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MLB News

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

Monday, November 3, 2025

Juan Soto: NL MVP Finalist and Mets' Star Slugger

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Juan Soto has been named a finalist for the 2025 NL MVP award, joining Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber. Despite a slow start and an All-Star snub, Soto finished the season strongly, hitting 43 home runs (second on his team) and driving in 105 runs. He led the league with 127 walks, achieving a .396 OBP and .921 OPS. Soto also showcased a new dimension to his game by stealing a career-best 38 bases. This marks his third MVP finalist selection and sixth top-10 finish.

Mitch Garver's Mutual Option Declined by Mariners, Enters Free Agency

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Catcher Mitch Garver's mutual option for 2026 was declined by the Seattle Mariners, making him a free agent. He joined Seattle in December 2023 on a two-year contract with a mutual option and a buyout. In 2025, Garver hit .209 with nine homers and 30 RBIs.

Michael Lorenzen's Mutual Option Declined, Now a Free Agent

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Michael Lorenzen's mutual option for 2026 was declined by the Kansas City Royals, making him a free agent. He was guaranteed $7 million in a one-year deal with a $1.5 million buyout of a $12 million option, and earned an additional $1 million in performance bonuses. The 33-year-old right-hander, an All-Star in 2023, signed with the Royals in January and went 7-11 with a 4.64 ERA in 26 starts and one relief appearance. He experienced a stint on the injured list due to a left oblique strain.

Michael King Declines Mutual Option, Becomes Free Agent

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Pitcher Michael King declined his mutual option with the San Diego Padres for 2026, making him a free agent. He was guaranteed $7.75 million in a one-year contract with a buyout of a $15 million option. In 2025, the 30-year-old right-hander posted a 5-3 record with a 3.44 ERA over 15 starts, but his season was limited by injuries, including right shoulder inflammation and left knee inflammation. King was in his second season with the Padres after being acquired in the trade that sent Juan Soto to the Yankees.

Brandon Woodruff Declines Mutual Option, Becomes Free Agent

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Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff declined a $20 million mutual option for 2026, opting for a $10 million buyout and becoming a free agent. After missing the 2024 season due to shoulder surgery, Woodruff returned in July 2025, going 7-2 with a 3.20 ERA in 12 starts. He missed the postseason with a right lat strain. Woodruff expressed his connection to Milwaukee, calling it 'home for sure.' He had agreed to a backloaded $17.5 million, two-year contract before the 2024 season.

Dietrich Enns Signs One-Year Deal with Baltimore Orioles

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Left-hander Dietrich Enns agreed to a one-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles, guaranteeing $2,625,000. The deal includes a $2.5 million salary for 2026 and a $3.5 million team option for 2027 with a $125,000 buyout. Enns has the right to become a free agent at the end of the contract. The 34-year-old made his major league debut in 2017 and played in Japan and South Korea before signing a minor league contract with Detroit in January. He was traded to the Orioles on July 31, where he went 3-3 with a 4.08 ERA in three starts and 21 relief appearances.

Kris Bubic Cleared to Begin Throwing Program in November Following Shoulder Injury

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Kansas City Royals pitcher Kris Bubic has received a significant update regarding his recovery from a shoulder injury. He has officially been cleared to commence a throwing program, a crucial step forward in his rehabilitation. According to reports from MLB.com, Bubic is slated to begin this program in November, indicating a positive trajectory for his return to action. This development provides an encouraging timeline for the left-hander as he progresses through his recovery and aims to rejoin the team.

Milwaukee Brewers Exercise Freddy Peralta's $8 Million Option for 2026 Season

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The Milwaukee Brewers have solidified their pitching rotation by exercising Freddy Peralta's $8 million option for the 2026 season. The decision was made on Monday, November 3, 2025, according to Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. This move ensures Peralta's continued presence with the team, signaling the Brewers' confidence in him as a vital part of their future plans. By picking up his option, Milwaukee secures a key arm, reinforcing their commitment to maintaining a competitive roster for the upcoming campaigns.

Lucas Giolito Declines $19 Million Mutual Option for 2026 Season Amidst Elbow Recovery

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Lucas Giolito, currently recovering from an elbow injury, has officially declined the player side of his $19 million mutual option for the 2026 season. The decision was reported on Monday by Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. This move makes the pitcher a free agent, allowing him to explore other opportunities. Giolito's status with the Boston Red Sox is now uncertain as he enters the open market.

Pete Alonso Opts Out of Mets Contract, Seeking New Deal

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Pete Alonso has opted out of his contract with the New York Mets, making him a free agent for the second consecutive offseason. After a rebound season, he is looking for a lucrative, longer-term contract. Alonso is ranked as the No. 5 free agent by Yahoo Sports. While a return to the Mets is possible, the market for a first baseman over 30 remains to be seen. He is expected to test the market again after re-signing with the Mets on a two-year deal with an opt-out last offseason.

Cody Bellinger Opts Out of Yankees Contract, Becomes Free Agent

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Cody Bellinger has opted out of the final year of his contract with the New York Yankees, becoming a free agent as expected. He had a $25 million player option for 2026. In 2025, Bellinger slashed .272/.334/.480 with 29 home runs, 98 RBI, and 89 runs scored over 152 games, playing multiple outfield positions and first base. He is considered one of the top free agents available, ranked No. 3 by Yahoo Sports, and is looking to capitalize on his strong performance after a bounce-back season with the Cubs in 2023 and a solid 2024 campaign.

Alex Bregman Opts Out of Red Sox Contract, Becomes Top Free Agent

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Alex Bregman has opted out of his contract with the Boston Red Sox after one season, becoming one of the top free agents on the market. He is seeking a more lucrative, longer-term deal. In 2025, Bregman batted .273 with 18 home runs and 62 RBI, despite a quad injury. The Red Sox are reportedly in contention to re-sign him, but other teams like the Tigers and Phillies are also interested. Bregman was ranked as the No. 2 player in Yahoo Sports' free-agency rankings.

Adam Ottavino Reportedly Discussing Head of Baseball Operations Role with Former Team, Rockies

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Veteran reliever Adam Ottavino is reportedly in discussions with the Colorado Rockies regarding a potential role as their head of baseball operations. Ottavino has a history with the Rockies, having pitched for the team from 2012 to 2018. While currently affiliated with the New York Yankees, this potential move suggests a transition into a front-office position for the experienced pitcher.

Ha-Seong Kim Becomes Free Agent After Exercising Contract Opt-Out Clause

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Ha-Seong Kim officially became a free agent on Monday, November 3, 2025, after exercising the opt-out clause in his contract. This significant development was reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Kim's decision allows him to explore opportunities on the open market, seeking a new deal after his previous contract concluded. Further analysis on this update is available via RotoWire.com.

Edwin Díaz Opts Out of Mets Contract, Seeking Higher AAV

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Closer Edwin Díaz has opted out of his contract with the New York Mets, becoming a free agent. He is seeking a multi-year deal with a higher annual value than his previous contract, which had two years and $37 million remaining. Díaz finished the 2025 season with a 1.63 ERA, 98 strikeouts, and 28 saves, establishing himself as one of the league's top closers. A return to the Mets is considered likely. He is ranked as the No. 11 free agent by Yahoo Sports.

Tom Murphy Becomes Free Agent as Giants Decline $4M Option After Injury-Riddled Tenure

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Catcher Tom Murphy is officially a free agent after the San Francisco Giants declined his $4 million club option for the 2026 MLB season, opting instead for a $250,000 buyout. Murphy, 34, signed a two-year, $8.25 million contract with the Giants in December 2023 but played only 13 games over two seasons. In 2024, he slashed .118/.211/.235 with one home run before a left knee sprain ended his season in May. He then missed the entire 2025 season due to a mid-back disk herniation. Murphy's MLB career began in 2015 with the Colorado Rockies, followed by a stint with the Seattle Mariners before his 2024 return to San Francisco. The Giants now move forward with catchers Andrew Knizner, Jesus Rodriguez, and Patrick Bailey.

A.J. Minter Exercises Player Option, Returning to Mets for 2026

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Left-handed reliever A.J. Minter has exercised his player option for the 2026 season with the New York Mets, worth $11 million. Minter missed most of the 2025 season due to a torn lat muscle requiring surgery but was stellar before his injury, posting a 1.64 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with 14 strikeouts in 11.0 innings over 13 appearances. He signed a two-year deal last offseason with an opt-out after the first year.

Robert Suarez Opts Out of Contract, Enters Free Agency

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Relief pitcher Robert Suarez officially became a free agent on Monday, November 3, 2025, after exercising his option to opt out of his contract. This significant development was reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Suarez's decision means he will now explore opportunities with other teams, effectively departing from the San Diego Padres organization. His entry into free agency will be a key storyline as teams look to bolster their bullpens. Further analysis on this update is available via RotoWire.com.

Kyle Schwarber Identified as Top Free Agent as Winter Market Opens

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As MLB free agency officially commences at 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, Kyle Schwarber is highlighted as a prominent "top free agent" whose future destination is a key topic of discussion. The article explores various "best fits" and "pairings we'd love to see" for the slugger as the winter gets underway. While specific team details for Schwarber's potential landing spot are not provided, teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox are mentioned in the broader context of potential pairings in the free agency market. This marks the beginning of a significant period for Schwarber as teams vie for his services.

Trey Yesavage Predicted to Make Major League Impact in 2026 After World Series Heroics

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Trey Yesavage, a recent MLB draftee, is being highlighted as a player with the potential to make a significant major-league impact as early as 2026. Yesavage has already demonstrated his rapid ascent through the minor league system and notably emerged as a hero for the Toronto Blue Jays during their World Series campaign. His impressive performance suggests he could follow a similar path to other fast-rising prospects, solidifying his status as a key player to watch for future seasons.