Cole Mathis powers Saguaros with seven RBI

Mathis had a two-run single, a bases-loaded walk and an RBI groundout in addition to the homer, which left his bat at 108 mph and was projected at 424 feet. Mathis, a 2024 second-round pick, was the Mets’ return when they traded David Peterson to the Cubs in June. He was hurt at the time of the trade and ended up not playing much down the stretch, and he also struggled during the AFL regular season, hitting .160/.382/.240 in 68 plate appearances. He’s definitely ending on a high note, though. The AFL championship game will be played Saturday night, with the Saguaros taking on the Javelinas at 8 p.m. EST.

Add that to his regular-season stats and McConnaughey finishes up with a 3.32 ERA and a 26/7 K/BB in 19 innings, making him one of the AFL’s top pitching performers. McConnaughey was the Rangers’ fourth-round pick out of the University of Nebraska in 2025 despite having had Tommy John surgery that spring. He returned to the mound only in time to throw 20 2/3 innings in the low minors last season. He’s never had a big fastball, but his changeup and slider are both quality offerings and he could offer bottom-of-the-rotation potential for Texas come 2028.

Nori was a surprise star for Italy in the World Baseball Classic, but he didn’t really keep it going in Double-A, hitting .244/.318/.360 in 67 games. He finished the AFL regular season at .271/.427/.441. He only turned 22 in October and he is a fine center fielder, so he remains a fair prospect. However, since there probably isn’t much power on the way, he might top out as a reserve.

Irish had a two-run single and a sac fly. As a semifinal game, it won’t count in the regular season numbers after the 2025 first-round pick finished up at .328/.439/.507 with two homers in 18 games.

The 30-year-old outfielder spent the 2026 season in the Tigers’ organization where he slashed .264/.410/.456 with nine homers, 33 RBI and seven stolen bases in 330 plate appearances at Triple-A Toledo. He’ll add extra outfield depth for the Friars.

Peralta made 16 appearances at the MLB level between the Angels and Rockies in 2026, posting a miserable 6.65 ERA, 1.87 WHIP and a 23/9 K/BB ratio over 23 frames. It’ll take a strong showing in Cactus League action for him to crack the Halos’ Opening Day bullpen.

The 35-year-old backstop will remain with the Angels in a backup role heading into the 2027 campaign. Heineman slashed just .175/.223/.220 with one homer and 10 RBI in 200 plate appearances between the Blue Jays and Angels in 2026.

Santander shared anti-Muslim videos following the U.S. election last week before eventually taking them down. The Blue Jays released a statement Thursday condemning all forms of hate. Most assume the Jays would like to rid themselves of Santander at this point, though he still has $49 million left on the five-year deal he signed after hitting 44 homers for the Orioles in 2024. He’s since played in just 54 games in 2025 and none in 2026 because of shoulder issues. Even if the Jays are willing to eat the contract, it makes financial sense to wait until after the lockout ends, since any missed games next season would lead to a corresponding reduction of his $16.5 million salary.

The Marlins are in the market for arms that could fill out the backend of their rotation or provide quality depth. When right, Sandoval should be able to do that, be he had very inconsistent results in his first action back from Tommy John surgery — posting a 1-7 record, 5.12 ERA, 1.68 WHIP and a 73/32 K/BB ratio across 70 1/3 innings in his 15 appearances.

Both teams met with agent Scott Boras during the general manager’s meetings to discuss the 26-year-old hurler. The Padres are also known to have expressed interest in his services. With the potential lockout looming, it doesn’t sound like Nippon Professional Baseball is going to change the posting rules at all, so any player that has been posted for MLB teams will need to sign before the lockout or return to their clubs in Japan. Expect the interest to really heat up here in the coming days.