The MLB offseason is underway. Follow along for analysis of all major transactions over the winte...

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MLB offseason: Analysis for all major moves

Bo Bichette remains on the free-agent market as one of the best position players available. A car...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9615" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9615">Bo Bichette</a> remains on the free-agent market as one of the best position players available. A career shortstop, Bichette has <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3430399" href="https://thescore.com/news/3430399">reportedly</a> told teams that he's willing to accept moving to second base. That should open several opportunities. Here, we break down the teams that should be most interested in signing the 27-year-old and where he'd best fit.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="BICHETTE LANDING SPOTS: BLUE JAYS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-bBmW3" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/bBmW3/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>No club knows Bichette better than the Blue Jays. He's spent his entire professional career with the organization after Toronto selected him in the second round in 2016. Although the two sides have openly said they want to continue the partnership, extension talks never materialized, and the front office didn't seem to show the same urgency in locking up Bichette as it did with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Bichette has also consistently expressed his desire to win a championship with the Blue Jays, especially alongside Guerrero, with the pair coming painfully close in 2025.</p><p>Toronto's acquisition of Andrés Giménez ahead of last season appeared to hint that Bichette's days in Toronto might be numbered - at least at shortstop. Giménez is more valuable if he's at shortstop, and maybe Bichette acknowledged that when he volunteered to play second base in the World Series. The Blue Jays need another middle-of-the-order bat, which is a role Bichette is well-suited for. However, free agents Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman are also options, and there's an argument to be made that both would fit the team better. Still, there's a path toward a reunion if the Blue Jays want it. Bichette could play second base, pushing Ernie Clement to third and Addison Barger into a corner outfield spot. But perhaps Toronto would like to bring in a new face.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="BICHETTE LANDING SPOTS: RED SOX" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-mlFf6" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/mlFf6/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Red Sox have seemingly been searching for a long-term answer at second base since Dustin Pedroia. Bichette could man the position with Trevor Story locked in at shortstop, and he'd serve as a younger replacement should Bregman not re-sign. Deploying Bichette at second base would also allow the Red Sox to move Marcelo Mayer to third base.</p><p>Boston needs to add another bat this winter, and Bichette's offensive profile would fit perfectly. The Red Sox are looking for someone who doesn't strike out much, while Bichette's pull-side power would be an excellent match for Fenway Park. Additionally, the front office is reluctant to hand out long-term deals to players over 30, making Bichette a better long-term bet, as he's only set to enter his age-28 season. He may not bring the same clubhouse voice or defensive presence as Bregman did in Boston, but Bichette's offensive upside and youth make him less of a gamble on a long-term contract.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="BICHETTE LANDING SPOTS: YANKEES" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-TE4gZ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/TE4gZ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Yankees have been too quiet this winter. Similar to the situation with the Red Sox, Bichette is percisely the type of hitter New York needs. The lineup has enough power as currently constructed but suffers from too many strikeouts. Bichette's ability to make contact would be a perfect complement batting around Aaron Judge.</p><p>His defensive fit in the Bronx is a little more complicated. Bichette could fill in at shortstop if the Yankees have soured enough on Anthony Volpe, but that would mean trading one inconsistent defender for another. Alternatively, Bichette could slot in at second base and push Jazz Chisholm Jr. to center field or third base. However, that scenario opens the door to a Volpe-Bichette tandem up the middle. Brian Cashman tried to address run prevention at the deadline last summer by acquiring Ryan McMahon, so it's possible the Yankees aren't targeting Bichette despite his offensive profile fitting the club.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="BICHETTE LANDING SPOTS: DODGERS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ZtOx9" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ZtOx9/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. The Dodgers don't have many holes, but second base is one of them if the club would rather deploy Tommy Edman in more of a utility role. Adding Bichette would also give Los Angeles depth at shortstop, allowing Mookie Betts to return to right field when needed. The reigning World Series champs have enough roster flexibility to accommodate a Bichette acquisition pretty easily. Infielders Max Muncy and Miguel Rojas are free agents at the end of 2026, making Bichette the long-term option in the infield. Furthermore, Bichette's a player who doesn't crave the spotlight and could blend in on a team already full of stars. Of course, L.A. would be just fine without Bichette, but it's had no problem attracting free agents, and why wouldn't he be interested if the Dodgers call?</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="BICHETTE LANDING SPOTS: MARINERS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-9PrVY" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/9PrVY/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Seattle came within one game of reaching the World Series for the first time in franchise history, and now is the time for Jerry Dipoto to be all-in with a roster that's fully in its championship window. After re-signing Josh Naylor, the club is likely pushing its financial limits. Still, with J.P. Crawford and Randy Arozarena coming off the books after next season, ownership should see this as an opportunity to spend now.</p><p>Signing Bichette would go a long way in replacing Jorge Polanco's production from last season while deepening the lineup. The Mariners received almost no production from the bottom of their order in the ALCS, which ultimately led to their demise. A batting order featuring Arozarena, Bichette, Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez, and Naylor at the top is about as imposing as you can find. With the AL wide open, Seattle has to act with extreme urgency.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="BICHETTE LANDING SPOTS: RANGERS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-18Ddc" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/18Ddc/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Rangers created an opening at second base when they traded Marcus Semien this winter. Texas is also still in its competitive window and could benefit from adding another right-handed bat in the middle of its lineup to hit in front of Corey Seager.</p><p>After winning the 2023 World Series, the Rangers missed the playoffs in each of the last two seasons. An underwhelming offense was one of the main culprits in 2025, as Texas finished 22nd in runs and 26th in average and OPS. Chris Young has spent the first two months of the offseason remaking his club, but a major addition is still needed if he really wants to see improvement. The Rangers are well under the first luxury-tax threshold, too.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="BICHETTE LANDING SPOTS: GIANTS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-dCw3N" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/dCw3N/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Giants have appeared in the playoffs just once in the last nine seasons (2021). Brought in to breathe new life into the franchise, Buster Posey has demonstrated his aggressiveness after landing Rafael Devers in a shocking trade in June. Devers can anchor the lineup for the foreseeable future, but San Francisco will need more than what the supporting cast can offer. Though Willy Adames and Matt Chapman are strong supplemental pieces, rounding out the infield with someone like Bichette could finally get the Giants back into the postseason.</p><p>There's likely some concern about handing out another long-term contract, with Adames, Chapman, and Devers all signed through at least the 2030 season. However, San Francisco's struggles to develop core players during this stretch of mediocrity means ownership must be convinced to spend more if it wants to compete with the Dodgers in the division. Bichette would be the perfect complement to an offense that ranked in the bottom half in runs and OPS last season.</p>

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7 potential landing spots for Bo Bichette

The New York Yankees are bringing back another familiar face.   New York agreed to a one-year, $2...

<p>The New York Yankees are bringing back another familiar face. </p><p>New York agreed to a one-year, $2-million contract with right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8406" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8406">Paul Blackburn</a> on Saturday, a source told <a href="https://x.com/jorgecastillo/status/2002598460294640072">Jorge Castillo of ESPN.</a> </p><p>The Yankees signed Blackburn following his release from the New York Mets in late August. He made eight relief appearances in pinstripes, posting a 5.28 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 16 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Blackburn's ERA is a bit misleading, however, as he allowed seven runs in his Yankees debut. He pitched much better following that blowup, posting a 1.50 ERA over his final five outings (12 innings), striking out 14 and walking only two.</p><p>While Blackburn can serve in a multi-inning relief role, he does have a lot of experience in the rotation, with 86 of his 101 MLB appearances coming as a starter. He didn't transition into a reliever until last season. </p><p>The Yankees have been relatively quiet so far this offseason. All four of the team's signings (Blackburn, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5078" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5078">Amed Rosario</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5350" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5350">Ryan Yarbrough</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8203" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8203">Trent Grisham</a>) involved bringing back players from last year's club. </p>

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 27: Paul Blackburn #58 of the New York Yankees pitches during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on September 27, 2025 in New York, New York.

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Report: Yankees re-sign Blackburn to 1-year, $2M contract

The Toronto Blue Jays' front office could have another option should they be unable to land eithe...

<p>The Toronto Blue Jays' front office could have another option should they be unable to land either <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/8173" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/8173">Kyle Tucker</a> or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9615" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9615">Bo Bichette</a>. </p><p>Toronto reached out to agent Scott Boras regarding third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a>, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6907283/2025/12/20/what-im-hearing-about-the-blue-jays-interest-in-bregman-plus-more-mlb-offseason-notes/">Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic</a>. </p><p>After making a number of moves to enhance the pitching staff, the Blue Jays have turned their attention to landing a middle-of-the-order bat. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Bregman is one of the top remaining hitters on the free-agent market after Bichette and Tucker. The 31-year-old is coming off a strong season with the Boston Red Sox in which he slashed .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs, 28 doubles and 3.5 fWAR in 114 games. His .821 OPS was his highest mark since 2019 when he finished second in AL MVP voting. Bregman did, however, miss extended time with a right quad strain.</p><p>Bregman would be an excellent fit in Toronto. He remains an exceptional defender and would give the Blue Jays an elite defensive left side of the infield with Andrés Giménez penciled in at shortstop. Bregman's strong eye (10.3 BB%), and limited strikeouts (14.1 K%) meshes with Toronto's offensive identity.</p><p>The defensive flexibility of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10877" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10877">Ernie Clement</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14202" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14202">Addison Barger</a> would make a potential Bregman addition a seamless fit. Clement could slide to second base, while Barger could get the majority of his at-bats while playing a corner outfield spot.</p><p>Bregman is reportedly also generating interest from the Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Chicago Cubs. He signed a three-year, $120-million contract with Boston prior to last season, but opted out of the deal last month. He was ineligible to receive a qualifying offer, so there's no draft-pick compensation needed for the team that eventually signs him.</p><p>After signing a short-term deal last winter, Bregman is believed to be seeking a long-term deal in the five-to-six-year range.</p><p>Toronto has already agreed to a seven-year, $210-million contract with Dylan Cease, a Boras client, this winter. Boras was extremely complimentary of the Blue Jays organization during Cease's press conference. </p>

TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 30: Alex Bregman #2 of the Boston Red Sox takes the field to warm up ahead of their MLB game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on April 30, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Report: Blue Jays have spoken to Boras about Bregman

Munetaka Murakami's decision is coming down to the wire.   The Japanese slugger is engaged in tal...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/15902" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/15902">Munetaka Murakami</a>'s decision is coming down to the wire. </p><p>The Japanese slugger is engaged in talks with the Chicago White Sox, among other teams, sources told <a href="https://x.com/Feinsand/status/2002583227513643268">Mark Feinsand of MLB.com</a>, as his 45-day negotiating window is set to expire Monday at 5 p.m. ET.</p><p>Murakami must remain in Japan next season if he's unable to reach a deal with an MLB club prior to the deadline. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 25-year-old is one of the premier sluggers in Nippon Professional Baseball. He hit .286/.392/.659 with 24 home runs and a 1.051 OPS in 69 games for Yakult last season. He's hit 247 homers in 899 games over the last seven seasons - including 56 in 2022.</p><p>Murakami appeared in seven games during the 2023 World Baseball Classic as a 23-year-old. He finished with four extra-base hits, 13 strikeouts, and a .826 OPS across 32 plate appearances. </p><p>Murakami hasn't generated a lot of interest this offseason despite his incredible power and the lack of impact free-agent bats. While he's played both corner infield spots, it's likely he'll be a first baseman in MLB. Meanwhile, his high strikeout rate in Japan is a significant sign of concern for any club. He struck out 28.6% of the time last season while walking just 14.3% of the time.</p><p>Even with those potential red flags, Murakami's power and age make him worth taking a shot on for a number of teams looking for a left-handed power bat. </p>

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 21: Munetaka Murakami #55 of Team Japan hits a home run in the second inning during the 2023 World Baseball Classic Championship game between Team USA and Team Japan at loanDepot Park on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida.

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Report: White Sox among clubs engaged in talks with Murakami

Michael King is staying in San Diego.  The Padres inked King to a three-year contract, the club a...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9842" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9842">Michael King</a> is staying in San Diego.</p><p>The Padres inked King to a three-year contract, the club announced Friday.</p><p>The right-hander's pact is worth $75 million with opt outs after the 2026 and 2027 seasons, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/2001864764696465586">Jeff Passan of ESPN</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>King's return helps alleviate some concern regarding the Padres' rotation. Both he and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8145" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8145">Dylan Cease</a> were free agents this offseason, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2901" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2901">Yu Darvish</a> is set to miss all of 2026 after elbow surgery. King will slot back in at the top of the rotation alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8297" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8297">Nick Pivetta</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5369" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5369">Joe Musgrove</a>, who is set to return after missing 2025 recovering from Tommy John surgery.</p><p>The 30-year-old King is coming off an injury-plagued season that limited him to 73 1/3 innings. He twice landed on the IL with shoulder and knee inflammation. When King did pitch, he posted a 3.44 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 76 strikeouts over 15 starts. </p><p>King's best season came in 2024 - his first as a full-time starter. He finished seventh in NL Cy Young voting after authoring a 2.95 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 201 strikeouts over 173 2/3 innings. </p><p>The Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees were reportedly among the interested teams, but the unique contract structure the Padres offered allowed the club to re-sign him. </p><p>The Yankees never made an offer to King and have other targets, according to <a href="https://x.com/JonHeyman/status/2002042609372742030">Jon Heyman of MLB Network</a>.</p><p>King, who was attached to a qualifying offer, now has the opportunity to enter the market after either of the next two seasons. The three-year deal also provides some security for King should he struggle or deal with injuries once again. Both King and Pivetta have the ability to opt out at the end of the 2026 season.</p><p>Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller has reportedly been involved in numerous trade talks this winter as he tries to navigate a roster with a number of holes and some payroll constraints.</p>

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 01: Michael King #34 of the San Diego Padres throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves during the second inning in Game One of the Wild Card Series at Petco Park on October 01, 2024 in San Diego, California.

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Padres sign King to 3-year deal reportedly worth $75M

The best free-agent shortstop available this offseason appears to now be the top option at second...

<p>The best free-agent shortstop available this offseason appears to now be the top option at second base, as well.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9615" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9615">Bo Bichette</a> is letting interested teams know that he's willing to switch positions and make a permanent move to second, sources told <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/bo-bichette-switch-to-second-base-and-alex-bregman-rumors">Mark Feinsand of MLB.com</a>. </p><p>Bichette entered free agency as one of the top offensive players available, but there were questions about his ability to remain a shortstop long term. Advanced metrics have pegged him as one of the worst defensive shortstops in the majors in recent years. He ranked in the first percentile in outs above average and the 36th percentile in arm strength in 2025, according to <a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/bo-bichette-666182?stats=statcast-r-hitting-mlb">Baseball Savant</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Year</th>
<th>OAA</th>
<th>DRS</th>
<th>Arm Strength (mph)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2025</td>
<td>-13</td>
<td>-12</td>
<td>82.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2024</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>-3</td>
<td>83.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2023</td>
<td>-3</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>82.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2022</td>
<td>-7</td>
<td>-16</td>
<td>84.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2021</td>
<td>-6</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>86.0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>For what Bichette lacks with his glove, he more than makes up for it with his bat. A potential move to second base would help negate some of the value lost defensively, as he could immediately become one of MLB's best second basemen. He's coming off an excellent season that was interrupted by a knee injury, but still managed to slash .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs, 44 doubles, and an .840 OPS across 139 games.</p><p>Bichette's posted an OPS over .800 in six of his seven seasons, with the only exception coming during an injury-riddled 2024 campaign. He's twice led the AL in hits (2021, 2022), and finished second in 2025 despite being limited to 139 games.</p><p>Bichette approached the Toronto Blue Jays about playing second base in the World Series as a way to get back in the lineup. He looked more than able to handle the position during the brief sample size despite playing on an injured knee.</p><p>Bichette letting other teams know that he is amenable to a position change could mean he's not receiving the offers he originally hoped for, or it could be a way for him to expand his market to teams that had interest but were either unwilling to offer him the shortstop job or had another player occupying the position.</p><p>Robinson Canó's 10-year, $240-million contract is the record signed by a second baseman, while Marcus Semien's current seven-year, $175-million deal is the second-most. Working in Bichette's favor is that he's only entering his age-28 season. Bichette is a much worse defensive player than both, but Canó and Semien were both 31 when they signed. </p><p>The Blue Jays could reunite with Bichette and have him play second base while deploying Andrés Giménez at shortstop. It would give the reigning AL champs the better defensive lineup and also allow Ernie Clement to shift to third base.</p><p>The Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants are teams that could potentially fit Bichette in at second base. </p>

TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 23: Bo Bichette #11 of the Toronto Blue Jays works out in the infield during World Series Workout Day ahead of Game 1 of the World Series at Rogers Centre on October 23, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Report: Bichette willing to move to 2B 

The MLB offseason is underway. Follow along for analysis of all major transactions from November....

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MLB offseason: Analysis for all major November moves

The Texas Rangers found their new catcher.   Danny Jansen agreed to a two-year, $14.5-million con...

<p>The Texas Rangers found their new catcher. </p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5445" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5445">Danny Jansen</a> agreed to a two-year, $14.5-million contract with the Rangers on Friday, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ByRobertMurray/status/1999666198070591550">Robert Murray of FanSided</a>.</p><p>The 30-year-old will replace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5040" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5040">Jonah Heim</a>, who was non-tendered by the club last month, and share time behind the plate with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1887" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1887">Kyle Higashioka</a>. Jansen's played in at least 100 games in a season just once in his eight-year career, back in 2019.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Jansen split last season with the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers, hitting .215/.321/.399 with 14 home runs across 98 games. He ranked in the 98th percentile in blocks, but graded poorly in framing, while throwing out 20 of 83 runners (24.1%), per Baseball Savant. Jansen's 1.3 fWAR would have led Rangers catchers last season, as the team ranked 26th in fWAR at the position. </p><p>Texas also added right-handed reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/13669" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/13669">Alexis Díaz</a>, and left-handed reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8168" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8168">Tyler Alexander</a> to one-year contracts, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1999669972629618919">Jeff Passan of ESPN</a>. </p><p>Díaz was an All-Star closer for the Cincinnati Reds in 2023 but has struggled over the last two seasons. He bounced around three different organizations in 2025, posting a 8.15 ERA over 17 2/3 innings. </p><p>Alexander authored a 4.98 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 92 strikeouts over 97 2/3 innings with the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago White Sox last season. He made five starts over his 52 appearances, while also finishing 12 games. </p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 30: Danny Jansen #33 of the Milwaukee Brewers up to bat against the Chicago Cubs at American Family Field on July 30, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Report: Rangers, Danny Jansen agree to 2-year, $14.5M contract 

The 2026 MLB Draft order will be determined by Tuesday's lottery, with the draw starting at 5:30 ...

<p>The 2026 MLB Draft order will be determined by Tuesday's lottery, with the draw starting at 5:30 p.m. ET.</p><p>The Chicago White Sox (27.7%), Minnesota Twins (22.2%), and Pittsburgh Pirates (16.8%) are the three teams with the best odds to secure the No. 1 pick. The Colorado Rockies are ineligible to win the draft lottery despite finishing with MLB's worst record in 2025 as they cannot receive a lottery pick in more than two consecutive seasons.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2026 Draft lottery odds" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-0u8MR" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/0u8MR/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="846" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The draft lottery was implemented in 2023. Every team that misses the postseason is initially eligible to participate in order to determine the top six selections.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Pittsburgh won the inaugural lottery and selected <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a> with the No. 1 pick in 2023. Since then, the Cleveland Guardians (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18837" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18837">Travis Bazzana</a>, 2024), and Nationals (Eli Willits, 2025) have landed the top pick.</p>

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 10: A detail shot of signage prior to the Draft Lottery at the 2024 MLB Winter Meetings at Hilton Anatole on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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2026 MLB Draft Lottery odds

The reigning National League home run leader has a robust market this free agency.   Kyle Schwarb...

<p>The reigning National League home run leader has a robust market this free agency. </p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/4761" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/4761">Kyle Schwarber</a> is receiving interest from the Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, and New York Mets, among others, according to <a href="https://www.threads.com/@jeffpassan/post/DRssMOgjQ5T?xmt=AQF0zanfaq0pxaUlEYCPDwycvubQijp2OJKY1axuLnqzzCs">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>. </p><p>The San Francisco Giants are also eyeing Schwarber, reports <a href="https://x.com/jonmorosi/status/1995878062605697313">Jon Morosi of MLB Network</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Phillies are the favorites to re-sign the 2025 NL MVP runner-up after he spent the last four seasons in Philadelphia, per Passan.</p><p>Schwarber couldn't have put together a better platform season. The 32-year-old slashed .240/.365/.563 with a career-high 56 home runs and 132 RBIs while also posting a .928 OPS and 150 OPS+. It was the fourth straight season in which Schwarber hit at least 38 homers and posted an OPS above .800.</p><p>That type of production makes it no surprise that Schwarber would have a sizable market as one of the best free-agent bats available despite being almost exclusively a designated hitter at this point in his career.</p><p>Schwarber spent part of the 2021 season with the Red Sox after coming over at the trade deadline. He was excellent, hitting seven homers to go with a .957 OPS in 41 games. While his bat would be a perfect fit in Boston's lineup, the club already has a crowded outfield that has forced fellow left-handed hitter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15430" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15430">Masataka Yoshida</a> into DH duties.</p><p>The Reds would represent a homecoming for Schwarber, who was born in nearby Middletown, Ohio. They're in need of a power bat after they only had two players hit more than 20 homers in 2015. Schwarber would most likely require Cincinnati to blow past its franchise record for a free-agent deal, which is currently the four-year, $64-million contract it gave Mike Moustakas in 2019.</p><p>The Mets are trying to remake a club that disappointingly missed the playoffs. New York is in need of an impact bat after trading away outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3045" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3045">Brandon Nimmo</a>. First baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/8674" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/8674">Pete Alonso</a> may also depart via free agency this winter.</p><p>The Giants are currently projected to start top prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18787" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18787">Bryce Eldridge</a> at DH with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5400" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5400">Rafael Devers</a> at first. The club could use more power in its lineup after finishing 19th in baseball in homers this year.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates in the dugout after scoring on an RBI double by Max Kepler #17 in the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Report: Phillies, Red Sox, Mets, Reds, Giants in mix for Schwarber

Devin Williams is taking his talents across town.   The right-handed reliever agreed to a three-y...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/11736" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/11736">Devin Williams</a> is taking his talents across town. </p><p>The right-handed reliever agreed to a three-year deal with the New York Mets on Monday worth $51 million guaranteed, sources told <a href="https://x.com/WillSammon/status/1995684299392401539">Will Sammon of The Athletic</a>. The deal doesn't contain any opt outs or options.</p><p>Williams spent the first six seasons of his major-league career with the Milwaukee Brewers where he was a two-time All-Star, NL Rookie of the Year, and one of the most dominant closers in the sport. He pitched last season for the New York Yankees, where he struggled at times and was removed from the closer's role in July after posting a 5.01 ERA over his first 41 1/3 innings.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 31-year-old pitched well down the stretch for the Yankees, however. He posted a 2.50 ERA, 0.36 FIP, and 34 strikeouts across 18 innings. Williams was used primarily in a setup role over the final two months, logging eight holds. He didn't allow a run over his final nine regular-season appearances. </p><p>Williams will likely slide into the closer's role for now, and will serve as insurance should the Mets be unable to re-sign star reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/5384" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/5384">Edwin Díaz</a>. The right-hander is the top reliever on the open market and is expected to command a deal worth nearly $100 million. Even despite Williams' $17-million average annual value, the Mets are still interested in bringing back Díaz, a source told <a href="https://x.com/AnthonyDiComo/status/1995682464375959974">Anthony DiComo of MLB.com</a>.</p><p>The signing of Williams represents the second major move for David Stearns this winter as he attempts to retool a team that missed the postseason in 2025. Stearns traded long-time outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3045" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3045">Brandon Nimmo</a> to the Texas Rangers last month for second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3420" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3420">Marcus Semien</a>. </p><p>Williams is the third prominent reliever to sign this winter. Former Mets right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9598" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9598">Ryan Helsley</a> inked a two-year, $28-million deal with the Baltimore Orioles, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4809" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4809">Raisel Iglesias</a> signed a one-year, $16-million contract to remain with the Atlanta Braves. </p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 29: Devin Williams #38 of the New York Yankees looks on during the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on July 29, 2025 in New York City.

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Report: Mets, Devin Williams agree to 3-year, $51M contract

The Chicago Cubs added some bullpen help Friday, agreeing to a two-year contract with right-hande...

<p>The Chicago Cubs added some bullpen help Friday, agreeing to a two-year contract with right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8432" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8432">Phil Maton</a>, a source told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6828011/2025/11/21/phil-maton-cubs-contract/">Will Sammon of The Athletic</a>. </p><p>Terms of the deal, which contains a 2028 club option, have not been reported.</p><p>Maton split last season between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers. He posted a 2.79 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 81 strikeouts over 61 1/3 innings between the two clubs. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 32-year-old has put together a nice nine-year career despite bouncing around in recent seasons, as the Cubs represent his fifth organization since 2023. Maton owns a 3.15 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 10.1 K/9, 0.8 HR/9 in 202 games over the last three seasons. </p><p>While Maton doesn't light up the radar gun - his cutter averaged 90.6 mph last season - he managed to rank 99th percentile in average exit velocity and hard-hit rate, 98th percentile in whiff rate, and 95th percentile in strikeout rate, per <a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/phil-maton-664208?stats=statcast-r-pitching-mlb">Baseball Savant</a>. Maton did post a 3.38 BB/9 but countered that by posting the 14th-best HR/9 (0.44) among qualified relievers. </p><p>Maton's signing represents the first major addition to a Cubs' bullpen that's seen a number of departures to open the offseason. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8129" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8129">Brad Keller</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2077" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2077">Drew Pomeranz</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3466" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3466">Caleb Thielbar</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1813" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1813">Ryan Brasier</a> are free agents, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5892" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5892">Andrew Kittredge</a> was traded to the Baltimore Orioles. </p>

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 21: Phil Maton #88 of the Texas Rangers pitches during the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins at Globe Life Field on September 21, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.

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Report: Cubs agree to 2-year deal with Phil Maton 

A rain-soaked track made for a chaotic qualifying session Friday at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.   C...

<p>A rain-soaked track made for a chaotic qualifying session Friday at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. </p><p>Championship leader Lando Norris took another step toward winning his first drivers' title by claiming pole position with an incredible lap time of 1:47.934 on his final trip around the circuit in Q3.</p><p>"It was stressful, stressful as hell," Norris said. "It's so slippery out there." </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It's Norris' first career pole in Las Vegas and seventh pole of the season, tying him with Max Verstappen for most in 2025.</p><p>Verstappen will start Saturday's race alongside Norris at the front of the grid in second. The forecast for the race is expected to be clear. </p><p>"It was really, really slippery," Verstappen said. "It's not fun, I can tell you that. I like to drive in the wet, but this was like driving on ice - it took a long time to get the tires to work." </p><p>Oscar Piastri, who entered the weekend 24 points back of his McLaren teammate, qualified more than a second behind Norris and will start fifth. Piastri hasn't finished on the podium since Sept. 7 in Monza.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Las Vegas GP Qualifying 🇺🇸" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-5CbUm" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/5CbUm/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="854" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Norris cannot clinch the drivers' title in Las Vegas, but can win it as soon as the Qatar sprint race, depending on Saturday's result. </p><p>Lewis Hamilton's struggles continued. The Ferrari driver was bounced in Q1 and qualified 20th - his worst performance since 2017.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 LEWIS HAMILTON HAS QUALIFIED 20TH FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE BRAZIL 2017<br><br>(Not counting DSQs) <a href="https://t.co/Xu1FeDHU9u">pic.twitter.com/Xu1FeDHU9u</a></p>— Daniel Valente 🏎️ (@F1GuyDan) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1GuyDan/status/1992086034218156289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"Couldn't get the tires to work," Hamilton said over team radio. </p><p>George Russell won the Las Vegas Grand Prix last season when Mercedes finished 1-2. </p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 21: Pole position qualifier Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren receives his Pirelli Pole Position award from Louis Tomlinson during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 21, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Norris takes chaotic pole position at rainy Vegas GP

MLB teams had until 5 p.m. ET on Friday to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players. Play...

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 25: Boston Red Sox first base Nathaniel Lowe (37) walks to first base during the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles on August 25, 2025 at Orioles Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD.

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MLB non-tender deadline tracker

Reigning two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal is set to enter his final season under team con...

<p>Reigning two-time AL Cy Young winner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11799">Tarik Skubal</a> is set to enter his final season under team control before reaching free agency. The Detroit Tigers have said they would love to sign the left-hander long term, but there's reportedly a significant gap between the two sides. Skubal is expected to set the new record for a pitcher when he signs his next deal. With the clock ticking on Skubal's free agency, our editors Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb and Brandon Wile debate whether the Tigers should trade their ace this winter.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805118/cropped_GettyImages-2240351607.jpg?ts=1760148033" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805118/w220xh124_GettyImages-2240351607.jpg?ts=1760148033 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805118/w320xh180_GettyImages-2240351607.jpg?ts=1760148033 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805118/w640xh360_GettyImages-2240351607.jpg?ts=1760148033 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805118/w768xh432_GettyImages-2240351607.jpg?ts=1760148033 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805118/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2240351607.jpg?ts=1760148033 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Alika Jenner / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>No: </strong>Why are we even having this conversation? The very thought of trading the AL's best pitcher at the peak of his powers would be silly for any team, but especially for Detroit.</p><p>The Tigers recently emerged from a decade-long rebuild that netted the franchise a pair of first overall picks. The players they chose with those picks, Casey Mize and Spencer Torkelson, turned into solid contributors. Yet it's Skubal, an unheralded ninth-round selection out of Seattle University in 2018, who's become the homegrown face of the franchise.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Skubal's two Cy Young Awards over the last two seasons don't begin to tell the story. The 28-year-old has transformed Detroit back into a baseball town, leading the Tigers to consecutive playoff berths. The team hasn't advanced beyond the division series, but Skubal's performed brilliantly on the biggest stage, putting up a 2.04 ERA over his six postseason starts.</p><p>So why would you give up a guy like this? Even if the Tigers traded Skubal for a king's ransom that kept them in contention, the mere act of dealing him away would send a terrible message to the players left behind, the fan base, and even star manager A.J. Hinch. It would be unfathomable, and it would take the Tigers out of the running for any big-name free agents.</p><p>And it's not like the Tigers can't afford to re-sign Skubal, even though they <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3373174" href="https://thescore.com/news/3373174">reportedly</a> lowballed him last winter. Detroit routinely fielded top-five payrolls in the 2010s when the team's star-studded rosters were regularly in the postseason. Though Max Scherzer walked away, the Tigers spent big at the time to ensure that Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera stayed in town and even landed Prince Fielder on a nine-year deal in 2012. Owner Chris Ilitch can meet Skubal's price if he wants to.</p><p>The Tigers are a historic franchise with a track record of spending and a talented roster that plays in a very winnable division. Keeping Skubal would ensure a franchise icon stays put, help them potentially own the AL Central for the next half-decade, and send a message to other free agents that they're ready and able to spend on a winner. This is a no-brainer. Skubal should be wearing the Olde English D for as long as possible. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805419/cropped_GettyImages-2208190892.jpg?ts=1760373309" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805419/w220xh124_GettyImages-2208190892.jpg?ts=1760373309 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805419/w320xh180_GettyImages-2208190892.jpg?ts=1760373309 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805419/w640xh360_GettyImages-2208190892.jpg?ts=1760373309 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805419/w768xh432_GettyImages-2208190892.jpg?ts=1760373309 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805419/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2208190892.jpg?ts=1760373309 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Steph Chambers / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Yes: </strong>In a perfect world, Skubal signs an extension and is a Tiger for life. But it doesn't appear that it's going to play out that way. Detroit president of baseball operations Scott Harris must have a pretty good idea of what it will take to extend Skubal, and if the Tigers' front office isn't willing to make a competitive offer, it's best to maximize the return for their ace rather than risk losing him for nothing.</p><p>Even rostering Skubal going into the season and maybe flipping him at the deadline is too risky. Not only is there a real threat of injury, but there's no way Skubal's value will be any higher than it is right now.</p><p>Skubal is arguably the heart and soul of this Tigers team. He's their best pitcher, and he's been the key cog in Detroit reaching the postseason two years in a row. Trading a player of that ilk isn't easy, and the front office would have to land a significant package in order to justify the move to the fan base - not to mention the clubhouse.</p><p>The Tigers haven't really spent big since Mike Ilitch's passing. Though they operated with their highest payroll in 2025 in eight years ($145 million), that's not close to the $200-million payrolls they carried in 2016 and 2017. Instead, the club focused on drafting and developing. Now the organization has a solid nucleus in place and a lot of payroll flexibility. The franchise could afford to drop significant money on Skubal, but the team might be better off selling high and then spreading that money around to address the numerous holes on the roster. This would, in theory, give the club a better shot at extending its current competitive window.</p><p>Detroit possesses the No. 6-ranked farm system according to MLB.com, but it's heavy on position players at the top end. Trading Skubal for a package of young and controllable pitchers makes a lot of sense. Harris could also reinvest the roughly $18 million Skubal is set to earn in arbitration this winter to sign a free-agent starter.</p><p>Skubal should have a strong market - even on an expiring deal - as teams that want to sign him next winter will also want a full season to sell him on their club.</p><p>It's not a perfect example, but the San Diego Padres were able to trade Juan Soto - in the final year of his deal - and Trent Grisham to the New York Yankees for Michael King, Drew Thorpe, Jhony Brito, Randy Vásquez, and Kyle Higashioka. The Padres then packaged Thorpe in another deal to acquire Dylan Cease from the Chicago White Sox. The Tigers have already seen that Skubal can only take them so far in the postseason, and they need more star power and depth to take the next step.</p><p>We've seen too many mid- to smaller-market teams mishandle their assets. Trading Skubal would hurt in the short term, but if the Tigers are convinced he's leaving next winter regardless, capitalizing on his trade market is a must in order to extend the club's competitive window. Just look at how the Angels mishandled Shohei Ohtani's final year of free agency and imagine how different that organization might look now if it had traded its greatest asset instead of letting him walk for a compensation draft pick. If the Tigers aren't going to pay Skubal, now is the time to pull the trigger on a trade. <em>- Wile </em></p>

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 23: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on September 23, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Should the Tigers trade Tarik Skubal?

The Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Angels pulled off an early contender for surprise trade of ...

<p>The Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Angels pulled off an early contender for surprise trade of the offseason on Tuesday.</p><p>Baltimore dealt right-handed starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12265" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12265">Grayson Rodriguez</a> to Los Angeles for outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5431" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5431">Taylor Ward</a>. </p><p>The Orioles entered the winter in desperate need of rotation help, but ended up trading away one of their best young starters who has four years of team control remaining.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Rodriguez, 26, posted a 3.86 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 130 strikeouts across 116 2/3 innings (20 starts) in 2024. However, he missed the entire 2025 season while dealing with elbow inflammation and a lat strain. He underwent season-ending elbow surgery in August, but is expected to be ready for the start of 2026.</p><p>Adding Rodriguez is a solid start for a Los Angeles team that also entered the offseason in need of starting pitching. He joins an Angels rotation that's headlined by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10619" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10619">Yusei Kikuchi</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12589" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12589">José Soriano</a>, but features a number of question marks after that.</p><p>Rodriguez now gets a chance to restart his career in Anaheim, albeit with an Angels organization that hasn't had much success developing pitchers or keeping them healthy in recent years. The Halos haven't had a starter throw more than 180 innings since 2017, and have had just two Cy Young winners since 1961.</p><p>It was expected that Los Angeles would deal either Ward or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9561" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9561">Jo Adell</a> this winter to clear space, and help address its starting pitching needs. With Adell being the cheaper of the two outfielders and having an additional year of team control, Ward became the odd man out.</p><p>Ward is coming off one of the best seasons of his eight-year career. He hit 31 doubles, a career-high 36 home runs, and slashed .228/.317/.475 with a .792 OPS across 157 games. The 31-year-old appeared in 153 games in left field, and also has experience in right field. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ZbwyG" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ZbwyG/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="140" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Acquiring Ward seems like a gamble for Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias. While he does bring some much-needed power to a team that didn't have a single player hit more than 17 homers in 2025, he only has one year of arbitration eligibility left before becoming a free agent. Ward also doesn't grade out as a great defender, and is coming off a season in which he posted a 26.4 K% - the ninth-worst among qualified AL outfielders.</p><p>The Orioles now have seven outfielders on their 40-man roster, and a number of their top-10 prospects also play the outfield. </p><p>Baltimore's been active to start the offseason, having also acquired reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5892" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5892">Andrew Kittredge</a> and outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5706" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5706">Leody Taveras</a> this month. Those new additions are expected to add roughly $25 million to the team's 2026 payroll depending on Ward's final arbitration number, which is projected to be $13.7 million, per <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/10/projected-arbitration-salaries-for-2026.html">MLB Trade Rumors</a>.</p>

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 16: Taylor Ward #3 of the Los Angeles Angels bats against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park on August 16, 2025 in Sacramento, California.

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Angels trade Ward to Orioles for Grayson Rodriguez

Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh put together two historic seasons, but only one player will be reward...

<p>Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh put together two historic seasons, but only one player will be rewarded for his efforts Thursday (7 p.m. ET) when the BBWAA announces the winner of the American League MVP. Will Raleigh become the first Seattle Mariner since Ichiro Suzuki in 2001 to take home the award, or will Judge join exclusive company as the eighth player in MLB history to win at least three MVP titles? Our MLB editors Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb and Brandon Wile make their case for who should win in 2025:</p><h3>Why Raleigh should win MVP?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801612/cropped_GettyImages-2235828870.jpg?ts=1758068850" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801612/w220xh124_GettyImages-2235828870.jpg?ts=1758068850 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801612/w320xh180_GettyImages-2235828870.jpg?ts=1758068850 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801612/w640xh360_GettyImages-2235828870.jpg?ts=1758068850 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801612/w768xh432_GettyImages-2235828870.jpg?ts=1758068850 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801612/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2235828870.jpg?ts=1758068850 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jamie Squire / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Let's get this out of the way: supporting Raleigh for AL MVP is <em>not</em> a knock against Judge, nor is it a sign of voter fatigue. Judge may be the greatest right-handed hitter we'll ever see, and he produced another tremendous season. It's just bad luck for him that Raleigh had the year he did at the same time.</p><p>First, we'll go to the basis of Raleigh's MVP case. He hit 60 home runs in 2025, marking the 10th 60-homer season in MLB history and the fourth accomplished outside the "steroid era" between 1998 and 2001. The 28-year-old also set a single-season home-run record for switch-hitters, beating Mickey Mantle's 54 long balls in 1961. Plus, Raleigh led the AL in RBIs with 125.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>On its own, that's a remarkable and award-worthy feat. And then you realize that Raleigh hit 60 homers as an everyday catcher.</p><p>Catchers aren't supposed to do all that. The best offensive backstops in history never came close to this kind of power number due to the demands and physical toll the position takes on the body. Yet Raleigh shattered expectations, not only breaking the single-season home-run mark by a primary catcher by being the first ever to hit 50 - let alone 60 - but he also became the first backstop to record at least 80 extra-base hits. All the while, he shepherded the Mariners' top-tier pitching staff every day and didn't allow a passed ball in 1,072 innings behind the plate. That's jaw-dropping stuff.</p><p>Now, we must acknowledge here that Raleigh started 38 games at DH to get him some rest and keep his bat in the lineup. But if you look at his splits, you'll see that he hit <em>better</em> on days he was catching. That should weigh heavily in his favor.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-xZnSf" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/xZnSf/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="114" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Raleigh's 49 homers while playing catcher were seven more than the previous record. But we can dig even deeper. Before this year, only two primary catchers hit 45-plus homers in a season: Johnny Bench recorded 45 in 1970, and Salvador Perez had 48 in 2021. Let's put their positional homer splits alongside Raleigh's 2025 splits. Just for fun, we also added Bench's 40-homer 1972 season to the table.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ROoKZ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ROoKZ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="234" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Raleigh's clearly not the only power-hitting catcher who's added to his home-run totals at other positions. And in case you're wondering, Bench won NL MVP in 1970 and '72, with no controversy over him playing different positions. Had there been a DH back then, there's no doubt that Bench would've used the spot to get rest and pad his totals.</p><p>Another point that critics of Raleigh pick at is his .247 batting average, which would be the lowest ever for an MVP hitter. However, the number hardly disqualifies him. Seven players have gone on to win MVP despite hitting below .275 during the season, and several of those years are now considered historic. Shohei Ohtani's .257 average in 2021 is the lowest for an MVP-winning hitter, and voters rightly ignored that stat because of his unprecedented two-way performance.</p><p>But take a look at some of the other campaigns on this list. Bench hit .270 with 40 homers during his 1972 MVP season behind the plate. Yogi Berra won in 1955 while hitting .272 as a catcher, during an era when batting average was a far more meaningful statistic. And then there's 1961 AL MVP Roger Maris, who bested teammate Mickey Mantle despite hitting just .269. Maris' 61 homers and AL-best 141 RBIs were enough to beat out Mantle's superior stats in other categories. Sound familiar?</p><p>Again, none of this should downplay Judge's 2025. However, he didn't deliver a true season for the ages while catching every day and guiding one of baseball's best pitching staffs to excellence. Raleigh accomplished something truly unique, and there's enough precedent to justify him winning MVP. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><h3>Why Aaron Judge should win MVP?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809625/cropped_GettyImages-2239465340.jpg?ts=1762921347" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809625/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239465340.jpg?ts=1762921347 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809625/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239465340.jpg?ts=1762921347 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809625/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239465340.jpg?ts=1762921347 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809625/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239465340.jpg?ts=1762921347 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809625/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239465340.jpg?ts=1762921347 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">New York Yankees / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>There's no disputing that Raleigh had the best season ever for a catcher, but it wasn't better than Judge's campaign. This award is about determining the most valuable player overall, rather than the best at an individual position.</p><p>The Yankees outfielder led MLB in average, on-base percentage, slugging, OPS, and fWAR. He's only the sixth player to top MLB in all triple slash categories since 1943.</p><p>Judge won the batting crown by .020, led the league in OBP by .058 and slugging by .066, and recorded an OPS .131 higher than Ohtani, who finished second. Judge didn't just lead every category; he crushed every great hitter this season. That's almost hard to comprehend.</p><p>If we compare Judge to Raleigh offensively, the two players aren't even close. Raleigh outhomered Judge by seven, but the Yankees slugger still finished fourth in the majors with 53 home runs - a mark that's only been reached 36 times in MLB history. Judge also received 55 fewer at-bats than Raleigh, in part because he drew 124 walks, including an MLB-leading 36 intentional walks, compared to Raleigh's 17. The opposing managers told you who the more imposing hitter was.</p><p>Judge finished with an OPS that was .197 points better than Raleigh's, and his 204 wRC+ ranked as the ninth-highest mark since 1961. Seven of the eight players who have posted at least a 200 wRC+ won the MVP that season, with the exception being Mark McGwire, who finished second in 1998.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-maxbq" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/maxbq/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="403" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Of course, the MVP isn't the best offensive player award, and defense is where many people lean toward Raleigh. Being a catcher is one of baseball's most underappreciated jobs, and Raleigh deserves enormous credit for the work he's done behind the plate and with the pitching staff. However, that shouldn't discredit the value Judge brought defensively.</p><p>An elbow flexor strain limited Judge to 95 games in right field and forced him to only DH for all of August. When he was in the outfield, Judge remained one of the best defensively at his position, ranking in the 86th percentile in outs above average, 85th percentile in arm strength, and 84th percentile in arm value, according to Baseball Savant. He also finished with three defensive runs saved, which isn't an elite number but illustrates that he was a positive presence with the glove.</p><p>Additionally, Judge deserves credit for playing through a pretty debilitating elbow injury. He missed only the minimum time on the IL, and even though he returned as the DH for a month, he slashed .305/.473/.634 with 16 home runs in 34 games with a bad elbow. Judge also played 15 of the Yankees' final 22 regular-season contests while injured in the outfield to help get Giancarlo Stanton's bat in the lineup.</p><p>When New York struggled in June and July, Judge kept them afloat, slashing .267/.396/.621. Then he posted a 1.546 OPS over the final three weeks of the season as the Yankees tried chasing down the Blue Jays to win the AL East title. Judge had an OPS over 1.000 in four of the six months and didn't see it dip below .923 in the other two. Meanwhile, Raleigh hit .194 in July and .173 in August.</p><p>Judge was the best and most consistent player throughout the season. Although Raleigh reached feats that no catcher has ever achieved, Judge accomplished things that few players in the history of the game have ever done, regardless of position. He should wake up Friday morning as a three-time AL MVP. <em>- Wile</em></p>

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Judge vs. Raleigh: Who should win AL MVP?

Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz was named 2025 American League Rookie of the Year on Monday af...

<p>Athletics first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18799">Nick Kurtz</a> was named 2025 American League Rookie of the Year on Monday after receiving all 30 first-place votes from members of the BBWAA. </p><p>Athletics shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17378" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17378">Jacob Wilson</a> finished second, while Boston Red Sox outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17320" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17320">Roman Anthony</a> came in third. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL Rookie of the Year" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-SBdr8" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/SBdr8/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="222" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>It's the ninth time in MLB history that teammates finished first and second in Rookie of the Year voting.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 22-year-old Kurtz enjoyed an incredible rookie season, slashing .290/.383/.619 with 36 home runs, 26 doubles, 86 RBIs, and a 1.002 OPS across 117 games. He also led all MLB rookies in runs, homers, RBIs, walks, slugging, OPS, and fWAR. </p><p>"It's a great ending to the first year," Kurtz told MLB Network. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Former ROY Huston Street announces Nick Kurtz as the 2025 American League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year! <a href="https://t.co/wlVhFqjsaD">pic.twitter.com/wlVhFqjsaD</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1988040905492709577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Kurtz, the No. 4 pick in the 2024 draft, becomes the ninth Rookie of the Year in franchise history. He's the franchise's first winner since Andrew Bailey in 2009. Kurtz was also named the AL's Silver Slugger winner at first base earlier this month. </p>

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Nick Kurtz #16 of the Athletics walks off the field in the top of the fifth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Sutter Health Park on September 26, 2025 in Sacramento, California.

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A's Kurtz named unanimous AL Rookie of the Year

One of Japan's most talented pitchers will have the opportunity to pursue a contract in North Ame...

<p>One of Japan's most talented pitchers will have the opportunity to pursue a contract in North America. </p><p>The Seibu Lions announced Monday that they will officially post right-hander Tatsuya Imai this winter in hopes of securing a major-league deal. </p><p>"We decided that now was the right time and allowed him to take on the challenge of MLB," the Lions said in a <a href="https://www.seibulions.jp/news/detail/202500623630.html">statement</a>. "He has consistently expressed a strong desire to play baseball in America, and as a team, we have respected that desire."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Imai will have 45 days to reach an agreement with an MLB team once he's posted, or he'll have to return to the Lions for 2026.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tatsuya Imai will be represented by Scott Boras and his agency, Boras Corporation.</p>— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) <a href="https://twitter.com/francysromeroFR/status/1987732868328460560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"I'm grateful that they accepted my request," Imai said. </p><p>The 27-year-old has spent his entire nine-year professional career with Seibu. He posted a 1.92 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and 178 strikeouts in 163 2/3 innings last season. He features a mid-90s fastball, in addition to a slider and splitter. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Now that the trade deadline has passed, MLB talent evaluators often prioritize scouting trips to Japan in August. Seibu Lions RHP Tatsuya Imai is one top priority for them to see; this video from <a href="https://twitter.com/YankeeSource?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YankeeSource</a> illustrates why. <a href="https://t.co/zXJFECxk2K">pic.twitter.com/zXJFECxk2K</a></p>— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) <a href="https://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/1953302819844341850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>A three-time All-Star in Japan, Imai helped throw a combined no-hitter last season and struck out a franchise-record 17 batters in a game in June. While he has pitched for Japan internationally, he wasn't on the 2023 World Baseball Classic roster.</p><p><a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/46859761/mlb-2025-2026-top-50-free-agents-rankings-contract-projections">ESPN's Kiley McDaniel</a> projects Imai will sign a six-year, $135-million deal, including an additional posting fee that's calculated from a percentage of how much he signs for. That fee is paid to the Lions.</p><p>Imai is expected to be one of the top starting pitchers available this winter. </p>

OSAKA, JAPAN - MARCH 05: Tatsuya Imai #48 of Samurai Japan pitches in the top of the sixth inning during the game between Samurai Japan and Netherlands at Kyocera Dome Osaka on March 05, 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

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Seibu Lions to post top pitcher Tatsuya Imai for MLB teams

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Brandon Wile

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Tom Ruminski

News Editor

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