Beck Way heads to IL with lower back issue

The Alvarez versus Caminero debate was a scorching and divisive one for most of the summer, but Houston’s middle-of-the-order force seemingly did enough to hold off Tampa Bay’s rising superstar. Alvarez led the majors in batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage, slashing .316/.432/.601 with 105 runs scored, a career-high 42 home runs and 106 RBI across 158 games. Caminero topped the 40 home run mark for the second consecutive season, leading the Rays to a remarkable 98-win season and another AL East division title.

Crow-Armstrong took the senior circuit by storm this past season and is the overwhelming favorite to claim MVP honors after authoring a phenomenal 45-homer, 41-steal campaign. The 24-year-old finished as the most impactful hitter in the fantasy landscape while continuing to establish himself as one of the premier defensive center fielders in the game. He’s also just beginning to enter his physical prime, making this season feel more the start of his ascent rather than a metaphorical peak. Ohtani appeared poised to claim MVP honors for the fifth time in his remarkable career, thanks in large part to his extraordinary early-season work on the mound, before knee and biceps issues kept him from pitching in the second half.

The Mets claimed Paris on waivers from the Angels last week. They’re hoping that the contract they’re giving him helps him get through waivers this time. Paris, though, is just turning 25 next and has intriguing tools; there’s a decent chance another team will claim him.

The Mets picked Cairo up off waivers from the Phillies in September, though they didn’t call him up afterwards. The 25-year-old is a versatile defender with speed and a history of strong OBPs, but much of that OBP is a product of walks; he hit .230/.381/.300 in Triple-A last season. That the Mets gave him some guaranteed money before DFAing him was designed to make it more likely that he’ll clear waivers and stay in the organization.

Anderson was an unexpected revelation for the Tigers last year, finishing with a strong 3.67 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 114/43 K/BB ratio across 108 innings of work. The 32-year-old figures to operate in a versatile swingman-type role for Detroit next season.

Jansen receives a $2 million buyout and heads back to the open market. The 39-year-old veteran stopper is just two saves away from joining Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman as the only closers to reach the lofty 500-save plateau. He wound up converting just 22 of 28 saves to go along with an underwhelming 3.20 ERA (3.59 xERA) across 45 innings during his Tigers debut last year. He’s still capable of closing games, but his days as an elite stopper have been over for a couple years.

Waguespack fortifies Detroit’s middle relief mix after posting a stellar 2.49 ERA (3.09 xERA), 0.91 WHIP and 35/18 K/BB ratio across 47 innings this past season. He’ll continue operating in low-leverage spots for the Tigers.

Díaz loses his spot on Detroit’s 40-man roster after allowing 11 runs over six innings of work in the majors this past season.

Some typical housekeeping for Detroit as they embark on a pivotal offseason. The biggest surprise here is Gipson-Long, who was a bit of a fantasy darling before injuries took his career off course the last couple years. He spent all of last year in the minors after making just 12 appearances for the Tigers between 2023 and 2025.

Luciano was universally regarded as one of the top prospects in baseball with San Francisco just a few years ago. Things didn’t quite pan out in the Bay Area, but he’s managed to land a spot on New York’s 40-man roster heading into the offseason. The 25-year-old split time between second base and left field in the minors this past season, hitting .293/.387/.545 with 27 homers and eight steals in 493 plate appearances between Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He’s an interesting name to watch when spring training finally rolls around.