DiamondCentric

Miami Marlins outfielder Griffin Conine sits down with Kevin Barral and Isaac Azout for an extended conversation about his baseball career. Checking in from the Dominican Republic where he's participating in winter ball, Conine discusses playing for Tigres del Licey, changes he has observed during his time with the Marlins organization, his rapid recovery from a dislocated shoulder, the small role he played in Javier Sanoja's Gold Glove Award-winning season and more. Find Fish Unfiltered on the Fish On First YouTube channel, our new-look Apple Podcasts channel and wherever else you get your pods. FOF's audio programming also includes Fish On First LIVE, Swimming Upstream, Big Fish Small Pod and more. The Marlins acquired Conine from the Toronto Blue Jays prior to the 2020 MLB trade deadline. "That was probably a top-three organization with how it's run," Conine says about the Blue Jays. "The Marlins, at that time, were probably in the bottom half of that barrel." "I think where we're at with the coaching staff all the way up the ladder is light-years ahead of where we were back then," Conine adds. "But also from a nutrition standpoint, from strength and conditioning—everything seems to have been leveled up. We're in a great spot." Conine, who made his major league debut toward the end of 2024, was selected to his first career Opening Day roster this season. He was Miami's primary left fielder for much of April before suffering a left shoulder dislocation when sliding into second base. Initially ruled out for the rest of the year, he made it back from the injured list on September 23. In 24 games with the Marlins in 2025, Conine slashed .253/.314/.416 with two home runs and a 102 wRC+. Combining that with his 2024 production, his overall MLB stats are eerily similar to his father's through the same number of games. Due to inclement weather, Conine has played only six games for Licey in three-plus weeks since their 2025-26 season began. He tells Fish Unfiltered that November 13 is likely to be his final game. Follow Griffin on Instagram (@griffin_co9). Follow Kevin (⁠@kevin_barral⁠), Isaac (@IsaacAzout), Ely (@RealEly) and Fish On First (⁠@FishOnFirst⁠) on Twitter. Join the ⁠Marlins Discord server⁠! Complete Miami Marlins coverage here at ⁠FishOnFirst.com⁠. View the full article

Entering the offseason, the Minnesota Twins don't have a viable full-time first base option on their 40-man roster or in the high minors. Yes, Kody Clemens spent significant time at the position after Ty France was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays at the trade deadline last season. Even in his best season, though, Clemens didn't deliver the caliber of offensive production good teams need from the least demanding defensive position on the diamond. Fellow 40-man roster occupants Jose Miranda, Edouard Julien, and Mickey Gasper have patrolled the position for Minnesota at various times over the last two years, but none of them are serious candidates to start there in 2026. Indeed, all three could be out of the organization by Opening Day. Kyler Fedko spent significant time at first base in Triple A last season, and could be rewarded for his breakout campaign with a 40-man roster spot later this month to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. He's a fringy, unproven option, though. Still, don't expect the team to pursue any of the more expensive free-agent first basemen, like Josh Naylor or Ryan O'Hearn—let alone All-Star slugger Pete Alonso. Minnesota's front office will yet again be sifting through the bargain bin, attempting to find a cheap, productive veteran first baseman in a similar vein as Carlos Santana and Ty France of seasons past. Whom should they pursue? Let's take a look. Ty France Hey! I just mentioned this guy. Also, did you know Twins first basemen have won the last two AL Gold Glove Awards at the position? Crazy, right? Regardless, Minnesota could consider reuniting with the almost World Series-winning veteran, even though the club traded him to the Toronto Blue Jays just over three months ago. Signed to a non-guaranteed one-year, $1-million contract last February, France outperformed his deal while with the Twins, hitting .251/.320/.357 with six home runs and a 92 wRC+ over 387 plate appearances. The 31-year-old was below-average at the plate. Yet, given his relative competence at bat (compared to some of the in-house options) and aforementioned defensive skills, he still provided value. France is a better first baseman than Clemens in the field, and can outhit him, at least against left-handed pitchers. Given his familiarity with the organization and the fact that he should be available at a similarly low cost, the Twins could enter a second consecutive season with France penciled in as the primary first baseman. Miguel Andujar Despite notching only 13 innings at first base last season, Andujar made two starts at the position late last season for the playoff-contending Cincinnati Reds, signaling the 30-year-old veteran could be transitioning toward spending more time at first next season. Coming off an impressive 2025 campaign wherein he hit .318/.352/.470 with 10 home runs and a 125 wRC+ over 341 plate appearances between the West Sacramento Athletics and the Reds, Andujar would be a more expensive signee than France. Yet, given his offensive prowess from the right side of the plate, he could be well worth the extra few million dollars. The bat-first veteran could also mix in at third base, both corner outfield spots, and designated hitter, making him a more useful player than most potential free-agent first-base options. He's not good anywhere, but he can take up each of those positions when needed—and he'd be most needed at first in Minnesota, anyway. Obviously, those who follow the team should expect a significant defensive drop-off at the position, given how well Santana and France performed. Andujar could produce at a defensive rate on par with Clemens, while being a more effective hitter. Whereas France would probably come aboard as the short side of a platoon, Andujar could get a more substantial share in a tandem with Clemens. Nathaniel Lowe Lowe technically isn't a free agent yet, but he's a non-tender candidate. Cut by the Nationals in August and scooped up by the Red Sox at the end of the year, Lowe was freely available talent less than three months ago, but he'd be in line for an eight-figure salary via arbitration if tendered a contract. There's no chance Boston will pay that coming off last season, wherein Lowe hit .228/.307/.381 with 18 home runs and a 91 wRC+ over 609 plate appearances. Yet, given the state Minnesota's front office finds itself in, Lowe will likely be one of the more attractive, affordable options to patrol the position if he does land on the market. Lowe would likely ask for a one-year deal in the $3-4 million range, similar to Andujar. Being a left-handed bat, Lowe doesn't mesh with Clemens as neatly as France or Andujar would. Yet, given that Lowe is a better hitter and defender than Clemens, the Twins could turn him into a platoon-proof option at the position, transitioning Clemens back into the utility role he served before becoming the primary first baseman after last season's trade deadline. The Twins have to make some kind of foray into the market to upgrade their offense. First base is an easy place to hunt for competent hitters. Be it one of these three or another under-the-radar guy, Derek Falvey and Jeremy Zoll will surely be on the lookout for a stopgap slugger as they build out their 2026 team as economically as possible. View the full article

The offseason sure comes at you quickly. While most teams in baseball have been in offseason mode for weeks, the Blue Jays (and the Dodgers) have barely had any time to catch their breath. Free agents will officially be eligible to sign with new teams as of this evening, just five days after Game 7 of the World Series, and the Blue Jays are going to have to shift quickly. 2026 is going to be another pivotal year for the franchise, and the groundwork starts now. As we approach the offseason, here is where the Blue Jays' 40-man roster stands: Under Contract: 1B - Vladimir Guerrero Jr. OF/DH - George Springer SP - Kevin Gausman 2B/SS - Andrés Giménez SP - José Berríos OF/DH - Anthony Santander C - Alejandro Kirk RHP - Jeff Hoffman OF - Myles Straw RHP - Yimi García RHP - Yariel Rodríguez RHP - Shane Bieber Springer, Gausman, Bieber and García will all be free agents after the 2026 season, with the Blue Jays having a club option on Straw, and Berríos has the option to opt out of his final two years after 2026. Arbitration Eligible: These are players that will either be Blue Jays next season or non-tendered. You can learn more about the Jays' arbitration decisions here. OF - Daulton Varsho LHP - Eric Lauer RHP - Nick Sandlin INF - Ernie Clement RHP - Ryan Burr C - Tyler Heineman Players Under Team Control That Are Not Yet Arbitration Eligible: RHP - Bowden Francis LF/2B - Davis Schneider RHP - Louis Varland LHP - Brendon Little 3B/RF - Addison Barger RHP - Braydon Fisher RHP - Trey Yesavage Toronto Blue Jays 2026 Depth Chart via FanGraphs Most of the key players from the 2025 World Series run will be back, but the Blue Jays do have some notable players who have elected free agency this winter. Free Agents: SS - Bo Bichette RHP - Chris Bassitt RHP - Max Scherzer 1B - Ty France RHP - Seranthony Domínguez INF - Isiah Kiner-Falefa Like most teams, the Blue Jays face a roster crunch this offseason. Players on the 60-day IL had to be re-added to the 40-man roster after the season. With six players hitting free agency and six players coming off the 60-day IL, the numbers lined up quite nicely for Toronto. Maybe this was part of the reason Alek Manoah got DFA’d when he did, because the Blue Jays anticipated this. So, the Blue Jays haven't had to free up any space on their 40-man roster yet, but they soon will. The front office will certainly be making some additions to the roster in the coming months. The decision of whether or not to bring Bichette back will be a massive talking point, and there seems to be interest in a return. The same is true of Bassitt, as both players have publicly expressed interest in returning to the Blue Jays this upcoming season. After the playoff runs both players had, you would expect the Blue Jays would want them back, too. It's not only players on the major league roster that Toronto needs to think about. The Rule 5 draft in December will force the team to add certain prospects to the 40-man roster to protect them from being claimed by other teams. Some notable candidates to be protected include: LHP - Ricky Tiedemann SS - Josh Kasevich OF - Yohendrick Pinango C - Brandon Valenzuela OF - Victor Arias The Blue Jays thrived in 2025 by building their team with depth and using every roster spot to its fullest. And seeing how they came just as close as they could come to winning a World Series (while falling just short), it's a safe assumption that they will use that strategy again. Looking at the current 40-man roster, here are some names that may be on the outside looking in when the 2026 season starts: RHP - Dillon Tate RHP - Paxton Schultz LHP - Justin Bruihl RHP - Tommy Nance LHP - Easton Lucas RHP - Robinson Piña RHP - Ryan Burr This is where it gets tough. Each of the first five names on this list contributed, and at some points significantly, to what the Blue Jays were able to achieve this year. Bruihl pitched postseason innings for the club, Nance had a sub-2.00 ERA, Schultz threw 24.2 innings with some stellar moments, and Lucas had back-to-back great starts early in the season. Even Piña and Burr have the potential to be big league arms, but both dealt with injuries that caused them to end up on the 60-day IL. Every single one of these players could be on a big league roster somewhere, but the Blue Jays' roster seems mostly set, and these players are on the bubble. On the position player side, it becomes much harder to see the Blue Jays moving on from anyone. Leo Jiménez makes the most sense if the Blue Jays think they can improve in that spot, but he did have an .818 OPS in Buffalo in his limited time and is still just 23 years old. Jonatan Clase is another candidate, but like Jiménez, he is still just 23 years old, and the Blue Jays targeted him at the trade deadline just two seasons ago. Joey Loperfido was the odd man out on the postseason roster, and Straw is making more money than his skill set is probably worth, but it would be incredibly shocking if the Blue Jays decide to move on from either of those players. As the Blue Jays shift from World Series mode into offseason planning mode, plenty of questions remain. They are almost certainly going to reload for another World Series run in 2026, but with a crowded 40-man roster already, tough choices are coming. Having too much talent and not enough space is a good problem to have, but the Blue Jays are falling victim to that here. Ultimately, they may look to make a trade at some point this offseason to clear up some roster spots, but no matter what happens, it may force the team to move on from a valuable piece before Opening Day. View the full article

The Boston Red Sox are about to be faced with some tough decisions as the offseason kicks off now that the World Series has concluded. Since the season is over, every name on the 60-day injured list has to be added back to the 40-man roster during the offseason. These names include: Tanner Houck, Liam Hendriks, Kutter Crawford, Hunter Dobbins, and Triston Casas. All but one (Hendriks) are under team control through 2026. Hendriks held a mutual option with the club, but the team turned down their side of the deal, making Hendriks a free agent. Once the club adds all of those other players to the 40-man roster, their total will sit at 41. Thus, there will be at least one player on the 40-man that will need to be cleared, and certainly more once the Sox begin to add players and protect prospects from the Rule 5 Draft. Let’s take a look at who some of those candidates could be. Vaughn Grissom This seems like the most obvious name to be let go during the upcoming 40-man crunch. Grissom was acquired when the Red Sox sent Chris Sale to Atlanta. The hope was that Grissom would slot in as the second baseman of the future since he carried a high draft pedigree and showed in the Braves’ minor league system that he could be a solid contributor on both sides of the ball. Grissom failed to get going though, and the relationship with the team soured over the next two years. Most recently, he was unwilling to discuss what changes he was making in his offensive approach with media members because he “will probably be playing against them soon.” That doesn’t sound like someone who is long for the Red Sox. He was passed over for David Hamilton when Marcelo Mayer went down with a season-ending injury, so that should tell you everything you need to know about Grissom’s standing within the organization. Josh Winckowski Arguably the second most obvious name to be let go once the roster crunch begins, Winckowski was barely an afterthought during the 2025 season. He appeared in six games for the Red Sox in 2025. He was then placed on the 60-day injured list in June due to a right elbow flexor strain. The last update we received was in July, when he was reported to have begun his throwing progression. He’s bounced between the starting rotation and bullpen in the past but was penciled in as a low-leverage reliever for 2025 before the injury happened. Effectively, he’s lost his spot in the bullpen because the Red Sox were able to replace him rather quickly. Don’t be shocked to see Winckowski’s name hit the DFA list sooner rather than later this offseason. Jovani Moran Moran came over in a trade with the Twins during December of 2024. The Sox received Moran for Mickey Gasper. It was a deal that didn’t cause much commotion in the world of the Red Sox, but Moran did end up making two appearances for the team in 2025. He threw four innings, struck out five, and worked a 2.00 WHIP and an ERA of 6.75. He’s quite possibly the most expendable pitcher on the 40-man roster and will probably be the first player released once the Red Sox make their first addition of the offseason. He’s a left-handed reliever in a bullpen full of lefties that are miles better than he is. Sometimes, the low-hanging fruit is the correct pick for a reason. Moran may return to the Red Sox on a minor-league deal, but he’s taking up a valuable 40-man spot until then. Jordan Hicks Just kidding. But seriously… There are other possible candidates on the 40-man that could be cleared to make room for all the names that will need to be added during the offseason. Craig Breslow has a great staff around him, which could be growing if his search for an assistant general manager proves fruitful. The first couple of names to purge from the roster seem obvious, but the conversation will grow far more difficult as the winter drags on. View the full article

On Wednesday, the Miami Marlins announced their first flurry of roster moves since the end of the 2025 season: George Soriano was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles and Troy Johnston was claimed by the Colorado Rockies; Jesús Tinoco and Tyler Zuber were both activated from the 60-day injured list and outrighted to Triple-A Jacksonville; and Valente Bellozo, Freddy Tarnok and Brian Navarreto were outrighted to Jacksonville as well. Miami's 40-man roster is now at 39. Soriano was one of the longest-tenured players in the organization, having signed with them as an international free agent in 2015. But it was time to move on. After a strong 2023 campaign, the right-handed reliever was never able to recapture that success, posting a 6.75 ERA in 2024 and 8.35 ERA in 2025. Soriano was out of minor league options entering 2026. Johnston's departure was the biggest surprise amongst the roster moves made. Drafted in the 17th round of the 2019 MLB Draft, Johnston was consistently productive at the plate during his MiLB career. He was named Marlins Minor League Player of the Year in 2023 after a 20/20 season. As a rookie this season, he slashed .277/.331/.420/.750 with four home runs, 13 RBI and a 109 wRC+ through 44 games played. After finishing with MLB's worst record, the Rockies were first in the waiver order and they jumped at the opportunity to claim Johnston. With the ability to play both the outfield and first base, the 28-year-old should have a strong chance of cracking Colorado's Opening Day roster. First base was already an area of weakness for the Marlins and this doesn't help. They still have Eric Wagaman and prospect Deyvison De Los Santos as well as Liam Hicks, though he is undersized for the position and primarily a catcher. In 2024, Bellozo started 13 games, posting a 3.67 ERA, 5.73 FIP, 5.77 K/9 and 2.75 BB/9. His luck began to even out toward the end of this season, finishing 2025 with a 4.65 ERA and 5.20 FIP in 32 appearances (six starts). Turning 26 in January, he was the youngest player to lose his roster spot on Wednesday. Although the Marlins didn't trust in Bellozo's ability moving forward, his production to this point was useful. Acquiring him from the Houston Astros in a one-for-one swap with infield prospect Jacob Amaya was a good under-the-radar deal. Tarnok had a nice season in Jacksonville, posting a 3.28 ERA through 68 ⅔ innings pitched. He only made five appearances at the major league level. If Tinoco wasn't outrighted, he was going to be non-tendered later this month. After undergoing underwent UCL hybrid reconstruction surgery, he will miss the entire 2026 season. Zuber's season-ending injury was a right lat strain. Claimed off waivers from the Mets, he only pitched in nine games, posting a 11.70 ERA. Navarreto could be someone that the Marlins aim to bring back on a minor league deal to provide some catching depth. All of the outrighted players can now elect minor league agency. By November 18, the Marlins have to decide which Rule 5 draft-eligible prospects to protect with 40-man selections. Assuming that catcher Joe Mack isn't the only protected prospect, there will need to be additional roster moves between now and the deadline to create room. View the full article

The Minnesota Twins are expected to dump salary this winter, and the San Francisco Giants are expected to be aggressive. With franchise legend Buster Posey now overseeing baseball operations, the team appears ready to make significant moves to return to contention. Ownership has given Posey the green light to pursue major trades and free-agent signings, and pitching should be near the top of his list. One name that could make sense for the Giants is Twins starter Joe Ryan, a California native. The right-hander is coming off the best season of his young career and has become an intriguing target for clubs looking to add a playoff-caliber starter. Revisiting a Familiar Name When the Twins put their roster through its own round of right-sizing at this July’s trade deadline, Ryan was one of the few regulars who remained in Minnesota. There were rumors that he had been traded to the Red Sox, but that never came to fruition. However, as the hot stove begins to crackle, his name is resurfacing in trade speculation. Ryan’s profile suits the needs of the Giants (or any contenting team): a controllable starter who provides reliability and value, without the cost of a frontline ace. Ryan, 28, posted a 3.42 ERA (125 ERA+) across 171 innings in 2025, while striking out 194 batters. He’s under team control for two more seasons, making him a cost-effective option for any contender that values stability in the middle of the rotation. With Robbie Ray and Logan Webb at the top of the Giants’ staff, Ryan would slide comfortably into the No. 3 spot, forming a potent trio that could carry the club through the rigors of a 162-game season. A Match Built on Prospect Depth The Giants’ farm system was MLB Pipeline’s most improved system in its last rankings update. It is deep in young infield talent, which could entice Minnesota’s front office. High-ceiling shortstops Josuar Gonzalez and Jhonny Level headline the type of return that could make a Ryan deal worthwhile. Gonzalez, 18, is one of the more athletic shortstops in the lower levels of the minors, flashing elite defensive instincts and emerging power. MLB Pipeline currently ranks him as San Francisco’s second-best prospect, and he was considered the best position player in the 2025 international signing period. Last season, he hit .288/.404/.455 with a 129 wRC+ in the Dominican Summer League. His speed and improving bat-to-ball skills could make him a long-term fit up the middle, but he’s a long way from impacting the big-league roster. Level, an 18-year-old shortstop, has shown an advanced approach at the plate, with a developing ability to impact the baseball. In 2025, he came Stateside and hit .269/.360/.436 (good for a 109 wRC+), while reaching Low-A as a teenager. He is under six feet tall, but has shown an ability to drive the ball to all fields. He has speed and athleticism that should allow him to stick at an up-the-middle defensive position. Both players would help the Twins replenish a farm system that needs infield depth after years of aggressive trades. Beyond position players, San Francisco could also offer one of its young arms to fill Ryan’s rotation spot in the near future. Landen Roupp and Hayden Birdsong each offer an intriguing mix of control and upside. Roupp’s polished arsenal and ability to limit hard contact could make him an MLB-ready contributor by 2026. The 26-year-old posted a 3.80 ERA with a 105 ERA+ and a 21.4 K% in 106 2/3 innings. He is under team control through 2030. Birdsong’s fastball-slider combination gives him the look of a future mid-rotation starter with strikeout potential. His 28.4% whiff rate on opposing batters' swings ranked in the 74th percentile, with his slider and changeup both above 30%. His overall numbers don’t scream frontline starter (4.80 ERA with a 1.49 WHIP), but he is nearly three years younger than Roupp. He is also under team control through the 2030 season. What a Deal Could Mean for Both Clubs For the Giants, landing Ryan would solidify the top of their rotation and create much-needed balance behind Webb and Ray. It also fits Posey’s plan to modernize San Francisco’s roster with a mix of established veterans and cost-controlled contributors. For the Twins, moving Ryan would be about continuing their roster reset, while replenishing the farm system with talent that aligns with their next competitive window. Minnesota’s front office has shown a willingness to move established players if the return facilitates long-term success, and a Giants package headlined by young infielders and an MLB-ready pitcher could check that box. Ryan’s trade value is at its peak, and with multiple teams seeking dependable starters, Minnesota is positioned to take advantage. If the Twins decide it’s time to cash in on their consistent right-hander, the Giants might be the perfect partner. What do you think? Should the Twins explore a Joe Ryan trade, and do the Giants have the right mix of talent to make it happen? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View the full article

This week, Shota Imanaga and the Chicago Cubs both declined their respective offer sheets on his contract option(s). What was unthinkable going into the season became a reality on November 4. Imanaga, at this time, is a free agent. The Cubs likely are telegraphing their plan for this offseason with this move. To make a long story short, they have been avoiding long-term deals (i.e., contracts that go beyond the 2026 season) for some time. Excluding Dansby Swanson and pre-arbitration players like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Matt Shaw, the Cubs are nearly bare of veterans after 2026. Using Spotrac's salary tracker page, only Swanson is signed after 2027. Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Nico Hoerner, Jameson Taillon, and Colin Rea are free agents after this next season. Carson Kelly and Matthew Boyd have team options for next season; they also can depart after 2026. The Cubs clearly are not going to make any long -erm commitments to players until they know what salary structure they will be dealing with in the wake of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Keeping Imanaga around after his wobbly finish to the season for three more years doesn't track with Jed Hoyer's typical modus operandi. For jaded Cub fans, the question has to be asked: Where are we going with all of this excess payroll space? Is this just a salary dump, like Cody Bellinger? Will they repurpose this money at all? What can we expect this offseason? Well, they won't stand pat. Players will be added to this team. But the big splash, another move like Kyle Tucker, may not be in the cards. The Cubs don't pay that high of a salary to free agents, and they lack the prospects to pull such a blockbuster trade off. Don't expect a multi-year, high-dollar, flashy signing out of the front office this winter. They will seek to find value in the market as they typically do. This year, that resulted in now-staff-ace Matthew Boyd, but also in Jon Berti and Vidal Bruján, as an example of the downside of the strategy. They aren't averse to paying market value in the right circumstance and especially love finding shorter-term deals. This offseason looks to be one ripe for finding good players on one-year contracts, even at raised salaries. So, Imanaga's money will be redeployed in an effort to build a bullpen nearly from scratch (again) and finding rotation depth on the cheap (again). Think short-term, high-upside deals that mitigate the downside of long-running contracts. The front office values flexibility over blockbuster spending. Bigger deals that run the risk of serious damage to roster and payroll flexibility after the new CBA is put in place don't seem to be on the menu. The Cubs are designed to maximize optionality; develop and use prospects internally, strategically sign free agents that won't break the future budget, and manufacture a payroll that can easily be adjusted up or down as the need arises. It's reassuring and maddening at the same time. The glass-half-full view of this is that we probably won't see a team locked into a bad contract, hamstringing spending in the future. It's frustrating, though, as well, because ever since 2017, it feels like the Cubs never seem to be committed to putting the best product on the field no matter what. Instead, it seems the plan is to ensure profit margins while having a pretty good squad year after year. It's technically a solid way to build a team, but it certainly is more tedious. Fandom doesn't typically fall in love with values; we fall in love with players. Andre Dawson signing in 1987 is still remembered fondly today not because he gave the Cubs a tremendous discount, but because he brought "The Hawk" (and a MVP award) to Chicago. Ultimately, this is the hand Cubs fans have been dealt. The franchise has telegraphed their moves and plans to to be as flexible as possible in 2027 and beyond. The question is: Is flexibility really a plan, or the absence of one? View the full article

Jake Bauers's hitting profile has always been a fascinating one. Bat-tracking models love him for how he can do damage on pitches on which he connects. He generates steep, dangerous attack angles and above-average bat speed. He consistently elevated the ball with hard contact to the outfield, but he never made enough of that contact to take advantage of that swing, especially inside the strike zone. In 2025, he came in with a different approach, sacrificing some of those pulled fly balls for a little more contact inside the strike zone. He succeeded, as you can see above, lowering his swing-and-miss substantially against all pitches inside the zone. Even better, these continued to improve as the season went on, finishing September with just a 14% whiff rate against fastball variations and a 16.7% whiff rate against offspeed pitches, either in or out of the strike zone. His zone contact in September against all pitches was 91.2%, and it was 85% in October, against some of the best pitching the game has to offer. Bauers did see a reduction in his pulled balls, taking a more all-fields approach while also coming up with a few more ground balls. The exchange worked, but how did he do it? Well, first of all, he changed his stance in 2025, becoming more closed and slightly closing the gap between his feet. That being said, his actual stance at the point of contact was consistent year to year, as you can see below (2024 vs 2025): The key change is the way in which he gets there. Bauers no longer requires as much effort in his setup. He's coiling his hips a little bit less into his backside, creating a simpler motion forward within which it's easier to maintain balance and seems to be easier for him to time up the pitch. On top of that, he's unlocked serious bat speed: Above are Jake Bauers in 2024 compared to 2025. He found ideal attack angles on the baseball 50% of the time in 2025 (and 77% of the time in September), while seeing his average bat speed jump from 73.8 mph to 76.5 mph—a monumental difference. He's swinging harder, making more contact on both fastballs and off-speed pitches, and making the most of that contact by "squaring it up" more consistently. Some might question how important that bat speed is. Justin Sartori put it through a model at Driveline and came to this conclusion in regard to Junior Caminero: If you need further evidence, a crude Baseball Savant overview may help win you over. You can see how Bauers's exit velocities, expected slugging and expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA) are considerably higher. The strikeout and whiff rates still don't look pretty, but both are considerably improved, and would look even more promising if you isolated the form he showed in September/October (18.6% strikeout rate in September, 21.4% in October). Bauers also swung less this season, which is part of how he achieved better results when he did swing. A more selective and intelligent approach boosted his walk rate to elite territory, and locking in on specific locations let him use a flatter swing and achieve that increased bat speed. An improved approach unlocked some of his improved physical indices, which only buttresses the argument that he can sustain the production he managed in 2025. The upside with Bauers is why the Brewers traded for him in 2023, and why (after initially cutting him) they brought him back last winter. It might finally be here. He's produced in small samples before, and it's not clear whether he could carry over what he did in 2025 if burdened with a larger role and a tougher overall array of matchups, but the underlying signs suggest that Bauers is going to be a real handful next season. His quality of contact has usually been electric. If he's making more of that contact and drawing more walks, to boot, you have an incredibly potent bat in the Brewers lineup on a part-time basis. It would seem, at least, as though the Crew has an easier call to retain Bauers this fall than they had last year. View the full article

After their heartbreaking loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, the Toronto Blue Jays' offseason has already started exceptionally well. Their starting rotation had three strong pitchers returning: Kevin Gausman, rookie sensation Trey Yesavage, and José Berríos. On the back end, RosterResource had Eric Lauer and Bowden Francis projected to finish out the rotation. This projected rotation made finding at least a back-end starter a priority. However, the team received great news on Tuesday night. Shane Bieber elected to stay in Toronto for another season by opting in to his $16 million player option. If Bieber had opted out, he'd have received a $4 million buyout. This decision gives the Blue Jays a one-time ace, who pitched well in his short 2025 season. The righty made his debut this year on August 22 due to his recovery from Tommy John surgery, which he went for after only two starts in 2024. Bieber made seven regular season starts in 2025, posting a 3.57 ERA and 37 strikeouts over 40 1/3 innings. In the playoffs, he pitched in five games (one in relief), posting a 3.86 ERA and striking out 18 over 18 2/3 innings. These outings included a pivotal Game 3 start in the ALCS, when the Blue Jays were down 0-2 in the series. He gave up a two-run home run to Julio Rodríguez in the top of the first. Then, over the next five innings, he allowed only two hits and zero runs, helping the Blue Jays secure a win to get back into the series. Unfortunately, what fans will best remember is the Game 7, 11th-inning home run he gave up to Will Smith in relief during the World Series. That home run proved to be the series-winner for the Dodgers. This arrangement could prove to be perfect for both sides. The 30-year-old Bieber could have earned more by opting out. However, he would have likely secured a short two- or three-year deal, given the uncertainty of how he would perform over an entire season. This season is essentially a prove-yourself year for him to secure a longer deal next offseason. He also ensures peace of mind, knowing the Blue Jays don't need him to perform at top-tier ace status. The team only needs him to be a quality mid-rotation starter. For the Blue Jays, it means adding a former Cy Young Award winner (2020) on a short-term, discounted deal. With Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer heading to free agency, Bieber's return allows the club to focus more on other needs over the winter. This will, however, hinge on Berríos's availability at the start of 2026, as he was shut down in September and missed the postseason with an elbow injury. There has been no update on his status as of yet. If his injury forces him to miss time at the beginning of next season, then the Blue Jays will need to revisit their plan of pursuing a difference-making starting pitcher. In addition to Lauer and Francis being fits for the back end of the rotation, the Jays also have Easton Lucas as an option. However, if Berríos misses time, the Blue Jays will need more starting depth. The team has the luxury this offseason of not needing to add too many pieces to contend for another World Series trip next season. They will return all but one player from their optimal offensive starting lineup if their players stay healthy during the offseason. Another bullpen arm would be nice, but most of the questions this offseason will revolve around whether the Blue Jays decide to re-sign Bo Bichette. View the full article

The full schedule for Major League Baseball's 2026 spring training was released on Wednesday. In addition to their 28 Grapefruit League games, the Miami Marlins will face Israel's World Baseball Classic roster in an exhibition and participate in the third annual Spring Breakout, with their top prospects competing against Houston Astros farmhands. As usual, most of the Marlins' spring training games feature opponents whose camps are also located in southeast Florida: the Astros, New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals and Washington Nationals. They'll play six games apiece against them. Slightly more travel will be involved for games against the Clearwater-based Philadelphia Phillies and Dunedin-based Toronto Blue Jays. It all begins Saturday, February 21 with a visit to the Mets in Port St. Lucie. Just like in 2023, Israel has been assigned to loanDepot park's WBC pool. Their exhibition against the Fish in Jupiter is scheduled for March 3, four days before the country begins tournament play in Miami. The Spring Breakout game will be on March 19. Health permitting, Marlins prospects Thomas White, Joe Mack, Robby Snelling, Aiva Arquette, Starlyn Caba and Kemp Alderman should all be participating. Mini plans, season tickets and group ticket packages to games at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium go on sale on November 12. Individual game tickets are available beginning January 10. View the full article

As part of their massive fire sale, the Minnesota Twins traded superstar closer Jhoan Duran to the Philadelphia Phillies at the 2025 trade deadline. In the deal, the Twins received a top 100 prospect in catcher Eduardo Tait and a former top 100 prospect in starting pitcher Mick Abel. Now, details are emerging about another offer that included a former top-100 prospect. Ryan Garcia of Empire Sports Media recently reported that the New York Yankees offered former top prospect Jasson Dominguez for Duran at the 2025 MLB trade deadline. He was part of a larger package, though the details of what else may have been included are not immediately available. Appearing in 145 games last season, Dominguez finished the year with 10 home runs, 58 runs scored, and 23 stolen bases. In all, he posted a .719 OPS, a .316 wOBA, and a 103 wRC+. Defensively, Dominguez proved to be a liability in the field, posting a -10 Outs Above Average (OAA) across 793 innings in left field. Do you think the Twins should have snagged Dominguez, or are you happy with the deal they got from the Phillies? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

While we still await the first player transactions of this Miami Marlins offseason, changes are already being made to the coaching staff. The Chicago White Sox have hired Marlins assistant hitting coach Derek Shomon to be their lead hitting coach. In Shomon's place, Miami will have two assistant hitting coaches in 2026: Chris Hess and Corbin Day. Hess, 30, is a former infielder who was drafted in the 17th round of the 2017 MLB Draft by the New York Yankees. He made it to High-A, and after a short stint in independent ball, Hess retired and went back to his alma mater, the University of Rhode Island, to become the team's assistant coach. Hess began his professional coaching career in 2021 with the Boston Red Sox organization. Hess was the Double-A Portland hitting coach for the past two seasons. In 2024, his Sea Dogs led the Eastern League in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS. That team featured top prospects Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer and Kyle Teel, all of whom are now in the big leagues. Portland's roster wasn't as talented in 2025 and the results reflected that, with a 106-point drop-off in OPS (from .753 to .647). As for Day, 28, he played two years of college ball at Mount Mercy before going into coaching. He spent three years as an assistant coach at Kirkwood Community College and notched his first pro ball job as the hitting coach for High-A Cedar Rapids (Minnesota Twins affiliate). In 2024, he was moved up to become the hitting coach at AA-Wichita. His most recent role before joining the Marlins was in advance scouting for the Twins at the big league level. Shomon's departure comes after only one season in Miami. It's unsurprising that he is getting a promotion from the White Sox considering how he helped an inexperienced Marlins roster exceed expectations in 2025. He'll turn 36 in February. It does seem as if Pedro Guerrero will return as Marlins hitting coach, but nothing has been formerly announced by the club. View the full article

The Twins' bullpen was once a reliable force. Between 2022 and 2024, Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax anchored the late innings, while role players like Caleb Thielbar, Cole Sands, and Brock Stewart provided valuable depth. But after the 2025 trade deadline, that group is mostly gone. Minnesota dealt several relievers with years of team control to retool the farm system, leaving the bullpen thin and uncertain heading into 2026. Still, there is a path to rebuilding an effective unit without breaking the bank. The Twins have internal arms with upside, a few conversion candidates who could thrive in shorter stints, and affordable veterans on the open market who can provide stability. This is how they can build a bullpen capable of competing next season. Returning Pieces Justin Topa: The Twins traded for Topa before the 2024 season, hoping to bolster their late-inning depth, and when healthy, he showed flashes of being that dependable arm. His sinker-slider combo generates weak contact, and he has experience in high-leverage spots, which was one of the reasons the Twins targeted him in the Jorge Polanco trade. In 2025, he ranked in the 88th percentile for Barrel rate and the 72nd percentile or better in both walk and ground-ball rate. If he can avoid the injuries that limited his usage, Topa could easily slide into a setup or closer role. Cole Sands: Sands quietly became one of the most reliable relievers in the organization in 2024. However, he took a step back in the first half of 2025, before a better performance following the trade deadline. His Offspeed Run Value ranked in the 95th percentile, led by a splitter that was worth seven runs and held batters to a .184 SLG. The Twins will need late-inning options early in the year as roles solidify, and Sands’s versatility fits that need perfectly. Kody Funderburk: Funderburk’s deceptive delivery and sweeping slider make him a tough matchup for left-handed hitters. Last season, he held lefties to a .292 SLG, which was nearly 130 points lower than what righties posted. While command can waver, his ability to miss bats from the left side gives the bullpen valuable balance. His barrel and ground-ball rates would have ranked among the league’s best, had he had enough innings to qualify. With more consistency, he could take on a larger role as a sixth- or seventh-inning option in 2026. Starters Turned Relievers Zebby Matthews – The Next Griffin Jax? Like Jax before him, Zebby Matthews may find his long-term fit in the bullpen. He has the command and competitive edge to attack hitters aggressively, and his fastball could tick up in shorter outings (96.3 mph in 2025). He is arguably a two-pitch pitcher, with his fastball and slider being his best weapons. If he cuts out the other pitches in his repertoire, he may be more effective out of the bullpen. Matthews has spent his developmental years as a starter, but a move to relief could accelerate his path to the majors while helping Minnesota fill a significant need. Connor Prielipp – The Next Jhoan Duran? Duran was considered a starter throughout his minor-league career, before injuries forced the Twins to make a shift. The Twins have waited patiently for Prielipp to recover and rediscover the form that made him a top draft pick. His electric slider and mid-90s fastball can be devastating weapons when unleashed in one- or two-inning bursts. Last season, he made 24 appearances (23 starts) and posted a 4.03 ERA with a 27.0% strikeout rate. Much like Duran, Prielipp’s path might not be linear, but if he embraces a relief role, he could emerge as a dominant late-inning force by midseason. Travis Adams – A Max Effort Option Adams has spent most of his professional career as a control-oriented starter, but the Twins moved him to a different role last season, with him pitching every four days. A switch to relief could unlock a different version of his arsenal. Instead of pacing himself through multiple innings, Adams could focus on emptying the tank in one frame. His slider had a 32% whiff rate in his first taste of the majors, and his fastball had a 26% whiff rate with an average velocity of 94.8 mph. A sharper slider and increased velocity could turn him into a valuable multi-use arm who can handle leverage or mop-up duties as needed. Free Agents Caleb Thielbar – A Familiar Face Returns If the Twins want a veteran presence who knows the organization and thrives in big spots, Thielbar would be a natural reunion. Even as he nears 40, his ability to command his breaking ball and neutralize left-handed hitters makes him a steadying force. Bringing Thielbar back could also provide leadership for younger pitchers adjusting to life in the bullpen. The Twins could also turn to other veteran free agent lefties like Taylor Rogers or Danny Coulombe. Minor-League Flyer – A Smart Gamble Every year, teams find undervalued arms who turn into reliable contributors. Think of this as finding the next Brock Stewart. Minnesota could take a low-risk chance on someone like Stewart, who has shown flashes of potential when healthy. A minor-league deal with an invite to spring training could uncover the next breakout bullpen piece without straining payroll flexibility. Multiple players who fit this mold will likely be in camp with the Twins. The Blueprint for 2026 The Twins do not need to recreate the Duran-Jax pairing overnight. What they need is functionality, flexibility, and a plan that blends experience with upside. Topa and Sands can handle leverage early. Funderburk and Adams provide innings stability. Matthews and Prielipp represent the next wave of internal talent, while a veteran like Thielbar and a flyer addition round out the mix. The 2026 bullpen might not grab national headlines in April. Still, with patience and development, it could once again evolve into one of the American League’s more reliable groups by season’s end. Minnesota has rebuilt a bullpen before, and it can do it again. Can the group outlined above compete in the AL Central? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View the full article

Brewers fans can finally stop their hand-wringing about the hand of William Contreras, which caused frustration and worry at many points during his slightly underwhelming 2025 season. Contreras was slowed, especially early in the season, by a fracture in the middle finger on his left hand, which didn't heal well because of the daily beating of catching. He wanted badly to be out there, and the Brewers were better for having him, but the gap between how he played and how he's capable of playing caused distress for many onlookers. The initial report, via MLB.com Brewers beat writer Adam McCalvy, suggests Contreras will be barred from baseball activities for 5-6 weeks, but that he should be a full go for spring training. There is a difference, though, between being ready to put on the uniform and get to work come mid-February and being ready for high-level competition by early March. It sounds like Contreras will meet both thresholds, but how well could determine whether he's a part of Team Venezuela at next spring's World Baseball Classic. In 2023, Contreras had only partially announced himself as a good big-league catcher. He didn't crack the roster for his native nation in that year's WBC. Salvador Perez, Omar Narváez and Robinson Chirinos split the time at catcher for that edition of the Venezuelan side, and Miguel Cabrera and Gleyber Torres divided the time at designated hitter. Three years later, though, Contreras has emerged as a legitimate star. Perez is very much still around, but he's gotten old between then and now. Narváez and Chirinos are no longer considerations for the team, which will have ambitions of winning the tournament after finishing fifth in 2023. Though clearly one of the four biggest baseball powerhouses in the world (along with the United States, the Dominican Republic, and Japan), Venezuela has never finished higher than fourth in the tournament, and they only placed that well in 2009. There are other young catchers who will vie for playing time on next year's version of the team. Omar's cousin, the Red Sox's Carlos Narváez, had a strong rookie season in 2025. Freddy Fermin emerged from Perez's shadow in Kansas City and was traded to the Padres in July, where he burnished his reputation as an elite defender and a clutch hitter on a bigger stage. Pedro Pagés of the Cardinals is very good behind the plate, but not nearly as good a hitter as Narváez or (especially) Contreras. If the Brewers' backstop is healthy and willing, he'll be the team's first choice to play catcher for them as they try to announce themselves more forcefully on the international landscape. The scope of that opportunity for Contreras, personally, is not to be underestimated. The last two WBCs have been star-making events, and any player offered the chance to play is likely to be interested in doing so. Contreras and Jackson Chourio could see their celebrity magnified if they lead an always-loaded Team Venezuela deeper into the tournament than they've gotten in the past, and the Brewers are unlikely to bar them from participating. If Contreras recovers as well as expected from the operation he underwent, he could be spending a good chunk of spring training somewhere other than Maryvale—and that would probably be a good thing. View the full article

As the Twins head into the offseason, the catcher position is one of the biggest glaring needs. In Ryan Jeffers, they have a strong top option, but there's little else in the upper levels of the organization that inspires much hope. Mickey Gasper and Jhonny Pereda each stumbled in their month-long auditions at the end of this season, and the catchers at the higher levels of the minor leagues don’t seem to be knocking on the door. Jeffers could represent a good starting point as a bulk catcher, with Christian Vázquez hitting free agency (and the team giving away his jersey number to new skipper Derek Shelton). The Twins could look to complement Jeffers with another veteran option, likely on a cheap one-year deal. It could also behoove them to look into multi-year options, in the event that Jeffers is traded or leaves in free agency next year—but that feels unlikely at best, and might even be a better path to explore on the trade market. With that said, here are four free-agent options that could be in the Twins’ wheelhouse, based on the resources they have available and the fit on the depth chart. Victor Caratini The veteran backstop is coming off two solid years with the Houston Astros, wherein he hit a combined .263/.329/.406 and accrued 2.7 fWAR. Caratini’s bat was roughly eight percent better than league average, which is nearly identical to Jeffers’s production over the last two seasons. He’d fit as a solid option to split time with the incumbent, and he could certainly handle full-time duties in the event of an injury. Caratini is also a switch-hitter with relatively neutral splits against righties and lefties, making his fit as a platoon option with Jeffers even more enticing. The 32-year-old has had mixed results over the last few seasons when it comes to his defense, but he was a pretty strong blocker last year. He came up short when it came to pitch framing, though that may be less essential in 2026 with the automated strike zone coming into play. Caratini’s next contract could be the X-factor here. He just wrapped up a two-year deal with the Astros that paid him just over $12 million. But he’s also two years older now, and teams remain hesitant when it comes to giving out multi-year deals to backstops in their mid-30s. Could a one-year, incentive-laden contract with an option for a second season make sense for the Twins? Would Caratini accept it to come to a team that is coming off a 90-loss campaign? James McCann He’s been a popular target for the Twins over the last few years, and McCann once again finds himself on a list of free-agent targets for the club. He was limited to just 137 plate appearances at the big-league level in 2025, but held his own in those 42 games, with a .755 OPS and average defense for the Arizona Diamondbacks. McCann is a career .242/.294/.383 hitter who hasn’t been a starting-caliber catcher since 2020. Understandably, that isn’t going to excite Twins fans. But this list isn’t “which free agent catcher has the best chance to take the Twins to the next level”—as much as we all wish it would be. McCann makes the list as a target for the Twins due to his minimal contract requirement, as he squeezes the last bit of juice out of his nearly 11-year career. He would be a clear backup to Jeffers in this scenario, and that might be the appeal at this point. Look for the 35-year-old to get a contract worth $1 million or so over one year, whether it’s from the Twins or any other team looking for a backup catcher to start 35% of the team’s games. Danny Jansen The 30-year-old Jansen was coming off a lackluster 2024 campaign when he signed a one-year, $8.5-million deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. He went on to hit a respectable (if unexciting) .204/.314/.389 across 73 games, before being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers at the deadline. Jansen then went on to have a .779 OPS with the Brew Crew, catching 23 games down the stretch for the eventual NL Central Champions. His bat was 18 percent better than league average in that time, which could give him a boost as he explores free agency for the second consecutive year. Jansen is likely to seek a similar deal to the one he ended up signing last year, though he may try to hold out for a multiyear pact this time around. Who knows what the market will dictate for a soon-to-be 31-year-old veteran catcher with a high floor, but limited ceiling? His initial asking price, while still likely to be modest, might cause the Twins to move on as they pursue backup options. But there’s always the possibility that the club will try to sell somewhat high on Jeffers in a trade, meaning they’d have room and payroll capacity for a new primary option behind the dish. If the price tag is similar between the two, the Twins would most likely choose to stick with the guy they know. If his market doesn’t materialize as Jansen hopes, though, he could fall into the Twins preferred price range: a short-term deal for less than what they paid Vázquez. If the right trade opportunity arises for Jeffers, meanwhile, the team will have to seriously consider it. There are a few other interesting free agent names that many fans would love to see in a Twins uniform next year, but who will not be in the cards for the hometown nine. J.T. Realmuto is the cream of the crop, but his price tag will almost certainly be more than what the Twins could stomach. Old friend Mitch Garver once again finds himself exploring free agency, but he may prefer to stay away from his former club after they “picked their guy” in Jeffers and traded him to the Texas Rangers after the 2021 season. His performance has also cratered in the last two seasons with the Seattle Mariners. And as for Willians Astudillo? Well, let’s hope he’s having fun wherever he is, but it will not be with the Minnesota Twins in 2026. What do you think? Do these three do anything for you on relatively inexpensive deals? Who else makes sense for the Twins to pursue this offseason? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section, and as always, stay sweet. View the full article

Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran is sure to be one of the most discussed players this offseason as beat writers, reporters, and contributors stoke the hot stove. Despite avoiding arbitration and agreeing to a one-year deal yesterday, Jon Morosi of MLB Network speculated that Boston Duran could be traded to the Detroit Tigers this offseason. On an episode of Hot Stove, Morosi predicted Duran "would be a great fit with the Detroit Tigers … Do not be surprised if Jarren Duran is wearing the old English D by opening day." It's important to re-emphasize that this is just speculation and not anything supported by sources from within either organization. Duran, who is controllable through 2028, has been a polarizing figure throughout his career. From multiple controversial comments to up-and-down performances, the 29-year-old has been the subject of trade rumors in the past, and those rumors may continue this offseason. In 2025, he carried an OPS of .774 with 16 home runs and 24 stolen bases across 696 plate appearances. Do you think the Red Sox should move Duran before Opening Day 2025? Join the conversation in the comments! View the full article