MLB Trade Rumors
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Did Anyone Win The Caleb Durbin Trade?
The six‑player February swap that sent infielder Caleb Durbin to Boston and left‑hander Kyle Harrison to Milwaukee has finally tipped in Durbin’s favor. After a sluggish start (.530 OPS, low wRC+), Durbin erupted in June with a .326/.359/.605 slash line, helped power a 15‑game win streak, and finished the season with 13 homers, 20 steals and a 100 wRC+, earning 13 Defensive Runs Saved at third. Meanwhile, Harrison’s early 1.57 ERA faded, ending the year on the Brewers’ bullpen bench. Overall, Boston’s WAR from the trade (5.5) dwarfs Milwaukee’s (≈2.8).
The Sports Equinox 2026: When MLB, NBA, NHL and NFL Come Together (Sponsored)
Today marks the 33rd Sports Equinox, with MLB’s World Series, the NBA season opener, NFL action and NHL games all scheduled for Monday, October 26, 2026. It’s the first Equinox ever on this date and the fourth consecutive Monday occurrence, despite Mondays being the rarest day for the event. The post also promotes Sports Reference Hub’s free, customizable dashboard for tracking scores, stats and leaderboards across the four leagues.
Submit Your Questions For This Week’s Episode Of The MLBTR Podcast
MLB Trade Rumors invites listeners to submit questions for the upcoming Wednesday episode of its podcast, covering topics like the World Series, offseason moves, and the looming lockout. Email [email protected] or send an audio clip (iPhone instructions provided) for a chance to be featured on air. The post also reminds fans to subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Royals Release Jorge Alfaro
The Kansas City Royals have released veteran catcher Jorge Alfaro, making him a free agent after a 2026 season spent entirely in Double-A and Triple-A. Alfaro, 33, joined the Royals on a minor‑league deal in December and missed MLB action while playing for Team Colombia in the World Baseball Classic. He posted a .223/.287/.468 slash line with 15 homers in 62 games but struck out 41.5% of the time. Despite his high bat speed and 113.3 mph exit velocity, his strikeout rate has hindered his major‑league prospects, though his power could interest teams seeking a backup catcher.
The Opener: Gasser, Peralta, Rays’ Lineup
Facing a 2-0 hole, the Brewers send left‑hander Robert Gasser to the mound in Game 3 after limiting opponents to one run or fewer in seven of his last eight outings. The Rays counter with Freddy Peralta, who boasts a 1.13 ERA in three playoff starts at Tropicana Field and has allowed just two earned runs over 16 ⅓ innings this postseason. Milwaukee’s bullpen is fresh after the off‑day, while Tampa Bay’s lineup could see changes: Ryan Vilade and Ben Williamson may start, and Kevin Cash may opt for Nick Fortes behind the plate against lefties. Both teams rely on home‑field strengths—Tampa Bay’s 55 regular‑season home wins and Milwaukee’s 48 road victories—to spark a comeback.
Rocco Baldelli Withdraws Name From Mariners’ Managerial Search
Rocco Baldelli pulls out of the Seattle Mariners’ manager search, citing family considerations, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. His withdrawal leaves former Astros manager Joe Espada and Cubs player‑development director Jason Kanzler as the only publicly known candidates, though other names remain in the mix. Mariners president Jerry Dipoto prefers an experienced skipper, giving Espada a potential edge. Baldelli, who led the Twins to three AL Central titles and a 2023 Wild Card win before being dismissed after a 70-92 2025 season, had been linked to the Dodgers front office and other clubs. The hunt, now in an advanced stage, may see a delay as Seattle pivots to its next choice.
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Trade Candidate: Teoscar Hernandez
Teoscar Hernández, now a 34‑year‑old Dodger, is listed as a prime trade candidate despite a solid three‑year, $66 million deal that includes club options through 2029. After a breakout 2024 (.272/.339/.501, 33 HR, All‑Star, Silver Slugger, World Series ring) his production dipped to a 105 wRC+ in 2025 and a modest 110 wRC+ in 2026, hampered by a hamstring strain and a post‑injury slump. The Dodgers’ depth—Shohei Ohtani at DH, Kyle Tucker in right, Josué De Paula emerging as a potential left‑field starter, plus entrenched infield talent—makes Hernández expendable, especially with his option unlikely to be exercised. A trade could free cap space and address other roster needs.
Astros Hire Conner Watson As Director Of Hitting
The Houston Astros appoint Conner Watson as director of hitting, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Watson arrives from the Cleveland Guardians, where he spent the past two seasons as assistant director of hitting development, and previously served three years as a lead instructor at Driveline’s Arizona facility. His hiring fills a vacancy left by Dan Hennigan’s August exit and follows the recent addition of Spencer Medick as director of pitching, giving the Astros two key division heads before a new GM and manager are named. Watson is expected to modernize hitting across both major and minor league squads, potentially reshaping the role of current hitting coach Victor Rodriguez.
Francisco Lindor Will Be Just Fine In 2027
The Mets’ 2026 season fell short, finishing 74-88, and shortstop Francisco Lindor struggled with injuries and a dip in production. At 32, he missed two months after a left‑calf strain, played only 105 games, and slashed .225/.309/.423 with 21 homers and a career‑low .309 OBP. Yet his power metrics hit career highs—91.6 mph exit velocity and a 49.5% hard‑hit rate. Defensively, Lindor posted a -4 DRS and zero OAA, his worst ever, likely due to the calf issue and age. Analysts expect a healthier, slightly above‑average defender in 2027 and a probable offensive rebound, with the Mets eyeing prospect Jefferson Rojas as a possible infield backup.
A Look At Jacob Latz’s Breakout Season
Left‑hander Jacob Latz emerged as the Rangers’ unexpected closer in 2026, posting a 2.13 ERA with 30 saves in 34 chances over 72 innings. His strikeout rate jumped to 30.6% and walk rate fell to 8.5%, giving him a 22.1% K‑BB ratio (14th‑best among qualified relievers). The improvement stems from a heavier reliance on his four‑seam fastball (55.6% of pitches) and a revamped changeup that posted a +8 Run Value after gaining velocity. While his BABIP fell to .182 and strand rate dipped slightly, his durability and ability to pitch multiple innings make him a cornerstone for Texas heading into 2027. He enters arbitration as a Super Two player with a projected $3 million salary and remains under team control through 2030.
Can Colson Montgomery Keep This Up?
The White Sox’s 2026 season hinged on shortstop Colson Montgomery, who dazzled with 31 homers and a .206 isolated slugging percentage—leading AL shortstops in power and earning 2.8 fWAR. Yet his .197/.282/.403 line and a league‑worst 35.6% strikeout rate raise red flags, especially against four‑seam fastballs where he hit .154. Compared to his 2025 rookie burst (31 HR, 2.7 fWAR in half the games), Montgomery’s swing‑and‑miss surged, his chase rate rose to 32.4%, and his walk rate lagged at 8.5%. The article weighs his elite defense (+10 OAA) against the danger of a Gallo‑style regression, suggesting the White Sox must curb his strikeouts or risk turning a solid regular into a marginal player.
Quinn Priester On Track In Recovery From Thoracic Outlet Surgery
Brewers right‑hander Quinn Priester, who posted a 3.32 ERA over 157⅓ innings last season, is on track to return from June’s thoracic outlet surgery ahead of schedule. The eight‑to‑ten‑month rehab could see him back for Spring Training, despite a lockout that may delay workouts. Priester, projected to earn $1.3 million in arbitration, could slot into Milwaukee’s rotation alongside Jacob Misiorowski and Logan Henderson once the 2027 season begins.
The Opener: Brewers’ 2-0 Series Lead, Historic First Inning, Ashby
The Brewers seize a 2-0 lead over the Rays in the World Series, edging Tampa Bay 5-4 thanks to a clutch home run by Sal Frelick and a five‑out save from left‑hander Aaron Ashby, who extends his postseason scoreless streak to 15 2/3 innings – the second‑longest ever. Both teams made history in the first inning, combining for seven hits, the most ever in a World Series opening frame, while the Rays logged their highest‑scoring World Series inning with four runs. The series moves to Game 3 tomorrow at 7:00 pm CT. The article also recalls Kyle Schwarber’s 2016 championship heroics for context.
Offseason Outlook: Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers missed a three‑peat in 2026 but retain a talent‑laden roster for 2027, anchored by massive contracts for Shohei Ohtani ($490 M through 2033) and Yoshinobu Yamamoto ($248 M through 2035). Other key deals include Mookie Betts, Kyle Tucker, Blake Snell and Will Smith, totaling $362.25 M in 2027 commitments with $142.2 M deferred. Pitching is the biggest question: Ohtani’s half‑season injury leaves his future role uncertain, and free‑agent right‑hander Tarik Skubal may command a long‑term, high‑value extension despite the Dodgers’ usual preference for shorter deals. Arbitration‑eligible players and several non‑tender candidates round out the offseason outlook.
Eugenio Suarez Could Be A Bargain
Eugenio Suarez’s 2026 season with the Reds turned from a hopeful veteran comeback into a strikeout‑filled slump, landing him on waivers and likely free agency. Despite a career‑worst 33.9% strikeout rate and -4 Defensive Runs Saved in just 50 games at third base, he posted a brief resurgence late in the year—a 46‑game stretch featuring 12 homers, a 141 wRC+ and improved walk and strikeout numbers. With a $16 million mutual option for 2027 likely off the table, Suarez emerges as a potential bargain DH in a thin free‑agent market, possibly costing well under $15 million.
Finding Solutions For Tatsuya Imai
Astros right‑hander Tatsuya Imai struggled in his MLB debut, posting a 4.93 ERA over 76 2/3 innings with a 15.1% walk rate—the highest among qualified pitchers. After 15 starts and a brief postseason roster spot, he slid into a limited bullpen role, posting a respectable 2.00 ERA in 18 relief innings but still issuing 11 walks. Imai can opt out of his three‑year, $54 million contract, though rejecting $18 million for 2027 seems unlikely. To stay in Houston’s rotation, he must add a third viable pitch and improve control, possibly leaning on sinkers like the Astros did with Hunter Brown. Otherwise, he may transition to a bullpen role amid a thin relief corps.
Austin Wells’ Impact On The Yankees’ Offseason
The Yankees’ offseason catching strategy hinges on Austin Wells’ dramatic turnaround. After a .175 start and a June IL stint for cervical headaches, Wells returned to post a .504 OPS at the All‑Star break and finished the season slashing .229/.343/.441 with seven homers, adding four RBI in the ALDS. Defensively, he posted top‑five framing rankings and a solid fielding run value both before and after the IL. If New York trusts his second‑half surge, it could save money by targeting a glove‑first backup (e.g., Austin Hedges or Kyle Higashioka) rather than pursuing big‑ticket free agents like Ryan Jeffers or Tyler Stephenson.
Pablo Lopez On Track In Tommy John Recovery
Twins right‑hander Pablo Lopez is on pace to return for Spring Training after undergoing an internal‑brace elbow surgery in February, a quicker alternative to traditional Tommy John. He began throwing in August and aims to be on the Opening Day roster, marking his second elbow procedure—the first in 2013 cost him the 2014 season. Lopez’s comeback could stabilize a rotation that saw mixed results in 2026, with Ryan, Bradley and new addition Dean Kremer providing support. If Lopez isn’t ready, spots may open for Zebby Matthews, Mick Abel or Kendry Rojas.
Guardians Notes: Kwan, Velazquez, Rotation
After a third straight AL Central title and a six‑game ALCS loss to the Rays, the Guardians outline their 2027 plans. Outfielder Steven Kwan, a two‑time All‑Star, avoids free‑agency trade rumors as the club projects an $11.3 million arbitration salary and vows to keep him as a cornerstone. Meanwhile, first‑base options Hoskins, Lowe and prospect Kyle Manzardo underperformed, prompting Cleveland to back power prospect Ralphy Velazquez, who posted a .278/.363/.541 line with 22 homers in Triple‑A. The rotation looks set with Gavin Williams, Parker Messick, Tanner Bibee and Joey Cantillo slated as starters. The piece details Kwan’s rebound surge, defensive value, and the team’s payroll challenges as they aim to return to the World Series.
NL East Notes: Murphy, Mets, Marlins, Compton, Miller
Pat Murphy, promoted to Brewers manager in November 2023, was a top candidate for the Mets’ 2019 hiring and remained interested after Carlos Beltran’s 2020 resignation, but the club chose Luis Rojas instead. Milwaukee now sits just three wins away from a World Series crown under Murphy, highlighting the Mets’ rotating‑door coaching history as they aim for stability with Andy Green. Meanwhile, the Marlins face a potential payroll floor, budgeting $81.8 million for 2027 and planning modest extensions and $10‑$15 million contracts; prospect Brandon Compton is shifting to first base after a strong .270/.411/.576 line with 36 homers and could debut in 2027. Phillies infielder Aidan Miller, recovering from a back injury, shows promise after a solid AFL stint and may fill a third‑base vacancy in 2027.
Todd Benzinger Passes Away
Former MLB player Todd Benzinger dies at 63, the Reds announce. The Dayton, Kentucky native spent three of his nine‑year career with Cincinnati, playing a key role in the 1990 World Series sweep and delivering the RBI single that ended Orel Hershiser’s 59‑inning scoreless streak on Opening Day 1989. A former Red Sox fourth‑round pick, Benzinger also played for Boston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, finishing with 66 home runs and a .257/.301/.386 slash line. After retiring he managed the Reds’ A‑ball team and mentored players like Mike Sweeney. The baseball community remembers him as a steady, selfless teammate.
Yankees Extend Pitching Coach Matt Blake
The Yankees have secured pitching coach Matt Blake on a new three‑year deal (2027‑29) after his contract expired at year‑end, reports Jon Heyman. Blake, with the club since 2020 and a former Guardians scout, helped steer the staff through a rotation plagued by injuries to Gerrit Cole, Clarke Schmidt, Carlos Rodón and Max Fried. Despite the setbacks, rookie ace Cam Schlittler posted a league‑best 1.95 ERA and the bullpen thrived thanks to unheralded arms like Brent Headrick (2.18 ERA) and Paul Blackburn (1.59 ERA). With the rotation set to stay intact and the bullpen in free‑agent flux, the extension signals New York’s confidence in Blake’s development system.
The Opener: World Series Begins, Late-Game Drama, Game 2
The Brewers claim their first World Series win since 1982, edging the Rays 3-2 in Game 1 on Friday. Christian Yelich’s RBI triple and William Contreras’ single gave Milwaukee a 2-0 lead, while Jackson Chourio’s seventh‑inning RBI single proved decisive. Reliever Trevor Megill escaped a ninth‑inning rally after a missed force call turned a double play into an RBI groundout for the Rays. Pitching matchups for Game 2 feature Tampa Bay ace Drew Rasmussen (1.29 ERA) versus Milwaukee rookie Logan Henderson (3.00 ERA, but control issues). A Rays win could shift home‑field advantage, though only ten teams have ever rallied from a 0‑2 deficit.
Offseason Outlook: New York Yankees
The Yankees enter the 2027 offseason after back‑to‑back 93‑94‑win seasons that ended with ALDS losses, now facing a costly roster rebuild. Core contracts total $661 million, with $205.5 million guaranteed for 2027, including Aaron Judge’s $200 M deal through 2031. Injuries limited Judge to 66 games, and his absence exposed the club’s one‑dimensional offense. The bullpen and several arbitration‑eligible arms (e.g., Clarke Schmidt, Luis García Jr.) are slated for raises, while the team may non‑tender prospects Cruz and Ramos and lose free agents such as David Bednar and Paul Goldschmidt. The outlook hinges on shoring up the bullpen and reviving an offensive identity.
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