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MLB News

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

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Mets Claim Catcher Drew Romo Off Waivers from Baltimore Orioles

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The Mets have claimed catcher Drew Romo off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles. Romo, 24, was a former first-round pick by the Colorado Rockies in the 2020 MLB Draft. He was previously claimed by the Orioles on December 5 but was designated for assignment just five days later. Romo has primarily played in the minors, appearing in 16 big-league games in 2024 and three in 2025, with a career .760 OPS, 45 home runs, and 240 RBI over 426 minor league games.

Mets Claim Catcher Drew Rom Off Waivers from Baltimore Orioles

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The Mets have claimed catcher Drew Rom off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles. Rom, 24, was a former first-round pick by the Colorado Rockies in the 2020 MLB Draft. He was previously claimed by the Orioles on December 5 but was designated for assignment just five days later. Rom has primarily played in the minors, appearing in 16 big-league games in 2024 and three in 2025, with a career .760 OPS, 45 home runs, and 240 RBI over 426 minor league games.

Mets Designate Left-Hander Brandon Waddell for Assignment

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The Mets have designated left-handed pitcher Brandon Waddell for assignment. The 31-year-old served as a depth piece for New York last season, making 11 big-league appearances, including one start. Over 31.1 innings, Waddell recorded a 3.45 ERA, allowing 29 hits and striking out 22 batters. This move clears a roster spot after the Mets claimed catcher Drew Romo off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles.

Free Agent Alex Bregman Draws Interest from Diamondbacks, Red Sox Push to Re-Sign

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Free agent third baseman Alex Bregman is a top target, with the Red Sox's offseason defined by their efforts to re-sign him after he delivered a strong performance despite a quad injury last season. The Arizona Diamondbacks are also showing significant interest, potentially trading Ketel Marte to offset costs. Bregman, who earned an opt-out, is seeking a long-term deal. Other teams like the Tigers have also shown interest. If the Red Sox fail to re-sign him, they may look at alternatives like Bo Bichette or trades for Ketel Marte or Brendan Donovan.

Mets Rookie Nolan McLean Earns Spot on Team USA for 2026 WBC

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Mets rookie right-hander Nolan McLean has accepted an invitation to play for Team USA at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, making his WBC debut early next year. McLean's addition is considered a surprise after his impressive rookie season. He made a significant impact for the Mets after being called up in August, becoming the team's most reliable starter with a 2.06 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP across eight starts.

Mets' Clay Holmes Joins Team USA for 2026 World Baseball Classic

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Mets pitcher Clay Holmes has accepted an invitation to play for Team USA at the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic, marking his WBC debut early next year. Holmes is coming off an impressive first season with the Mets. After converting from a closer to a part of the rotation, he pitched to a 3.53 ERA and a 1.304 WHIP across 33 games (31 starts), establishing himself as a key contributor.

Brendan Donovan Fully Recovered from Abdominal Surgery, Trade Expected

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St. Louis Cardinals utility player Brendan Donovan is a "full go" in offseason workouts after undergoing abdominal surgery on Oct. 7. He played through an injury for much of the second half before being shut down. Donovan's offseason workouts are no longer restricted, and he is expected to be 100 percent for spring training. However, he is widely expected to be traded this offseason, with the Giants and Mariners reportedly leading interested teams.

Giants Designate Outfielder Joey Wiemer for Assignment

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Outfielder Joey Wiemer was designated for assignment by the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday to make room on the 40-man roster for newly signed pitcher Jason Foley. Wiemer, acquired from the Miami Marlins on November 21 for cash considerations, had a solid rookie season with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2023, hitting 13 home runs in 132 games. However, he played only 48 games over the past two seasons. His tenure with the Giants might not be over, as he could be outrighted to the minor leagues if he clears waivers. San Francisco currently has eight outfielders on its 40-man roster.

Giants Sign Pitcher Jason Foley to One-Year Contract

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Pitcher Jason Foley officially signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, marking a new addition to their roster. This move necessitated the designation for assignment of outfielder Joey Wiemer to create a vacant spot on the 40-man roster. Foley's signing indicates the Giants' ongoing efforts to bolster their pitching staff during the offseason, though specific details of his role or expectations were not immediately provided in the report. The transaction was confirmed on Wednesday.

Diamondbacks Could Trade Ketel Marte if Alex Bregman is Acquired

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Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte could be traded if the team pursues free agent Alex Bregman to offset costs. This potential move presents an opportunity for teams like the Phillies to acquire Marte, who possesses a strong offensive profile and a remaining contract. Such a trade could bolster an acquiring team's infield and provide lineup protection.

Brad Keller Signs 2-Year, $22M Deal with Phillies to Bolster Bullpen

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Brad Keller has agreed to a two-year, $22 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, pending a physical. The right-hander is coming off a strong 2025 season with the Cubs, where he posted a 2.07 ERA and 0.96 WHIP across 69 2/3 innings as a reliever, with 75 strikeouts and 22 walks. He was dominant in October for Chicago, making five postseason appearances with a 1.59 ERA and two saves. Keller's improved five-pitch mix and elite metrics (30.6% hard-hit rate, top 2%) make him a strong addition to the Phillies' bullpen, potentially setting up for closer Jhoan Duran.

Luke Weaver Joins Mets on 2-Year, $22M Deal After Strong Yankees Stint

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Luke Weaver has agreed to a two-year, $22 million contract with the New York Mets, pending a physical. The 32-year-old right-hander joins the Mets after two successful seasons as a reliever with the Yankees. In 2024, he posted a 2.89 ERA with 103 strikeouts in 84 innings, serving as their closer. In 2025, he made a career-high 64 relief appearances with a 3.62 ERA and 72 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings, despite a hamstring strain. Weaver's elite advanced metrics and effective fastball-changeup mix are expected to bolster the Mets' bullpen, setting up for Devin Williams.

Bo Bichette Reportedly Willing to Switch Positions Amid MLB Rumors

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Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette is reportedly willing to switch positions, according to recent MLB rumors circulating on December 17. This news comes as part of the latest updates from the league's hot stove, suggesting potential flexibility for the star infielder.

Red Sox Prefer Kristian Campbell in Left Field

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The Boston Red Sox' preferred position for Kristian Campbell moving forward is left field, according to reports. While Campbell played multiple positions in 2025, including second base, center field, first base, and right field, the team aims to provide him with more stability. Despite outfield competition, Campbell is expected to see reps in left field soon, potentially opening 2026 at Triple-A Worcester.

Athletics' $48M Offer Rejected as Ha-Seong Kim Signs One-Year Deal with Braves

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The Athletics reportedly made a substantial four-year, $48 million offer to infielder Ha-Seong Kim, but he ultimately signed a one-year, $20 million deal with the Atlanta Braves. This move allows Kim, who split last season between the Braves and Rays and missed most of 2025 with shoulder and back injuries, to re-enter the free-agent market next offseason. The A's had planned for Kim to play primarily second base, and his rejection leaves them still seeking infield help. Kim, a 2023 NL Gold Glove winner, is a career .242 hitter with 52 HRs.

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Angels Add Right-Hander Jordan Romano on One-Year Deal

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The Los Angeles Angels have secured right-handed pitcher Jordan Romano with a one-year contract, significantly boosting their bullpen. Romano's signing is part of the Angels' strategic efforts to fortify their pitching staff and improve their late-game relief options for the upcoming season, adding a key arm to their roster.

Angels Bolster Bullpen, Sign Left-Hander Drew Pomeranz

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The Los Angeles Angels have officially signed left-handed pitcher Drew Pomeranz to a one-year contract, a strategic move aimed at strengthening their bullpen depth. Pomeranz's addition is expected to provide a veteran presence and enhance the team's pitching options as they prepare for the upcoming season, joining the club to fortify their relief corps.

Michael King Nears Four-Year Deal Amidst Mets, Yankees, Red Sox Pursuit

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Pitcher Michael King is reportedly the most likely free agent starter to sign next, with expectations of a four-year deal. The Mets and Yankees are among his primary suitors, alongside the Red Sox, Orioles, and Cubs. The Yankees, who previously dealt King to the Padres in the Juan Soto trade, are open to a reunion, while the Mets held a video meeting with the 30-year-old. King, a Rochester-native, finished seventh in Cy Young voting two seasons ago with a 2.95 ERA and 201 strikeouts. Despite injury history, he was solid last season, limited to 15 outings by two IL stints.

Mets Officially Sign Jorge Polanco to 2-Year, $40M Deal; Versatile Role Expected

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The Mets officially signed Jorge Polanco to a reported two-year, $40 million deal on Tuesday. President David Stearns anticipates the 32-year-old will play first base, DH, and other positions, emphasizing his athleticism and versatility. Polanco, who has only one career game at first base, slashed .265/.326/.495 with 30 doubles, 26 homers, and 78 RBI in 138 games last year with the Mariners. The move comes after Pete Alonso's departure, with Polanco not expected to match Alonso's offensive production. Discussions on The Mets Pod also covered his anticipated role and potential trade actions.

Giants Bolster Rotation, Sign Adrian Houser to 2-Year, $22M Deal

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The San Francisco Giants have signed right-handed starting pitcher Adrian Houser, 32, to a two-year, $22 million contract with a club option for 2028, as reported by Jeff Passan. Houser, who turns 33 in February, is coming off a bounce-back 2025 season where he posted a 3.31 ERA with 92 strikeouts and 38 walks over 125 innings across 21 starts for the White Sox and Rays. The Giants are shoring up their pitching staff, and Houser is expected to benefit from Oracle Park's favorable environment.