsenal, he is seen as crucial for keeping hitters off balance at altitude. Lorenzen views the opportunity as "untapped" for problem-solving and believes there's "low-hanging fruit" for performance increases within the team.

Phillies Reliever Brad Keller Named to Team USA Bullpen

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New Philadelphia Phillies reliever Brad Keller has been announced as a member of Team USA's bullpen, joining Mason Miller, Griffin Jax, Gabe Speier, and David Bednar for late-inning work. Keller is coming off a breakout season with the Cubs last year, where he posted a career-best 2.07 ERA and 9.7 K/9. His success is partly attributed to a nearly four-mph increase in fastball velocity, two years after recovering from a Thoracic Outlet Syndrome injury.

Tarik Skubal: Tigers' 'Best Pitcher' Remains Longshot Trade Target Amid Arbitration

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Tarik Skubal, recognized as the game's best pitcher, is currently bracing for an arbitration hearing with the Detroit Tigers. Despite his elite status, a trade remains a longshot, even as teams like the Mets explore pitching reinforcements. Skubal's situation is noted amidst ongoing hot stove rumors, with controllable starting pitchers demanding large prospect hauls this offseason. His potential availability is a significant topic, though the Tigers are expected to retain their ace.

Cody Bellinger Remains Top Free Agent Outfielder Amidst Mets, Yankees Interest

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Cody Bellinger is now considered the best remaining free-agent outfielder after Kyle Tucker's signing. The Mets are reportedly shifting their attention to Bellinger, who posted a 125 OPS+ and 4.9 fWAR last season, surpassing Tucker's fWAR. Known for his elite defense (+9 fielding run value, 91st percentile), Bellinger can play all three outfield positions and first base. The Yankees are actively pursuing a reunion, having enhanced their offer, while Bellinger's camp seeks a seven-year deal. The Giants and Blue Jays are also potential suitors for the 31-year-old.

Mets Reliever Prospect Dylan Ross Shows High-Leverage Potential

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Mets prospect Dylan Ross, a power reliever, was called up late in the 2025 season but did not play. After a Tommy John revision, he debuted professionally in September 2024. In 2025, across three minor league levels (mostly Triple-A), he posted a 2.17 ERA with 80 strikeouts in 54 innings, though he issued 33 walks. His command is expected to improve with more reps (only 66.2 innings since 2022). Ross features a 97-101 mph fastball, a low-90s splitter (48.3% whiff rate), and an upper-80s slider (67.7% whiff rate). He is considered to have high-leverage, setup potential and is expected to compete for a bullpen spot on the Mets' Opening Day roster.

Triston Casas' Knee Rehab Targets May 1 Return, Misses Opening Day

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Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas (knee) is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day, stating it would be a 'tight squeeze.' Doctors have indicated a typical 12-month recovery from patellar tendon surgery, suggesting his season debut will likely be around May 1. Casas is currently rehabbing at the team's spring training facility in Florida and hopes to participate in some spring training games. The Red Sox's acquisition of Willson Contreras allows them to proceed cautiously with Casas' recovery timeline.