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MLB News

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

Thursday, January 8

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.

Trevor Rogers Avoids Arbitration, Signs $6.2M Deal with Orioles

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Trevor Rogers agreed to a one-year, $6.2 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday, avoiding arbitration. Rogers, who opened the 2025 season on the IL due to a right knee injury, had a strong 2025 campaign, going 9-3 with a 1.81 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, and 103:29 K:BB across 109.2 innings in 18 starts. Given his strong play, Rogers figures to be a key member of the 2026 rotation and a candidate for Opening Day starter.

Shane Baz Avoids Arbitration, Signs $3.5M Deal with Orioles

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Shane Baz agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday, avoiding arbitration. Baz was shipped to the Orioles in mid-December after a 2025 campaign with the Rays where he posted a 10-12 record across 31 starts with a 4.87 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 176:64 K:BB across 166.1 innings. The 26-year-old right-hander is expected to benefit from moving to Camden Yards.

Randy Arozarena Avoids Arbitration, Signs $15.65M Mariners Deal

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Seattle Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena has agreed to a one-year, $15.65 million contract, successfully avoiding arbitration. This deal marks a raise of over $5 million for his final arbitration year. In 2025, his first full season with the Mariners, Arozarena posted a .238/.334/.426 slash line, hitting a career-high 27 homers, 31 stolen bases, 76 RBI, and 95 runs in 160 games. The two-time All-Star is eligible for free agency after the World Series.

Brewers' Freddy Peralta Nears Free Agency, Trade Speculation Mounts

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Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta is entering his final year before becoming a free agent, sparking trade speculation. The team faces a decision regarding his future, with discussions around where he might land if traded.

Oneil Cruz Secures Arbitration Raise

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Oneil Cruz, a player for the Pittsburgh Pirates, is set to receive a raise as part of MLB arbitration proceedings. The exact details of his arbitration settlement are part of a broader day of arbitration deals across the league, with many players securing increased salaries ahead of the Thursday deadline. This news comes as part of a larger update on arbitration day deals.

Gunnar Henderson Avoids Arbitration with $8.5M Deal

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Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles has agreed to a one-year, $8.5 million contract, avoiding arbitration. This is a significant raise for Henderson in his first year of arbitration eligibility. Despite a slight dip in production in 2025, he recorded 17 homers, 30 steals, 68 RBI, 85 runs, and a .787 OPS in 154 games, solidifying his status as a productive shortstop since his 2022 debut.

Taylor Ward Settles at $12.175M, Avoiding Arbitration

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Taylor Ward, an outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles, has settled on a one-year, $12.175 million contract, avoiding arbitration. This deal provides him with a raise of over $4 million in his final arbitration year. Traded from the Angels in November, Ward batted .228 with 36 home runs, 103 RBI, and 86 runs in 157 games during the 2025 season, setting career highs in homers and RBI.

David Peterson Avoids Arbitration, Set to Earn $8.1M with Mets

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David Peterson and the New York Mets have successfully avoided salary arbitration. The pitcher has agreed to a new contract, which will see him earn $8.1 million for the upcoming 2026 MLB season, ensuring his continued presence with the team without the need for a formal hearing.

Tylor Megill Avoids Arbitration, Signs $2.5M Deal with Mets

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Tylor Megill and the New York Mets have successfully avoided salary arbitration. The pitcher has agreed to a new contract worth $2.5 million for the upcoming 2026 MLB season, securing his spot with the club without the need for a formal hearing.

Free Agent Wilmer Flores Reflects on Giants Tenure, Seeks New Opportunity

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Free agent infielder/designated hitter Wilmer Flores, after a six-year career with the San Francisco Giants, believes he still has 'a lot to give' in MLB. During his tenure, Flores posted a .249 batting average with 92 home runs. He highlighted learning to generate power from former Giants hitting coach Justin Viele. Flores is currently navigating a slow free agency market, expressing his desire to continue playing.

Wednesday, January 7

Hayden Wesneski Avoids Arbitration with One-Year Contract

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Houston Astros pitcher Hayden Wesneski has agreed to a one-year contract, successfully avoiding the arbitration process. The right-hander's deal secures his spot with the Astros for the upcoming season. Wesneski joins a group of players, including Brusdar Graterol and Braxton Garrett, who finalized agreements to prevent arbitration hearings, providing clarity for the team's roster.

Dodgers' Brusdar Graterol Signs $2.8M Deal, Returns After Shoulder Surgery

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Dodgers reliever Brusdar Graterol has finalized a one-year, $2.8 million contract, successfully avoiding salary arbitration. This deal marks his return to the bullpen for the upcoming season after missing all of 2025 due to shoulder labrum surgery in November 2024. The 27-year-old right-hander's salary matches his 2024 earnings. Graterol, who posted a career-best 1.20 ERA in 2023, was limited to just seven appearances in 2024 due to shoulder inflammation and a hamstring strain, though he did pitch in three World Series games. He is set to become a free agent after the 2026 season.

Braxton Garrett Avoids Arbitration, Signs One-Year Deal

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Miami Marlins pitcher Braxton Garrett has successfully avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract. The left-hander's new deal secures his position with the team for the upcoming season, sidestepping the arbitration process alongside teammates Brusdar Graterol and Hayden Wesneski. This agreement provides certainty for Garrett and the Marlins as they prepare for the 2026 MLB season.

Michael Lorenzen Finalizes $8M Deal with Rockies, Includes Club Option

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Right-hander Michael Lorenzen has finalized a one-year, $8 million contract with the Colorado Rockies, according to sources familiar with the agreement. The deal, which includes a club option for an additional year, provides the Rockies with a seasoned veteran arm for their pitching staff. Lorenzen's acquisition is expected to bolster the team's rotation as they prepare for the upcoming MLB season, adding depth and experience to their roster.

Bo Bichette's Complicated Free Agency: Upside & Defensive Versatility

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Star shortstop Bo Bichette is navigating a complex free agency, entering the market as an under-30 talent after the Blue Jays signed Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a long-term deal. Despite past injury concerns and a down 2024, Bichette rebounded in 2025 with a .311/.357/.483 slash line and a career-low 14.5% strikeout rate, fueled by an improved pull approach. He also showcased defensive versatility, playing second base in the World Series. While a Blue Jays reunion seems unlikely, teams like the Red Sox, Phillies, Dodgers, and Yankees are potential suitors, valuing his high offensive floor and potential for further growth at 28.

Blue Jays Prioritize Kyle Tucker Trade, Eyeing Long-Term Deal Amidst Market Mystery

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The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly prioritizing a trade for Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker, aiming to offer a longer contract compared to the Mets and Dodgers, who prefer shorter deals. Tucker, considered one of MLB's top talents, is a prime trade target garnering significant league-wide interest. His free agency market is described as a "mystery," with speculation he might accept a high AAV on a short-term contract due to two consecutive injury-plagued second halves. The Blue Jays have intensified their pursuit, seeing Tucker as a better fit for their roster, potentially moving Anthony Santander to left field and George Springer to DH.

Marlins Acquire Owen Caissie, Eyeing Primary Right Field Role for 2026 Season

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Outfielder Owen Caissie, 23, has been acquired by the Miami Marlins from the Cubs in the Edward Cabrera trade, alongside prospects Cristian Hernandez and Edgardo De Leon. Caissie, who made his MLB debut in 2025, is expected to be the Marlins' primary right fielder for the 2026 season. He slashed .281/.380/.507 with 41 home runs at Triple-A Iowa over the past two seasons, demonstrating premium left-handed power and strong on-base skills. Despite a brief, struggling 2025 MLB stint and a 28-29.1% minor league strikeout rate, his power is anticipated to translate, making him an immediate impact bat for Miami.

Cubs Acquire Edward Cabrera in Trade, Bolstering Rotation with High-Upside Arm

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The Chicago Cubs have acquired right-hander Edward Cabrera, 27, from the Miami Marlins in exchange for prospects Owen Caissie, Cristian Hernandez, and Edgardo De Leon. Cabrera, under team control through 2028 and earning ~$3.75M via arbitration in 2026, is expected to significantly bolster the Cubs' rotation. He's coming off a career-best 2025 season where he posted a 3.53 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 150 strikeouts over 137.2 innings, largely due to an improved pitch mix and a career-low 8.3% walk rate. Despite a history of arm ailments, including a September 2025 elbow sprain, he returned to finish the season strong.

Roman Anthony Among Top Young Talent Ranked by Age

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Roman Anthony is featured in an article ranking baseball's best young players by age group. The ranking system compares prospects like Anthony against others such as Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Jackson Chourio, using birth year as the primary criterion. Anthony's inclusion signifies his emergence as a highly-regarded prospect in MLB.