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MLB News

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

Monday, December 1, 2025

Mets Join Race for Star Slugger Kyle Schwarber; Phillies Remain Favorite

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The Mets are reportedly 'in the mix' for free agent designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, with the Red Sox and Reds also showing interest, though the Phillies remain the favorite. New York seeks power after Pete Alonso's free agency and Brandon Nimmo's trade. Schwarber, turning 33 in March, hit a career-high 56 homers last season for Philadelphia, slashing .240/.365/.563 across all 162 games. He has 46+ HRs in three of the last four seasons. Despite high strikeout rates (197 in last two seasons), he excels in advanced metrics like xwOBA and barrel percentage.

Sunday, November 30, 2025

Kevin McGonigle Secures 31st Spot in Rotoworld's Top 500 Dynasty Rankings

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Kevin McGonigle, a 21-year-old 3B/SS for the Detroit Tigers, is ranked 31st in Rotoworld's Top 500 Dynasty Rankings for the 2025 MLB season. He is currently playing at the AA level with an estimated MLB arrival in 2026. McGonigle headlines the next wave of prospects expected to reach the majors by 2026, according to the rankings updated December 1, which assess long-term fantasy value through talent, trajectory, stability, volatility, and opportunity.

Red Sox Intensify Search for Offense Post-Sonny Gray Trade

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Hot stove rumors on November 30 indicate the Boston Red Sox are actively seeking to bolster their offense. This intensified search comes in the wake of a recent trade involving pitcher Sonny Gray, suggesting the Red Sox are strategically adjusting their roster and offensive capabilities. The team's focus on acquiring new offensive talent is a direct response to the transaction, aiming to strengthen their lineup for the upcoming MLB season.

Yankees Exploring Backup Plan Amid Cody Bellinger Rumors

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Hot stove rumors on November 30 reveal the New York Yankees are actively exploring a backup plan concerning Cody Bellinger. This strategic move suggests the Yankees are preparing for various potential outcomes regarding Bellinger's free agency or considering alternative roster acquisitions. The team's focus on contingency planning highlights their proactive approach in navigating the current MLB market and securing their offensive needs for the upcoming season.

Saturday, November 29, 2025

Mets' Luisangel Acuña Blasts Homer, Drives in Three in Winter League

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Mets' 23-year-old infielder Luisangel Acuña continued his hot streak in the Venezuelan Winter League, finishing 2-for-5 with his fourth home run and three RBI for Cardenales de Lara. He launched a first-pitch fastball for a 1-0 lead and later added a two-run single. Over his last three games, he's reached base multiple times with four extra-base hits. His average is now .276 with 11 XBHs, 16 RBI, a .429 OBP, and a .980 OPS. Acuña also played center field for the ninth time in 23 Winter Ball games.

Orioles Sign Closer Ryan Helsley to Two-Year, $28M Deal

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The Baltimore Orioles have signed 31-year-old free agent reliever Ryan Helsley to a two-year, $28 million contract, pending a physical. The deal includes a player opt-out after the 2026 season. Helsley will serve as the Orioles' ninth-inning closer, a key acquisition given Félix Bautista's injury. He recorded 21 saves last season, all with the Cardinals, before struggling with the Mets (0-3, 7.20 ERA, 16 ER in 20 innings across 22 appearances). A two-time All-Star, Helsley led MLB with 49 saves and a 2.04 ERA in 2024 for St. Louis. He is confident in rebounding to his dominant form.

Red Sox Acquire Sonny Gray, Bolstering Rotation for 2026 Season

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The Red Sox acquired 36-year-old pitcher Sonny Gray, committing ~$20M in club money for his 2026 season, including a $31M salary and $10M buyout for his 2027 mutual option. CBO Craig Breslow praised Gray's significant track record, noting he's logged 166 1/3+ innings in each of the last three seasons and struck out 200+ in the last two. Breslow highlighted his consistency, workload (180+ innings in two of last three years with impeccable command), and potential fit with pitching philosophies emphasizing offspeed pitches. Last season, Gray averaged 91.7 mph on his fastball (21.7% of pitches).

Friday, November 28, 2025

Mets Prospect Luisangel Acuña Dominates Winter League After Injury Scare

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Mets infielder Luisangel Acuña has returned to form in the Venezuelan Winter League after a forearm injury scare last week. The 23-year-old was on-base five times Thursday, hitting a solo homer and a double. He followed with a two-hit game Friday, including a triple and an infield single. Through 22 games, Acuña is hitting .268 with 10 extra-base hits, 13 RBI, 17 walks, 18 strikeouts, a .430 OBP, and a .950 OPS. He has played 14 games at shortstop and 8 in center field for Cardenales de Lara.

Mets Acquire Marcus Semien from Rangers in Nimmo Trade

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The New York Mets have acquired Marcus Semien from the Texas Rangers as part of a trade that sent Brandon Nimmo to Texas. Semien's arrival significantly impacts the Mets' infield, particularly blocking top prospect Jett Williams from the second base position. This move is expected to create further roster adjustments for New York as the offseason progresses, influencing decisions regarding internal and external outfield candidates.

Mets Trade Brandon Nimmo to Rangers for Marcus Semien

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The Mets have traded Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Marcus Semien. Nimmo, who had five seasons remaining on his contract, was previously expected to be the Mets' everyday left fielder in 2026, having played only four games at designated hitter in 2025. This move creates significant aftershocks for New York's outfield plans, opening up possibilities for both left and center field positions.

Thursday, November 27, 2025

Helsley Draws 15-Team Interest, Eyes Starter Role After Mets Struggles

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Ryan Helsley, despite a 7.20 ERA in 22 Mets appearances post-Cardinals trade due to pitch-tipping, is drawing interest from approximately 15 teams. The right-hander, confident in returning to dominant form, is also considering a transition to a starting role, with teams like the Tigers, Cardinals, and Cubs reportedly interested. Helsley stated, "I still have a lot to give and can get even better." He views a starter role as a "fun time" and believes he's capable.

Marcus Semien Confident in Offensive Bounce-Back for Mets After Injury

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Marcus Semien, limited to 127 games in 2025 by a season-ending foot injury in August, saw his offensive production dip to 15 HR, 62 RBI, and a .669 OPS. Despite this, the 35-year-old is confident in his ability to contribute to the Mets' lineup, stating, "I do think I still have a lot to offer." He showed flashes of a return to form before his injury, hitting .270 with 12 homers and an .801 OPS over his final 71 games. Semien is looking forward to discussions with hitting coaches to regain his MVP-caliber bat.

Blue Jays to Sign Dylan Cease to Record Contract

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The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly on the verge of a significant acquisition, with pitcher Dylan Cease expected to sign a record-setting contract. This anticipated agreement is poised to become a landmark deal for the Blue Jays organization, representing a substantial investment in their pitching staff. While specific details regarding the contract's terms, such as its duration and financial figures, are yet to be officially disclosed, the impending signing is already being highlighted as a pivotal development for the team's future. This news, emerging alongside other major sports headlines, positions the Cease signing as a key event in the MLB landscape.

Giants Sign Reliever Sam Hentges to $1.4M Deal After Injury Recovery

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Reliever Sam Hentges has reportedly agreed to a one-year, $1.4 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. The left-hander missed the entire 2025 MLB season recovering from shoulder and knee surgeries. Hentges, a four-year MLB veteran, last saw action in 2024, posting a 3.04 ERA with 27 strikeouts and five walks over 23.2 innings. Since transitioning to a full-time relief role in 2022, he has logged a 2.93 ERA across 138 appearances, with his best season being 2022 (2.32 ERA, 1.3 WAR).

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Dylan Cease Joins Blue Jays on Record $210 Million, Seven-Year Contract

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Dylan Cease, 29, has reportedly agreed to a seven-year, $210 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, pending a physical. This marks the largest free-agent contract in Blue Jays history. Cease joins a formidable rotation including Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber. In 2025, with the Padres, he posted an 8-12 record with a 4.55 ERA over 32 starts, striking out 215 batters and walking 71 in 168 innings. Despite a high walk rate, he has consistently made 30+ starts and recorded 200+ strikeouts in each of the last five seasons, with Cy Young finishes in 2022 (2nd) and 2024 (4th). His 97 mph fastball and devastating slider (44.2% whiff rate in 2025) are key assets. The Blue Jays, a 2025 World Series team, are betting on his upside.

Stephen Strasburg's $245M Deal Deemed MLB's Worst After Injury-Forced Retirement

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Stephen Strasburg, 37, signed a seven-year, $245 million deal with the Washington Nationals after the 2019 season. His tenure was severely hampered by injuries, limiting him to just seven starts across 2020-2021, where he posted a 6.89 ERA. He experienced a nerve issue in his pitching hand in 2020 and was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome (TAS) in 2021. Strasburg never fully recovered from TAS and retired last year after negotiating a buyout. The Nationals reportedly paid nearly the entire $245 million for his minimal contributions, and the contract was uninsured, making it one of MLB's least rewarding deals.

Angels' Anthony Rendon Nears Buyout, Retirement After Injury-Plagued Stint

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Anthony Rendon, 35, is reportedly in talks with the Los Angeles Angels to buy out the final year of his seven-year, $245 million contract for 2026, which would lead to his retirement. Rendon is still owed $38 million for 2026 and spent all of 2025 recovering from hip surgery. Since signing with the Angels after the 2019 season, he has not played more than 60 games in any season since 2020, slashing .231/.329/.336 in 205 games from 2021-2025. His tenure has been marred by numerous injuries, including hip, wrist, tibia, hamstring, and oblique issues. Rendon has also been noted for his "blasé" attitude towards his baseball future.

Bo Bichette Enters Free Agency, Position Change to Second Base Likely

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Free-agent infielder Bo Bichette, turning 28 in March, is expected to command a nine-figure contract this offseason. Known for his elite bat, he posted a .930 OPS as a rookie and was an All-Star in 2021. In 2025, he suffered a sprained left knee on Sept. 6, missing the regular season and early postseason, but returned for the World Series, hitting in all six starts, including a 441-foot homer off Shohei Ohtani in Game 7. His defensive metrics at shortstop plummeted in 2025, leading him to play second base for the first time in his MLB career during the World Series due to limited mobility. This potential position change could expand his market. Bichette has expressed a desire to remain with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Garrett Crochet Leads Red Sox Rotation After Cy Young Runner-Up Season

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Garrett Crochet, the 2025 Cy Young runner-up, is set to lead the Boston Red Sox's rotation as their No. 1 starter. He is one of only five MLB pitchers to record at least 200 strikeouts in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, showcasing consistent elite performance. Crochet's arsenal features an elite fastball and cutter, complemented by a sinker he developed in 2025. This sinker became his most-used pitch against left-handed hitters and boasted the highest Run Value in his repertoire, further solidifying his status as a dominant force on the mound for the Red Sox.

Red Sox Acquire Sonny Gray, Expected to Anchor Rotation Behind Crochet

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The Boston Red Sox acquired 36-year-old right-hander Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals, sending Richard Fitts and Brandon Clarke in return. The Cardinals will pay $20 million of Gray's $41 million salary for 2026, making his cost to the Red Sox $21 million. In 2025, Gray posted a 4.28 ERA and 1.23 WHIP over 32 starts, but his 3.39 FIP suggests better underlying performance. He recorded 201 strikeouts and 38 walks, leading the NL in K/BB ratio. Gray has been durable, making 30+ starts in three of the last five seasons and pitching 166+ innings in each of the last three. Despite a declining fastball velocity, his breaking balls remain elite. He is projected to be Boston's No. 2 starter behind Garrett Crochet.