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MLB News

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

Monday, November 17, 2025

Framber Valdez Enters Free Agency Amidst Strong Market and Late-Season Concerns

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Left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez, 32, is a prominent free agent after receiving a qualifying offer from the Houston Astros. Coming off a 2025 season with a 13-11 record, 3.66 ERA, and 192 innings, Valdez has been a consistent workhorse, averaging 191 innings and posting a 3.21 ERA since 2022. Despite his durability and 73 wins since 2020, concerns exist regarding his 2-7, 6.05 ERA performance in the final two months of 2025 and a September 2nd incident with catcher César Salazar. While some executives believe this incident might cause hesitation, Valdez's consistent quality and high ground-ball rate (59.4% in 2025) are expected to generate a robust market. Potential suitors include the Orioles, Blue Jays, Mets, Red Sox, Cubs, and Giants. He is projected to secure a four-to-five-year deal, potentially six, with his durability being a key factor, drawing comparisons to Blake Snell's recent contract.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, World Series MVP, Introduces Beloved Rescue Dog Carlos to Dodgers Fans

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the two-time World Series winner and 2025 World Series MVP, recently introduced his rescue dog, Carlos, to fans via Instagram. Yamamoto, who joined the Dodgers in 2023 after signing a 12-year, $325-million deal and has since won back-to-back championships, adopted Carlos in August. He described Carlos as gentle, loving a slow life, naps, walks, and good food. Carlos was adopted from Best Friends LA, where he was a fan favorite. Notably, Carlos has already been spotted playing with National League MVP Shohei Ohtani's famous dog, Decoy.

Jose Altuve Undergoes Minor Procedure, Reflects on Injury-Plagued but Productive Career

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Jose Altuve recently underwent a minor procedure to remove fluid between the fourth and fifth toes on his right foot. This comes after a career marked by various injuries, including a fractured right thumb during World Baseball Classic play and a strained oblique that caused him to miss time. Despite these setbacks, Altuve has consistently been a productive player, often posting an OPS over .900 and performing well in the postseason. His career has seen significant statistical shifts, from being an elite base stealer and batting title contender to a power threat, with his home run totals increasing in recent years. Altuve's performance has been influenced by factors like Minute Maid Park, rule changes affecting stolen bases, and playing through injuries, including a significant knee issue requiring surgery. While his speed and stolen base numbers have waned, and his batting average has seen fluctuations, he remains a key offensive contributor for the Houston Astros, often hitting atop a potent lineup. Despite concerns about aging and health, Altuve has demonstrated resilience, with his overall offensive package remaining strong.

Blue Jays Were Finalists for Juan Soto Before He Signed with New York Mets

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The Toronto Blue Jays were among the teams aggressively pursuing top free agents, finishing as a finalist for Juan Soto. However, Soto ultimately signed with the New York Mets. This pursuit underscores Toronto's strategy to invest heavily in major free agents, despite having missed out on both Soto and Shohei Ohtani in recent offseasons, as they aim to build on their 2025 World Series run.

Blue Jays Eye Kyle Tucker as Top Free-Agent Target Amidst Offseason Wild Card Status

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Kyle Tucker, considered the best player on this year's free-agent market, is a significant target for the Toronto Blue Jays, who are looking to make a major splash after their World Series appearance. Despite past struggles in landing top free agents, the Blue Jays see Tucker as a potential game-changer for their outfield, where he could play either corner alongside Gold Glove winner Daulton Varsho. The main hurdle for Toronto is outfielder Anthony Santander, who signed a five-year, $92.5 million deal last winter but had a disappointing 2025 season, hitting .175 in 54 games due to injury. Moving Santander is challenging, but the Blue Jays are determined to find a way to acquire Tucker, believing his addition would position them as American League favorites.

Shohei Ohtani's Dog Decoy Spotted with Yamamoto's New Pet as Blue Jays Reflect on Missed Opportunity

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Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani's famous dog, Decoy, was recently seen playing with teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto's newly adopted rescue dog, Carlos. Decoy is a well-known figure, having been featured on a Dodgers bobblehead, attending two World Series parades, tossing out a first pitch at Dodger Stadium, and co-writing a children's book. Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays reflected on their past offseason, noting they finished as the runner-up for Ohtani before he ultimately signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, highlighting their ambition to acquire top-tier free agents.

Pete Crow-Armstrong Named to Team USA for 2026 WBC After Impressive 30-30 Season

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Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, 23, has been selected to join Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Team USA manager Mark DeRosa emphasized the need for "energy, some youth infused" and "young guns to go get it, to hit some homers," a role Crow-Armstrong is well-suited for. In just his second full MLB season, he achieved a 30-30 season, hitting .247 with 31 home runs, 95 RBIs, and 35 stolen bases. His strong performance also placed him in the top-10 of the National League MVP voting, underscoring his rising star status and offensive capabilities for the national squad.

Corbin Carroll Joins Team USA for 2026 WBC After Stellar 30-30 MVP Season

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Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll, 25, has been officially added to the Team USA roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Manager Mark DeRosa highlighted the need for "energy, some youth infused" and "young guns to go get it, to hit some homers," a description fitting for Carroll. He is coming off a stellar season where he achieved a 30-30 feat, hitting .259 with 31 home runs, 84 RBIs, 17 triples, and 32 stolen bases. His impressive performance also earned him a top-10 finish in the National League MVP voting, underscoring his significant impact and potential for the national team.

Red Sox Reignite Pursuit of Joe Ryan for Rotation Boost; Twins' Dysfunction May Aid Deal

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The Boston Red Sox are actively re-engaging with the Minnesota Twins in pursuit of All-Star pitcher Joe Ryan, whom they previously targeted at last year's trade deadline. The 29-year-old right-hander is viewed as a certified No. 2 starter, crucial for bolstering Boston's rotation alongside Garrett Crochet. Previous trade talks in August saw the Twins initially demand Roman Anthony, then Franklin Arias and Payton Tolle, but ultimately stalled when they sought Jarren Duran or Wilyer Abreu from Boston's big-league roster. With the Twins now perceived as directionless and marred by ownership dysfunction, a deal for Ryan, who has two years of team control and an affordable estimated 2026 salary of $5.8 million, appears more feasible without requiring major league pieces. Despite Ryan's second-half struggles in 2025 (4.67 ERA vs. 2.72 ERA in the first half), the Red Sox see him as a vital "first step" towards contending in 2026.

Garrett Crochet's Stellar 2025 Season Highlights Red Sox's Need for Rotation Partner

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Garrett Crochet emerged as a pivotal figure for the Boston Red Sox in 2025, serving as their designated "stopper" with a stellar 2.59 ERA across 205 ⅓ innings. Manager Alex Cora lauded him as an "ace" capable of halting losing streaks and sustaining winning momentum. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow acknowledged the team's ongoing search for another arm to pitch alongside Crochet, highlighting his importance. Described as the best lefty in the rotation since Chris Sale and David Price, Crochet's strong performance, despite an experience gap, underscores the Red Sox's need to bolster their rotation with a complementary pitcher like Joe Ryan to further solidify their competitive aspirations.

Red Sox Prioritize Free Agent Alex Bregman Amidst Offseason Uncertainty

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The Boston Red Sox are reportedly making Alex Bregman their top priority in free agency, aiming to re-sign the third baseman. Bregman, 31, opted out of his previous three-year deal with the Red Sox to become a free agent for the second consecutive offseason. Last season, he posted a .273/.360/.462 slash line (128 OPS+) with 28 doubles, 18 homers, 62 RBI, 64 runs, and 3.5 WAR in 114 games. Should the Red Sox fail to re-sign Bregman, they are prepared to pursue free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso as an alternative. The Red Sox, with an estimated payroll of $127.1 million, have the financial flexibility to absorb Bregman's contract, potentially alongside Alonso.

Kyle Hart Re-Signs with Padres on One-Year Deal with 2027 Club Option

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Left-hander Kyle Hart has re-signed with the San Diego Padres on a one-year contract that includes a club option for 2027, after the team declined his $5 million option with a $500,000 buyout. Hart, who turns 33 on Sunday, posted a 3-3 record with a 5.86 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP in six starts and 14 relief appearances for the Padres in 2025, beginning as the No. 5 starter before becoming an effective reliever down the stretch of their 90-win season. This follows his standout 2024 season in the Korean Baseball Organization with the NC Dinos, where he was named the top pitcher, winning the Choi Dong-won Award, leading the league with 182 strikeouts, and achieving a 13-3 record with a 2.69 ERA over 26 starts. A former 19th-round pick, Hart's only previous major league appearances were four games with the Boston Red Sox in 2020.

Ryan Yarbrough Agrees to One-Year Deal, Returns to New York Yankees

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Side-arming left-hander Ryan Yarbrough has agreed to a one-year contract to remain with the New York Yankees, pending a successful physical examination. The 34-year-old, who turns 34 on December 31, previously signed a one-year, $2 million deal in March after being released by Toronto, earning an additional $150,000 in performance bonuses. In 2024 with the Yankees, Yarbrough posted a 3-1 record with a 4.36 ERA across eight starts and 11 relief appearances, striking out 55 and walking 19 over 64 innings. His season was interrupted by a strained right oblique, sidelining him from June 18 to September 5, and he was subsequently left off the postseason roster. An eight-year major league veteran, Yarbrough holds a career 56-41 record with a 4.22 ERA, having pitched for Tampa Bay, Kansas City, Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto, and the New York Yankees.

Cody Bellinger's Future Uncertain: Yankees Weigh Offseason Plan B Amidst Free Agency Speculation

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Cody Bellinger, who flourished in 2025 with 29 home runs and an .813 OPS, is a key free agent whose departure would be a significant blow to the New York Yankees' World Series aspirations. His versatility, playing all three outfield positions and first base, enhances his value, especially as he is not attached to a qualifying offer. If Bellinger signs elsewhere, the Yankees are exploring several 'Plan B' scenarios. These include relying on young outfielders Spencer Jones and Jasson Domínguez, potentially re-signing Trent Grisham (who has a qualifying offer deadline), or fortifying their pitching rotation with a big-name free agent like Framber Valdez, Dylan Cease, or Ranger Suárez. They are also considering acquiring a contact-hitting outfielder like Steven Kwan via trade or exploring the free agency of Luis Arraez. Another possibility involves moving Jazz Chisholm Jr. to center field and signing Bo Bichette for second base, or pursuing Kyle Tucker, though Tucker's potential cost may exceed Bellinger's.

Isaac Paredes' Hamstring Recovery Progresses; Past Performance Highlights Strengths and Weaknesses

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Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown reported that Isaac Paredes is approximately 65% recovered from his right hamstring tear. Paredes had a breakout season for the Tampa Bay Rays, showcasing significant power with 31 home runs and 98 RBI, particularly against left-handed pitching where he posted a .516 SLG%. His approach involves pulling baseballs, with all 53 career home runs hit to left field. He exhibits strong plate discipline, with a 90th percentile or better contact and chase rate, and a lower strikeout rate than expected. However, his batting average upside is limited by a high volume of flyballs and extreme pull tendencies, exacerbated by below-average speed. His 2022 season saw a .205/.304/.435 triple-slash line with a 116 wRC+, and his .175 batting average with runners in scoring position in 2022 contrasts with his .295 mark in 2023, suggesting potential variability in RISP production. Early career assessments noted his excellent command of the strike zone and potential for 20-homer seasons, but also his below-average speed and defensive limitations.

Pete Alonso's Free Agency: Mets' Desire to Retain, Red Sox's Mixed Signals

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Pete Alonso's free agency status remains a key storyline, with the New York Mets expressing a strong desire to bring him back. President of baseball operations David Stearns stated, "We love both Pete and Edwin," and "would love to have them both back." Stearns also emphasized that all aspects of a player's contribution, including on-field performance, clubhouse presence, and community impact, are factored into evaluations. Insider Andy Martino suggests Mets leadership "would be happy to welcome Alonso back in 2026" if he's open to an increased role at designated hitter, though a long-term deal for four or five years seems unlikely. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox are reportedly sending "mixed signals" regarding a pursuit of Alonso. While some within the Red Sox organization prefer Alonso over Kyle Schwarber, Boston has first baseman Triston Casas, who would likely see reduced playing time if Alonso were signed. The market for first basemen has also seen movement, with Josh Naylor agreeing to a deal with the Mariners, removing one potential fallback option and suitor for Alonso.

Roman Anthony's Stellar Rookie Season Showcases Star Potential Despite Injury

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Despite a season-ending left oblique strain, 21-year-old Roman Anthony lived up to immense expectations in his rookie year with the Boston Red Sox, finishing third in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Ranked MLB Pipeline's No. 1 prospect entering the season, Anthony demonstrated star-like qualities, including exceptional plate discipline with a 20% chase rate and a keen eye on edge pitches. His contact quality was also notable, featuring a 75.1 mph average bat speed and a 26.1% squared-up rate, leading to a 60.1% hard-hit rate. On defense, he recorded 6 Outs Above Average and a +4 Fielding Run Value. A significant development was his eight-year, $130 million contract extension. For 2026, Anthony aims to balance plate discipline with aggressiveness and elevate the ball more to tap into his power, having posted a 15.5% barrel rate despite a below-average airball rate.

Gavin Lux's Platoon Role and Defensive Deficiencies Lead to Non-Tender Prediction for Reds

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Gavin Lux is projected to be non-tendered by the Cincinnati Reds, with an arbitration estimate of $5 million. Lux is characterized as a pure platoon bat, effective against right-handed pitching with average offense and on-base skills, but struggles against left-handed pitching. His defensive limitations and lack of speed on the basepaths make his flaws more pronounced. The opportunity cost of his salary, which represents over 5% of the Reds' payroll, is a significant factor in the decision, despite the team's frugality.

Nathaniel Lowe Faces Non-Tender Decision from Boston Red Sox Amidst Arbitration Concerns

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Nathaniel Lowe is identified as a prime non-tender candidate for the Boston Red Sox, with an arbitration estimate of $13.5 million. Acquired last summer, Lowe showed flashes of his above-average offensive potential in 34 games, batting .280/.370/.420 with a 121 OPS+. However, the Red Sox reportedly have no need for another non-elite corner player, especially one projected to earn over $13 million through arbitration. Lowe is expected to be non-tendered and find a new team, marking his fourth team since Opening Day 2024.

Alec Bohm's Future with Phillies Uncertain Amidst Trade Speculation and Arbitration

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Alec Bohm's final year of team control with the Philadelphia Phillies is approaching, but his future with the organization is uncertain. Sources in other front offices suggest he may not be with the team come January 1st. While Bohm is a league-average hitter known for singles and doubles, his defensive capabilities at third base are considered subpar. Despite this, his track record indicates a place in a lineup, and the Phillies are anticipated to tender him a contract with the intention of trading him this offseason. His arbitration estimate is $10.3 million.