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MLB News

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

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Pete Alonso's Orioles Deal Confirmed; Thanks Mets for Seven-Year Career

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Pete Alonso's deal with the Orioles was officially confirmed Thursday. The slugger took to social media to thank Mets fans, coaches, and staff for his seven-year tenure in New York. Drafted by the Mets in 2016, Alonso burst onto the scene in 2019, hitting a rookie-record 53 home runs and winning NL Rookie of the Year. He leaves as the Mets' all-time home run leader with 264, achieved in 2025, slashing .253/.341/.516 with 183 doubles and 712 RBI over 1,008 games.

Royals Secure Outfielder Lane Thomas on 1-Year, $5.25M Deal

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The Royals have agreed to a one-year, $5.25 million deal with veteran outfielder Lane Thomas, including $1 million in incentives, pending a physical. Thomas was limited to 39 games in 2025 for the Guardians due to plantar fasciitis, requiring September surgery, and a right wrist bone bruise. He batted just .160 with a .518 OPS. The 30-year-old previously hit 28 homers and stole 20 bases with a .783 OPS in 2023 for Washington. He offers defensive versatility across the outfield and an elite arm, with potential power/speed if healthy.

Braves Bolster Bullpen, Pair Iglesias with Suarez

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The Atlanta Braves have significantly strengthened their bullpen by re-signing closer Raisel Iglesias earlier this offseason. This winter, the team is now set to pair Iglesias with Robert Suarez, the reigning National League saves leader, creating a formidable one-two punch at the back end of their bullpen. This strategic move gives the Braves a strong closing tandem for the upcoming season, enhancing their late-game pitching options and addressing key needs as the closer market thins. Iglesias' presence, combined with Suarez's arrival, positions the Braves with a highly effective relief corps.

Braves Sign All-Star Reliever Robert Suarez to $45M Deal

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Right-handed reliever Robert Suarez has signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Atlanta Braves, joining the NL East rival after being a Mets free agent target. The 34-year-old, a two-time All-Star, has posted a 2.87 ERA with 76 saves and a 0.973 WHIP since 2024. He features a three-pitch mix, including a 98.6 mph fastball and a changeup with a 32.8% whiff rate in 2025. Suarez will pair with Raisel Iglesias, forming a formidable one-two punch in the Braves' bullpen, solidifying their late-game options.

Dodgers' Gus Varland's Mother Cancer-Free After Ohtani's Aid for Treatment

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Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that relief pitcher Gus Varland's mother is now cancer-free, having received a "very, very big contribution" from teammate Shohei Ohtani for her treatment. Varland made seven relief appearances for the Dodgers in the 2024 season, including the South Korea series, posting a 4.50 ERA over six innings before being designated for assignment in July 2024. His brother, Louis, pitched for the Blue Jays.

Ohtani's 'Very Big Contribution' Aids Dodgers Teammate's Mother in Cancer Battle

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Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed Shohei Ohtani made a "very, very big contribution" to help teammate Gus Varland's mother receive cancer treatment. Roberts noted Ohtani often performs good deeds quietly. Ohtani, who signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, recently won his fourth MVP award in five seasons. In 2025, he helped the Dodgers secure their second consecutive World Series title, hitting 55 homers with a .282 batting average and a 2.87 ERA.

Hoby Milner Agrees to One-Year Deal with Cubs

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Free-agent left-handed reliever Hoby Milner has agreed to a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs worth $3.75 million. The deal was confirmed by sources, adding another arm to the Cubs' bullpen for the upcoming season. Milner brings his left-handed expertise to Chicago as the team continues to shape its roster.

Kyle Tucker: Top Free Agent Explores Potential Fits

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Kyle Tucker, widely considered the top free agent available, is expected to command a contract near or exceeding $400 million. Despite playing through a hairline fracture last summer, he achieved his third 20-20 season in four years with a 136 wRC+. Teams like the Yankees, Giants, Mets, Blue Jays, Phillies, and Dodgers are considered potential suitors, each with specific needs and ballpark factors that could make Tucker a significant addition. His elite hitting, defense, and baserunning make him a valuable asset for any contending club.

MLB Winter Meetings Yield Slow Pace; Bregman, Marte Updates

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The MLB world convened in Orlando for the Winter Meetings, but the event did not produce a significant flurry of player transactions. Updates on notable players such as Alex Bregman and Ketel Marte are anticipated as the offseason progresses. The slow pace suggests teams are carefully evaluating their strategies and potential moves.

MLB Winter Meetings Yield Slow Pace; Bregman, Marte Updates

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The MLB world convened in Orlando for the Winter Meetings, but the event did not produce a significant flurry of player transactions. Updates on notable players such as Alex Bregman and Ketel Marte are anticipated as the offseason progresses. The slow pace suggests teams are carefully evaluating their strategies and potential moves.

MLB Rumors: Tarik Skubal Trade Talks Continue

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Trade discussions surrounding pitcher Tarik Skubal are ongoing as the MLB offseason heats up. While specific details remain undisclosed, the Detroit Tigers are reportedly involved in these conversations. The hot stove season continues with various rumors circulating, including the Braves signing a new setup reliever.

Mark Leiter Jr. Agrees to 1-Year, $3M Deal with A's

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Free agent reliever Mark Leiter Jr. has agreed to a 1-year contract with the Oakland Athletics worth $3 million. Leiter Jr. posted a 4.84 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 48.1 innings for the Yankees in 2025, but his 3.55 FIP and 54:17 strikeout-to-walk ratio were encouraging. He could compete for saves in the Athletics' bullpen.

Nimmo Traded to Texas Rangers in Major Mets Shakeup

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Brandon Nimmo has been traded to the Texas Rangers, waiving his no-trade provision for Gold Glove second baseman Marcus Semien. This move, alongside the departures of Edwin Díaz and Pete Alonso, signals a major overhaul for the New York Mets. Nimmo, the team's longest-tenured player, was a fan favorite and a key offensive contributor.

Mets Lose Fan Favorite Edwin Díaz to Dodgers

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Fan favorite Edwin Díaz is headed to the Los Angeles Dodgers on a three-year, $69 million deal, sources confirmed. This move, along with Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo's departures, leaves Mets fans questioning the front office's strategy after a disappointing 2025 season. Díaz, a three-time All-Star, ranks third in franchise history with 144 saves.

Aaron Judge Projected for Another 40-Homer Season in 2026

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New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is projected for another stellar season in 2026, according to FanGraphs' ZiPS projections released on December 11, 2025. Despite a slight step back from his previous 53-homer campaign, Judge is anticipated to hit 42 home runs, drive in 115 RBI, achieve a 181 OPS+, and record a 7.7 WAR, indicating another strong year for the star outfielder.

Max Fried Projected to Lead Yankees' 2026 Rotation with 3.37 ERA

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Max Fried is projected to lead the New York Yankees' starting rotation in 2026, according to FanGraphs' ZiPS projections released on December 11, 2025. With other key pitchers facing health issues, Fried is anticipated to post a 3.37 ERA, leading all Yankees starters. This projection highlights his potential crucial role for the team.

Kyle Schwarber Returns to Phillies on Five-Year, $150M Deal

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Kyle Schwarber is returning to the Philadelphia Phillies, finalizing a five-year, $150 million contract. The left-handed slugger, entering his age-33 season, is projected to remain an elite power hitter. Schwarber made a significant swing adjustment, shortening it from 7.9 feet in 2023 to 7.5 feet this past year without sacrificing bat speed. He now boasts the shortest swing among players with the 10 fastest bats last season (min. 200 swings), positioning him for continued monster seasons in Philadelphia.

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Mark Leiter Jr. Reportedly Agrees to One-Year Deal with Athletics

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Veteran relief pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. has reportedly agreed to a one-year contract with the Oakland Athletics. The deal is said to be worth around $3 million. Leiter Jr., a six-year veteran, joins an Athletics bullpen that ranked 24th in MLB last season with a 4.53 ERA. He has previously pitched for the Phillies, Blue Jays, Cubs, and Yankees.

Schwarber Signs 5-Year Deal, Cites Phillies Fans & Culture

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Kyle Schwarber is returning to the Philadelphia Phillies on a five-year deal, emphasizing the organization's culture and passionate fanbase as key factors alongside the $150 million contract. Schwarber expressed his desire to continue leaving his mark on the team and contribute to their World Series aspirations, highlighting the welcoming clubhouse environment and his commitment to evolving his game. He also mentioned communication with teammates like J.T. Realmuto during the offseason.

Mets' Franchise HR Leader Pete Alonso Inks $155M Deal with Orioles

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Free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso, the New York Mets’ franchise leader in home runs, has agreed to a five-year, $155 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles. This record contract, secured by agent Scott Boras, abruptly ends Alonso's successful seven-year tenure in Queens, where he was drafted in 2016. Alonso, who trails only Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber in long balls since 2019, departs as the Mets also see Edwin Díaz and Brandon Nimmo leave, prompting a roster shake-up and leaving a significant power void. His exit is part of a major offseason for the Mets.