Category: MLB

On January 28th, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman addressed the media after Cody Bellinger’s return to the Bronx became official. When inevitably asked about the Yankees deciding to essentially bring back the same roster that lost the AL East and the ALDS to the Blue Jays in 2025, he said that this wasn’t the case:

“It’s not the same roster. … I disagree it’s the same team running it back. … Not afraid to run with the quality and talented roster of players that we do have. I think we’ve been consistent with that throughout the entire winter”

Well here we are a week later and news just broke of the Yankees officially bringing another dude back from the 2025 team, and someone far less essential than Bellinger: first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. ESPN’s Jeff Passan had the report of the 2022 NL MVP accepting a one-year deal to play a second season in New York. The financial figures came in later, with Jon Heyman noting the $4 million contract.

First baseman Paul Goldschmidt and the New York Yankees are finalizing a one-year contract, sources tell ESPN. Goldschmidt, 38, returns to the Yankees after hitting .274/.328/.403 for them last season.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 6, 2026

Paul Goldschmidt Yankees deal is for $4M

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 7, 2026

I know that it is not hip at all in the year 2026 to do reaction GIFs or clips, but I’m sorry. I can only be who I am.

Is there an argument that it makes sense to bring Goldschmidt back since up-and-coming first baseman Ben Rice didn’t hit that well against lefties in 2026? Sure. But here’s the dirty secret: Goldschmidt stopped hitting lefties after Memorial Day, too.

Paul Goldschmidt, a righty swinger, had a .981 OPS against lefties last year. But that number fell to .676 from June 1 through the end of the regular season. #Yankeeshttps://t.co/gqffjOhr9S

— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) January 28, 2026

For the record, Ben Rice’s season OPS against lefties was .752. So that’s neat.

The 2025 World Series was a seven-game classic between two great teams: the Dodgers and Blue Jays. The Dodgers became MLB’s first back-to-back champion since the 1998-2000 dynasty Yankees. They still bolstered their roster this offseason by signing two All-Stars in closer Edwin Díaz and outfielder Kyle Tucker. If one bounce went another way in that Fall Classic or if Isiah Kiner-Falefa got a better lead at third base late in Game 7, the Blue Jays would’ve won it all. They didn’t; although they lost Bo Bichette to the Mets, they’ve still responded this offseason by signing Dylan Cease to boost their rotation and bringing aboard infielder Kazuma Okamoto from the NPB.

The Yankees are running it back. Cashman can try to get cute in his responses by acting like Trade Deadline moves for relievers and bench players make it so that’s not quite the case because well, well, uh, well, they weren’t there in the first half! And Devin Williams and Luke Weaver are gone, so that’s different! Ryan Weathers is here and will totally stay healthy and reach his highest potential! Getting Gerrit Cole back after Tommy John surgery will be like a Trade Deadline acquisition! No one’s ever had a tricky time finding their rhythm again after a year and a half away from the game. And we tied for the most wins in the American League so we’re great! It’s fine! Championship-caliber and all!

Look, the AL is not inspiring and the Yankees should remain good. That is a fact. Still, I come back to this other fact: The 1998 Yankees were probably the best team in baseball history. After winning it all, they shook it up a bit anyway because there was still room for improvement, trading fan favorite and playoff standout David Wells in exchange for Roger Clemens. They then won two more championships.

So whatever. Congrats to Goldy I guess. This is no dig at him personally as he seems like a very nice fellow and the actual value of this contract is a drop in the bucket. But this is all just so silly — and that’s using a kind word.

The Yankees really are running it back. 

Add Paul Goldschmidt to the list of returning players to The Bronx after the Yankees agreed to a one-year deal with the veteran first baseman, sources told The Post’s Joel Sherman. 

Goldschmidt gives the Yankees a right-handed bat who can fill in for lefty-swinging Ben Rice, who is expected to be the primary first baseman this season. 

Goldschmidt, the 2022 National League MVP with the Cardinals, first signed with the Yankees last offseason and got off to a good start before he fell off in the second half. 

But he remains solid defensively and gives the Yankees some much-needed balance in an infield that skews lefty, with Rice, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Ryan McMahon all hitting from the left side, along with catcher Austin Wells and outfielders Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham. 

Goldschmidt also should be a valuable mentor to Rice, who is still learning how to play first base after coming up through the Yankees system primarily as a catcher — where he may still get time, along with Wells and possibly J.C. Escarra. 

Although the 38-year-old Goldschmidt’s performance fell off in the second half, he still ended the season with an OPS of .981 against left-handed pitching and he can also serve as a defensive replacement for Rice. 

Goldschmidt was also highly respected in the clubhouse and expressed a desire to return after the Yankees were knocked out of the playoffs. 

He’ll rejoin a team that will look very similar to last year, as the Yankees’ biggest moves of the offseason have been bringing back Grisham on a qualifying offer worth just north of $22 million and re-signing Bellinger on a five-year, $162 million deal. 

They’ll hope the continued development of young players like Rice and Wells, along with the return of Gerrit Cole from Tommy John surgery by midseason and a full season of their acquisitions at last year’s trade deadline will put them in position to at least get back to the postseason. 

The bench now consists of Goldschmidt, Amed Rosario and perhaps Escarra and Jasson Domínguez — unless the Yankees find a right-handed bat for the outfield, since the switch-hitting Domínguez struggles from the right side and in left field. 

And to start the season, José Caballero figures to fill in for Anthony Volpe at shortstop while Volpe recovers from offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. 

— Additional reporting by Jon Heyman 

The Yankees are, indeed, running it back as the team is reportedly re-signing first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.

According to multiple reports, the deal is for one year.

There have been rumblings of a reunion between Goldschmidt and the Bronx for the past few weeks. Goldschmidt, who started the majority of the games at first base last season, will likely defer to youngster Ben Rice in 2026. However, the Yankees saw the value in bringing in Goldschmidt as a late-game defensive replacement and his penchant for hitting left-handed pitchers.

Goldschmidt's first year in the Bronx started off great. While his power numbers were down, the former NL MVP was hitting .356 entering May. He maintained his .300 average through most of June before his production began to taper off. Despite that, Goldschmidt still had a very good 2025, slashing .274/.328/.403 with an OPS of .731, 10 home runs, 45 RBI across 146 games. 

He also gave the Yankees a defensive stalwart at first.

While the money figures have not been disclosed, Joel Sherman of the NY Post reports that Goldschmidt had opportunities to make more money for another team, but wanted to return to the Yankees.

The Goldschmidt acquisition is just another in an offseason full of re-signings by GM Brian Cashman. In addition to Goldschmidt, Trent Grisham accepted his qualifying offer, while the Yankees picked up Tim Hill's option and re-signed Ryan Yarbrough, Paul Blackburn, Amed Rosario and Cody Bellinger, all of whom were on the team last season.

With pitchers and catchers now teetering on the edge of reporting, and with a number of definite changes over the month since we last checked in, I figure it was a good point to update the expected roster. So here are the players I currently expect to be present, when the team takes the field in Dodger Stadium on March 26. Changes from the previous edition are in bold.

Starting rotation

1. Merrill Kelly ($20m)
2. Ryne Nelson ($3m)
3. Brandon Pfaadt ($3.4m)
4. Eduardo Rodriguez ($21m)
5. Michael Soroka ($7.5m)

No changes here since last time. There is still the dangling and oft-floated possibility of Zac Gallen returning to the team. While there would be some irony to this, the pitcher having declined a hefty qualifying offer from the team at the start of the off-season, I don’t see it happening, unless Gallen comes insanely cheap. The team has its starting rotation, and won’t be bumping Soroka to very expensive long-relief. That aren’t actually short in rotational depth, with the likes of Cristian Mena, Kohl Drake and Dylan Ray – and that’s just the ones currently on the 40-man roster. You can never have too much pitching, true. But Zac simply doesn’t seem to fit the team’s need.

Bullpen

• Ryan Thompson ($3.95m)
• Kevin Ginkel ($2.725m)
• Taylor Clarke ($1.55m)
• Kade Stroud
• Andrew Saalfrank
• Juan Morillo
• John Curtiss
• Drey Jameson

This was, almost universally, the area of the team seen as needing most help. So far, it appears Mike Hazen is mostly content to wait for reinforcements in the shape of, probably, first A.J. Puk, and then Justin Martinez. However, the addition of Clarke and the trade earlier in the week for Stroud should be helpful, and push some lesser arms into lower-leverage situations. That does now feel like five of the (likely) eight bullpen slots for Opening Day are accounted for. That’s a clear improvement on the three we had locked down, when we checked in last month.

As before, the remainder of the positions could be anyone, and will likely be up for grabs in spring training. Keep an eye on the non-roster invitees: there’s a good chance one or two end up at the back of the bullpen. Jonathan Loaisiga is one to watch, and if Derek Law is healthy and back to anything like his 2024 form, he has the experience to be a significant asset to the Arizona bullpen. I’d currently be inclined to pencil Curtiss as the long reliever – though he’s not on the 40-man roster, there will be spots opening up. He performed well for the D-backs, with an ERA and FIP around four. Almost half of his outings (13 of 30) saw John going more than three outs too.

While the free-agent pickings remaining are increasingly scant, I do note that Jalen Beeks is one of the names still available at the time of writing. If we’re going to re-unite with a free-agent pitcher from the 2025 D-backs, Beeks seems more likely than Gallen. He was both effective and durable, and at a cost of $1.25 million, Jalen was reasonably priced as well. I’m a little surprised he hasn’t been signed by anyone. Perhaps we have a gentleman’s agreement in place with Beeks, but the team are waiting until the IL becomes available, and 40-man roster spots open up, to announce it officially. /adjusts tin-foil hat.

Starting line-up

• Catcher: Gabriel Moreno ($2.55m)
• First base: Carlos Santana ($2m)
• Second base: Ketel Marte ($15m)
• Shortstop: Geraldo Perdomo ($6.25m)
• Third-base: Nolan Arenado ($5m)
• Left field: Jordan Lawlar
• Center field: Alek Thomas ($1.96m)
• Right field: Corbin Carroll ($10.62m)
• Designated hitter: Pavin Smith ($2.25m)

The D-backs made 84 errors last year, the vast majority (77) coming on the infield. That’s a drastic increase over the total errors in both 2023 (56) and 2024 (62). While errors are an unreliable stat, the more advanced metrics also show a clear downturn in Arizona’s defense in 2025. It was no secret it was going to be a focus this winter, and the addition of Arenado and Santana should help get things going back in the other direction. It’s interesting, because early in the off-season, Hazen was speaking about keeping things in-house: “I feel like we have more options internally, position player-wise, to solve some of our issues that we may have defensively and offensively.”

After the trade of Alexander, Hazen also confirmed that while Lawlar will still see some work in the infield this spring, “I think the majority of his work is gonna come in the outfield.” That’s presumably to allow him to fill in left field while the team waits for the return of Lourdes Gurriell. However, that need may not be as long as initially suspected. Last month Hazen said the outfielder “was well ahead of schedule” in his rehab from ACL surgery, though wouldn’t be drawn on a specific date. The original expectation was 9-10 months from the procedure, which works out to around late June. Less than that would certainly be helpful, though how effective he’ll be is also an issue. As discussed earlier, Ryan Waldschmidt could be another option.

Santana and Smith would form a natural platoon at first, but Santana definitely has the greater defensive reputation, while Smith is the better bat. So we could end up seeing both in the line-up on the same day. We don’t really have any obvious DH candidates otherwise: last year, it was mostly Smith, plus Randall Grichuk, with Marte and Adrian DelCastillo seeing time there too. If we don’t want to overtax Gurriel when he comes back, he could play there against left-handed pitching.

Bench

• James McCann ($2.75m)
• Tim Tawa
• Jorge Barrosa
• Adrian Del Castillo

The usually well-informed John Gambadoro says that the team “will be looking trade/free agency for a Blaze Alexander replacement – someone who can play 3B/2B. Could also be looking for LF help with Blaze’s departure.” Certainly, that makes sense, since Blaze’s departure does leave the bench looking a little thin. McCann is obviously there as catcher, and Tawa offers a lot of positional flexibility (can he play two positions simultaneously?). But Barrosa still has no bat, while DelCastillo has virtually no professional experience at any other position bar catcher, and as a left-handed bat does not platoon well with Smith as designated hitter.

So I would not be at all surprised if there are indeed further moves to come at the back end of the roster. Exactly what that will be, and whether the cost will be in salary or prospect capital, is uncertain. And speaking of which…

Payroll

I’m going to skip the detailed math from last time, regarding players on the IL, pre-arbitration candidates, etc. and go straight to the Fangraphs figure , which currently has the team at $173 million. That compares to a closing figure last year of $188 million. The team did say they wanted to cut payroll, but technically $187,999,999 would do that. So they still have almost $15 million to spend, right? Uh… Probably not: and that’s another reason why I doubt Gallen will be here. There may be room for some more free-agent spending, such as on Beeks. But we have absolutely no idea how much, if any, is left.

Rather than going all-in immediately, Hazen may also want to keep some resources back, and see how the season progresses. If things are going well, then he can look to take on the salary of a rental at the trade deadline. It’s hard to be sure what would count as “going well”. Yes, we will be getting reinforcements for the pitching staff, in Corbin Burnes, Puk and Martinez, who might help in the second half. But how players perform on their return from Tommy John is never certain. Expecting everyone to go right back to pre-operation form is likely an optimistic assumption.

So, there we go. I’ve no doubt things will change further between now and Opening Day. But I definitely feel things look more solid than they were a month ago. What do you reckon? Who would you change? See you in the comments…

Yasiel Puig has been found guilty of federal crimes.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Friday the former Dodgers superstar was convicted of one count of obstruction of justice and one count of making false statements after he was accused of lying to federal investigators about making illegal bets.

According to prosecutors, Puig faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for the obstruction of justice charge and an additional five years in prison for the false statement charge.
He will remain “free on his own personal recognizance” until the hearing, prosecutors said.

The feds claimed that back in May 2019, Puig began placing wagers through an associate, Donny Kadokawa, to an illegal gambling organization run by former minor leaguer Wayne Nix.

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Puig allegedly went on to gain access to Nix’s betting platform on his own, and prosecutors accused him of making an additional 899 bets on tennis, football and basketball games from July 2019 through September 2019.

In January 2022, Puig was interviewed about his role in the gambling org., but prosecutors alleged he lied about participating in it.

Puig made an agreement with the feds to close out the case in November 2022, and as part of the pact, he said he would plead guilty to lying to federal investigators.

But just days later, he backed out of the deal, and proclaimed his innocence in a statement.

“I want to clear my name,” he said at the time. “I never should have agreed to plead guilty to a crime I did not commit.”

Puig’s case ultimately went to trial at the end of January. A jury came back with its guilty verdicts on Friday.

Puig is due back in federal court on May 26 for sentencing.

Puig made his MLB debut on June 3, 2103 with the Dodgers, and became one of the city’s most beloved sports figures for his brash style of play and power at the plate. He was an All-Star with the Dodgers in 2014.

Following his time in the MLB, he logged at-bats in South Korea and the Mexican League.

The Athletics made two minor roster moves today as they continue shaping their 2026 club.

First, the A’s claimed 32-year-old Cuban infielder Andy Ibáñez off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers. With their 40-man roster full, the club designated fellow infielder MaxSchuemann for assignment to make room for Ibáñez.

Last month, the Dodgers signed Ibáñez to a one-year, $1.2 million contract, only to release him earlier this week when they reclaimed outfielder Mike Siani. They hoped to keep the out-of-options player in their organization, yet the A’s claimed him. 

Ibáñez spent the last three seasons with the Detroit Tigers, carving out a role as a platoon utility player thanks to his .280 career batting average against left-handed pitching. In 2025, he accumulated four home runs and 21 RBIs in 91 games. 

After trading for second baseman Jeff McNeil earlier this winter, the A’s acquired Ibáñez to compete with youngsters Darrell Hernaiz, MaxMuncy and Brett Harris this spring for playing time at third base this year. All four candidates bat right handed, ruling out a third base platoon. Ibáñez also brings the defensive versatility the A’s value, with MLB experience at second base, first base, shortstop, and both corner outfield spots.

Unfortunately, Schuemann’s time with the franchise could be over unless he sneaks through waivers and returns as non-roster depth. Ibáñez’s arrival made Schuemann’s presence redundant as the club does not need that many offensively-challenged utility players.

Schuemann debuted in April 2024 and took over as the team’s starting shortstop for most of that season. However, Jacob Wilson’s emergence and Schuemann’s offensive struggles pushed him back into a part-time utility role last year. Given his defensive versatility and minor-league options remaining, another team will likely claim Schuemann on waivers unless they all bypass him due to his tepid offense.

In addition, the team reportedly agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with free-agent right handed relief pitcher Scott Barlow. Entering his ninth season, Barlow brings vast experience pitching in late-game situations to what is otherwise an inexperienced A’s bullpen. Last year, he appeared in 75 games with the Cincinnati Reds, going 6-3 with a 4.21 ERA. This is a low-cost move that fills a need, although Barlow will have to limit the free passes and get over allowing Nick Kurtz’s monster 493 ft grand slam at Sutter Health Park in September. At the very least, he cannot be worse than José Leclerc.

What do you think of these two moves A’s fans? Are you sad to see Schuemann go or is it the right call to jettison him from the 40-man? Who should the A’s sign next?

A’s were looking for a versatile infielder with experience and Ibañez fits the bill with plenty of time at 3B and 2B while also playing some 1B and OF.

Decision to DFA Max Schuemann was no doubt a tough one. Would expect him to join A’s in spring as a NRI if he clears waivers. https://t.co/KUny27ga55

— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) February 6, 2026

The Andy Ibáñez experience with the Dodgers lasted all of 24 days. The A’s claimed the veteran infielder off waivers on Friday, just three days after Ibáñez was bumped off the 40-man roster in Los Angeles.

Ibáñez was designated for assignment on Tuesday when the Dodgers claimed outfielder Michael Siani in one of his many waiver transactions this winter.

The Dodgers signed Ibáñez to a one-year, $1.2 million contract on January 13, more than a week before they landed Kyle Tucker. While that might not seem as relevant considering Tucker is an outfielder and Ibáñez is an infielder, adding Tucker essentially gives the Dodgers three mostly-everyday outfielders, which probably means utility man Tommy Edman spending more time on the infield instead of going back and forth between second base and center field.

That meant fewer opportunities for Ibáñez, who has played mostly second and third base throughout his career.

There might be more opportunities for playing time in Sacramento, though the A’s this winter also traded for Jeff McNeil and have an infield that already includes first baseman Nick Kurtz and shortstop Jacob Wilson, along with Zack Gelof, who is coming off surgery late last season.

Ibáñez in parts of five seasons with the Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers is a .254/.305/.389 hitter with a 92 wRC+, including .280/.327/.452 with a 115 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers. He turns 33 in April.

MLB might not have a salary cap (at least not yet, anyway).

But the league’s current rules were designed, at the least, to make it harder for the biggest-spending teams to maintain highly ranked farm systems –– using draft pick penalties and international signing pool restrictions to, in theory, prevent clubs with the largest MLB payrolls from also being able to replenish their minor-league ranks.

Once again, however, the Dodgers have found a way to break the mold.

In the run-up to spring training next week, industry outlets have begun releasing their farm system rankings for 2026. And on almost every list, the Dodgers’ pipeline remains right near the top, earning a top-five nod from most publications (albeit with a couple exceptions, most notably a No. 13 ranking from Baseball America) and the No. 1 spot in a poll of fellow major league executives conducted by MLB.com last month.

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For Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, preserving such farm system strength has long been a primary organizational goal. And while it’s “much easier to say than to do,” he acknowledged in a recent interview with The California Post, it’s become a key component to the club’s recent run of dominance; helping the Dodgers to restock their big-league clubhouse with depth, plug roster holes through the trade market and even woo top free agents with the promise of long-term sustainability.

“It’s funny. I remember in our meeting with Shohei (Ohtani), before he made his decision (as a free agent two offseasons ago), we were walking through, however you define the success of our previous 10 years, we felt like we were well-positioned to have an even better run in the next 10 years, despite all the factors working against us, (because of) having a strong farm system,” Friedman said. “I remember going through that, and got to the end, and Shohei just looked at me and goes, ‘How? How are you guys able to do that?’”

Over the last few years, the answer has required some non-traditional methods.

Since 2022, the Dodgers have made only two draft picks higher than 40th overall and just seven in the top 90 (a trend unlikely to change this year, when they will lose four of their top six picks as penalties for signing Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz). They’ve seen their international bonus pool, which is used to sign prospects who don’t enter the domestic draft system, annually slashed because of luxury tax penalties (they also had to dedicate almost all of last year’s pool to sign one player, Roki Sasaki). 

So, they’ve had to find other ways to preserve their pipeline, relying on diamond-in-the-rough discoveries, developmental success stories and shrewd trade maneuvers to maintain organizational depth.

“For us to be in the top 3-5 in different years, it speaks to organizational harmony,” Friedman said. “We have a high-achieving group that is creating a lot of organizational value.”

Start with the Dodgers’ consensus top two prospects: outfielders Josue De Paula and Eduardo Quintero. Both were relative bargains on the international market, signing for a combined total of less than $700,000. But both have blossomed since joining the organization, emerging as top-25 prospects in the entire sport according to Baseball America.

Then, there are the non-homegrown talents. Of the team’s top 10 prospects in ESPN’s recent rankings, only one was drafted by the team, while six were acquired via trade in recent years for players including Gavin Lux, Michael Busch, Dustin May and Matt Beaty.

Most contending clubs, of course, can’t afford to add young prospects by trading productive big-league players. But the Dodgers have stockpiled so much talent at the MLB level, they’ve been able to flip superfluous pieces on the trade market.

At last year’s deadline, for example, they added outfielders James Tibbs III and Zach Ehrhard for May (who was in the final year of his contract and being squeezed out of the Dodgers’ rotation). They also snagged an intriguing young pitcher, Adam Serwinoski, in a three-team deal that only cost them Triple-A catcher Hunter Feduccia (that deal also netted the club Ben Rortvedt, who played a key role early in last year’s postseason, and Paul Gervase, a depth reliever currently on the 40-man roster).

“That’s always the dream,” Friedman said of being able to add to the pipeline at the deadline. “The price gouging that happens in July on the buy-side is something that makes it easy for every buyer to feel like, ‘Oh, man, it’d be nice to be in a really good position in the standings to be able to reap the reward of this insane seller’s market.’”

This hasn’t been a foolproof plan. Despite their high annual pipeline rankings, the Dodgers have struggled to integrate much of their young talent into the big leagues. During their back-to-back World Series seasons the last two years, Will Smith and Andy Pages were the only farm system products to be mainstays in the lineup. Of this year’s projected starting rotation, only Emmet Sheehan is a homegrown player.

Still, there’s no easier way to sustain long-term success than having a farm system highly valued by the rest of the industry, stocked with players coveted by other clubs and projected for future big-league production.

MLB’s rules were supposed to stop teams like the Dodgers from maintaining such a strength.

Yet, here they remain, boasting the most star-studded roster in the majors, plus a pipeline that continues to be pegged as one of the best in the sport.

Dodgers top-10 prospects, per ESPN

1.) Josue De Paula — International signing

2.) Eduardo Quintero — International signing

3.) Zyhir Hope — Trade (for Michael Busch)

4.) Mike Sirota — Trade (for Gavin Lux)

5.) Emil Morales — International signing

6.) Alex Freeland — Draft (3rd Rd, 2022)

7.) Zach Ehrhard — Trade (for Dustin May)

8.) River Ryan — Trade (for Matt Beaty)

9.) Jackson Ferris — Trade (for Michael Busch)

10.) James Tibbs III — Trade (for Dustin May)

All winter, the Dodgers have been dealing with a 40-man roster crunch.

On Friday, it led to a notable shake-up in their organizational depth chart.

First, recent free-agent infield signing Andy Ibáñez was reportedly claimed off waivers by the Athletics, after he was designated for assignment earlier in the week. Then, the team announced a waiver claim of its own, re-acquiring catcher Ben Rortvedt from the Reds while designating reliever Anthony Banda for assignment in a corresponding move.

The transactions provide some clarity about how the fringes of the team’s opening day roster could look when the season begins next month.

They also mark the departures (or, in Banda’s case, likely departure) of two players who were once expected to be big-league contributors for the two-time defending World Series champions this year –– as well as the return of an unexpected hero from last year’s postseason run.

It was only three weeks ago that the Dodgers signed Ibáñez to a $1.2 million free-agent contract. His addition was supposed to help bolster the club’s infield depth this spring, with second baseman Tommy Edman uncertain for opening day coming off an offseason ankle surgery.

However, Ibáñez was DFA’d this week when the team re-claimed outfielder Michael Siani off waivers from the Yankees (Siani had originally been claimed off waivers by the Dodgers earlier this offseason, but was DFA’d as the corresponding move for Kyle Tucker’s signing in late January).

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In DFA’ing Ibáñez, the Dodgers might have been hoping to slip him through waivers and keep him stashed in the minor leagues as a potential depth option. However, the A’s were willing to take on his contract, ending his Dodgers tenure before he could even report for camp.

The club attempted a similar maneuver earlier this winter with Rortvedt, the backup catcher they initially acquired at last year’s trade deadline and leaned on early in the playoffs while Will Smith was recovering from a hand fracture.

In November, the team quietly agreed to a $1.25 million deal with the arbitration-eligible Rortvedt, then DFA’d him in hopes of sneaking him through waivers and keeping him in the organization. However, the Reds unexpectedly claimed him, leaving former top prospect Dalton Rushing as the team’s only viable backup catching option for 2026.

But things changed again last week, when the Reds DFA’d Rortvedt in order to make room on their roster for free-agent third baseman signing Eugenio Suárez. Thus, the Dodgers scooped Rortvedt back up Friday, bolstering their catching depth with a reliable veteran who started each of their first four playoff games last October.

Because the Dodgers’ 40-man roster is maxed out, re-acquiring Rortvedt forced them to cut someone else loose. Their choice there was Banda, a former journeyman left-hander who emerged as a trustworthy member of the Dodgers bullpen the last two seasons (posting a 3.14 ERA in 119 total appearances) but was also facing stiff competition this spring to make the team’s opening day roster.

The Dodgers already have plenty of left-handed relief depth, with Alex Vesia, Tanner Scott, Jack Dreyer and Justin Wrobleski all also returning from last year’s squad. They added another southpaw, relief prospect Ronan Kopp, to their 40-man roster at the beginning of this offseason, as well.

Thus, the team had considered Banda as a potential trade piece this winter. And now, they will have a week to potentially find a trade partner for him (similar to how they traded another reliever, Ryan Brasier, last offseason after he was DFA’d) before having to put him on waivers.

The Dodgers could also try holding onto Banda, who is signed to a $1.625 million contract this season, and attempt to sneak him through waivers as they did with Rortvedt and Ibáñez previously. But it’s doubtful he would go unclaimed, leaving his chances of remaining with the team –– and finding a new role in their ever-changing roster picture –– slim as spring training approaches.

The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired Cuban outfielder Victor Mesa Jr. from the Miami Marlins, adding a left handed fourth outfielder to the Spring Training mix. He has an option remaining, and will be competing with Chandler Simpson and Richie Palacios for an outfield slated to already include two left handed hitters in Jake Fraley and Cedric Mullins.

Signed in 2018 for $1 million, alongside his more heralded brother who signed for more than $5 million but is already out of baseball, Mesa Jr. has been on the fringe of Miami’s top-thirty prospects with a reputation for some swing and miss that was cleaned up in 2025, cutting his strikeout rate from 22% in 2024 to 15% last season. He has generally shown an ability to tighten up his swing mechanics and hitf/x at every level.

Despite a slow start to the year due to a hamstring injury in Spring Training, Mesa Jr. boasted a 136 wRC+ in Triple-A in 42 games before earned his major league promotion in 2025, picking up 34 days of service time over 16 games in his age-23 season, showing some surprising pop in the bat, hitting his first career homerun to the second deck on his birthday:

The return for Mesa Jr. was prospect Angel Brachi, an 18 year old infielder who put up a 142 wRC+ in 228 PA in the DSL. He ranked in the top-50 prospects at FanGraphs last season with a utility infielder projection, which is about the same value Mesa Jr. offers the Rays now.

To make room on the 40-man roster, left handed INF Brett Wisely has been designated for assignment, an expected outcome after he had previously been bumped down the depth chart by the acquisition of Gavin Lux.

Good afternoon everyone, it’s time to dive back into the mailbag and answer some of your questions. Remember to send in your questions for our bi-weekly call by e-mail to pinstripealleyblog [at] gmail [dot] com.

ReadingYankee asks:Given the injury history of these two pitchers who are potential front line starters, which one has the best possible outcome in the next couple years: Chase Hampton or Bryce Cunningham? Obviously, this would be assuming they do not get injured again.

On the surface it’s a difficult call: MLB’s prospect rankings listed Cunningham above Hampton at the end of last year, but Hampton was listed as much closer to the majors, which is a major factor in determining if pitching prospects are going to pan out or not. However, given Hampton’s two extra years in the minors amounting to just a 71 inning difference in experience between the two, I’d give the edge to Cunningham having the easier path to the majors and thus contributing quicker. Because the truth is, we simply can’t assume that neither one gets injured again during their development — there’s nothing more volatile than a pitching prospect, and this is the risk they run. Cunningham’s first year being disrupted isn’t too much of a surprise, but Hampton’s now tossed just 18.2 innings in the last two years, 5.2 of which came in Double-A, and it’s hard to see a world where he can rise to the majors quickly even if he has a stellar 2026 to turn things around.

Chip23 asks:So, if we take Cashman’s statements at face value, that he has put together a “Champion-caliber roster” then should we also assume that a failure to win a championship is a reflection of the manager and that he will be held accountable?

Not necessarily, because there’s a bit of word-play from Cashman going on whenever the topic of being championship-caliber gets discussed. Because the organization views championships and the postseason at large as being a crapshoot (whether that’s correct or not is a a different discussion, one we’ll talk about in a second!), so long as the team is in the running and plays in October baseball, it’s not a failure to miss out on outright winning a title. If that wasn’t the case, then Cashman and Boone would be in extremely hot water by now having only gone to and lost a single World Series during their tenure — but as we know, the organization is quite comfortable with both of them running the ship. Perhaps things would change if they flamed out in the Wild Card Series a couple years in a row, but even with the relative disappointment of losing convincingly in the ALDS the team can point to the fact that they were tied for the most wins in the division and competed with the team that went to the World Series.

The idiot that said, “Harper is coming” asks:Can we change the terminology from “running it back” to “walking it back”?One implies a little more urgency than the other. I don’t see any urgency from this organization to be worthy of “running it back.”

So, let’s get into the thought process of the offseason overall, shall we? There’s no denial that the team didn’t display much urgency this offseason: they locked in fairly early on bringing back Cody Bellinger without showing much interest in the top of the market with Kyle Tucker, called his bluff when he was adamant about pushing for extra years and were willing to let someone else sign him, and then mostly fixated on minute bullpen moves to flesh out the roster while bringing back bench pieces. However, where they stand at the end of the day is still a top three team by FanGraphs’ projections, and outside of the Dodgers’ horde of talent they’re firmly in the mix to be the second-best team in baseball.

On the one hand, they weren’t pushing to improve themselves very much this offseason, which has it’s frustrations (which I share). On the other, they correctly assessed that they had a top team in 2025 that ran into another top team, and reasoned that they can get back to the Fall Classic with the roster they have now. Is it how I personally wish they operated this winter? No, I wanted them to be much more aggressive, but at the end of the day I’m not upset with the result either. I just wish it could’ve been settled about a month or two ago so we could’ve avoided the endless cycle of questioning whether they’d do something interesting.

OLDY MOLDY asks:Do the Yankees avoid another Boone June Swoon in 2026?

Here’s a case where I’d argue Boone could and should be held accountable for his record — because while the team has gotten into the dance every year barring one, they sure have looked highly inconsistent at the very consistent rate. Their almost penciled-in summer of poor play each year has been one of my major gripes with the team, and it lines up with their level of preparation that got put on display for the world when the Dodgers took them to task in 2024. Their fundamentals have been, in my opinion, highly suspect throughout this championship window, though mainly from 2020 on. Finding a way not to nosedive and potentially cost themselves the division with a terrible two-month stretch would go a long way towards building more faith in what they’ve constructed, so here’s hoping Boone and company can avoid it this year.

Earlier this week, we got the much-anticipated Non-Roster Invitee list from the Braves for this season’s spring training camp. That list initially consisted of 24 names. Now, there are 25 names on that list after the Braves made an addition to it here on Friday afternoon. Mark Bowman of MLB.com is reporting that the Braves are going to be bringing in Kyle Farmer as an NRI for spring training.

The Braves added Marist and UGA product Kyle Farmer to their list of NRIs . Seems to be a good fit for an Opening Day roster spot. Dubon will move from SS to LF on nights when Yaz is pinch hit for against LHPs. Mateo and Farmer would be backup INF options

— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) February 6, 2026

Farmer spent the 2025 season with the Colorado Rockies, where he put up some underwhelming plate numbers with a .227/.280/.365 slash line to go along with eight home runs, a .285 wOBA and 65 wRC+ over the course of 97 games played and 300 plate appearances. That ended up being good for an fWAR number of -1.0, which ain’t ideal! Farmer has never really been a real threat with the bat, as even in his best season in 2021, he was good for just 91 wRC+ over 529 plate appearances with the Cincinnati Reds.

I’d imagine that he’ll be used strictly as a defensive substitute but even then, he had a rough year last season in that department as well. He recorded -5 Outs Above Average in 2025 (good for the 11th percentile in all of baseball, according to Statcast) and his arm strength didn’t fare much better, either. With that being said, that’s likely the outlier because Farmer has had some good-to-great seasons with the glove. Again, 2021 comes to mind which is when he recorded 5 OAA (grading him out to the 92nd percentile) and he repeated that feat as recently as 2024, which is when he put up another 5 OAA as a member of the Twins.

So my guess is that the Braves are banking on a change of scenery (or simply getting away from the Rockies) should help him return to the form. If he does end up making the roster then he should serve as a very solid option as a defensive substitute in some games. For now, he’s another player to keep an eye on as spring training gets underway in the very near future.

Artemi Panarin got to tell his side of the story just about 24 hours after being traded from the New York Rangers to the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday. 

Going into the 2025 offseason, the growing sentiment was that the Rangers would sign Panarin to a contract extension before he hit the open market in 2026. 

However, as multiple other marquee players signed contract extensions with their respective teams, including Connor McDavid, ​​Kirill Kaprizov, and Jack Eichel, Panarin was left as the odd man out, unsigned past the 2025-26 campaign by the Rangers. 

With the Rangers struggling through the first months of the season, speculation about the team trading Panarin grew. 

Once Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury issued a letter on Jan. 16 outlining the franchises' intentions to retool the roster, it also came out that the team did not intend to re-sign Panarin and would look to trade him before the March 6 NHL Trade Deadline. 

Upon being traded to Los Angeles, Panarin quickly signed a two-year $22 million contract with the Kings. 

Panarin revealed that the Rangers were reluctant to sign him over the summer and that there wasn't a whole lot of dialogue between his camp and the Rangers regarding a contract extension over the course of the season. 

“We talked about contract a little bit, but I feel like this offer said ‘we’re not sure we want you or not.’ That’s why I’m not signed,” Panarin emphasized. 

It was when the Rangers went through their dreadful stretch in January that Panarin knew that his time in New York may be coming to an end. 

The Rangers Enter Olympic Break Hitting Rock Bottom If there is a rock bottom, it’s safe to say the New York <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers">Rangers</a> reached it after their 2-0 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night.&nbsp;

“I feel like maybe 15 games ago when we started losing everything [I realized] it was possible [to get traded],” Panarin said. “And then when we lost to Boston like 10-1 or something like that, I would say that I already understood that even if Chris wanted to give me a deal, he probably can’t now because we’re kind of struggling here the whole team and we probably need some changes.”

The Panarin sweepstakes truly began to pick up steam when he was held out of the lineup due to roster management on Jan. 28.

Multiple teams were reportedly interested in acquiring the 34-year-old forward, including the Carolina Hurricanes, Washington Capitals, and Seattle Kraken.  

Ultimately, Panarin pinpointed the Kings as his preferred destination, and with the power of his no-move clause, Drury was only given the green light to trade him to Los Angeles. 

It was through conversations with Vladislav Gavrikov that helped guide Panarin toward Los Angeles. 

“I was not ready to pick a team where I didn’t want to go,” Panarin said. “I probably (would have gone) to Russia if L.A. didn’t give me anything… I just want to play for these guys.”

The Rangers’ signing of Panarin in 2019 to a seven-year, $81 million contract is widely considered to be the franchise's greatest free-agent signing.

In seven seasons with the Blueshirts, Panarin recorded 205 goals, 402 assists, and 607 points. In a city full of stars and celebrities, the Russian superstar was able to stand out and etch his mark in The Big Apple. 

Panarin embraced the New York spotlight, and he’ll now take center stage in Hollywood, but not before reminiscing on his time with the Rangers organization. 

“It’s a lot of good memories,” Panarin said. “We always had a great group of guys here, too. Pretty good atmosphere. … Find a lot of friends here. Obviously that’s a great organization, too. New York Rangers, Original Six team, huge history. I was pretty proud to play for these guys, for this jersey. Thank you very much to the fans.”

Former Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase, who is to stand trial in May on federal sports corruption charges, allegedly conspired to rig far more pitches than originally revealed by federal prosecutors, according to a document filed on Thursday in the Eastern District of New York (EDNY) and quoted by ESPN.

That’s part of the reason why his co-conspirator, former Cleveland pitcher Luis Ortiz, is attempting to have a separate trial.

The indictment unsealed in November against Clase and Ortiz alleges that Clase had conspired with bettors to manipulate prop bets by intentionally throwing pitches that were errant or at agreed-upon velocities in nine games from 2023-25. Ortiz allegedly began doing the same in June.

A filing by Ortiz attorney Christos N. Georgalis asked that his client’s case to be severed from Clase’s because of “markedly different levels of culpability,” and their expected conflicting defenses. Georgalis noted that Clase had been much more invested in the plot, specifically serving as the conduit to the alleged Dominican Republic gambling ring.

ESPN reported on Thursday that the court filing claimed that Clase had manipulate pitches in 48 games. That had been redacted from the docket entry on Friday.

Another court filing notes that at least 250 pitches are in question.

Clase, conflicts, contentiousness

Ortiz’s attorneys argue that a jury would be prejudiced against their client by association as it listens to “26 months of alleged criminal conduct” by Clase. They contend that because of the small scale of alleged misconduct against Ortiz, his trial could wrap in days. Sitting through Clase’s trial, they argue, incriminates him by association.

It also appears that Ortiz attorneys will stress how little time the pitcher was involved, and that he never communicated, they say, with gamblers. Prosecutors claim that each accepted bribes from two gamblers in the Dominican Republic, who won at least $460,000 wagering on their pitch outcomes.

“Given the defendants’ likely mutually antagonistic defenses,” the request continues, “severance is warranted because prejudice to Mr. Ortiz likely will arise.”

According to Ortiz’s attorneys, Clase lawyers Michael Ferrara, Michael Bronson, Lindsay Gerdes, and Riley Able of the law firm Dinsmore & Shohl participated in pre-indictment interviews with four potential government witnesses and would be called to testify in Ortiz’s trial.

Clase and Ortiz each pleaded not guilty to wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and conspiracy to influence sporting events by bribery charges. They could face upward of 65 years in federal prison.

While Clase was originally charged with conspiring with bettors from 2023-2025, Ortiz was accused of rigging pitches in two games over a 12-day span in June. Both were placed on administrative leave in July through an agreement with MLB and the player union.

Clase led the American League in saves from 2022-24, and was third in Cy Young voting in 2024. He had 24 saves in 2025 when he was placed on leave.

A court filing from Jan. 16 described the federal investigation of Clase as “ongoing.” The EDNY must file its reply in opposition to Ortiz’s sever request by Feb. 17.