MLB Player News

There is nothing in motion right now, but Speier notes that the Royals have specifically stated that nobody on their roster is “off limits.” The Royals have shown a reluctance to deal veterans Seth Lugo and Michal Wacha, and they have said that Ragans would only be dealt if a “big return” was coming their way. However, the Red Sox have the pieces to put together that kind of return. The Royals are looking for a right-handed outfielder, but also reportedly “won’t be tethered to the notion,” which means the Red Sox could put together an offer that includes Jarren Duran, one of Connelly Early or Payton Tolle, and other prospects in order to acquire Ragans. It’s also possible that the Red Sox might be willing to part with Kristian Campbell, who seems best suited for the outfield, but doesn’t really have a place in Boston right now. This is a situation to monitor.

Gore has been at the epicenter of trade chatter for weeks this offseason, with The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon reporting earlier this week that more than half the league has at least checked in on his availability. ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel add that the Nationals are listening, but their asking price remains “understandably high.” The 26-year-old southpaw was brilliant in the first half of last season to earn his first All-Star Game selection before fading after the break and missing time with shoulder inflammation. Even so, he’ll be just 27 on Opening Day and profiles as a prime target for clubs unwilling to meet the stratospheric costs attached to the marquee arms in free agency or on the trade block. It also becomes a massive early decision for new president of baseball operations Paul Toboni as he spearheads the club’s rebuilding effort.

Brzykcy loses his spot on Miami’s 40-man roster in advance of next week’s Rule 5 Draft. The 26-year-old righty, who made a career-high 26 relief appearances this past season, was claimed off waivers from the Nationals last month. He’ll compete for a spot in the Marlins’ season-opening bullpen during spring training.

Chavez announced his retirement after the 2025 season, and it’s not a big surprise to see the 42-year-old enter the coaching ranks. He’ll be tasked with helping improve a San Francisco bullpen that had its fair share of ups-and-downs last year.

Anderson has spent the last two seasons in the Korea Baseball Organization with the SSG Landers outside of a brief nine appearances with Triple-A Toledo, and prior to that was pitching in Japan. The 31-year-old’s deal is pending a physical, but he could be an option at the back of the rotation or as a multi-inning reliever in 2026.

VanWey and Trammell were both removed from the 40-man roster last week. They could both spend time in the majors in 2026, but in order to do so they’ll need to be added back to Houston’s — or another team’s — 40-man.

Kent will get a chance to win one of the final bullpen spots with the Cardinals this spring. The 27-year-old pitched well in Triple-A Columbus with a 2.84 ERA, but he struggled at the highest level as seen in a 4.58 ERA, albeit in a small sample of 17 2/3 innings.

Romo has some prospect pedigree, but hasn’t hit nearly enough to suggest he’s more than a backup backstop at the highest level. The 24-year-old will likely compete for that job this spring in the Grapefruit League.

Walker is removed from the 40-man roster to make room for a pair of new roster additions for Atlanta via waivers. The 31-year-old was just claimed off waivers from Baltimore last month, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if another club grabs him. If not, Walker will be eligible to elect free agency if he so chooses.

Molina is one of two new Atlanta hurlers, as the team also snatched Osvaldo Bido off waivers from the Athletics. Molina is only 23, and while he has not had any real success at the highest level, he’ll get a chance to prove he’s more than organizational depth this spring — assuming he sticks on the 40-man roster, of course.

Bido, 30, was successful in 2024 with a 3.47 ERA for the Athletics, but struggled in 2025 with a 5.87 mark over 79 2/3 innings. The right-hander will have a chance to earn a spot on the Atlanta staff in spring training.