This year's Grey Cup matchup only features one of the CFL's two division winners, but it's noneth...

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112th Grey Cup primer: Als, Riders prepare for heavyweight clash

The Canadian Football League handed out its 2025 awards Thursday in Winnipeg.  It was a big night...

<p>The Canadian Football League handed out its 2025 awards Thursday in Winnipeg.</p><p>It was a big night for the BC Lions, who walked away with three of the six major on-field awards as voted by members of the Football Reporters of Canada and the nine CFL head coaches. Every award was won by a player from the West Division.</p><p>Unlike in past years, the Coach of the Year (Annis Stukus Trophy) was not announced Thursday. That award's recipient will be revealed at a later date, with Saskatchewan's Corey Mace and Montreal's Jason Maas as the top candidates.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Here's a look at all of Thursday's big winners:</p><h3>George Reed Most Outstanding Player: Nathan Rourke, Lions QB</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809892/cropped_GettyImages-2220458119.jpg?ts=1763093705" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809892/w220xh124_GettyImages-2220458119.jpg?ts=1763093705 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809892/w320xh180_GettyImages-2220458119.jpg?ts=1763093705 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809892/w640xh360_GettyImages-2220458119.jpg?ts=1763093705 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809892/w768xh432_GettyImages-2220458119.jpg?ts=1763093705 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809892/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2220458119.jpg?ts=1763093705 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rich Lam / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>It was a historic evening for Nathan Rourke, who became the first Canadian quarterback to win Most Outstanding Player since Ottawa Rough Riders legend Russ Jackson in 1969.</p><p>Rourke was at the helm of a dominant BC Lions offense, throwing for 5,290 yards and 31 touchdowns with a 70.4 completion percentage and 112.2 QB rating. He also racked up 564 rushing yards - the most by any QB - and 10 rushing TDs while averaging over nine yards per carry.</p><p>Rourke, the runaway winner over Hamilton Tiger-Cats pivot Bo Levi Mitchell, is the eighth Lions player to win MOP. He joins Travis Lulay, Casey Printers, and Doug Flutie as BC quarterbacks who've claimed the accolade. This also marks the second consecutive year a Canadian has won MOP, as Winnipeg tailback Brady Oliveira won in 2024.</p><h3>Most Outstanding Canadian: Nathan Rourke</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qQpjVHTPdRk?si=yq39DhPa6Ln8xuGy" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Rourke's MOP win made him the obvious choice to claim Most Outstanding Canadian, as he received 50 of 53 votes to beat Montreal Alouettes defensive lineman Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund. The Victoria, B.C., native broke Russ Jackson's 56-year-old single-season record for passing yards by a Canadian quarterback, and became the first Canadian pivot to pass for 5,000 yards in a season. Rourke, who also won this award in 2022, joins four-time winner Jackson as the only QBs to win it multiple times. He's the fifth player to win both MOP and Outstanding Canadian in the same season, joining Brady Oliveira (2024), Jon Cornish (2013), Tony Gabriel (1978), and Jackson (1963, '66, and '69).</p><h3>Most Outstanding Defensive Player: Mathieu Betts, Lions</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809875/cropped_GettyImages-2182727331.jpg?ts=1763085834" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809875/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182727331.jpg?ts=1763085834 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809875/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182727331.jpg?ts=1763085834 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809875/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182727331.jpg?ts=1763085834 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809875/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182727331.jpg?ts=1763085834 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809875/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182727331.jpg?ts=1763085834 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brent Just / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Betts was named the CFL's top defender for the second time in three years. The defensive end terrorized quarterbacks all season, recording a league-leading 15 sacks along with four forced fumbles and 42 tackles. The 30-year-old Montreal native is the first Canadian to win Most Outstanding Defensive Player twice. He's also the fourth multi-time winner with BC, joining Solomon Elimimian, Cameron Wake, and James "Quick" Parker.</p><p>Betts received 40 of 53 votes to defeat East Division nominee Julian Howsare.</p><h3>Most Outstanding Rookie: Trey Vaval, Blue Bombers DB/KR</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809884/cropped_GettyImages-2235124839.jpg?ts=1763090432" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809884/w220xh124_GettyImages-2235124839.jpg?ts=1763090432 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809884/w320xh180_GettyImages-2235124839.jpg?ts=1763090432 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809884/w640xh360_GettyImages-2235124839.jpg?ts=1763090432 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809884/w768xh432_GettyImages-2235124839.jpg?ts=1763090432 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809884/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2235124839.jpg?ts=1763090432 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">John E. Sokolowski / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Vaval exploded onto the CFL scene as both a defender and special teams force. The 25-year-old Missouri native tallied 21 defensive tackles along with one interception and one fumble recovery, plus another four special teams tackles. He also set multiple records as a kick returner. Vaval is the eighth Blue Bombers player to win Most Outstanding Rookie.</p><h3>Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman: Jermarcus Hardrick, Roughriders</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809878/cropped_GettyImages-2218967291.jpg?ts=1763086499" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809878/w220xh124_GettyImages-2218967291.jpg?ts=1763086499 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809878/w320xh180_GettyImages-2218967291.jpg?ts=1763086499 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809878/w640xh360_GettyImages-2218967291.jpg?ts=1763086499 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809878/w768xh432_GettyImages-2218967291.jpg?ts=1763086499 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809878/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2218967291.jpg?ts=1763086499 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brent Just / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>This is Hardrick's first time winning the top lineman award in 12 CFL seasons. The 35-year-old anchored a Roughriders O-line that allowed the offense to produce over 6,800 yards of net offense and a 1,200-yard season for running back A.J. Ouellette. Hardrick, who earned 38 of 53 votes to defeat Hamilton guard Brandon Revenberg, is the first Riders lineman to earn this award since Brendon LaBatte in 2013.</p><h3>Most Outstanding Special Teams Player: Trey Vaval</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qryuHR_fBVY?si=poeTo85Sh9Hnlx9l" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Vaval added the top special teams honor to his Outstanding Rookie trophy, receiving 40 votes to beat Argos kicker Lirim Hajrullahu. The Minnesota State product racked up 2,266 total return yards, including a league-leading 957 punt return yards while tallying four kick return touchdowns. Vaval set a CFL record in Week 16 by returning two missed field goals for 199 yards, including one for a 128-yard touchdown. He's the fifth Winnipeg player to win this award.</p><h3>Tom Pate Memorial Award: Andrew Peirson, Lions</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EfnwSRSK2_4?si=hExgXeMbyyFfm9T6" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>The CFL Players' Association bestows this award to a player who demonstrates "outstanding sportsmanship, dedication to the league, and significant contributions to team, community, and the players' association." Peirson, a Lions offensive lineman, started six games for BC this season. Off the field, he was heavily involved in the Vancouver community, making hundreds of school visits with the Lions. He also recently earned the King Charles III Coronation Award in recognition of his work with the Heart and Stroke Foundation.</p><h3>Jake Gadauar Veterans' Award: Logan Ferland, Roughriders</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RBWt-DkGLzo?si=1MfKsAyvFIuDI4Lu" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>This award is presented to a Canadian player "who demonstrates the attributes of Canada's veterans." Ferland, a staple of the Roughriders' offensive line and team captain, is an ambassador for Saskatoon's Jim Pattison Children's Hospital and Ronald McDonald House in Saskatchewan. He also works with youth in his home province as part of the Rider Reading and Win With Wellness programs. On the field, the Canadian Junior Football League alumnus has been one of the CFL's most disciplined players, being flagged just once in his last 56 games.</p>

REGINA, CANADA - NOVEMBER 8: Nathan Rourke #12 of the BC Lions throws a pass during warm-up before the CFL Western Final game between the BC Lions and Saskatchewan Roughriders at Mosaic Stadium on November 8, 2025 in Regina, Canada.

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2025 CFL Awards: Lions' Rourke earns historic MOP win

Major League Baseball announced the winners of multiple league-sanctioned awards Thursday in Las ...

<p>Major League Baseball announced the winners of multiple league-sanctioned awards Thursday in Las Vegas, including the first and second All-MLB teams, Hank Aaron Awards, Comeback Players of the Year, and Relievers of the Year.</p><p>Sixteen players were named to each All-MLB team across both leagues. Players were chosen through a combination of fan vote and panel of media members, broadcasters, and former players.</p><p>Here's a look at this year's All-MLB selections:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>First-team position players</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>Cal Raleigh</td>
<td>Mariners</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1B</td>
<td>Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</td>
<td>Blue Jays</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2B</td>
<td>Ketel Marte</td>
<td>D-Backs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Bobby Witt Jr.</td>
<td>Royals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3B</td>
<td>José Ramírez</td>
<td>Guardians</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Aaron Judge</td>
<td>Yankees</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Juan Soto</td>
<td>Mets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Julio Rodríguez</td>
<td>Mariners</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DH</td>
<td>Shohei Ohtani</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>This is Ohtani's eighth career All-MLB selection, by far the most of any player since this award was created in 2019.</p><h3>First-team pitchers</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Garrett Crochet</td>
<td>Red Sox</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Max Fried</td>
<td>Yankees</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Tarik Skubal</td>
<td>Tigers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Paul Skenes</td>
<td>Pirates</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Yoshinobu Yamamoto</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RP</td>
<td>Aroldis Chapman</td>
<td>Red Sox</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RP</td>
<td>Jhoan Duran</td>
<td>Twins/Phillies</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Second-team position players</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>Will Smith</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1B</td>
<td>Nick Kurtz</td>
<td>Athletics</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2B</td>
<td>Brice Turang</td>
<td>Brewers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Bo Bichette</td>
<td>Blue Jays</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3B</td>
<td>Junior Caminero</td>
<td>Rays</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Cody Bellinger</td>
<td>Yankees</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Corbin Carroll</td>
<td>D-Backs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Pete Crow-Armstrong</td>
<td>Cubs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DH</td>
<td>Kyle Schwarber</td>
<td>Phillies</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Second-team pitchers</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Hunter Brown</td>
<td>Astros</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Freddy Peralta</td>
<td>Brewers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Cristopher Sánchez</td>
<td>Phillies</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Zack Wheeler</td>
<td>Phillies</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Bryan Woo</td>
<td>Mariners</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RP</td>
<td>Edwin Díaz</td>
<td>Mets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RP</td>
<td>Andrés Muñoz</td>
<td>Mariners</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Now here's a look at the winners of the individual hardware MLB handed out Thursday:</p><h3>Hank Aaron Award</h3><p><strong>AL: Aaron Judge, Yankees RF; NL: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers DH</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809676/cropped_GettyImages-2241207799.jpg?ts=1762972428" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809676/w220xh124_GettyImages-2241207799.jpg?ts=1762972428 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809676/w320xh180_GettyImages-2241207799.jpg?ts=1762972428 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809676/w640xh360_GettyImages-2241207799.jpg?ts=1762972428 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809676/w768xh432_GettyImages-2241207799.jpg?ts=1762972428 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809676/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2241207799.jpg?ts=1762972428 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ishika Samant / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>On the same night they each repeated as their respective league's MVP, Judge and Ohtani also won Hank Aaron Awards as their leagues' top offensive players for a second consecutive season. The wins put both superstars alongside Barry Bonds and four-time winner Alex Rodriguez as the only players with at least three Hank Aaron Awards.</p><p>Judge led the majors in all four slash-stat categories, hitting .331/.457/.688 with a 1.144 OPS, 53 homers, 114 RBIs, 137 runs scored, 85 extra-base hits, and 372 total bases. He also led the majors in OPS, OPS+ (215), and topped AL hitters in runs and total bases.</p><p>Ohtani slashed .282/.392/.622 with 55 homers, 102 RBIs, 146 runs scored, 89 extra-base hits, 20 steals, and a 179 OPS+. He topped the NL leaderboards in slugging, OPS, and OPS+, and became the fifth player to hit 50-plus homers and score 145-plus runs in a season.</p><p>Judge and Ohtani both joined another exclusive club in 2025, as they became the fifth and sixth players to hit 50 homers in back-to-back seasons. For Judge, it was the fourth 50-homer campaign of his career, tying the MLB record.</p><h3>Reliever of the Year</h3><p><strong>Mariano Rivera AL Reliever of the Year: Aroldis Chapman, Red Sox</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803685/cropped_GettyImages-2238437942.jpg?ts=1759282883" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803685/w220xh124_GettyImages-2238437942.jpg?ts=1759282883 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803685/w320xh180_GettyImages-2238437942.jpg?ts=1759282883 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803685/w640xh360_GettyImages-2238437942.jpg?ts=1759282883 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803685/w768xh432_GettyImages-2238437942.jpg?ts=1759282883 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803685/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2238437942.jpg?ts=1759282883 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ishika Samant / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The 37-year-old Chapman turned in a career year for the Red Sox, tallying a 1.17 ERA, 1.73 FIP, and 0.70 WHIP with 85 strikeouts and 32 saves across 67 appearances. Chapman allowed just three home runs in 61 1/3 innings, and lowered his ERA by nearly three full runs compared to 2024. This is his second time winning Reliever of the Year honors, previously earning it while pitching for the New York Yankees in 2019.</p><p><strong>Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year: Edwin Díaz, Mets</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800181/cropped_GettyImages-2233930955.jpg?ts=1757126797" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800181/w220xh124_GettyImages-2233930955.jpg?ts=1757126797 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800181/w320xh180_GettyImages-2233930955.jpg?ts=1757126797 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800181/w640xh360_GettyImages-2233930955.jpg?ts=1757126797 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800181/w768xh432_GettyImages-2233930955.jpg?ts=1757126797 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800181/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2233930955.jpg?ts=1757126797 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jason Mowry / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>It was another dominant season for Díaz, who posted a 1.63 ERA and 0.87 WHIP along with 98 strikeouts and 28 saves over 62 appearances for the Mets. The 31-year-old, who won this award in the AL in 2018 and the NL in 2022, joins Josh Hader as the only three-time Reliever of the Year winners.</p><h3>Comeback Players of the Year</h3><p><strong>AL: Jacob deGrom, Rangers SP</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798891/cropped_GettyImages-2232097507.jpg?ts=1756183755" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798891/w220xh124_GettyImages-2232097507.jpg?ts=1756183755 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798891/w320xh180_GettyImages-2232097507.jpg?ts=1756183755 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798891/w640xh360_GettyImages-2232097507.jpg?ts=1756183755 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798891/w768xh432_GettyImages-2232097507.jpg?ts=1756183755 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798891/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2232097507.jpg?ts=1756183755 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Stacy Revere / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>DeGrom made just nine starts in 2023 and '24 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. In 2025, he was back to his old self, putting up a 2.97 ERA and 0.92 WHIP with 185 strikeouts and a 1.9 BB/9 rate en route to earning down-ballot AL Cy Young votes. DeGrom is the second Rangers player to win the award, joining Prince Fielder in 2015.</p><p><strong>NL: Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves OF</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791669/cropped_GettyImages-2221123216.jpg?ts=1750732673" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791669/w220xh124_GettyImages-2221123216.jpg?ts=1750732673 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791669/w320xh180_GettyImages-2221123216.jpg?ts=1750732673 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791669/w640xh360_GettyImages-2221123216.jpg?ts=1750732673 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791669/w768xh432_GettyImages-2221123216.jpg?ts=1750732673 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791669/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2221123216.jpg?ts=1750732673 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Mooney / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>After playing just 49 games in 2024 following a torn ACL, Acuña showed no rust in his comeback season, hitting .290/.417/.518 with 21 homers, 42 RBIs, and nine steals over 95 games. The 2023 NL MVP also earned his fifth career All-Star appearance. Acuña is the Braves' second consecutive winner after Chris Sale took home the award last year, and their fifth overall.</p><h3>Edgar Martínez Outstanding DH Award: Shohei Ohtani</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807114/cropped_GettyImages-2243131339.jpg?ts=1761366479" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807114/w220xh124_GettyImages-2243131339.jpg?ts=1761366479 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807114/w320xh180_GettyImages-2243131339.jpg?ts=1761366479 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807114/w640xh360_GettyImages-2243131339.jpg?ts=1761366479 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807114/w768xh432_GettyImages-2243131339.jpg?ts=1761366479 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807114/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2243131339.jpg?ts=1761366479 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mark Blinch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Ohtani, who won his <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3391995" href="https://thescore.com/news/3391995">second straight NL MVP</a> earlier Thursday, has now been named the league's Outstanding DH in five consecutive seasons, matching Hall of Fame slugger David Ortiz's record from 2003-07. Ohtani also matches Martínez, the Hall of Famer and award's namesake, for the second-most Outstanding DH awards ever. Only Ortiz, an eight-time winner, has more.</p><h3>MLB Executive of the Year: Matt Arnold, Brewers</h3><p>Arnold earned MLB's top executive honors for a second straight year after constructing a Brewers squad that won a league-best 97 games and reached the NLCS for the first time since 2018.</p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 15: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on during the first inning of the MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park on July 15, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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2025 MLB awards: All-MLB teams, Hank Aaron winners revealed

New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge won his third AL MVP in the last four seasons, making him ...

<p>New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge won his third AL MVP in the last four seasons, making him just the 13th player ever to own at least three MVPs.</p><p>In a hotly contested vote that ended up as close as the debate surrounding the award, Judge received 17 of 30<strong> </strong>first-place votes to edge out Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh by 20 points. Raleigh - who garnered 13 first-place votes following his remarkable 60-homer campaign - and Judge were the only players who received first- or second-place votes.</p><p>The margin of victory was the closest for an AL MVP race since Mike Trout's 20-point win in 2019.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramírez finished in third place.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL MVP" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-5Oo2J" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/5Oo2J/2/" 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>Judge is now the third Yankees player to win three MVPs while wearing pinstripes, joining franchise icons Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, and Mickey Mantle. He's the 20th player to win in consecutive seasons and the first AL player to earn back-to-back MVPs since the Detroit Tigers' Miguel Cabrera in 2012 and '13.</p><p>The season was another historic one for the 33-year-old slugger, who hit .331/.457/.688 and led the majors in all four slash-stat categories, including OPS (1.144). Judge also recorded his fourth career and second consecutive 50-homer campaign, putting him alongside Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, and Babe Ruth for the most career 50-homer seasons.</p><p>Overall, Judge finished his year with 53 long balls, 114 RBIs, 85 extra-base hits, 137 runs scored, and 124 walks over 679 plate appearances. He led the AL in runs, walks, extra-base hits, and total bases (372) and was intentionally walked an MLB-high 36 times.</p><p>Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. finished fourth, while Detroit Tigers ace and reigning two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal came in fifth. Julio Rodríguez, George Springer, Garrett Crochet, Junior Caminero, and Jeremy Peña also earned top-10 finishes.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 07: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees celebrates hitting a three-run home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fourth inning in game three of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 07, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City.

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Judge bests Raleigh for 3rd AL MVP in 4 years

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani added one more chapter to his legend Thursday by winn...

<p>Los Angeles Dodgers superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> added one more chapter to his legend Thursday by winning the NL MVP for a second straight year.</p><p>The latest victory puts Ohtani alongside seven-time winner Barry Bonds as the only players with at least four career MVP awards. Once again, he won in unanimous fashion, receiving all 30 first-place votes over fellow finalists Kyle Schwarber and Juan Soto. Ohtani's now won all four of his MVPs unanimously; no other player has ever won it unanimously more than once.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL MVP" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-pOUzO" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/pOUzO/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="218" 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>Ohtani won two AL MVPs with the Los Angeles Angels in 2021 and '23. Last year's NL trophy with the Dodgers made him just the second player to win an MVP in both leagues, joining Hall of Famer Frank Robinson. Ohtani and Bonds, who won four straight from 2001-04, are the only players to win at least three consecutive MVPs.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 31-year-old made history yet again in 2025. As a hitter, he slashed .282/.392/.622 with 55 homers, 102 RBIs, 20 steals, 89 extra-base hits, 146 runs scored, and 109 walks over 727 plate appearances. Ohtani led the NL in slugging, OPS (1.014), OPS+ (179), and intentional walks (20) and topped the majors in total bases (380) and runs.</p><p>He's the fifth player ever to record 50-plus home runs and 145-plus runs scored in a season, joining Sammy Sosa, Jimmie Foxx, Hack Wilson, and Babe Ruth, who did it four times. Ohtani also became one of only six players to record consecutive 50-homer seasons.</p><p>Ohtani also made his return to the mound after not pitching in 2024 while recovering from elbow surgery. He posted a 2.87 ERA, 1.90 FIP, and 1.04 WHIP along with 62 strikeouts, nine walks, and three home runs allowed over 14 starts. His 11.9 K/9 rate was the best in the NL among starting pitchers with at least 40 innings.</p><p>Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo and Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner finished fourth and fifth in voting, respectively. Paul Skenes, Corbin Carroll, Fernando Tatis Jr., Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Francisco Lindor rounded out the NL's top 10.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after pitching during Game Four of the 2025 World Series presented by Capital One between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Ohtani joins Bonds as only players to win 4 MVPs

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?

Fresh off winning his first career NL Cy Young Award, Paul Skenes reiterated his commitment to wi...

<p>Fresh off winning his first career NL Cy Young Award, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a> reiterated his commitment to winning with the Pittsburgh Pirates instead of bolting for bigger - and potentially greener - pastures.</p><p>Whispers about Skenes' future in Pittsburgh grew louder Wednesday after <a href="https://www.nj.com/yankees/2025/11/paul-skenes-telling-teammates-he-wants-to-play-for-yankees-and-pirates-understand-it.html">Randy Miller of NJ.com</a> suggested that Skenes has been vocally pining for a move to the New York Yankees.</p><p>"Trust me, he wants to play for the Yankees," an anonymous Pirates teammate of Skenes' told Miller, adding that the right-hander is "hoping for a trade" to New York. "I've heard him say it multiple times."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Skenes flatly dismissed any notion that he's trying to leave Pittsburgh when asked about Miller's report after his <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3396175" href="https://thescore.com/news/3396175">historic</a> Cy Young win.</p><p>"I don't know where that came from," Skenes said Wednesday, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6803054/2025/11/12/pittsburgh-pirates-paul-skenes-new-york-yankees/">Stephen J. Nesbitt of The Athletic</a>. "I don't know the reporter. I don't know the player that supposedly said that. But the goal is to win, and the goal is to win in Pittsburgh."</p><p>"I'm on the Pirates. My goal is to win with the Pirates," he added, according to <a href="https://x.com/colin_beazley/status/1988793726437847306">Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</a>. "I love the city of Pittsburgh. The fans are hungry to have a winner in Pittsburgh, and I want to be part of the group that did that.</p><p>"The way that fans see us outside of Pittsburgh, we're not supposed to win. There are 29 fanbases that expect us to lose. I want to be part of the 26 guys that change that."</p><p>The Pirates, one of MLB's most historic and storied franchises, have spent much of the last three-plus decades in baseball purgatory. They've made the playoffs just three times in the wild-card era, winning just a single series - the 2013 NL wild-card game - in that span.</p><p>The Pirates have historically been frugal spenders in free agency, and have consistently fielded some of the lowest payrolls in MLB. Many of the team's biggest homegrown stars, including Barry Bonds, Gerrit Cole, and Andrew McCutchen, were either traded ahead of free agency or allowed to walk away. Skenes will become a free agent after the 2029 season.</p><p>There are signs that this year could finally be different, though. General manager Ben Cherington <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3395456" href="https://thescore.com/news/3395456">said</a> this week that he has "more (payroll) flexibility than we've had in other offseasons." The Bucs are apparently planning to spend in free agency this winter, sources told <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/pirates-could-be-free-agency-spenders-in-2025-26-offseason?adobe_mc=TS%253D1763003710%257CMCMID%253D70853843165870332536020834491846794798%257CMCORGID%253DA65F776A5245B01B0A490D44%2540AdobeOrg&amp;affiliateId=mlbapp-ios_webview_news-index&amp;rsid=mlbios.at.bat.new.implementation">Mark Feinsand of MLB.com</a>, although the extent to which they'll make a splash isn't clear.</p><p>Pittsburgh has its work cut out in order to become contenders in 2026. The team is coming off a 91-loss season that saw manager Derek Shelton fired in early May, with Skenes' award-winning year standing as the lone bright spot. But the ace is wholeheartedly embracing the challenge of righting the Pirates' ship in 2026 and beyond.</p><p>"It’s been 10 years, the second-longest playoff drought in the big leagues," Skenes said, per Nesbitt. "Someone can check my math on how many years it's been since we won a World Series: 46 years? Sorry, I went to LSU. Yeah, 46 years without a World Series championship.</p><p>"This is why I'm going to show up to the ballpark, and I'm going to work to get everybody pushing in the same direction. I know there are other guys who are going to do the same. That's all the truth."</p>

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 10: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrates an out during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 10, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Skenes dismisses report of desire to join Yanks: 'I want to' win in Pittsburgh

Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal defended his title as the American League's best pitcher.  Skubal...

<p>Detroit Tigers ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11799">Tarik Skubal</a> defended his title as the American League's best pitcher.</p><p>Skubal won his second consecutive AL Cy Young Award on Wednesday, receiving 26 of 30 first-place votes to easily defeat Hunter Brown and Garrett Crochet for this year's honor.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL Cy Young" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-n5qNa" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/n5qNa/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>Skubal is the first repeat winner in the AL since Hall of Famer Pedro Martínez in 1999 and 2000. The left-hander also joins Sandy Koufax (1965-66), Randy Johnson (four straight from 1999-2002), and Clayton Kershaw (2013-14) as one of only four southpaws to earn the award in consecutive years.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 28-year-old was dominant in 2025, going 13-6 with 241 strikeouts, one shutout, and an AL-best 2.21 ERA and 2.45 FIP. He also led the majors in WHIP (0.89), BB/9 (1.5), and strikeout-to-walk ratio (7.30), while holding hitters to a meager .200 average over 195 1/3 innings.</p><p>This is the seventh time a Tigers pitcher has won the Cy Young, moving the franchise into a tie for the third-most winners since the award's inception in 1956. Skubal is the second Tigers hurler to claim the honor in back-to-back seasons, joining Denny McLain in 1968 and '69.</p><p>Skubal's latest win comes amid questions about his future in Detroit. He's one year away from free agency, and the Tigers are reportedly willing to at least listen to trade offers.</p><p>"Contract extension stuff is a little bit different, but trade stuff is out of my control," Skubal told reporters Wednesday, per <a href="https://x.com/EvanPetzold/status/1988780110485549106">Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press</a>. "I've given everything I have to this organization. I want to be a Tiger for a very long time. ... I love Detroit. Hopefully, I'm here. That's where I'm at with all of that."</p><p>Skubal and Crochet, who finished second, were the only pitchers named on all 30 ballots. New York Yankees left-hander Max Fried and Seattle Mariners righty Bryan Woo rounded out the top five.</p><p>Carlos Rodón, Aroldis Chapman, Jacob deGrom, Trevor Rogers, and Drew Rasmussen all received some down-ballot votes.</p>

DETROIT, MI - JUNE 29: Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) reacts after striking out Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa (not pictured) to end the first inning of a regular season Major League Baseball game between the Minnesota Twins and the Detroit Tigers on June 29, 2025 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan.

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Tigers' Skubal wins 2nd straight AL Cy Young

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes capped his historic sophomore season by winning the 2025 NL Cy...

<p>Pittsburgh Pirates ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a> capped his historic sophomore season by winning the 2025 NL Cy Young Award.</p><p>Skenes was the unanimous victor over Cristopher Sánchez and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. He's the 16th NL pitcher to win the award unanimously. Sánchez received all 30 second-place votes.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL Cy Young" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Od0q6" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Od0q6/1/" 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>Skenes joins Dwight Gooden and Fernando Valenzuela as the only pitchers to win both Rookie of the Year and a Cy Young in each of their first two seasons. Gooden won NL Rookie of the Year in 1984 and the NL Cy Young in 1985, while Valenzuela won both awards in 1981.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 23-year-old is just the third Pirates pitcher to win a Cy Young, joining Vernon Law in 1960 and Doug Drabek in 1990.</p><p>At 10-10, Skenes is also the first starting pitcher to ever win the award with a won-loss record of .500 or worse. His 10 wins equal the record for fewest victories by a Cy Young-winning starter set by Jacob deGrom in 2018.</p><p>The won-loss record clearly meant nothing to voters, as Skenes rose above his 91-loss Pirates team to dominate hitters in both leagues. He posted an MLB-best 1.97 ERA, 217 ERA+, and 2.36 FIP, along with 216 strikeouts and an NL-low 0.95 WHIP over 32 starts. He allowed just 11 home runs in 187 2/3 innings, helping produce an MLB-best 0.5 HR/9 rate.</p><p>Skenes also ranked top-10 in the NL in K/9 (10.4), BB/9 (2.0), strikeout-to-walk ratio (5.14).</p><p>San Francisco's Logan Webb and Milwaukee's Freddy Peralta finished in fourth and fifth place, respectively. Nick Pivetta, Jesús Luzardo, Andrew Abbott, and Zack Wheeler also received down-ballot support.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 23: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on May 23, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Pirates' Skenes wins NL Cy Young in 2nd MLB season

The market for Devin Williams is heating up early in free agency.  The Los Angeles Dodgers, Bosto...

<p>The market for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/11736" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/11736">Devin Williams</a> is heating up early in free agency.</p><p>The Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and Cincinnati Reds are among around 12 teams that've expressed interest in the right-handed reliever, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6801354/2025/11/12/mlb-free-agents-devin-williams/">Will Sammon of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>The Red Sox already have All-Star closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1366" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1366">Aroldis Chapman</a> but could pair him with Williams to create a formidable one-two punch to finish games. Meanwhile, the Reds have a hole in their bullpen with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/4500" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/4500">Emilio Pagán</a> testing free agency.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Dodgers and Williams appear to have mutual interest, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6799426/2025/11/11/dodgers-devin-williams-mlb-offseason/">Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>Williams is one of the top bullpen arms on the open market this winter, though he's coming off a down season with the New York Yankees. The Yankees acquired the 31-year-old from the Milwaukee Brewers last winter with hopes of making him their closer, only to see him post a career-worst 4.79 ERA along with a 1.12 WHIP and just 18 saves in 67 appearances.</p><p>However, there were still a few positive signs for Williams in 2025. He finished the season with 90 strikeouts and a 13.1 K/9 rate, while his 3.6 BB/9 rate was his lowest in five years. Williams also performed well down the stretch and didn't allow a run over his final 13 outings of the year, including the postseason.</p><p>The two-time All-Star would be a boon for the Dodgers if he's able to rediscover his old form. Over six seasons in Milwaukee, he tallied a 1.83 ERA and 1.02 WHIP with 68 saves while winning two Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year awards and the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year.</p><p>The Dodgers are seeking more late-inning firepower to boost a bullpen that boasts big names but often sprung leaks during the season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5525" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5525">Tanner Scott</a>'s 23 saves led the team in 2025 despite an otherwise ineffective campaign. Scott and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3735" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3735">Kirby Yates</a>, L.A.'s two significant bullpen additions from last winter, missed the team's postseason run because of injuries.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/19077" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/19077">Roki Sasaki</a> broke out as a closer in the playoffs, but it's not yet clear whether he'll remain in the bullpen or return to the rotation going forward. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11916" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11916">Alex Vesia</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3013" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3013">Blake Treinen</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16215" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16215">Jack Dreyer</a> are among the key relievers expected to return next year, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10562" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10562">Brusdar Graterol</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8784" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8784">Evan Phillips</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8114" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8114">Brock Stewart</a> could return from injuries at some point in 2026.</p><p>The free-spending Dodgers are currently projected to have an Opening Day payroll slightly north of $256 million, according to <a href="https://legacy.baseballprospectus.com/compensation/cots/nl-west/los-angeles-dodgers/">Cot's Contracts</a>. Los Angeles sported the majors' highest payroll last year and should have room to add money with free agents, such as Yates, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4772">Michael Conforto</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2083" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2083">Miguel Rojas</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2444" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2444">Kiké Hernández</a>, coming off the books.</p>

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 07: Devin Williams #38 of the New York Yankees reacts during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on October 7, 2025 in New York, New York.

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Report: Dodgers, Red Sox, Reds eyeing Devin Williams

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko was ruled out for the remainder of Tuesday's 5-3 defe...

<p>Vancouver Canucks goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5557" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5557">Thatcher Demko</a> was ruled out for the remainder of Tuesday's 5-3 defeat to the Winnipeg Jets after sustaining an injury in the first period, the team announced.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7694" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7694">Kevin Lankinen</a> replaced Demko in net to start the second period.</p><p>The Canucks didn't immediately specify the nature of Demko's injury, and it wasn't clear when he sustained it.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Demko allowed three goals on eight shots during the first 20 minutes versus Winnipeg, marking his third straight appearance allowing at least three goals.</p><p>The 29-year-old entered Tuesday's contest sporting a 2.57 goals against average and .912 save percentage over his first nine games this season. He signed a three-year deal with an annual $8.5-million cap hit in the summer.</p>

VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 04: Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko (35) watches the play during the second period of an NHL game between the Colorado Avalanche and the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, B.C.

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Demko exits early after sustaining injury in loss to Jets

Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington wants any opposing fans who hope that he'll tra...

<p>Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington wants any opposing fans who hope that he'll trade ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a> to stop dreaming.</p><p>Despite rumors continuing to fly about the likely NL Cy Young winner's future in Pittsburgh, Cherington bluntly shot down any notion of a blockbuster deal involving Skenes happening any time soon.</p><p>"(Skenes) is going to be a Pirate in 2026," Cherington told <a href="https://fansided.com/mlb/everything-im-hearing-cubs-paul-skenes-braves-brewers-gm-meetings">FanSided's Robert Murray</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Skenes is expected to be named the NL's top pitcher Wednesday after a stellar sophomore season atop the team's rotation. The 23-year-old's 1.97 ERA and 2.36 FIP led the majors, and he tallied 216 strikeouts along with an NL-low 0.95 WHIP while allowing just 11 home runs in 187 2/3 innings.</p><p>However, the former first overall pick ended up being the lone bright spot of yet another miserable Pirates season. Pittsburgh went 71-91 in 2025, a record that resulted in Skenes going 10-10 during his otherwise brilliant campaign. The Bucs dismissed manager Derek Shelton in early May after a 12-26 start. Though the team played closer to .500 after his firing, it still finished last in the NL Central for the fifth time since 2019.</p><p>Each successive losing season has only increased speculation about Skenes' future with the club. The Pirates have consistently fielded some of the lowest payrolls in the league under owner Bob Nutting and have often traded their biggest stars away rather than paying them to stick around. Skenes, who becomes arbitration eligible next winter, gained an extra year of service time by winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2024.</p><p>In late September, he <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3349194" href="https://thescore.com/news/3349194">said</a> that "there's urgency" for the Pittsburgh to improve immediately. He also called the campaign a "wasted year" for the franchise if it doesn't learn from it.</p><p>The Pirates' brass may have gotten the message. Cherington hinted at potentially making a splash this offseason, telling Murray that the club has "more (payroll) flexibility than we've had in other offseasons."</p><p>The Pirates have made the playoffs three times in the wild-card era but have won only one postseason round - the 2013 NL wild-card game - over that span. They last won a World Series in 1979.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 01: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on during the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Cherington shoots down Skenes trade talk: He's 'a Pirate in 2026'

Stephen Vogt has defended his crown as the American League's top manager.   The Cleveland Guardia...

<p>Stephen Vogt has defended his crown as the American League's top manager. </p><p>The Cleveland Guardians manager was named AL Manager of the Year by the Baseball Writers' Association of America for a second consecutive season. The latest win makes Vogt the first skipper to ever win the award during each of his first two years as manager.</p><p>Vogt garnered 17 of 30 first-place votes to hold off Toronto's John Schneider and Seattle's Dan Wilson in a relatively close vote. Schneider earned 91 total points to finish second, while Wilson gathered 50 total points to finish a distant third. Boston Red Sox skipper Alex Cora received a single first-place tally.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL Manager of the Year" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Q6Uy3" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Q6Uy3/1/" 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>The 41-year-old Vogt led Cleveland to an 88-74 record and a second consecutive AL Central title in shocking fashion. The Guardians sat six games below .500 and 15.5 games back of the Detroit Tigers on July 8 and were 10.5 games behind Detroit on Sept. 1. But they fought back, going 20-7 in September - a run that included 10 straight wins late in the month - to overtake Detroit and clinch the division.</p><p>Cleveland's 15.5-game deficit was the largest ever erased midseason by a team to win either its division or league (before 1968), surpassing the 1914 NL champion Boston Braves' 15-game turnaround.</p><p>Vogt is the fourth skipper to win Manager of the Year in consecutive seasons, joining Atlanta Braves Hall of Famer Bobby Cox, who won in 2004 and '05, Tampa Bay's Kevin Cash, who captured the honor in 2020 and '21, and two-time reigning NL winner Pat Murphy. Vogt's victory, along with that of Murphy's in the NL, marks the first time in the award's history that two managers received back-to-back honors in the same seasons.</p><p>Vogt joins three-time winner Terry Francona as the only managers to earn the award multiple times with Cleveland.</p>

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 28: Manager Stephen Vogt #12 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates the team's 9-8 win over the Texas Rangers in ten innings and clinching the American League Central Division at Progressive Field on September 28, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Guardians' Vogt wins 2nd consecutive AL Manager of the Year

Milwaukee Brewers skipper Pat Murphy was named 2025 National League Manager of the Year by the Ba...

<p>Milwaukee Brewers skipper Pat Murphy was named 2025 National League Manager of the Year by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.</p><p>Murphy, now a winner for the second consecutive season, received 27 first-place votes to easily beat Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona and Philadelphia Phillies skipper Rob Thomson for the award.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL Manager of the Year" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-3cSvg" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/3cSvg/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>Murphy is the second NL manager to take home the honor in back-to-back seasons, joining Hall of Fame Atlanta Braves skipper Bobby Cox, who won in 2004 and 2005. The only other skippers in either league to capture the award in consecutive years are Tampa Bay's Kevin Cash in 2020 and 2021, and two-time reigning AL winner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3394739" href="https://thescore.com/news/3394739">Stephen Vogt</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>This marks the first time in the award's history that both leagues' Managers of the Year were won by the same two skippers in consecutive seasons.</p><p>The 66-year-old Murphy led the Brewers to an NL Central title and an eventual berth in the NLCS after winning an MLB-best 97 games with a plus-172 run differential in 2025. His team reached those heights despite a difficult 2024-25 offseason that included losing star shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4784" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4784">Willy Adames</a> in free agency and trading away top closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/11736" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/11736">Devin Williams</a>.</p><p>"I think it's a statement for the Milwaukee Brewers," Murphy said on <a href="https://x.com/MLBNetworkPR/status/1988404000044249251">MLB Network</a> after receiving the honor. "From ownership to the ivory tower to our coaching staff ... it's an organizational award, and I'm very pleased to be part of this organization."</p><p>Murphy is the only skipper in Brewers history to win the award. He's also the 17th skipper to win Manager of the Year at least twice since the honor was first handed out in 1983.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 29: Manager Pat Murphy #49 of the Milwaukee Brewers looks on during batting practice before a game against the Chicago Cubs at American Family Field on July 29, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Brewers' Murphy wins NL Manager of Year for 2nd straight season

Major League Baseball revealed the 2025 American League Silver Slugger winners Friday, one day af...

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 07: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees hits a three-run home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fourth inning in game three of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 07, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City.

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2025 Silver Sluggers: Judge wins for 5th time, D-Backs claim 3 awards

The Los Angeles Dodgers designated former All-Star right-hander Tony Gonsolin for assignment, the...

<p>The Los Angeles Dodgers designated former All-Star right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9723" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9723">Tony Gonsolin</a> for assignment, the team announced Thursday.</p><p>Gonsolin was formerly an important part of the Dodgers' future. A ninth-round draft pick in 2016, he finished fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2020 after helping L.A. win that year's World Series as a swingman. Gonsolin's best season came in 2022, when he was named an NL All-Star after posting a 2.14 ERA and 0.88 WHIP with 119 strikeouts across 24 starts.</p><p>However, his career was derailed by a slew of arm injuries over the last four seasons. Gonsolin spent time on the injured list in both 2022 and '23 with forearm issues, then missed all of 2024 following elbow surgery. Elbow discomfort limited him to just seven starts this past season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>If Gonsolin is claimed, he'll need to be kept on his new team's 40-man roster, as he has no minor-league options remaining. He's projected by <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/10/projected-arbitration-salaries-for-2026.html">MLB Trade Rumors</a> to earn $5.4 million in 2026, his final year of arbitration eligibility.</p><p>The 31-year-old owns a 37-13 record with a 3.34 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 387 strikeouts, and 149 walks across 86 big-league appearances (78 starts), all with the Dodgers.</p><p>In addition to cutting Gonsolin, the Dodgers selected outfielder/first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14317" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14317">Ryan Ward</a> and left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12844" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12844">Robinson Ortiz</a> to their 40-man roster. Outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12683" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12683">Justin Dean</a> and right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12494" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12494">Michael Grove</a> were outrighted to the minors.</p><p>Dean, who was on L.A.'s playoff roster as a defensive replacement, was claimed off waivers by the San Francisco Giants.</p><p>The Dodgers also exercised club options on third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4250" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4250">Max Muncy</a> ($10 million) and reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11916" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11916">Alex Vesia</a> ($3.65 million).</p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 30: Tony Gonsolin #26 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws a pitch during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Dodger Stadium on April 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Dodgers DFA former All-Star Gonsolin

Shane Bieber is running it back with the Toronto Blue Jays.  The former Cy Young winner exercised...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9542" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9542">Shane Bieber</a> is running it back with the Toronto Blue Jays.</p><p>The former Cy Young winner exercised his $16-million player option and will return to the American League champions in 2026. Bieber chose to take the guaranteed salary from Toronto over a $4-million buyout.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">WELCOME BACK, BIEBS!<br><br>OFFICIAL: RHP Shane Bieber has exercised his player option for the 2026 season. <a href="https://t.co/p9DEFD1InE">pic.twitter.com/p9DEFD1InE</a></p>— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJays/status/1986087447197827167?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Toronto acquired Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians at this year's trade deadline for pitching prospect Khal Stephen. Bieber had re-signed with Cleveland on a two-year, $26-million deal last December, and was dealt away while in the midst of his rehab.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Bieber ended up making seven regular-season starts for the Blue Jays down the stretch, posting a 3.57 ERA and 1.02 WHIP with 37 strikeouts in 40 1/3 innings. He then won two games and struck out 18 over 18 2/3 innings in the playoffs, while not allowing more than two earned runs in any of his four postseason starts.</p><p>Despite pitching just 52 1/3 total innings over the last two seasons because of his elbow injury, the 30-year-old was expected to be one of the most sought-after pitchers in this year's free-agent class. Instead, he'll spend 2026 as a key member of Toronto's rotation and presumably test the market next winter. </p><p>Bieber could still negotiate an extension with the Blue Jays, although a long-term deal is not close at this time, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6777025/2025/11/04/shane-bieber-blue-jays-player-option/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=mlbtw&amp;source=mlbtw">Mitch Bannon of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>Bieber owns a lifetime 66-34 record with a 3.24 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 995 strikeouts across 143 big-league appearances since 2018. A two-time All-Star, he won the AL Cy Young with Cleveland during the abbreviated 2020 campaign and a Gold Glove in 2022.</p><p>The Blue Jays now enter 2026 with Bieber, Kevin Gausman, and rookie sensation Trey Yesavage headlining their rotation. José Berríos, who missed the postseason due to an elbow injury following a disappointing 2025 campaign, is also likely to return as a back-end starter. Barring any other offseason additions, Eric Lauer and Bowden Francis are also likely to compete for starting spots in spring training.</p><p>Two members of Toronto's 2025 rotation, Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt, became free agents following the World Series.</p><p>The Blue Jays won an AL-best 94 games this past season en route to their first division title since 2015 and first pennant in 32 years.</p>

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 01: Shane Bieber #57 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches during Game Seven of the 2025 World Series presented by Capital One between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Saturday, November 1, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Bieber exercises $16M option to remain with Blue Jays

The Kansas City Royals signed catcher and team captain Salvador Perez to a two-year contract exte...

<p>The Kansas City Royals signed catcher and team captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2082" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2082">Salvador Perez</a> to a two-year contract extension, they announced Tuesday.</p><p>The extension is worth $25 million, and includes some deferrals, a source told <a href="https://x.com/anne__rogers/status/1985880021206974707">Anne Rogers of MLB.com</a>.</p><p>The new deal supersedes the $13.5-million club option for 2026 that the Royals held as part of Perez's previous $82-million extension signed in 2021. They had until Thursday to exercise that option.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Instead, Kansas City locked up the longtime face of its franchise through his age-37 season, all but assuring he'll finish his career in a Royals uniform.</p><p>"Salvy is a Royals legend and one of the most important players this franchise has ever had," general manager J.J. Picollo said, per <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3388214" href="https://thescore.com/news/3388214">The Associated Press</a>. "We had the option for next year, but everyone knew we wanted to make sure his legacy with us continued longer than that. We appreciate Salvy's commitment to the Royals, and we're just as excited as our fans."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Let’s go!! 💙 <a href="https://twitter.com/SalvadorPerez15?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SalvadorPerez15</a> <a href="https://t.co/LRqCK0Bsio">https://t.co/LRqCK0Bsio</a></p>— Bobby Witt Jr (@BwittJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/BwittJr/status/1985886487498326428?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Perez is coming off another solid offensive season that saw him hit .236/.284/.446 with 30 homers and 100 RBIs over 155 games. He didn't commit an error in 92 games behind the plate, but continued to ease his workload by playing 30-plus games at designated hitter and first base.</p><p>There's a chance that Perez could begin shifting into a primary DH role during this contract. He'll also be able to mentor young catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16008" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16008">Carter Jensen</a>, the Royals' top prospect who made his big-league debut in September.</p><p>Over his 14 seasons in Kansas City, Perez has slashed .264/.301/.457 with 1,712 hits, 303 home runs, and 1,016 RBIs. He was the face of the franchise during their resurgence in the mid-2010s, and won World Series MVP in 2015 after leading the Royals to their first title in 30 years. The nine-time All-Star has also won five Silver Sluggers, five Gold Gloves, and the Roberto Clemente Award for his charitable and community work.</p><p>Perez ranks top-10 in Royals history in nearly every statistical category, and enters 2026 needing just 15 homers to break George Brett's franchise record. He was named team captain before the 2023 season.</p>

SACRAMENTO, CA - SEPTEMBER 28: Salvador Perez #13 of the Kansas City Royals runs to first base during the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Athletics at Sutter Health Park on Sunday, September 28, 2025 in Sacramento, California.

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Royals' Perez inks 2-year extension reportedly worth $25M

Detroit Tigers right-hander Jack Flaherty exercised his player option and will remain with the te...

<p>Detroit Tigers right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5646" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5646">Jack Flaherty</a> exercised his player option and will remain with the team in 2026.</p><p>Flaherty will earn a $20-million salary in the final year of his contract.</p><p>The 30-year-old originally joined the Tigers on a one-year contract in 2024, and was then dealt to the Los Angeles Dodgers at that year's deadline. After helping L.A. win the 2024 World Series he returned to the Tigers on a new two-year deal.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Flaherty's 2025 season didn't go as expected, as he put up a 4.64 ERA, 3.85 FIP, and 1.28 WHIP along with a 3.3 BB/9 rate and an AL-high 15 losses over 161 innings. However, he did post a 10.5 K/9 rate, while his 188 strikeouts ranked ninth in the AL.</p><p>Flaherty finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals in 2019, but has struggled to rediscover that form in the ensuing years. He put up a 3.17 ERA along with 194 strikeouts over 28 total starts in 2024 with Detroit and Los Angeles, but struggled to a 7.36 ERA and 1.50 WHIP during the Dodgers' 2024 World Series run.</p>

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JUNE 08: Jack Flaherty #9 of the Detroit Tigers delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the top of the first inning at Comerica Park on June 08, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Flaherty remains with Tigers after exercising $20M option

The Colorado Rockies' search for a new head of baseball operations has taken a fascinating twist....

<p>The Colorado Rockies' search for a new head of baseball operations has taken a fascinating twist.</p><p>The Rockies' two finalists for the vacant position - Arizona Diamondbacks assistant general manager Amiel Sawdaye and Cleveland Guardians assistant GM Matt Forman - have now been eliminated from consideration, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6774079/2025/11/03/rockies-reopen-gm-search-sawdaye-forman/">Brittany Ghiroli of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>At the same time, a surprising candidate emerged in former Rockies reliever Adam Ottavino, who's spoken with owner Dick Monfort about the job, a source told <a href="https://x.com/timbhealey/status/1985423031028617512">Newsday's Tim Healey</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Though Ottavino's discussions with Monfort were apparently "informal," the sides have remained in touch, <a href="https://x.com/psaundersdp/status/1985451898443612197">Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post</a> and <a href="https://x.com/Joelsherman1/status/1985451896098771369">Joel Sherman of the New York Post</a> report.</p><p>Ottavino, who will turn 40 later this month, pitched three games for the New York Yankees in April before being released, and though he never officially announced his retirement, he was not picked up by another team. He spent seven of his 15 big-league seasons with the Rockies and ranks fourth in franchise history in appearances (361).</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Running a baseball ops dept or managing has been a goal of Ottavino. Among the reasons he played Winter Ball in the D.R. after the 2024 season was prep for post career -- to improve his Spanish skills and better understand such a vital feeder system to MLB. <a href="https://t.co/oWUZqsMIJA">https://t.co/oWUZqsMIJA</a></p>— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Joelsherman1/status/1985453022068277396?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Former Rockies GM Bill Schmidt stepped down after the team he built went 43-119 in 2025, while posting the worst run differential (minus-424) by any team since 1899. The Rockies haven't finished with a winning record since 2018 - which coincidentally was Ottavino's last season pitching for the franchise.</p><p>Monfort, the Rockies' primary owner since 2011, pledged that Schmidt's successor would be someone from outside the organization. If he lives up to his word, it will mark the first time since 1999 that an outsider heads up Colorado's baseball operations, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/bill-schmidt-steps-down-as-rockies-gm">Thomas Harding of MLB.com</a>.</p><p>Ottavino would technically be an outside candidate since he left Colorado as a free agent in 2019. However, his Rockies tenure overlapped entirely with that of Schmidt's, who was the team's vice-president of scouting when they acquired him as a waiver claim in 2012.</p><p>The now-failed candidacies of Sawdaye and Forman, meanwhile, remain a mystery. Both executives flew to Denver for in-person interviews within the last two weeks, Ghiroli reports, but it's unclear how close either of them got to being offered the job. It's not known if there are any other candidates being considered.</p><p>MLB's general managers' meetings are scheduled to begin on Nov. 11 in Las Vegas.</p>

DENVER, CO - JUNE 19: Adam Ottavino #0 of the Colorado Rockies walks back to the dugout during a game against the New York Mets at Coors Field on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 in Denver, Colorado.

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Report: Rockies talked to Ottavino about GM job, 2 finalists now out

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Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb

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Brandon Wile

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Tom Ruminski

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