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MLB News

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

Friday, January 9

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.

Free Agent Kyle Tucker Remains Unsigned Amid Mets, Blue Jays, Dodgers Interest

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Free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker remains unsigned with Spring Training a month away. The Mets, Blue Jays, and Dodgers are reportedly among the most interested teams. Conventional wisdom suggested the Blue Jays were the best fit for a long-term deal, but a significant gap in negotiations is suspected. The Dodgers could offer a short-term deal, while the Mets might pursue a four-year, $160 million deal with opt-outs to address their need for a difference-making bat. Tucker is one of several prominent free agents still on the market, with teams seeking value and players seeking long-term security.

Gunnar Henderson Played Through Shoulder Impingement in 2025

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Gunnar Henderson revealed Thursday on WBAL Radio's 'Orioles Hot Stove Show' that he played through a previously unreported shoulder impingement for three-quarters of 2025. The injury, which he believes impacted his offensive performance, saw his wRC+ drop from 154 to 120 and home runs from 37 to 17. Henderson stated he wasn't able to hold the plane or leverage the ball effectively. He now contends he is healthy and anticipates a significant bounce-back season offensively.

Thursday, January 8

Tarik Skubal, Tigers Face Record $13M Arbitration Gap

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Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal and the team are headed to arbitration with a historic $13 million salary gap ($32M requested vs. $19M offered), the widest in MLB history. Skubal's $32M ask, if awarded, would be the largest arbitration salary ever, topping Juan Soto's $31M. The two-time Cy Young winner and 2024 Triple Crown recipient is set for free agency after 2026, with extension talks stalled and a trade considered possible.

Jo Adell Avoids Arbitration with Angels, Lands $5.2M Deal

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Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell agreed to a one-year, $5.2 million contract with the team on Thursday, successfully avoiding arbitration. The deal marks a $3.1 million raise for Adell, who made significant strides in 2025. He became an excellent source of power, smacking 37 long balls paired with a 17.2 percent barrel rate. This agreement resolves his second year of arbitration eligibility, securing his place with the Angels for the upcoming season.

Edward Cabrera Avoids Arbitration, Signs $4.45M Deal with Cubs

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Edward Cabrera agreed to a one-year, $4.45 million contract with the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, successfully avoiding arbitration. Cabrera, who was traded by the Miami Marlins to the Cubs on Wednesday, put together a strong 2025 campaign. With Miami, he finished with an 8-7 record (26 starts), posting a 3.53 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 150:48 K:BB across 137.2 innings. If healthy, he is expected to provide the Cubs with upside and strikeout potential out of their rotation.

Chisholm Avoids Arbitration, Signs $10.2M Deal with Yankees

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New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm has agreed to a one-year, $10.2 million contract, successfully avoiding arbitration. The deal, reported by Jack Curry of YES Network, grants Chisholm approximately a $4.5 million raise from his 2025 salary. This agreement marks his final year of arbitration eligibility. Reports indicate that a long-term contract with the Yankees is not imminent, suggesting Chisholm could be headed for free agency following the 2026 season. Last season, he posted impressive numbers with 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases across 531 plate appearances.

Phillies to Meet with Bo Bichette Amidst $300M Contract Pursuit

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Free agent infielder Bo Bichette is scheduled to meet with the Philadelphia Phillies, intensifying interest in the 27-year-old who is reportedly seeking a $300 million contract. In 2025, Bichette hit .311 with 18 homers, 94 RBI, and 44 doubles, returning from a left knee injury to perform well in the World Series. Despite defensive struggles at shortstop, he's open to playing second base, a likely fit for the Phillies. The Blue Jays, Dodgers, Yankees, and Cubs have also checked in on the infielder.

Kyle Tucker Explores Short-Term Deals Amidst Slow Free Agency

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Top MLB free agent Kyle Tucker is exploring short-term deal options with a higher Average Annual Value, navigating a slow free agency market. Despite the Toronto Blue Jays being considered favorites and hosting him, a deal has yet to materialize. The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets are reportedly interested in a high-AAV short-term contract, which would allow Tucker to re-enter the market. His injury history and a 'ho-hum' 2025 season are noted concerns.

Mason Miller Avoids Arbitration, Set to Close for Padres in 2026

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Mason Miller signed a one-year contract with the Padres on Thursday, avoiding arbitration. Projected at $3.3 million, Miller posted a combined 2.63 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 10 holds, and 22 saves with 104 strikeouts across 61.2 innings for the Athletics and Padres in 2025. After being traded to San Diego in July, he served in a high-leverage role. With Robert Suarez's departure, Miller is now expected to be the Padres' primary closer for the 2026 season.

Camilo Doval Avoids Arbitration, Signs $6.1M Deal with Yankees

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Camilo Doval and the New York Yankees have successfully avoided salary arbitration. The reliever has agreed to a contract that will pay him $6.1 million for the upcoming 2026 MLB season, securing his role with the team without the need for a hearing.

David Bednar Avoids Arbitration, Signs $9M Deal with Yankees

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David Bednar has agreed to a one-year, $9 million contract with the New York Yankees, avoiding arbitration and securing his position as the team's primary closer for the 2026 season. Following a rocky start to 2025 with Pittsburgh, he was traded to the Yankees in late July. Bednar then posted a strong 2.19 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 10 saves (13 opportunities), and a 35:9 K:BB across 24.2 innings in 22 outings for New York, cementing his role.

Logan Gilbert Secures $10.9M Deal, Avoids Arbitration with Mariners

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Logan Gilbert and the Mariners agreed to a one-year, $10.9 million contract Thursday, avoiding arbitration. This marks his third year of arbitration eligibility, securing approximately a $3.4 million raise from 2025. Gilbert had another strong season, maintaining a 3.44 ERA and 1.03 WHIP across 131 innings during the 2025 regular season.

Bryan Abreu Avoids Arbitration, Secures $5.85M with Astros

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Bryan Abreu signed a one-year, $5.85 million contract with the Astros on Thursday, avoiding arbitration. In 2025, Abreu recorded over 100 strikeouts for the third consecutive season, boasting a 35.5% strikeout rate and 41.2% whiff rate. He finished the year with a 2.28 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 25 holds over 71 innings, also logging a career-high seven saves after Josh Hader's mid-August IL stint. Abreu is expected to maintain his high-leverage role in the Astros' bullpen for the 2026 season.

Jason Adam Signs One-Year Deal, Quad Injury Recovery Progressing

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Jason Adam signed a one-year contract with the Padres on Thursday to avoid arbitration. He earned his first All-Star selection in 2025, finishing with a 1.93 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 30 holds, and a 70:25 K:BB across 65.1 innings. His 2025 season ended in September due to a ruptured left quadriceps tendon, requiring 6-9 months recovery. While expected to start 2026 on the injured list, he's projected to throw off a mound in spring training and may avoid a lengthy IL stint.

Brock Stewart Avoids Arbitration, Signs $1.3M Dodgers Deal

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Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Brock Stewart has avoided arbitration, agreeing to a one-year, $1.3 million contract. Stewart, who began his career with the Dodgers before turning into a middle reliever for the Minnesota Twins, made just four appearances with the Dodgers before undergoing right shoulder surgery in September. He is now expected to miss at least part of the upcoming 2026 season while recovering.

Alex Call Avoids Arbitration, Signs $1.6M Deal with Dodgers

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Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Alex Call has avoided arbitration, agreeing to a one-year, $1.6 million contract. In 2025, Call hit .267 with five home runs and 31 RBIs in 110 games, recording a career-high 1.5 WAR. After joining the Dodgers from the Nationals at the trade deadline, he played a reserve role in 38 games and is now set for an increased role in 2026 as utilityman Tommy Edman recovers from ankle surgery.

Anthony Banda Avoids Arbitration, Signs $1.625M Dodgers Deal

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Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Anthony Banda has avoided arbitration, agreeing to a one-year, $1.625 million contract. In 2025, Banda appeared in a career-high 75 games, posting a 3.18 earned-run average. He also recorded 61 strikeouts, 34 walks, and achieved a career-low .197 batting average against, continuing his success in a middle-relief role for the Dodgers.

Nick Lodolo Signs $4.725M Deal, Avoids Arbitration with Reds

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Nick Lodolo signed a one-year, $4.725 million contract with the Reds on Thursday to avoid arbitration. In 2025, he posted a 9-8 record with a 3.33 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 156:31 K:BB across a career-high 156.2 innings over 28 starts. Lodolo spent most of 2025 in the rotation before moving to the bullpen late in the season and during Cincinnati's playoff run. His ERA and WHIP have steadily improved, and his 4.8% walk rate was among MLB's best.

Marlins' Ryan Weathers Avoids Arbitration with One-Year Contract

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Ryan Weathers agreed to a one-year contract with the Miami Marlins on Thursday, avoiding arbitration. The 26-year-old southpaw's 2025 season was hampered by injuries, starting on the IL with a forearm strain and later suffering a lat strain after just five starts. He returned in September, posting a 1-1 record with a 5.27 ERA, 1.68 WHIP, and 14:4 K:BB over 13.2 innings in his final three outings. Weathers, who has only 39 MLB starts in three seasons, is projected for a prominent role in the Marlins' 2026 rotation if he remains healthy.