AutoDraft Pro
Get the app

Player news from trusted outlets

MLB News

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

Friday, December 5, 2025

Mets Remain 'Hot On' Edwin Díaz Despite Devin Williams Signing

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Mets are reportedly still "hot on" re-signing closer Edwin Díaz despite recently inking Devin Williams to a three-year, $51 million deal. Williams, who is open to a setup role, believes a bullpen with Díaz would be "really good." While the Mets are interested, it's considered difficult for them to add another potentially league-most expensive reliever contract after Williams' signing. Díaz previously signed a five-year, $100 million deal, and the team's decision on him will shape their bullpen.

Tigers 'Engaged' in Trade Talks for Ace Tarik Skubal; Asking Price 'Enormous'

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Detroit Tigers are "engaged" in trade talks for ace left-hander Tarik Skubal, 29, with an "enormous" asking price. Skubal, set for free agency after 2026, is unlikely to be retained by Detroit. He led the AL in ERA, FIP, WHIP (0.89), walks per nine (1.5), and K/BB (7.30) in 2025, pitching 195.1 innings. His stuff grades in the 100th percentile, and he's expected to earn $18 million in his final arbitration year. The Mets are a potential suitor, but a trade would require top prospects.

Mets, Yankees Among 'Most Interested' in Free Agent Michael King

AutoDraft Pro AI

Free agent RHP Michael King is drawing strong interest from the Mets and Yankees, among other clubs like the Orioles, Tigers, and Marlins. King was "tremendous" in 2024 transitioning to a full-time starter but was limited to 15 Padres outings due to a nerve injury in his throwing shoulder and a knee injury. He possesses top-of-the-rotation potential when healthy, but durability concerns could lead to a short-term deal. King might bet on himself with a shorter contract, aiming for the market again next winter.

Giants Sign LHP Sam Hentges to 1-Year Deal; Recovering From 2 Surgeries

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Giants have signed left-handed reliever Sam Hentges to a one-year deal, reuniting him with manager Tony Vitello, who recruited him in 2014. Hentges, 29, is recovering from shoulder surgery in 2024 and knee surgery (meniscus tear) in August, but anticipates being 100% by spring training. He posted a 2.93 ERA and 2.66 FIP in his last three seasons as a pure reliever with Cleveland. The Giants "aggressively" pursued him in free agency, making it a "no-brainer decision" for Hentges.

Mets 'Among Favorites' for Free Agent Workhorse LHP Framber Valdez

AutoDraft Pro AI

Free agent LHP Framber Valdez, 32, is reportedly "among the favorites" for the Mets, with the Orioles also strong suitors. Valdez has been a workhorse, posting a 3.21 ERA and 1.15 WHIP over 767.2 innings in the last four seasons, including 192.0 IP in 2025. Despite a 3.66 ERA in 2025, his peripherals were consistent, and his elite 97th percentile ground ball rate and 91st percentile sinker remain strong. Concerns include poorly graded curveball/slider in 2025 and a September incident where he hit his catcher.

Tigers Reportedly Pursuing Alex Bregman in Hot Stove

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Detroit Tigers are reportedly showing strong interest in acquiring third baseman Alex Bregman as the 2025 Winter Meetings draw near. This development emerges from the active MLB 'hot stove' period, where teams are diligently gathering intelligence and exploring potential trades and free-agent signings to significantly strengthen their rosters for the upcoming season.

Phillies Prioritize Re-Signing Kyle Schwarber Amid Strong Market Interest

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Phillies prioritize re-signing slugger Kyle Schwarber, 32, who is coming off a career-best 56-homer, 132-RBI season. While "not close to a deal" 10 days ago, his market includes the Mets, Red Sox, and strong suitor Reds, who could offer a fifth year. His decision, expected by the end of the Winter Meetings, is critical for the Phillies. If he departs, replacing his power will be a top priority, potentially through free agents like Pete Alonso or Marcell Ozuna, or a trade for Byron Buxton.

Cody Bellinger in High Demand; Yankees May Forgo Re-Signing Amid Payroll Cuts

AutoDraft Pro AI

Free agent Cody Bellinger is in high demand, with the Yankees wanting him back, but potentially foregoing his re-signing due to payroll considerations for 2026. Mets fans are also reportedly interested in him. Bellinger's versatility and skills make him a coveted player. If the Yankees do re-sign him, it could open up trade opportunities for other outfielders like Spencer Jones, Jasson Domínguez, and Trent Grisham to address other team needs.

Yankees May Forgo Kyle Tucker Signing Amid Payroll Considerations

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Yankees are reportedly considering foregoing "boldface free agent names" like Kyle Tucker if they aim to lower payroll for the 2026 season. While signing Tucker would bring "sizzle" to the team, it's estimated he could cost $100 million more than Cody Bellinger, making him a less likely target under fiscal restraint. This decision would impact the Yankees' outfield plans, potentially relying on existing talent like Trent Grisham, Jasson Domínguez, and Spencer Jones.

J.T. Realmuto Unlikely to Seek Long Deal, Boosting Phillies Return Chances

AutoDraft Pro AI

Catcher J.T. Realmuto, 34, who has spent the last seven seasons with the Phillies, is unlikely to seek more than a two-year deal, significantly increasing his chances of returning to Philadelphia. His deep familiarity with the pitching staff and strong defensive value make him a highly attractive option in a thin catching market. While Boston and Texas were initially suitors, they are not expected to spend aggressively. Pitchers like Jesús Luzardo praise Realmuto's preparation and game-planning, highlighting the staff's "faith" in him.

Curt Casali Returns to Giants Front Office as Advisor

AutoDraft Pro AI

Popular catcher Curt Casali has returned to the San Francisco Giants organization as an advisor to the baseball operations department. Casali, who backed up Buster Posey in 2021 and played parts of three seasons with the Giants, is viewed within the industry as a potential future manager. He played for the Giants in 2024 and spent this past season in the Cincinnati Reds front office. His addition is part of the Giants' expansion of their advisory staff, now totaling eight members.

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Red Sox Acquire RHP Johan Oviedo in Five-Player Trade

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Boston Red Sox acquired right-hander Johan Oviedo from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a five-player trade, sending prospects Jhostynxon Garcia and Jesus Travieso to Pittsburgh. Oviedo, under team control through 2027, posted a 3.57 ERA over nine starts (40.1 innings) last season after missing most of 2025 and all of 2024 due to Tommy John surgery. In his last full season (2023), he had a 4.31 ERA and 1.37 WHIP across 32 starts. Oviedo, who averaged 95.5 mph with his fastball, projects as a No. 4 or 5 starter for Boston despite command struggles (13.5% walk rate).

Yankees Prospect Spencer Jones Aims for MLB Roster Spot After Breakout 2025

AutoDraft Pro AI

Yankees outfield prospect Spencer Jones is preparing to compete for an MLB roster spot in spring training after a breakthrough 2025 season. The 24-year-old slashed .274/.362/.571 with a .932 OPS, 35 home runs, and 80 RBI across Double-A and Triple-A. Jones credits a swing change for his consistency and is refining it this offseason. With an opening in left field, GM Brian Cashman stated Jones "put himself in the conversation" for the roster. Jones's mindset is "trying to prove to them, every reason why you should be there."

Cubs Ponder Re-Signing Star RF Kyle Tucker, Top Free Agent

AutoDraft Pro AI

Kyle Tucker, the Cubs' right fielder, has entered the free-agent market, making him perhaps the most coveted player in this year's class. While Chicago is prioritizing pitching, re-signing Tucker is considered the simplest solution, though it won't be easy or cheap. Despite injuries limiting his production over the past two seasons, Tucker still posted a combined 156 OPS+. Last season, he hit 22 homers (his fewest in a full season) with an .841 OPS and 143 OPS+, plus 25 stolen bases for his third 20-20 season. Cubs fans find a reunion highly attractive.

Pirates Acquire Outfield Prospect Jhostynxon Garcia in Five-Player Deal

AutoDraft Pro AI

Outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia, notably known as "The Password," is being acquired by the Pittsburgh Pirates as part of a five-player trade, sources informed ESPN. This deal sends Garcia to Pittsburgh while the Boston Red Sox receive right-hander Johan Oviedo. The transaction marks a significant move for the Pirates, adding a promising young talent to their organization as part of a broader roster exchange.

Emilio Pagán Re-Signs with Reds, Calls Decision 'Easy Choice'

AutoDraft Pro AI

Emilio Pagán has re-signed with the Cincinnati Reds, stating it was an 'easy choice' to remain with the team despite exploring his options in free agency.

Red Sox Acquire Prospect LHP Tyler Samaniego in Trade

AutoDraft Pro AI

Left-hander Tyler Samaniego was traded from the Pirates to the Red Sox as part of a five-player deal. Boston acquired Samaniego, RHP Johan Oviedo, and C Adonys Guzman. In return, Pittsburgh received OF Jhostynxon Garcia (MLB's No. 85 prospect) and RHP Jesus Travieso. Samaniego is a prospect who moved to the Red Sox in this transaction.

Padres Closer Robert Suarez Declines Option, Seeks Multiyear Deal

AutoDraft Pro AI

Padres closer Robert Suarez, 35, declined his $8 million player option for 2026, seeking a more lucrative multiyear deal after racking up an MLB-leading 76 saves over the past two seasons. Known for his elite velocity, four-seamer, sinker, and nasty changeup, Suarez has been tremendously effective despite his age. The Dodgers are reportedly hesitant to offer more than two years, while the Blue Jays, aggressive in upgrading their pitching, could gain an edge if willing to add an extra year to his contract.

Edwin Díaz Opts Out, Seeks Mega-Deal; Mets Reunion Likely

AutoDraft Pro AI

Star closer Edwin Díaz, 32, opted out of his remaining two years and $38 million after a stellar 2025 season, re-entering free agency as the top reliever available. He is reportedly seeking a contract similar to his previous record-setting five-year, $102 million deal. While the Dodgers are hesitant at that price, a reunion with the New York Mets appears to be the likeliest outcome. The Mets, who recently signed Devin Williams, are expected to pursue Díaz to pair him with Williams, significantly strengthening their bullpen.

Mets Fielding Trade Offers for Jeff McNeil Amidst Contract Year

AutoDraft Pro AI

Mets veteran Jeff McNeil is reportedly on the trade block, with the team fielding offers as he enters the final year of his contract, especially after acquiring second baseman Marcus Semien. Former manager Buck Showalter denied any issues between McNeil and Francisco Lindor during his 2021-2023 tenure, despite reports of a "heated confrontation" in June 2025 and a 2021 tunnel scuffle. Showalter described McNeil as a "Long Beach State Dirtbag" who "led the whole globe in hitting" at one point, highlighting his distinct personality and passion for the game.