The Toronto Blue Jays and reliever Tyler Rogers agreed to a three-year, $37-million contract, a s...

The Toronto Blue Jays and reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5041" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5041">Tyler Rogers</a> agreed to a three-year, $37-million contract, a source told <a href="https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1999640879217492252?s=20">Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic</a>.Rogers' pact includes a vesting option that could increase the deal's value to $48 million, according to Rosenthal.The contract doesn't include deferrals, reports <a href="https://x.com/JonHeyman/status/1999645044568101040?s=20">Jon Heyman of MLB Network</a>. The New York Mets also reportedly tried to re-sign Rogers before he joined the Blue Jays.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 34-year-old submariner authored a 1.98 ERA with 0.94 WHIP and 5.6 K/9 over an MLB-high 81 appearances between the Mets and San Francisco Giants in 2025. He allowed just four homers with seven walks over 77 1/3 innings.The Blue Jays have now dished out $277 million in free agency this offseason on Rogers, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8204" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8204">Cody Ponce</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8145" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8145">Dylan Cease</a>.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 11: New York Mets pitcher Tyler Rogers (71) pitches the ball during the game between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies on September 11th, 2025 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA.

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Report: Blue Jays land Tyler Rogers on 3-year, $37M deal

The Kansas City Royals are looking to make a big splash this offseason.  The Royals have discusse...

The Kansas City Royals are looking to make a big splash this offseason.The Royals have discussed trading for outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12272" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12272">Jarren Duran</a> in a potential deal with the Boston Red Sox, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/47282956/royals-keeping-maikel-garcia-five-year-extension">Jeff Passan of ESPN</a>.Kansas City has also spoken to the Washington Nationals about left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12506" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12506">MacKenzie Gore</a> and shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12501" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12501">CJ Abrams</a>, according to Passan.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The AL Central club is reportedly still looking for outfield help after adding <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8329" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8329">Lane Thomas</a> on a one-year, $5.25-million deal. The Royals are projected to start the 2026 season with Thomas in left field, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10782" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10782">Kyle Isbel</a> in center field, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18737" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18737">Jac Caglianone</a> patrolling right field.Duran, a 2024 All-Star, has made 246 starts in center over his five-year career. The 29-year-old hit 16 homers with 84 RBIs, 24 stolen bases, and a .774 OPS to go along with an AL-high 13 triples in 157 games in 2025. He'll make $7.7 million next season and is arbitration-eligible through 2028.The Red Sox have a surplus of outfielders with Duran, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13925" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13925">Wilyer Abreu</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17320" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17320">Roman Anthony</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13703" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13703">Ceddanne Rafaela</a>. Gore authored a 4.17 ERA with 3.74 FIP and 185 strikeouts over 159 2/3 innings to earn his first All-Star nod this year. Under team control through 2027, the 26-year-old is set to earn around $6.5 million in 2026.Abrams went deep 19 times with 60 RBIs, 31 steals, and a .748 OPS in 144 games this past campaign. The 25-year-old is projected to make around $5.5 million next year and is arbitration-eligible through 2028. His fit isn't ideal with the Royals with perennial MVP candidate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12336" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12336">Bobby Witt Jr.</a> manning short. However, Abrams could potentially slide to second base, which would be a massive upgrade over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14237" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14237">Michael Massey</a> or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12444" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12444">Jonathan India</a>.

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 04: Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox takes a lead off of first base against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on July 04, 2025 in Washington, DC.

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Report: Royals discuss Duran with Red Sox, inquire about Nats' Gore, Abrams

The Kansas City Royals and All-Star third baseman Maikel Garcia are finalizing a five-year contra...

The Kansas City Royals and All-Star third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13651" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13651">Maikel Garcia</a> are finalizing a five-year contract extension with a club option for a sixth year, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/47282956/royals-keeping-maikel-garcia-five-year-extension">Jeff Passan of ESPN</a>.Garcia's new pact will be worth a guaranteed $57.5 million but can reach into the $85-million range with the club option and escalators, a source told <a href="https://x.com/anne__rogers/status/1999553372471300276?s=20">Anne Rogers of MLB.com</a>.The deal will cover four years of arbitration and buys out two years of free agency, according to Passan.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Garcia slashed .286/.351/.449 with 16 homers, 74 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases over 160 games in 2025. He also had a 121 wRC+ with 5.6 fWAR.The 25-year-old finished in the 98th percentile in outs above average and 79th in arm strength en route to winning his first Gold Glove.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 13: Kansas City Royals third base Maikel Garcia (11) celebrates in the dugout during the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Kansas City Royals on September 13th, 2025 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA.

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Report: Royals, Garcia finalizing 5-year, $57.5M extension

The Ketel Marte trade market heated up during the winter meetings.  The Arizona Diamondbacks and ...

The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3555" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3555">Ketel Marte</a> trade market heated up during the winter meetings.The Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Rays discussed a potential blockbuster deal that would've shipped Marte to the Sunshine State in exchange for right-handers <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12499">Ryan Pepiot</a> and <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12302">Shane Baz</a>, sources told <a href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2025/12/10/arizona-diamondbacks-ketel-marte-trade-latest-news/87707825007/?gca-cat=p&amp;gnt-cfr=1">Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic</a>.It's not known what other pieces - if any - were discussed in the reported negotiations.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Arizona also had talks about the three-time All-Star second baseman with an unnamed club, which centered around a higher-profile starting pitcher as the headliner for a larger trade, a source told Piecoro.D-Backs general manager Mike Hazen said he's still hesitant about trading Marte. However, the executive believes he left the winter meetings with a better idea of which teams are seriously interested in acquiring the 2024 NL MVP finalist."I think we moved the ball down the field a little bit in terms of some discussions on things in both free agency and trade," Hazen said.Arizona needs rotation help with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9755" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9755">Zac Gallen</a> testing free agency. The club's projected to start next season with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13779" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13779">Ryne Nelson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4216" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4216">Eduardo Rodriguez</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14055" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14055">Brandon Pfaadt</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12538" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12538">Bryce Jarvis</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8133" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8133">Michael Soroka</a>, who <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3422287" href="https://thescore.com/news/3422287">reportedly</a> signed a one-year, $7.5-million pact Monday.Marte's fit in Tampa Bay isn't ideal with two-time All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9653" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9653">Brandon Lowe</a> at the keystone position. However, Lowe's name was also floated in trade rumors all week.The Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, and Cincinnati Reds are among the other teams that've been linked to Marte.The 32-year-old hit 28 home runs with 72 RBIs and an .893 OPS in 126 games in 2025. He's owed $92 million over the next five years with a 2031 player option after signing an extension in April.Pepiot authored a 3.86 ERA with 1.16 WHIP and 167 strikeouts over 167 2/3 innings (31 starts) in 2025. The 28-year-old is projected to make around $3.8 million in 2026 and is arbitration-eligible through 2028. Baz, 26, posted a 4.87 ERA with 9.5 K/9 across 166 1/3 innings (31 starts). He's set to make around $2.8 million next season and is under team control through 2028.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 19: Ketel Marte #4 of the Arizona Diamondbacks gestures while running the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Chase Field on September 19, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.

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Report: D-Backs, Rays discussed Marte trade involving Pepiot, Baz

The winter meetings are in the books, and this year's event was packed with excitement. After bre...

The winter meetings are in the books, and this year's event was packed with excitement. After <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3407568" href="https://thescore.com/news/3407568">breaking down the biggest deals</a> in the moment and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3422601" href="https://thescore.com/news/3422601">analyzing some of the hot stove rumors</a>, let's take a look at the winners and losers from the meetings.<h3>Winner: Philadelphia Phillies</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804839/cropped_GettyImages-2240032955.jpg?ts=1765404673" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804839/w220xh124_GettyImages-2240032955.jpg?ts=1765404673 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804839/w320xh180_GettyImages-2240032955.jpg?ts=1765404673 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804839/w640xh360_GettyImages-2240032955.jpg?ts=1765404673 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804839/w768xh432_GettyImages-2240032955.jpg?ts=1765404673 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804839/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2240032955.jpg?ts=1765404673 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>The Phillies took care of a big piece of business in Orlando, bringing back Kyle Schwarber on a five-year, $150-million deal. Schwarber, last season's NL MVP runner-up and league leader in homers and RBIs, is a pivotal presence in Philadelphia's lineup. Losing him would have created a significant void for manager Rob Thomson, whose contract was also extended this week.While $30 million a season for a 32-year-old DH looks like an overpay, Schwarber's two best campaigns came in his 30s. Re-signing him gives the Phillies their best chance of winning another NL East crown and returning to the World Series for the first time since 2022. Schwarber's value also extends beyond his prodigious power and into the Phillies' clubhouse, where he's among the team's most vocal leaders.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>In addition, inking Schwarber also kept him out of the grasp of the division-rival New York Mets, who were reportedly interested in him.<h3>Winner: Baltimore Orioles</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794480/cropped_GettyImages-2207907029.jpg?ts=1755044865" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794480/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207907029.jpg?ts=1755044865 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794480/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207907029.jpg?ts=1755044865 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794480/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207907029.jpg?ts=1755044865 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794480/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207907029.jpg?ts=1755044865 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794480/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207907029.jpg?ts=1755044865 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Mary DeCicco / Major League Baseball / Getty</figcaption></figure>The Orioles arrived in Orlando ready to make a splash. They left having turned the AL East on its head.The reported signing of Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155-million contract injects some much-needed power into Baltimore's lineup. He also fills a critical need at first base. But the ramifications go so much deeper for the Orioles, a proud franchise in a baseball-mad town that's coming off a difficult 2025 season. By signing Alonso, Baltimore instantly regained credibility in the baseball world. He'll help the O's add another pitcher in free agency, moving them closer to returning to the top of the AL East. That won't be easy, of course - it's now a behemoth of a division.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Pete Alonso is a big add for O's in more ways than one. We all know the on the field stuff but now it opens the eyes of other possible FA's to the fact that Baltimore is a serious destination for top money FA's.— Zack Britton (@zbritton) <a href="https://twitter.com/zbritton/status/1998910302256337099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Alonso alone doesn't put the Orioles over the top, but he gets them that much closer to putting a forgettable 2025 season in the rearview mirror.<h3>Winner: Los Angeles Dodgers</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809909/cropped_GettyImages-2222065898.jpg?ts=1763130459" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809909/w220xh124_GettyImages-2222065898.jpg?ts=1763130459 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809909/w320xh180_GettyImages-2222065898.jpg?ts=1763130459 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809909/w640xh360_GettyImages-2222065898.jpg?ts=1763130459 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809909/w768xh432_GettyImages-2222065898.jpg?ts=1763130459 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809909/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2222065898.jpg?ts=1763130459 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Evan Bernstein / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>The rich get richer, again. The two-time defending World Series champions patched up one of the few holes on their roster by reportedly adding arguably the best closer in baseball on a three-year, $69-million deal. That looks like a bargain since Edwin Díaz was apparently seeking a five-year pact worth around $100 million when the offseason started. The three-time All-Star gives the Dodgers an elite ninth-inning weapon for the first time since the departure of Kenley Jansen following the 2021 season.It's scary to think L.A. won a pair of titles with basically a bullpen by committee in 2024 and then leaned on Roki Sasaki, who was awful as a starter in his rookie year, to close out games in the playoffs because Tanner Scott was a $72-million letdown in the regular season. Only a financial behemoth like the Dodgers can basically admit they screwed up the Scott deal by giving another closer $69 million a year later. The sound of trumpets in "Narco," Diaz's walk-out song, could become synonymous with a three-peat after he gets the final out of 2026.<h3>Loser: New York Mets</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813420/cropped_GettyImages-2190093463.jpg?ts=1765409906" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813420/w220xh124_GettyImages-2190093463.jpg?ts=1765409906 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813420/w320xh180_GettyImages-2190093463.jpg?ts=1765409906 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813420/w640xh360_GettyImages-2190093463.jpg?ts=1765409906 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813420/w768xh432_GettyImages-2190093463.jpg?ts=1765409906 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813420/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2190093463.jpg?ts=1765409906 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Newsday LLC / Newsday / Getty</figcaption></figure>Steve Cohen must be slightly disappointed, right?The Mets owner famously said that's how he'd feel if his team didn't win a championship in the first three-to-five years after he purchased the club in 2020. After watching fan favorites Alonso and Díaz sign with new clubs in consecutive days during the winter meetings, it's fair to say that all of Queens is disappointed, especially after watching New York trade Brandon Nimmo for 35-year-old Marcus Semien in late November. Cohen sympathized with fans, saying he understood their reactions, but insisted, "There is lots of offseason left to put a playoff team on the field," per <a href="https://x.com/SNY_Mets/status/1998902898466734257">SNY</a>.There is now immense pressure on the David Stearns-led front office to put together a roster capable of erasing a painful 2025 campaign that saw New York squander a 45-24 start to the season and fail to make the playoffs. Good luck.<h3>Loser: Pittsburgh Pirates</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802081/cropped_GettyImages-2213639914.jpg?ts=1758405020" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802081/w220xh124_GettyImages-2213639914.jpg?ts=1758405020 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802081/w320xh180_GettyImages-2213639914.jpg?ts=1758405020 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802081/w640xh360_GettyImages-2213639914.jpg?ts=1758405020 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802081/w768xh432_GettyImages-2213639914.jpg?ts=1758405020 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802081/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2213639914.jpg?ts=1758405020 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Justin Berl / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Pittsburgh put its best foot forward to sign Schwarber, and it wasn't good enough. The Pirates offered him a four-year, $120-million deal - which would have easily surpassed the largest free-agent contract in franchise history - and were outbid by not only the Phillies, but also the Reds.Ben Cherington improved the bullpen slightly by adding Gregory Soto after last week's trade for Jhostynxon Garcia, but he's still been unable to acquire a proven bat to improve what was the worst offense in baseball last season.There's still time for the Pirates to upgrade their lineup - they've been connected to second basemen Ketel Marte and Brandon Lowe - but if they're unable to, they might waste another year with the best pitcher on the planet, Paul Skenes, on the roster.<h3>Loser: Cincinnati Reds</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813424/cropped_GettyImages-2238433312.jpg?ts=1765410346" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813424/w220xh124_GettyImages-2238433312.jpg?ts=1765410346 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813424/w320xh180_GettyImages-2238433312.jpg?ts=1765410346 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813424/w640xh360_GettyImages-2238433312.jpg?ts=1765410346 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813424/w768xh432_GettyImages-2238433312.jpg?ts=1765410346 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813424/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2238433312.jpg?ts=1765410346 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Ronald Martinez / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>The Reds aren't losers for failing to lure Schwarber back home. Schwarber leaving Philadelphia - even for his de facto hometown team - was always a long shot. No, what stings are the reports that Schwarber was the only top-tier free agent the Reds were pursuing, almost solely because they hoped the hometown hero factor would drive ticket sales.If that's true, ownership should be ashamed. The Reds are a talented young squad that seemed to be on the rise even before sneaking into the playoffs on the last day of the season, and they play in a very winnable division. Ownership should be taking a page out of the Orioles' playbook and pushing hard to bring in veterans who can help take this team to the next level - and this should be done without first consulting the player's birth certificate. If the Reds were ready to spend on Schwarber, then there's no excuse for them not to turn around and throw that money at another star after he says no, like Baltimore did with Alonso. This feels like a huge missed opportunity for a team with a bright future that deserves some outside investment.

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Winners and losers from MLB's winter meetings

San Diego Padres president of baseball operations and general manager A.J. Preller confirmed that...

San Diego Padres president of baseball operations and general manager A.J. Preller confirmed that his team has no interest in trading star outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8286" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8286">Fernando Tatis Jr.</a>"He's somebody that we're not talking about," Preller said when asked at the winter meeting if Tatis is an untouchable player, according to <a href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/12/10/anything-can-still-happen-after-quiet-winter-meetings-for-padres-except/">Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune</a>. "However you want to say that; if you want to say that's 'untouchable,' you can say that."Preller's comments poured cold water on the idea Tatis could be dealt after there were rumblings this week the Padres were working on something big on the trade market. The three-time All-Star's name was also floated in trade rumors in November because his lucrative long-term contract is viewed by some as the only one that San Diego could potentially move for a valuable return.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"There's a bunch of guys on our roster that we're not looking to have conversations about," Preller added. "… If somebody wants to say, 'Hey, would you do this?' You're not gonna just, like, cover your ears and hang up the phone immediately. But I've seen the reports on Tatis and things like that. He's one of the best players in baseball, is a two-time Platinum (Glove) winner. The guy has taken over portions of seasons and games and playoff series and everything like that."I think for us to get to where we want to get to, we need Fernando. We think he can be an A-lane, MVP, whatever kind of category you want to put on it. He can be that type of player. … Every one of the different versions and iterations of the team and roster we put up there, it’s 'Tati' right in the middle. Hopefully, he is one of the top players on our team this year."Tatis hit 25 homers with 71 RBIs, 32 stolen bases, and an .814 OPS over a career-high 155 games in 2025. The 26-year-old is still owed over $290 million through 2034.

SAN DIEGO, CA - AUGUST 22: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres high-fives his teammates to celebrate a win after the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Friday, August 22, 2025 in San Diego, California.

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Padres' Preller: Tatis untouchable in trade talks

The Atlanta Braves signed outfielder Mike Yastrzemski to a two-year, $23-million contract, the cl...

The Atlanta Braves signed outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4392" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4392">Mike Yastrzemsk</a>i to a two-year, $23-million contract, the club announced Wednesday.Yastrzemski's deal includes a 2028 club option worth $7 million and a $4-million buyout.The 35-year-old will make $9 million in 2026 and $10 million in 2027.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Braves already have <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8292" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8292">Ronald Acuña Jr.</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12253" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12253">Michael Harris II</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2876" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2876">Jurickson Profar</a> projected to start in the outfield for 2026. However, Yastrzemski provides depth to a team that's dealt with plenty of injuries over the last few seasons. He could also start in right field if the club wants to use Acuña as a designated hitter to give the 2023 NL MVP a rest from playing in the field every day.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Signing Yastrzemski gives <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Braves?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Braves</a> coverage if Sean Murphy needs more time to heal from groin surgery, as Jurickson Profar can slide to DH, Yaz to LF. Yaz can also give Acuña some days off and make occasional Cf start if needed. LH bat, good splits vs. RHs. Strong corner defender— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOBrienATL/status/1998932738083270795?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Yastrzemski hit a combined 17 homers with 46 RBIs and a .735 OPS over 146 games between the Kansas City Royals and San Francisco Giants in 2025. Defensively, he finished in the 97th percentile for arm value and 73rd in arm strength.

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - AUGUST 18: Mike Yastrzemski #18 of the Kansas City Royals rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of the game against the Texas Rangers at Kauffman Stadium on August 18, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri.

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Braves add Yastrzemski on 2-year, $23M deal

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman acknowledged that his team doesn't have unlimited ...

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman acknowledged that his team doesn't have unlimited financial resources to improve its roster."Everything adds up. Everything counts," Cashman said Wednesday, the last day of the winter meetings, according to <a href="https://x.com/GaryHPhillips/status/1998789626295661016">Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News</a>. "We're an aggressive franchise, but while being aggressive, we already have some very large commitments, and the more of those you have, the more impact it affects you in other areas. And so everything's tied together."Our ownership has obviously demonstrated year in and year out how massively committed they are. But at the same time, that's not an open blank checkbook either."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Cashman added that he understands that fans may not like to hear such a line of thinking from the Yankees. However, he wants supporters of the club to know the front office's primary goal remains winning."Fans don't really care about those details," the executive said. "They want what they want. Ultimately, what we both want is to have a team that's going to rack up the win totals to push themselves into the postseason and win it all. But it's just the nature of the beast, where you get into the frenzy of the wintertimes: 'Anything at all cost, doesn't matter.' But in reality, it does matter."Cashman's remarks follow those of owner Hal Steinbrenner, who said in late November that he would prefer the Yankees to lower their payroll in 2026.New York didn't add to its roster during the winter meetings. The team's offseason has thus far been a slow one after re-signing outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8203" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8203">Trent Grisham</a> to a one-year, $22.025-million qualifying offer and bringing back reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5350" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5350">Ryan Yarbrough</a> with a one-year, $2.5-million deal."We're just staying engaged, trying to match up with some things," Cashman said, according to <a href="https://x.com/BryanHoch/status/1998771529555812362">Bryan Hoch of MLB.com</a>. "But it's been tough so far. Don't like the asks coming our way, and I guess the opposing teams don't like what I'm trying to pull from them on the trade stuff. We do have some conversations that possibly could lead somewhere."The Yankees finished with MLB's third-highest 40-man roster in 2025, accumulating a competitive balance tax payroll of just under $324 million.

TORONTO, ONTARIO - OCTOBER 05: (L-R) Brian Cashman, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the New York Yankees, and Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees speak before game two of the American League Division Series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on October 05, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario.

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Cashman: Yankees 'not an open blank checkbook'

The Detroit Tigers and veteran closer Kyle Finnegan agreed to a two-year, $19-million contract, s...

The Detroit Tigers and veteran closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8441" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8441">Kyle Finnegan</a> agreed to a two-year, $19-million contract, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ByRobertMurray/status/1998610237583143012?s=20">Robert Murray of FanSided</a>.Finnegan's deal can reportedly max out at $20 million with incentives.The 34-year-old was excellent with the Tigers after coming over from the Washington Nationals at the trade deadline. He allowed just three earned runs with four walks and 23 strikeouts in 18 innings en route to helping Detroit reach the playoffs.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Finnegan posted a 3.47 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 24 saves, and 8.7 K/9 over 56 appearances between the Tigers and Nationals in 2025. The right-hander only surrendered four homers in the regular season.The 2024 All-Star has recorded 112 saves over six years in the majors.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 14: Kyle Finnegan #64 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Minnesota Twins in the eighth inning of the game at Target Field on August 14, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Report: Tigers bring back Finnegan on 2-year, $19M deal

The Boston Red Sox are casting a wide net in their offseason search for infield help.  The Red So...

The Boston Red Sox are casting a wide net in their offseason search for infield help.The Red Sox have talked to the Texas Rangers about two-time World Series MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3924" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3924">Corey Seager</a>, the Houston Astros in regards to All-Star third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9550" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9550">Isaac Paredes</a>, and the St. Louis Cardinals about All-Star second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13675" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13675">Brendan Donovan</a>, a source told <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/12/09/sports/red-sox-trades/">Tim Healey of The Boston Globe</a>.Negotiations on a Seager trade don't have any momentum, a source told <a href="https://x.com/bradfo/status/1998568344446972334">WEEI's Rob Bradford</a>. The five-time All-Star is still owed $189 million over six years after signing a 10-year, $325-million pact in December 2021.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Red Sox also reportedly discussed a potential deal for Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3555" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3555">Ketel Marte</a>.The club has the resources to make a Marte trade happen, reports <a href="https://x.com/AriA1exander/status/1998560373218410765?s=20">Ari Alexander of 7News Boston</a>. A source told Alexander there's a 50-50 chance the 2024 NL MVP finalist gets dealt.The Red Sox <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3422880" href="https://thescore.com/news/3422880">reportedly</a> met with shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9615" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9615">Bo Bichette</a> over Zoom. However, the team is not in on the two-time All-Star unless his market changes, according to <a href="https://x.com/byJulianMack/status/1998558761322242082?s=20">Julian McWilliams of CBS Sports</a>.Seager went deep 21 times with 50 RBIs and an .860 OPS in 102 games during the 2025 season. Parades recorded 20 homers with an .809 OPS over 102 contests, while Donovan slashed .287/.353/.422 with 10 long balls across 118 games.

KANSAS CITY, MO - AUG 21: Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (5) is congratulated by teammates after scoring during a MLB game between the Texas Rangers and the Kansas City Royals on August 21, 2025, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO.

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Report: Red Sox discussed trades for Seager, Paredes, Donovan

The Chicago White Sox won Tuesday's draft lottery to earn the right to pick first overall in the ...

The Chicago White Sox won Tuesday's draft lottery to earn the right to pick first overall in the 2026 MLB Draft.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2026 Draft order" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-53PbO" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/53PbO/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="2003" 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>The White Sox also drafted first overall in 1971 (Danny Goodwin) and 1977 (Harold Baines).Chicago lands the No. 1 pick after recording its third straight season of 100-plus losses in 2025. The club finally received some good fortune after it was ineligible, per CBA rules, to select inside the top 10 for this July's draft despite a modern-era record 121 losses during the 2024 season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Tampa Bay Rays, San Francisco Giants, and Kansas City Royals were also big lottery winners. The Rays jumped from seventh to second, the Giants from 12th to fourth, and the Royals went from 13th to sixth.The Colorado Rockies will pick 10th following an MLB-worst 119 losses in 2025. The team was ineligible after being in the lottery in two consecutive seasons.The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Toronto Blue Jays each got a 10-pick penalty for going past the second threshold of the competitive balance tax.The 2026 draft will take place July 11-12 in Philadelphia during the All-Star festivities.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 13: Major League Baseball commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. announces Billy Carlson as the tenth overall pick, by the Chicago White Sox, in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft at Coca-Cola Roxy on July 13, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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White Sox win lottery for No. 1 pick in 2026 MLB Draft

The Tampa Bay Rays and left-hander Steven Matz agreed to a two-year, $15-million contract, source...

The Tampa Bay Rays and left-hander <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4248">Steven Matz</a> agreed to a two-year, $15-million contract, sources told <a href="https://x.com/Britt_Ghiroli/status/1998507300999565390">Britt Ghiroli and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic</a>.Matz authored a 3.05 ERA with 1.10 WHIP and 59 strikeouts over 76 2/3 innings between the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox in 2025, his first full season as a reliever. He finished in the 99th percentile for walk rate after surrendering just 11.Red Sox manager Alex Cora said the 34-year-old was vocal about wanting to be a starter in 2026, according to <a href="https://x.com/ChrisCotillo/status/1998509616121131306">MassLive's Chris Cotillo</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Matz was a starter for the first 10 seasons of his career with the Cardinals, New York Mets, and Toronto Blue Jays.The Rays have added Matz and outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5763" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5763">Cedric Mullins</a> so far this offseason.

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 02: Steven Matz #41 of the Boston Red Sox pitches during Game Three of the American League Wild Card Series between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, October 2, 2025 in New York, New York.

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Report: Rays add Matz on 2-year, $15M deal

The Boston Red Sox and shortstop Bo Bichette recently met over Zoom, sources told Ari Alexander o...

The Boston Red Sox and shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9615" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9615">Bo Bichette</a> recently met over Zoom, sources told <a href="https://x.com/AriA1exander/status/1998223028803736047?s=20">Ari Alexander of 7News Boston</a>.The meeting went well for both sides, according to Alexander, who adds the free agent left the encounter impressed with the organization.The Red Sox are set to have <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4232" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4232">Trevor Story</a> as their starting shortstop in 2026. However, the 27-year-old Bichette could play second base like he did for the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series, or replace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a> at third base. The latter is also looking for a new contract on the open market.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Boston has been linked to Bichette, Bregman, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/8674" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/8674">Pete Alonso</a> throughout the offseason, as the club attempts to add a prominent middle-of-the-order bat to bolster its lineup.Bichette hit 18 home runs with a career-high 44 doubles, 94 RBIs, and an .840 OPS in 139 regular-season games before slashing .348/.444/.478 with one homer and six RBIs in the Fall Classic after coming back from a knee injury.The two-time All-Star was one of the worst defensive shortstops in baseball in 2025, finishing last in the majors for outs above average over 130 starts.

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 30: Bo Bichette #11 of Toronto Blue Jays jogs to the dugout against the Baltimore Orioles in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on March 30, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Report: Bichette impressed with Red Sox after meeting

Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta and closer Trevor Megill are receiving trade interest from m...

Milwaukee Brewers ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9771" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9771">Freddy Peralta</a> and closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9872" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9872">Trevor Megill</a> are receiving trade interest from multiple clubs, according to <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/12/08/sports/mets-yankees-among-teams-calling-brewers-about-ace-top-reliever/">Joel Sherman of the New York Post</a>.The New York Mets are eyeing Peralta and Megill. The New York Yankees have also contacted the Brewers about the All-Star reliever, per Sherman.The Mets are hesitant about giving out long-term deals to the top free-agent staters this offseason, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6872059/2025/12/08/mets-need-top-tier-starters-but-contract-length-presents-a-hurdle/">Will Sammon of The Athletic</a>. So, the club could be looking to add a frontline rotation piece through a trade.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Peralta won an NL-high 17 games with a 2.70 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 204 strikeouts over 176 2/3 innings (33 starts) in 2025. The All-Star right-hander will make $8 million in 2026 before hitting free agency next offseason.The Mets already added reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11736" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11736">Devin Williams</a> on three-year, $51-million deal but need more bullpen help with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/5384" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/5384">Edwin Díaz</a> looking for a new contract on the open market. Megill would fit that high-leverage role after posting a 2.49 ERA with 30 saves, 1.13 WHIP, and 11.5 K/9 over 50 appearances in his first All-Star campaign this year. He's arbitration-eligible through 2027.Meanwhile, the Yankees could use Megill to fill the hole Williams left after he bolted the Bronx for Queens.

SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 22: Freddy Peralta #51 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches during the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Monday, September 22, 2025 in San Diego, California.

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Report: Mets, Yankees among teams eyeing Brewers' Peralta, Megill

The Minnesota Twins don't intend to trade All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton or frontline starters ...

The Minnesota Twins don't intend to trade All-Star outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4126" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4126">Byron Buxton</a> or frontline starters <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12305" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12305">Joe Ryan</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9757" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9757">Pablo López</a>, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6866003/2025/12/05/minnesota-twins-offseason-plans-byron-buxton-joe-ryan/">Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic</a>.The Twins want to keep those three players as core pieces for next season, according to Rosenthal, who adds that team officials believe the club has enough talent on its roster to compete in the AL Central.The front office has some flexibility to make additions through free agency or trades this offseason after getting clarity from ownership, per Rosenthal.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Buxton would've reportedly considered waiving his no-trade clause for certain teams if the Twins continued to gut their roster. Minnesota dealt away 10 players before this year's trade deadline amid a 92-loss season and payroll uncertainty.Ryan and López have also been in trade rumors dating back to last offseason.Buxton is still owed $45 million over three years, while Lopez has two years and $43 million left on his contract. Ryan is arbitration-eligible through 2027.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 19: Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins reacts after striking out against the Cleveland Guardians in the first inning of the game at Target Field on September 19, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Report: Twins don't plan to move Buxton, Ryan, López

The free-agent market for Framber Valdez is taking shape.  The New York Mets and Baltimore Oriole...

The free-agent market for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8415" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8415">Framber Valdez</a> is taking shape.The New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles are among the favorites to sign the left-hander, sources told <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/starting-pitching-free-agent-market-2025-update">Mark Feinsand of MLB.com</a>.Orioles general manager Mike Elias is familiar with Valdez from their time with the Houston Astros. The executive was part of Houston's front office during the two-time All-Star's first four years with the club.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns was also with the Astros when Valdez joined the organization.Baltimore's rotation currently projects to include <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9579" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9579">Trevor Rogers</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12260" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12260">Kyle Bradish</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8585" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8585">Dean Kremer</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12581" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12581">Tyler Wells</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15589" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15589">Cade Povich</a>. The group's depth took a hit in November when the Orioles traded promising but often-injured right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12265" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12265">Grayson Rodriguez</a> to the Los Angeles Angels for slugging outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5431" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5431">Taylor Ward</a>.Meanwhile, New York's rotation would include <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15438" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15438">Kodai Senga</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/20104" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/20104">Nolan McLean</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8239" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8239">Clay Holmes</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4239" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4239">Sean Manaea</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9583" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9583">David Peterson</a> if the 2026 season started today.Valdez would instantly become the No. 1 starter on the Orioles or Mets. The 32-year-old ranks fifth in fWAR among all starting pitchers since 2022, behind only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3634" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3634">Kevin Gausman</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11799">Tarik Skubal</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10606" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10606">Logan Webb</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2917" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2917">Zack Wheeler</a>.Valdez owns a career 3.36 ERA with 1.20 WHIP and 8.8 K/9 in 1,080 2/3 innings (166 starts) across eight years with the Astros, which included a 2022 World Series title. He's finished inside the top nine in AL Cy Young voting three times.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 29: Framber Valdez #59 of the Houston Astros pitches in the seventh inning against the Chicago Cubs at Daikin Park on June 29, 2025 in Houston, Texas.

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Report: Mets, Orioles among favorites to land Valdez

The Detroit Tigers haven't ended trade discussions involving ace Tarik Skubal with the winter mee...

The Detroit Tigers haven't ended trade discussions involving ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11799">Tarik Skubal</a> with the winter meetings starting Monday.The Tigers remain engaged with other clubs about the possibility of trading the reigning two-time AL Cy Young winner, reports <a href="https://x.com/Buster_ESPN/status/1996978909511143500">Buster Olney of ESPN</a>.The asking prices for Skubal are massive, according to Olney. However, it's reportedly still not clear if the Tigers will move the left-hander.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Skubal said in November that he doesn't want to be dealt and openly questioned why his name was in trade rumors."The way social media is, it's hard not to see things about yourself, especially when it's talking about trades and all of those hypotheticals," Skubal <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3404011" href="https://thescore.com/news/3404011">said</a> at the time. "It's not like I want to be traded, so it's kind of like, why am I in these conversations?"The 29-year-old can test free agency after the 2026 season. He's projected to earn $22.5 million in his last arbitration-eligible campaign.Skubal reportedly rejected a four-year extension offer from the Tigers that was worth less than $100 million last offseason. The All-Star pitcher could end up signing the largest contract for a hurler in MLB history if he hits the open market. Los Angeles Dodgers ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17234" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17234">Yoshinobu Yamamoto</a> currently holds the record for guaranteed money with $325 million.Skubal posted an an AL-best 2.21 ERA with 241 strikeouts, 0.89 WHIP, and 6.6 fWAR over 195 1/3 innings (31 starts) in 2025.

DETROIT, MI - MAY 09: Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) walks in from the bullpen prior to the game between the Detroit Tigers versus the Texas Rangers on Monday May 9, 2025 at Comerica Park in Detroit, MI.

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Report: Tigers continue to discuss Skubal in trade talks

The Chicago Cubs are preparing for a future without Kyle Tucker and are showing a renewed interes...

The Chicago Cubs are preparing for a future without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/8173" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/8173">Kyle Tucker</a> and are showing a renewed interest in signing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a> to address the loss, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6862841/2025/12/04/cubs-alex-bregman-free-agent-interest/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma</a>.Chicago attempted to sign Bregman to a four-year, $115-million deal with opt-out clauses last spring, sources told Mooney and Sharma, but he agreed to a contract with the Boston Red Sox.Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer "identified Bregman as a great fit with this core group and a solid long-term investment" when pitching him to the Ricketts family last year, Mooney and Sharma report.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Chicago could give outfield playing time to youngsters <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13752" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13752">Owen Caissie</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13755" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13755">Moisés Ballesteros</a> if Tucker departs in free agency, while rotating <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17245" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17245">Matt Shaw</a> through different positions to accommodate Bregman. Shaw played the outfield, as well as second base and shortstop, in college.The Red Sox are also interested in bringing back the three-time All-Star, according to <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/12/04/sports/yankees-still-trying-hard-for-cody-bellinger-as-stout-competition-emerges/">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a>.Bregman had a solid season in Boston, posting an .821 OPS in 114 games before opting out of his deal to test free agency again. He was also valuable in the clubhouse and played a key role in helping the Red Sox make their first playoff appearance since 2021.The Detroit Tigers are eyeing another crack at Bregman, Heyman also reports. The 31-year-old almost joined the club last offseason before the Red Sox swooped in at the last second.Detroit reportedly offered Bregman a six-year deal worth more than $170 million. He ended up signing a three-year, $120-million pact with Boston.

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 2: Alex Bregman #2 of the Boston Red Sox shouts out after driving in the go-ahead run on an infield single against the Cleveland Guardians during the eighth inning at Fenway Park on September 2, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Report: Cubs have renewed interest in Bregman; Red Sox, Tigers in mix

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Michael Jordan and Joe Gibbs' daughter-in-law were expected to testify Fri...

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Michael Jordan and Joe Gibbs' daughter-in-law were expected to testify Friday on the fifth day of the federal <a href="https://apnews.com/article/nascar-lawsuit-jordan-hamlin-6b8283daa57f956292f0e56630baf81b">antitrust case</a> the Basketball Hall of Famer filed against NASCAR over claims the series has acted as monopolistic bullies.Heather Gibbs, the chief operating officer of Joe Gibbs Racing, wrote an impassioned letter to NASCAR chairman Jim France in May 2024 imploring him to make charters permanent for the sake of strengthening the family business. Charters are the equivalent of the franchise model used in other sports and in NASCAR it guarantees every chartered car a spot in all 38 races, plus a defined payout from NASCAR. The system was created in 2016 and during the two-plus years of bitter negotiations on an extension teams begged for the renewable charters to become permanent. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>When NASCAR refused to make them permanent and gave the teams six hours in September 2024 to sign the 112-page extension, 23XI and Front Row Motorsports were the only two organizations out of 15 to refuse and instead filed an antitrust suit. 23XI is owned by Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner <a href="https://apnews.com/article/nascar-lawsuit-ad010633f67bada67e05d54191ad4028">Denny Hamlin</a>, and Front Row is owned by fast food franchiser <a href="https://apnews.com/article/nascar-lawsuit-antitrust-michael-jordan-0fc60298a632fb9aaf7ba722ddfd93f5">Bob Jenkins</a>.The discovery phase of the trial revealed a letter Heather Gibbs sent to France, who is now chairman of the series his father founded 76 years ago. “We’ve put 32 years into investing and building a dream, building careers, building families, and building NASCAR. If the financial model made sense, we would not have had to work with an outside investor," she wrote. "If our teams were financially healthy and did not solely rely on sponsorship, I would sleep better at night, not worrying about when the torch is passed on.“We have invested not only our time but our family in this sport. We have raised champions and buried their leaders, all while continuing to embrace the historical roots of NASCAR," she continued in the two-page emotion-packed letter. "So, with all due respect, please understand that when you tell us it doesn’t make sense to partner with us after 7 years is dejecting and truly disappointing.”The letter came up in Thursday in testimony by NASCAR President Steve O'Donnell, who was called as an adverse witness. O’Donnell in a text message told Ben Kennedy, nephew of Jim France, “Jim is now reading Heather’s letter out loud and swearing every other sentence.”Pressed by plaintiffs attorney Jeffrey Kessler as to what France was saying as he read the letter, O’Donnell said the chairman never swore. Kessler tried to force O’Donnell to reconcile what he wrote to Kennedy, but O’Donnell maintained that his boss was not cursing.“That’s what I wrote, but he was not doing that,” O’Donnell testified. “We were all taken aback by the letter. I think Jim was frustrated, as we all were.”Joe Gibbs ultimately signed the charter agreement, but Jenkins testified his rival team owner apologized for doing so.On Thursday, Kessler attempted to portray France as <a href="https://apnews.com/article/nascar-antitrust-lawsuit-michael-jordan-aa1b84152e9ade9b23fa369cbcc8758e">“a brick wall” in negotiations.</a> The teams had made specific requests in an attempt to improve their financial position, but the deal ultimately given to them on the eve of the start of the 2024 playoffs lacked most of their asks. NASCAR was founded in 1948 by the late Bill France Sr. and to this day is privately owned by the Florida-based family. Jim France is his youngest son. Kessler had a contentious session over more than three hours with O'Donnell and at times was shouting at the executive. He used internal communications among NASCAR executives to demonstrate frustration among non-France family members over the slow pace of negotiations and Jim France’s refusal to grant the teams permanent charters. The internal communications among executives showed the mounting frustration over the prolonged negotiations. As O’Donnell, Commissioner Steve Phelps and others tried to find concessions for the teams, they all indicated they were met by resistance time and again by France and his niece, vice chair Lesa France Kennedy.“Mr. France was the brick wall in the negotiations,” Kessler said to O’Donnell. “Those are your words, not mine,” the executive replied.Teams told NASCAR they were fighting for financial survivalEarlier Thursday, O’Donnell testified that teams approached the sanctioning body in early 2022 asking for an improved revenue model, arguing the system was unsustainable. O’Donnell was at the meeting with representatives from four teams, who asked that the negotiating window on a new charter agreement open early because they were fighting for their financial survival. The negotiating window was not supposed to open until July 2023.O’Donnell testified that in that first meeting, four-time series champion Jeff Gordon, now vice chair of Hendrick Motorsports, asked specifically if the France family was “open to a new model.”Kennedy, great-grandson of NASCAR’s founder, told Gordon yes. But O’Donnell testified that chairman France was opposed to a new revenue model.Both sides speak of financial difficultiesThe extensions that began this year upped the guaranteed money for every chartered car to $12.5 million in annual revenue, from $9 million. Hamlin and Jenkins <a href="https://apnews.com/article/nacar-lawsuit-michael-jordan-be9ff391ece0891c69255af35c9d2b79">have both testified</a> it costs $20 million to bring a single car to the track for all 38 races. That figure does not include any overhead, operating costs or a driver’s salary, and Jenkins admitted he doesn't spend that much.NASCAR has argued it has made huge improvements for the teams as it works to grow the sport. O’Donnell testified that NASCAR lost $55 million in the three years it held a race on the downtown streets of Chicago, and $6 million when it raced in June in Mexico City. But he said those events were critical in widening viewership and signing Amazon as a media partner.“It was a strategic investment because if not for that, Amazon would not have become a broadcast partner,” he testified.Odds and endsJudge Kenneth Bell admonished both sides over the slow pace of the trial, which was initially expected to take two weeks. Kessler said he didn’t anticipate wrapping up the teams’ side until the middle of next week. NASCAR plans to call Roger Penske as a witness. Penske, who is reluctant to testify, has said he’s only available next Monday. Christopher Yates, lead attorney for NASCAR, asked that Penske be allowed to testify that day but Kessler objected because it would disrupt the flow of his presentation. Bell sided with Kessler and told NASCAR to figure it out with Penske because “federal trials are an inconvenience.”The judge also said stretching the trial to three weeks is not acceptable, and while he’s hesitant to step in to push the pace along, he urged both sides to counsel their witnesses to stop being “reluctant to answer even the most harmless questions.”___AP auto racing: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing">https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing</a>

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 1: Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, departs the Charles R Jonas Federal Building on December 1, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jury selection and an opening statement began an antitrust lawsuit filed by Jordan's 23XI Racing team against NASCAR.

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Michael Jordan, Joe Gibbs' daughter-in-law to testify in antitrust case

The New York Mets are interested in trading for Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan, according ...

The New York Mets are interested in trading for Minnesota Twins right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12305" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12305">Joe Ryan</a>, according to <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/12/04/sports/twins-joe-ryan-intrigues-mets-as-they-look-to-trade-for-ace/">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a>.Meanwhile, the Twins are fond of Mets pitching prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18634" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18634">Jonah Tong</a>, reports Heyman.Ryan would instantly become the No. 1 starter in a Mets rotation that is projected to include <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15438" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15438">Kodai Senga</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/20104" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/20104">Nolan McLean</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8239" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8239">Clay Holmes</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4239" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4239">Sean Manaea</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9583" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9583">David Peterson</a> for the 2026 season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 29-year-old's name is again in trade rumors this offseason. Ryan remained with the Twins past the 2025 trade deadline despite watching 10 teammates dealt before the end of July.Ryan authored a 3.42 ERA with 1.04 WHIP and 10.1 K/9 over 171 innings (30 starts) this season, earning All-Star honors for the first time in his five-year career. He's expected to make around $6 million next campaign and is arbitration-eligible through 2027.Tong is the No. 4-ranked prospect in the Mets' minor-league system. The 22-year-old made his MLB debut in late August after posting a 1.43 ERA with 179 strikeouts across a combined 113 2/3 innings (22 starts) between Double-A and Triple-A in 2025.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 27: Joe Ryan #41 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Target Field on April 27, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Report: Mets eyeing Twins' Ryan to bolster rotation

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Tom Ruminski

News Editor

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Bryan Mcwilliam

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