MLB Player News

The 21-year-old phenom got the Padres on the board in the second inning with a mammoth 442-foot (107.3-mph EV) off of Marco Gonzales. He then tagged Pirates’ closer David Bednar for a game-tying 411-foot (106.2-mph EV) solo shot in the ninth. That would be it for the Pirates’ offense in the game though. Merrill also singled twice in the contest — including an RBI single in the fifth — finishing the night 4-for-6 with three RBI. He’s slashing an impressive .288/.318/.467 with 15 homers and 59 RBI thus far in his rookie campaign.

Drury was tremendous in spring training for the White Sox last year before suffering an injury that eventually led to his release. He’d later join the Angels but spent the entire year in the minors. The veteran hit 26 home runs in 2023 and was a Silver Slugger winner in 2022 before his production fell off in 2024. It’s a worthwhile gamble for the Royals.

Adams is a former first-round pick who has bounced around over the past few years, and he’ll need an outstanding spring training if he has any chance to make the Brewers’ Opening Day roster.

Valdez has been linked to the Orioles and Mets, but there’s another team playing in the East that reportedly has interest in the former Houston ace. Even with Toronto adding Dylan Cease and having a pretty full rotation, it’s not surprising to see them having interest in a player with the ability of Valdez as they look to return — and possibly win — the World Series.

Diaz won out after the Astros filed at just $3 million. The catcher hit .256 with 20 homers, 70 RBI and a 95/20 K/BB ratio over his 567 plate appearances with Houston in 2025.

Keller returns stateside with a contract that can pay him $1.9 million according to Will Sammon of The Athletic, if he makes the club. The 32-year-old pitched well in his two years in the NPB with a 2.42 ERA over 156 2/3 innings, and he’ll have a good chance of earning a roster spot with a quality showing at spring training.

Luciano was designated for assignment at the end of January, and finally, no one claimed him. The former top prospect will need to be added to the 40-man roster if the Yankees deem him worthy of an MLB spot at any point.

Are the Dodgers just bored? Siani was designated for assignment by Los Angeles and claimed by the Yankees a little over a week ago, and now they’ve decided they want him back, after all. To make room for Siani, the team designated Andy Ibáñez for assignment three weeks after they signed him for $1.2 million. Baseball is weird.

That was quick. Ibáñez had just signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract in the middle of January, and now he is off the 40-man roster two weeks before pitchers and catchers report. It’s possible someone could make a waiver claim, but there’s just as good of chance he’ll hit free agency — again — in a few days.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that Santana will make $2 million, and that the deal is pending a physical. Santana hit .219/.308/.325 with 11 homers and seven steals in his time with the Guardians and Cubs in 2025. The 39-year-old will see playing time assuredly, but could be part of a first base/DH platoon with Pavin Smith and Tyler Locklear.

Bradish defeated the Orioles’ offer of $2.875 million. The right-hander forged a 47/10 K/BB over 32 innings across six starts after returning from his elbow injury. He’ll pitch near the top of the Baltimore rotation to open the 2026 season.