Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras underwent a minor procedure on his fractured left middle finger on Tuesday, as reported by Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. This update provides clarity on the status of Contreras's injury, indicating a step towards recovery. Further analysis on this development is available via RotoWire.com, detailing the implications for the Brewers and Contreras's return timeline.
Trey Yesavage, once the consensus third-best pitcher in the 2024 Draft, defied medical concerns about his back to become a pivotal player for the Toronto Blue Jays. Drafted 20th overall, Yesavage joined the team in September, contributing to their American League East championship by winning all three of his regular-season starts. He continued his stellar performance in the postseason, securing crucial victories in the Division Series, Championship Series, and World Series, where he set rookie records with 12 strikeouts in a single game and 39 total whiffs. His rapid ascent from draft pick to World Series hero was quicker than anticipated, fulfilling Toronto's vision of him as a front-half rotation pitcher.
San Diego Padres right-hander Yu Darvish will miss the entire 2026 season after undergoing surgery last week to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow, which also included an internal brace. The 39-year-old, who previously had Tommy John surgery in 2015, expressed his commitment to rehabilitation. Last season, Darvish went 5-5 with a 5.38 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 15 starts, missing three months due to elbow inflammation and taking the loss in a decisive wild card game. This injury is a significant blow to the Padres' rotation, which is already facing changes with Dylan Cease and Michael King becoming free agents. Darvish has completed three years of his $108 million, six-year contract.
Harrison Bader, who is currently dealing with a groin injury, officially declined his $10 million mutual option for the 2026 season on Tuesday, as reported by Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. This decision immediately makes the outfielder a free agent, allowing him to explore opportunities with other teams. Bader's move signifies his departure from the Philadelphia Phillies organization, and his market value and next destination will likely be influenced by his recovery from the groin issue as he seeks a new club.
Shota Imanaga has officially become a free agent after the Chicago Cubs declined their three-year, $57 million club option, and he subsequently declined his $15.25 million player option for 2026. The 32-year-old left-hander, who signed a four-year, $54 million deal before the 2024 season, finished his Cubs tenure with a 24-11 record and a 3.28 ERA over 54 starts. His 2025 season saw a regression from his brilliant 2024 rookie year, posting a 9-8 record with a 3.73 ERA across 25 starts, including a 4.70 ERA in his final 13 regular-season starts and an 8.10 ERA in the postseason. Imanaga struggled with durability due to a hamstring strain and was notably susceptible to home runs, allowing at least one in his final 11 starts and finishing with a 1.93 HR/9. Despite an improved WHIP and elite strike-throwing ability, his profile is imperfect. Imanaga now enters an intriguing free-agent pitching market, while the Cubs face a significant need for starting arms.
The Atlanta Braves have officially announced their decision to pick up second baseman Ozzie Albies' $7 million club option for the 2026 season. President of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos confirmed the move on Tuesday, as reported by Mark Zinno of 92.9 The Game. This decision secures Albies' future with the team despite his recent hand injury, ensuring his presence in Atlanta's lineup for at least another year beyond the current season. The move reflects the club's confidence in the infielder's long-term value and recovery.
Left-handed pitcher Jose Quintana will enter free agency after the Milwaukee Brewers declined his 2026 mutual option on Tuesday. Quintana, who was with the Brewers, will now be available on the open market, looking for a new team for the upcoming season following Milwaukee's decision.
First baseman Rhys Hoskins is officially headed to free agency after the Milwaukee Brewers declined his 2026 mutual option on Tuesday. This decision by Milwaukee means Hoskins will explore opportunities with other teams, marking a significant change for the veteran slugger as he seeks his next MLB contract.
Detroit Tigers right-hander Jack Flaherty will remain with the team for the 2026 season, as he has decided not to opt out of his $20 million contract. Sources confirmed that Flaherty, who has played for Detroit for the past two seasons, will return to the Tigers, securing his place in their rotation for the upcoming year.
Trevor Story has opted into the final two years of his contract with the Boston Red Sox, a largely expected decision that provides some clarity for the team's infield. Story is due $25 million in each of the next two seasons, with his deal also including a $25 million club option for 2028 and a $5 million buyout. For the soon-to-be 33-year-old, who just completed his first healthy season since 2021, the guaranteed $55 million was considered a safer bet than testing the open market. While this secures a shortstop for the Red Sox, concerns remain regarding Story's history of significant injuries in 2022, 2023, and 2024, meaning the team will continue to pay him while hoping for the best.
Mason Miller's chances of starting in the 2026 MLB season have significantly increased following the news of Yu Darvish's elbow surgery. With Darvish sidelined for the entire year, the San Diego Padres' already-thin rotation faces a major void, making it more probable that Miller will step into a starting role for the team in 2026. This development highlights the ripple effect of Darvish's injury on the Padres' pitching plans and Miller's potential opportunity.
A.J. Minter's return to the New York Mets was a key topic on the latest episode of The Mets Pod, presented by Tri-State Cadillac. As the 2026 Mets roster begins to take shape with the official start of the offseason, podcast hosts Connor Rogers and Joe DeMayo highlighted Minter's situation. His return is part of the early offseason discussions for the team, alongside other significant player movements and coaching prospects.
Pete Alonso's impending free agency was a central point of discussion on The Mets Pod, presented by Tri-State Cadillac, as the 2026 Mets roster begins to form with the official start of the offseason. Hosts Connor Rogers and Joe DeMayo delved into Alonso's situation, along with Edwin Diaz's free agency, as they analyzed the team's early offseason moves and potential future options. His free agency represents a significant decision point for the Mets as they plan for the upcoming season.
Right-handed pitcher Keegan Thompson, 30, has officially agreed to a one-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds. The terms of the deal stipulate that Thompson will earn $1.3 million while playing in the major leagues, with a reduced salary of $350,000 if he is assigned to the minor leagues. Thompson, previously associated with the Chicago Cubs, now joins the Reds' organization as they look to bolster their pitching staff for the upcoming season.
The New York Mets have bolstered their pitching depth by signing left-hander Brandon Waddell, 31, to a one-year major league deal. Waddell returns to Queens after making 11 appearances with the Mets last season, primarily spending time in Syracuse on a minor league deal before being called up for spot starts and bullpen innings. He posted a 3.45 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with 22 strikeouts across 31.1 innings at the big-league level. With no minor league options remaining, Waddell will compete for a spot as a bulk-arm in the Mets' revamped bullpen during spring training, requiring waivers if he doesn’t make the Opening Day roster.
Reliever Andrew Kittredge has been traded back to the Baltimore Orioles from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash considerations. The transaction occurred on Tuesday, marking his return to the Orioles. This move sees Kittredge depart the Cubs, who had previously acquired him, now rejoining his former club. The deal was finalized with cash considerations being sent to Chicago, confirming the terms of the agreement.
Outfielder Jarren Duran has officially agreed to a one-year, $7.75 million contract with the Boston Red Sox, successfully avoiding arbitration for the second consecutive year. This significant agreement solidifies his position with the team for the upcoming season, ensuring the Red Sox retain their valuable outfielder without the need for further negotiation. The deal reflects a mutual understanding and efficient process between the player and the club, providing stability as they prepare for the next season.
Frankie Montas has exercised his $17 million player option to remain with the New York Mets for the 2026 season. Despite undergoing elbow surgery in September and being projected to miss the entire 2026 season, his substantial salary will count against the Mets' payroll for CBT purposes. Montas had a difficult first season with the Mets, with his debut delayed until June 24 due to a lat strain. He struggled significantly, posting a 6.68 ERA in seven starts and allowing seven home runs before being moved to the bullpen. Ultimately, he was shut down with a significant elbow injury after making nine appearances in 2025, finishing with a 6.28 ERA and a 1.603 WHIP. His decision was part of several Mets roster moves announced.
The New York Mets have acquired right-handed reliever Joey Gerber from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for cash considerations. Gerber, 28, has pitched in two big league seasons, accumulating a 3.60 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 10 strikeouts over 20.0 innings. He appeared in 17 games for the Mariners in 2020 and returned to the majors in 2025, tossing 4.1 innings across two games for the Rays. In five minor league seasons, Gerber posted a 3.47 ERA and 1.28 WHIP with 12.2 strikeouts per nine over 153.0 innings. This acquisition comes as the Mets face significant bullpen reconstruction, with many 2025 members either free agents or not guaranteed to return, and Edwin Diaz opting out to become a free agent.
Outfielder and first baseman Cody Bellinger, 30, has become a free agent, declining a $25 million option for 2026 from his three-year, $80 million contract with the New York Yankees. Acquired from the Chicago Cubs last December, Bellinger earned $57.5 million from his deal and will receive a $5 million buyout paid in installments in 2026 and 2027. He batted .272 with 29 homers and 98 RBIs overall, showcasing particular success at Yankee Stadium with a .302 average, 18 homers, and 55 RBIs.
