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On Friday afternoon, right before the MLB Non-Tender deadline, the Royals announced that they had avoided arbitration with second baseman Jonathan India, agreeing to a one-year deal. On Twitter, Ken Rosenthal reported that the deal was worth $8 million, according to sources. India came over to the Royals last offseason from the Reds in exchange for starting pitcher Brady Singer, a 2018 first-round draft pick (both players played college baseball at the University of Florida). Last year, the 28-year-old second baseman was in the final season of a two-year, $8.8 million deal he signed with the Reds before the 2023 season. However, he still had one more year of club control after the 2025 season. It was a disappointing season for India, who posted an 89 wRC+, .301 wOBA, and a -0.3 fWAR, all career lows, according to Fangraphs. He also struggled with nagging injuries, saw his power stats decline (only nine home runs, also a career low), and failed to fit in defensively. He rotated between third base, second base, and left field early in the year but struggled and eventually settled back into his natural position of second base. Unfortunately, he posted a -9 FRV and -14 OAA, both career-worst marks, according to Statcast data. On a positive note, he still showed strong plate discipline with a 9.5% walk rate and 0.51 BB/K ratio. The latter mark was the sixth-best ratio of Royals hitters with 50 or more plate appearances last year. His Statcast plate discipline percentiles also looked strong, as illustrated in his TJ Stats Statcast summary. It is possible that the Royals could still trade India before Spring Training. They likely will return Michael Massey, who has primarily played second base the past two seasons, though he struggled with inconsistency and injuries last season. Nick Loftin is also an internal option, but he only has a career 72 wRC+ and 0.2 fWAR in 143 career games at the MLB level. If he is not traded, the Royals hope India can bounce back to the 2024 version that posted a 109 wRC+ and a 2.9 fWAR in 637 plate appearances in his final season in Cincinnati. Photo Credit: © Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images View the full article

The Minnesota Twins’ acquisition of Alex Jackson did not spark much excitement, and that reaction is understandable. Backup catcher signings rarely generate buzz. However, once you look into the underlying data, the move starts to look more interesting. There are several indicators that suggest Jackson could be a legitimately useful depth piece with room to improve. In his limited 2025 sample, Jackson looked like a different hitter. The changes were not just in the box score. They showed up in the underlying traits the Twins tend to value. His average bat speed jumped from 74.4 mph to 76.1 mph, placing him near Matt Wallner’s 76.6 mph. His fast-swing rate, which measures swings at 75 mph or higher, increased from 46.9 percent to 61.7 percent. Those types of changes usually correlate with more impactful contact. That improvement showed up in his batted-ball profile: + Barrel rate: 9.1 percent to 14.8 percent + Pulled balls in the air: 17 percent to 24.1 percent These results line up with the mechanical adjustments he made: + Open stance increased from 8 degrees to 14 degrees + Wider base from 35.5 inches to 36.5 inches + More pull-side attack angle from 5 degrees to 9 degrees These are not cosmetic changes. They are meaningful adjustments designed to access more loft, more damage out front, and more consistent pull-side lift. Jackson’s swing decisions and contact rate still need refinement, but he did make one positive improvement by cutting his chase rate from 36.6 percent to 29.0 percent. Jackson’s progress at the plate is only part of the story. His defensive work in limited time was encouraging as well. + 3 framing runs + 2 caught stealing runs His throwing strength stands out. Jackson averaged 83.4 mph on throws, which ranked sixth best in baseball. Christian Vázquez, for comparison, averaged 77 mph but paired that with an elite 0.59 second exchange. Jackson does not have that kind of transfer speed, but he possesses the raw arm strength that limits running opportunities. With solid exchanges and above-average carry, he should help the Twins manage the increased running game trend across MLB. No one should expect Alex Jackson to become a breakout star. That is not the role the Twins need him to fill. They need a backup who can receive a staff, manage the running game, produce occasional pull-side power, and trend toward better overall decisions at the plate. The available data suggests Jackson can check those boxes. His improvements in swing intent, bat speed, and discipline are not minor. His defensive metrics are similarly encouraging. This move may not be flashy. It is the type of depth addition that tends to look more meaningful as the season wears on. Based on what he showed in limited opportunities, the Twins may have identified a backup catcher who is quietly moving in the right direction. View the full article

The San Francisco Giants acquired outfielder Joey Wiemer from the Miami Marlins on Friday in exchange for cash considerations. Wiemer joined the Marlins in August when they claimed him off waivers from the Kansas City Royals. He quickly made it up to the major leagues on the heels of a Triple-A hot streak and Kyle Stowers' oblique injury. In 27 games, the 26-year-old slashed .236/.279/.436 with three home runs and an 88 wRC+. Thanks to great defense in right field, he accrued 0.4 fWAR in that small sample. The Marlins designated Wiemer for assignment this past Tuesday in the process of making room on their 40-man roster for prospects Joe Mack, Josh White and William Kempner. A significant factor behind the DFA decision? He is out of minor league options entering 2026. A transaction like this is a glorified waiver claim. Multiple teams put in a claim for Wiemer, valuing him enough to absorb him onto their roster, but none were willing to give up any of their own players in return. Even so, it's mildly amusing that Gabe Kapler's first "trade" since being promoted to Marlins GM involves the club he managed from 2020-2023. The most direct beneficiary of Wiemer's departure is Dane Myers. A fellow right-handed-hitting outfielder, Myers is three years older than his former teammate, but more disciplined at the plate. There is now a simpler path for him to make Miami's Opening Day roster in a part-time role if this outfield group remains intact for the rest of the offseason. For those interested in looking ahead, the Giants will visit loanDepot park next season from June 19-21. View the full article

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Baseball's offseason can be long and winding, sometimes boring, and other times hectic. For instance, today (at 3pm central time) marks the deadline for teams to tender 2026 contracts to their arbitration-eligible players and pre-arbitration players. Check back to this article throughout the day to see if the Twins have reached agreements with their arbitration-eligible players or if they will need to exchange values. Some of those decisions have already been made. The Twins DFAd three relievers, right-hander Michael Tonkin and lefties Genesis Cabrera and Anthony Misiewicz. They each became free agents. This morning, the Twins traded Saints utilityman Payton Eeles to the Orioles in exchange for catcher Alex Jackson. To make room on the 40-man roster, DaShawn Keirsey was DFAd. Jackson has played in parts of five big-league seasons and has just over three years of service time which makes him arbitration-eligible for the first time. Here are the eight arbitration-eligible Twins players with their MLB Trade Rumors 2026 salary projection: C Ryan Jeffers: $6.6 million (Arbitrary Thoughts) RHP Justin Topa: $1.7 million (Arbitrary Thoughts) The Twins had a $2 million team option for Topa that they declined. Adding the $225,000 buyout to his $1.225 million 2026 contract, Topa gets $1.45 million in an awkward total. RHP Bailey Ober: $4.6 million (Arbitrary Thoughts) RHP Joe Ryan: $5.8 million (Arbitrary Thoughts) OF Trevor Larnach: $4.7 million (Arbitrary Thoughts) 3B Royce Lewis: $3.0 million (Arbitrary Thoughts) RHP Cole Sands: $1.3 million (Arbitrary Thoughts) C Alex Jackson: $1.8 million Again, continue to check back throughout the day for more updates and to discuss. View the full article

We know A.J. Preller loves to wheel and deal in the offseason, making bold moves and taking big risks. Usually, that means moving players around via trade, but with the current San Diego Padres roster now full of expensive and burdensome contracts, it's getting harder to project which players might be brought in... and who might be sent packing. Here are a few Padres who could be moved this offseason via trade, and why. Gavin Sheets Sheets was a breakout offensive star for the Padres, despite not doing much in the field. He was signed to a minor-league contract and had to fight just to make the team in 2025, but he proved himself and emerged as a reliable member of the lineup, splitting time between left field and DH. However, if the Padres are not sold on Sheets' ability to continue to improve in the long term, he's exactly the type of player who would make sense as a "sell-high" candidate. There are definitely teams who would be interested in an outfielder coming off a breakout year, and entering what would theoretically be his "prime." Ultimately, it will be up to how much the Padres value him. Bryce Johnson Johnson probably will not be moved this offseason, but if a team is interested in the pinch-hit legend, the Padres should not hesitate to flip him for a more valuable asset. Johnson is a fun story, but not a starting-caliber player, and the Friars would be wise to recognize that and move him if they have the chance. Luis Campusano It's probably not going to happen because Campusano has simply been bad ever since being called up to the major leagues, but again, if the Padres are given an offer, it would be an easy decision to trade Campusano. The former top catching prospect has not done much of anything at the highest level, but the pedigree is there. Some catcher-needy team may come calling with a flier in hand that could interest Preller. Randy Vasquez Vasquez would make sense as a guy who could be traded as part of a larger deal. Obviously, the Padres will need at least one frontline starter to make up for the losses of Michael King, Dylan Cease, and Yu Darvish. Vasquez is the type of player who is a perfect trade chip as a "replacement" for an arm exiting a rotation (i.e., he could fill Freddy Peralta's spot in the Brewers rotation if Peralta is traded to the Padres). There would definitely be interest in Vasquez, who has improved in back-to-back seasons and looks like a promising young arm. David Morgan Morgan had a great second half of 2025 with the Padres, but he is still very new to the bullpen and has not yet graduated into many high-leverage scenarios. San Diego could dangle Morgan as a trade chip, and there would definitely be interested teams. At the same time, the Padres may be sitting on another reliever gold mine, so it might make the most sense to keep him around. Adrian Morejon On the other hand, San Diego would get some serious offers if they shopped Adrian Morejon. The hard-throwing reliever has been incredible over the past two years, even making the All-Star Game in 2025. Being a left-handed reliever works in his favor, too. Multiple teams found out in the playoffs this year that you can never have too many left-handed relievers. Whether or not Preller pulls the trigger on a Morejon deal probably depends on how he feels about the rest of the bullpen and if the team believes it can also survive the loss of closer Robert Suarez. Again, it feels unlikely, but in terms of creating a blockbuster centerpiece, Morejon might be the best candidate on the roster. Ultimately, this offseason will likely not feature nearly as many trades as past offseasons have. Nearly the entire starting lineup is locked into long-term contracts, while most of the rotation has reached free agency. It will be interesting to see how San Diego rebuilds and comes back stronger in 2026 with less flexibility (and prospect capital) to continue wheeling and dealing freely. View the full article

The Twins started their offseason by acquiring their likely backup catcher from the Baltimore Orioles in an arbitration-deadline-driven trade. Alex Jackson, a 29-year-old, power-first, defense-capable catcher who has spent most of his career on the fringe between Triple-A and the majors, will join Minnesota. In return, the Twins sent Payton Eeles, a 26-year-old utility infielder who has yet to make his MLB debut. Jackson is a right-handed hitter and the prototypical journeyman backstop: raw power, a strong arm, dependable defense, and plenty of strikeouts. A former first-round pick, he has consistently shown real pop at Triple-A — slugging .517 across his time at that level — but that production has never carried over against MLB pitching. Across parts of five big-league seasons, he’s hit just .153 with six home runs, limited by high strikeout rates and difficulty making consistent contact. That changed for the better in 2025. With Baltimore, he hit well at Triple-A (772 OPS) and briefly filled in behind Adley Rutschman in the majors (763 OPS over 100 PA). But he also qualified for arbitration this winter, and MLB Trade Rumors projected him to earn $1.8 million, making him available. For the Twins, who paid Christian Vázquez $10 million last year before he became a free agent, that's a relative bargain. Eeles, headed to Baltimore, gives the Orioles some middle-infield depth. At this time last year, he looked like one of the Twins’ most unexpected development wins, jumping from the independent Atlantic League in May of 2024 to Triple-A St. Paul by season’s end. Once in Triple-A, the then-24-year-old slashed .299/.419/.500 with eight homers, 20 steals, and a 14.6 percent strikeout rate over 260 plate appearances. His production this last year was down, but he still posted a .379 OBP. But Eeles is just 5-foot-5 and unlikely to grow into much power. He profiles as a pesky, contact-oriented hitter who can get on base, pressure defenses and swipe 20-plus bags with regular playing time. The Twins’ infield has several players the organization is more committed to developing, a fact underscored when Eeles did not receive a late-season call-up even after the team traded away ten players at the deadline. View the full article

Regardless of the shape the winter takes for the San Diego Padres in a financial sense, they have clear roster needs. On the positional side, they need a first baseman and they need a designated hitter (assuming they don't create a vacancy by moving a different position player via trade). Gavin Sheets figures to fill one of those roles, at least in a timeshare situation. Considering his defensive shortcomings as a full-time player, one imagines he's best suited for work as the extra hitter above a permanent position. Which means that first base stands as the largest positional need for the Padres as they venture into the winter months. The Padres primarily relied upon Luis Arráez at the "3" spot in the field in 2025. He logged nearly 1,000 innings at the position last year, with the eye test serving him a bit better than his -6 Outs Above Average. While he never looked quite as bad as the numbers might indicate, his light-hitting skill set was never meant for a position which demands a certain degree of power. The team's trade deadline acquisition of Ryan O'Hearn didn't do much to improve the offensive side, nor did it eat away too much from Arráez's time. The 2025 context notwithstanding, the Padres embarked on this offseason without a solution at first for 2026. Each of Arráez and O'Hearn are free agents and neither appears terribly likely to return given their respective struggles in various areas last season, as well as what they might be expecting in their next contract. Which means that, whether via trade or free-agent signing, the team needs to seek an outside source in order to fill that vacancy. Free agent candidates are likely out. Josh Naylor already re-signed in Seattle on a massive five-year deal. Pete Alonso will demand much more beyond what the Padres would be willing to offer. Many of the remaining options are players that linger around replacement level or aren't anything beyond bench bats at this stage of their career. Which means that if the Padres are seeking a full-time solution to their first base situation, it's going to have to come via trade; a complicated situation for a team sitting at the bottom of the farm system rankings. Which is why St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras may offer the most effective answer. Such a move would be the truest response to the need within the lineup. Though even that answer is not without complications, especially considering that this is the same Contreras you might remember from this interaction with the Padres in 2025: One never quite knows how much on-field turmoil like this impacts whether a player would play for the opposite franchise. We've seen players become declarative about not joining division rivals (Vladimir Guerrero Jr., for instance). But, candidly, if Contreras — who we're speaking about in this manner because he has a full no-trade clause — was hung up on joining teams with which he's had some sort of spat, that would drastically limit his market. He's a fiery player who joined his former club's biggest rival in St. Louis in free agency. It's hard to imagine this instance would deter him too much from joining a contender. But regardless of what unfolded in July of this year, Willson Contreras is very much a player in which the San Diego Padres should have interest. He's been a remarkably consistent player, even upon his transition to first base, maintaining a career 122 wRC+ and .202 ISO to compliment a .258/.352/.459 slash. As much as a deal in itself could be complicated, the fit is not. The Padres need right-handed power at first base. Contreras offers exactly that. Of course, you have to immediately navigate the aforementioned full no-trade clause. That's issue No. 1. Though if the Padres remain in contention in the National League, it's hard to imagine that as a significant hurdle to overcome. The Cardinals are rebuilding or retooling on some level to the point where the remainder of his contract could be spent with a non-contending club. One imagines the opportunity to compete in America's Finest City™ is an opportunity that the majority of players would find enticing. The contract represents the second complication. His deal, which runs through 2027 (with a 2028 club option), carries a $17.5 million AAV. As much as you'd love that level of cost-certainty for a steady bat in your lineup, whether the Padres can fit that into their payroll remains to be seen, given their much-more-significant needs that exist on the mound. But cost-certainty is cost-certainty, and that feels like an affordable price that fits within your contention window. If they can make the money fit, then it only enhances the logic. That, however, leads us to the third complication. The Padres have to have the prospects with which to part that St. Louis would find enticing. You're obviously not talking about one of the very elite bats that would require an elite farm system. But you are talking about an upper-tier hitter at a position of clear need. Even if the Cardinals are looking to get money off their books, it's not as if they're set to give Contreras away for the sake of freeing up money amidst a retool period. It will require at least one legitimate prospect or a volume in the way the Padres approached their deadline deal with Baltimore. In short, a hypothetical pursuit of Willson Contreras is the most logical position-player deal the team could pursue this winter. They need help on the right side of the plate. They have a vacancy at first base. Contreras offers a medium-term solution on both fronts. But they'll have to overcome a handful of complications toward reaching the logical path. Of course, if it was an easy process, then we wouldn't be talking about the San Diego Padres. View the full article

Bailey Ober had the worst year of his career in 2025. If an offseason full of rest helps him heal from a nagging hip injury, which is exactly what he needs, then the Twins have some better stabilization in their starting rotation, whether or not they trade Lopez and/or Ryan. View the full article

MLB Commission Rob Manfred noted this week that the Pohlad family’s sale of non-controlling shares of the Minnesota Twins to unnamed limited partners continues to move forward. Although there was no update about who the partners are or how long the sale process would play out, sources familiar with the negotiation process say the Pohlads are asking the limited partners how many Delta SkyMiles they have, as well as their access to the exclusive Delta Sky Lounge. “We really thought that by operating lean and keeping payroll in check, we’d be in a spot to get back to profitability,” said a front office source. “Unfortunately, this will be the third Thanksgiving in a row where the Pohlad grandchildren and great-grandchildren won’t be able to have a money fight on the front lawn of their Boca Raton winter house. The best way to make sure they don’t suffer such deprivation in 2026 is working smarter, not harder. That’s where Delta comes in.” “The jackboots in the league office say you still have to fly your players to road games even if they’re below replacement-level,” said a source in the team’s advanced metrics department. “That’s a lot of money for not a lot of ball player. The way you beat that is in the margins. The Dodgers and Yankees can pay for that stuff. We can have the limited partners drop the credit card benefits hammer and the next road trip is basically free. Especially if each player brings a Tupperware container to the lounge so they can load up on hummus and club sandwiches to go.” When asked if he thought about how this would impact the on-field product, the source started laughing so hard that his face turned crimson red before he began to cough and cry. Then he started laughing again, even louder, somehow. Image license here. View the full article

As Derek Shelton takes over as Twins manager, there have been plenty of questions swirling about whether he could manage the Pittsburgh Pirates to success. How will he do that in his new role with the Twins? Derek Falvey has stated that he believes this Twins roster is much different than the Pittsburgh Pirates team Shelton was charged with leading. At first blush, much of Twins Territory recoiled at that statement, seeing how far this roster has fallen and how much payroll has been slashed. The Twins have felt very Pirate-y very quickly, but maybe there is some truth to Falvey’s words. The Hitters The 2020 Pirates had some names that are now recognizable, but their 2020 versions were much younger and very different from the current versions we know. In the shortened 2020 COVID season, then 23-year-old rookie Ke’Bryan Hayes led the Pirates with a 1.9 bWAR in just 24 games, producing a 1.124 OPS. Next were a pair of the most elderly of the Pirates starting group, starting with the 30-year-old catcher Jacob Stallings, who posted a 1.0 bWAR, and 28-year-old infielder Adam Frazier, who turned in a 0.8 bWAR. Only three Pirates were able to produce an OPS above .700 for 2020. Those players being the aforementioned Hayes and Stallings, as well as Colin Moran. While the stats will always look strange when looking back at the 2020 season because of the smaller sample size of the shortened season, the Twins come out looking much better offensively, even after what is considered a failed season in 2025. Byron Buxton clearly leads the way with his 4.9 bWAR and .878 OPS. The Twins had their own rookie climb the leaderboard in Luke Keaschall with a 2.0 bWAR and .827 OPS. Of the players currently on the Twins roster, Buxton, Keaschall, Ryan Jeffers, Matt Wallner, Trevor Larnach, and Kody Clemens each posted an OPS above .700. In a limited time, Austin Martin and Ryan Fitzgerald did as well. Beyond the performance level in 2025, the Twins will have a mix of young players ready to hit the majors (more on that later) as well as a much more established set of veteran players than the Pirates did. As the Twins stand today, they will have Jeffers, Buxton, Wallner, Larnach, Clemens, and James Outman as potential regulars, all playing in their 28th year or older. The Pitchers At first glance, the pitching staffs are very similar in many ways. A young Mitch Keller was in place to lead the way for the Pirates, while the Twins have their own star in Joe Ryan. In 2020, Keller posted a 157 ERA+, and Ryan trailed with a 125 ERA+. The Twins next starter in line, Pablo Lopez, in his limited action, posted a 156 ERA+. The Pirates had three starters behind Keller, who posted an ERA+ above 100 in Steven Brault (134), Joe Musgrove (117), and Chad Kuhl (106). The Twins didn’t quite keep the same pace, with only Simeon Woods Richardson (107) joining Lopez and Ryan with an ERA+ above 100. While many production numbers between the two rotations seem similar, the Twins depth goes deeper than the Pirates did in 2020. Although there are still many injury and performance concerns amongst the likes of Bailey Ober, David Festa, and Zebby Matthews, there will hopefully be depth there for the Twins and Shelton to lean on. It is almost impossible to evaluate the Twins bullpen at this point. One advantage the Pirates had in 2020 was veteran Richard Rodriguez, who locked down the back end of the bullpen. Something the Twins do not have at this point in the offseason as they look forward to 2026. Prospects If the Twins roster hasn’t distanced itself from the 2020 Pirates by the players on the active roster, it is in the farm system that separation seems to be found. The Pirates had only two Top 100 prospects according to MLB.com in 2020: Mitch Keller (39) and Oneil Cruz (64). What is good for the Pirates is that in a world where prospects often fail, both Keller and Cruz turned into productive major leaguers. In the most recent update, the Twins placed four players in MLB.com’s Top 100. Walker Jenkins (10), Kaelen Culpepper (52), Eduardo Tait (57), and Emmanuel Rodriguez (69). Out of that group, two, if not three, of those on the list are within realistic striking distance of playing in the majors in 2026. Jenkins and Rodriguez are very close; Culpepper may be a long shot, but it is still possible he gets a call in 2026, while Tait will require a bit more seasoning in the minors. Prospects do not always produce in the way they are projected, but the Twins have a strong group coming up, and Shelton will have the opportunity to usher these top 100 prospects, among others, into the big leagues. Even though it felt a little crazy at first, Falvey seems right in his assessment that the Pirates roster Shelton took over “had a lot less talent on the roster than what we (the Twins) have right now that he’s (Shelton) is walking into.” With Buxton leading the offense, a good core of starting pitchers, and prospects ready to make the leap to the majors, the Twins, on paper, look like they are in a better starting spot than Shelton’s first go around as a manager with the Pirates. The real question now will be, not just how they line up against the 2020 Pirates, but how well they can perform against 2026 MLB competition. View the full article

After finishing the 2024 season with an 86-76 record and making it to the ALDS before losing to the New York Yankees, the optimism for the 2025 season was high. However, they finished this past season 82-80 and finished five games behind a Wild Card berth. This offseason will be crucial in getting back to the postseason, but as the team sets its eyes on the upcoming season, let's take a look at the positional depth chart, beginning with the middle infield. Second base Starter - Michael Massey (.244/.268/.313, 20 runs, 3 home runs, 20 RBIs, .581 OPS, and a 57 wRC+) Massey played 77 games this past season after missing most of the season due to ankle, wrist, and back injuries. When he returned in August, he finished the season strongly. His slash line after returning was .375/.412/.484 with a .896 OPS and a 151 wRC+. The negative about Massey's game is that, as a contact hitter, he won't contribute power production to a team that finished 26th in home runs (159) this past season. Massey played capably in the field, posting a +2 DRS (Defensive Runs Saved) at second base this season over 495 innings, though he had a zero outs above-average. Massey could also be used in the outfield or as a platoon at second base with Jonathan India, although India is weaker defensively. There's a massive production dropoff after Salvador Perez in the four hole of the Royals' lineup, which may lead to an offseason addition. Depth Jonathan India (28-years-old, .233/.323/.346, 63 runs, nine home runs, 45 RBIs, .669 OPS, and a 89 wRC+) India had his worst offensive season over his five-year MLB career. In his 567 plate appearances this season, he produced the fewest home runs and second-fewest runs and RBIs in his career, while carrying a below-average 89 wRC+ (career 104 wRC+). His runs and RBIs only beat the production he made in the 2020-shortened season. The 28-year-old needs to have a turnaround season in 2026 because he's not as strong defensively as Massey. India produced a -2 DRS over 591 innings at second base and -6 outs above average. He will likely DH during the season unless Perez needs to take a break behind the plate. Nick Loftin (27-years-old, .208/.278/.357 17 runs, four home runs, 20 RBIs. .635 OPS, and a 73 wRC+) Loftin won't offer much production offensively. However, he is a solid defender and can play multiple positions. In 91 1/3 innings at second base this past season, he had a neutral 0 DRS. He won't play many innings at second base other than occasionally. Loftin will more likely platoon in the outfield with either John Rave or Kyle Isbel unless injuries occur to Massey and India. Connor Kaiser (29 years old, one run, two RBIs, .563 OPS, and a -14 wRC+) Kaiser has only played in 14 combined MLB games over the last two seasons with the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks outrighted Kaiser off their 40-man roster, and the Royals jumped in to sign him to a minor-league contract. Kaiser was born in Overland Park, so he is returning home. Being 29, Kaiser won't have many years to prove he can handle the professional level. This season may be his last stop if he continues to struggle. Shortstop Starter - Bobby Witt Jr. (25-years-old, .295/.351/.501, 99 runs, 23 home runs, 88 RBIs, .852 OPS, and a 130 wRC+) Witt Jr. just won the AL Silver Slugger and Glove Glove Awards in back-to-back seasons and added a Platinum Glove Award this season. That's all that needs to be said. Depth Tyler Tolbert (27-years-old, 19 runs, one home run, six RBIs, .701 OPS, and a 92 wRC+) Like Massey, Tolbert will be used at a different position. Witt Jr. has played at least 150 games in all four seasons of his MLB career. Tolbert is a contact hitter, although he has an issue with striking out. The 27-year-old has struck out at least 20 percent of the time each season over his six-year professional career. He spent five seasons in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut this past season. He hit double-digit home runs once in his career (10 in 2023) and has struck out more than 20 percent at every level except for his stint in Major League Baseball, which was 19 percent. View the full article

Teams have until 7 PM Central on Friday to decide whether to tender contracts to their arbitration-eligible players for 2026. The Twins will be one of the busiest teams in the league at this annual miniature deadline, as they have seven eligible players on their 40-man roster right now—even after cutting three such players earlier this month. The headliner, of course, is Trevor Larnach. Though Ryan Jeffers, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober and Royce Lewis are all on the list with him, their places on the roster are relatively safe. The Twins might well trade any of the four within the next nine months, but they're not going to jettison any of them and lose them for nothing, just to save a few million dollars. Larnach is in a different situation. He batted .250/.323/.404 in 2025, but is now set to make nearly $5 million in his second season of arbitration and his penultimate year of team control. Those aren't atrocious offensive numbers, but for a guy with virtually no defensive value and little projection for growth left, they're underwhelming. Just as importantly, the Twins have a surfeit of young players with profiles sufficiently similar to Larnach's that they won't miss him if they lose him this winter. Cutting bait on him should free up a little bit of money to be spent elsewhere on the roster, but it will also ease the logistical crunch the team has been facing for some time. They're one of 18 teams who enter Friday with a full 40-man list, and while it's nice to know they aren't alone, they need more flexibility than that. Friday is their last chance to create an opening on the roster so that they can make a pick in next month's Rule 5 Draft, should they wish to do so. Moving Larnach aside would also make it easier to find playing time for Alan Roden, James Outman, Austin Martin, Matt Wallner, and outfield prospects Emmanuel Rodriguez and Gabriel Gonzalez. It would give the team a chance to slide Luke Keaschall to the outfield at times, and to play both Kody Clemens and Edouard Julien against right-handed pitchers at times. Larnach is a better hitter than Julien, but at this point, he's also a more expensive one, and Julien has the greater upside. Whether Larnach is simply released or traded will be interesting, but it's hard to imagine him coming back. Cole Sands will join Jeffers, Ober, Ryan and Lewis in being tendered deals, while Justin Topa is a borderline guy. To create more roster flexibility, the team could dump Topa as well as Larnach. It could come down to whether Topa is willing to agree to terms the Twins find team-friendly. If so, he'll stick around. If not, rather than take him through the full arbitration process and deal with the lingering uncertainty about his 2026 salary for another six weeks or so, the team is likely to non-tender him. Topa is the only obvious candidate for a pre-deadline agreement Friday, but similar ones for Ober, Lewis or Sands are also possible. Since they're likely to be subjects of trade discussions in the weeks ahead, Jeffers and Ryan could sign deals Friday, locking in their salaries and making negotiations a bit easier afterward. There will be news in Twins Territory Friday evening. It might be small, but the roster will further take shape, even if that comes only in the form of one or two existing possibilities being foreclosed upon. View the full article

It won't be a cheap run through the arbitration ringer for the Brewers this winter. They're likely to pay the quartet of William Contreras, Trevor Megill, Brice Turang and Andrew Vaughn somewhere between $25 million and $30 million in 2026, and that's despite all four having at least one more year of eligibility for arbitration after this. Jake Bauers, whose much-improved performance in 2025 should make him safe at this year's non-tender deadline, is in line to make another $2 million or so. Milwaukee will certainly tender contracts to all four of their major contributors who are eligible. Bauers is a trickier case, because even though he was so good this year and will cost relatively little in 2026, he can no longer be sent to the minor leagues. For an organization that prizes and always needs flexibility in its roster construction, having a non-regular locked into one of the scarce bench spots all season might be an uneasy situation. Still, those five all clearly deserve to be back with the three-time defending NL Central champions. Garrett Mitchell is also eligible for arbitration this winter, for the first time. He's set to make even less than Bauers and can still be optioned to the minors, if needed. He poses a different kind of problem for a team concerned with roster utility, though. Mitchell has only played 139 total games since the start of 2023, including his stints in the minors on rehab assignments. His inability to stay healthy (and the very real questions about how he can bounce back from a second devastating shoulder injury in as many years) makes it just as risky to lock him into a spot on the 40-man roster for a should-be contender as to do so with a 26-man roster spot for Bauers. Unlike Mitchell, Nick Mears is out of options, so he, too, damages the flexibility of the roster if the team tenders him a deal Friday. He's set to make roughly $1.6 million via arbitration, according to MLB Trade Rumors. That's not a prohibitive amount of money, but again, the most important question is whether he's a pitcher worth committing a place on the active roster to for the whole season. One can make compelling cases in favor or against him. Thus, Mitchell and Mears will be the names most worth watching Friday. The Brewers are likely to press each to agree to terms now, rather than tendering them a deal and letting the deadline to exchange figures (on Jan. 8, 2026) apply the pressure. Since these are fringe cases, each player will have to be willing to sign on terms the Brewers consider palatable, or they're likely to be released. In years past, this has often been a day when the Brewers would target a player another team was considering cutting and acquire them in trade. That's far less likely this year, with Milwaukee's 40-man roster quite crowded as it is—but it's not impossible. Nor is it out of the question that we might see the team agree to a multi-year deal with one of Contreras, Megill or Vaughn, taking them through 2027. Between those more remote possibilities and the very real one that we see either Mitchell or Mears traded or released, Friday will be an interesting day for Brewers fans. View the full article

Under no circumstances will the Cubs non-tender Justin Steele or Javier Assad Friday. Though Steele is unlikely to make it back from Tommy John surgery until midsummer, he's a vital part of their medium-term pitching plans. Both he and Assad, who is arbitration-eligible for the first time and projects to make less than $2 million, have trade value even if the Cubs ultimately build a pitching staff into which they no longer fit. That doesn't mean there won't be news about one or both of them before the end of the day. Chicago could try to strike a two-year deal with Steele, who is set to hit free agency after 2027, anyway. That would give them cost certainty for the balance of the term of Steele's team control, and let Steele dispense with worrying about his earning power as he rehabs throughout the winter and spring from his operation this April. Often, with players who are sure things to receive a contract, the deadline that spurs action on deals like that is the one for exchanging arbitration figures (which will be on Jan. 8, 2026), but getting Steele's salary figured out early would give the team more clarity as they plot an active pursuit of further pitching upgrades. Assad is less likely to settle on a salary Friday, but in his first year in the system, he has relatively little earning power. The Cubs might elect to lean on him and agree to terms early, if only so there's a fixed salary associated with him when (inevitably) his name comes up in trade discussions over the next six weeks. Since Assad still has minor-league options, the Cubs can afford to stash him in Triple A and keep him stretched out as starting pitching depth in 2026. That doesn't seem like the highest use of him at this stage of his career, but flexibility always has value—to the team that currently owns the rights to a player, and to trade partners. The other two Cubs eligible for arbitration this winter are on shakier ground, and will almost certainly be involved in a transaction Friday. In Eli Morgan's case, the question is whether the Cubs will jettison him by non-tendering him, or sign him to a low-dollar deal in the neighborhood of the $1.1 million he's projected to earn in his second trip through arbitration. If the two sides can't agree on a deal before the deadline, Jed Hoyer and company will probably just cut the righty reliever loose, but there's little roster pressure to do so. Chicago's 40-man roster still only has 32 players on it, so Morgan could easily survive. It's just unlikely that the Cubs let the question of how much he'll make linger past Friday, This deadline will be enough to spur action on such a fringy case. It's a different dilemma where Reese McGuire is concerned. After being an adequate stopgap amid Miguel Amaya's injuries in 2025, McGuire is under team control for one more season, if the Cubs are willing to pay him $1.9 million or so. However, he's ineligible to be sent to the minor leagues without being exposed to the other 29 teams. With Amaya and Carson Kelly set to remain the team's catching tandem of choice and Moisés Ballesteros available as at least an emergency option at the position, McGuire doesn't really fit the 2026 Cubs. They could non-tender him, but he should have (very limited) trade value, if they choose to extract it. Because McGuire is little more than a solid backup catcher, he won't bring back a player of any substantial value in a deal. Rather, the Cubs could swap him for a player with about the same ceiling but who isn't ready for the majors. It would have to be someone another team views as a potential strain on their own 40-man roster in the year ahead, but in a different way. Rather than being out of options or near free agency, like McGuire, the target would need to be a pitcher who projects to spend much of 2026 on the injured list or a prospect already on the 40-man roster who isn't ready for the big leagues but still has an option year remaining. Even that's relatively unlikely. The best bet is that McGuire would get them only cash. Usually, in trades like the one McGuire would be involved in, a team receives something like $100,000. The Cubs would thus save about $2 million by trading him. That's nothing to sneeze at, but most of those savings can also be realized by non-tendering him. Unless they get an offer too good to pass up, the team might release McGuire just for the greater goodwill doing so would engender. One way the Cubs position themselves to scoop up players like McGuire (or, for instance, Brad Keller, whom they signed on a minor-league deal last winter) is by cultivating a reputation for fair dealing with players in situations like these. Allowing McGuire to become a free agent and choose his next employer might be worth more to the team than they could acquire by trading him, payable in doors opened and calls taken by future free agents. Amaya and Ethan Roberts each fell about a week shy of qualifying for Super Two status, so the team only has Steele, Assad, Morgan and McGuire to worry about Friday. However, they might also make news in a different way. With other teams forced into tougher decisions due to crowded 40-man rosters and/or budget constraints, there will be multiple trades Friday involving not only players like McGuire, but slightly better ones who just don't fit their current clubs. With the extra space on their roster, the Cubs could be a destination for such a player. The Orioles are considering non-tendering right-hitting first baseman Ryan Mountcastle, who's set to earn over $7 million in his final year of arbitration eligibility. Coming off a poor season, Mountcastle isn't worth that much unless you believe he's due for a rebound, but he's a career .282/.334/.479 hitter against left-handed pitchers, and could be a nice bench bat for the Cubs, rotating in at first base and designated hitter to spell Michael Busch, Ballesteros and/or Owen Caissie in various configurations. Andy Ibáñez (of the Tigers) and Jonathan India (of the Royals) are also righty batters with good track records against lefties, coming off rough seasons and on the bubble as Friday dawns. There are also, inevitably, a dozen or so intriguing arms who might shake loose easily. It's a day for small moves, but for a team with few arbitration cases to worry about and lots of room on the 40-man roster, it's a day full of opportunities. The Cubs will make some news Friday, and it could begin to indicate the direction of the offseason to come. View the full article

The Blue Jays had several top prospects eligible for protection from the Rule 5 draft, which is coming up on December 10. Still, they only added one – left-handed pitcher Ricky Tiedemann (Jays Centre's No. 5 prospect) – to the 40-man roster before Tuesday's deadline. This was surprising, as I also expected No. 11 prospect Josh Kasevich to be protected as a possible Bo Bichette replacement, though his lack of power is a concern. Tiedemann was almost certain to be protected, given his strong performance when healthy. In his 2022 minor league debut, he posted a 2.17 ERA across three levels, with a 117:29 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 78 2/3 innings. He held opponents to a .149 average with a 2.51 FIP. Although he regressed on the surface in 2023, he still recorded a 3.68 ERA and an 82:23 strikeout-to-walk ratio in only 44 innings (due to a biceps injury). His 1.68 FIP was highly impressive, especially considering he pitched most of his innings at Double A. Tiedemann continued to deal with injuries in early 2024. In July, he was removed from a game and subsequently required Tommy John surgery, causing him to miss the remainder of the 2024 season and all of 2025. This lack of experience could impact whether the 23-year-old will pitch in the Blue Jays' big league camp during spring training. Tiedemann's pitching arsenal contains a mid-90s fastball, a changeup, and a slider. His deceptive low arm slot helps him rack up strikeouts, exciting Blue Jays fans. However, he relies heavily on his fastball-slider combo and will need to develop additional pitches or improve his changeup. Major league hitters may capitalize if he only depends on two pitches he can command. The Blue Jays will likely ease Tiedemann in next season, meaning he may not make the Opening Day roster. With Trey Yesavage, Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, and Shane Bieber set to return to the rotation, the team can afford to be patient when it comes to Tiedemann's MLB debut. If those four stay healthy, the Blue Jays may use Eric Lauer as their fifth starter, allowing Tiedemann to ease into the season. This could lead to a scenario that mirrors Yesavage's rookie season; the 2024 first-round pick debuted in mid-September and delivered clutch postseason outings, including seven one-run innings with 12 strikeouts in Game 5 of the World Series, helping the Blue Jays take a 3-2 series lead. Regardless of when it happens, Blue Jays fans should expect to see Tiedemann take the mound for the major league team at some point next season. View the full article

We know the Boston Red Sox like to make trades. Garrett Crochet came over in one, and Rafael Devers was sent to the opposite side of the country in another. In this two-part series, we'll examine the 10 players on the roster than most often find themselves ensnared in trade rumors. Let's discuss the pros and cons of trading each, as well as the likelihood that Craig Breslow actually decides to send them packing. 10. Ceddanne Rafaela, OF Pros: Rafaela has developed into the best defensive center fielder in baseball. He ranked in the 99th percentile in Fielding Run Value, 99th percentile in Outs Above Average, and 97th percentile in Arm Strength. Considering the Red Sox were one of the worst defensive teams in the league, his presence is essential to building the identity the organization has been pursuing, as evidenced by the signing of Alex Bregman and the acquisition of Carlos Narvaez last offseason. Rafaela also lowered his strikeout rate from 26.4 percent to 19.9 percent and improved his AVG, OBP, SLG, and fWAR, finishing with a 3.8 mark in the latter. Cons: While his highs are extremely high (e.g., the walk-off against the Rays), his lows are just as extreme. He hit .218 in the second half compared to .277 in the first and struck out 22 times in both August and September. He also ranked fourth in MLB in out-of-zone swing rate (42.2 percent) and ninth in zone swing rate (75.3 percent). His free-swinging approach is unlikely to change, and his streakiness appears to be part of the package. Trade Likelihood: Low Rafaela is highly likely to be protected, especially with rumors surrounding Wilyer Abreu and Jarren Duran as the offseason begins. Despite his offensive inconsistencies, his defense is an invaluable asset for what the Red Sox need. If a team insists on acquiring Rafaela over Abreu, a blockbuster scenario could exist, but given his team-friendly contract and the fact that he is coming off a career year, the Red Sox would be foolish to move him. 9. Masataka Yoshida, OF/DH Pros: Yoshida is a career .282 MLB hitter with an elite strikeout rate, providing stability in the lower half of the lineup. Before his injury-plagued 2025 season, he posted wRC+ marks of 111 and 116. He rarely swings and misses, and when he does swing, he consistently squares up the baseball. Cons: The drawbacks are significant. He is one of the weakest outfield defenders in the league, which is why the Red Sox have used him almost exclusively at DH for two seasons. Before the Devers deal, they had nowhere to play him and essentially stashed him on the IL and at AAA until a roster spot opened. At age 32 (33 in July), he is making $18.6 million annually, the third-highest AAV on the team. With limited power, he does not provide the offensive output expected from a DH and may be more of a roster clog than a core contributor. Trade Likelihood: Medium/Low A Yoshida trade would likely be a salary dump to create CBT space rather than a move to acquire impact talent for 2026. Boston does not have emotional investment in him, as he was signed under Chaim Bloom. Craig Breslow has already shown a willingness to move contracts he considers inefficient, especially ones he did not issue. A trade feels more “low” than “medium”; it will be difficult to find a team willing to take on his contract. To his credit, though, he is still an excellent contact hitter. Unfortunately, a 54.8 percent ground-ball rate from a DH is simply not tenable. 8.Payton Tolle, SP Pros: Tolle rocketed through the system last season, rising from High-A to MLB in a single year. His fastball is one of the best in baseball by underlying metrics, and he posted a 36.5 percent strikeout rate in the minors and a 25.7 percent rate in the majors—impressive for just 16 1/3 MLB innings. As the top prospect in the Red Sox's system on Talk Sox's rankings, his ceiling is extremely high. His elevated ERA should not deter evaluators. Cons: Tolle struggled with command in the majors, posting a 10.8 percent walk rate—three percent higher than his highest minor-league mark. It is normal to see regression in K%, ERA, or WHIP moving from the minors to the majors, but command tends to be a more stable skill. That must rebound for him to slot in as a reliable No. 3 or No. 4 starter. Trade Likelihood: Medium If the Red Sox pursue a major trade this offseason, opposing teams will undoubtedly ask for Tolle, a controllable lefty with premium velocity. Boston likely does not want to move him, but he could be a required piece in a deal for a pitcher of Joe Ryan’s caliber. 7. Kristian Campbell Pros: Like Tolle, Campbell is a high-ceiling, tools-heavy prospect with significant upside. He climbed from High-A to AAA by the end of 2024 and debuted on Opening Day this past season. Fans saw his potential immediately, as he posted a .902 OPS and a .301 average in April, earning a Rookie of the Month distinction. His 89.5 mph average exit velocity that month would have ranked 17th among all rookies this season. Cons: His strikeout numbers were unacceptable for a prospect with his profile, contributing to his .134 average in May. His defense at second base was also poor, ranking fourth-worst in MLB according to Outs Above Average. Additionally, Campbell struggled to keep weight on throughout the season, which contributed to his performance decline. Trade Likelihood: Low The Red Sox have gotten Campbell back into his routine and believe this offseason has been a valuable mental and physical reset. Breslow has also committed to starting Campbell in the outfield. That statement suggests he either believes Campbell can handle the position or sees him as a possible trade piece—but given that Boston already has four other outfielders, Breslow seems more likely to move one of them instead. Considering the eight-year, $60 million extension Campbell signed in April, the odds of a trade are low. 6. Garrett Whitlock, RP Pros: Whitlock dominated opposing hitters this season with a 2.25 ERA. Across 72 innings, he increased his strikeout rate by eight percent, and opponents hit just .205 against him. He also increased his sinker velocity by 2.2 mph, contributing to his highest ground-ball rate since his 2021 debut. Cons: Reliever performance can be volatile, as shown by Whitlock’s 2023 season, when he posted a 5.15 ERA in 71 2/3 innings. After that season, he threw only 18 1/3 innings in 2024 because of an oblique injury, raising questions about durability. He also appeared to wear down during the postseason, particularly in Game 3 of the ALDS against the Yankees. Trade Likelihood: Low Championship-caliber teams do not trade elite bullpen arms—they acquire them. Boston's current trajectory does not align with dealing a setup man like Whitlock. He offers immense value, and he could close for multiple teams, making him even more essential to keep. Any time the Red Sox entered the eighth inning with a lead and both Aroldis Chapman and Whitlock available, it felt almost automatic. The Red Sox should be focused on acquiring talent, not trading away up-and-coming or established contributors, unless doing so improves another area of the major-league roster. Breslow made four trades in one day already this offseason. It would not be surprising if he executes another substantial move in the near future. View the full article

We're still awaiting the official reveal of the 2026 Miami Marlins coaching staff, but these are the anticipated changes: Assistant hitting coaches Chris Hess and Corbin Day replacing Derek Shomon (now with the Chicago White Sox) First base coach Craig Driver replacing Tyler Smarslok (Washington Nationals) and Joe Singley (Baltimore Orioles) Bullpen catcher Harry Wilonsky replacing Chi Chi González On Thursday in winter ball, Jared Serna (Mexico) went 0-for-4 with a walk and Eric Rataczak (Australia) went 1-for-4. Only 125 days away from Marlins Opening Day. 🔷 The Marlins have signed two pitchers to minor league deals in recent days: right-hander Chris McKendry and right-hander Samuel Vásquez. Neither have prior MLB experience. McKendry has been knocking on the door at Triple-A for the past three years, though a lack of fastball velocity limits his perceived ceiling. Vásquez, on the other hand, occasionally touches 100 mph—he just doesn't really know where it's going. 🔷 Fish On First LIVE made its return on Wednesday, reacting to the Marlins' Rule 5 draft protection decisions and early free agent activity around the league. 🔷 FOF's Kevin Barral joined Jeremiah Geiger of Locked On Marlins to discuss the possibility of trading Edward Cabrera and the Marlins' pursuit of a veteran closer. 🔷 The Marlins will hold their annual Thanksgiving Distribution at loanDepot park this afternoon, providing meal boxes for 1,000 families in the Little Havana community. President of baseball operations Peter Bendix, president of business operations Caroline O'Connor and manager Clayton McCullough are all expected to participate. 🔷 The MLB non-tender deadline is today at 4:00 p.m. ET. Although Andrew Nardi is projected for a 2026 salary that's barely above the league minimum, MLB.com's Christina De Nicola previously reported that he is a likely non-tender candidate due to his lingering back injury. The Marlins 40-man roster is full, so non-tendering Nardi or anybody else would create the necessary room to acquire outside reinforcements. 🔷 La Gente del Barrio Foundation is bringing a celebrity softball game and home run derby to loanDepot park on December 6. The derby will feature Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and baseball's biggest Dominican stars, including Juan Soto, José Ramírez, Ketel Marte and Fernando Tatis Jr. With the derby being the main event, I'm perplexed that outfield seats aren't being sold (as shown below). Ticket prices start at $32. 🔷 Elsewhere around baseball, Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto, Japanese right-hander Kona Takahashi and Korean infielder Sung-mun Song were officially posted for MLB teams. The posting windows for Okamoto and Takahashi close on January 4, while Song's window closes on December 21. The Women's Pro Baseball League held its inaugural draft, which included 120 overall picks. Nick Nelson of Twins Daily wonders whether the Minnesota Twins will do a reverse of their original Pablo López trade and ship him out for an impact bat. View the full article

The Miami Marlins have inked right-hander Samuel Vásquez to a minor league deal with an invite to major league spring training, as first reported by Chase Ford of Milb Central and confirmed by the player himself. Originally a Cleveland Guardians prospect, Vásquez was acquired by the Washington Nationals two years ago via the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft. In 2025, he split his season between High-A Wilmington and Double-A Harrisburg, posting a 3.16 ERA in 57 innings pitched (46 G/0 GS). He walked 11.9% of opposing batters—that is slightly worse than average, but an encouraging improvement from his 14.6% rate in previous MiLB seasons. The 6'3" Dominican is entering his age-26 season. Vásquez's fastball velocity averages approximately 98 mph, based on my video review of several Double-A outings. He complements it by throwing sliders away to right-handed batters and changeups at the bottom of the strike zone to lefties. He had massive platoon splits in 2025, allowing a .443 OPS to RHB compared to a .845 OPS to LHB. c2ok9p_1.mp4 This will be Vásquez's first time as a spring training NRI. Last spring, the Nats brought him over from minor league camp for one brief relief appearance on March 10. He was also included on Washington's Spring Breakout roster, but did not pitch during that prospect showcase. Given his mixed MiLB track record (career 5.07 ERA) and limited upper-level experience, it would be a shock if Vásquez broke camp with the big league team. More realistically, the Marlins are hoping he makes enough strides as a strike-thrower to earn a 40-man roster spot by the end of 2026. View the full article

One of the Royals' 13 arbitration-eligible cases this offseason became clearer on Thursday. The Royals announced on social media that they had reached an agreement with reliever James McArthur, and Anne Rogers followed up by confirming that the deal would be for $810,000, about $10,000 higher than his projected amount on MLB Trade Rumors. As Rogers mentioned, McArthur didn't pitch all of last season due to elbow surgery and subsequent recovery, which turned out to be longer than expected. However, the fact that he began a throwing program by the end of last season suggests he will likely be ready for Spring Training this season, barring any setbacks. After a brutal MLB debut in 2023 (he gave up seven runs on six hits and a walk in an inning of work against the Guardians on June 28th), he ended up posting a respectable 4.63 ERA and 0.94 WHIP in 18 appearances and 23.1 IP. He came alive at the end of the season and took on the Royals' closer role in 2023, saving four games. He also posted a 25.6% K rate, a 23.3% K-BB%, and a 2.78 FIP in 2023, indicating he was better than his ERA suggested. McArthur was the Royals' closer for a period of time in 2024 after Will Smith struggled out of the gate in the role. He ended up saving 18 games in 57 appearances. However, his K rate dropped to 19.8%, his K-BB% fell to 14.2%, and his HR/9 rose to 1.27 (it was 0.77 in 2023). As a result, his ERA was 4.92, and he eventually ceded the closer role to Lucas Erceg after the Trade Deadline. Like in 2023, the 28-year-old former Phillies draft pick posted a better FIP (4.17) than ERA. While strikeouts were inconsistent, he has a career CSW of 31.9% and his TJ Stats metrics were solid in 2024, despite the rough patches and high ERA. McArthur posted a 104 overall TJ Stuff+ with his sinker (65) and curveball (70) rating as elite pitches. He also had a slightly above-average zone rate (50.2%), and solid chase (30.1%) and whiff (28.3%) rates. Thus, there's reason to believe that if fully healthy and in a lower-leverage role, McArthur could thrive in 2026 as a middle-innings reliever for the Royals. Photo Credit: © David Richard-Imagn Images View the full article

The Royals were active on Thursday evening, the night before the non-tender deadline. Their significant move was signing free-agent reliever Alex Lange to a one-year deal, first reported by Royals beat writer Anne Rogers of MLB.com. The Royals made the signing official later in the evening. Lange only made one appearance for the Tigers in 2025, as he spent most of the year on the IL recovering from lat surgery in June of 2024. Due to that injury, he only pitched one inning in 2025 and 18.2 innings in 2024 with Detroit. However, in 2023, he not only appeared in 67 games and pitched 66 innings, but also posted a 3.68 ERA and 1.33 WHIP, and recorded 26 saves as the Tigers' closer. Control has long been an issue for Lange at the Major League level. He has a career walk rate of 13.5%. Even during his 2023 season, he posted a walk rate of 15.6% and a K-BB% of 11.8%. In his injury-plagued 2024 campaign, he allowed a walk rate of 18.9% and a K-BB% of 4.4%. Despite those issues, the Lee's Summit West High School alum remains an intriguing project for the Royals and pitching coach Brian Sweeney. He sports a career K rate of 27.2% and a career CSW% of 31.7%, according to Fangraphs. Furthermore, while he pitched primarily in Triple-A in 2025, he posted some intriguing metrics, according to his TJ Stats summary. Lange posted an overall TJ Stuff+ of 102, and all four of his offerings sported grades of 50 or over, with his sinker and knuckle curve sporting 60 and 56 grades, respectively. While his ability to find the zone was inconsistent (42.3% zone rate), he still generated a 42.2% whiff rate and a .266 xwOBACON in 23.1 IP with the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens. Lange's addition fills out the Royals' 40-man roster, which was at 39, after the additions of pitchers Ben Kudrna and Steven Zobac. However, some roster spots could be cleared by tomorrow's 3 p.m. non-tender deadline. Photo Credit: © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK View the full article

After a third-place finish in National League Rookie of the Year balloting in 2024, Jackson Chourio had a slightly less impressive sophomore campaign. Plagued by some erratic swing decisions and a hamstring strain that cost him a month of playing time, Chourio still demonstrated a strong blend of power, speed and defensive ability, but his on-base percentage fell to .308. He put the ball in the air more often, but the majority of those extra fly balls went to the opposite field. The encore to Chourio's brilliant rookie showing yielded the sustained promise one might have hoped to see, but also some more difficult adjustments than expected. In one regard, though, Chourio did take the developmental step fans had hoped for. He became, by one measurement, the best hitter in the league against offspeed stuff. In fact, after being a total of 4 runs better than average on changeups and splitters in 2024, he was a whopping 14 runs to the good in 2025. In 2024, he batted .241, slugged .448 and whiffed on 34.2% of his swings against offspeed pitches. This season, he batted .431, slugged .810, and whiffed on just 27.6% of those swings. The change came because Chourio changed his timing a bit. Although his aggressive approach (his swing rate rose from 48.8% to 53.4%) would imply that he started earlier and would catch the ball farther in front of himself, in fact, he made contact about 1 inch deeper in the hitting zone against offspeed pitches and 2 inches deeper against breaking balls. That was with, as Statcast measures it, the same average bat speed on each pitch type in each season. You can see the way he effected that change by looking at what he did against fastballs. On heaters, his contact point remained constant, but his average swing speed spiked from 73.0 miles per hour to 74.3. Statcast reports swing speed at the moment when a player's swing intercepts the pitch (or, on a whiff, when they would have done so had they connected). Thus, although bat speed (the concept, as scouts evaluate it and players must train it) isn't inherently tied to timing, the stat you see if you visit Baseball Savant is. If a batter is making contact at the same point (relative to his body) while swinging substantially faster when they make contact, they started their swing a bit later. You can make the same inference if a hitter is swinging at the same speeds against given pitch categories but making contact deeper in the hitting zone, as is true of Chourio and offspeed or breaking stuff. That explains why Chourio was better in 2025 than in 2024, and on its own, it's a good thing to keep in mind. However, we also want to know why Chourio's ceiling against offspeed offerings is being the best hitter in baseball on them. To start that process, consider this chart: This plots a batter's average swing tilt (the angle between the bat's orientation at a specified point early in the swing and a hypothetical horizontal line running through the handle) against the percentage of swings against offspeed pitches on which the hitter's swing falls into what Statcast calls the Ideal Attack Angle range, from 8° to 20°. For those who are unfamiliar with attack angle, it's the angle at which the barrel of the bat is traveling at the intercept point on a swing, relative to the ground. As you can see, there's a strong, negative correlation between the input and the output. Against offspeed stuff, a flatter swing yields a greater likelihood of encountering the ball in the window where a swing is likely to generate squared-up, lofted contact. I've highlighted a few players at each end of the spectrum, to give you a sense of what each thing looks like. Guys who work steeply uphill on offspeed pitches tend not to catch them in the ideal window often, because hitters are more likely to be early on those pitches, and a hitter who already has steep swing tilt and is early on a pitch will end up with far too high an attack angle by the time the ball gets to them. Flat swings give a hitter more margin for error, because (relative to steep swings) the batter's attack direction (the angle of the barrel relative to an imaginary line from the mound to the plate at the intercept point) is changing faster than their attack angle as the bat passes through the hitting zone. Being fooled by an offspeed pitch produces a bigger change in attack direction (and a smaller one in attack angle) for a guy with a flat swing than for a guy with a steep one. Of course, it would be a leap in logic to assume that clustering around the ideal attack-angle zone automatically means producing more real value. In fact, it would technically be an erroneous one. Search for an individual-level correlation between attack angle, attack direction or swing tilt and production (here, we're using Statcast's Batter Run Value per 100 pitches as the proxy for production), and you won't find one—but that's because you'd be looking at the wrong thing. There are too many variables involved in producing value (even when we confine that definition to production against a specific pitch category) for swing tilt to shine through as a determining factor, for reasons we'll come back to shortly. For now, let's look at some data visually again—this time, in a table. Swing Tilt Range Fastballs Breaking Balls Offspeed 25° or Less -2.818 -2.026 -2.961 25-28° -2.31 -1.763 -2.711 28-31° -2.233 -1.746 -3.428 31-34° -1.634 -1.904 -2.852 34-37° -1.789 -1.244 -2.862 37° or More -1.547 -2.23 -3.201 That's the run value per 100 pitches (on swings only) for the whole league, broken down by pitch category and swing tilt. Yes, all the values are negative; taking a pitch is usually the better bet. All we need to focus on, though, is the relationship between the values. Notice that, for breaking balls and fastballs, the sweet spot for swing tilt is at the steeper end of the band. In fact, when it comes to heaters, the steeper, the better. That's almost true of breaking balls, too. Not so with offspeed pitches, though. The best value on those is in the 25-28° range. You don't want a slightly flat swing against offspeed pitches, but you don't want a very steep one, either. The best swings on those pitches are very flat or medium-steep. That's a compelling finding, but it's hard to parse. We can make it more manageable, as it turns out, by breaking things down by handedness and platoon split. Let's make a simple flat-versus-steep binary, just for convenience's sake. That way, we can focus on the variables of pitch category and platoon dynamic. Pitch Types RHH v RHP RHH v LHP Four-Seamers Whiff Rate RV/100 Whiff Rate RV/100 Steep 20.2 -1.813 17.2 -1.045 Flat 24.2 -2.415 23.3 -2.505 Sinkers/Cutters Steep 15.1 -2.173 16.2 -1.81 Flat 15.4 -2.448 16.6 -2.23 Breaking Steep 32.7 -1.788 30.6 -1.893 Flat 27.8 -1.878 22.7 -1.907 Offspeed Steep 35.9 -2.948 35.5 -3.165 Flat 26.9 -1.422 28.4 -3.132 Pitch Types LHH v RHP LHH v LHP Four-Seamers Whiff Rate RV/100 Whiff Rate RV/100 Steep 17.6 -1.396 20.8 -1.071 Flat 22.5 -2.874 22.6 -1.548 Sinkers/Cutters Steep 15.6 -1.202 17.7 -2.82 Flat 16.5 -1.845 15.8 -3.246 Breaking Steep 30.1 -1.553 33.8 -3.246 Flat 21 -0.957 30.2 -3.186 Offspeed Steep 32.1 -2.983 36.1 -2.693 Flat 25.4 -3.603 28.2 -4.851 This is a dense presentation of data, but I can break it down for you pretty quickly: regardless of batter handedness or platoon advantage, steeper swings do better on fastballs. That's a deeply counterintuitive finding, for most people, because fastballs come in flatter—but remember, we're not measuring the attack angle, here. A flatter attack angle is good and necessary against fastballs, but that stat captures timing. Swing tilt is a question of mechanics—of bat path—and steeper actual swings are more productive on heaters. Against breaking balls, righty batters with steep swings will whiff more, but they make up for that with better results on swings where they make contact; swing tilt doesn't make a big difference for righties hitting breaking balls. For lefty hitters, however, it does—at least against right-handed pitchers. In those settings, flat swings are better. Against southpaws, left-handed batters struggled mightily against breaking balls, pretty much regardless of swing tilt. Now, we come to offspeed stuff. Against those pitch types from left-handed pitchers, righty batters have the same dynamic as against breaking stuff from either handedness of pitcher. Steep swingers whiff much more, but basically make up that value on their other swings. Against righties' offspeed offerings, though, look at the glaring gap between flat and steep swingers. The righty hitter with a flat stroke is much, much better against same-handed offspeed offerings than is the one with a steep swing. Lefty batters, by contrast, do much better on offspeed stuff if they employ a steep swing, regardless of which hand the pitcher throws with (and despite whiffing more than their flat-swinging counterparts). Let's tackle that dynamic a bit more completely, by breaking things down in one more way. Here's the run value per 100 swings for both lefties and righties, on pitches on which they're either far around the ball (with an attack direction oriented at least 10° to their pull field) or not yet square to it when they hit it (with an attack direction of at least 10° toward the opposite field). I've also broken those swings down into three outcome categories, to illuminate how that value is generated. Attack Direction Heavy Pull In Play % Foul % Whiff % RV/100 (All Swings) RV/100 (In Play Only) RHH 26.1 35.5 38.4 -1.984 12.953 LHH 23 39.4 37.6 -2.572 12.95 Heavy Opposite In Play % Foul % Whiff % RV/100 (All Swings) RV/100 (In Play Only) RHH 30 44.4 25.7 -2.625 6.051 LHH 29.6 44.3 26.1 -3.151 4.651 The simplest way to frame this is: lefty batters depend more on being on time to generate value than do righties. When righties mistime it and either hit the ball the other way or pull it at steep horizontal angles, they do better than do lefties. Thus, a righty batter with a flat swing but a dangerous overall skill set is in really good shape to hit well against offspeed pitches. This has a direct application to Chourio, of course, but I learned a great deal about the nature of swings and their interactions with pitch type and platoons in the process. As our understanding of swing data evolves, we'll keep unearthing many unexpected insights into the complexities thereof. Today's is that steeper swings work against fastballs, and flatter ones can do damage against softer stuff—as long as you're a right-handed batter. That's how Chourio became excellent against offspeed pitches in 2025, but it's also why he might need to tweak his swing and generate a bit more tilt in it for 2026. View the full article

Among the developments that took shape for the 2025 Chicago Cubs was the establishment of long-term options on either side of the infield dirt. Coming off an impressive rookie campaign in 2024, Michael Busch further cemented himself as the team's first baseman of the future. His offensive output shot up all over the board while he continued capable of providing reliable defense. On the other side, it wasn't without its bumps (including an early demotion to Iowa), but Matt Shaw showed enough flashes to get another run as the team's starter at the hot corner in 2026. His glove is his primary asset (12 Defensive Runs Saved) with the bat showing out occasionally (130 wRC+ in the second half before an atrocious playoff run). What the Cubs possess in terms of contingencies for 2026, however, is anyone's guess. Justin Turner was the primary supplement for Busch at first. While Busch drew 155 appearances (131 starts), Turner's work against left-handed pitching got him in action for 39 games while Moisés Ballesteros drew in for a pair late in the year. Carlos Santana was in the mix for six games of his own. Third base was much more of a hodgepodge. While Shaw worked on his bat in Triple-A, Craig Counsell was forced to run out a rotation of Jon Berti, Vidal Bruján, and Nicky Lopez. Gage Workman got a few appearances early while Willi Castro had a few starts thrown his way after his acquisition at the trade deadline. Turner garnered 14 appearances of his own at the hot corner. That's seven players logging time at third base, with only Shaw remaining in the organization. Shaw's bat remains imperfect. That means that, as the Cubs build their roster for '26, they may want to explore the addition of a bench bat capable of giving him a blow as needed. First base, though, has some depth to work with beyond its current starter. First Base Starter: Michael Busch (.261/.343/.523, 34 HR, 4 SB, 140 wRC+, 3.5 fWAR) Everywhere you look, you see improvement from Michael Busch in 2025. His approach continued its refinement and he raised his contact rates while cutting his strikeout rate by five percent. The power was perhaps the most significant development that took shape for him last season, providing something sustainable in a Cubs lineup that struggled to find it at times. Some of that was due to Counsell playing the matchups and hiding him against lefties. The rest is the upside that was already present when he was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of 2024. He certainly looks the part of a long-term option at the position. Depth: Moisés Ballesteros, Jonathon Long With the impending departure of Kyle Tucker, it certainly looks as if Seiya Suzuki will get his playing time back on the outfield grass. That will, in turn, free up some time for Ballesteros as the team's designated hitter. And if the team is apprehensive about putting him behind the plate — which seems likely considering the presence of Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya — then Ballesteros could be on the roster as the team's designated hitter to start the year. That leaves him as an option to supplement Busch at first, though as a left-handed hitter, it's not as if he's going to steal starts. Even with limited experience, the fact that Counsell was willing to throw him a bit of time toward the end of the year indicates that we should expect to see him in Busch's stead at least on occasion, however. In the minor league ranks, Jonathon Long possesses some of the same skill set that makes Busch so intriguing. Long has an advanced approach at this stage (13.0 percent walk rate in Triple-A in '25) that feeds into his power upside (20 homers, .173 ISO). Initially a corner infielder, Long logged just nine games at third in 2025 against 115 at first base. Should the Cubs be in need of a longer term option for Busch at any point in 2025, he's likely the guy (barring any outside addition this winter). Third Base Starter: Matt Shaw (.226/.295/.394, 13 HR, 17 SB, 93 wRC+, 1.5 fWAR) It'll be interesting to see what shape Shaw's role will take for the 2026 Cubs considering the team is expected to be in on Alex Bregman again this winter. Would such a signing relegate Shaw to more utility duty on the infield? Would he become an immediate trade candidate? It's difficult to project. At this point, though, we have no reason to believe that the hot corner will belong to anyone other than Shaw next season, even as the offensive side of his game remains a work in progress. Depth: Pedro Ramirez Unlike first base, where you could see a path toward playing time for a couple of notable bats in the system, the Cubs have no such contingency currently in their organization. We've already noted the fact that Long hasn't played the position much recently. As such, Pedro Ramirez, who was just added to the 40-man roster, appears to be the most likely candidate to fill in. He's more of a light-hitting option on the power side (.106 ISO) but offers a solid approach and good on-base skills (28 steals). Where there are questions, though, is about how the glove will play, with reports citing his reaction time and arm. Ultimately, this is a clear area in need of a bench upgrade as the winter gets underway. The good news for the Cubs, at least, is that whatever outside depth they may pursue should provide at least a mild upgrade over what they ran out beyond Shaw last season. View the full article

Some of the names at the top of this list are returnees from last year, but the core of the team took on a very different feel after last season’s trade deadline. On paper, the Twins can roll out the same group and be somewhat competitive in the AL Central. However, there are no guarantees that every piece of the core will still be on the roster when the team reconvenes in Fort Myers. As the Minnesota Twins gear up for the 2026 season, the focus shifts to the core group of players who form the backbone of the roster. Some players have cemented their place as long-term building blocks, while others could be valuable trade assets. In this article, we rank the Twins’ most important pieces at the big-league level, considering their impact and the likelihood of them being traded before the 2026 season. 5. C Ryan Jeffers Pros: Jeffers emerged as one of the best offensive catchers in the American League over the last three seasons, with his 115 wRC+ ranking behind only Cal Raleigh and Yainer Diaz. His blend of power, improved contact ability, and comfort handling the pitching staff made him a vital part of Minnesota’s lineup. His leadership behind the plate and familiarity with the pitching core add intangible value that is difficult to replace. He has continued to show growth in game-calling and preparation. Cons: His defensive metrics remain inconsistent, which could lead to questions about his long-term fit as the everyday catcher. He's a below-average framer and blocker of pitches in the dirt. With only one season of team control remaining, his future in Minnesota becomes more complicated. The Twins have to weigh the risk of losing him for nothing against extracting value at a position where strong offensive performers are rare. Trade Likelihood: High He is only under team control for the 2026 season. The Twins will probably trade him this winter, or before July’s trade deadline. 4. 2B Luke Keaschall Pros: Keaschall’s stock soared in 2025 as he showcased a well-rounded offensive profile and MLB Pipeline named him to their 2025 All-Rookie Team. His bat-to-ball skills; aggressive but controlled approach; and knack for squaring the ball up (to get the most out of his below-average bat speed) quickly made him one of the most productive young hitters on the roster. His versatility gives Minnesota flexibility as they attempt to build a lineup with fewer weak spots. As he gets further away from Tommy John surgery, he can likely start playing the outfield again, too. Cons: His breakout season is based on a relatively small sample at the major-league level. Teams will want to see whether he can maintain his approach once the league adjusts. His ability to stick at one position is still in question, and while versatility is valuable, it can also create uncertainty about where he fits into future lineup plans. If another team sees him as an everyday player at a premium spot, Minnesota could be tempted. Trade Likelihood: Low Keaschall has too much upside and too many years of control for the Twins to seriously consider moving him—unless an overwhelming offer comes along. 3. OF Byron Buxton Pros: Buxton reminded the organization how valuable he can be when healthy. His defense in center field stabilizes the entire outfield, and his power-speed combination remains one of the most electric blends in the league. He won his first Silver Slugger and finished in the top 12 for the AL MVP. His leadership and presence in the clubhouse continue to matter, especially as the roster transitions to a younger core. When he is on the field, Buxton completely changes what the Twins are capable of doing. Cons: Health uncertainty remains the defining issue. Even though he made strides in staying on the field last season, Minnesota cannot ignore the years of injuries that have altered his long-term outlook. His defense took a step back in 2025, and he may need to move to a corner outfield spot with top prospects on the horizon. With a no-trade clause in place, any deal would require his approval, and his future becomes complicated if the club continues its shift toward youth. Trade Likelihood: Medium He has a no-trade clause, but rumors began swirling that he would be open to a trade if the Twins continue trading veteran players. 2. SP Pablo López Pros: When López is locked in, he remains one of the most reliable starting pitchers in the American League. He ranked in the top sextile of the league in limiting hard contact and inducing batters to chase pitches outside the zone. His strike-throwing, his ability to pitch deep into games, and the swing-and-miss sweeper (30.1% whiff rate) that has become his signature make him a legitimate top-of-the-rotation arm. He brings consistency and leadership to a staff that needs both during the transition to a younger core. Cons: He was limited to under 80 innings last season, after averaging over 186 per season from 2022-24. He returned at the end of the year and performed well, but Minnesota must determine whether the ace version of López will return. His contract, while reasonable for a frontline starter, represents a significant portion of the Twins' payroll. With multiple young arms nearing the majors, the front office may view this as the right time to reallocate resources. Trade Likelihood: High The Twins are on a limited budget and will need his $21 million for other parts of the roster. 1. SP Joe Ryan Pros: Ryan has developed into one of the most dependable and efficient starters in the rotation. His elite command, deceptive fastball, and growing secondary mix give him the tools to pitch near the top of a competitive staff. He was an All-Star for the first time in 2025, after multiple years in which he performed at an All-Star level. With two years of team control remaining, he remains one of the most valuable assets in the organization. Cons: As Ryan moves through his arbitration years, his salary will steadily rise, and Minnesota must decide whether they are willing to invest long-term in his profile. While effective, he does not possess overwhelming velocity (93.6 MPH on the fastball), and teams may question how his style will age. His value is substantial, and the Twins could maximize their return if they believe his ceiling has already been reached. Trade Likelihood: Medium-High Ryan remains a core piece, but his combination of performance, affordability, and projection makes him one of the most valuable trade chips in the organization. As Minnesota enters a pivotal offseason, decisions regarding these core players will shape not just the 2026 roster but also the franchise's trajectory for years to come. The front office must balance financial limitations, timelines for emerging prospects, and the desire to remain competitive in an ever-changing division. Some of these players figure to anchor the next contending Twins team, while others may ultimately bring back the pieces needed to build it. Whether Minnesota chooses stability or a bold reset, this winter will reveal precisely how the organization views its core and how committed it is to reshaping the roster for a more sustainable future. Will any of the players above be traded this winter? Which player is the most critical building block? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View the full article

I don’t know if other Royals fans do this, but every year on September 30, I watch highlights of the 2014 American League Wild Card Game. September 30, 2014, was “the night Kansas City baseball came back to life,” as beat writer Andy McCullough beautifully titled his 2015 retrospective. Exactly nine years prior, playing out the string of what was then the worst season in team history, the Royals got blasted 10-1 by the Toronto Blue Jays. What do these two games have in common? I’m so glad you asked. Before we get to that answer, why does a framed lineup card from this game hang proudly in my parents’ basement? Perhaps it’s a memorial to all of the games like this one we sat through at the K during my childhood, even though this game was in Toronto. I grew up in Liberty, MO, a proud Royals fan even during the lean years of the mid-2000s. My dad had a 20-game season ticket package for Section 232, Row BB, Seats 3-6. I’ll remember those numbers forever. In this series at Royals Keep, I’ll look back on Royals history from this century, the good and the bad, through the lens of memorabilia. For the record, I believe my dad got this lineup card from a family friend who worked for the team. Making his last start of the 2005 campaign in this game was a young Zack Greinke. It so happened that the future Hall of Famer had a terrible year: his 17 losses led the AL, and Greinke finished with a 5.80 ERA and an ERA+ of 76 (100 is the league average). He lurched through four innings in this game, allowing seven runs and finishing with a game score of 17. It’s not like the 2005 Blue Jays were an offensive juggernaut either. They finished collectively with a 94 OPS+. Still in their mid-to-late 20s were hitters like Vernon Wells, Orlando Hudson, and Alex Rios, all of whom had productive careers but were still finding their footing. Managing the squad in his first full season was John Gibbons, who later served as the bench coach for the Royals under both Trey Hillman and Ned Yost. On the mound for Toronto was righty Josh Towers, wrapping up the best season of his career. Aaron Guiel’s pop-up to lead off the game put Towers over the 200-inning threshold, and he finished the year with a 3.76 ERA and 3.6 fWAR, over half his career total. Towers pitched a complete game, throwing his nine frames in just 94 pitches, scattering nine hits and striking out six Royals. The best part of these meaningless September games is often the young prospects or career minor leaguers who get a cup of coffee in the big leagues. This was much more prevalent with rosters expanded to 40 slots, which were curtailed to 28 in 2020. John-Ford Griffin only got 23 MLB at-bats, but he produced 28% of his career hits and 44% of his career RBIs in this contest. The former first-round pick, batting ninth as the designated hitter, doubled off of Greinke and batted in four as the Blue Jays raced to a 10-1 win in a snappy 2 hours and 16 minutes (pre-pitch clock!) Watching Griffin’s career game from the bullpen was a young Blue Jays pitcher named Jason Frasor. Little did he know that exactly nine years later, he would allow a go-ahead single to Alberto Callaspo before a young Royals catcher pulled a cathartic double down the left field line. That’s right, the winning pitcher of the 2014 Wild Card Game is tucked into the lower right corner of the lineup card, proving that baseball (even terrible mid-2000s Royals baseball) is full of interesting connections. Isn’t that what America’s pastime is all about? If anyone reading this wants to torture themselves further with mid-2000s Royals nostalgia, you can actually watch this game on YouTube. The late, great Paul Splittorff joins a young Ryan Lebrevre on the RSTN broadcast, as the Royals don their iconic black jerseys. Another perk is that there is no k-zone on the broadcast! Happy watching! View the full article