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The Minnesota Twins entered the offseason surrounded by questions about direction and intent after a trade deadline that saw nearly 40 percent of their major league roster moved to cut payroll and restock the farm system. That kind of sell-off usually signals more changes to come, but the early indications suggest Minnesota is drawing a clear line. The Twins appear committed to keeping their veteran core intact, including Pablo Lopez, Byron Buxton, and Joe Ryan, rather than continuing down a full teardown path. That commitment has become increasingly apparent as rival teams continue to check in on Ryan. Interest around the league has not slowed, but the Twins’ response has. According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, Minnesota is no longer engaging in meaningful trade conversations involving the right-hander. “Teams continue to ask the Minnesota Twins about right-hander Joe Ryan, who is under club control for two more seasons. The Twins, though, continue to say they are not shopping Ryan, and one person briefed on their talks said they haven’t even discussed him with other clubs since before the GM meetings in early November.” This is the second time this winter that Rosenthal reinforced the idea that Ryan is expected to remain in the organization for next season. The message has been consistent, and perhaps most telling is the detail that the Twins have not even discussed Ryan internally with other clubs since early November. This is not posturing or leverage building. It sounds like a firm stance. From the outside, the interest makes complete sense. Ryan is under club control for two more seasons, has proven he can miss bats at a high level, and fits neatly into the rotation of almost any contender. For a team that already showed a willingness to move significant pieces in July, trading Ryan would be an easy way to continue shedding payroll while bringing back a meaningful prospect haul. But context matters, and this is where the Twins drawing a line feels justified. The American League Central remains wide open. Minnesota has endured two straight disappointing seasons, yet a powerhouse rival does not stand in the way of a return to relevance. If Ryan and Pablo Lopez stay healthy, the bullpen finds its footing again, and the young hitters take even modest steps forward, the Twins can absolutely contend for a postseason spot. That is a lot of ifs, and nobody should pretend otherwise. Still, there is a difference between acknowledging risk and surrendering before the season begins. Trading Ryan now would be a clear signal that the Twins are not interested in finding out what this roster can be. There is also no urgency. If the team finds itself buried again next summer, the trade deadline will still be there. Ryan will still have value. For now, fans deserve to see whether this group can put the pieces together and chase another playoff birth. View the full article

The San Diego Padres made a pair of notable additions to their infield group last week, and both should have something to say about the team's first base conundrum. First, and probably more notably, they signed Korean infielder Sung Mun Song to a three-year deal. Later in the day, it was reported that they had signed former Minnesota Twins corner infielder José Miranda to a minor-league deal that includes a spring training invite. Song's addition will impact the team much more immediately and directly. Whether it leads to a trade of someone like Jake Cronenworth or simply takes the load off an infield group that needed some reliable depth, there is a multitude of ways in which he can be impactful for the 2026 team. Miranda, meanwhile, will have to work a bit more to take on the minor-league-invitee-to-impactful-role-player trajectory that we saw from Gavin Sheets last season. Regardless of either player's contribution in 2026, though, they each (in their own way) create a bit of mystery surrounding how the Padres may handle their one remaining vacancy on the infield dirt: first base. The 2025 Padres had six different players appear at first base. Luis Arráez was there for 117 games, trade deadline acquisition Ryan O'Hearn was in there for 27, and each of Jake Cronenworth and Gavin Sheets took reps on 13 occasions. Plus, Yuli Gurriel appeared four times and Connor Joe once early in the season. Of that group, only Cronenworth and Sheets remain. Arráez and O'Hearn remain free agents, with each of Gurriel and Joe finding themselves out of the organization early on last season. Including the two holdovers, the Padres now, technically, have five players capable of playing first base in their organization. Cronenworth handled first base duties in 2023 and a good deal of the time in 2024. Sheets profiles better at first base than he does in the outfield. While he only played second and third for Kiwoom last year, Song has some time at first to his name in previous years. Miranda was once Minnesota's first baseman of the future before falling off severely and grabbing only 36 plate appearances in 2025. Then you throw in Luis Campusano, whom the team might like more as a first base and designated hitter option even with his present status as the team's backup catcher. That's a lot of names, four of which are on the active roster. That opens up numerous possibilities as to how the team could handle the position heading into 2026. The simplest is that you have some kind of combination of Cronenworth and Song on the right side of the infield. Maybe that's Cronenworth at first and Song at second. Perhaps it's the other way around, especially with Song possessing a bit more power upside that serves as a prerequisite for the position. In that case, Sheets lands as your primary designated hitter and occasional corner outfield or first base fill-in, while Campusano plies his trade only as the team's backup catcher and gets in as the DH on occasion. In that scenario, Miranda isn't likely to be a factor on the major-league roster. However, should Miranda force his way in, things get a little more complicated. Maybe you've got a Miranda-Cronenworth-Song combination between first and second that is dependent on matchups. Or Miranda serves purely as a bench bat to fill in at either corner infield spot while Cronenworth and Song hold down the right side with more regularity. Sheets and Campusano then fight it out for some extra time as the designated hitter. It becomes more mouths to feed in the plate appearances game. Of course, Cronenworth could be traded. Then you're likely looking at Song as the everyday guy at the keystone while Miranda and Sheets comprise more of a platoon situation between first base and designated hitter. Campusano maybe fills in on occasion, but those are your priorities. That scenario requires the most heavy lifting, as you not only have to have a theoretical trade of Cronenworth but also a hypothetical situation in which Miranda wins a roster spot in camp. Given that it's A.J. Preller we're talking about, there's also the looming chance that an outside addition still has yet to manifest. Paul Goldschmidt exists on the free agent market. Even if his bat isn't what it once was, he adds a stable glove — assuming his -3 Outs Above Average in 2025 was an outlier — and an intangible presence. Rhys Hoskins and his .237 career ISO figure are also out on the free-agent market. Neither would cost a ton, to say nothing of a fallen-out-of-favor trade for someone like Triston Casas in Boston. For what it's worth, Mark Vientos is reportedly also available, and Preller has reportedly already talked to the New York Mets on some level in recent days. Essentially, the Padres now have two roads in front of them with respect to the first base position. They can either bring in a pure first baseman, with or without a Cronenworth trade, and maximize the flexibility of their current roster. Or, they can go with a volume approach and rotate out any of the options currently within their organization. With the composition of the current roster feeling incomplete, it's difficult to know which path is the "correct" one as of now. View the full article

Tom Pohlad made clear that under the new ownership group, the two things they intend to improve on are accountability and communication with their fans, media, and employees. Tom Pohlad's first media appearances indicate they will do so, but what can the Twins do moving forward to prove their words and improve the team's payroll?View the full article

In a pre-Christmas gift to Boston Red Sox fans everywhere, Craig Breslow made a trade to bring All-Star first baseman Willson Contreras to Massachusetts in exchange for RHP Hunter Dobbins, RHP Yhoiker Fajardo, and RHP Blake Aita. I wrote about how Contreras would be an excellent trade addition during the Winter Meetings, and now first base has been solidified for the next two seasons. And yet, the team's work on the infield isn't done — there’s still a hole at the hot corner. While talks are still ongoing with Alex Bregman in free agency, there are other teams in the mix for him. Coming back to Boston makes a lot of sense for both sides. When healthy, Bregman thrived playing at Fenway Park and his veteran leadership helped young players like Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer ease their way into the big leagues. Bringing in Contreras, another veteran and hitter that brings a swing perfect for Fenway, should help in the negotiations with Bregman, but not in the typical way. Having Contreras on the roster zaps quite a bit of the negotiating power that Bregman’s larger-than-life agent, Scott Boras, has in the ongoing talks. Before Contreras, the Red Sox needed Bregman’s bat. Now, though? They still need him, but not in a "our season hinges on this guy" kind of way. While it’s obvious that the Red Sox should add another bat in addition to Contreras, it no longer has to be Bregman's stick. Wouldn’t it make more sense for the Red Sox to pivot to someone younger like Bo Bichette, especially considering he’s younger and is currently projected to make a similar amount of money on the open market? He’s also informed teams that he’s willing to move off of shortstop, a position he desperately needs to abandon. Moving Bichette to second base helps to solve the infield puzzle and guarantees Gold Glove center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela stays where he is needed most. Bichette fits the timeline of the Red Sox. He’s 28 and would absolutely rake at Fenway. He's a spray hitter with power to all fields who currently plays in a (relatively) pitcher-friendly stadium in Toronto. Even if his power doesn't push past 25 home runs he's led the league in total hits twice. The Red Sox need a guy who is comfortable putting the ball in play and driving in runs, while also putting himself in a position to score. Moving him to second base would allow for Trevor Story to continue playing shortstop and would slide Marcelo Mayer into the starting third base role. Trusting Mayer to stay healthy for a full season is risky, but he’s a top prospect for a reason. With multiple reps at third, he should get his feet under him faster than most. Should that not pan out, the Red Sox still have four outfielders with only three outfield spots to fill. Trading one of them for a third baseman could be an option down the line. The organization may see Mayer as the heir apparent at shortstop, but he has already proven that he can handle the hot corner, albeit in a small sample. The Red Sox fixed the revolving door at first base with the trade for Willson Contreras. Pivoting away from Alex Bregman to Bo Bichette would fix the gaping hole that has been second base since Dustin Pedroia retired. If the Red Sox are serious about competing in the long term, buying into the youth movement instead of giving six years to an aging veteran is the way to go. View the full article

Last week, the Miami Marlins made their signing of Christopher Morel official. Sources tell our own Isaac Azout that Morel will not be the last bat added this offseason. Whether it's via free agency or trade, the Marlins will continue shopping for efficient ways to upgrade an offense that ranked tied for 19th in MLB in wRC+ and 27th in home runs. Below are four names (two trade targets and two free agents) that should be considered by the Marlins front office. 1B Triston Casas (Boston Red Sox) With the Boston Red Sox acquiring Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals, former top prospect Triston Casas does not have a clear spot in the club's future plans. The American Heritage product is only entering his age-26 season, but he has been hampered by injuries—he was limited to playing 63 games in 2024 and 29 games this past season. Even before suffering a left patellar tendon rupture, Casas was on pace for the worst year of his career. However, Casas had an impressive .250/.357/.473 slash line prior to 2025. Under previous front office leadership, the Marlins were reportedly very interested in his combination of power and plate discipline. Maybe Casas' value is too low for Boston to move him right now. He could still be helpful as depth behind Contreras. Any potential trade sending him to the Marlins would likely involve the Sox getting starting pitching in return. OF Jo Adell (Los Angeles Angels) On the other hand, another former first-round pick, Jo Adell, is coming off a career year. Splitting his time between center field and right field, Adell slashed .236/.293/.485/.778 with 37 home runs, 98 RBI and a 112 wRC+. Adell has always struggled to get on base (career .277 OBP) and he shouldn't see much action in center field moving forward, but his power stands out. He has two more years of club control remaining. The Angels pitching depth is still shaky and their lineup is too right-handed-heavy. The Marlins are a natural trade partner, though there hasn't been any indication yet that Adell is on the market. OF Starling Marte (free agent) Marte was a very popular Marlins player in 2020 and 2021. Back then, he was their everyday center fielder and No. 2 hitter. A lot has changed. This past season at age 36, the New York Met slashed .270/.335/.410/.745 with nine home runs, 34 RBI and a 112 wRC+. He averaged only 99 games per year in Queens and he's mainly a designated hitter at this stage of his career. His speed has also been in a steady decline. Playing in Miami where Marte already resides might bring out the best in him. The Marlins would platoon him so that he faces left-handed pitching as much as possible. UTIL Luis Rengifo (free agent) Given the Marlins' desire for defensive versatility, Rengifo seems like a logical fit. Typically a second baseman/third baseman, he can handle shortstop or any of the outfield spots if needed. Last season, Rengifo slashed .238/.287/.335/.622 with nine home runs, 43 RBI and a 73 wRC+ through 147 games played. Even in a disappointing season, he struck out under 20% of the time. Prior to that, Rengifo was coming off three straight seasons where he posted a wRC+ over 100, including career-highs of a 118 wRC+ and 24 stolen bases in 2024. It's rare for 29-year-olds with solid MLB track records to settle for one-year deals. Rengifo's uncharacteristically bad 2025 has created a nice opportunity for the Marlins if they believe he'll bounce back. View the full article

Edwin Encarnación had maybe the most famous parrot outside of a pirate’s when he played for the Blue Jays. He was also pivotal to returning the franchise to October relevance. A three-time All-Star, an American League RBI leader, and the author of one of the most important home runs in Jays’ history, Encarnación appears for the first time (and most likely the last) on the Hall of Fame ballot this year. I watched him once in a spring training game in Sarasota, Florida, when he played for the Cincinnati Reds. He wasn’t a great fielder at third, but man, he could hit. His 16-year career included stops with the Guardians, Mariners, Yankees, and White Sox, but he made a name for himself with the Jays. Alongside José Bautista, they formed Toronto’s version of the “Bash Brothers.” Encarnación’s basic career ledger is imposing: 424 home runs, 1,261 RBIs, an .846 OPS, and a 123 OPS+. His overall Baseball Reference WAR rests at 35.3. For context, that’s comfortably above-average, and considering he played a lot of DH, his value was concentrated almost entirely in the batter’s box. Following a mid-2009 trade from Cincinnati in the Scott Rolen deal, Encarnación initially played third base for Toronto before later moving between first and DH. Earlier in his career with the Jays, they nearly let him go. In 2010, he was designated for assignment. Oakland claimed him on waivers, then non‑tendered him a few weeks later. Toronto eventually re-signed him. I'm not sure if it was ever directly attributed to Bautista, but Encarnación eventually found his power in Toronto. In 2012, he crushed 42 homers and had a .941 OPS. It was a season that saw him finish 11th in MVP voting and start a multi-year run of elite production. The start of that year also earned him a contract extension with the Jays. He signed a three-year, $27 million deal (with a $10 million club option for 2016) in July 2012. When you consider some of the Jays' hitting greats like George Bell, Carlos Delgado, Vernon Wells, Joe Carter and Bautista, it might be surprising to learn that Encarnación finished his time with the Jays third in home runs (239), while ranking among the top 10 in several other categories, including RBIs and OPS. He wasn’t just about power either. Encarnación paired his power with consistent plate discipline, maintaining walk rates of between 10-13%. That is much better than most sluggers when it comes to patience at the plate. There is no question that he is best known for his walk-off, three-run homer in the bottom of the 11th inning of the 2016 American League Wild Card Game against the Baltimore Orioles. If he had been able to maintain what he did in 2015 and 2016 throughout his career, his chances of being inducted into Cooperstown would have been improved substantially. He hit 39 home runs with 111 RBIs in 2015 along with a .929 OPS. The following year, he upped his home run output to 42 and increased his RBIs to 127. Those seasons were a bit of an anomaly for Encarnación. Sure, he drove in 100 runs or more in six seasons, but didn’t really get close to that output in most of the other 10. Encarnación was primarily a DH and first baseman for the majority of his career, so if you are looking for recent comparisons that would include Delgado, Mark Teixeira, and maybe even Don Mattingly. Teixeira had 409 career home runs and finished well above Encarnación in WAR at around 50. He only garnered 1.5% of the vote in his first year of eligibility to enter the Hall of Fame and fell off the ballot. Given that Delgado and Mattingly were both recently reconsidered by a Cooperstown special committee and fell short of the 12 votes needed for induction, the odds are not in Encarnación’s favour. One of the biggest hurdles for Encarnación’s Hall of Fame case is positional value. Voters have historically undervalued designated hitters, even those with elite offensive numbers. David Ortiz is the rare exception, and his induction was buoyed by postseason heroics and a larger-than-life persona. Encarnación’s career, while impressive, lacks that same narrative weight beyond his Wild Card walk-off. Bigger names like Cole Hamels, Ryan Braun and Matt Kemp are among the 12 newcomers on the National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot this year. Encarnación is also joined by Howie Kendrick, Daniel Murphy, Rick Porcello, Shin-Soo Choo, Gio González, Alex Gordon, Nick Markakis and Hunter Pence. Carlos Beltrán is among 15 players who carried over from last year. He came 19 votes shy in last year’s balloting. While Edwin Encarnación left the Jays in 2016 for a big contract with Cleveland, then proceeded to the Mariners, Yankees and White Sox, he will always be remembered for his contributions in Toronto. No doubt, part of that productivity resulted in him returning to the organization, where he continues to serve as a special advisor and assistant. Like a lot of former Jays, including Bell, Delgado, Bautista, and Dave Stieb, Encarnación’s contributions won’t be recognized by Cooperstown. Instead, we can look back fondly at his parrot and remember him and the teams he led during the 2010s. Ultimately, Encarnación’s story isn’t about a Hall of Fame plaque. It’s about moments that mattered for Toronto. From his 2012 breakout to his 2016 heroics, he helped define an era of Blue Jays baseball that reignited the franchise. For a generation of Toronto fans, his name evokes packed stadiums, deafening roars, and the thrill of meaningful October baseball. Edwin Encarnación won’t get a plaque on the wall in Cooperstown, but he gave Toronto something just as rare. He gave the franchise hope, excitement, and a return to the playoffs after two decades. In the end, that’s a legacy no ballot can define. If you watched the Blue Jays this past season, you might have noticed that Encarnación was frequently in the dugout as part of his current role with the club. He continues to mentor Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and others in the franchise, and that might ultimately be even more impactful than his playing contributions. View the full article

Last week, the Royals made a splashy move to shore up the bullpen, acquiring All-Star setup man Matt Strahm from the Phillies for Johnathon Bowlan. Kansas City's approach has centered on targeting specific needs, particularly in the outfield and bullpen, and leveraging its pitching depth in trades. The Strahm deal, which reunites him with the team that drafted him, is a cornerstone of this strategy. Matt Strahm Background Drafted by the Royals in the 21st round of the 2012 draft, Strahm came out of Neosho City Community College. He had dominated the minors with his best season coming in 2015, where he shared time in the Royals' Single-A and High-A affiliates, appearing in 29 games with a 2.59 ERA, five saves, 121 strikeouts, and .968 WHIP. He made his major league debut with Kansas City in 2016, appearing in 22 games with a 1.23 ERA, a 34 percent strikeout rate, and an xWOBA of .227. He struggled in his sophomore season, appearing in 24 games with a 14.3 walk percentage and a barrel percentage of 6.5, finishing with an inflated xERA of 4.09. Strahm would be sent packing in 2018, with Esteury Ruiz and Travis Wood going to the Padres in exchange for Trevor Cahill, Brandon Maurer, and Ryan Buchter; he appeared in 112 games with the Padres, posting a 107 ERA+. After one season with the Red Sox, he’d sign with the Phillies in 2023, where he’d be the anchor of the Phillies bullpen. Including a 2024 campaign where he received the only All-Star nod of his career, where he appeared in a career high 66 games with a 6-2 record, ranking in the 96th percentile in K% (33.3) and xBA (.187), 97th percentile in BB% (4.6), and 99th percentile in xERA 2.43. Matt Strahm Arsenal The 34-year-old lefty has a four-pitch repertoire that consists of a fastball, slider, sinker, and cutter. This season, he relied heavily on a fastball-slider combo, with his fastball being used at a 38 percent clip and slider at 32%. His fastball sits at 92.3, where it generated a putaway percentage of 23.4 and an xBA of .174. He uses his fastball heavily against righties, raising his usage to 44.8%. He struggled with the longball, giving up four home runs and a 45.8 hard-hit percentage that brought his run value down to -3. His slider comes in at his best pitch at a run value of +8 with a whiff rate of 30%, wOBA of 167, and a 28.8. His 87.7 mph cutter was his second-best pitch, which generated a usage rate of 14.6% but created soft contact with a 23.8 hard-hit percentage, and his second-best putaway pitch at 21.4, finishing with a run value of +4. Finally, at +2 run value, his sinker sits at 92.4 mph. Hitters were all over it last season, hitting at a .319 xBA, .506 xSLG, and xWOBA. Strahm will bring consistency and a veteran presence to an already strong bullpen with average velocity and nasty break pitches that generate weak contact. He is the perfect setup man for a hungry playoff team. View the full article

Freddy Peralta was a hot name at the Winter Meetings, and it looks increasingly likely that the Brewers will trade their ace prior to his final season of team control. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon reported that the Orioles, Red Sox, Yankees, Giants and Astros all expressed interest in acquiring Peralta, while our own Matt Trueblood added the Braves and Padres to that list. It would be a bold all-in decision for the Brewers to keep Peralta, but if (as expected) he is to be traded, here are a few returns we might see. Mets receive: Freddy Peralta Brewers receive: RHP Brandon Sproat (MLB Pipeline #5 prospect in organization), SS Elian Pena (10), RHP Peter Kussow (27) The Mets came out of the Winter Meetings with a lot of negative publicity, after watching the Dodgers and Orioles sign franchise mainstays Edwin Díaz and Pete Alonso, respectively. Acquiring Peralta would give the Mets and former Brewers GM David Stearns an experienced No. 1 starter to lead his young rotation. In return, the Brewers receive three players, headlined by Sproat, an athletic 25-year-old pitcher who can hit 100 MPH on the gun and sits around 96. Sproat struggled to generate strikeouts at his previous rate this season, in 121 innings at Triple-A and a brief 20.2 innings in the majors. Still, he has electric stuff; the Brewers can help him regain his dominance. Pena received the largest non-Roki Sasaki International bonus last winter, at $5 million, and is a robust hitting infielder who had a strong season in the Dominican Summer League. Kussow was the Mets' 2025 fourth-round draft pick from Arrowhead High School in Wisconsin, where he was a standout pitcher. Overall, the Brewers would receive an MLB-ready pitcher who should contribute to the team quickly, and two very talented 18-year-olds to develop. —Telemachus Rafaelidys Orioles receive: SP Freddy Peralta Brewers receive: OF Dylan Beavers (MLB Pipeline #83 overall prospect, #2 in organization), UTIL Jeremiah Jackson I’d like to preface this by saying that I’m quite bad at putting together mock trades. I’ve never worked in a baseball front office, nor have I ever worn a suit while attending a baseball game in person. Nonetheless, I think I’ve gotten good enough at the part where I point at good players and say “hey, they’d be awesome to get in a trade!” It’s the other part—the mental simulation of haggling; the imagining of leverage and negotiation—that I really struggle with. So if this trade seems unfair, it probably is, but that’s what makes this so much fun. A few years ago, Baltimore’s core of next-level position player prospects seemed to be the future of the AL East, but with disappointing results from pretty much everyone except Gunnar Henderson and a rotation that included 41-year-old Charlie Morton on Opening Day, this was a wash of a year. However, the Orioles now seem to be going all-in this offseason. They followed up trades for Taylor Ward and Andrew Kittredge with a $28-million free-agent contract for Ryan Helsley and a $155-million deal for Pete Alonso. Even after acquiring Shane Baz, the thing they’re missing is starting pitching, which has only marginally improved since the beginning of the offseason; they sent Greyson Rodriguez to the Angels to land Ward. In exchange for Peralta, the Brewers are still in need of more pop in their lineup. Only three players (Andrew Vaughn, Jackson Chourio, and Christian Yelich) slugged above .450 last season, and although Milwaukee made their small-ball approach work, their weakness was exploited by the Dodgers in a lopsided NLCS matchup. Dylan Beavers is Baltimore’s #2-ranked (and MLB’s #83-ranked) prospect, and had a solid showing across 35 games in the big leagues last year, posting a 125 wRC+. What’s more exciting is the 152 wRC+ he posted across 418 plate appearances with Triple-A Norfolk. While slashing .304/..420/.515 with the Tides, he also had a 16.3% walk rate against an 18.2% strikeout rate. His approach at the plate could be a major improvement over Isaac Collins in left field. Now that the Orioles have an excess of talent in the outfield with prospects like Enrique Bradfield Jr. and Ike Irish on the way, perhaps they’d be willing to part with him. Jeremiah Jackson was Mr. Do-it-All in 2025, primarily playing outfield for the big-league club but spending most of his time in Triple A playing shortstop and third base. Like Beavers, he had good power results, posting a 117 wRC+ with a .447 slugging percentage across 183 major-league plate appearances. He also posted a 182 wRC+ with a .673 slugging percentage across 171 plate appearances in Triple A. His career walk rate is just 6%, but he cut down on strikeouts significantly while in the minors last year, so he is trending in the right direction. This may seem like a lot to ask for one year of one pitcher, but it’s important to note that Peralta will be owed just $8 million from his club option in 2026 and has been a consistently solid starter since becoming a big-league mainstay in 2021. If Baltimore truly wants to be competitive in what may be the toughest division in MLB, this could be the deal that takes them to the next level. —Jason Wang Red Sox Receive: RHP Freddy Peralta Brewers Receive: LHP Kyle Harrison, RHP Kyson Witherspoon (MLB Pipeline #89 overall, #3 in organization), OF Nelly Taylor (15) After seeing what the Orioles had to give up for the Rays' Shane Baz, the package for Peralta should include an MLB-ready player, along with prospects that we can see make their debuts as soon as 2027. With the Red Sox showing interest in improving their rotation for this season, Peralta's $8 million salary is a nice, cheap rental, if not a player worth extending to keep the rotation strong beyond 2026. The club already added Johan Oviedo from the Pirates, as well as Sonny Gray from the Cardinals. So why not keep plucking from the NL Central and grab the Brewers' ace? He would easily slot into a prospective playoff rotation for them, and would be an upgrade over Patrick Sandoval, who is still coming off Tommy John. The Brewers would get a controllable asset back in Harrison, who, yes, is another left-hander when they already have five in the bullpen. If the Brewers see Ángel Zerpa, DL Hall, or even Aaron Ashby as potential starters taking the Jose Quintana role, however, a spot opens up for Harrison to slot in their place in long relief. The real prize in this package is Kyson Witherspoon, whom the Red Sox drafted in the first round in last year's draft. He has multiple plus pitches, including a mid-90s fastball, a sharp slider, and a cutter that is in the upper 80s and pretty consistent. He's still working on his changeup, but he does have a pretty decent curveball that's been given a 60 grade by MLB Pipeline. The downside is he hasn't made a professional debut, only starting in rookie ball this season. But don't be surprised if he becomes a top prospect in the future. Nelly Taylor, on the other hand, fits the mold and type that the Brewers organization has looked for for a while now. He's an aggressive, above-average runner who won Minor League defensive player of the year in his first full pro season. He's likely going to play center field, and would be a nice depth piece in a farm system that doesn’t exactly need immediate help in the outfield. Seeing as his bat speed has continued to improve over the last few seasons, maybe Taylor would see a path to the big leagues within the next season or two. —Ryan Pollak View the full article

The Twins’ 2025 season will not be remembered fondly, at the major-league level. For the second straight year, Minnesota faded badly in the second half, and the trade deadline only deepened the frustration. Fan favorites with multiple years of team control, like Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, and Louis Varland, were shipped out—moves that signaled another organizational reset, rather than a push forward. Those decisions understandably strained the relationship between the front office and the fanbase. Still, the offseason remains unfinished, and perspective matters. When you zoom out beyond Target Field and look across the organization, there was legitimate progress made in 2025. The Twins’ farm system provided some of the brightest moments of the year and offered a reminder of why patience still matters in the Twin Cities. Here are five ways to remember 2025, through the lens of Twins minor leaguers. Big Years from Gabriel Gonzalez and Dasan Hill If there was one clear takeaway from the farm system this season, it was the emergence of legitimate impact talent. Gabriel Gonzalez was named Twins Daily’s Minor League Hitter of the Year after putting together his most complete professional season. In 123 games, he hit .329/.395/.513 with a 148 wRC+, while reaching Triple-A as a 21-year-old. He showed improved plate discipline, consistent power to all fields, and the kind of offensive profile that now projects comfortably into a corner outfield role at the major-league level. Plus, he’s a right-handed hitter, something the Twins have lacked for that very role in recent seasons. On the mound, Dasan Hill earned Twins Daily’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year honors, and his rise felt just as meaningful. In 19 starts (62 IP), he posted a 3.19 ERA, a 3.35 FIP, a 31.1% strikeout rate, and a 15.0% walk rate. The 19-year-old took noticeable steps forward with his command and secondary offerings, turning raw arm strength into sustainable production. If he continues to make strides next season, he could enter the picture as a top-100 prospect. In an organization that continues to prioritize pitching development, Hill’s progress stood out as a significant win. Top Prospects on the Brink: Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez The Twins still possess two of the most intriguing offensive prospects in baseball. Walker Jenkins continued to validate the hype surrounding him, showing why he is viewed as a potential franchise cornerstone. He reached Triple A in his age-20 season, a rare feat, and posted a 135 wRC+ across three levels. Many national outlets will have him ranked among baseball’s top 10 prospects entering 2026. His combination of physicality, athleticism, and advanced approach at the plate keeps his ceiling among the highest in the system. Emmanuel Rodriguez remains a fascinating case study. When healthy, he is one of the most dangerous hitters in the minors, pairing elite on-base skills with game-changing power. While durability remains i doubt, however, 2025 reinforced that Rodriguez is not a fringe prospect. In 65 games, he posted a 135 wRC+ with an .839 OPS and a 20.6% walk rate. Minnesota allowed him to play in the Dominican Winter League, and he's posted a .292 batting average with a .417 OBP and a .646 slugging percentage for a robust 1.063 OPS over 18 games. He is a potential middle-of-the-order bat knocking on the door of Target Field. Cedar Rapids Wins the Midwest League West Division Title Team success at the minor-league level does not always translate directly to future wins in the majors, but it still matters. The Kernels had to win back-to-back games in the best-of-three series to clinch the Midwest League West Division title. Their run to a runner-up finish in the Midwest League Championship showcased a group that played meaningful games late into the season. It was the team’s third Midwest League Championship series in five years, showcasing that the organization is finding ways to win in the low minors. That experience is valuable. Prospects learning how to handle pressure, adjust during playoff series, and perform in high-leverage situations adds an element that development plans cannot fully replicate. Cedar Rapids finished the season with a 74-63 record. The Kernels’ success was a reminder that the system is not just producing individual standouts, but also competitive teams. Breakout Seasons from Connor Prielipp and Kaelen Culpepper Few prospects needed a strong year more than Connor Prielipp, and he delivered. After injuries slowed his early professional career, Prielipp finally enjoyed extended time on the mound and looked the part of a polished left-handed arm. In 24 games (82 2/3 IP), he posted a 4.03 ERA, a 3.54 FIP, a 27.0% strikeout rate, and an 8.5% walk rate. Earlier this winter, Derek Falvey mentioned him as a potential arm that could shift to a bullpen role for 2026. His ability to miss bats and attack hitters reestablished him as a meaningful piece of the pitching pipeline. Kaelen Culpepper also made noise in 2025, emerging as one of the system’s most pleasant surprises. The former first-round pick slashed .289/.375/.469 with a 138 wRC+ and 25 steals. His blend of athleticism, defensive versatility, and improving offensive output raised his stock, to something befitting a player taken higher than 21st in his draft class. Culpepper’s development added depth to a system that increasingly values flexibility and up-the-middle talent. A Restocked Farm System from the Trade Deadline The trade deadline hurt, but it served a purpose. By moving established big-league relievers and veterans on expiring deals, the Twins replenished a farm system that had thinned out in recent years. Minnesota acquired multiple prospects ranked in Twins Daily’s top-20 prospects, including catcher Eduardo Tait, right-handed pitcher Mick Abel, and lefty Kendry Rojas. Other prospects acquired include righty Ryan Gallagher, outfielder Hendry Mendez, righty Geremy Villoria, catcher Enrique Jimenez, righthander Sam Armstrong, and southpaw Garrett Horn. Not every prospect turns out to be a star, but the Twins need viable options for the long term. The incoming talent may not all become household names, but the organization added volume, upside, and developmental options across multiple levels. That matters for a front office that continues to operate under owner-imposed payroll constraints. Minnesota’s farm system is now ranked among baseball’s best, and the team will add to that depth with the third overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. A deeper farm system creates options, whether that means internal promotions or future trades that better align with competitive windows. The 2025 Twins will be remembered for another collapse and difficult decisions from the dugout to the owners' suite. The 2025 farm system, however, tells a different story—one of growth, opportunity, and a reminder that the next core of Twins baseball is still very much under construction. What stands out from the past year in the Twins farm system? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View the full article

For a contending team, it wouldn’t have been pragmatic for the Boston Red Sox to go into the 2026 season without additional depth at first base, a position that has been a glaring weakness over the past three years. Moreover, first base seemed to be the obvious place to acquire a desperately-needed power bat. Following the acquisition of Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals, Triston Casas faces an uncertain path to playing time in 2026. Let me start with this: I’m a vocal Triston Casas fan. In college, I took a break from following the Red Sox closely as my studies (and extracurricular activities) took precedence. After graduation, I started watching the team again, largely drawn back to baseball by Casas’ rookie season. As someone who’s also been labeled as quirky throughout my whole life, it was refreshing to see an MLB player with a similar personality on my favorite team. Growing up during the boring era of baseball personalities, Casas was like a shot of espresso. I love that Casas is unapologetically himself, from his adherence to routines (I also eat strawberries daily) to his love for sushi, and most importantly, his ability to demolish the ball. After finishing third in the 2023 American League Rookie of the Year voting, it looked like Triston Casas was going to be the Red Sox’s middle-of-the-order power bat for the future. In 2024, a rib cartilage tear sidelined him for most of the season. In 2025, a torn patellar tendon abruptly cut his season short. Due to Casas’ extensive injury history, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow was reluctant to name him as the team’s starting first baseman in 2026. Year PA BB% K% AVG OPS wOBA wRC+ WAR 2023 502 13.9% 25.1% .263 .856 .367 131 1.8 2024 243 12.3% 31.7% .241 .800 .342 120 0.6 2025 112 9.8% 24.1% .182 .580 .256 56 -0.6 Casas’ value comes from his bat, which peaked during his rookie season. His defense at first has been subpar, posting -9 Outs Above Average (OAA) in his 2023 rookie season, -2 OAA in 2024, and -3 OAA in 2025. On the other hand, Contreras is a plus defender at first, recording +6 OAA in his first full season manning the position. Back in June, Casas said he aims to be ready by Opening Day. The addition of Contreras alleviates the pressure on Casas to rush his recovery and return Notably, he has three remaining minor league options and could start the season in Triple-A Worcester. When fully healthy, Casas, as a left-handed bat, could work out some platoon with Contreras between designated hitter and first base. Figuring out what to do with Masataka Yoshida, the team’s designated hitter, is a bridge to cross later in this possible future. If Casas obliterates the ball in spring training, releasing Yoshida could be an option; the former NPB phenom has never provided much value defensively, and he’s a square peg in a round hole as a designated hitter. He profiles more as a contact hitter than the power bat that teams want from the position. Considering the uncertainty surrounding Casas’ health and questions about his performance returning from consecutive substantial injuries, however, cutting ties with Yoshida now would be premature. The Red Sox finally have depth at first base, a position that has only accumulated 1.4 fWAR for the team since 2022 (24th in baseball). Contreras himself brings his own history of injuries, albeit most of them were related to catching. Trading or releasing Casas when his value is at an all-time low would be short-sighted. At just 26 years old next season (his birthday is in early January), he remains controllable and won’t reach arbitration until after 2026. Take it from Breslow, who summed up the team’s approach: “(It’s an) opportunity to keep everybody fresh, to keep everybody involved and engaged at the same time. As we sit here in late December with Triston coming off of a season-ending injury, to get too far ahead of ourselves probably doesn’t make a ton of sense. To have right-handed impact, left-handed impact, both guys that can hit the ball out of the park, it’s going to make us better.” For now, patience is the best strategy. The Red Sox can afford to let the situation unfold. View the full article

The Ronny Henriquez news is a gut punch. After emerging as the most impactful Miami Marlins reliever in 2025, he has been ruled out for the entire 2026 MLB season following Tommy John surgery. Finding somebody to fill his shoes is a daunting task, particularly at this stage of the offseason with many of the most accomplished free agent relievers no longer available. That being said, perhaps it instills confidence in the Marlins front office to remember they originally acquired Henriquez as a waiver claim. Browsing the 40-man rosters of every team, I have identified three arms with many of the same attributes. While we can't count on them getting designated for assignment like Henriquez did, they should be attainable at a very low cost. The following pitchers each meet this criteria: Primarily used as a reliever by their current team Above-average fastball velocity Multiple secondary pitches with at least 10% usage Finished 2025 season healthy Out of minor league options Pre-arbitration eligible RHP Colin Selby (Baltimore Orioles) Major League Baseball made a rule change in recent years to prevent teams from constantly shuttling players back and forth between Triple-A and The Show. The Orioles pushed Colin Selby to the legal limit in 2025, optioning him on five separate occasions before we even reached the halfway mark of the season. A hamstring strain sidelined him throughout most of the second half. Selby's arsenal consists of a sinker, curveball, slider and four-seam fastball. The curve is his most intriguing weapon with massive vertical drop from his high arm slot and an average spin rate of 2,840 rpm. OTc5blFfVjBZQUhRPT1fRGdKWVVWQU1Yd3NBWFZOUVh3QUhCQUJVQUZsUlcxa0FCMU1HQVZBRENRSlhWZ0ZR.mp4 Selby is still under club control for six more years and landed 64.5% of his pitches for strikes in limited action with the O's, so it would almost certainly take a trade of some kind for the Marlins to pry him loose. Then again, Henriquez was in an identical situation last February when the Minnesota Twins surprisingly let him go. RHP Chase Silseth (Los Angeles Angels) Chase Silseth made the transition to full-time reliever last summer. From 2022-2024, his propensity for allowing home runs was a serious issue (19 HR in 89.0 IP). However, in 10 late-season appearances out of the Angels 'pen, the only batter to take him deep was Nick Kurtz. No shame in that. Silseth used to throw as many as seven different pitch types. In 2025, he simplified his approach—four-seamers and splitters to lefties, with the addition of sweepers and sinkers to righties. Although Silseth's upside is alluring, he had a lengthy IL stint for right elbow inflammation in 2024 and has only been tasked with pitching back-to-back days once in his professional career. RHP Carlos Vargas (Seattle Mariners) Carlos Vargas was already out of options entering 2025, so he spent the entire year on Seattle's active roster (excluding one series he missed while on the paternity list). He posted a 3.97 ERA with a 16.3% strikeout rate in 77 innings pitched. He stuck around during their postseason run, too. Leaning heavily on a high-90s sinker, Vargas is a ground ball machine (95th percentile among MLB pitchers in GB%). There were 12 ground ball double plays turned behind him, tied for the second-highest total of any reliever. cf960766-f4a78de5-d3ee3413-csvm-diamondgcp-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4 Vargas had jarring reverse platoon splits during his age-25 campaign—lefties slashed .205/.248/.341 while righties slashed .327/.404/.485. He could benefit a lot from learning a sweeper, much like Henriquez did upon being acquired by the Fish. View the full article

When thinking about who the most valuable players are, there is a lot to be considered. Obviously, talent and production are the biggest factors, but those are not the only things worth considering. Experience is a plus, but age can weigh down someone's value. A big contract makes a great player less valuable, while a cheap contract can make a mediocre player more valuable. Club control is extremely valuable, especially for younger players and top prospects. We've put together our list of who we believe the 25 most valuable Padres are this offseason, taking everything into account. Without further ado, here is the first segment of that list. 25. JP Sears, SP Sears came to San Diego as part of the Mason Miller trade, and at the time, many probably saw him as an afterthought. After all, he was not the centerpiece of the trade, and he only started five games for the Padres after being traded from the Athletics to San Diego. However, Sears is currently looking like he will factor into the team's rotation plans next April, and it makes sense. Between Opening Day of 2023 and August 4th, 2025 (his first start in San Diego), Sears never missed a start. He started 32 games for the Athletics in '23 and '24, and while his run-prevention numbers were not great (4.93 FIP, 4.46 ERA), he was worth 5.1 bWAR over those two seasons. Sears did show some regression in 2025, with just 0.8 bWAR and a 5.21 FIP, but unless San Diego makes more moves to add to their rotation, he will very likely get a chance to redeem himself as a starter in 2026. He is under club control for three more years, so if he does bounce back, he could become a more valuable asset to the Padres. 24. Yuki Matsui, RP Matsui was an underrated addition to the Padres' bullpen in 2024, and he's been a sneaky good player for San Diego the past two seasons. He's appeared in 125 games, throwing 126 innings and striking out 130 batters in the past two seasons. In that span, he has a 4.40 FIP, 1.262 WHIP, 109 ERA+, and 1.4 bWAR, with a 7-3 record. He has not done much in high-leverage situations, with just one save in 2025, but that's not necessarily an indictment of him. San Diego has had such a stacked bullpen, with guys like Robert Suarez, Jason Adam, Adrian Morejon, and Miller, that they have not needed Matsui to do much high-leverage pitching. That doesn't mean Matsui can't be a leverage reliever if they need him to. Matsui also has four more years of club control, as he won't reach free agency until 2030. The Padres owe the 30-year-old a significant chunk of money over the next three years, which lowers his trade value. He's owed $5.7 million in 2026, $6.5 million in 2027, and $7 million in 2028, before reaching arbitration in 2029. If Matsui does emerge as a potential set-up man or closer, that contract starts to look really good, but at the moment, it's an overpay for a solid middle reliever, which is why Matsui falls at No. 24 on this list. 23. Kash Mayfield, SP Mayfield has not reached the major leagues yet, but as a former first-round draft pick, he will hopefully get there soon. Mayfield was drafted 25th overall by the Padres in 2024, but did not get started in the minor leagues until 2025. He spent last season in Single-A, starting 19 games and pitching to a 2.97 ERA in 60 2/3 innings. He struck out 88 batters while walking 28. Mayfield will be 21 next season and will likely begin the season in Double-A. He might not reach the big leagues in 2026, but hopefully, he'll be ready to pitch in the major leagues by 2027. The 6-foot-4 starter is currently San Diego's top prospect according to Padres Mission, making him a realistic trade chip if San Diego wants to make another deadline move. 22. Xander Bogaerts, SS Bogaerts is the hardest player to rank on this list because of his contract and his declining production. The 33-year-old is still owed $203.6 million over the next eight seasons by San Diego. There's probably no getting out of that contract, although crazier things have happened. If San Diego wants out of Bogaerts (and let's face it - paying $25.4 million per year to a player with a 96 OPS+ in the last two seasons is not ideal), they would need to eat a significant portion of his contract. Or, they'd need Bogaerts to have a massive bounce-back in 2026, a bounce-back strong enough for another team to be interested in trading for him. For whatever reason, the infielder has not been the same player since he signed a massive, 11-year deal with the Padres ahead of the 2023 season. He was solid in 2023, finishing with a 117 OPS+ and 4.2 bWAR, but it was still his worst full-season since 2017. Things took a turn for the worse in 2024, turning in what was arguably the worst year of his career, as his OPS+ fell to 92 and his bWAR fell to 1.2 in 111 games. In 2025, he was slightly better, with 2.0 bWAR and a 99 OPS+ that hovered around league average for most of the season. His power has mostly dissipated, as Bogaerts has hit just 11 home runs in each of the past two years. While he was never known for being a power hitter, Bogaerts did average 19.4 long balls per season between 2016 and 2023. It feels like going forward, the Padres can only expect around 10 bombs from Bogaerts. Bogaerts is still valuable as a defender, with a solid shortstop glove. However, as he ages, that will almost certainly decline as well, leaving the veteran with very little to offer. 21. Ron Marinaccio, RP Marinaccio is one of the most intriguing relievers in the Padres' system. He's barely pitched in the big leagues over the past two years, having appeared in just seven games for the Padres in 2025 and 16 games for the Yankees in 2024. However, he's been good in those 23 games, with a 144 ERA+ and a 4.01 FIP. Before that, he was one of the Yankees' top relievers in 2022 and 2023. As a rookie in 2022, he posted a 2.05 ERA, 3.20 FIP, and 1.2 bWAR in 40 appearances, striking out 56 batters in 44 innings pitched. He has never matched the production of that rookie season, but based on his small sample size in San Diego last year, it feels like the potential is still there. He won't become a free agent until 2030, so San Diego has four years to develop Marinaccio back into the solid reliever he was in New York. He's also extremely cheap, as he'll be on a league-minimum salary in 2026 before beginning arbitration in 2027. View the full article

With the addition of KBO star Sung Mun Song and the re-signing of Michael King, it appears Padres general manager AJ Preller has finally come out of hibernation. Granted, he never actually went quiet, but Padres fans have grown accustomed to high-activity offseasons, and this year’s break has been quieter than usual in San Diego. One of the lingering rumors surrounding the Padres’ activity is that Preller has been listening to offers on superstar closer Mason Miller. Recently acquired at the 2025 deadline, Miller was dominant in San Diego last season, and trading him would be a huge mistake. Here’s what the 27-year-old produced in 2025: 61 2/3 Innings Pitched 10 Holds 22 Saves 2.63 ERA 2.56 xERA 2.23 FIP 2.27 xFIP 44.4% K-rate 12% BB-rate 2.0 FanGraphs WAR Regardless of the approach the Padres take this offseason, there is no reason to trade Miller. Not only is he an incredible player, but his age, contract, and skill set also make him a cornerstone for any organizational direction. Let’s say Preller isn’t able to execute any big trades or free-agent signings and instead decides to rebuild or retool. Miller should still, absolutely, be part of the future vision. In July, they traded the No. 3 overall prospect, Leo De Vries, along with other talent to acquire him. It’s unlikely they will find another team willing to offer a similar package. Trading Miller for a lesser return would mean cutting “losses” on not winning the championship last season, which is an unnecessary measure. If they decide to retool, Miller can be the anchor of the bullpen. He will be cost-efficient until he enters free agency in 2030, and keeping him as closer would allow the Padres to focus on other areas of the team. I assume a retool would include a shift in what the Padres are built around. Over the last few seasons, San Diego’s strongest dimension has been its bullpen. They finished top-three in FIP in both 2024 and 2025, while leading MLB with a 3.06 ERA last season. If they retool, they should let Miller carry the back-end load and throw 70+ innings at a cheap price, then use their other assets to build a more reliable lineup and starting staff. I find it unlikely they take it a step further and begin a full-on rebuild, especially given their two recent signings. However, if they did choose that route, they would be better off taking a shot at Miller becoming a starter. As I detailed after they acquired him at the deadline, Miller can be an elite starting pitcher. If he takes on that role and performs well, teams would be even more attracted to him, potentially allowing the Padres to receive greater value in a later trade. Now, if San Diego still hopes to compete for the NL West - let alone a championship - Miller should be a key piece of that plan. The stats speak for themselves, and there’s no indication his talent is going anywhere. His fastball averaged a career-high 101.2 mph last season, and although its Statcast run value was a mediocre +1 (down from a +11 in 2024), batters hit it to just a .171 xBA. The lower run value of the heater was likely due to opponents’ unsustainable 49.1% hard-hit rate against it in 2025. No advanced metrics project that dips to hold, and opposing hitters ultimately stopped hammering it once he got to San Diego. The issue stemmed from a short-lived early-season slump in Oakland. In San Diego, he produced: 23.1 IP 0.77 ERA 1.12 FIP 1.09 xFIP Along with his famous fastball, Miller’s slider is becoming the most dangerous off-speed pitch in baseball. As described above, teams were clearly sitting on his fastball last season. Instead of forcing the issue, Miller leaned into his breaking stuff. He threw his slider a career-high 46% of the time in 2025 at 87.8 mph - a 12.5 mph difference from his fastball. Production-wise, he was rewarded with a +16 run value, which sits in the top first percentile among all pitches in baseball, along with a 54.6% whiff rate. In a year where batters effectively squared up his fastball, Miller proved that opposing lineups will have to keep picking their poison - and even if sitting on one pitch works, he will still find ways to get you out. The production and electricity are undeniable. Still, it could be argued that Miller should be traded to help bolster other parts of the roster. That’s where you have to look at rival teams and evaluate what Preller has to do to build a competitive club. There’s no need to look further than the Los Angeles Dodgers: The defending two-time champions and a division rival. San Diego is a juggernaut in spending, but, like all teams, it operates with just a fraction of the Dodgers’ billion-dollar payroll. If the Padres are going to hold their own against Los Angeles, they need to find ways to acquire equal talent at a more affordable price. Shohei Ohtani is a unicorn who can’t be matched, but superstars Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado can, both financially and production-wise, match the Mookie Betts/Freddie Freeman duo. The pitching staff still needs some work, but if King and Joe Musgrove are healthy and Preller adds one more starter, they should have enough depth to throw a quality arm in every playoff game. As for the bullpen, the Dodgers just invested in All-Star closer Edwin Díaz for the next three seasons, paying him nearly $70 million. Keeping Miller as a closer is the only way San Diego can match the Dodgers’ newly acquired bullpen firepower - at a cost of at least $20 million less per season. With their former All-Star closer Robert Suarez gone to Atlanta this offseason, and other question marks surrounding the bullpen, the Padres should bank on Miller as the foundation of their pitching staff. He clearly has the production, talent, and potential to do so. Once that foundation is established, they can turn their focus toward improving an inconsistent lineup and starting rotation. View the full article

On Tuesday, the Chicago Cubs agreed to a contract with right handed reliever Jacob Webb, formerly of the Texas Rangers. The contact, as reported by Patrick Mooney, is a one-year deal with an option for 2027. Jacob Webb had a successful 2025 season with the Texas Rangers, as the 32-year old posted a 3.00 ERA over 66 innings. Webb features a fastball that sits around 93-mph while featuring a changeup and a sweeper. The reliever saw his K% drop from around 24% to 21% last year but still gets a lot of weak contact and forces hitters to get under the ball. One thing the pitcher does well; he gets pop-outs, inducing 21 of them last season. Webb did a great job of limiting damage across all three of his offerings last season, with xwOBA's on his three major offerings all under the .300 level with a .291 on the fastball, a .265 on his changeup, and a .257 on his sweeper. Because of his changeup, Webb actually had reverse splits last year, limiting lefties to a .243 wOBA in total (and has a better wOBA against LHH over his career). While the team has not added a "major" reliever to their bullpen, the Cubs have added a handful of useful arms between Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Caleb Thielbar and now Jacob Webb to help stabilize their pen. Webb likely won't settle into a back-end role, but could help to stabilize the middle-innings and could give the Cubs more match-up-options with his reverse splits. As well, Webb represents another contract that should not break the bank at $1,500,000, allowing the Cubs the flexibility this offseason on who or what their "big additions" could be. Tatsuya Imai or Alex Bregman both remain more-than-in-play from a salary standpoint after this contract. What do you think of the addition of Jacob Webb? Do you think he will help bring stability into the middle-innings? Sound off in the comments below! View the full article

On Tuesday, the Chicago Cubs agreed to a contract with right handed reliever Jacob Webb, formerly of the Texas Rangers. The contact, as reported by Patrick Mooney, is a one-year deal with an option for 2027. Jacob Webb had a successful 2025 season with the Texas Rangers, as the 32-year old posted a 3.00 ERA over 66 innings. Webb features a fastball that sits around 93-mph while featuring a changeup and a sweeper. The reliever saw his K% drop from around 24% to 21% last year but still gets a lot of weak contact and forces hitters to get under the ball. One thing the pitcher does well; he gets pop-outs, inducing 21 of them last season. Webb did a great job of limiting damage across all three of his offerings last season, with xwOBA's on his three major offerings all under the .300 level with a .291 on the fastball, a .265 on his changeup, and a .257 on his sweeper. Because of his changeup, Webb actually had reverse splits last year, limiting lefties to a .243 wOBA in total (and has a better wOBA against LHH over his career). While the team has not added a "major" reliever to their bullpen, the Cubs have added a handful of useful arms between Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Caleb Thielbar and now Jacob Webb to help stabilize their pen. Webb likely won't settle into a back-end role, but could help to stabilize the middle-innings and could give the Cubs more match-up-options with his reverse splits. As well, Webb represents another contract that should not break the bank, allowing the Cubs the flexibility this offseason on who or what their "big additions" could be. Tatsuya Imai or Alex Bregman both remain more-than-in-play from a salary standpoint after this contract. What do you think of the addition of Jacob Webb? Do you think he will help bring stability into the middle-innings? Sound off in the comments below! View the full article

On Tuesday, the Chicago Cubs agreed to a contract with right handed reliever Jacob Webb, formerly of the Texas Rangers. More details to follow.... View the full article

Fifty years ago, Major League Baseball was forced to adopt a rule change that would drastically change the sport forever. This wasn’t a traditional rule change like the universal DH, larger bases, pace of play initiatives or the shift ban. This was a change that would finally put more power in the hands of players when it came to where they played and how much they were paid. This rule change, of course, was the elimination of the reserve clause, which created modern free agency. Prior to free agency, a team held the rights to a player even after their contract expired. After a contract expired, the team could offer the player a new contract, trade them, reassign them to the minors, or sell the rights to another team. This left players with little-to-no negotiating power, as they could only ask for a trade/release or refuse to play. Since its inception in 1975, free agency has evolved and changed due to updated CBAs, but the bottom line remains the same: players now have much more influence in who they play for. Here is a list of the most impactful Cubs free agent signings of all time: 10. Rod Beck The 1998 season was a good one in which to be a Cubs fan. With a record of 90-73 (including winning a one-game playoff with San Francisco), the Cubs returned to the postseason for the first time since 1989. Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire each broke Roger Maris’s single-season home run record, with McGwire winning the home run race but Sosa winning the MVP. On the pitching side, Kerry Wood made his debut, and struck out 20 batters in his fifth career start. The one-year deal given to seemingly washed-up ex-closer Rod “Shooter” Beck seems like an afterthought, but his 51 saves were second in the NL, trailing only future Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman. He was also a great example of durability out of the pen, leading the NL in games pitched with 81. Though Beck was not an All-Star with Chicago, his 81 strikeouts and 1.3 WAR were the third-highest marks of his 13-year career. Beck was also a fun player to watch. He had a lazy-looking windup (it was slow and incorporated a pretty high leg kick), but he thrived off deception, so the unique delivery helped him fool hitters with his nasty forkball. Modern Cubs fans are used to feeling uneasy in the ninth inning, so it’s nice to look back to a time where they had a proven closer to lock it down. 9. Shota Imanaga Imanaga is the only current Cub who makes this list, and his inclusion speaks to what he represents outside of his pure stats. The two-time NPB All-Star was posted by his former team, the Yokohama Bay Stars, after the 2023 season. He spent much of his free agency in the shadow of countryman Yoshinobu Yamamoto, before signing with the Cubs in January 2024. The four-year, $53-million deal that brought Imanaga to the Cubs had some unique aspects that made it far from the traditional free-agent contract, and we saw this play out this offseason. After Year 2 of the deal, the Cubs had the option to extend the contract to five years, but if the Cubs declined to extend him, he could opt out. The Cubs did not extend him, and Imanaga ended up opting out, though he accepted the qualifying offer for $22.025 million over one year, instead. Imanaga will be back in the rotation in 2026, and while the end of his 2025 campaign rang some alarm bells, his time in Chicago as a whole has exceeded expectations. He has a 24-11 record, a 3.28 ERA, and 291 strikeouts across 318 MLB innings. His 2024 season alone cemented him on this list, as he went 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA, accumulated 3.0 WAR, and made the All-Star team. He also finished fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting and fifth for the NL Cy Young. Imanaga quickly became a fan favorite, as he and Justin Steele formed one of the best rotation duos in baseball. Hopefully, he regains some of his 2024 form for next season, but regardless of how 2026 goes, the Cubs would not have turned a corner without the help of Imanaga. 8. Moisés Alou Alou’s most memorable moment as a Cub is probably the most infamous moment in franchise history, but let's focus on the impact he made on the field. Before the 2002 season, the Cubs signed the 35-year-old to a three-year deal worth $27 million. (This was during a time when a player in his mid-30s could secure a multi-year deal, play almost every day, and be counted on as a middle-of-the-order bat.) In his three seasons with the team, Alou slashed .283/.353/.484, making an All-Star team in 2004 while finishing seventh in the league in home runs (39). He spent most of his Cubs tenure hitting behind Sammy Sosa, forming a powerful heart of the order that also included a young Aramis Ramírez. He was a key reason why the Cubs made it back to October in 2003, their first time since 1998. 7. Alfonso Soriano After Alou departed following the 2004 season, left field was a bit of a revolving door for the Cubs. Todd Hollandsworth was the Opening Day left fielder in 2005, but he was more of a bench bat during his years as a Cub. Prospect Matt Murton won the job in 2006, but he quickly proved that he wasn’t going to be the force in the lineup that many thought he would be. For the 2007 season, GM Jim Hendry needed to make some impactful changes to vault the team back into contention. One of those was signing lovable yet hot-tempered manager Lou Piniella, and the other was handing out the largest free-agent contract in franchise history (at the time) to Alfonso Soriano—an eight-year deal worth almost $136 million, nearly double what his former team, the Washington Nationals, were looking to give him. The five-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger was just coming off the fourth 40/40 season in MLB history, and the Cubs needed another star to pair with Derrek Lee and Ramírez. Although he was a streaky hitter prone to swing and miss, he still launched 181 home runs as a Cub, which is good for 12th on the Cubs' all-time home run list. In six and a half seasons with the team, Soriano slashed .264/.317/.495, made two All-Star teams, and played a key role in two playoff runs. Soriano is likely the second-most loved left fielder the team has had since 2000, trailing only Ian Happ. 6. Dexter Fowler In 2014, we saw the debuts of some of the eventual championship core. Anthony Rizzo was already entrenched at first base, but Javier Báez and Kyle Hendricks were called up for the first time. With Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, Addison Russell, Albert Almora Jr., and Willson Contreras on the way, Cubs fans could start to buy into Theo Epstein’s vision. Before acquiring Fowler from Houston for 2015, the Cubs had been using a merry-go-round of mediocre options in center field, such as Arismendy Alcantara, Emilio Bonifacio, Junior Lake and Ryan Sweeney. Fowler slashed a respectable yet unspectacular .250/.346/.447 in his first season in Chicago, but helped the team reach the postseason for the first time since 2008. The seven-year veteran brought leadership to a young, emerging team looking for a catalyst at the top of the order. It was rumored that Fowler was going to leave the Cubs to join the Orioles on a four-year deal, but that contract never got across the finish line. Instead, Fowler chose to surprise Cubs players and fans by returning on a one-year deal. Joe Maddon famously told Fowler “You go, we go”, and Fowler took that seriously. He had the best season of his career, he slashed .276/.393/.447 and had 4.0 WAR on the season, while making his first and only All-Star team. He had the lowest chase percentage in baseball, only swinging at 19.4% of pitches outside the strike zone. This was essential for a lineup that had a few free swingers in it. Even if he was not the catalyst or leader that he was, Fowler would be on this list, because he gave us one of the greatest greatest Cubs home runs of all-time, and became the first Black player to start a World Series for the Cubs. View the full article

If there is one tradition Derek Falvey truly embraces, it is waiting until the absolute last possible moment. Roster decisions, offseason direction, and now Christmas shopping all follow the same internal clock. With Christmas lights already boxed back up at Target Field, the Twins front office is once again sprinting through the metaphorical mall, hoping nobody notices the receipts. This year, Falvey reportedly made one strategic adjustment. The biggest gifts are being reserved for the staff members in charge of season ticket renewals. These employees have spent the last two seasons absorbing daily phone calls that begin with a long sigh and end with a threat to follow the Wild instead. After payroll slashing and with an on-field product that collapsed two years in a row, Falvey decided a fruit basket was no longer enough. Sources say the gifts include noise-cancelling headphones, premium stress balls, and a handwritten note that simply reads 'Thank you for your service'. The Twins briefly explored giving, raises but pivoted to something more flexible and cost-controlled. Not everyone on the list is still with the organization. Louis Varland reportedly received a Canadian-themed gift package to celebrate his first Christmas as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays. Inside was a collection of maple syrup, a toque, and possibly the contractual rights to Edouard Julien. Falvey framed it as a gesture of goodwill, and not at all a way to clean out the filing cabinet before the new year. The most elaborate gift may belong to Dave St. Peter. Falvey is said to be presenting the former Twins president with a 'travel the world' package, designed to keep him as far away from Target Field as possible during the upcoming season. The itinerary includes extended stays in places with no cellular service and absolutely no access to Minnesota sports radio. It is being billed as a wellness retreat for everyone involved. Other gifts are more symbolic. Derek Shelton is rumored to be receiving a laminated lineup card that never changes and a candle labeled 'patience'. Joe Pohlad is expected to get Commercial Real Estate for Dummies; no word on whether Tom will also get A Complete Idiot's Guide to Baseball. Twins fans are believed to be receiving an email promising clarity soon; it should arrive sometime after the snow melts. Falvey himself plans to keep things simple. He reportedly bought a mirror, wrapped it carefully, and labeled it 'culture'. In a season defined by austerity, it feels fitting. The Twins may not be giving fans what they want this Christmas, but at least everyone in the building knows the front office is thinking about them—even if it is at the last minute, and even if the receipt is definitely being kept just in case, View the full article

As the Padres look toward rebuilding the magic from last year on what is likely to be a reduced payroll, AJ Preller has made at least one curious minor league signing: Jose Miranda. The minor league contract, first reported by Aram Leighton, includes an invite to Spring Training. While it might not amount to anything, there’s a chance that Miranda could mirror another AL Central cast-off turned into a monster hitter by the Padres. If you’ve heard of Miranda, there is likely one of two reasons. First, he is the cousin of Hamilton and Encanto creator Lin Manuel-Miranda. The second was his surprising hitting steak; Miranda knocked 12 hits in consecutive at-bats, the first time ever in the Expansion League Era that dates to 1961. (For the pedantic, it also included one walk in the middle. But that makes it a plate appearance rather than an at-bat). Unfortunately, that spotlight has dimmed considerably for the hitter: last season was spent almost exclusively with Minnesota’s Triple A team, the St. Paul Saints, where he posted a brutal .597 OPS. A Puerto Rican native, the Twins drafted Miranda in the second round of the MLB Draft in 2016. In 2021, he shot up the prospect board with a .973 OPS between the team’s Double-A and Triple-A teams. His 2022 rookie campaign, mostly as a third baseman, included an impressive 15 home runs and 25 doubles with a .751 OPS over just under 500 plate appearances. The 2023 season, however, put a dent in the rookie sensation. He lacked both the power as well as swing discipline that solidified his spot in the line up, finally sitting out the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. Miranda quickly rebounded for the 2024 season. After Royce Lewis injured himself on Opening Day, Miranda quickly slotted back into his third base spot and proved his worth. Trading some power and few walks, he focused in on the swing zone while becoming a chase hitter, finding his way to difficult pitches to keep plate appearances alive. He eventually posted an impressive .319/.316/.510 through the end of July, including that impressive hitting streak. As Miranda told the Minnesota writers, “I’m extremely happy where I am right now. I have to keep it rolling.” Reader, he did not keep it rolling. After July, Miranda posted just a 53 WRC+ in the Twins’ 2024 season collapse that kept them outside the playoffs. While no one player can be responsible, his 63% drop was the worst among the flailing team. With Lewis back for 2025 and Miranda’s defense at third already considered subpar (he posted -7 Outs Above Average in 2024), the Twins slotted him as a potential 1B/DH combo. But just a couple weeks into the season, the team sent him down to Triple-A where a freak accident would sideline any comeback. While at a local Target, Miranda accidentally caught a 24-pack of water bottles awkwardly after it slipped out of his hands—enough to mess with whatever mechanics he had going. After returning, Miranda continued to find contact but ended up under the Mendoza Line for the St. Paul Saints with a .214 BABIP. Although he was never meant to be a slugger, any power felt drained. Even after the fire sale left the Twins in need of anyone with a glove, Miranda remained in the minors before the team cleared him off the 40-man roster earlier this off season. But that does not mean his story has to end there. If there’s a comp for Preller, it is certainly Gavin Sheets. Signed last year to a minor league deal, Sheets smashed a game-tying pinch-hit homer on Opening Day and kept himself in the line-up all year long with incredible clutches. While Sheets attributed his success to simply joining a winning team, he made critical adjustments across his swing profile, becoming one of the more dominant at pulling balls in the air, laying off first pitches, and significantly increasing his bat speed. While the Padres have signaled some interest in a reunion with Luis Arráez, Miranda could slide in with Sheets as a platoon at first base., Miranda’s previous success is more than Sheets ever had with Chicago; it’s now about simply unlocking what previously occurred. If anything, Minnesota has had a unique problem in recent years developing hitters, especially in their transition between Triple A and the majors. Any minor league contract is basically a lottery ticket; the Padres could score another huge jackpot if they can unlock his power. But this time, Miranda better not throw away his shot. View the full article

Milwaukee Brewers top prospect Jesús Made has all of the tools to be the team's long-term shortstop. Here is a quick breakdown of his five prospect tools, why he could make his debut early, and what gives him the nod over fellow Brewers pipeline names Cooper Pratt and Luis Peña. View the full article

Willson Contreras is officially headed to Fenway. While minor leaguers Hunter Dobbins, Yhoiker Fajardo, and Blake Aita are sent packing to Saint Louis. This solves a lot of problems for the Red Sox, but it raises questions for players like Triston Casas and Romy González. View the full article

As the end of the 2025 calendar year draws near, so does the deadline for tenured BBWAA members to vote on the next class of inductees for the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Ballots must be postmarked by December 31, and on January 20, we will learn which newcomers and ballot holdovers garnered the minimum 75 percent needed for enshrinement. Although Fish On First staffers do not partake in the official voting, we carefully analyze the candidates every year. If FOF was solely responsible for the class of 2026 HOF selection, who would make the cut? Ten of our staffers submitted ballots this year. Just as the BBWAA does, voters were permitted to choose up to 10 candidates. Players named on at least five ballots garnered a spot on the collective FOF ballot ("tie goes to the player," if you will). Honorable Mentions Félix Hernández, SP: For the second year in a row, King Félix finds himself a mere honorable mention, just missing as he appeared on four of the 10 submitted ballots. As we wrote last winter, Hernández's peak, while certainly comparable to that of a Hall of Fame pitcher, isn't accompanied by enough late-career years of serviceable performance. In his first year of eligibility in 2025, though, Hernández found his way onto 20.6 percent of ballots cast, a number that bodes well should his case be further examined as time progresses. With his career coinciding with a rapid decline in MLB's reliance on starting pitchers, Hernández would prove a worthy example to base future candidates' cases on. Mark Buehrle and Andy Pettitte, SP: Given the overwhelming similarities of their careers, I've lumped these two into one blurb. While he may never have screamed "ace," I am of the mind that consistency warrants serious Cooperstown consideration when it comes to Buehrle. His 13 seasons of 200-plus innings pitched—11 of which ended with an ERA+ better than league average—speak to that notion. Buehrle (3,283.1 IP and 117 ERA+) and Pettitte (3,316.0 IP and 117 ERA+) are two of 63 pitchers in baseball history to throw at least 3,000 regular season innings and post an ERA+ of 115 or better. Maybe not sustained greatness, but points for consistency. Cole Hamels, SP: If you're of the "need to see more crowd" when making the case against Félix Hernández, then maybe Cole Hamels is your guy. With comparable innings totals and nearly a 10-WAR lead over the former, Hamels was a workhorse relative to his era, throwing the sixth-most innings of any pitcher in the 2010s. Among the 89 pitchers who threw at least 1,000 innings in said decade, Hamels was one of just 14 to sport an ERA+ of 120 or better. He'll most certainly benefit from a feeble class of first-year candidates, though only three of our staffers had him on their ballots. If you want some more insight into Hamels, we published this piece discussing his Hall of Fame credentials. The Selections Bobby Abreu, RF MLB teams: HOU, PHI, NYY, LAA, LAD, NYM Seventh year of HOF eligibility While Bobby Abreu's peak was largely overshadowed by the likes of Barry Bonds and Co., Abreu put forth a decade of consistency that saw him as one of the sport's most complete position players. From 1998-2008, Abreu's average offensive season looked as such: 302/.407/.502/.909, 105 R, 22 HR, 96 RBI, 28 SB, 4.8 WAR. Of the 38 hitters with at least 5,000 plate appearances in that span, Abreu's 54.2 bWAR ranks seventh, just edging out the next-most valuable player, Carlos Beltrán. In the 2000's, Abreu's 2,785 times on base trailed only future Hall of Famer, Todd Helton (2,796). To illustrate his all-around offensive game, three players in MLB history have hit at least 275 home runs, stolen 400 bases, and posted a .395 or better on-base percentage: Barry Bonds, the late Rickey Henderson, and Bobby Abreu. Nine of our 10 staffers had him on their ballots, and when you put it all together, that sounds like a Hall of Famer to me. As of Tuesday morning, Abreu has received 45.0% of the BBWAA vote, according to the 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame Tracker. Carlos Beltrán, CF MLB teams: KC, HOU, NYM, SFG, STL, NYY, TEX Fourth year of HOF eligibility If Bobby Abreu was one of the sport's more complete players, his contemporary in Carlos Beltrán was that and then some. As we all know, Beltrán finds himself returning for a fourth try at induction due to his involvement in the 2017 Houston Astros sign-stealing schedule. While certainly a thorn in his legacy, Beltrán is among the game's most universally respected players, and the 70.3 percent he received in 2025 almost makes it a sure thing that he'll headline the class of 2026. From age 22-32 between 1999-2009, Beltrán was the only player in the sport to hit at least 250 home runs, steal 250 bases, and save 70 runs on defense, making him the fourth-most valuable player overall. He accrued 56.1 bWAR in that span alone. With all ten staffers in agreement, Beltrán's here, hopefully for the last time. As of Tuesday morning, Beltrán has received 77.5% of the BBWAA vote, according to the 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame Tracker. Andruw Jones, CF MLB teams: ATL, LAD, TEX, CHW, NYY Ninth year of HOF eligibility Andruw Jones is arguably the greatest defensive center fielder of all time. The native of Curacao paired his historically great glove with raw power, mashing 434 home runs over the course of his career. Trivia question: Who are the two players in MLB history to hit 400 home runs and save 200 runs on defense? Adrián Beltré and Andruw Jones. The Jones case isn't a definitive one, though, as noted by his many times on the ballot. From a statistical perspective, traditionalists scoff at the lack of counting stats. Largely done as a productive player after age 30, Jones bounced around from four times in his last five seasons, hitting .210/.316/.424/.740, respectively. While he never truly lost his feel on defense, the stark disparity between Jones' twenties versus his thirties was night and day. Upon retirement, Jones' career hit total of 1,933 and batting average of .254 had many casting him off as a viable Hall of Fame candidate, but one cannot deny the decade of dominance that saw him as one of the game's brightest stars. Off the field, Jones was accused of domestic violence against his now ex-wife, Nicole, a thorn in his case when considering the character clause. If Jones doesn't get the requisite totals needed, it would be because of these factors. Having polled at 61.6% and 66.2% in 2024 and 2025, respectively, it feels as though 2026 should be the year that Jones finally gets the call. He garnered unanimous support from our staffers. As of Tuesday morning, Jones has received 77.5% of the BBWAA vote, according to the 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame Tracker. Manny Ramírez, OF MLB teams: CLE, BOS, LAD, CHW, TBR 10th year of HOF eligibility If you're discussing the greatest right-handed hitters of all-time, it'd behoove you to mention the man born as Manuel Aristides Ramírez. There are only 18 hitters in major league history to take at least 9,000 plate appearances and retire with an adjusted OPS+ fifty percent better than league average. Of the bunch, only two aren't in the Hall—the aforementioned Bonds and Manny Ramírez, both of whom have ties to performance-enhancing drugs. While Bonds was never suspended for a failed test, Ramírez got popped twice, the second of which forced him into an early retirement in 2011. Had he played clean on the merits of his talent, Ramírez is more than likely already in Cooperstown, but his transgressions are why he's never received more than 34.3 percent of the vote. It is highly likely he falls short of the required 75 percent needed once again, though nine of the ten of us said what he did in the batter's box should be enough. As of Tuesday morning, Ramírez has received 32.5% of the BBWAA vote, according to the 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame Tracker. Álex Rodríguez, 3B/SS MLB teams: SEA, TEX, NYY Fifth year of HOF eligibility Álex Rodríguez is one of the greatest baseball players of all-time. Álex Rodríguez is also one of, if not the most, reviled player the game has ever seen. If Bonds is the name most think of when considering the Steroid era, then what transpired with Rodríguez was the manifestation of what most envision should have happened to Bonds. Failing PED tests in 2003 and 2006, as well as being named in the Biogenesis report in 2013, Rodríguez took any chances he had at the Hall of Fame and flushed them completely. His naming in the Biogenesis report netted him a 162-game suspension (originally 211 games before being reduced), then the longest handed out to an active player. The difference with the otherwise fringe HOF guys is that you felt you were watching a Hall of Famer when seeing A-Rod play. Does that absolve him of his sins? Maybe not, but it echoes a similar sentiment as to what was noted about Bonds earlier in his career with the "he was a Hall of Famer before steroids" quip. Voting for him will always come with some pause, but his on-field accomplishments—three MVPs and 696 home runs—are undeniable. Polling between 34 and 37 percent in his first four years of eligibility, it isn't out of the question for Rodríguez to see his fortunes change in the next six or so years. As of Tuesday morning, he has received 40.0% of the BBWAA vote, according to the 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame Tracker. Chase Utley, 2B MLB teams: PHI, LAD Third year of HOF eligibility The Cooperstown case for Chase Utley is a drum I'll continue to beat until he gets his just desserts. If he does find his way into the Hall one day, I would hope it serves as impetus to right the wrongs done to the likes of Lou Whitaker and Bobby Grich, both second basemen north of 70 WAR. At 64.6 bWAR, Utley is the twelfth-most valuable second baseman of all time, per Baseball-Reference. What he lacks in accolades, Utley makes up for in his all-around game, being one of only four players to simultaneously have 250 home runs, 150 stolen bases, and 100 runs saved on defense. Like Jones, he has fewer than 2,000 hits, but only four players hit more than Utley's 252 home runs as a second baseman. Fellow second baseman, Jeff Kent, was recently elected to the Contemporary Era Committee largely on the strength of his 351 home runs being the most ever for a player at the position, the Mike Piazza argument, if you will. However, Kent's 55.4 bWAR is nine wins short of Utley. Utley may not have been as overwhelmingly brilliant a hitter as, say, Ramirez or Rodriguez, but the amalgam of his skills are why all ten of us here at Fish On First voted for him. He saw his BBWAA percentage jump from 28.8 to 39.8 percent between 2024 and 2025, and as of Tuesday morning, he has received 60.0% of the vote, according to the 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame Tracker. Until he is a Hall of Famer, you can expect to hear more from me about Chase Utley. View the full article

The home stretch - the best assets available to the Royals coming into 2026. Four of the top five are homegrown, a testament to the Picollo regime after the dreary days of Dayton Moore. The number two asset being acquired via trade was one of the biggest differentiators between Picollo and Moore when Picollo completed the trade in the summer of 2023, his first trade deadline after taking over the role, as Moore had garnered a reputation for hanging on for too long and selling for too little. Let’s take a look at the future of your Kansas City Royals. Part 1: #21-25 Part 2: #16-20 Part 3: #11-15 Part 4: #6-10 5. Carter Jensen, Catcher Age: 22, Team control through 2031 Drafted in the third round of the 2021 MLB draft, Jensen has popped onto the major league stage after making his appearance in September this year. In 69 plate appearances, he had a slash line of .300/.391/.550 and a wRC+ of 159, meaning he was 59 percent better than league average at creating runs when adjusted for ballpark and other factors. He is the future behind home plate until Blake Mitchell comes knocking. Salvador Perez signed a two-year extension this year, but will most certainly be trading some of his own reps at catcher for more reps at first base and designated hitter, leaving the opportunity open for Jensen to build on his 2025. The biggest question will be how he adjusts to major league pitching over the course of a full season, but so far, the future is bright. 4. Jac Caglianone, Right Field Age: 22, Team control through 2031 The sixth overall pick in 2024, Caglianone made his debut at the beginning of June after demolishing minor league pitching in Double A and Triple A this year to the tune of a 1.025 OPS, 170 wRC+, and 20 home runs in only 66 games. That, coupled with the Royals' desperate need for an offensive spark plug, catapulted him to the majors earlier than most expected. In 62 games at the major league level, he struggled to a .532 OPS and 46 wRC+. However, this came with a .172 BABIP (batting average on balls in play), a 12% barrel rate, and a 77.4 mph bat speed (re: elite bat speed). He still has tremendous power and ran into some “bad luck”, but he will absolutely need to adjust to major league pitching to stay in the lineup, as he was already a strikeout risk in the minors chasing pitches 34 percent of the time. His 40 home run power and prospect status will see him get plenty of chances in 2026. 3. Maikel Garcia, Third Base Age: 25, Team control through 2030 with club option in 2031 Garcia is still letting the ink dry on a recent five-year extension for $57.5 million that will keep him at the hot corner for the foreseeable future. He broke out in a huge way this year, going for 5.6 fWAR, an .800 OPS, and close to a 20/20 home run and stolen base campaign while maintaining a 121 wRC+ and providing elite defense at a +13 fielding run value (97th percentile) per Baseball Savant. If we use the approximate dollar value per WAR of $9 million, 87% of Garcia’s new contract was payment for how well 2025 went. He provided 3.4 total fWAR in 2023 and 2024, so even if he averages 1.7 fWAR per year for the rest of the contract, he will be providing significant value to the Royals to the tune of a $19 million surplus. He has great plate discipline and is only 25, so he may add a little more muscle while he’s in his prime to garner some more power. 2. Cole Ragans, Starting Pitcher Age: 28, Team control through 2028 The Royals ace, Ragans, came over from the Rangers in the Aroldis Chapman trade in 2023, when the Royals signed Chapman to a one-year deal to use as a trade chip at the deadline, and what a return they’ve gotten. You and controllable pitching are sought after by nearly every team every year. Ragans has fit that to a tee after breaking out in 2024 and only improving his whiff and strikeout percentage in 2025. He pitched only 61 innings this year after dealing with a rotator cuff strain and had an ERA of 4.67, but all underlying advanced metrics show closer to 2.50, as he had some poor luck and was below average on his left-on-base rate. He has an electric slider, and his fastball velocity has returned to pre-injury levels. He’s projected for another 4.2 fWAR, 3.20 ERA, and over 170 innings, precisely what you want from your top of the rotation guy. Several rumors had his name swirling in the Royals' search for an outfielder this offseason, but J.J. Picollo has stated several times he’s not going anywhere. 1. Bobby Witt Jr., Shortstop Age: 25; Team control through 2030 with opt-outs from 2030-2033 and club options in 2035-2037. What more can be said about the 2019 second overall pick? He’s young at a premier defensive position and provides elite offensive production, speed, and defense. He’s the best Royals player since George Brett and has signed on for the long haul with his 11-year, $288 million contract in 2024. He’s given the Royals 18.5 fWAR over the last two years and is a consistent 30 home run, 30 stolen base threat. His contract escalates quickly over the next few years, going from $13.7 million in 2026 to $19.7 million in 2027 and then over $30 million in 2028 and beyond, but he has been worth every penny so far and will almost certainly continue this production in the future. You can likely count on one hand the number of other players that have the same value. He is the Kansas City Royals. This concludes our top 25 valuable Royals assets entering the 2026 season. Let us know if you agree with our list, who we missed, and who might be next! View the full article

Since visiting the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, it's been a small hobby of mine to track the balloting, predicting who will get in, and seeing how accurate the predictions are. With the holidays upon us and activity slowing to a trickle, it seems a good time to tackle the thought exercise of building my own proposed ballot. This is a fairly lean year for worthy candidates. Really, the only addition who has a chance is pitcher Cole Hamels. He doesn't get my vote because his peak was too low, and his career stats not impressive enough to make up for it. Sorry, too, to Nick Markakis, Howie Kendrick, Shin-Soo Choo, and Ryan Braun. All of them had solid careers; they can make the Hall of Solid. Vote 1: Carlos Beltrán Beltrán was a versatile, well-rounded player for his 20-year career. While he was never crowned MVP, he did make nine All-Star teams and win three Gold Gloves. Winning was his strong suit; he led five different franchises to the playoffs. Only seven other players have reached his 300-home run and 300-stolen base status. All of these make him worthy of enshrinement in his fourth year of eligibility. In his seven postseasons, Beltrán played at an extremely high level. His playoff slash line was .307/.412/.609 in 256 plate appearances. Through no fault of his own, Beltrán was eliminated short of a championship every year until his age-40 season, winning in 2017 as a mercenary for Houston. (Of course, he might already be in if not for the cheating he facilitated on that final team.) Anecdotally, the Puerto Rican center fielder was consistently thought of as a top player in the game, a truly graceful outfielder on both offense and defense. He's the most obvious vote on this shallow ballot. Vote 2: Félix Hernández Hernández did not have a long peak. He did have a seven-year stretch where he was a Cy Young candidate, winning the award in 2010. That year was indicative of his absolute dominance: 2.27 ERA, 7.2 WAR, 232 strikeouts in 246 innings. In that brief but brilliant span, he never had an ERA over 3.04, and consistently started over 30 games. Hernández won the Cy Young in a year when his won loss record was just 13-12. Voters for the award had to change their traditional voting pattern. In that same vein, pitching voters can now value peak over longevity. For a long stretch, he was the best pitcher in baseball, or at least on the short list of them. Injuries prevented him from sustaining this, but the peak gets him my vote here. Vote 3: Andruw Jones Cubs fans of the moment can appreciate elite center-field defense, after watching Pete Crow-Armstrong. Jones delivered that same level of defense for a decade—plus a 111 wRC+ bat. Jones had over 30 home runs seven times, peaking with 51 and 41 in 2005 and 2006. Also, not insignificantly, Jones won 10 Gold Gloves, although he played at a time when three center fielders could (and often did) win each year in the outfield. Anecdotally, Jones was a key part of the Atlanta Braves' impressive 1990s run. When you factor his team success, his prominence on the team, the all time great defense and solid bat, this is another guy worthy of the plaque. It's important to remember that he comes with significant off-field baggage. He was arrested and charged in a domestic violence incident in 2012, after a Christmas Eve altercation in which he choked his wife. Whether that should be disqualifying, though, is up to each reader and thinker; the incident occurred after his playing career was over and there are (sadly) many people who did similarly heinous things to their partners in the Hall already. Close, but nope: Dustin Pedroia, David Wright and Chase Utley: Great players, but injuries keep them just below the line. Bobby Abreu: Better than many remember, and modern stats love him, but defense and lack of elite elite numbers put him just short. It's a high bar, guys! Manny Ramírez/Alex Rodriguez: Numbers worthy, but too many steroid things. Precedent matters here. Since Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens failed to be enshrined for 10 years and recently were rejected by the Veteran's Committee, and they are better than Ramírez and Rodriguez, the vote still has to be a no. What do you guys think? Should Omar Vizquel get in, despite serious allegations that he was mistreating people even during his career? Andy Pettitte? Torii Hunter, a poor man's Jones? Thanks for reading. Enjoy your holidays, and your debates. View the full article

The Twins' rotation is far from finalized, but with as good a one-two punch as any team and a wealth of options to fill out the final three spots, they should feel great about their rotation depth headed into 2026. Should they take advantage of this and use their depth to fill out the roster elsewhere? Despite being less than perfect, the rotation was far from the biggest reason the team struggled in 2025. A lack of performance and depth in the lineup plagued the Twins for much of last season, and those concerns remain heading into 2026. With starting pitching always in high demand and the Twins likely to once again reduce the payroll, dealing from their group of potential rotation pieces is a creative way to take some swings at improving the lineup. Bailey Ober stands out as perhaps the most puzzling member of the potentially tradable group of starting pitchers. This year was an abject disaster for him: After a strong start, Ober became untenable in the rotation and was eventually placed on the IL due to a hip injury. He would return and look a bit better down the stretch, but his reduced velocity stayed that way, and he would finish the season with a career-worst 5.10 ERA and 19.2% strikeout rate. On one hand, Ober has been a durable mid-rotation starter for years, and it may be worth writing off one bad season in hopes of a rebound. On the other hand, Ober has battled injuries throughout his career, and there’s a chance it may have caught up to him at age 30. His fastball averaged just a touch over 90 mph and often sank into the high 80s in the middle innings in 2025. A pitching-needy team may see a worthwhile gamble in Ober. He won’t bring a star in return, but one rough season shouldn't totally torpedo his value. He may be the best option to trade for an MLB-ready position player, if the Twins feel comfortable letting him go. Another starter the Twins could ship out is Simeon Woods Richardson. Now out of options, Woods Richardson has to be carried on the roster out of camp. This lack of flexibility could push the Twins in the direction of trading him to a team with fewer candidates to fill out the back end of their rotation. Like Ober, Woods Richardson would not bring back premium value, but the return would have to make sense. He’s cheap, team-controlled, and capable of taking another step at just 25 years old. He may have already shown signs of doing so last season, as his new splitter became a weapon for him down the stretch. He offers a higher floor than many of the younger rotation options and may not be as lacking in upside as we once thought. If the Twins can find a position player version of Woods Richardson, a swap may be hard to pass up. The Astros could be interested in a swap like that, and Woods Richardson is a Houston-area native. The Athletics could fit on a deal. So could the Rangers. The less established rotation options can be grouped together when making a case to trade them. The Twins likely have their favorites among Zebby Matthews, David Festa, Mick Abel, Taj Bradley, and Andrew Morris, and it would come down to matching up how they value these names in comparison to other pitching-needy teams. Perhaps the Twins would be less inclined to deal from this group, before seeing them put together a bigger sample size. If another team is in love with one of them and is willing to blow them away to get their guy, though, the Twins may be wise to take a chance and improve their roster while reducing the logjam they currently have in the rotation. As things stand, it’s hard to find immediate space for everyone between both the Triple-A and big-league rotations. Some of them may transition to the bullpen, but there simply aren’t enough spots for everyone on paper. It’s possible the Twins' convictions about competing in 2026 are not as strong as we’d like to think. If that’s the case, they may very well choose not to get creative in trading team-controlled assets until at least the trade deadline. If they’re serious about getting this roster in shape, though, dealing from the rotation may be the best way to do it. Should the Twins dig into the starting rotation depth to try to build a more competitive roster in 2026? Are some of these potential rotation pieces better trade candidates than others? Let us know below! View the full article