Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider, speaking at the MLB winter meetings, addressed the team's Game 7 World Series loss and the blame surrounding Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Schneider confirmed that the Blue Jays will not hold Kiner-Falefa responsible for the defeat, despite him being thrown out at the plate in the ninth inning of the decisive game.
Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout, the cornerstone of Team USA's 2023 World Baseball Classic run, remains under consideration for the 2026 squad. His potential participation is currently uncertain due to recent injury concerns, as reported on December 9. Trout's status for the upcoming tournament is a key question as Team USA builds its roster, with his previous leadership role highlighting his importance to the team's performance. His decision is still pending.
The Los Angeles Angels acquired infielder Vaughn Grissom from the Boston Red Sox in a trade on Tuesday, December 9. The Red Sox received minor league outfielder Isaiah Jackson in return for Grissom, marking a significant roster change. Grissom, previously with the Red Sox, will now join the Angels' infield, bringing his skills to their lineup as part of this offseason transaction.
The Toronto Blue Jays officially introduced Dylan Cease on Tuesday. The Blue Jays previously signed the pitcher to a seven-year, $210 million contract this offseason, bolstering their rotation. This move is part of Toronto's active offseason, which also included the addition of Cody Ponce.
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani was named the National League MVP for the 2025 season. This prestigious award recognizes his outstanding performance, with Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber finishing as the runner-up in the voting. Ohtani's exceptional season solidified his status as one of baseball's premier talents, further cementing his impact on the league. His victory highlights a dominant year.
Free agent Kyle Tucker's market is intensifying, with the Toronto Blue Jays emerging as a strong suitor; he visited their Florida complex on December 3. The Orioles remain involved and could ramp up their pursuit after missing out on Kyle Schwarber, while the Yankees also have an outfield spot to fill. The Phillies' chances have diminished post-Schwarber deal, and the Dodgers may be reluctant to spend further. Tucker's 2025 club, the Cubs, are unlikely to re-sign him. He is familiar with Orioles president Mike Elias.
New York Mets left-hander David Peterson, a 2025 All-Star, is reportedly generating trade interest as a potential 'need-for-need' candidate. The 30-year-old has shown inconsistency, posting a 2.90 ERA in 2024 and a 2.92 ERA in five postseason appearances that year, contrasting with ERAs of 5.54 in 2021 and 5.03 in 2023. Currently in his final year of arbitration, Peterson earned $4.6 million last season. The Mets are looking to add starting pitching, suggesting a trade would aim to fill another roster need.
Pitcher Sonny Gray recently commented on his past time in the Bronx, stating that it 'wasn't a good situation for me.' This reflection offers insight into his experience with the New York Yankees, indicating a period of difficulty during his tenure with the club. His remarks highlight personal challenges faced while playing for the team, providing a candid perspective on his career path.
The Boston Red Sox are reportedly a team to watch for a potential trade involving Ketel Marte from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Arizona is actively seeking young, big-league-ready pitching in return for Marte. Left-handers Connelly Early and Payton Tolle have been mentioned as potential components of a trade package heading to the Diamondbacks. This interest from Boston highlights their pursuit of offensive upgrades, with Marte representing a key target for their roster.
The Boston Red Sox have reportedly shown interest in Isaac Paredes, viewing him as a candidate to play third base or first base. Paredes, 26, notched 20 homers and an .809 OPS over 102 games with the Houston Astros last season. He is under team control through 2027 and offers versatile infield defense. The Astros are reportedly eyeing pitchers Connelly Early and Payton Tolle in potential trade discussions for Paredes, indicating a move could be on the horizon.
Anthony Kay has finalized a two-year, $12 million contract with the Chicago White Sox, marking his return to Major League Baseball. The deal includes a $10 million mutual option for 2028. The 30-year-old left-hander spent the last two seasons in Japan with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, where he led the Central League in ground-ball percentage and strikeouts per nine innings. His last MLB appearance was in 2023 with the New York Mets.
A new trial has been ordered for Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Franco was previously convicted in June for the sexual abuse of a 14-year-old girl and for paying her mother for her consent. The details surrounding the upcoming trial remain to be seen.
Catcher Will Smith has committed to play for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, aiming to help the squad win its first title since 2017. Smith, 30, previously participated in the 2023 WBC and hit the decisive home run in Game 7 of the World Series this year. He slashed .296/.404/.497 with 17 homers and 20 doubles for the World Series champions, boasting a .834 OPS since 2019, which is tops among MLB catchers with at least 2,000 plate appearances. Smith will share catching duties with Raleigh.
Detroit Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris confirmed that ace Tarik Skubal, despite winning back-to-back Cy Young awards, is not considered "untouchable" in potential trade discussions. This indicates the Tigers are open to offers for their star pitcher, a significant shift in his roster status.
Casey Schmitt of the San Francisco Giants underwent left wrist surgery, but the team anticipates he'll only miss a week to 10 days at the start of camp. President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey expressed confidence in Schmitt and Christian Koss for second base, noting Schmitt's strides last year. Schmitt had 12 homers and a 98 wRC+ in 2024. GM Zack Minasian stated the injury is a form of carpal tunnel with no long-term concerns, expecting Schmitt to be ready for spring training.
Veteran left-hander Steven Matz, currently associated with the Boston Red Sox, has officially agreed to a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. The agreement is contingent upon Matz successfully passing a physical examination. This signing provides the Rays with an experienced arm for their pitching staff, bolstering their rotation for the next two seasons. Matz's move to Tampa Bay is a key development ahead of the upcoming season, as the team looks to solidify its pitching depth.
The Detroit Tigers are actively listening to trade offers for left-hander Tarik Skubal, a back-to-back AL Cy Young Award winner. Tigers president Scott Harris confirmed the organization has no 'untouchables,' indicating a willingness to explore all opportunities. Skubal, a free agent after the 2026 season, is expected to command an 'enormous' asking price. Over his last two seasons, he boasts a 2.30 ERA, 0.906 WHIP, 469 strikeouts, and 68 walks across 387.1 innings in 62 starts. The 29-year-old is projected to earn approximately $18 million in his final arbitration year. The Mets are among teams reportedly interested.
The Milwaukee Brewers are reportedly open to trading starter Freddy Peralta, attracting significant interest from teams including the Mets, who seek to revamp their rotation. Milwaukee is demanding a steep asking price for the right-hander, who is owed just $8 million this season. Peralta, a top pitcher since 2021, finished fifth in NL Cy Young voting last season with a league-high 17 wins, a 2.70 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 204 strikeouts over 176.2 innings. This marked his third consecutive season with over 30 starts and 165 innings. The Brewers may target young Mets starters like Brandon Sproat or Jonah Tong in a potential deal.
A.J. Minter's availability for Opening Day remains uncertain as he continues his recovery from a lat injury that ended his season in late May. However, his absence is expected to be brief. Minter looked strong in 13 appearances prior to the injury and is slated to be a key part of the Mets' bullpen after exercising his player option. Separately, Christian Scott is cleared for full participation in spring training, having recovered from Tommy John surgery.
Christian Scott is set to be a full participant in spring training, wrapping up his recovery from Tommy John surgery that sidelined him all of last season. The 25-year-old Mets pitcher posted a 4.56 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in his first nine MLB outings before his injury. Meanwhile, A.J. Minter is still uncertain for Opening Day as he recovers from a lat injury, though his absence is expected to be brief. Minter is expected to play a key role in the bullpen after picking up his player option.
