Player news from trusted outlets

MLB News

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

Friday, September 12, 2025

Alex Bregman's Impactful Season and Leadership Drive Red Sox Success Amid Looming Opt-Out Decision

AutoDraft Pro AI

Alex Bregman, 31, is enjoying his best season since 2019 with the Boston Red Sox, batting .279 with 16 home runs and 57 RBI through 101 games, leading regulars in on-base percentage (.362) and OPS (.862). Beyond his Gold Glove-caliber third base play, Bregman has been an instrumental veteran leader, serving as a de facto hitting coach and providing pitchers with game-planning intel. Signed to a three-year, $120 million deal this offseason, Bregman's contract includes opt-outs, and ESPN's Jeff Passan reported he's likely to opt out this winter seeking a five-year-plus deal averaging over $35 million annually. His agent, Scott Boras, confirmed they will wait until the offseason. Despite potential high bids from teams like the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies, Bregman has expressed enjoyment with the Red Sox, comparing the 2025 team to his early Houston Astros years, making his retention a priority for Boston.

Kyle Tucker's Free Agency Market Explored by Insiders After Distinct Season

AutoDraft Pro AI

On September 12, 2025, MLB industry insiders provided their predictions regarding Kyle Tucker's upcoming free agency, positioning him as one of the premier hitters in the class this winter. The analysis focuses on his potential contract value, noting that he is completing a regular season that is "very different" from that of Kyle Schwarber, another top free agent. Experts are evaluating his performance to project the significant financial terms he could secure in the open market.

MLB Insiders Predict Kyle Schwarber's Free Agency Value After Unique Season

AutoDraft Pro AI

As of September 12, 2025, industry insiders are actively predicting the free agency market for Kyle Schwarber, identifying him as one of the top hitters available this winter. The discussion centers on his potential earnings as he concludes a regular season described as "very different" from that of fellow free agent Kyle Tucker. Experts are breaking down his performance and market value, offering insights into the significant contract he is expected to command as a prominent free agent.

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Mike Trout Snaps Drought with 399th Career Homer in Angels' Loss

AutoDraft Pro AI

Mike Trout ended a career-long home run drought on Thursday night, launching his first blast since August 6th. The milestone homer marked the 399th of his career. Despite Trout's significant achievement, his Los Angeles Angels ultimately fell to the Mariners in a close 7-6 contest. This marks a notable moment for the veteran slugger, breaking a streak of games without a home run and inching him closer to the 400-homer milestone.

Rookie Harry Ford Delivers Walk-Off Sacrifice Fly, Propelling Mariners into First-Place Tie

AutoDraft Pro AI

Seattle Mariners rookie Harry Ford made a dramatic impact, delivering a pinch-hit, walk-off sacrifice fly in the 12th inning to secure a 7-6 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. This pivotal play, his first major league RBI, moved the Mariners into a first-place tie with the Houston Astros in the AL West. Despite still being hitless in his young MLB career (0-for-3), the 22-year-old former first-round draft pick found himself in a high-pressure situation as the last available player off the bench. Ford, a September call-up primarily serving as an emergency catcher, hit the first pitch he saw from Sammy Peralta with the bases loaded and no outs, allowing Jorge Polanco to score. Ford expressed surprise at the opportunity, stating, "Honestly, I was getting ready to pinch run. I didn't think I was going to get to hit but they told me I was going to get to hit and I was like, 'Let's do it.'" This win marked Seattle's sixth consecutive victory.

Sawyer Gipson-Long Surrenders Historic Home Run to Yankees' Aaron Judge

AutoDraft Pro AI

Detroit Tigers right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long gave up a notable home run to New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge during Thursday night's 9-3 loss. Judge's 434-foot solo shot off Gipson-Long was his 361st career home run, a milestone that tied him with Joe DiMaggio for fourth on the Yankees' all-time franchise list. The powerful blast was hit at an exit velocity of 114.9 mph, contributing to the Yankees' dominant offensive performance.

Aaron Judge Blasts Two Homers, Ties DiMaggio on Yankees All-Time List

AutoDraft Pro AI

Aaron Judge delivered a standout performance for the New York Yankees, hitting two home runs in their 9-3 win against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday night. His second homer, a 434-foot solo shot off Sawyer Gipson-Long, marked his 361st career home run, tying him with Joe DiMaggio for fourth on the Yankees' all-time franchise list. Judge also launched a 413-foot solo home run off Tyler Holton. He now has 46 home runs and 100 RBI for the season. Named Game MVP, Judge finished 3-for-4 with a hit by pitch, elevating his season batting average to .322 and his OPS to 1.112, showcasing his pivotal role in the Yankees' victory.

Cam Schlittler Delivers Six Strong Innings in Yankees' Victory

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Yankees starter Cam Schlittler pitched six solid innings, allowing just one run in the team's 9-3 win against the Detroit Tigers. The 24-year-old right-hander gave up five hits and two walks while striking out seven batters on 95 pitches, with 62 strikes. Schlittler demonstrated composure by stranding the bases loaded in the fifth inning, fanning Riley Greene with a 98 mph fastball. He retired the first four batters of the game with three strikeouts and threw first-pitch strikes to 17 of 24 batters, maintaining his season ERA at 3.05.

Walker Buehler Criticizes Robot Umps Ahead of Anticipated Phillies Debut

AutoDraft Pro AI

Walker Buehler is set to make his highly anticipated return to the mound, marking his Phillies debut on Friday, September 12, 2025. Ahead of his comeback, Buehler, who is affiliated with the Boston Red Sox, voiced strong criticism regarding the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) utilized in the minor leagues. He explicitly stated that the system was "inaccurate," reflecting his concerns about its effectiveness. This return is a significant event for the pitcher as he steps back into competitive play, and his comments on the ABS system add a layer of discussion around technology in baseball as he prepares for his debut.

Mets Catcher Luis Torrens 'Trending in Right Direction' as Forearm Swelling Decreases

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Mets catcher Luis Torrens is showing positive progress in his recovery from a forearm issue. On September 11, 2025, manager Carlos Mendoza provided an optimistic update, stating that Torrens is "trending in the right direction" as the swelling in his forearm has significantly decreased. This positive development suggests an improvement in his condition, offering a hopeful outlook for his return. Mendoza's comments came during a pregame availability where he discussed updates on several injured players, highlighting Torrens' improving status.

Kodai Senga Set for First Minor League Rehab Start with Syracuse on Friday

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga is scheduled to make his first minor league rehabilitation start with Syracuse on Friday, September 12, 2025. Manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed the plan, noting Senga has been working on mechanical adjustments during recent bullpen sessions and feels he's in a good spot. This start marks a crucial step after Senga's struggles since returning from the Injured List in July, where he posted an 0-3 record with a 5.90 ERA over nine starts. For the season, the 32-year-old right-hander holds a 7-6 record with a 3.02 ERA and 1.31 WHIP across 22 starts and 113.1 innings pitched. SNY's Andy Martino reported that Senga is expected to make at least two starts with Syracuse.

Yankees' Anthony Volpe Playing Through Partial Labrum Tear, Expected to Avoid Injured List

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe is playing through a partial tear in his left labrum, an injury first sustained in May after diving for a ball. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed Volpe received a cortisone injection this past Wednesday, following a re-aggravation of the shoulder, though his recent absence from the lineup was not initially injury-related. Despite a recent MRI showing a slightly larger tear, Volpe is expected to avoid the injured list and should return to the lineup within days, already feeling improvement. Boone stated he doesn't believe the injury has significantly impacted Volpe's performance, who has struggled this season with a .206 batting average and 19 errors. The club anticipates an MRI at season's end but does not expect offseason surgery.

Jacob deGrom Returns to Citi Field for Emotional First Start Against Former Mets

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jacob deGrom is set to make an emotional return to Citi Field on Friday night, facing the New York Mets for the first time since departing in free agency after the 2022 season to join the Texas Rangers. The 37-year-old right-hander expressed excitement about pitching where his career began, acknowledging the special place it holds, while anticipating a mixed reception. DeGrom has enjoyed a resurgent 2025 season, posting an 11-7 record with a 2.78 ERA over 27 starts and 155 2/3 innings – his most since 2019 – and was the Rangers' only All-Star. He set a franchise record with 14 consecutive starts allowing two or fewer runs over at least five innings. This comeback follows injury-plagued years, including Tommy John surgery that caused him to miss previous matchups against the Mets. His $185 million contract with Texas includes a triggered conditional sixth-year option due to his injury time. With both the Rangers and Mets in playoff contention, deGrom anticipates a "playoff atmosphere" for the series opener.

Mariners' Cal Raleigh Emerges as Prime Home Run Pick for Thursday

AutoDraft Pro AI

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has been identified as a leading candidate for home run player props on Thursday, September 11, 2025. The 'Inside the Lines team,' known for dishing out nightly home run bets, has included Raleigh among their best bets for the upcoming MLB action. This team has demonstrated a successful season, reporting to be up over 50 units on their home run wagers, underscoring the significance of Raleigh's inclusion in their top picks. His presence on this list highlights his potential for a significant offensive performance for the Mariners.

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Daniel Palencia's Breakout Season Halted by Shoulder Strain, Placed on Injured List

AutoDraft Pro AI

Chicago Cubs closer Daniel Palencia has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder strain, potentially cutting short his breakout season. The 25-year-old right-hander had been a key component of the Cubs' bullpen, converting 22 saves with an impressive 3.00 ERA across 51 innings. His absence is a significant blow to the team, and the Cubs will now look to Brad Keller and Andrew Kittredge to step into high-leverage situations and share save opportunities in his stead. This development, reported on September 11, 2025, marks a setback for Palencia's promising year.

Will Smith Scratched with Lingering Hand Bone Bruise, Future Health in Doubt

AutoDraft Pro AI

Will Smith, catcher for the Kansas City Royals, was a late scratch from Wednesday's game due to a lingering bone bruise on his right hand. The injury, sustained a week prior from a foul ball, had sidelined him until Tuesday, though it didn't require an injured list stint. Smith had appeared "OK" in his return, even hitting a double. However, his hand "flared up pregame," according to Manager Dave Roberts, who previously noted the injury could bother Smith for the rest of the season. The severity of this latest setback is unclear, and his health "remains in doubt," impacting the team's ability to field a full-strength squad. (Published: 2025-09-11)

Paul Skenes Surpasses 200 Strikeouts Mark Despite Pirates' Extra-Inning Loss

AutoDraft Pro AI

Paul Skenes achieved a significant milestone on Wednesday night, reaching 203 strikeouts for the season. The Pittsburgh Pirates' pitcher fanned eight Baltimore Orioles batters during a 2-1, 10-inning loss. This performance highlights Skenes' dominant season on the mound, even as his team faced a tough defeat. The achievement of topping 200 strikeouts demonstrates his consistent ability to overpower hitters, solidifying his impact for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Francisco Lindor Acknowledges Personal Struggles Amidst Mets' Five-Game Losing Skid

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor openly discussed the team's inconsistency and his own recent struggles following their fifth consecutive loss, an 11-3 defeat to the Phillies on Wednesday night. Lindor described the season as "very wavy," noting that things haven't consistently clicked for the team. Personally, he acknowledged the need to "play better," stating, "I haven’t gotten a hit in this series, and at this point in the year I have to get on-base and I have to help the team." His comments underscore the pressure on key players to perform as the Mets aim to reverse their fortunes.

Tommy Edman Returns from Injured List, Starts in Center Field for Dodgers

AutoDraft Pro AI

Tommy Edman made his anticipated return to action on Wednesday, officially coming off the injured list and immediately stepping into the starting center field role for the Los Angeles Dodgers. His activation and start provide a crucial glimpse at what the Dodgers' alignment could look like at full strength, as the team mulls its options with Edman now back to health. This development is significant for the Dodgers as they integrate the versatile player back into their lineup.

Aroldis Chapman's Historic Hitless Streak Ends in Red Sox Walk-Off Loss

AutoDraft Pro AI

Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman's remarkable hitless streak, which spanned a franchise-record 17 straight appearances and was the third-longest in MLB since 1901, came to an end on Wednesday. The 37-year-old flamethrower surrendered his first hit since July 23, a leadoff double to Shea Langeliers, followed by Lawrence Butler's walk-off single off a 100 mph fastball in the ninth inning, leading to a 5-4 loss against the Athletics. Prior to this, Chapman, an eight-time All-Star, had faced 50 consecutive batters without allowing a hit, recording 14 2/3 innings pitched, 21 strikeouts, and no earned runs from July 26 to September 7.