MLB Player News

Ugh. The 25-year-old hurler has missed the entire season-to-date due to shoulder issues, and it sounds like he’s still experiencing major problems. He was finally cleared to start pitching in minor league games in early September, but that didn’t last long before he was shut down once more. At this stage, there’s no clear timeline for when — or if — he’ll be able to return to the mound.

Sharma reports that the Cubs have been reluctant to match teams like the Mets and Dodgers when it comes ot free agent spending, especially with pitchers, so Skubal is an unrealistic target, but “they will at least check in on every other free-agent pitcher.” That would certainly be warranted because the Cubs have one healthy pitcher with starting experience on their roster right now, and it’s Javier Assad. Justin Steele will be coming back from injury, and Edward Cabrera could move back into the rotation, but the Cubs need a few more arms. It’s just unlikely that Skubal is one of them.

Hiroike is a 21-year-old right-hander from Japan who was recently pitching for Keio University. He expressed a desire to play for an MLB team, so he was not drafted in the recent NPB draft. Hiroike, who is the son of Seibu Lions general manager Koji Hirioke, reportedly has a big fastball and a collection of sharp breaking balls. He would sign a minor league contract with the Yankees, or any other MLB team, which would mean that he could be eligible to pitch even if there is a lockout this season.

Walcott has experience at third, having started 21 games there in 2024 and 17 games there in 2025, but this is his first time at the hot corner in 15 months. He’s been alternating with Guardians prospect Welbyn Francisca at shortstop for the Surprise Saguaros, but with both in the lineup in the All-Star Game, Walcott has slid over to third. Oddly enough, the Saguaros’ usual third baseman is also starting. That’s Phillies top prospect Aiden Miller, who is playing third for the NL in tonight’s game, which divides players up by the AL and NL even though they’re all mixed on AFL rosters.

The 27-year-old hurler elected free agency after the 2026 season but has quickly decided to re-up with the Jays. Estrada made eight appearances out of the team’s bullpen in 2026, posting a 5.54 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and a 9/10 K/BB ratio across 13 innings while notching one win and one save. He’ll continue to function as extra bullpen depth for the Jays.

Stoudt, who hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since 2023, spent the 2026 season in the Phillies’ organization where he fired a remarkable 22 2/3 innings of scoreless baseball with a 0.79 WHIP and a 23/9 K/BB ratio. He’ll have an opportunity to earn a spot in the Rays’ bullpen with a strong showing in Grapefruit League play.

The 27-year-old righty was a sixth-round selection by the Cubs from the 2018 draft class and spent his first seven minor league seasons in their organization. In 2026, he compiled a 3.22 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and a 36/20 K/BB ratio over 44 2/3 innings in 12 appearances (11 starts), mostly at Triple-A Iowa. He’s an intriguing arm and makes for a nice depth signing for the D’Backs.

The 42-year-old right-hander expects there to be a lockout this off-season and he plans on pitching in “lockout games” to see how his body responds and to gauge whether or not he’ll pitch in 2027. The insane competitor is just three strikeouts behind former teammate Justin Verlander for ninth place on the all-time strikeout list, which could add extra motivation to return. Injuries limited Scherzer to just 84 2/3 mostly ineffective innings during the 2026 campaign, though he did pitch well down the stretch. Even if he does return, his days of fantasy relevancy are in the rearview mirror.

The 32-year-old had a strong season for the Padres in 2026, slashing .295/.363/.502 with 21 homers and 72 RBI in 500 plate appearances. He should be able to parlay that success into a multi-year deal this offseason, with Sammon noting that “the first baseman could find a deal quickly.”

Tseng pitched two scoreless innings for Taiwan in the WBC this year before posting a 1.58 ERA as Fubon’s closer. It’s unlikely that major league teams will look at him as a closer, but he throws in the mid-90s and would seem to have enough on his slider to be useful.

Marte is hitting .349/.368/.540 through 15 games, giving him the DWL’s sixth-highest OPS. He’s also a perfect 7-for-7 stealing bases. He probably needs a fresh start somewhere other than Cincinnati at this point, but there’s still ample talent here. He only just turned 25 last month.