MLB Player News

Hernandez is viewed as not only the top prep pitching prospect in this draft, but one of the best of the past several years. The 6-foot-4 right-hander will touch the high-90 mph range without much effort, and there’s the potential for more as he fills out his frame. He also offers two swing-and-miss pitches in his curveball and change, with a slider that isn’t far behind. Hernandez gets rave reviews for his feel for pitching, and he should throw more than enough strikes to be a starter at the highest level. The risk is obvious; he’s a young pitcher who throws hard, but he has a chance to be the best pitcher -- maybe even player -- in the class.

Rumfield was the Yankees’ 25th-ranked prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, but is blocked at first base by Ben Rice. Despite being 6'5,” Rumfield is more hit-over-power and posted a .285/.378/.447 slash line in 138 games at Triple-A last year with 16 home runs and 87 RBI. He is a below-average runner and just an average defender, but there is a chance he could earn reps at first base in Colorado this year if he can beat out Troy Johnston and Blaine Crim. Of course, Charlie Condon is eventually going to take that job, but perhaps not until 2027.

This is a stuff-based move for the Yankees. Chivilli is a 23-year-old reliever who throws 97 mph but also has a slider that registered a 110 Stuff+ grade and also has a changeup that posted a 40 percent whiff rate. However, he struggled in Colorado and wasn’t much better on the road last season. The Yankees are betting on their pitching development team being able to maximize his raw talent.

Kessinger spent just 11 games in the Diamondbacks organization at Triple-A last season before being released. The former second-round pick has only 48 MLB at-bats in his career, but he can play all four infield positions and has a career .335 on-base percentage in the minor leagues. He’ll just be organizational depth if he makes the team.

This announcement ensures that the trade deadline will not fall on a weekend. Last year’s deadline was on July 31, but it has changed dates in recent years. If anything, teams will have an extra couple of days to decide their direction.

Jack Curry of YES Network reports that there’s still interest in having him return to the Yankees, though he might have to accept a reduced role should he return in 2026. Goldschmidt, 38, posted a .981 OPS against left-handers last season compared to a .619 OPS against right-handers.

The move clears a spot for the newly-acquired Jhonny Pereda on the 40-man roster. Kowar, 28, posted a 4.24 ERA and 15/7 K/BB ratio over 17 innings out of Seattle’s bullpen last season. It was his first year back from Tommy John surgery.

Pereda was designated for assignment by the Twins last week. The 29-year-old will go into spring training as a depth piece behind Cal Raleigh and Andrew Knizner.

Booser had big problems with the home run (eight in 31 innings) and regressed in the control department in his lone year with the White Sox after being acquired from the Red Sox last winter. He throws in the mid-90s and shows a plus slider, so the Rays might be able to get more from him.

Lara will stick with the Nationals, which is probably best for his chances of seeing significant time in the majors this season. The 23-year-old was DFA’d last week after a season in which he finished with a 7.55 ERA in the minors and an 8.79 ERA in 14 1/3 innings as a reliever in the majors.

Sandridge posted a 4.66 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and 54/19 K/BB ratio in 36 2/3 innings at Triple-A last season. The strikeouts are obviously intriguing, but he remains a work in progress, and will also be 27 years old on Opening Day.