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MLB News

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

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Edward Cabrera a Hot Trade Target for Orioles, Red Sox in Offseason

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Miami Marlins right-hander Edward Cabrera, under contract through 2028, is a significant name in potential offseason trade scenarios. The Baltimore Orioles are eyeing Cabrera as a high-upside pitching upgrade, with a hypothetical deal involving Coby Mayo and multiple prospects. The Boston Red Sox are also linked, with a proposed trade sending Jarren Duran and Masataka Yoshida to Miami for Cabrera, as Boston aims to add a dependable starter. Despite past challenges with durability and command, Cabrera is valued for his above-average ability to generate whiffs and groundballs.

2-Time Cy Young Tarik Skubal Joins Team USA, Trade Speculation Heats Up

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Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, a back-to-back AL Cy Young winner in 2024 and 2025, has committed to pitch for Team USA at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Skubal posted a 13-6 record with a 2.21 ERA and 241 strikeouts in 2025, following an 18-4, 2.39 ERA, 228 SO season in 2024. He joins a strong Team USA staff. Additionally, Skubal, who is a free agent after the 2026 season, is a prominent name in trade discussions, with the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies identified as potential suitors, though the Tigers are unlikely to move him.

Mariners Eye Luis Arraez as Key Free Agent Target for Contention

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Luis Arraez, currently with the San Diego Padres, has been identified as a top MLB free agent target for the Seattle Mariners. As the Mariners solidify their status as World Series contenders, they are actively looking to bolster their roster. Arraez is highlighted as one of three key free agents the team should sign to further strengthen their chances for a championship run.

Luke Weaver Signs Two-Year, $22M Deal with Mets, Reunites with Holmes

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Reliever Luke Weaver has officially signed a two-year, $22 million deal with the New York Mets, marking his reunion with former Yankees teammate Clay Holmes. Weaver, who grew close with Holmes during their time in the Bronx, is expected to bolster the Mets' bullpen and help bridge the gap to Devin Williams. After being claimed off waivers by the Yankees, Weaver capitalized on his opportunity, turning it into this substantial contract. Despite a recent hamstring injury, he has demonstrated reliability as a late-inning reliever over the past two seasons.

Mets' Clay Holmes Joins Team USA, Welcomes Former Teammate Luke Weaver

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New York Mets right-hander Clay Holmes has accepted an invitation to pitch for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, following a strong season transitioning to a starter role. Holmes called it an 'easy yes' after discussions with pitching coach Andy Pettitte. Additionally, Holmes expressed happiness about his former Yankees teammate, reliever Luke Weaver, signing a two-year, $22 million deal with the Mets. Holmes, who grew close with Weaver in the Bronx, called him a "special pitcher" and is happy to reunite with a friend.

Mets Prospect Brandon Sproat Ignores Trade Rumors, Eyes 2026 Rotation Spot

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New York Mets pitching prospect Brandon Sproat is tuning out trade rumors, focusing on his offseason work to prepare for the 2026 season. Sproat, who made four big-league starts last season with a 4.79 ERA, is learning from his MLB debut and aiming for a legitimate chance to break camp in the major league rotation. He emphasized continuous improvement, whether mental or physical. Sproat is ranked as the Mets' fifth-best prospect.

Mets Prospect Jonah Tong Ignores Trade Rumors, Focused on 2026 Season

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New York Mets pitching prospect Jonah Tong is tuning out trade rumors, stating his focus is on preparing for the 2026 season. Despite being mentioned in various trade talks, the 22-year-old right-hander expressed his love for being a Met while acknowledging the business side of baseball. Tong posted staggering minor league numbers in 2025 (1.43 ERA, 179 strikeouts in 113.2 innings) but had an uneven MLB debut with a 7.71 ERA. He is the Mets' fourth-ranked prospect.

Mets' Nolan McLean Joins Team USA for WBC, Deemed Untouchable in Trades

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New York Mets rookie sensation Nolan McLean has accepted an invitation to pitch for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, a decision he called a 'no-brainer.' Despite just eight big-league games, McLean impressed with a 2.06 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 57 strikeouts in 48.0 innings, finishing 11th in NL Rookie of the Year voting. The 23-year-old, considered untouchable in trade talks and the Mets' top prospect, is expected to be a key arm for the team's rotation in his first full season.

Top Free Agent Kyle Tucker Drawing Interest from Cubs, Yankees, Blue Jays

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Kyle Tucker remains one of the significant free agents yet to secure a new contract this offseason. Speculation is mounting regarding his next destination, with prominent teams like the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees frequently mentioned as potential landing spots. The Toronto Blue Jays, fresh off a playoff run, are also reportedly considering a serious push to sign Tucker, making his ongoing free agency a major talking point as teams finalize their rosters.

NL Cy Young Winner Paul Skenes Confirmed for Team USA's 2026 WBC Roster

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Pittsburgh Pirates' NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes has been confirmed as a key member of the United States pitching staff for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. He joins a formidable group of pitchers, including recent commits Tarik Skubal and Mason Miller, as Team USA aims for a championship. The tournament will feature exhibition games against the San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies before pool play begins on March 6. Skenes and Skubal are expected to anchor a rotation worthy of a championship.

Padres' Mason Miller, MLB's Most Overpowering Reliever, Joins Team USA for 2026 WBC

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San Diego Padres fireballer Mason Miller has committed to pitch for Team USA at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Arguably MLB's most overpowering reliever, Miller posted a 2.63 ERA with 104 strikeouts in 61 2/3 innings across 60 relief appearances in 2025. His fastball averaged 101.2 mph, making him the only pitcher to break 104 mph. He also recorded 50 saves over the past two seasons with the Athletics and Padres. Miller joins a formidable staff including Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes.

Report: Strahm 'Likely' to Be Traded by Phillies Amid Bullpen Adjustments

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ESPN's Jeff Passan reports Phillies LHP Matt Strahm is 'likely' to be traded. Strahm, entering the final year of his $7.5M contract, posted a 2.74 ERA in 66 appearances in 2025. His value as a durable lefty who effectively handles right-handed hitters (.196 BA, .585 OPS vs. RHH in 2025) makes him a trade chip, especially after the addition of Brad Keller. The Phillies could leverage a Strahm trade to address their catcher need, with J.T. Realmuto talks stalled and options like Carson Kelly or Willson Contreras being considered.

Aaron Judge Confirmed to Play for Team USA in 2026 World Baseball Classic

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New York Yankees star Aaron Judge has been confirmed as one of the key players who will represent Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. He joins a strong roster that includes other prominent MLB talents like Kyle Schwarber and Paul Skenes, all committed to competing for the American squad. The tournament is set to run from March 5 to March 17, 2026, with the semifinals and championship game scheduled to be held at LoanDepot Park in Miami.

Kyle Schwarber Commits to Represent Team USA in 2026 WBC

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Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber has officially announced his commitment to represent Team USA in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic. He joins a growing list of prominent MLB players, including Aaron Judge and Paul Skenes, who have already confirmed their participation for the American squad. The tournament is scheduled to take place from March 5 to March 17, 2026, with semifinals and the championship game held at LoanDepot Park in Miami.

Alex Bregman's Free Agency Stalls Amidst Red Sox, Diamondbacks Interest

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Prominent free agent Alex Bregman is unlikely to settle on a deal soon, with ongoing negotiations. The Boston Red Sox are actively pursuing re-signing him, despite their historical reluctance to offer long-term deals to players in their 30s. Reports indicate Bregman, who turns 32 in March, is seeking a five or six-year contract, potentially valued at $170 million. The Arizona Diamondbacks have emerged as a significant threat, reportedly willing to meet his six-year demand, making a Red Sox reunion seem increasingly uncertain as Boston seeks to strengthen its roster.

Red Sox Eye Zac Gallen as Potential Free Agent Signing Target

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Zac Gallen, currently associated with the Arizona Diamondbacks (AZ), has been identified as a significant free agent target that the Boston Red Sox should consider signing. The Red Sox are reportedly looking to strengthen their roster, and Gallen represents a key option to address their needs as they prepare for the upcoming season. The article suggests there's reason to be bullish on the Red Sox's future, but work remains to be done in free agency.

Cody Bellinger's Free Agency Continues Amidst Cubs, Yankees Speculation

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Cody Bellinger remains a prominent free agent without a deal as the offseason progresses. Discussions are active regarding his potential new team, with the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees frequently appearing in predictions for his services. Recent rumors suggest Bellinger is unlikely to settle soon, indicating ongoing negotiations and making his decision a critical development in the current MLB free agency landscape.

Giants Ace Logan Webb Commits to Team USA for 2026 World Baseball Classic

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San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb has officially committed to pitch for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Webb, who led the league in strikeouts and won a Gold Glove, will join a formidable rotation alongside Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal. Despite initial concerns from the Giants regarding early spring ramp-up and injury risk, an agreement was reached, recognizing Webb's consistent performance as one of baseball's most reliable aces since 2021. Team USA's roster will also feature prominent hitters like Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, and Bobby Witt Jr., with their first game scheduled for March 6 in Houston.

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Shane McClanahan Avoids Arbitration, Signs $3.6M Deal with Rays

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Two-time All-Star Shane McClanahan, who last pitched in MLB in August 2023, has successfully avoided arbitration. He agreed Wednesday to a one-year, $3.6 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, securing his deal for the upcoming season.

Guardians Acquire Left-Handed Reliever Justin Bruihl from Blue Jays

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The Cleveland Guardians have acquired left-handed reliever Justin Bruihl in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays. Bruihl's addition to the 40-man roster necessitated the designation for assignment of Jhonkensy Noel, as the Guardians made space for the new southpaw option.