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MLB News

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

Sunday, November 9, 2025

Shohei Ohtani's Interpreter Noted in MLB's Extensive Gambling Scandal History

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Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is indirectly referenced in discussions surrounding Major League Baseball's long history with gambling scandals, specifically through the mention of his interpreter. This context highlights that despite past controversies involving figures like Pete Rose and the Black Sox, MLB has continued to pursue corporate partnerships. The league's approach indicates that its historical challenges with gambling have not deterred its engagement with such ventures, as detailed in an article published on November 9, 2025.

Guardians' Luis L. Ortiz on Administrative Leave Amid MLB Investigation

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Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis L. Ortiz was already on administrative leave during an ongoing MLB investigation. He was mentioned alongside teammate Emmanuel Clase in connection with the league's inquiry into alleged pitch rigging and sports betting activities.

Saturday, November 8, 2025

Mets RHP Adbert Alzolay Nearing Return, Expected to Play in Venezuelan Winter League

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Adbert Alzolay, the 29-year-old right-hander signed by the Mets last offseason on a two-year minor league deal, is expected to play in the Venezuelan Winter League later this month. This marks a significant step in his recovery following Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, an injury that ended his frustrating, injury-plagued campaign with the Chicago Cubs. Alzolay spent the entire season rehabbing and recovering, having recently progressed to throwing bullpen sessions. His participation in the winter league is encouraging news, aiming to shake off rust before a crucial spring training. The former Cubs closer will compete for a spot in Mets camp, needing to demonstrate both health and productivity. Prior to his injury-filled 2024 season, Alzolay posted a terrific 2.67 ERA and 1.01 WHIP with 22 saves. Regaining this form would provide a valuable boost to New York as they look to revamp their bullpen.

Jeff Hoffman's Closer Role with Blue Jays Not Guaranteed for 2026 Season

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Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins stated on Thursday that the organization is not committed to Jeff Hoffman as their primary closer for the 2026 season. This report, originating from Rob Longley of The Toronto Sun, indicates that Hoffman's future role in the bullpen, specifically as the top high-leverage option, remains open for evaluation. The announcement provides insight into the team's flexible approach to their pitching staff and suggests that the closer position could be subject to competition or further changes in the upcoming year.

Blue Jays Prioritize Retaining Star Shortstop Bo Bichette Amid Hot Stove Rumors

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As part of Saturday's ongoing MLB hot stove rumors, the Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly expressed a strong desire to retain their star shortstop, Bo Bichette. This development indicates the club's intent to secure Bichette's long-term future with the team, making him a central figure in their offseason plans. The news, published on November 8, 2025, highlights the Blue Jays' commitment to their key player as the offseason progresses and trade talks potentially heat up.

Friday, November 7, 2025

Fernando Tatis Jr. Secures Second Career NL Platinum Glove Award

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San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. has earned his second career National League Platinum Glove Award, an honor decided by a fan vote among Gold Glove winners. Tatis Jr. demonstrated strong defensive capabilities this season, ranking sixth in defensive runs saved and 12th in Fielding Run Value in the NL. His previous Platinum Glove win in 2023 saw him lead the league in DRS and rank fourth in FRV, solidifying his reputation as an elite defender for the Padres. The award was announced late on a Friday night.

Bobby Witt Jr. Named AL Platinum Glove Winner for Elite Shortstop Defense

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Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. has been honored with the American League Platinum Glove Award, a prestigious recognition determined by a fan vote among Gold Glove winners. Witt Jr. showcased exceptional defensive prowess this season, ranking third among all AL defenders in Fielding Run Value and 17th in defensive runs saved while playing shortstop. This award highlights his status as a top overall defender in the league, adding a significant accomplishment to his growing resume with the Royals. The announcement was made late on a Friday night, distinguishing it from other major sports awards.

Cal Raleigh Earns First Career Silver Slugger Award for Seattle Mariners

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Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has been recognized with his first career Silver Slugger Award, a significant achievement announced alongside other league honors. This prestigious award acknowledges Raleigh's offensive excellence and contributions at the plate, marking a pivotal milestone in his professional career. Earning a Silver Slugger highlights his standing as one of the top offensive catchers in the American League, solidifying his impact for the Mariners.

Pete Alonso Honored with First Silver Slugger Award for New York Mets

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New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso has been honored with his first career Silver Slugger Award. This recognition celebrates Alonso's exceptional offensive performance, underscoring his power and hitting prowess throughout the season. The award marks a significant achievement for the slugger, cementing his status as one of the premier offensive talents in the National League and a key player for the Mets.

Bryce Montes de Oca Elects Free Agency After Multiple Surgeries

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Right-hander Bryce Montes de Oca, 28, has elected free agency after a challenging period with the Mets organization. Once an up-and-coming bullpen arm who shined in big-league camp and debuted in 2022, Montes de Oca is known for throwing extremely hard with big-time swing-and-miss stuff, despite occasional command struggles. His career was impacted by Tommy John surgery in 2023, followed by an additional procedure in August 2024 after only 13 rehab appearances. He is now on the open market.

Dodgers Pitcher Alex Vesia and Wife Kayla Announce Tragic Passing of Infant Daughter Sterling Sol

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia and his wife Kayla shared the heartbreaking news of their baby daughter, Sterling Sol Vesia, who passed away on October 26th. The couple made the announcement in a joint Instagram post, expressing immense pain but cherishing every second they had with their "little angel." Vesia was not on the Dodgers’ World Series roster, having been granted a leave of absence for a personal matter, which the team had acknowledged on October 23rd. In a show of support, players from both the Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays wore Vesia’s No. 51 during Game 3 of the World Series. The couple extended gratitude to the Dodgers, Blue Jays organization, baseball fans, and Cedars Sinai medical staff for their support. Vesia, who joined the Dodgers in 2021, posted a 4-2 record with a 3.02 ERA in 68 appearances this past season, and the team recently exercised his 2026 contract option for $3.55 million.

Aaron Judge Secures Fifth AL Silver Slugger, Strong MVP Contender for Yankees

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New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge earned his fifth career American League Silver Slugger Award in 2025, further solidifying his status as a top offensive player. Judge is a leading candidate for the 2025 AL MVP, a title he previously secured in 2022 and 2024, both years he also won the Silver Slugger. His exceptional 2025 season featured a league-best .331 batting average, .457 OBP, .688 slugging percentage, and a 1.144 OPS, alongside 53 home runs and 114 RBI. Judge's performance was pivotal in the Yankees winning the team Silver Slugger Award, surpassing the Mariners and Blue Jays. He was recognized as an outfield winner alongside Byron Buxton and Riley Greene, besting competitors like Julio Rodríguez, George Springer, and teammate Cody Bellinger, who contributed 29 homers and 98 RBI.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. Secures First AL Silver Slugger, Achieves 30-30 Season for Yankees

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New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. earned his first career American League Silver Slugger Award in 2025, culminating his best season in pinstripes. This prestigious honor followed his second-career All-Star selection. Chisholm Jr. posted an impressive offensive line, slashing .242/.332/.481 with an .813 OPS. He achieved career-highs with 31 home runs and 80 runs batted in, and also stole 31 bases, making him only the third player in Yankees franchise history to reach the coveted 30-30 mark in a single season. He notably surpassed fellow second base finalists Brandon Lowe of the Rays and Jorge Polanco of the Mariners for the award.

Mason Miller Qualifies for MLB Salary Arbitration

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San Diego Padres pitcher Mason Miller is now eligible for salary arbitration, having accumulated two to three years of service time in Major League Baseball. This milestone allows Miller to enter the arbitration process, a key phase for players seeking new contract terms based on their performance and service time in the league.

Maikel Garcia Enters MLB Salary Arbitration Eligibility

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Kansas City Royals player Maikel Garcia has reached the threshold of two to three years of service time, qualifying him for MLB salary arbitration. This development places Garcia among a group of young talents set to navigate the arbitration process for their next contract, signifying his progression within the Major League Baseball system.

Zach Neto Becomes Eligible for MLB Salary Arbitration

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Los Angeles Angels infielder Zach Neto is among the players who have accrued two to three years of service time, making him eligible for salary arbitration. This eligibility marks a significant step in his MLB career, positioning him for potential contract negotiations in the upcoming arbitration period, reflecting his tenure and performance in the league.

Nick Kurtz Poised for Unanimous AL Rookie of the Year After Historic Season

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Oakland Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz is a strong favorite to win the American League Rookie of the Year award, expected to do so unanimously. Debuting on April 23, less than a year after being drafted fourth overall in 2024, Kurtz delivered an "all-time rookie season." After a slow start in his first month (1 homer, .558 OPS in 85 plate appearances), he caught fire from May 24 through the end of the season, clobbering 35 homers with a gaudy 1.100 OPS. His remarkable performance included a four-homer game on July 25, a franchise first for the Athletics. Kurtz, who doesn't turn 23 until March, has established himself as a legitimate middle-of-the-order monster, surpassing even his teammate Jacob Wilson, who was an early front-runner.

Exploring Bo Bichette's Top Free Agent Destinations If He Departs Blue Jays

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Star shortstop Bo Bichette is a central figure in recent MLB discussions, with potential free agency scenarios being explored. The focus is on identifying the three best MLB free agent fits for Bichette should he ultimately decide to leave the Toronto Blue Jays. As a key player for the Blue Jays, his future with the team is a significant topic, prompting analysis of where the star shortstop might land if he enters the free agent market.

Yankees Reportedly Eyeing Reunion with Free Agent Cody Bellinger in Hot Stove Rumors

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Free agent Cody Bellinger is reportedly a target for the New York Yankees, who are eyeing a potential reunion as part of the ongoing MLB hot stove rumors. These developments were highlighted on Friday, November 7, 2025. The rumors also touched upon the possibility of the Chicago Cubs, Bellinger's former team, looking to cut costs this offseason, which could influence Bellinger's market. The Yankees' interest suggests they are actively exploring options to bolster their roster during the offseason, with Bellinger being a prominent name in the rumor mill.

Shohei Ohtani's WBC Teammate Munetaka Murakami Set for MLB Posting

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Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani's former World Baseball Classic teammate, Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami, is officially set to be posted to Major League Baseball. Murakami, 25, holds the single-season NPB home run record for a Japanese-born player, a significant achievement that precedes his move to MLB. Once posted, Murakami will have a 45-day window to sign with an MLB team, potentially bringing another high-profile Japanese talent to the league, following in the footsteps of players like Ohtani.