MLB Player News

The Marlins failed to muster any hard contact against Parker, who is having to battle for a rotation spot after posting a 5.68 ERA and a poor 14.2 percent strikeout rate as a sophomore. The addition of Miles Mikolas to near-certainties Cade Cavalli and Brad Lord has left the Nationals with Josiah Gray, Foster Griffin, Jake Irvin and Parker battling for two rotation spots, and the assumption is that Gray will have one if he gets through camp healthy. All but Mikolas do have options, though.

It’s hard to understand why the Mariners didn’t make the move a couple of months ago to try to shake things up, but at least they will have an upgrade heading into 2027. Of course, the Mariners were very successful in the first year-plus of Wilson’s tenure, but he always seemed to be in a little over his head, as was to be expected given his lack of any managerial experience before getting the job. That became much more difficult to overlook in the midst of a hugely disappointing 2026.

Scherzer got some help from umpire John Bacon as the outing got into the sixth and it looked like he was about to be lifted — and Reds hitters bypassed some pretty obvious challenges — but Scherzer just kept going, only finally getting taken out after a walk to start the eighth. Working on three days’ rest, he threw 114 pitches, his high total since 2020. The walk that ended his outing was his only one to go along with five singles and one double allowed on the day. Scherzer concludes the year 4-9 with a 5.74 ERA. If he wants to come back for another year at age 42, there will certainly be teams willing to have him. If not, he finishes 225-126 with a 3.29 ERA in 3,047 2/3 innings. He’s ninth all-time with 3,557 strikeouts.

The 28-year-old Williamson winds up 5-5 with a 5.30 ERA over 12 outings in his return from Tommy John. He’ll probably have a chance to stick around and complete for a spot next year, but middle relief might be a better home for him than the rotation.

Clement’s downfall from 2025 postseason hero and 2026 AL leading All-Star vote getter to whatever this has been for the last couple of months has been stunning. He hit .150/.186/.200 in September after coming in at .208/.228/.260 in August. Unless he can explain it away due to an injury, the Blue Jays would have a hard time justifying keeping a regular spot open for him next spring. It would make sense to keep him around as a utility guy at a likely $6 million or so in arbitration.

Stewart collected just six RBI and saw his OPS fall from .826 to .787 during the month of September, which might well cost him NL Rookie of the Year honors. He does have 32 homers, and he’s finished third in the majors with 111 RBI. However, a first baseman with a sub-.800 OPS probably doesn’t deserve the hardware in this crowded of a field.

The Cardinals tried to give Walker a chance for his 30th homer by hitting him leadoff, but he wasn’t able to do so. He did drive in his 102nd run, however, in the breakout season fantasy managers have been waiting for. There were ups and downs, but Walker’s .269/.327/.466 slash is a giant improvement over his previous campaigns, and it seems like there’s a lot more good to come.

Chourio singled in a run in the first, and did the same in the fourth. An injury shortened his season, but it was an excellent campaign for the 22-year-old that saw him bring home 75 runs and hit .291/.351/.487 over 127 games with 25 homers and 23 stolen bases. He’ll hit near the top of the lineup in the postseason for the Brew Crew against the Cubs or Padres next weekend.

Drohan struck out a pair and didn’t allow a hit. The 27-year-old is now set for the postseason, and it’s likely he’ll serve a multi-inning role in the ALDS beginning next weekend.

Pallante allowed 10 hits, and he struck out four and walked one. The right-hander’s season ends on a dour note, but it was a solid season for the 28-year-old that saw him forge a 3.83 ERA and 1.27 WHIP over 157 innings with a 106/49 K/BB. Pallante is not a fantasy ace nor close, but he should be a decent streaming option often in 2027.

In his final start before the postseason, Misiorowski picked up his 16th win and struck out five against two walks. It was a remarkable first full campaign for the 24-year-old, and he finishes the regular season with a 1.90 ERA and a remarkable 252/44 K/BB ratio over 174 2/3 innings. He’ll start Game 1 of the NLDS, either against the Cubs or Padres.