The Cincinnati Reds added some depth to their outfield by signing JJ Bleday to a one-year contrac...

<p>The Cincinnati Reds added some depth to their outfield by signing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12422" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12422">JJ Bleday</a> to a one-year contract, the team announced Saturday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome to Reds Country, JJ‼️ <a href="https://t.co/9JQT19XO0b">pic.twitter.com/9JQT19XO0b</a></p>— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) <a href="https://twitter.com/Reds/status/2004980001444430126?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Bleday's deal will pay him a base salary of $1.4 million and also includes incentives, sources told <a href="https://x.com/Feinsand/status/2004952947780972852">Mark Feinsand of MLB.com</a>.</p><p>To make room for Bleday on the 40-man roster, Cincinnati designated right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12441" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12441">Keegan Thompson</a> for assignment.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Bleday was designated for assignment and then non-tendered by the Athletics in November following a difficult 2025 season. The 28-year-old took a big step back offensively, hitting .212/.294/.404 with 14 homers and 39 RBIs over 98 games with the A's, and was twice optioned to Triple-A.</p><p>However, he's also just one year removed from a breakout 2024 campaign that saw him slash .243/.324/.437 with 20 homers and 60 RBIs. Bleday's bat also improved during the second half of 2025, as his .801 OPS after the All-Star break was over 100 points higher than his first-half total. Cincinnati's undoubtedly hoping that a move to cozy Great American Ball Park can help him rediscover that form.</p><p>Bleday joins <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8747" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8747">TJ Friedl</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12369" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12369">Noelvi Marte</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12613" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12613">Will Benson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11787" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11787">Tyler Callihan</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8195" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8195">Gavin Lux</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12789" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12789">Spencer Steer</a> as potential outfield options for manager Terry Francona. He also offers some versatility, having experience manning all three outfield spots in the majors. Bleday's arm is his biggest defensive asset, as he ranked in the 81st percentile of arm strength last season.</p><p>Originally drafted fourth overall by Miami out of Vanderbilt in 2019, Bleday is a lifetime .215/.307/.394 hitter with 49 homers, 142 RBIs, and 12 steals across 404 big-league games with the A's and Marlins.</p>

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 28: JJ Bleday #33 of the Athletics bats in the bottom of the fifth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Sutter Health Park on September 28, 2025 in Sacramento, California.

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Reds sign Bleday to 1-year deal reportedly worth $1.4M

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love won't play in Saturday night's game against the Baltimo...

<p>Green Bay Packers quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/104659" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/104659">Jordan Love</a> won't play in Saturday night's game against the Baltimore Ravens because of a concussion, the team announced Friday. </p><p>Backup <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174046" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174046">Malik Willis</a> is expected to start for Green Bay, sources told <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2004655272309215721?s=20">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>. </p><p>Love was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3433222" href="https://thescore.com/news/3433222">concussed</a> during the Packers' Week 16 loss to the Chicago Bears after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit while being sacked in the second quarter. Willis finished that game.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Saturday's Packers-Ravens showdown at Lambeau Field has become a battle of the backups. Baltimore, which is fighting for its playoff life, is expected to start <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105226" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105226">Tyler Huntley</a> with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97162" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a> doubtful because of a back injury.</p><p>The Packers clinched a playoff spot Thursday thanks to the Detroit Lions' loss to the Minnesota Vikings.</p>

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 16: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers stands on the sidelines during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on November 16, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Packers' Love out vs. Ravens with concussion

Dallas Mavericks superstar Anthony Davis is expected to miss a few games after sustaining a minor...

<p>Dallas Mavericks superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> is expected to miss a few games after sustaining a minor groin strain during his team's Christmas Day loss to the Golden State Warriors, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2004615905922400621">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>The Mavericks will evaluate Davis daily and take a cautious approach in determining his return, Charania reports. He's listed as questionable for Saturday's game in Sacramento, according to <a href="https://x.com/TheSteinLine/status/2004695039533002816">NBA insider Marc Stein</a>.</p><p>Davis suffered the strain early in the second quarter when he pulled up lame while running down the court. He quickly went to the bench for an examination before heading to the locker room for the remainder of the evening. Davis scored three points with three rebounds and three blocks in 11 minutes of action Thursday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/63vjq1kk0O">pic.twitter.com/63vjq1kk0O</a></p>— No Context NBA (@NoContext_NBA_) <a href="https://twitter.com/NoContext_NBA_/status/2004355617197380041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The oft-injured center has been limited to 16 games this season because of a recurring left calf issue.</p><p>Davis continues to make an impact when available. The former first overall pick is averaging 20.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks while shooting 52.1% from the field for the Mavericks this season.</p><p>That production has made Davis the subject of trade rumors in spite of his trouble staying on the court. Multiple contenders have <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3423068" href="https://thescore.com/news/3423068">reportedly</a> been linked to Davis should Dallas make him available at this year's trade deadline.</p><p>Thursday's loss dropped the Mavericks to 12-20, leaving them one game out of the final Western Conference play-in spot.</p>

DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 26: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks walks backcourt during a game against the Toronto Raptors at American Airlines Center on October 26, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

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Report: AD expected to miss time with minor groin strain

The Athletics have locked up another piece of their young core, agreeing to a seven-year, $86-mil...

<p>The Athletics have locked up another piece of their young core, agreeing to a seven-year, $86-million extension with outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12358" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12358">Tyler Soderstrom</a>, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/2004278207701492168">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>.</p><p>The contract also includes a club option for 2033, and could max out at $131 million through various escalator clauses, Passan reports. It also delays Soderstrom's eventual free agency by at least three years.</p><p>Once completed, Soderstrom's contract will represent the largest guaranteed deal in A's history. The previous record was pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4775" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4775">Luis Severino</a>'s three-year, $67-million deal signed last winter.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 24-year-old is coming off a breakout 2025 season that saw him hit .276/.346/.474 with 25 homers, 93 RBIs, and eight steals over 158 games. Defensively, Soderstrom recorded 11 outfield assists and had 10 defensive runs saved in left field - a remarkable feat given 2025 was his first season playing the outfield as a professional.</p><p>Soderstrom, who originally came up as a catcher, also displayed his versatility by making 49 appearances at first base in 2025.</p><p>Soderstrom is now slated to be a central piece of the first Las Vegas Athletics teams once the historic franchise officially moves to Nevada in 2028. The A's are entering the second season of a temporary three-year stint in West Sacramento, California, while their new Las Vegas ballpark is constructed. Before that, the franchise, which originated in Philadelphia, spent 56 seasons in Oakland.</p><p>The A's now have two-thirds of their outfield in Soderstrom and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14243" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14243">Lawrence Butler</a> - who inked a seven-year, $65.5-million extension last March - locked up through 2031. First baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18799">Nick Kurtz</a>, the 2025 AL Rookie of the Year, and All-Star shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17378" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17378">Jacob Wilson</a> also remain under team control via arbitration through at least 2030, while DH <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9582" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9582">Brent Rooker</a> is signed until 2029.</p><p>Other homegrown A's players under club control include starting catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12388" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12388">Shea Langeliers</a> (arbitration-eligible through 2028), second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14042" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14042">Zack Gelof</a> (2029), plus right-handers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10695" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10695">Luis Medina</a> (2028) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13836" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13836">Mitch Spence</a> (2029).</p><p>Soderstrom's extension continues a busy week for the A's, who <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3435010" href="https://thescore.com/news/3435010">acquired</a> veteran utility player <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4912" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4912">Jeff McNeil</a> from the New York Mets on Monday. The club also inked reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9004" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9004">Mark Leiter Jr.</a> to a one-year deal earlier this month.</p><p>The A's clearly see a pathway to success in 2026 despite going 76-86 during their first season in West Sacramento. The nomadic franchise hasn't finished above .500 since 2021, the year after their most recent playoff appearance. However, Mark Kotsay's club finished 2025 strong, going 35-29 in the second half.</p>

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Tyler Soderstrom #21 of the Athletics reacts after hitting a double during the bottom of the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Sutter Health Park on September 26, 2025 in Sacramento, California.

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Report: A's ink Soderstrom to 7-year, $86M extension

Cody Bellinger has a new suitor out west.  The San Francisco Giants are among the teams intereste...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4899" href="/mlb/players/4899">Cody Bellinger</a> has a new suitor out west.</p><p>The San Francisco Giants are among the teams interested in signing Bellinger, <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/12/25/sports/what-yankees-think-of-chances-of-losing-cody-bellinger-to-mets/">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a> reports.</p><p>Bellinger is no stranger to the Giants, having spent the bulk of his nine-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The longtime rivals now appear to be competing for Bellinger's services, as the Dodgers remain interested in a reunion with the 2019 NL MVP, Heyman adds.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The New York Yankees, where Bellinger played in 2025, are also continuing to try and re-sign the two-time All-Star, according to Heyman. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> is also a big fan of Bellinger's, as Heyman notes that the Yankees captain is pushing hard to keep him in pinstripes long term.</p><p>Bellinger's elite defense at all three outfield positions would make him a good fit to patrol spacious Oracle Park. He'd add another powerful left-handed bat to a solid Giants lineup already featuring slugger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5400" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5400">Rafael Devers</a> and fellow outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17231" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17231">Jung Hoo Lee</a>, plus top prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18787" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18787">Bryce Eldridge</a>.</p><p>The Dodgers would also benefit greatly from Bellinger's defense in either corner outfield spot. He'd also come to the two-time defending champions at a cheaper cost than fellow Scott Boras client <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/8173" href="/wbc/players/8173">Kyle Tucker</a>, while lengthening their lineup overall. Bellinger's familiarity with the Dodgers, his original organization, is also likely an asset for the team in their pursuit of his services.</p><p>Hitting into Yankee Stadium's short porch for the long term should also appeal to Bellinger. While general manager Brian Cashman <a href="https://x.com/BryanHoch/status/1997851681674174605">said</a> earlier this month that he believes his team's lineup is too left-handed, retaining Bellinger would potentially give Cashman some flexibility to try and move one of their other lefty bats in a trade. </p><p>New York is currently projected to have five left-handed hitters - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8203" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8203">Trent Grisham</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16165" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16165">Ben Rice</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9520" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9520">Jazz Chisholm Jr.</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12678" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12678">Austin Wells</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4985" href="/mlb/players/4985">Ryan McMahon</a> - as regulars in 2026. Of that group, only McMahon is expected to be part of a platoon.</p><p>Bellinger is coming off a solid 2025 season that saw him hit .272/.334/.480 with 29 homers, 98 RBIs, and 13 steals over 152 games. He also displayed more patience at the plate, increasing his walk rate by nearly a full percentage point while simultaneously dropping his strikeout rate to a career-low 13.7%.</p><p>Defensively, Bellinger shuttled between all three outfield spots and was a positive defender in both corners, while also making seven appearances at first base.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 11: Cody Bellinger #35 of the New York Yankees celebrates his fifth inning two run home run against the Chicago Cubs at Yankee Stadium on July 11, 2025 in New York City.

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Report: Giants interested in Bellinger; Dodgers, Yanks still pursuing star

The Buffalo Sabres fired general manager Kevyn Adams, the organization announced Monday.  Jarmo K...

<p>The Buffalo Sabres fired general manager Kevyn Adams, the organization announced Monday.</p><p>Jarmo Kekalainen, who joined the franchise as a senior adviser in May, was promoted as Adams' replacement. He assumes the position on a full-time basis.</p><p>"We are not where we need to be as an organization, and we are moving forward with new leadership within our hockey operations department," Sabres owner Terry Pegula said in a statement. "We are dedicated to building an organization that is competitive year after year, and we have fallen short of that expectation. ...</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Jarmo has distinguished himself over the last eight months, and his experience, professionalism, and drive speaks for itself. I am looking forward to him leading our organization to the next level."</p><p>Adams joined the organization as an assistant coach in 2011 and had served as GM since June 2020. Under his watch, the Sabres surpassed the 90-point mark just once, when they finished with 91 points in 2022-23. However, they missed the playoffs that year by one point. Adams' Sabres teams finished no higher than 20th in the NHL during any of his five full seasons in charge.</p><p>Buffalo hasn't reached the postseason since 2011 and last won a playoff round in 2007. The team finished 14th in the Eastern Conference last season and is currently tied with the Ottawa Senators and Columbus Blue Jackets for the fewest points (32) in the East after a 14-14-4 start to this campaign.</p><p>Kekalainen, 59, was the Blue Jackets' GM for over a decade. He led Columbus to five playoff appearances and the first two playoff series wins in franchise history before being fired in February 2024.</p><p>"It is a great honor to be named general manager of the Buffalo Sabres," Kekalainen said. "I would like to extend my thanks to Terry and Kim Pegula for this opportunity. I am humbled to be the steward of this team and look forward to experiencing the passion that Sabres fans bring to every game."</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 29: Kevyn Adams of the Buffalo Sabres attends the NHL Draft at Sphere on June 29, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Sabres fire Kevyn Adams, promote Kekalainen to GM

Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard will be sidelined until at least early January after sustai...

<p>Chicago Blackhawks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13829" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13829">Connor Bedard</a> will be sidelined until at least early January after sustaining an upper-body injury in Friday's game, head coach Jeff Blashill said Monday, according to <a href="https://x.com/BenPopeCST/status/2000615118267166770">Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times</a>.</p><p>There's no firm timetable for Bedard's return, as he won't be re-evaluated until the new year. Blashill said this is "what was expected" after the initial diagnosis.</p><p>Bedard, who was placed on injured reserve Monday, doesn't need surgery at this time, Blashill <a href="https://x.com/BenPopeCST/status/2000615625627258885">added</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 20-year-old center suffered what appeared to be a right shoulder injury while taking a faceoff in the final second of Friday's loss at St. Louis. After that game, Blashill <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3426137" href="https://thescore.com/news/3426137">described</a> the play as a "freak accident."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Connor Bedard appeared to injure his shoulder off the faceoff with less than a second left. <a href="https://t.co/NJHk84s9uO">pic.twitter.com/NJHk84s9uO</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1999687250926534977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The injury halts what's been a breakout season for the former first overall pick, who leads his team in goals (19), assists (25), and points (44). Bedard is just four goals shy of equaling his output over 82 games last season.</p><p>His play has helped lift the surprising Blackhawks into contention for a playoff spot. Chicago, which last reached the postseason in 2020, enters Monday sitting three points back of the San Jose Sharks for the final Western Conference wild-card berth.</p><p>Bedard's injury may also impact his chances of cracking Canada's squad for the Winter Olympics in February. Rosters for the tournament are due to be announced Dec. 31.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Connor Bedard's injury will sideline him until after Team Canada's 🇨🇦 Olympic roster is finalized. His 1.42 points per game this season trails only Nathan MacKinnon (1.72), Mark Stone (1.60) and Connor McDavid (1.58) among Canadians, and is equal to Macklin Celebrini's output.</p>— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) <a href="https://twitter.com/reporterchris/status/2000623589515788423?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Chicago also recalled defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10654" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10654">Ethan Del Mastro</a> and goalie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2077" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2077">Laurent Brossoit</a> from the AHL on Monday.</p>

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 18: Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on during the second period against the Calgary Flames on November 18, 2025 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

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Bedard out until at least early January with upper-body injury

The Philadelphia Phillies have added some pop to their outfield, agreeing to a one-year deal with...

<p>The Philadelphia Phillies have added some pop to their outfield, agreeing to a one-year deal with two-time All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8821" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8821">Adolis García</a>, the team announced Tuesday.</p><p>The contract is reportedly worth $10 million, sources told <a href="https://x.com/francysromeroFR/status/2000602986800988274">journalist Francys Romero</a>.</p><p>García became a free agent in November when he was non-tendered by the Texas Rangers.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 32-year-old is coming off a second straight down year at the plate in Texas. García slashed a career-low .227/.271/.394 with 19 homers, 75 RBIs, and 13 steals over 135 games. He did continue to excel defensively, where his 16 defensive runs saved were the most among qualified right fielders. García's powerful throwing arm also ranked in the 92nd percentile of arm strength.</p><p>Philadelphia is hoping a move to cozy Citizens Bank Park can revitalize his powerful bat. García is only two years removed from a career-best 2023 season that saw him hit 39 homers with an .836 OPS, plus another eight long balls in the playoffs during Texas' World Series championship run. García was named 2023 ALCS MVP and hit a walk-off homer in Game 1 of that year's Fall Classic.</p><p>He'll presumably serve as the Phillies' everyday right fielder in 2026. García also allows <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8188" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8188">Brandon Marsh</a> to move from center field to left, potentially opening the door for top prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17816" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17816">Justin Crawford</a> to man center. </p><p>García's signing also essentially ensures the Phillies will part ways with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2880" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2880">Nick Castellanos</a>. The veteran outfielder, who's owed $20 million in the final year of his contract next season, is coming off a career-worst campaign on both sides of the ball and repeatedly clashed with manager Rob Thomson.</p><p>The Phillies are actively trying to trade Castellanos and are open to paying a significant portion of his salary to make that happen. However, he's still garnered almost no interest in trade talks, sources told <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/adolis-garcia-deal-with-phillies">Todd Zolecki of MLB.com</a>. Castellanos will be released if a deal doesn't materialize before spring training, Zolecki adds.</p><p>Originally signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2017 after defecting from his native Cuba, García debuted in the majors a year later. It wasn't until 2021 - two years after Texas acquired him for cash considerations - that he finally broke out to hit 31 homers and finish fourth in AL Rookie of the Year voting.</p><p>García is a lifetime .237/.293/.441 hitter with 141 homers, 459 RBIs, and 74 stolen bases across 766 games. He won a Gold Glove in 2023 and was a finalist again this past season.</p>

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 30: Adolis García #53 of the Texas Rangers reacts after hitting a three run home during the tenth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Globe Life Field on June 30, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.

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Phillies, Adolis García agree to 1-year deal reportedly worth $10M

The Minnesota Twins agreed to terms with first baseman Josh Bell on a one-year contract that incl...

<p>The Minnesota Twins agreed to terms with first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4609" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4609">Josh Bell</a> on a one-year contract that includes a mutual option for 2027, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/2000573653419708442?s=20">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>.</p><p>Bell's deal is worth $7 million in total value and will pay him a base salary of $5.5 million in 2026, according to <a href="https://x.com/nightengalejr/status/2000590884274864495">Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribune</a>. The mutual option contains a $1.25-million buyout if it's not exercised, per <a href="https://x.com/BNightengale/status/2000591592730845402">USA Today's Bob Nightengale</a>.</p><p>Bell, 33, is expected to split time between first base and designated hitter in 2026. He was the Washington Nationals' primary DH last year, making 33 appearances in the field while slashing .237/.325/.417 with 22 home runs and 63 RBIs across 533 plate appearances.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Twins are hoping he'll add some pop to the middle of their order and can potentially flip him for prospects at the deadline if the team struggles again. Bell's presence also allows multi-positional players <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14500" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14500">Edouard Julien</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12651" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12651">Kody Clemens</a>, who split time at first base down the stretch last summer, to move around the diamond.</p><p>Originally a second-round pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2011, Bell is a lifetime .256/.341/.443 hitter with 193 homers and 676 RBIs across parts of 10 big-league seasons with seven teams. Bell was an All-Star with the Pirates in 2019 and won a Silver Slugger in 2022.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 28: Josh Bell #19 of the Washington Nationals plays first base against the Chicago White Sox at Nationals Park on September 28, 2025 in Washington, DC.

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Report: Twins sign Josh Bell to 1-year, $7M deal

Texas Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young thoroughly shot down any notion of his...

<p>Texas Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young thoroughly shot down any notion of his team trading star shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3924" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3924">Corey Seager</a> this winter.</p><p>"We are not shopping Corey Seager. I want to make that very clear," Young told <a href="https://x.com/MLBNetworkRadio/status/2000292232826380407">SiriusXM's MLB Network Radio</a> on Sunday.</p><p>Seager's name has been floated in trade rumors over the last few weeks. The Boston Red Sox, who are searching for infield help, were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3423533" href="https://thescore.com/news/3423533">said</a> to have contacted Texas about the two-time World Series MVP, though it was also reported that those talks ultimately didn't have much momentum.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Rangers originally signed Seager to a 10-year, $325-million contract in 2022 alongside fellow middle infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3420" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3420">Marcus Semien</a>. The duo formed the backbone of Texas' 2023 championship-winning club, but the team hasn't made the playoffs since. Semien was traded to the New York Mets in November for outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3045" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3045">Brandon Nimmo</a> in a swap of expensive veteran contracts.</p><p>Young acknowledged that he's received calls from rival executives regarding his star shortstop, which he thinks could have been linked to the surprising trade of Semien. But he insisted that Seager is an entirely different case.</p><p>"Corey Seager is a great player, and teams are looking for great players," Young said.</p><p>He added, "What I love is that Corey Seager is a great player for the Texas Rangers. Our goal is to win a championship, and to win a championship, you have to have great players. And so while I understand teams checking in, I think that's been a little bit overblown. ... We call and check in on great players with other teams as well. So, teams are doing their job. I get it. It got out in the media from another market, and I think it got a little more momentum than it deserved."</p><p>Seager has six years and $186 million remaining on his contract. He also holds limited no-trade protection, though it's unknown how many teams he can block trades to.</p><p>The 31-year-old has hit .278/.355/.517 with 117 home runs and 303 RBIs since joining the Rangers while accruing 21 defensive runs saved at shortstop and making three All-Star teams. However, he's also struggled to stay healthy, playing in over 130 games just once in four seasons with Texas.</p><p>A lingering hamstring injury limited Seager to 102 games in 2025. He continued to dominate when healthy, though, posting a .860 OPS with 21 homers across 445 plate appearances.</p>

ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 25: Corey Seager #5 of the Texas Rangers has a laugh with a teammate in the dugout during a game against the Minnesota Twins at Globe Life Field on September 25, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.

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Rangers' Young: 'We are not shopping Corey Seager'

Michael King is ready to return to the AL East. The only question now is which division rival win...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9842" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9842">Michael King</a> is ready to return to the AL East. The only question now is which division rival wins the bidding.</p><p>The New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Baltimore Orioles are the finalists to sign King, a source told <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/12/14/sports/red-sox-michael-king-free-agent/?s_campaign=bostonglobesports%3Asocialflow%3Atwitter&amp;utm_social_post_id=622793588&amp;utm_social_handle_id=19780938">Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe</a>. It's unclear how far along negotiations are with any of his suitors, but the right-hander is hoping to choose his next team soon, Abraham reports.</p><p>King - one of the top free-agent starters left on the open market - is no stranger to the hyper-competitive AL East, having spent his first five seasons with the Yankees. He originally came up as a reliever before joining New York's rotation late in 2023, a few months prior to being dealt to the San Diego Padres as part of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> blockbuster.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>King would add even more power to the Yankees' rotation behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4259" href="/mlb/players/4259">Max Fried</a> and a healthy <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2913" href="/mlb/players/2913">Gerrit Cole</a>. He'd allow <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18809" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18809">Cam Schlittler</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11752" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11752">Luis Gil</a> to slide down to the back of the staff while pushing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15569" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15569">Will Warren</a> into a swingman role.</p><p>The Red Sox, meanwhile, would be a homecoming for King, who grew up in Rhode Island and starred at Boston College. The possibility of returning to New England is of particular interest to King, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ChrisCotillo/status/2000253715501158632">MassLive's Chris Cotillo</a>.</p><p>Whether that interest is fully mutual remains unclear, though, as the Red Sox currently have a full rotation. Boston's already added one starter this winter in veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3012" href="/mlb/players/3012">Sonny Gray</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10786" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10786">Patrick Sandoval</a> is expected to return after missing 2025 following elbow surgery.</p><p>Baltimore continues to be active in its search for starting pitching after its shocking signing of star slugger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8674" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8674">Pete Alonso</a> on Thursday. King would instantly become the Orioles' ace and upgrade a staff that ranked among the worst in baseball last year.</p><p>The Orioles are <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3422304" href="https://thescore.com/news/3422304">said</a> to be chasing multiple other free-agent arms, including Tatsuya Imai, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/9813" href="/wbc/players/9813">Ranger Suárez</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8938" href="/mlb/players/8938">Framber Valdez</a>.</p><p>King put up a 3.10 ERA, 3.65 FIP, and 1.19 WHIP with 277 strikeouts, 89 walks, and one shutout during his two seasons in San Diego. He finished seventh in NL Cy Young voting in 2024.</p><p>King rejected the Padres' qualifying offer in November, meaning San Diego will receive a compensatory draft pick from whichever team signs him.</p>

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 09: Michael King #34 of the San Diego Padres pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Petco Park on August 09, 2025 in San Diego, California.

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Report: Yankees, Red Sox, Orioles finalists for Michael King

Merrill Kelly is returning to the desert, as the veteran right-hander has agreed to a two-year, $...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/4059" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/4059">Merrill Kelly</a> is returning to the desert, as the veteran right-hander has agreed to a two-year, $40-million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, a source told <a href="https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/2000215174611955771">Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>The 37-year-old reunites with the D-Backs following a two-month stint with the Texas Rangers. Arizona traded Kelly to Texas for three prospects at this year's trade deadline. He put up a 4.23 ERA, 4.18 FIP, and 1.25 WHIP over 10 starts after the trade, but was unable to help the Rangers reach the playoffs.</p><p>Save for this past summer's detour to Arlington, Kelly has spent his entire seven-year MLB career in a D-Backs uniform. He originally joined the Snakes in 2019 following a dominant four-year stint in South Korea.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Houston native owns a lifetime 3.77 ERA, 3.99 FIP, and 1.20 WHIP with 911 strikeouts over 172 big-league starts. Kelly was an integral part of Arizona's 2023 NL pennant-winning club that lost to the Rangers in the World Series.</p><p>Kelly will now serve as the ace of a revamped 2026 D-Backs rotation. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9755" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9755">Zac Gallen</a>, his longtime partner atop Arizona's staff, is still a free agent and may be headed elsewhere. The team added right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8133" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8133">Michael Soroka</a> on a one-year deal during the winter meetings.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 26: Merrill Kelly #29 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches in the first inning during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on July 26, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Report: D-Backs reunite with Kelly on 2-year, $40M deal

The Milwaukee Brewers traded outfielder Isaac Collins and right-hander Nick Mears to the Kansas C...

<p>The Milwaukee Brewers traded outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13872" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13872">Isaac Collins</a> and right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11987" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11987">Nick Mears</a> to the Kansas City Royals for left-handed reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12569" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12569">Angel Zerpa</a>, the teams announced Sunday.</p><p>Milwaukee had been looking to alleviate a glut of outfielders by trading either Collins or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13823" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13823">Blake Perkins</a>, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6885854/2025/12/12/mets-stearns-cohen-alonso-schwarber-robert-offseason-mlb/">The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon</a> reported Friday. Ultimately, it was Collins who got squeezed out after the Brewers signed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12584" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12584">Akil Baddoo</a> to a one-year contract earlier this week. Perkins, Baddoo, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5621" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5621">Jake Bauers</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14180" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14180">Sal Frelick</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14481" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14481">Jackson Chourio</a> remain as corner outfield options.</p><p>Collins, a 28-year-old switch-hitter, is coming off a breakout campaign that saw him finish fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting. The Minnesota native hit .263/.368/.411 with nine homers, 54 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases as the MLB-best Brewers' primary left fielder. He struggled defensively, though, accruing minus-3 defensive runs saved across both corner spots with just two outfield assists in 876 2/3 defensive innings.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Collins will be under the Royals' control through the 2030 season and won't reach arbitration until 2028. He can potentially platoon in left field with recent free-agent signing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8329" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8329">Lane Thomas</a>.</p><p>Mears was a stable presence in Milwaukee's bullpen this past season and produced a career-best year working primarily in middle relief. The 28-year-old right-hander put up a 3.49 ERA, 3.86 FIP, and 0.97 FIP along with 46 strikeouts, 13 walks, and one save while allowing only seven home runs in 56 2/3 innings. He primarily throws a fastball and slider, with the occasional curveball mixed in.</p><p>Mears, who is projected by <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/10/projected-arbitration-salaries-for-2026.html">MLB Trade Rumors</a> to earn $1.6 million in 2026, adds another potential high-powered strikeout arm to a Royals relief corps that had the AL's lowest K/9 rate last season. He's one year removed from striking out nearly 12 batters per nine.</p><p>Zerpa, 26, made his big-league debut with the Royals in 2021. This past season, the sinkerballer put up a 4.18 ERA, 3.86 FIP, and 1.38 WHIP along with an 8.1 K/9 rate and 3.1 BB/9 rate over 69 appearances. He was particularly dominant against left-handed hitters, holding them to a .644 OPS with just six extra-base hits last year.</p><p>Brewers general manager Matt Arnold said Sunday that the team is considering using Zerpa as a starter, according to <a href="https://x.com/AdamMcCalvy/status/2000272948825821209">Adam McCalvy of MLB.com</a>. Though he has experience working in the rotation, including eight stars in the majors, Zerpa hasn't made a start that lasted longer than one inning since 2023.</p><p>Arnold added that the Brewers have been trying to acquire Zerpa "for a long time."</p>

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Angel Zerpa #61 of the Kansas City Royals pitches during the seventh inning against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park on September 27, 2025 in Sacramento, California.

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Brewers trade Collins, Mears to Royals for Angel Zerpa

The St. Louis Cardinals agreed to a contract with free-agent right-hander Dustin May, sources tol...

<p>The St. Louis Cardinals agreed to a contract with free-agent right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9566" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9566">Dustin May</a>, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1999954335288188996">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>.</p><p>May's deal will be for one year and will include a mutual option for 2027, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ChrisCotillo/status/1999955775729598700">MassLive's Chris Cotillo</a>. Financial terms are not yet known, and completion of the deal is pending a physical.</p><p>May split his 2025 season between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox, posting a 4.96 ERA, 4.88 FIP, and 1.42 WHIP with 123 strikeouts over 25 total appearances. He started the year in good health but made just six appearances after being traded to Boston because of right elbow neuritis.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Injuries have been a recurring theme for May since he helped the Dodgers win the World Series as a rookie in 2020. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2021, dealt with back problems the following year, and lost most of 2023 to a forearm strain. He didn't pitch at all in 2024 after undergoing emergency surgery for a torn esophagus he sustained in the midst of his arm rehab.</p><p>In November, the 28-year-old told <a href="https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2025/11/red-sox-free-agent-gets-world-series-ring-but-hes-more-sad-boston-lost-than-happy-la-won.html">MassLive's Christopher Smith</a> that he's fully recovered from his most recent injury. May wasn't active for Boston's wild-card series loss to the New York Yankees, but he said he would have been available had the Red Sox advanced.</p><p>The Cardinals, who are embarking on a full-scale rebuild, will hope that May can stay healthy and rediscover his old form so he can be flipped again at next summer's trade deadline. For now, he'll presumably slot into the middle of a St. Louis rotation that also includes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12475" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12475">Matthew Liberatore</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16115" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16115">Michael McGreevy</a>, among others.</p><p>The Cardinals have vacancies in their rotation after trading <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3012" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3012">Sonny Gray</a> to Boston, while veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/3069" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/3069">Miles Mikolas</a> is expected to depart in free agency.</p><p>Originally a third-round pick of the Dodgers in 2016, May owns a lifetime 3.86 ERA, 4.22 FIP, and 1.20 WHIP with 297 strikeouts and 113 walks across 324 big-league innings.</p>

Boston, MA - August 30: Boston Red Sox pitcher Dustin May reacts in the second inning at Fenway Park on August 30, 2025.

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Report: Cardinals, Dustin May agree to 1-year deal

The Detroit Tigers have a new closer, as they've agreed to a one-year contract with veteran relie...

<p>The Detroit Tigers have a new closer, as they've agreed to a one-year contract with veteran reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/1563" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/1563">Kenley Jansen</a>, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1999922660797771781">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>.</p><p>Jansen's deal, which also includes a club option for 2027, is worth $11 million, <a href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2025/12/13/tigers-reach-one-year-agreement-with-veteran-reliever-kenley-jansen/87752401007/">Chris McCosky of the Detroit News</a> reports. Terms of the option were not immediately known.</p><p>Completion of the agreement is pending a physical.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Jansen, who spent last season with the Los Angeles Angels, sits fourth on the all-time saves list with 476. He needs just three saves to pass Hall of Famer Lee Smith for third place and is 24 shy of joining Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman in the 500-save club.</p><p>One of the most decorated closers in history, Jansen owns a lifetime 2.57 ERA and 0.96 WHIP along with 1,278 strikeouts over 16 big-league seasons. The two-time Reliever of the Year winner is the majors' active leader in both saves and appearances (933) and one of only six relievers to record at least 1,000 career Ks.</p><p>The 38-year-old enjoyed a quietly successful 2025 season in Anaheim, putting up a 2.59 ERA, 3.98 FIP, and 0.95 WHIP along with 29 saves over 59 innings. He also pitched in 60-plus games for the eighth time in his career. However, Jansen's K/9 rate did fall to 8.7, marking the first time he's ever posted a K/9 below 10 in his career.</p><p>Jansen is the second reliever the Tigers have added this week after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3423660" href="https://thescore.com/news/3423660">re-signing</a> trade-deadline pickup <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8441" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8441">Kyle Finnegan</a> to a two-year, $19-million contract.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12586" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12586">Will Vest</a> was Detroit's primary closer last year, tallying 23 saves during the regular season plus one more in the playoffs. Finnegan had four saves after joining the team in August.</p><p>Jansen's presence lengthens the Tigers' bullpen, allowing both Finnegan - a one-time All-Star closer himself - and Vest to be deployed as setup men or even stoppers in the sixth, seventh, or eighth innings. Manager A.J. Hinch's bullpen also features reliable lefties <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13766" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13766">Tyler Holton</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17262" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17262">Brant Hurter</a>.</p>

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - JULY 29: Kenley Jansen #74 of the Los Angeles Angels pitches in the ninth inning enroute to his 20th save of the season against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 29, 2025 in Anaheim, California.

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Report: Tigers agree to 1-year, $11M deal with Kenley Jansen

The New York Yankees are bringing back a key depth piece, as they've agreed to a one-year contrac...

<p>The New York Yankees are bringing back a key depth piece, as they've agreed to a one-year contract with infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5078" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5078">Amed Rosario</a>, <a href="https://x.com/JackCurryYES/status/1999913418653159726">YES Network's Jack Curry</a> reports.</p><p>Rosario's deal is worth $2.5 million, according to <a href="https://x.com/JonHeyman/status/1999913662124118521">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a>. It also includes $250,000 worth of performance incentives, a source told <a href="https://x.com/jorgecastillo/status/1999915954084663431">ESPN's Jorge Castillo</a>.</p><p>The 30-year-old will likely once again serve as the right-handed half of a third-base platoon with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4985" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4985">Ryan McMahon</a>. Rosario's strength as a hitter is his ability to crush left-handed pitching; last season, he slashed .302/.328/.491 with four homers and 15 RBIs in 122 plate appearances against southpaws, compared to .231/.275/.338 versus righties.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Rosario also brings plenty of versatility to the Yankees' bench. A natural shortstop, he's started games in the majors at six different positions and has made at least one appearance at every spot on the diamond except first base and catcher. When he's not platooning with McMahon at third, Rosario could fill in elsewhere to give other Yankees regulars a rest.</p><p>The Dominican Republic native is a lifetime .273/.308/.400 hitter with 69 homers, 389 RBIs, and 110 stolen bases across parts of nine big-league seasons with seven teams.</p><p>New York originally acquired Rosario from the Washington Nationals last July for two prospects.</p>

MIAMI, FL - AUGUST 01: Amed Rosario #14 of the New York Yankees looks on prior to the game between the New York Yankees and the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on Friday, August 1, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

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Report: Rosario returning to Yankees on 1-year, $2.5M deal

The winter meetings are in the books, and this year's event was packed with excitement. After bre...

<p><em>The winter meetings are in the books, and this year's event was packed with excitement. After <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3407568" href="https://thescore.com/news/3407568">breaking down the biggest deals</a> in the moment and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3422601" href="https://thescore.com/news/3422601">analyzing some of the hot stove rumors</a>, let's take a look at the winners and losers from the meetings.</em></p><h3>Winner: Philadelphia Phillies</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804839/cropped_GettyImages-2240032955.jpg?ts=1765404673" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804839/w220xh124_GettyImages-2240032955.jpg?ts=1765404673 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804839/w320xh180_GettyImages-2240032955.jpg?ts=1765404673 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804839/w640xh360_GettyImages-2240032955.jpg?ts=1765404673 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804839/w768xh432_GettyImages-2240032955.jpg?ts=1765404673 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804839/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2240032955.jpg?ts=1765404673 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Phillies took care of a big piece of business in Orlando, bringing back Kyle Schwarber on a five-year, $150-million deal. Schwarber, last season's NL MVP runner-up and league leader in homers and RBIs, is a pivotal presence in Philadelphia's lineup. Losing him would have created a significant void for manager Rob Thomson, whose contract was also extended this week.</p><p>While $30 million a season for a 32-year-old DH looks like an overpay, Schwarber's two best campaigns came in his 30s. Re-signing him gives the Phillies their best chance of winning another NL East crown and returning to the World Series for the first time since 2022. Schwarber's value also extends beyond his prodigious power and into the Phillies' clubhouse, where he's among the team's most vocal leaders.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>In addition, inking Schwarber also kept him out of the grasp of the division-rival New York Mets, who were reportedly interested in him.</p><h3>Winner: Baltimore Orioles</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794480/cropped_GettyImages-2207907029.jpg?ts=1755044865" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794480/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207907029.jpg?ts=1755044865 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794480/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207907029.jpg?ts=1755044865 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794480/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207907029.jpg?ts=1755044865 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794480/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207907029.jpg?ts=1755044865 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794480/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207907029.jpg?ts=1755044865 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mary DeCicco / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Orioles arrived in Orlando ready to make a splash. They left having turned the AL East on its head.</p><p>The reported signing of Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155-million contract injects some much-needed power into Baltimore's lineup. He also fills a critical need at first base. But the ramifications go so much deeper for the Orioles, a proud franchise in a baseball-mad town that's coming off a difficult 2025 season. By signing Alonso, Baltimore instantly regained credibility in the baseball world. He'll help the O's add another pitcher in free agency, moving them closer to returning to the top of the AL East. That won't be easy, of course - it's now a behemoth of a division.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pete Alonso is a big add for O's in more ways than one. We all know the on the field stuff but now it opens the eyes of other possible FA's to the fact that Baltimore is a serious destination for top money FA's.</p>— Zack Britton (@zbritton) <a href="https://twitter.com/zbritton/status/1998910302256337099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Alonso alone doesn't put the Orioles over the top, but he gets them that much closer to putting a forgettable 2025 season in the rearview mirror.</p><h3>Winner: Los Angeles Dodgers</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809909/cropped_GettyImages-2222065898.jpg?ts=1763130459" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809909/w220xh124_GettyImages-2222065898.jpg?ts=1763130459 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809909/w320xh180_GettyImages-2222065898.jpg?ts=1763130459 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809909/w640xh360_GettyImages-2222065898.jpg?ts=1763130459 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809909/w768xh432_GettyImages-2222065898.jpg?ts=1763130459 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809909/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2222065898.jpg?ts=1763130459 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Evan Bernstein / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The rich get richer, again. The two-time defending World Series champions patched up one of the few holes on their roster by reportedly adding arguably the best closer in baseball on a three-year, $69-million deal. That looks like a bargain since Edwin Díaz was apparently seeking a five-year pact worth around $100 million when the offseason started. The three-time All-Star gives the Dodgers an elite ninth-inning weapon for the first time since the departure of Kenley Jansen following the 2021 season.</p><p>It's scary to think L.A. won a pair of titles with basically a bullpen by committee in 2024 and then leaned on Roki Sasaki, who was awful as a starter in his rookie year, to close out games in the playoffs because Tanner Scott was a $72-million letdown in the regular season. Only a financial behemoth like the Dodgers can basically admit they screwed up the Scott deal by giving another closer $69 million a year later. The sound of trumpets in "Narco," Diaz's walk-out song, could become synonymous with a three-peat after he gets the final out of 2026.</p><h3>Loser: New York Mets</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813420/cropped_GettyImages-2190093463.jpg?ts=1765409906" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813420/w220xh124_GettyImages-2190093463.jpg?ts=1765409906 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813420/w320xh180_GettyImages-2190093463.jpg?ts=1765409906 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813420/w640xh360_GettyImages-2190093463.jpg?ts=1765409906 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813420/w768xh432_GettyImages-2190093463.jpg?ts=1765409906 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813420/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2190093463.jpg?ts=1765409906 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Newsday LLC / Newsday / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Steve Cohen must be slightly disappointed, right?</p><p>The Mets owner famously said that's how he'd feel if his team didn't win a championship in the first three-to-five years after he purchased the club in 2020. After watching fan favorites Alonso and Díaz sign with new clubs in consecutive days during the winter meetings, it's fair to say that all of Queens is disappointed, especially after watching New York trade Brandon Nimmo for 35-year-old Marcus Semien in late November. Cohen sympathized with fans, saying he understood their reactions, but insisted, "There is lots of offseason left to put a playoff team on the field," per <a href="https://x.com/SNY_Mets/status/1998902898466734257">SNY</a>.</p><p>There is now immense pressure on the David Stearns-led front office to put together a roster capable of erasing a painful 2025 campaign that saw New York squander a 45-24 start to the season and fail to make the playoffs. Good luck.</p><h3>Loser: Pittsburgh Pirates</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802081/cropped_GettyImages-2213639914.jpg?ts=1758405020" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802081/w220xh124_GettyImages-2213639914.jpg?ts=1758405020 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802081/w320xh180_GettyImages-2213639914.jpg?ts=1758405020 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802081/w640xh360_GettyImages-2213639914.jpg?ts=1758405020 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802081/w768xh432_GettyImages-2213639914.jpg?ts=1758405020 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802081/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2213639914.jpg?ts=1758405020 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Justin Berl / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Pittsburgh put its best foot forward to sign Schwarber, and it wasn't good enough. The Pirates offered him a four-year, $120-million deal - which would have easily surpassed the largest free-agent contract in franchise history - and were outbid by not only the Phillies, but also the Reds.</p><p>Ben Cherington improved the bullpen slightly by adding Gregory Soto after last week's trade for Jhostynxon Garcia, but he's still been unable to acquire a proven bat to improve what was the worst offense in baseball last season.</p><p>There's still time for the Pirates to upgrade their lineup - they've been connected to second basemen Ketel Marte and Brandon Lowe - but if they're unable to, they might waste another year with the best pitcher on the planet, Paul Skenes, on the roster.</p><h3>Loser: Cincinnati Reds</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813424/cropped_GettyImages-2238433312.jpg?ts=1765410346" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813424/w220xh124_GettyImages-2238433312.jpg?ts=1765410346 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813424/w320xh180_GettyImages-2238433312.jpg?ts=1765410346 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813424/w640xh360_GettyImages-2238433312.jpg?ts=1765410346 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813424/w768xh432_GettyImages-2238433312.jpg?ts=1765410346 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813424/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2238433312.jpg?ts=1765410346 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ronald Martinez / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Reds aren't losers for failing to lure Schwarber back home. Schwarber leaving Philadelphia - even for his de facto hometown team - was always a long shot. No, what stings are the reports that Schwarber was the only top-tier free agent the Reds were pursuing, almost solely because they hoped the hometown hero factor would drive ticket sales.</p><p>If that's true, ownership should be ashamed. The Reds are a talented young squad that seemed to be on the rise even before sneaking into the playoffs on the last day of the season, and they play in a very winnable division. Ownership should be taking a page out of the Orioles' playbook and pushing hard to bring in veterans who can help take this team to the next level - and this should be done without first consulting the player's birth certificate. If the Reds were ready to spend on Schwarber, then there's no excuse for them not to turn around and throw that money at another star after he says no, like Baltimore did with Alonso. This feels like a huge missed opportunity for a team with a bright future that deserves some outside investment.</p>

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Winners and losers from MLB's winter meetings

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider is excited by his team's offseason additions thus far an...

<p>Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider is excited by his team's offseason additions thus far and hinted that the reigning AL champions aren't close to being done.</p><p>"In terms of what's next ... we're still looking to add. We're still looking to add a bat," Schneider told "<a href="https://x.com/FoulTerritoryTV/status/1998882921449664984">Foul Territory</a>" on Wednesday. "We're talking with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9615" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9615">Bo (Bichette)</a>. We've met with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/8173" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/8173">(Kyle) Tucker</a>. We'd love to have Bo back."</p><p>He added, "I think that's an area we want to address to make sure we have another bat there (in the middle of the order). And then, looking for some high-leverage relief options at the back end of the 'pen."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Blue Jays wasted no time shoring up their rotation this offseason, first by bringing in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8145" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8145">Dylan Cease</a> on a seven-year, $210-million deal and then signing 2025 KBO MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8204" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8204">Cody Ponce</a> on a three-year deal. They'll also have deadline acquisition <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9542" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9542">Shane Bieber</a> for a full season after the former Cy Young winner opted into the final year of his contract.</p><p>Toronto has been repeatedly linked to Bichette and Tucker - the top two position players available - since the offseason began. Bichette is a known commodity to the Blue Jays, having been developed in their system alongside fellow homegrown superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a> Schneider called Bichette's contributions to the team "underrated and undervalued," in large part because the Blue Jays locked up Guerrero on a $500-million contract in April.</p><p>Tucker, meanwhile, reportedly visited the Blue Jays' spring training facility in Dunedin, Florida, last Wednesday. The All-Star outfielder is represented by Casey Close of Excel Sports Management.</p><p>Many of the top relievers have also been connected to the Blue Jays. The team was said to be pursuing star closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5384" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5384">Edwin Díaz</a> before he reportedly signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. They're also chasing two-time All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13691" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13691">Robert Suarez</a>, <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/blue-jays-showing-little-attachment-to-world-series-roster/">Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith</a> reported Monday.</p><p>The Blue Jays have tried to reel in some of the biggest stars in free agency over the past few winters only to repeatedly come up short. This year, Schneider said, feels different. He senses that the baseball world is looking at the organization in a different light following the team's playoff run that finished inches short of a championship.</p><p>"This has been building for a few years in Toronto, in terms of ownership support, payroll, players, facilities, and it's shown on the field," Schneider said. "So, I think having the success we've had makes it a little more desirable to come here. We've definitely heard that from players and agents, and (I'm) comfortable to say that we will continue to try to get better as this month unfolds."</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: Manager John Schneider #14 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks on prior to Game Three of the 2025 World Series presented by Capital One between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Monday, October 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Schneider: Jays aren't done shopping, would 'love to have Bo back'

The Colorado Rockies selected right-handed reliever RJ Petit from the Detroit Tigers with the fir...

<p>The Colorado Rockies selected right-handed reliever RJ Petit from the Detroit Tigers with the first overall pick of the 2025 Rule 5 Draft on Wednesday.</p><p>Petit, listed at 6-foot-8 and 300 pounds, posted a 2.44 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 79 strikeouts and three saves across 47 appearances split between Double-A and Triple-A last season.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">RJ Petit is 6-foot-8 with a fastball up to 98, a bat-missing slider and average command.<br><br>The Rockies drafted him first in today’s Rule 5 draft.<br><br>He was one of the top names to know in our preview 💪<br><br>(🎥 <a href="https://twitter.com/FutureSox?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FutureSox</a>)<a href="https://t.co/VRZfnXDll5">pic.twitter.com/VRZfnXDll5</a></p>— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) <a href="https://twitter.com/BaseballAmerica/status/1998833060809429148?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Players chosen in the Rule 5 Draft must remain on their new team's 26-man roster for the entire 2026 season. They can't be optioned to the minors without first clearing waivers and are then offered back to their previous team for $50,000 - half the selection fee. Rule 5 picks who are traded have these restrictions follow them to their next club. Teams with full 40-man rosters were ineligible to make a selection; all clubs with open roster spots could also pass.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Here's a look at all the selections from the major-league phase of this year's Rule 5 Draft.</p><p><em>Note: Teams with blank spaces passed on their selection. A * indicates the selected player was traded.</em></p><h3>Round 1</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pick</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Pos.</th>
<th>Previous Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Rockies</td>
<td>RJ Petit</td>
<td>RHP</td>
<td>Tigers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>White Sox</td>
<td>Jedixson Paez</td>
<td>RH</td>
<td>Red Sox</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Nationals</td>
<td>Griff McGarry</td>
<td>RHP</td>
<td>Phillies</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Twins*</td>
<td>Daniel Susac</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>Athletics</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Pirates*</td>
<td>Carter Baumler</td>
<td>RHP</td>
<td>Orioles</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Angels</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Orioles</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Athletics*</td>
<td>Ryan Watson</td>
<td>RHP</td>
<td>Giants</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Braves</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Rays</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>Cardinals</td>
<td>Matt Pushard</td>
<td>RHP</td>
<td>Marlins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td>Marlins</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td>D-Backs</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td>Rangers</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td>Giants</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td>Royals</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td>Reds</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18</td>
<td>Mets</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td>Tigers</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20</td>
<td>Astros</td>
<td>Roddery Muñoz</td>
<td>RHP</td>
<td>Reds</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21</td>
<td>Guardians</td>
<td>Peyton Pallette</td>
<td>RHP</td>
<td>White Sox</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>22</td>
<td>Red Sox</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>23</td>
<td>Mariners</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>24</td>
<td>Padres</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>25</td>
<td>Cubs</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>26</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>27</td>
<td>Blue Jays</td>
<td>Spencer Miles</td>
<td>RHP</td>
<td>Giants</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>28</td>
<td>Yankees</td>
<td>Cade Winquest</td>
<td>RHP</td>
<td>Cardinals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>29</td>
<td>Phillies</td>
<td>Zach McCambley</td>
<td>RHP</td>
<td>Marlins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>30</td>
<td>Brewers</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*The Twins traded Susac to the Giants for minor-league catcher Miguel Caraballo and cash.</em></p><p><em>*The Athletics traded Watson to the Red Sox for minor-league infielder Justin Riemer.</em></p><p><em>*The Pirates traded Baumler to the Rangers for minor-league pitcher Jaiker Garcia and cash.</em></p><p>One team made a selection in the second round. No selections were made in the third round.</p><h3>Round 2</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pick</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Pos.</th>
<th>Previous Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>White Sox</td>
<td>Alexander Alberto</td>
<td>RHP</td>
<td>Rays</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 23: The Colorado Rockies logo before the MLB spring training baseball game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies on February 23, 2024 at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona.

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Rockies take 6-foot-8 reliever Petit with 1st pick in Rule 5 Draft

The Baltimore Orioles have reeled in their superstar.  The Orioles signed first baseman Pete Alon...

<p>The Baltimore Orioles have reeled in their superstar.</p><p>The Orioles signed first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/8674" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/8674">Pete Alonso</a> to a five-year contract, the team announced Thursday.</p><p>Alonso's deal is for $155 million, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1998813906643701781">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>. The figure marks the highest average annual value ever for a first baseman, <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1998815047372648559?s=20">Passan</a> adds.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Alonso's pact has no opt-outs and contains no deferrals, a source told <a href="https://x.com/ChrisCotillo/status/1998815082156011693">MassLive's Chris Cotillo</a>. He'll also receive limited no-trade protection, a source told <a href="https://x.com/afkostka/status/1998815277514191224">Andy Kostka of the Baltimore Banner</a>.</p><p>Alonso heads to Baltimore after seven seasons as the face of the New York Mets. The star slugger returned to Flushing last winter on a short-term deal following contentious negotiations but opted out of his contract immediately after the 2025 season. Alonso leaves as the Mets' all-time home-run leader.</p><p>New York was <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/free-agency-rumors-after-edwin-diaz-kyle-schwarber-deals">reportedly</a> hesitant to give Alonso a deal longer than three years. Ultimately, the Mets never made him an offer once his price tag soared, a source told <a href="https://x.com/Joelsherman1/status/1998817781039640908">Joel Sherman of the New York Post</a>.</p><p>Alonso's departure continued a rough week for the Mets, with closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5384" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5384">Edwin Díaz</a> reportedly joining the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday.</p><p>Alonso, who turned 31 last week, will serve as the linchpin of a dynamic Baltimore lineup. His 38 homers in 2025 would have led the Orioles by a wide margin, as no one on the team had more than 17.</p><p>His presence at first base also gives Baltimore some flexibility, allowing the team to rotate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12256" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12256">Adley Rutschman</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17667" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17667">Samuel Basallo</a> between catcher and designated hitter. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14245" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14245">Coby Mayo</a>, previously projected as the Orioles' everyday first baseman, could move into more of a utility role or become a trade piece. Longtime O's slugger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5547" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5547">Ryan Mountcastle</a> is another candidate to be moved following Alonso's arrival.</p><p><strong>Orioles' projected 2026 lineup</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Bats</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">1</span></td>
<td>Jackson Holliday</td>
<td>2B</td>
<td>Left</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Jordan Westburg</td>
<td>3B</td>
<td>Right</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Gunnar Henderson</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Left</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Pete Alonso</td>
<td>1B</td>
<td>Right</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Adley Rutschman</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>Both</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Taylor Ward</td>
<td>LF</td>
<td>Right</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Dylan Beavers</td>
<td>RF</td>
<td>Left</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Colton Cowser</td>
<td>CF</td>
<td>Left</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Samuel Basallo</td>
<td>DH</td>
<td>Left</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Alonso has been one of the most prolific home-run hitters in baseball since debuting in 2019. Over the last seven seasons, only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4761" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4761">Kyle Schwarber</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> have hit more round-trippers than Alonso's 264. He's hit at least 34 homers in each of his six 162-game seasons and reached 100 RBIs four times.</p><p>In 2025, Alonso played in all 162 games for the Mets and won his first career Silver Slugger after hitting .272/.347/.524 with 38 homers, 126 RBIs, and an NL-best 41 doubles.</p><p>The Orioles made the playoffs in 2023 and '24 but fell back to last place in the AL East in 2025, prompting the club to push hard to sign a star free agent this winter. The team <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3423331" href="https://thescore.com/news/3423331">reportedly</a> met with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/8173" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/8173">Kyle Tucker</a> recently and emerged as a finalist for Schwarber, apparently offering him the same five-year, $150-million deal that he received from the Philadelphia Phillies.</p><p>Alonso's deal may not be the end of Baltimore's spending. The O's are still in the market for starting pitching and have held contract talks with free-agent southpaw <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8415" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8415">Framber Valdez</a>, <a href="https://x.com/jonmorosi/status/1998826002487578636">Jon Morosi of MLB Network</a> reports. They're also interested in another top free-agent left-hander, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/9813" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/9813">Ranger Suárez</a>, a source told <a href="https://x.com/afkostka/status/1998822784945082686">Kostka</a>.</p><p>The Boston Red Sox were also connected to Alonso over the last few weeks.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - JUNE 8: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets celebrates his eighth inning two-run home run against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on June 8, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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