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MLB News

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

Sunday, January 11

Bregman's Cubs Deal Impacts MLB Offseason, Including Bo Bichette

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Bo Bichette is among the players whose situations are being re-evaluated following Alex Bregman's new five-year, $175 million contract with the Chicago Cubs. While specific details regarding Bichette's direct impact are not yet outlined, Bregman's significant deal is expected to shift the overall MLB offseason landscape with two months remaining. As a prominent player for the Toronto Blue Jays, Bichette's future and potential contract implications are now part of the broader discussion surrounding top-tier free agents.

Yankees, Cody Bellinger Negotiations Hit Impasse in Hot Stove

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Latest MLB hot stove rumors indicate an 'impasse' has been reached between the New York Yankees and free agent outfielder Cody Bellinger. The negotiations are a key part of Sunday's MLB news, suggesting a potential hurdle in Bellinger's anticipated landing spot. Fans await further developments as the hot stove continues to heat up.

Saturday, January 10

Alex Bregman Signs Five-Year, $175M Deal with Chicago Cubs

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All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman has agreed to a five-year, $175 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, including a full no-trade clause and $70 million deferred. Bregman, 31, opted out of his Red Sox deal after a 2025 season where he slashed .273/.360/.462 with 18 HR and 62 RBI in 114 games, despite missing June with a quad injury. He's expected to be Chicago's starting third baseman, bolstering an already strong infield. This is the Cubs' second major offseason move.

Mets' Luisangel Acuña Makes History with 4-Homer Game in Venezuela

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Mets infielder Luisangel Acuña, 23, made history in the Venezuelan Winter League, hitting an unprecedented four home runs and driving in seven RBIs for Cardenales de Lara. He finished 4-for-6 with six runs scored, marking the first 4-homer game in LVBP's 80-year history and the first in any professional winter league since 1995. Acuña, who had an inconsistent 2025 MLB season (.234/.293/.274 in 95 games) after a strong 2024 call-up, will look to carry this power into spring training.

Top Free Agent Kyle Tucker Remains Unsigned After Bregman Deal

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Outfielder Kyle Tucker, who was ranked as Yahoo Sports' No. 1 free agent this winter, ahead of newly signed Alex Bregman, remains a top target on the market. With Bregman now off the board after agreeing to a deal with the Cubs, the focus of free agency shifts to other prominent hitters like Tucker, Bo Bichette, and Cody Bellinger, as teams continue to seek impact talent before spring training.

Freddie Freeman Withdraws from World Baseball Classic

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Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman has withdrawn from Team Canada's roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic due to personal reasons. Freeman, a 9-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, previously represented Canada in the 2017 and 2023 WBCs. His absence is a significant blow to Canada's lineup, though Josh Naylor is another option at first base. The 2026 WBC is scheduled to begin on March 5.

Rockies Acquire Outfielder Jake McCarthy from Diamondbacks

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The Colorado Rockies have acquired outfielder Jake McCarthy from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for minor league pitcher Josh Grosz. McCarthy, 28, played five seasons with the D-backs, notably finishing fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2022 after hitting .283 with eight homers, 43 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases. However, he experienced a slump last season, batting .204 with four homers and 20 RBIs. Grosz, 23, was acquired by the Rockies last summer and went 5-14 with a 4.67 ERA in High-A ball.

Cody Bellinger, Yankees Contract Negotiations Reach Impasse

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Contract negotiations between free agent Cody Bellinger and the New York Yankees have reached an impasse, according to league sources. The slugger's future with the Yankees remains uncertain as both sides struggle to find common ground on a deal, potentially leaving him to explore other options.

Atlanta Braves Secure Reliever Tyler Kinley on $3M Contract

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The Atlanta Braves have successfully brought back right-handed reliever Tyler Kinley, signing him to a one-year, $3 million contract. Kinley posted an impressive 5-0 record with a 0.72 ERA for the Braves last season, making his return a key move for the bullpen.

Brewers Eye Specific Trade for Freddy Peralta Amid MLB Rumors

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The Milwaukee Brewers are reportedly seeking a specific trade package for pitcher Freddy Peralta, as part of ongoing MLB murmurs and moves on Saturday, Jan. 10. The team's particular desire for a certain return in exchange for Peralta is a key aspect of current trade discussions. This update comes amidst other league transactions, including the St. Louis Cardinals adding a veteran reliever, highlighting a busy period for team roster adjustments and potential player movements.

New A's 2B Jeff McNeil Healthy After Shoulder Surgery, Ready for Fresh Start

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New Athletics second baseman Jeff McNeil, acquired from the Mets earlier this offseason, is '100 percent' after undergoing a minor procedure for thoracic outlet syndrome on his right shoulder following the 2025 season. The 2022 batting champion expressed excitement for a fresh start in California, near his hometown, and to play at Sutter Health Park. McNeil, who has ties to the Sacramento area, also shared about his relationship with A's left fielder Tyler Soderstrom. He noted the shoulder issue had bothered him late last year but is now resolved with no Spring Training restrictions.

Giants Sign Veteran Catcher Eric Haase to Minor League Deal

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Veteran catcher Eric Haase has reportedly agreed to a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants, which includes an invitation to spring training and a $1.6 million salary if he makes the team, with an opt-out clause. The 33-year-old, an eight-year MLB veteran, holds a career .228/.278/.396 slash line with 48 home runs. Haase will compete with Patrick Bailey, Jesús Rodríguez, and Daniel Susac for an Opening Day roster spot.

Friday, January 9

Former Mets RHP Ryne Stanek Inks Deal with St. Louis Cardinals

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Ryne Stanek has signed a deal with the St. Louis Cardinals, concluding his time with the New York Mets. The right-hander was acquired by the Mets in mid-2024 from the Mariners, making 17 appearances with a 6.06 ERA that year, plus a 3.38 ERA in seven postseason games. After re-signing for 2025, Stanek pitched in 65 games for the Mets, posting a 5.30 ERA and securing three saves. He is among several 2025 Mets relievers who have since departed the team.

Free Agent Max Kepler Suspended 80 Games for Epitrenbolone PED Violation

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Free agent outfielder Max Kepler, 32, has been suspended 80 games by MLB for violating the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program after testing positive for Epitrenbolone, a synthetic anabolic steroid. The suspension takes effect immediately and makes him ineligible for the 2026 postseason. Kepler accepted the discipline without contesting. He spent 2025 with the Philadelphia Phillies on a one-year, $10M deal, slashing .216/.300/.391 with 18 HR and 52 RBI in 127 games. Formerly with the Twins, his recent production and this suspension will likely hinder his ability to secure a new contract. He was slowed by patellar tendinitis in 2024 and had core surgery after the season.

Cubs Acquire Edward Cabrera from Marlins, Bolstering Rotation with High-Velocity Arm

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The Cubs have acquired 27-year-old RHP Edward Cabrera from the Marlins for three prospects, including Owen Caissie. Cabrera, with three years of club control, made significant improvements last season, posting a 3.53 ERA, 25.8% K-rate, and career-low 8.3% walk rate over 137 2/3 innings. Despite a career 4.07 ERA, he features elite stuff: a 96.9 mph fastball, dominant curveball (.142 BA, 45.2% whiff), 94.2 mph changeup, and tight slider. His arm angle adjustment led to a more effective sinker and better curveball separation. The Cubs are betting on his upside and health, despite prior elbow questions.

Yankees Claim RHP Kaleb Ort Off Waivers From Astros

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The Yankees have claimed 33-year-old right-handed reliever Kaleb Ort off waivers from the Houston Astros. Ort was designated for assignment to make room for Tatsuya Imai. He spent the last two years in Houston's bullpen, recording a career-best 2.55 ERA in 22 appearances in 2024. Last season, he posted a 4.89 ERA over 49 innings before missing the final two months with elbow inflammation. Ort will now compete for a spot in the Yankees' bullpen during spring training.

Tarik Skubal Seeks Record $32M in Arbitration, Tigers Offer $19M

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Detroit Tigers star pitcher Tarik Skubal, 29, failed to reach a 2026 salary agreement with the team before Thursday's deadline, leading to arbitration. Skubal is asking for a record $32 million, while the Tigers offered $19 million. This contract dispute could impact future trade discussions. A two-time AL Cy Young winner and All-Star, Skubal was 13-6 with an AL-best 2.21 ERA in 31 starts last year, striking out 241 in 195 1/3 innings with a 0.891 WHIP. He is 54-37 with a 3.08 ERA in six MLB seasons and will be eligible for free agency after the World Series. Hearings are scheduled from Jan. 26 to Feb. 13.

D-backs Halt Ketel Marte Trade Talks, Keep Star 2B for 2026

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The Arizona Diamondbacks have decided against trading Ketel Marte this offseason, with GM Mike Hazen indicating a soft deadline for offers has passed. Marte, who posted a .283/.376/.517 slash line with 28 home runs in 2025, is owed $102.5 million over the next six seasons and will return to second base for Arizona. Despite his big numbers and team-friendly deal, he reportedly irked some teammates during the 2025 season.

Phillies, J.T. Realmuto Remain in Standoff Amid Hot Stove Buzz

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The Philadelphia Phillies and catcher J.T. Realmuto are reportedly still in a standoff, according to the latest buzz from baseball's hot stove on Friday, January 9. The situation remains a key point of interest in current MLB rumors, with no further details on the nature of the disagreement or potential resolution immediately available.

Free Agent Framber Valdez Linked to Mets, Orioles Amid Pitching Needs

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Free agent pitcher Framber Valdez is reportedly drawing interest from the Mets and Orioles as Spring Training approaches. The Mets, in particular, have significant needs in their starting rotation. Valdez is expected to command a three- or four-year deal, which would align with the Mets' preferred parameters for free agent pitchers. While signing both Valdez and Kyle Tucker could strain the Mets' payroll, acquiring one and addressing other needs via trade is a sensible outcome. Valdez is considered a legitimate top-of-the-rotation option for teams looking to bolster their pitching staff.