Here are three things for MLBTR readers to keep an eye out for headed into the weekend:
1. MLBTR’s Free Agent Power Rankings:
The 2026 season is only just getting underway, but we at MLB Trade Rumors are always preparing for the next offseason. Much of the talk surrounding this coming winter is focused on the impending lockout, but just like any other year there will be a class of talented players reaching the open market. With the season still in its early stages, we’re taking the opportunity to take a temperature check of this year’s class with the first edition of our Free Agent Power Rankings. Some of those choices were obvious — spoiler: Tarik Skubal made the cut! — but there’s plenty of room for change in the pecking order as the season progresses, especially on the hitting side of things. MLBTR readers can look forward to the March/April installment of our Free Agent Power Rankings going live later today.
2. Griffin to make his debut:
While the sides are still deep in extension talks, the Pirates are calling up No. 1 overall prospect Konnor Griffin to the majors today. Griffin, 19, is now poised to debut three weeks shy of his 20th birthday after posting a .749 OPS in Spring Training and following that up with a 7-for-16 showing at Triple-A with three doubles and three steals. It remains to be seen if Griffin will hit the ground running in the majors or if he’ll need some time to adjust to the highest level, but fans in Pittsburgh are ecstatic to get to watch a potential cornerstone player on a daily basis either way. Griffin’s first assignment will come against the Orioles and right-hander Kyle Bradish at 4:12pm local time in Pittsburgh.
3. Fitzgerald on the move?
Giants utilityman Tyler Fitzgerald remains in DFA limbo after being designated for assignment earlier this week. He’s coming off a tough year in 2025 where he struggled to hit at the big league level, but his speed, versatility and strong 2024 season could still make him an interesting pickup for a club with a less crowded bench mix than the Giants. San Francisco will try to find a trade before placing Fitzgerald on waivers, and if a swap is to come together it’ll need to happen in the near future. Fitzgerald was designated on Monday, and at the five-day mark he’ll need to be placed on waivers so that 48-hour process could conclude within the maximum one-week window for DFA resolution. It’s unlikely the Giants would find a huge return for a player who’s been designated for assignment, but a swap for a low-level prospect or even just a cash deal is entirely feasible. Will the club find a deal to its liking, or will Fitzgerald simply hit waivers?
Exciting stuff with Griffin, I love seeing these young guns signing on long term. I think it is good for baseball. It’s been a long time since Pirates fans could buy a jersey that wasn’t Cutch without fear of the guy leaving soon.
And Fitzgerald will be a solid pickup for someone!
Skubal already has 0.6 WAR in his 2026 season. More than some players get in a season.
We sure are glad Detroit brought up McGonigle without him having to forgo future earning potential by having a long term deal. He’s going to be treated like a Al Kaline, or Alan Trammel here. Finally Detroit has that go to next gen player to keep for 2 decades. GO TIGERS !
Dumb if you actually think they aren’t trying to work on an extension. At least from Tigers side.
You going to be okay ? I didn’t mean to touch a nerve.
Cubs starting pitcher went from Horton to TBD overnight. Are we at a pitch a game get injured cycle already?
Low amount of pitches last week and plenty of days off in between….anyone have any news?
Cubs.com and Mlb.com are now showing Horton back in there.
Our old friend Trevor Bauer is back in the States, signing to pitch for the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League. It may be indie ball but it’s one step closer to a return to the majors.
I was surprised not to see an article on here about it.
With “comments closed”
If Trevor impresses, some team will take a chance on him.
35 years old.
5 years out of MLB.
No good without stickem.
Not to mention the drama..
No MLB team wants him, only delusional fans.