Dodgers Pick Up $3.55 Million Club Option for Reliever Alex Vesia
The Los Angeles Dodgers have picked up their $3.55 million club option for left-handed reliever Alex Vesia for the next season, ensuring his continued presence in their bullpen.
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Thursday, November 6, 2025
Dodgers Exercise $10 Million Club Option for Infielder Max Muncy
The Los Angeles Dodgers have exercised their $10 million club option for infielder Max Muncy for the upcoming season, securing his return to the team.
Atlanta Braves Decline Option on Pitcher Tyler Kinley
The Atlanta Braves have declined their team option on pitcher Tyler Kinley. This decision means Kinley will not be returning to the Braves under the current option, making him available for other opportunities.
Atlanta Braves Exercise Team Option on Second Baseman Ozzie Albies
The Atlanta Braves have officially exercised their team option on second baseman Ozzie Albies. This move ensures Albies will remain with the Braves, continuing his tenure as a key component of the team's infield.
Atlanta Braves Decline Option on Pitcher Pierce Johnson
The Atlanta Braves have declined their team option on pitcher Pierce Johnson. This move signifies that Johnson will not be retained by the Braves under the current option agreement, allowing him to explore other options.
Justin Turner Becomes Free Agent After Cubs Decline $10 Million Mutual Option
Infielder Justin Turner has officially become a free agent after the Chicago Cubs opted to decline his $10 million mutual option. This decision makes Turner available on the open market for the upcoming season, marking a significant development for the veteran infielder. Turner will now explore opportunities with other teams as he seeks his next MLB contract, concluding his tenure with the Cubs.
Right-Hander Colin Rea Re-Signs with Chicago Cubs
Right-hander Colin Rea has officially agreed to terms with the Chicago Cubs, securing his return to the team. This re-signing provides the Cubs with a familiar and experienced arm for their pitching staff as they look ahead to the upcoming season. The agreement signifies the club's intent to bolster their roster with known quantities, with Rea expected to contribute to their pitching depth. His return is a key move for Chicago as they continue to shape their team.
Mariners Infielder Jorge Polanco Declines Option, Becomes Free Agent
Seattle Mariners infielder Jorge Polanco has officially become a free agent after declining his $6 million player option for the 2026 season. As a result of this decision, Polanco will receive a $750,000 buyout from the Mariners. This move marks his departure from the team and opens up his market for other MLB clubs.
Joc Pederson Stays with Rangers, Declines Opt-Out on Two-Year Deal
Texas Rangers outfielder Joc Pederson has decided not to opt out of his two-year, $37 million contract, which he signed in January. He had the right to opt out of his $18.5 million salary for next year and an $18.5 million mutual option for 2027, though the Rangers held a counter-option. The 33-year-old batted .181 with nine homers and 29 RBIs. His season was interrupted by a fractured right hand on May 24, from which he returned on July 27.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Stays with Diamondbacks, Maintains Contract Through 2027
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has decided not to opt out of his contract, securing his $13 million salary for 2026. His deal, a four-year, $42 million agreement signed before the 2024 season, also includes a $14 million team option for 2027 with a $5 million buyout. The 32-year-old, an All-Star in 2023, hit .248 with 19 home runs and 80 RBIs this year for Arizona.
Wandy Peralta Exercises Options for Padres, Securing Future Through 2027
San Diego Padres pitcher Wandy Peralta has exercised his $4.25 million option for the upcoming season, part of a four-year, $16.5 million guaranteed deal signed before the 2024 season. The 34-year-old left-hander also holds a $4.45 million option for 2027. This past season, Peralta was effective in relief, recording a 6-1 record with a 3.14 ERA across 71 appearances for the Padres.
José Alvarado's $9 Million Option Exercised by Phillies After Suspension and Return
The Philadelphia Phillies have exercised their $9 million option on reliever José Alvarado, opting against a $500,000 buyout as part of his three-year, $22 million contract. The 30-year-old left-hander served an 80-game suspension from mid-May through mid-August due to a positive drug test. Upon his return, Alvarado posted a 4-2 record with a 3.81 ERA and secured seven saves in eight opportunities for Philadelphia.
Shane Bieber Opts In for $16 Million with Blue Jays, Reflects on Post-Surgery Return
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Shane Bieber has exercised his $16 million player option for the 2026 season, foregoing free agency. The 30-year-old right-hander, a 2020 AL Cy Young Award winner, earned $14 million this season. Acquired from Cleveland at the July 31 trade deadline, Bieber returned on August 22 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024. He went 4-2 with a 3.57 ERA in seven starts, contributing to Toronto's first AL East title since 2015, but allowed the walk-off home run in Game 7 of the World Series.
Jack Flaherty Exercises $20 Million Option, Remains with Tigers for 2026 Season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty has exercised his player option for the 2026 season, choosing to remain with the team rather than entering free agency. The 30-year-old right-hander will earn $20 million next season, following a $25 million salary this year. Flaherty concluded the season with an 8-15 record, leading the American League in losses, and posted a 4.64 ERA across 31 starts for the Tigers.
Alex Bregman's Potential Free Agency Sparks Speculation on Best Fits
Star third baseman Alex Bregman is the subject of speculation regarding his future, with discussions focusing on potential MLB free agent fits should he depart from the Boston Red Sox. The article explores various team options for Bregman if he chooses to leave Boston.
Rays Exercise Brandon Lowe's $11.5 Million Option for 2026 Season
The Tampa Bay Rays have exercised their $11.5 million option on second baseman Brandon Lowe for the 2026 season, as reported by Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. This move secures Lowe's position with the team for the upcoming year.
Giants Claim Left-Handed Pitcher Reiver Sanmartin to Bolster Bullpen Depth
The San Francisco Giants claimed left-handed pitcher Reiver Sanmartin from the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday as part of a roster shuffle. Sanmartin, 29, is seen as a potential asset for the Giants, who are looking to rebuild their bullpen and are short on left-handed depth. He has a career 5.66 ERA in 62 big league appearances, with only one in the past two years due to elbow surgery in 2023. However, he posted a more promising 3.34 ERA in Triple-A last season, indicating potential for contribution as the Giants address their pitching needs.
Mets Evaluate Dylan Cease's Cy Young Upside and Inconsistency for Rotation Spot
Dylan Cease, currently with the San Diego Padres, is a key free agent target for the New York Mets, who are weighing his significant upside against a history of inconsistency. Entering his age-30 season, Cease has finished top-four in Cy Young voting twice (2nd in AL in 2022 with a 2.20 ERA, 4th in NL in 2024 with a 3.47 ERA) but also posted ERAs of 4.58 (2023) and 4.55 (2025). He is highly reliable, making at least 32 starts and exceeding 165 innings each of the last five seasons, including 168.0 innings in 2025. Cease boasts a career 10.9 K/9 rate, leading qualified starters with 11.5 K/9 in 2025, and elite advanced stats in whiff percentage and fastball velocity. However, he struggles with walks (3.8 per nine career, 20th percentile in 2025) and inconsistent secondary pitches, with his fastball and overall pitching run value fluctuating significantly. The Mets view him as a potential middle-of-the-rotation addition if his market remains reasonable, potentially a three-to-four-year deal, despite concerns about his "every other year" performance trend.
Phillies Eye Angels' Taylor Ward as Right-Handed Power Bat in Trade Talks
The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly targeting Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward, with Jon Morosi indicating a "better than 50/50 chance" the Angels trade one of their veteran outfielders. Ward, 31, a 2015 first-round pick, offers a polished right-handed power profile, hitting 23+ homers in three of the last four seasons. In 2025, he posted 36 homers and 103 RBIs with a .228 average, ranking fifth in the AL in home runs and sixth in RBIs, recovering from a 2024 fractured nose. Despite high strikeouts (175), Ward shows strong plate discipline with 75 walks (7th in AL) and a 92nd-percentile chase rate. He is seen as a steady hitter providing lineup protection for Bryce Harper. Defensively, he has played extensively in left and right field. Ward is entering his final contract season, projected to earn around $11 million. The Phillies might offer prospects like Gabriel Rincones Jr. and Keaton Anthony. His .918 OPS against left-handers in 2025 makes him an attractive fit to complement lefty bats, balancing the Phillies' lineup.
Phillies Linked to Angels' Jo Adell Amid Trade Speculation for Power Outfielder
The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly linked to Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell, as the Angels are considering trading him, with Jon Morosi suggesting a "better than 50/50 chance" one of their veteran outfielders moves. Adell, 26, was a hyped 2017 first-round pick whose career was initially stalled by injuries and inconsistency, never playing more than 88 games from 2020-23. However, he had a breakout 2025 season, hitting 37 home runs, 98 RBIs, and a .236/.293/.485 line (.778 OPS), ranking fourth in the AL in homers. His advanced metrics were strong, including a .565 expected slugging and 17.3% barrel rate, though he still struggles with swing-and-miss (151 strikeouts, 33 walks). Defensively, Adell ranked last in Outs Above Average, playing 89 games in center and 69 in right. He is under team control through 2027 and projected to make around $4.5 million in arbitration. Given his upside and control, his trade cost is expected to be high. The Angels' farm system is light on position players, making the Phillies a logical trade partner, potentially offering prospects like Aroon Escobar, Keaton Anthony, Dante Nori, or Gabriel Rincones Jr.