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MLB News

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

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Edwin Díaz Enters Free Agency, Forgoes $37 Million in Options After Strong Comeback Season

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Three-time All-Star closer Edwin Díaz, 31, has become a free agent, opting out of his five-year, $102 million contract with the New York Mets and giving up $18.5 million salaries for both 2026 and 2027. Díaz earned $64 million over three seasons, including $7.35 million in deferred payments through 2039. The right-hander recorded 28 saves in 31 opportunities and finished with a 6-3 record and a 1.63 ERA, marking a strong return after missing the 2023 season due to a torn right patellar tendon sustained during the World Baseball Classic.

Lucas Giolito Becomes Free Agent After Declining Mutual Option, Returns from Elbow Surgery

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Right-hander Lucas Giolito, 31, has entered free agency after declining a $19 million mutual option with a $1.5 million buyout, concluding a two-season contract worth $38.5 million. Giolito made his season return on April 30 following elbow surgery in March 2024. He posted a 10-4 record with a 3.41 ERA across 26 starts and 145 innings pitched, now seeking a new opportunity on the open market.

Alex Bregman Declines $80 Million Option, Enters Free Agency After Injury-Affected Season

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Three-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman has become a free agent, declining an $80 million player option for 2026 and 2027 from his three-year, $120 million contract with the Boston Red Sox. Bregman, 31, received $40 million for his single season with Boston, which included $20 million this year, a $5 million signing bonus payable in 2028, and $20 million in deferred installments starting in 2035. He batted .273 with 18 homers and 62 RBIs in 114 games, having been sidelined from May 23 to July 11 due to a strained right quadriceps.

Mets Decline $2 Million Option for Reliever Drew Smith After Second Tommy John Surgery

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The New York Mets have declined their $2 million option on right-handed reliever Drew Smith for the 2026 season. Smith, 32, had signed a one-year deal with the team option in February 2025, following his second Tommy John surgery. In 2024, Smith posted a 3.06 ERA and 1.52 WHIP with 23 strikeouts over 17.2 innings in 19 games for the Mets. His season concluded after a June 23 appearance, leading to another Tommy John surgery with an internal brace procedure on July 13. Smith has spent his entire big league career with the Mets since his 2018 debut, accumulating a 3.48 ERA and 1.27 WHIP across 196.1 innings in 191 appearances. The Mets face significant bullpen reconstruction this offseason.

José Ramírez in Mix for AL MVP Title

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Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramírez is a finalist for the American League MVP award. He is competing for the honor against New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge and Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh.

Cal Raleigh a Contender for AL MVP Award

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Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is a finalist for the American League MVP award. He is in the running against New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge and Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramírez.

Juan Soto Among NL MVP Finalists for the Upcoming Award

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New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto has been named a finalist for the National League MVP award. He is in contention alongside Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber.

Kyle Schwarber Named NL MVP and Silver Slugger Finalist After Career-Best Season

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Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, a three-time All-Star, has been named a finalist for both the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and the NL Silver Slugger award. Schwarber, 31, had a career-best season, leading the NL with 56 home runs and 132 RBIs, both personal highs. This marks his closest approach to an MVP award, having previously finished 15th in voting last season. The MVP awards are scheduled to be announced on November 13.

Aaron Judge Contends for Second Consecutive MVP Award

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Aaron Judge is among the finalists for the American League MVP award, vying for his second consecutive honor. In the past season, the New York Yankees slugger batted .331 with 53 homers, 114 RBIs, and a league-leading 1.145 OPS over 152 games. He is competing against Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh and Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramírez for the award. Judge previously won the MVP in 2022 and is seeking his third career MVP title, all with the Yankees.

Shohei Ohtani Aims for Consecutive MVP Awards Amidst Dodgers' World Series Three-Peat Ambitions

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Shohei Ohtani is a finalist for an MVP award, aiming for consecutive wins and his fourth overall, having previously won with the Angels in 2021 and 2023. He posted a .282 batting average with 55 homers and 102 RBIs in 158 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the past season, also contributing 1-1 with a 2.87 ERA in 14 starts on the mound following elbow surgery. Ohtani is now focused on the Dodgers' goal of winning a third consecutive World Series, a feat last achieved by the New York Yankees from 1998-2000. He was brought along slowly in his return to pitching after December 2023 elbow surgery but is expected to have no restrictions next year, potentially achieving unprecedented results. The Dodgers, who opened as +350 World Series favorites for 2026, are looking to extend their 'golden era' of baseball.

Paul Skenes Among Top MLB Trade Candidates and NL Rookie of the Year Finalist

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Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes is highlighted as a top MLB trade candidate who could be moved before the 2026 season. In addition to trade speculation, Skenes was also a finalist for NL Rookie of the Year in 2024, having been the NL Rookie of the Year in 2024. His potential trade status raises questions about his future team.

Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes Named Top MLB Trade Candidates

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Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal and Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes are identified as top candidates who could be moved before the 2026 season. Their potential trade status raises questions about whether either will headline a blockbuster deal, with speculation also surrounding which outfielder the Boston Red Sox might move.

Luis Robert Jr.'s $20 Million Option Picked Up by White Sox for 2026

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The Chicago White Sox have exercised their $20 million contract option for center fielder Luis Robert Jr., securing his services for the 2026 season. This decision confirms Robert's continued role with the team and provides clarity on his future beyond the current season. The move signals the White Sox's commitment to retaining their star outfielder as they plan for upcoming seasons.

Nick Castellanos' Tense 2025 Season Puts Phillies Future in Doubt

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Nick Castellanos faces an uncertain future with the Philadelphia Phillies as he enters the final year of his five-year, $100 million deal. His 2025 season was marked by tension, including a dugout confrontation with manager Rob Thomson after being pulled for defense and expressing frustration over playing time amidst a crowded outfield. Castellanos finished the season with a .250/.294/.400 slash line, 17 home runs, and a -1.0 WAR, ranking last among qualified outfielders with -12 outs above average and -90 defensive runs saved since 2016. With $20 million still owed in 2026, the Phillies are considering trading him, potentially eating salary, or designating him for assignment. The emergence of younger outfielders like Johan Rojas and prospects Justin Crawford and Gabriel Rincones Jr. further diminishes the likelihood of retaining the veteran, especially given the clubhouse tension he reportedly injected.

Monday, November 3, 2025

Dodgers Honor Clayton Kershaw as 'Champion for Life' Amidst Three-Peat Ambitions

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially honored veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw, recognizing him as a "champion for life." This tribute comes as the team is already shifting its focus towards the 2026 season, with an ambitious goal of securing their third consecutive World Series title. The Dodgers' forward-looking approach, encapsulated by the sentiment "'Job in 2026, Starts Now:'", indicates their immediate pivot from celebrating past successes to preparing for future campaigns, even as they acknowledge Kershaw's significant legacy and contribution to the franchise.

Aaron Judge Named American League MVP Finalist, Contending for Consecutive Honor

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New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge has been officially named a finalist for the American League MVP award by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Judge is now in the running for what could be a consecutive MVP honor, underscoring his consistent elite performance. This nomination solidifies his status as a premier player in the league and a strong candidate for the highly coveted award.

Shohei Ohtani Named National League MVP Finalist, Eyes Consecutive Award

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Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has been officially named a finalist for the National League MVP honor by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Ohtani is now in the running for what could be a consecutive MVP award, a significant achievement that highlights his continued dominance and impact on the league. This nomination positions him as a top contender for the prestigious honor.

Paul Skenes Named Finalist for Cy Young Award

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Paul Skenes has been named a finalist for the Cy Young Award. He is listed among the finalists for the NL Cy Young award alongside Cristopher Sánchez and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Cal Raleigh: AL MVP Finalist Amidst Hotly Contested Race with Aaron Judge

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Cal Raleigh is a finalist for the AL MVP award, facing strong competition from Aaron Judge and José Ramírez. Raleigh had a breakout 2025 season, hitting 60 home runs (ninth-most in MLB history) and leading the AL with 125 RBI. He posted a career-best .247/.359/.589 slash line with 14 stolen bases, pacing the Seattle Mariners to an AL West title and an ALCS appearance. His home run total set a switch-hitting and catcher record.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto: Cy Young Finalist and World Series Champion with Dodgers

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Yoshinobu Yamamoto is a finalist for the NL Cy Young Award. He also celebrated the Los Angeles Dodgers' second consecutive World Series title, wearing a 'World Series champions' t-shirt and addressing the stadium crowd in English, stating, 'Losing isn't an option' and 'I love the Dodgers. I love Los Angeles.' He was instrumental in the Dodgers' championship run.