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MLB News

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

Sunday, December 21, 2025

Red Sox Land Willson Contreras in Trade; Shoulder Injury Status Raises Concerns

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Willson Contreras has been traded to the Boston Red Sox from the St. Louis Cardinals for RHP Hunter Dobbins and minor leaguers. The 33-year-old, who waived his no-trade clause, transitioned to first base full-time in 2025. Last season, he slashed .257/.344/.447 with 20 HR, 80 RBI, and 5 SB, also ranking 4th in MLB first basemen with +6 OAA. Contreras ended 2025 on the IL with a right shoulder strain, making his spring training readiness uncertain. He is signed through 2027 with $36.5M remaining. This marks Boston's second big trade of the offseason, acquiring a much-needed 'big bat'.

Hunter Dobbins Traded to Cardinals; Expected Ready for Spring After ACL Surgery

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Right-hander Hunter Dobbins was traded from the Red Sox to the St. Louis Cardinals as part of the package for Willson Contreras. Dobbins' 2025 season was cut short in mid-July by a torn ACL in his right knee, requiring surgery. He began a throwing progression in early November and is slated to be ready for spring training. In 13 MLB appearances (11 starts) in 2025, he posted a 4.13 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 45:17 K:BB across 61 innings. He could compete for a spot in the Cardinals' rotation.

Red Sox Acquired Pitcher Sonny Gray from Cardinals Earlier This Winter

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Pitcher Sonny Gray was acquired by the Boston Red Sox from the St. Louis Cardinals earlier this winter. This move brought a veteran arm to Boston's pitching rotation, strengthening their staff for the upcoming season. Gray's acquisition was a notable transaction during the offseason, signaling the Red Sox's intent to bolster their roster with experienced talent. The deal was completed prior to the recent trade involving Willson Contreras, establishing an earlier significant roster change for the Red Sox.

Blue Jays Reportedly Interested in Star Third Baseman Alex Bregman

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Sunday's MLB rumors indicate the Toronto Blue Jays have shown interest in Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman. This development is part of the ongoing league-wide discussions and potential roster adjustments. While specific details regarding the nature of the interest or any potential trade talks remain undisclosed, Bregman's name is circulating in the latest round of MLB moves and rumors as teams prepare for the upcoming season.

Saturday, December 20, 2025

Yankees Secure Reliever Paul Blackburn on $2M One-Year Deal

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The New York Yankees have officially signed reliever Paul Blackburn to a one-year contract. The deal is reportedly worth $2 million, according to a source close to ESPN. This move solidifies Blackburn's role with the Yankees, ensuring his presence on the roster for the upcoming season as they bolster their bullpen.

Padres Ink Michael King to 3-Year, $75M Deal with Opt-Outs

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Michael King re-signed with the San Diego Padres for three years, $75 million, featuring opt-out clauses after the 2026 and 2027 seasons. The deal includes a $12M signing bonus, a $5M salary for next season, and player options for 2027 ($28M) and 2028 ($30M). King, 31 in May, posted a 5-3 record with a 3.44 ERA in 15 starts last season, despite missing time due to shoulder and knee issues. His return significantly impacts the Padres' starting pitching market and future plans.

Mets Outright LHP Brandon Waddell to Triple-A After Clearing Waivers

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The New York Mets have outrighted LHP Brandon Waddell to Triple-A Syracuse after he cleared waivers. Waddell, who was brought back on a one-year major league deal this offseason and given a 40-man roster spot, was recently designated for assignment to make room for C Drew Romo. He will remain with the organization and is expected to start the year with Syracuse, but could contribute in the big leagues if needed. Last season, Waddell posted a 3.45 ERA over 31.1 innings in 11 outings with the Mets.

Merrill Kelly Finalizes $40M, 2-Year Deal with Diamondbacks

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Merrill Kelly has finalized a two-year, $40 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, marking his official return. The contract includes a $2 million signing bonus, $17 million in 2026, $21 million in 2027, and a vesting option for 2028 ($12M-$14M based on innings). The 37-year-old right-hander, who was traded to the Texas Rangers in July, finished 2025 with a combined 12-9 record and a 3.52 ERA. He is expected to be the D-backs' No. 1 starter next spring and was a key part of their 2023 World Series run.

Orioles Acquire RHP Shane Baz from Rays in Multi-Player Trade

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The Baltimore Orioles have acquired right-hander Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for four minor leaguers (Caden Bodine, Slater de Brun, Michael Forret, Austin Overn) and a competitive balance draft pick (No. 33). The 26-year-old Baz posted a 10-12 record with a 4.87 ERA in 31 starts last season, his first full year post-Tommy John surgery, following a 4-3, 3.06 ERA in 14 starts in 2024. Baz, a former first-round pick, is expected to see his $1.45 million salary double for 2026, and the Orioles can retain him for at least three seasons.

Luke Weaver Signs 2-Year Deal with Mets After Yankees Departure

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Right-hander Luke Weaver has signed a two-year pact with the New York Mets, moving across town after his contract with the Yankees expired. Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed satisfaction for Weaver, noting he "earned" his new deal. Weaver transitioned from a journeyman starter to a reliable setup man for the Yankees, posting a 2.82 ERA and 0.92 WHIP with 103 strikeouts over 84.0 innings in his first full season. Despite a hamstring injury and playoff struggles last year, he finished his Yankees tenure with a 3.22 ERA and 12 saves across 129 appearances. He is expected to set up for Devin Williams with the Mets.

Mets' Polanco Primed for 1B/DH Role After Mariners Training

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New Mets infielder Jorge Polanco is expected to see significant time at first base and DH this season, despite limited big-league game action at 1B. Last season, the Mariners prepared him for the position, with coach Perry Hill working with him for over two months on skills like holding runners and throwing to second. Though those skills weren't used in games due to Seattle's need at second, Polanco will apply them in Port St. Lucie. Hill noted Polanco is an 'A-plus person' ready to work. He aims to help fill the void left by Pete Alonso's departure.

Friday, December 19, 2025

Yankees Re-Sign Paul Blackburn to One-Year Deal Worth Up To $2.5M

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Paul Blackburn has re-signed with the New York Yankees on a one-year contract worth $2 million guaranteed, with incentives potentially reaching $2.5 million. The right-hander, 32, returns to the Bronx after joining late last season following his release by the Mets. He made eight regular season appearances for the Yankees, posting a 5.28 ERA in 15.1 innings, and pitched in the ALDS. Blackburn, who had a 6.85 ERA with the Mets before his release, will receive additional incentives for exceeding various innings pitched thresholds, starting at 80 IP, with a career-high of 111.1 IP in 2022.

Shohei Ohtani's Rare MVP Card Fetches Record $3 Million at Auction

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Shohei Ohtani's super-rare, on-card autographed, one-of-one numbered MVP card achieved a record-breaking sale, fetching $3 million including buyer's premium via Fanatics Collect. This significant transaction underscores the immense value and high demand for unique memorabilia tied to the MLB superstar, setting a new benchmark in the sports card market. The Dodgers star continues to be associated with greatness even in the offseason.

Red Sox Acquire Jake Bennett, Praising Pitcher's Size, Extension, and Polish

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The Red Sox have acquired left-hander Jake Bennett, praising his fit within their pitching mold due to his size, extension, and polish. Standing 6-foot-6, 234 pounds, Bennett returned from 2023 Tommy John surgery to post a 2.27 ERA and 1.08 WHIP over 19 appearances. He averaged 7.02 feet of extension in the Fall League, ranking in the 93rd percentile among MLB pitchers. His arsenal includes a 60-grade changeup with a 40.3% whiff rate. Boston views him as a 'Major League-caliber starting pitcher' with a unique combination of whiff and strikes, likely starting 2026 with Triple-A Worcester.

Phillies Eye Framber Valdez as Top MLB Free Agent Target

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The Philadelphia Phillies, known for their aggressive offseason strategy, are reportedly considering Framber Valdez as a key target among MLB free agents. Despite their current acquisitions, the team is looking to further strengthen their roster by potentially signing Valdez, who is highlighted as one of three additional free agents the Phillies should pursue to bolster their lineup.

Pirates Land All-Star 2B Brandon Lowe in Blockbuster Three-Team Trade

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The Pittsburgh Pirates have officially acquired two-time All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe, 31, from the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-team trade also involving the Houston Astros. Lowe, an All-Star in 2019 and 2025, hit .256 with 31 homers and 83 RBIs in 134 games last season, including a 20-game hitting streak. He is entering the final year of his $11.5 million club control for 2026 and is expected to significantly boost Pittsburgh's offense. The Pirates also received OF Jake Mangum and LHP Mason Montgomery, while sending RHP Mike Burrows to Houston. The Rays acquired OF Jacob Melton and RHP Anderson Brito from Houston. Lowe's left-handed bat is a key addition for the Pirates.

Yankees' Amed Rosario to Train for First Base Role This Offseason

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Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced Friday that Amed Rosario will dedicate his offseason and spring training to developing into a first base option for the team. The recently re-signed 30-year-old, known for his versatility across 2B, SS, 3B, and RF, currently lacks big-league experience at first. This move could position him as a right-handed hitting complement to Ben Rice, especially after Rosario hit .302 against southpaws last season and posted a .788 OPS down the stretch for New York.

Yankees Expect Jazz Chisholm Jr. Back Amid Trade Rumors

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Yankees manager Aaron Boone anticipates Jazz Chisholm Jr. will remain a key part of the lineup next season, despite reports of rival club interest in a potential trade. Boone acknowledged that "you never know" what roster moves might occur, but he's planning on Chisholm being "right in the middle of the lineup." The 27-year-old, in his final arbitration year, had a bounce-back season, earning his second All-Star nod, achieving his first career 30-30 campaign (30 HR, 30 SB), and posting career-highs in walks (58), runs (75), and RBI (80), finishing fourth in WAR (4.4) at his position.

AL Cy Young Winner Tarik Skubal Joins Team USA Amid Tigers Trade Speculation

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Reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal has joined Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, a significant boost to their pitching rotation. However, the Detroit Tigers are reportedly far apart on extension talks with Skubal, who is one year from free agency. A trade is being considered as a painful but necessary step for the Tigers, who could get a substantial return for the back-to-back Cy Young winner. Skubal, 30, faces injury risk betting on himself, having had Tommy John surgery in 2016, making a trade a complex decision for both sides.

Orioles Acquire RHP Shane Baz from Rays in Multi-Player Trade

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The Baltimore Orioles have acquired 26-year-old right-handed pitcher Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays in a multi-player trade. The Rays received OF Slater de Brun, C Caden Bodine, RHP Michael Forret, OF Austin Overn, and a Competitive Balance Round A pick. Baz, who is under club control through 2028, made 31 starts in 2025 (his first full season post-Tommy John surgery), posting a 4.87 ERA with 176 strikeouts over 166.1 innings. He is expected to benefit from pitching at Camden Yards, moving from one AL East team to another.