Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Bo Bichette is reportedly a possible fit for the Philadelphia Phillies, with speculation surrounding a potential move. Additionally, the shortstop has been named as a new addition to Team USA's World Baseball Classic roster, indicating his participation in the upcoming international tournament.
The New York Yankees have reportedly tweaked their offer for free-agent outfielder Cody Bellinger, according to hot stove rumors on Tuesday, January 13. This development is part of ongoing MLB trade and free agency discussions as teams continue to negotiate potential deals.
The San Francisco Giants are reportedly showing interest in St. Louis Cardinals utility player Brendan Donovan, according to hot stove rumors circulating on Tuesday, January 13. This news comes amidst other MLB trade and free agency discussions as teams explore roster adjustments.
The Philadelphia Phillies acquired right-handed reliever Chase Shugart, 29, from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for minor league infielder Francisco Loreto, filling their 40-man roster. Shugart is coming off a strong 2025 season, posting a 3.40 ERA and 1.11 WHIP over 45 relief innings. The former Red Sox 12th-round pick features a five-pitch mix, including a ~95 mph fastball, and was particularly tough on right-handed hitters. He has one minor league option remaining, providing bullpen flexibility.
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is listed among the stars expected to make the Team USA World Baseball Classic lineup. The article focuses on predicting how manager Mark DeRosa will organize the roster, with Raleigh's inclusion being a key part of the potential squad. This projection indicates his readiness to play for the national team.
Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper is among the prominent players predicted to be part of the Team USA World Baseball Classic lineup. The article speculates on how manager Mark DeRosa will organize the roster, highlighting Harper's potential role in the star-studded squad. His inclusion suggests he is ready to contribute to the national team's efforts.
New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is featured as one of the top players anticipated to be in the Team USA World Baseball Classic lineup. The article explores how manager Mark DeRosa might organize his star-studded roster, with Judge expected to be a central figure in the potential squad. This prediction highlights his readiness to play for the national team.
The San Francisco Giants are reportedly aggressively pursuing a trade for St. Louis Cardinals infielder Brendan Donovan. Donovan, a former All-Star and Gold Glove Award winner, posted a .287/.353/.422 slash line with 10 home runs and 50 RBI in 118 games last season. The Giants are actively seeking an infield upgrade, with Donovan being a key target in their offseason moves to bolster their roster.
Nico Hoerner is reportedly a target of aggressive trade pursuits by the San Francisco Giants. This comes as the Chicago Cubs are evaluating his role following the acquisition of Alex Bregman, a move that could make the infielder expendable. Hoerner, a two-time Gold Glove Award winner and Bay Area native, batted .297/.345/.394 with seven home runs, 61 RBI, and 29 stolen bases in 156 games last season. His potential move could significantly impact both the Cubs' lineup and the Giants' infield plans.
The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired left-handed pitcher Ken Waldichuk from the Atlanta Braves. The trade, which also included infielder Brett Wisely, was finalized on Monday in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later. Waldichuk will join the Rays' pitching staff.
The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired infielder Brett Wisely from the Atlanta Braves. The trade, which also included left-hander Ken Waldichuk, was completed on Monday in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later. Wisely joins the Rays as part of their ongoing roster adjustments.
New York Mets' right-hander Nolan McLean has topped MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 RHP prospects for 2026. The Oklahoma State product had a tremendous season, finishing 11th in NL Rookie of the Year voting. He posted an impressive 2.06 ERA and 1.04 WHIP with 57 strikeouts over his first eight career outings. McLean is expected to play a significant role in the Mets’ rotation from the start of the upcoming season.
New York Mets' 22-year-old right-hander Jonah Tong has been ranked No. 7 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 RHP prospects for 2026. Coming off a season where he cruised through the minors and earned Mets Minor League Pitcher of the Year, Tong showed flashes of potential in the majors but struggled to a 7.71 ERA over five outings. He is considered "highly coveted" in trade talks, though the Mets value him greatly. He could play a role in the majors this season, but more minor league time might be beneficial.
Alex Bregman officially joined the Chicago Cubs on a five-year, $175 million contract, including a full no-trade clause. This significant offseason move leaves the Boston Red Sox disappointed, as they failed to re-sign him after offering $165 million with deferrals and no no-trade clause. The Cubs are now evaluating Nico Hoerner's role, while the Red Sox face a massive question mark at third base, having lost both Bregman and Rafael Devers. Boston's offseason is considered an "unmitigated disaster" after this development.
Outfielder Kyle Tucker, 29, remains a highly sought-after free agent, actively engaging with top suitors as spring training approaches. He is expected to command the highest sticker price in this class, with an average annual value exceeding $30 million, and is reportedly seeking a 10-year contract. While early projections of $400 million might be ambitious, the Dodgers are among the teams showing interest, patiently monitoring his market. Tucker is one of the big names still unsigned a month before spring training.
Trey Yesavage has been identified as a prominent prospect within the American League East. The division is characterized by its balanced competition. Yesavage's inclusion underscores his standing among the league's emerging talent.
Samuel Basallo is recognized as one of the top prospects in the American League East division. The AL East is noted for its even distribution of talent among its teams. This ranking highlights Basallo's potential within a competitive landscape.
Left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez, 32, stands as the top available free agent pitcher this offseason. After an impressively consistent tenure with the Astros, he is expected to field multiple multiyear offers. While his age may limit the length of a deal, Sportrac estimates his average annual value at $33.3 million, making it the highest among current free-agent pitchers. Valdez remains unsigned as spring training is just a month away.
Free agent shortstop Bo Bichette, 28, is reportedly seeking a deal worth around $300 million, making him a challenging target for teams like the Red Sox, who consider him a "no-brainer Plan B" after missing Alex Bregman. Bichette, who can play any infield position, displayed toughness in the World Series despite a knee injury and has consistently delivered over 175 hits with above-average power. The Cubs are also interested in him for third base if he's open to a shorter, high-AAV deal. He remains unsigned as spring training approaches.
Outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger, 30, remains a prominent MLB free agent, having rehabilitated his reputation with three excellent seasons. The Yankees have reportedly offered him a deal worth over $30 million annually, but Bellinger is holding firm on his desire for a seven-year contract. A reunion with the Dodgers is a popular discussion point but seems unlikely. Bellinger is one of several big names still unsigned as spring training approaches next month.
