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MLB News

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

Monday, November 24, 2025

Brandon Nimmo Traded to Rangers for Marcus Semien, Expresses Shock

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Longtime Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo was traded to the Texas Rangers for veteran second baseman Marcus Semien, a move that 'took him as a shock.' Nimmo, who spent 10 years with the Mets and signed an eight-year extension in 2023, used his no-trade clause to approve the deal, prioritizing a World Series win. Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen released a statement thanking Nimmo for his 'heart, grit, and passion.' The trade, which sends Nimmo to the Rangers, frees up roster flexibility for the Mets, despite his .262 average, 135 homers, and .802 OPS in 1,066 games with New York.

Joel Payamps Reaches 1-Year, $2.25M Deal to Stay with Braves

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Right-hander Joel Payamps has agreed to a one-year, $2.25 million deal with the Atlanta Braves. The agreement, reached on Monday, ensures the veteran remains a key part of the team's bullpen, solidifying their relief corps for the upcoming season.

McNeil's Mets Role Shifts to Super Utility After Semien Trade, Recovering from Injury

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Jeff McNeil's role with the Mets is shifting to a potential super utility player following the acquisition of Marcus Semien, who now occupies second base. McNeil, who played 79 games at second in 2025 but also saw time across the outfield and at first, is valued for his positional versatility by President David Stearns. McNeil underwent a minor procedure for thoracic outlet syndrome post-2025 season, expecting to be ready for spring training. He is owed $15.75 million in 2026, the final guaranteed year of his contract, with a $15.75 million club option for 2027.

Salvador Perez Named Venezuela's Captain for 2026 World Baseball Classic

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Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez has been named captain for Venezuela's 2026 World Baseball Classic team. This marks his fourth Classic appearance, having played since 2013. In the 2023 WBC, Perez slashed .429/.467/.929 with 1 HR, 4 doubles, and 6 RBIs, earning an All-WBC team selection. He holds a career WBC slash line of .346/.393/.808 with 2 HR and 8 RBIs over eight games. Manager Omar Lopez highlighted Perez and José Altuve as key leaders. Venezuela starts its 2026 WBC campaign in Miami on March 6 against the Netherlands.

Alex Bregman Featured in 2025-26 MLB Free Agent Class Superlatives

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Alex Bregman is recognized as a top prospect in the upcoming 2025-26 MLB free agent class. The class is being evaluated with superlatives covering potential surprise signings, slugger or bust candidates, and players with the most impact. This assessment provides a yearbook's worth of awards for the elite free agents.

Kyle Tucker Featured in 2025-26 MLB Free Agent Class Superlatives

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Kyle Tucker is recognized as a top prospect in the upcoming 2025-26 MLB free agent class. The class is being evaluated with superlatives covering potential surprise signings, slugger or bust candidates, and players with the most impact. This assessment provides a yearbook's worth of awards for the elite free agents.

Sunday, November 23, 2025

Mets Acquire Gold Glove 2B Marcus Semien from Rangers in Nimmo Trade

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Marcus Semien has been traded from the Texas Rangers to the New York Mets in exchange for Brandon Nimmo. The 35-year-old second baseman, a three-time All-Star, is coming off a 2025 season where he hit .230/.305/.364 with 15 home runs and 62 RBI in 127 games, ending early due to a left foot fracture. Semien, who won the AL Gold Glove last season and helped the Rangers win the 2023 World Series, is owed $72 million over the next three seasons. The Mets acquired him to significantly improve their infield defense, expecting him to form a strong double-play combo with Francisco Lindor.

Rangers Acquire Brandon Nimmo from Mets After Career-High 2025 Season

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Brandon Nimmo has been traded from the New York Mets to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Marcus Semien. Nimmo, 32, spent his entire 10-year career with the Mets, where he was drafted 13th overall in 2011. He waived his full no-trade clause to facilitate the move. In 2025, Nimmo achieved career-highs with 25 home runs, 92 RBI, and 155 games played, batting .262/.324/.436. He is owed $102.5 million over the next five seasons from his 8-year, $162 million deal signed in 2022, with the Mets sending $5 million to Texas. The Rangers are expected to use Nimmo, an offensive upgrade, as their primary left fielder.

Polarizing Free Agent Dylan Cease Faces Scrutiny After 4.55 ERA Season

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Free agent Dylan Cease is the top-ranked starting pitcher on MLB.com's top-30 list, but his case is polarizing. He posted a 4.55 ERA with the Padres last season, yet his 3.43 xERA suggests better underlying performance, partly due to a .320 BABIP and -7 Outs Above Average from poor defense. Cease recorded a 29.8% strikeout rate (215 K's, 5th straight 200+ K season) but also a 9.8% walk rate and averaged only 5.25 innings per start. Notably, he has made at least 32 starts in five consecutive seasons, demonstrating significant durability.

Shohei Ohtani's Historic 2024 Bat Sells for $300,000 at Auction

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Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani's bat, used to hit five home runs during his historic 2024 season, has fetched a staggering $300,000 at auction. The sale highlights the immense value and collector interest in memorabilia from Ohtani's standout performances.

Nolan Arenado Trade: Top Landing Spots for Star Third Baseman

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St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, a likely future Hall of Famer, is currently the subject of trade speculation. Discussions are centered on identifying top trade fits and finding a new home for the star player, with various potential landing spots being explored.

Cubs Eye Pitching Additions Following Shota Imanaga's Return

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The Chicago Cubs are reportedly planning to add more pitching to their roster following the return of Shota Imanaga. This update comes amidst Sunday's latest MLB rumors, indicating the team's ongoing strategy to bolster their rotation.

Saturday, November 22, 2025

Smith's World Series Game 7 Winning Homer Sells for $168,000

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Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith's pivotal home run in the 11th inning of World Series Game 7 against the Toronto Blue Jays, which secured the winning run for the Dodgers, was sold for $168,000 at auction. The historic baseball, retrieved by Matthew Bains after landing in the bullpen at Roger Centre on November 1, 2025, was a key piece of the Dodgers' dynasty-cementing victory and authenticated by SCP Auctions.

Rojas' World Series Game 7 Homer Ball Fetches $156,000

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Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas's game-tying 387-foot home run in the ninth inning of World Series Game 7 against the Toronto Blue Jays, which sent the game into extra innings, was sold for $156,000 at auction. The pivotal baseball, caught by John Bains at Roger Centre on November 1, 2025, was one of two historic Dodgers homers from that game to be auctioned, becoming fast cash for the fan who secured it.

Ohtani's Historic NLCS Homer Sells for $270,000 at Auction

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Shohei Ohtani's second home run from Game 4 of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers, a 469-foot blast that landed on the Dodger Stadium right-field roof, fetched $270,000 at auction. This memorable homer was part of a dominant performance where Ohtani also struck out 10 batters over six innings, helping send the Los Angeles Dodgers to the World Series. The ball, retrieved by Carlo Mendoza, was authenticated by SCP Auctions.

Cubs Sign Veteran Reliever Phil Maton to Two-Year Deal

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The Chicago Cubs have reportedly agreed to a two-year contract with veteran right-hander Phil Maton, pending a physical. The deal includes a club option. Maton, 32, played for St. Louis and Texas last season, posting a 4-5 record with a 2.79 ERA and five saves across 63 games before being traded on July 31. He has a career 3.98 ERA over 478 major league games with multiple teams since his 2017 debut.

Mets Prospect Acuña Exits Winter League Game After HBP

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New York Mets infielder Luisangel Acuña exited his Venezuelan Winter League game on Friday in the fourth inning after being hit in the forearm by an 88-mph pitch from Eduardo Paredes while playing for the Cardenales de Lara. There is no immediate update on his injury. Acuña is slashing .208/.391/.396 with two homers and 10 RBI in 17 Winter League games. His future with the Mets is uncertain after a challenging 2025 MLB season and he may be involved in an offseason trade.

Friday, November 21, 2025

Cubs Secure Right-Handed Reliever Phil Maton on Two-Year Deal

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Right-handed reliever Phil Maton has reached an agreement on a two-year deal with the Chicago Cubs, sources confirmed to ESPN on Friday, November 22, 2025. This signing finalizes multiple reports regarding Maton's new contract.

Giants acquire outfielder Joey Wiemer from Marlins for cash

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The San Francisco Giants acquired outfielder Joey Wiemer from the Miami Marlins for cash considerations after Wiemer was DFA'd earlier this week. The 26-year-old, a 2020 fourth-round pick, reached MLB in 2023 with Milwaukee, hitting 13 homers but posting a 76 wRC+. Despite a career 74 wRC+, Wiemer offers elite sprint speed (89th percentile) and strong outfield defense (6 OAA in 2023), capable of playing all three spots, aligning with the Giants' priority to improve their 30th-ranked outfield defense.

Texas Rangers Catcher Jonah Heim Not Tendered Contract on Friday

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Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim was officially not tendered a contract by the club on Friday, November 21, 2025. This decision makes Heim one of 66 MLB arbitration-eligible players across the league who were similarly non-tendered by their respective teams. As a result of not being tendered a contract, Heim will now become a free agent, able to sign with any MLB team. He was highlighted alongside Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia as a notable player on the non-tender list.