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MLB News

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

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Juan Soto's Stellar 2025 Season Positions Mets Superstar for Top Fantasy Draft Pick

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Juan Soto, a cornerstone for the New York Mets, overcame a slow start in 2025 to rank among baseball's top 10 in runs scored, on-base percentage (OBP), and on-base plus slugging (OPS). He also showcased a surprising speed element, swiping 38 bases. Soto, alongside Francisco Lindor, made history as the third pair of teammates in MLB to achieve a 30-30 season. He is firmly set as the Mets' right fielder for 2026, anchoring a big-budget roster. In fantasy baseball, Soto is expected to be a top pick in 2026 drafts, likely going within the initial 20 selections and potentially earlier than Lindor.

Kodai Senga Reflects on 'Disappointing' Third Mets Season Plagued by Hamstring Injury

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Mets right-hander Kodai Senga's third MLB season concluded disappointingly with New York missing the playoffs. The 32-year-old was inactive in Miami, on a throwing program in Port St. Lucie after being optioned to Triple-A Syracuse earlier in September. Senga finished 2025 with a 7-6 record and a 3.02 ERA in 22 starts, but his performance was severely impacted by a right hamstring strain suffered on June 13. After returning on July 11, he struggled, going 0-3 with a 5.90 ERA in his final nine starts through August 31. Senga attributed his struggles to his body changing post-injury, stating he 'wasn't able to control my body the way I wanted to.' He plans to 'rebuild from Step 1' in the offseason, acknowledging his body is not the same as before. Injuries limited him to one start in 2024, following a 12-7, 2.98 ERA season in 2023. Senga, who is in the fourth year of a five-year contract signed in December 2022, expressed disappointment in not being able to contribute in the latter half of the season, understanding the team's decision to pitch someone else.

Kyle Schwarber Dominates NL with League-Leading 56 Homers and 132 RBIs

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Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber concluded the season as a dominant force in the National League, leading the league in two major offensive categories. Schwarber powered his way to 56 home runs and also topped the NL with an impressive 132 RBIs. His formidable performance was a key highlight for the Phillies, who also saw teammate Trea Turner secure his second career National League batting title.

Alejandro Kirk's Grand Slam Powers Blue Jays to First AL East Title in a Decade

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Alejandro Kirk delivered a stellar performance in the Toronto Blue Jays' regular-season finale, hitting two home runs, including his first career grand slam. His powerful hitting was instrumental in routing the Tampa Bay Rays 13-4 on Sunday, a victory that secured the Blue Jays' first American League East title in a decade. Kirk's clutch offensive display played a pivotal role in clinching home field advantage through the AL playoffs for Toronto.

Pete Alonso Confirms Opt-Out, Heads to Free Agency After Record-Breaking 2025 Season

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Pete Alonso, the New York Mets slugger, has confirmed he will decline his 2026 player option, making him a free agent this winter for a second consecutive year. Alonso had re-signed with the Mets last winter on a two-year deal that included this opt-out clause. He rebounded significantly from a quiet 2024 season, breaking the Mets' career home run record and finishing second in the majors with an impressive 126 RBI in 2025. The Mets' offseason strategy hinges on decisions regarding retaining Alonso and Edwin Díaz. In fantasy drafts, Alonso is projected to be selected in the range of Rounds 3-5, regardless of his team for 2026.

Shohei Ohtani Blasts 55th Homer, Shattering Own Dodgers Franchise Record

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On the final day of the regular season, Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani set a new career high by hitting his 55th home run of the year on Sunday afternoon. This solo blast to center field in the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park broke his own franchise record, which he previously set last season with 54 long balls. The home run extended the Dodgers' lead, following earlier two-run homers from Hyeseong Kim and Freddie Freeman. Ohtani's impressive season leaves him just one home run shy of Kyle Schwarber for the National League lead.

Clayton Kershaw Caps Legendary Career with Dominant Win, Awaits Playoff Fate

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In what may have been the final start of his illustrious 18-year career, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw delivered a dominant performance on Sunday, striking out seven and completing 5 ⅓ scoreless innings to help secure a 6-1 win over the Seattle Mariners. This outing lowered his career ERA to 2.53, the best among starting pitchers with over 1,000 innings in the live ball era, and included his 3,052nd career strikeout. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed Kershaw, 37, will not be on the Wild Card Series roster against the Cincinnati Reds, meaning he will only pitch again if the Dodgers (who finished 93-69) advance to the NLDS. Roberts lauded Kershaw's impactful season (11-2, 3.36 ERA over 23 outings) after returning from injuries, stating he was "invaluable" and that the team wouldn't have won the division without him, exceeding all expectations and being a "big part of what we accomplished this year."

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Leads Blue Jays to AL East Title, Securing Playoff Bye

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Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays have clinched the American League East division title, their first since 2015. By holding off the New York Yankees, the Blue Jays secured the No. 1 playoff seed in the AL. This significant achievement means that Guerrero Jr. and his squad will receive a bye directly into the American League Division Series, bypassing the Wild Card round.

Charlie Morton Receives Standing Ovation in Potential Final MLB Appearance for Braves

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Atlanta Braves right-hander Charlie Morton, a 41-year-old veteran who initially debuted with the team in 2008, received a heartfelt standing ovation during Sunday's season finale at Truist Park. Morton pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings in what could potentially mark his final appearance in Major League Baseball. The emotional moment occurred as fans lauded the veteran pitcher, acknowledging his significant career and contributions, especially as he concluded his outing in the season's closing game.

Ben Rice's Two Home Runs Power Yankees to Victory, Caps Strong Season

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Ben Rice was the difference-maker for the New York Yankees in their 3-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles, hitting two solo home runs. His first-inning solo shot gave the Yankees an early 1-0 lead, and his go-ahead solo blast to lead off the eighth inning put New York ahead 3-2. The 26-year-old first baseman capped a strong first full regular season, finishing his 2025 campaign slashing .255/.337/.499 with 26 home runs and 65 RBI in 138 appearances, building on his 50 games played last year. Rice was recognized as the MVP of the game for his pivotal performance.

Luis Gil's Mixed Outing Leaves Playoff Rotation Spot Uncertain for Yankees

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New York Yankees right-hander Luis Gil had a mixed outing in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles, allowing two runs on three hits, including back-to-back fourth-inning homers. He struck out two and walked two over five innings, throwing 45 strikes on 79 pitches. Despite his 4-1 record and 3.32 ERA, his performance leaves the door open for the Yankees' third playoff rotation spot, with rookie Cam Schlittler trending behind veterans Max Fried and Carlos Rodón. Gil, who was deserving of more run support, could not hold the Yankees' initial 1-0 lead after Ben Rice's first-inning solo shot. His outing did not make the statement he might have hoped for, as the Yankees were on the outside of the AL East playoff picture.

David Fry Reports Feeling 'Great' Five Days After 99 MPH Fastball HBP

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Cleveland Guardians player David Fry has confirmed he feels 'great' just five days after a concerning incident where he was hit in the face by a 99 mph fastball. Fry was back in the Guardians' clubhouse on Sunday, signaling a positive and rapid recovery from the impact. His quick return to the clubhouse and reassuring health update are significant for the team and fans following the high-velocity pitch.

White Sox Outfielder Michael A. Taylor Announces Retirement After 12 MLB Seasons

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Chicago White Sox outfielder Michael A. Taylor has officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball following a 12-season career. Taylor, who also played for the Nationals, Royals, Twins, and Pirates, concluded his professional journey with the White Sox. His retirement marks the end of a career that spanned over a decade in MLB.

Matt Chapman Thanks Giants Fans, Promises Improvement After Disappointing 2025 Season

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On September 28, 2025, San Francisco Giants star Matt Chapman addressed fans at Oracle Park, alongside Willy Adames, after the team's final game of the 2025 MLB regular season. Despite a 4-0 win over the Colorado Rockies, the Giants finished 81-81 and missed the playoffs. Chapman, who ended the season with a .245 batting average, 21 home runs, and 61 RBI, expressed deep gratitude for the fans' unwavering support. He acknowledged the team's disappointment in not reaching their goal and vowed, "We’re gonna go home, we really are gonna get better and we’re not gonna disappoint you guys next year. We’re gonna be playing a lot later than this."

Willy Adames Reaches 30-Homer Milestone, Thanks Giants Fans After Season Finale

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On September 28, 2025, San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames addressed fans at Oracle Park following the team's 4-0 victory over the Colorado Rockies, marking the end of a disappointing 2025 season where the Giants finished 81-81 and missed the playoffs. Adames achieved a significant personal milestone, becoming the first Giants player since Barry Bonds in 2004 to hit 30 or more home runs in a season. He concluded the year with a .224 batting average and 86 RBI. Adames expressed profound gratitude to the fans, stating, "Thank you, guys, for the support. You guys were unbelievable," and promised, "We promise we’re going to do our best this offseason to get prepared for next year and go to the postseason next year."

Nick Castellanos Delivers Walk-Off Win for Phillies in Regular Season Finale

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Nick Castellanos played the hero on Sunday, hitting a walk-off sacrifice fly in the 10th inning to secure a 2-1 extra-inning victory for the Philadelphia Phillies in their final regular-season game. His game-winning hit to center field brought home pinch-runner Harrison Bader, capping off Fan Appreciation Day with the team's 96th win. The decisive play followed Max Keper's eighth-inning home run that tied the game. This win concluded a season where Cristopher Sánchez impressed with a 2.50 ERA and 13 wins, Trea Turner returned from injury to claim the NL batting title with a .304 average, and Kyle Schwarber finished with 56 home runs.

Logan Webb Makes Giants History, Leads NL in Innings and Strikeouts in 2025

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San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb concluded the 2025 season by achieving significant personal and team milestones in his 34th start. Weeks after being moved up to line up for Game 162, Webb secured the National League strikeout title by fanning the side in the first inning, finishing with 224 strikeouts, 30 more than his previous career high. By pitching into the sixth inning, he also surpassed Boston’s Garret Crochet to win the MLB innings title for the second time in three years, having already been a lock to lead the NL for a third consecutive year. Webb became the first Giant since 1944 to lead the NL in both innings and strikeouts, cementing his place in team history.

Michael Busch Emerges as Top Home Run Prop Bet for Sunday

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Chicago Cubs player Michael Busch has been identified as a strong contender among the best bets for Sunday's home run player props. This recommendation comes from the Inside the Lines team, a group that has consistently provided nightly home run betting insights throughout the entire season. Their successful track record includes being up nearly 40 units on the year, demonstrating their expertise in player prop predictions. For those seeking additional free daily picks across various sports, the Inside the Lines blog is noted as a resource.

Cal Raleigh Pursues Home Run Record as MLB Season Nears End

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Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is currently making headlines due to his ongoing home run chase, a significant individual achievement that sees him striving to reach a record set by Aaron Judge. This pursuit is unfolding on the final day of the MLB regular season, Game 162, which is also pivotal for determining the outcomes of the AL East, AL Central, and wild card races, adding to the high stakes of the day.

Clay Holmes Delivers Six Shutout Innings, Keeps Mets' Playoff Hopes Alive

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New York Mets pitcher Clay Holmes delivered a pivotal performance on Saturday, throwing six shutout innings of one-hit ball in a crucial 5-0 victory over the Marlins. This clutch outing was instrumental in extending the Mets' Wild Card hopes, with manager Carlos Mendoza praising Holmes' "unbelievable" effort. Despite his strong showing, Holmes expressed that the outing would mean little to him if the team ultimately falls short on Sunday. The Mets are embracing a must-win mentality for Game 162, needing a win and a Reds loss to clinch a playoff spot. Holmes teamed up with Pete Alonso in this effort to extend the Mets' season.