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Twins Hire Michael A. Taylor As Outfield Instructor

By Steve Adams | January 12, 2026 at 10:39am CDT

The Twins have hired recently retired outfielder Michael A. Taylor as an outfield instructor, per Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. He won’t be a member of the big league coaching staff but will be in camp for several weeks this spring and will visit the Twins’ minor league affiliates to work with their up-and-coming outfielders throughout the 2026 season.

Taylor, 34, retired following the 2025 season. He played in parts of 12 major league seasons and spent the 2023 season as a member of the Twins, hitting .220/.278/.442 with a career-high 21 home runs. Taylor spent his final season in 2025 with the White Sox and also played with the Nationals, Royals and Pirates (under new Twins skipper Derek Shelton). He retired as a career .232/.288/.379 hitter with 109 home runs, 128 steals, 156 doubles and 15 triples in 3801 major league plate appearances.

It was below-average production on the whole, but Taylor’s calling card was always his defense and baserunning. He played 7473 innings of center field in his major league career and logged outstanding marks in both Defensive Runs Saved (83) and Outs Above Average (58). His work in the corners was more limited but also above-average, per both metrics. Overall, Taylor finished his playing days with 97 DRS and 61 OAA in just under 9000 defensive innings. He chipped in 128 steals in 163 tries — a 79% success rate.

Taylor “only” won one Gold Glove in his big league career, although that’s due to his frequent status as a fourth outfielder. His penchant for strikeouts (and thus batting average/on-base percentage marks) kept him from picking up enough innings in the outfield to garner consideration in most seasons. On a rate basis, however, Taylor is one of the elite defenders of this generation — at any position. From the time of his 2014 debut through his final game late this season, only six players amassed more DRS than his 97: Kevin Kiermaier, Nolan Arenado, Andrelton Simmons, Mookie Betts, Jason Heyward and Matt Chapman. His 61 OAA tie him for 12th among all big leaguers in that same window.

Though the role with the Twins is a relatively limited one, Nightengale suggests that the intent is to give Taylor some experience working with younger players as he gauges whether he wants to pursue a second act in baseball as a coach. For the time being, a Twins organization that has a long lineage of plus defenders in center field — Taylor briefly among them — will have one of the better outfield defenders in recent memory working with its young players in an effort to continue that hallmark.

Reds To Sign Pierce Johnson

By Nick Deeds | January 12, 2026 at 9:05am CDT

Jan. 12: Johnson is guaranteed $6.5MM, reports Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

Jan. 11: Right-hander Pierce Johnson is headed to the Reds, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The details of the contract are not yet known. Johnson is represented by John Boggs & Associates.

Johnson, 34, was a first-round pick all the way back in 2012. He made his big league debut in 2017 but didn’t stick in the majors right away and eventually headed to Japan in 2019 to pitch for the Hanshin Tigers. The result was a dominant 1.38 ERA over 58 2/3 innings of work in NPB, and Johnson then returned to the majors in 2020 and posted strong numbers overall across three seasons with the Padres.

Missing most of the 2022 campaign due to injury, however, put Johnson in an awkward position entering free agency following the year. He caught on with the Rockies and struggled badly, posting a 6.00 ERA during his time in Colorado, but was still an attractive enough target to be dealt to the Braves at the trade deadline. Upon arriving in Atlanta, he looked like a different pitcher, turning in a a 0.76 ERA, 36% strikeout rate, and 5.4% walk rate across 24 appearances down the stretch for the Braves.

It was a performance so impressive that Atlanta chose to extend Johnson on a fresh two-year deal that guaranteed him $14.25MM, including a $250K buyout on a $7MM club option for the 2026 season. Johnson posted a 3.36 ERA and 3.77 FIP overall across 115 1/3 innings in the next two seasons, but he was unable to carry over the pinpoint command he had flashed down the stretch in 2023. His peripherals declined, culminating in the righty striking out a diminished (but still strong) 24.8% of his opponents this past year, and the Braves ultimately chose to buy out his 2026 option.

Now headed into his age-35 season, Johnson will join a Reds team that managed to squeak into the playoffs last year and has its sights set on returning in 2026. After re-signing Emilio Pagan to serve as the club’s closer, Cincinnati has continued to retool its bullpen by adding Caleb Ferguson and now Johnson. That trio should be joined by Tony Santillan to make a formidable late inning relief corps for the Reds, while former starters like Graham Ashcraft and Connor Phillips provide some upside but likely slide into lower-leverage roles. With a stacked rotation led by Hunter Greene and Andrew Abbott, Terry Francona’s pitching staff looks solid headed into the season.

The question for the Reds headed into 2026 is mostly focused around the club’s lineup. While Elly De La Cruz is a budding superstar and players like TJ Friedl and Spencer Steer have proven themselves to be quality role players, it’s hard to know if the Reds’ lineup will produce enough on offense to carry them back to October. Players like Noelvi Marte and Matt McLain have shown great promise in the past but have also struggled badly at times. The same can be said for reclamation projects JJ Bleday and Ke’Bryan Hayes. If the Reds have more planned this offseason after adding Johnson, adding more to the lineup would be the best way to improve the roster, whether that’s through free agency or perhaps a trade of someone like right-hander Brady Singer, who’ll be a free agent next winter.

The Opener: Bichette, Phillies, Red Sox, Bellinger, Yankees

By Nick Deeds | January 12, 2026 at 8:47am CDT

Here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world today:

1. Bichette meeting with the Phillies:

The Phillies are reportedly scheduled to meet with infielder Bo Bichette today. The fit between Bichette and Philadelphia is a complicated one, however. Reporting has indicated that the club would need to not only forgo their pursuit of a reunion with J.T. Realmuto in order to land Bichette, but also trade third baseman Alec Bohm. Perhaps that would all be worthwhile in order to land another impact player to join Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, and Trea Turner in the middle of the team’s lineup, but it’s not the most straightforward fit.

The meeting comes on the heels of Toronto’s recent signing of third baseman Kazuma Okamoto. The Blue Jays’ decision to bring in another infielder doesn’t explicitly rule out a reunion with Bichette, who has long expressed a desire to remain in Toronto, but it arguably made outfielder Kyle Tucker a cleaner fit for them at this point. The meeting between Bichette and the Phillies dovetails nicely into the next item here…

2. What’s next for the Red Sox after missing on Bregman?

The Cubs made a big splash this weekend by inking third baseman Alex Bregman to a five-year deal worth $175MM. Deferred money brings that contract value down to the $150-155MM range, but that was still enough to outbid the Red Sox in their efforts to retain Bregman. Boston reportedly topped out at an offer of $165MM over five years — also with significant deferred money but lacking the no-trade provision the Cubs included.

With Bregman now ticketed for Chicago, the Red Sox will have to pivot. That could mean stepping up their pursuit of Bichette, with whom they reportedly met with over Zoom last month. Bichette was of interest to both the Cubs and Red Sox, so while it hurts him to lose one possible landing spot in Chicago, it also intensifies the need/urgency of another suitor up in Boston. The Red Sox could also look for a shorter-term addition like Eugenio Suarez, and a trade for an established infielder (e.g. Houston’s Isaac Paredes) can’t be ruled out either. One way or another, the Sox ought to have at least one more notable splash in store this winter.

3. Can Yankees, Bellinger bridge the gap?

Elsewhere in the AL East, the Yankees and Cody Bellinger have reportedly reached an impasse in contract negotiations. New York is said to be sticking to its guns with a five-year offer that guarantees Bellinger more than $150MM, while Bellinger’s camp remains steadfast in their desire for a longer-term contract — perhaps as many as seven years. In the meantime, Bellinger figures to draw interest from the Mets and Dodgers. He’s also been connected to the Cubs, though their recent addition of Bregman likely takes them out of that market. MLBTR’s Anthony Franco recently took a look at some other potential landing spots. As for the Yankees, the team has been loosely connected to other high-end players like Bichette and Tucker as potential backup plans to Bellinger, and the trade market could always present alternatives.

Cardinals Sign Bruce Zimmermann To Minors Contract

By Mark Polishuk | January 11, 2026 at 10:44pm CDT

The Cardinals signed Bruce Zimmermann to a minor league deal, as per the southpaw’s MLB.com profile page. He was outrighted off the Brewers’ 40-man roster at the end of the season and then elected minor league free agency.

Zimmermann spent all of 2024 in the Orioles’ minor league system, and then just about all of 2025 with Milwaukee’s Triple-A affiliate before his contract was selected in the final week of the season. With the Brewers looking to cover innings and generally save its pitchers heading into the playoffs, Zimmermann ate up six innings in a start on Sept. 23, allowing five earned runs in his lone MLB appearance of the year.

The left-hander’s previous big league resume consists of 158 1/3 innings with the Orioles from 2020-23, starting 27 of 38 games and posting a 5.57 ERA, 18.1% strikeout rate, and 5.2% walk rate. Zimmermann was tagged for 40 home runs during his time in Baltimore, and he hasn’t had much success against either left-handed or right-handed batters at the Major League level.

The Brewers were deep enough in rotation options that Zimmermann was something of an afterthought for the team, even though he posted decent numbers as a starter and reliever at Triple-A Nashville. St. Louis might not necessarily offer Zimmermann more chances at MLB playing time since the rebuilding Cardinals are prioritizing their younger arms, but he could fill a similar role as a Triple-A depth option, with spot start opportunities available if any of the youngsters struggle or if injuries arise.

Zimmermann is out of minor league options, so if he is selected to the Cards’ 26-man roster, they’d first have to expose him to waivers before outrighting him off the 40-man and sending him back to Triple-A. Since Zimmermann has previously been outrighted, he’d also have the right to elect free agency rather than accept another outright assignment. Depending on whether or not the Cardinals bring him up to the Show at all, Zimmermann might be in for a busy year on the transaction front.

Quick Hits: Davis, Kranick, Collins

By Mark Polishuk | January 11, 2026 at 10:09pm CDT

Former Giants and Red Sox outfielder Jaylin Davis announced his retirement in a post on his Instagram page, choosing to end his pro career at age 31 after four MLB seasons. “This game has been a blessing, and while this chapter closes, I’m excited for what’s next,” Davis wrote. MLB Trade Rumors congratulates Davis on his career, and we wish him all the best in the upcoming chapter of his life.

Davis faced a long road just to get to the majors as a 24th-round pick for the Twins in the 2015 draft, but his inclusion in the 2019 deadline trade that brought Sam Dyson from Minnesota to San Francisco allowed Davis to get his first taste of the Show. The outfielder played in 17 games that season, and then made nine more appearances for the Giants over parts of the 2020-21 seasons before a Boston waiver claim resulted in 12 games with the Sox in 2022. Davis finishes his career with a .207/.274/.299 slash line over 95 plate appearances in the majors, as well as a respectable .832 OPS over 1178 at the Triple-A level. His final three pro seasons were spent in the Mets’ farm system, and with the independent American Association and Atlantic League.

More from around baseball as we wrap up the weekend…

Max Kranick will throw on Monday for the first time since undergoing flexor tendon surgery in July, according to the Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon. Kranick is aiming to be ready for action for the second half of the 2026 season, fitting the usual 12-month estimate for flexor tendon procedures. The Mets non-tendered Kranick in November, so any teams interested in the right-hander could look to sign him to a two-year free agent deal, with the idea of locking up Kranick for 2027 when he’ll presumably be fully recovered. Kranick’s MLB resume consists of 43 2/3 innings of 5.56 ball with the Pirates in 2021-22, and a more impressive 3.65 ERA and a tiny 3.4% walk rate over 37 innings with New York last season (albeit with only a 16.9% strikeout rate).
Left-hander Tim Collins is attempting a comeback, and will throw for scouts this Wednesday, The Athletic’s Britt Ghiroli reports. Collins posted a 3.60 ERA over 242 1/3 relief innings with the Royals, Nationals, and Cubs from 2011-19, and didn’t see any big league work from 2015-17 due to a pair of Tommy John surgeries. His nine games with Chicago in 2019 was seemingly it for Collins as a pitcher, as he opted out of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season and then stepped away from playing, becoming a minor league coach for the Phillies over the last two years. The 36-year-old Collins has now caught the pitching bug again, and it will be interesting to see if he can resume his career after this second large gap in his career.

Blue Jays Re-Sign Eloy Jimenez To Minor League Deal

By Mark Polishuk | January 11, 2026 at 8:38pm CDT

The Blue Jays have signed Eloy Jimenez to a minor league contract, according to reporter Mike Rodriguez. Jimenez’s latest deal with the Jays includes an invitation to Toronto’s Major League spring camp.

After signing a minors deal with Toronto right at the end of August, Jimenez only got into six games with Triple-A Buffalo, and he had a .508 OPS over 21 trips to the plate. This gave Jimenez an overall .247/.326/.347 slash line in 215 plate appearances in the Jays’ and Rays’ farm systems, without any games played at the Major League level.

Once a feared power bat who signed a six-year, $43MM deal with the White Sox before ever appearing in a big league game, Jimenez somewhat lived up to that potential by hitting .275/.324/.487 with 89 homers over 1777 PA during the 2019-23 seasons. However, Jimenez was set back by a laundry list of injuries, and his 122 games played in 2019 remains his highest game total in a regulation-length season. The 2024 season was a total calamity for Jimenez, as he hit .238/.289/.336 over 349 PA while missing time with an adductor strain and a hamstring strain.

The White Sox gave up on Jimenez by dealing him to the Orioles at the 2024 trade deadline, and Baltimore unsurprisingly declined a $16.5MM club option on the former slugger for the 2025 season. Jimenez then landed in Tampa Bay last winter on a minors deal, but between more injury woes and his uninspiring numbers, the Rays released him last July.

Jimenez is still only 29 years old, and is still posting decent hard-hit ball numbers and exit velocities. Considering his past history, there’s no risk for the Blue Jays in taking a more extended look at Jimenez in camp to see if a late-career turn-around is possible, even if it doesn’t seem likely Jimenez will be able to crack Toronto’s crowded roster. His best-case scenario might be a big Spring Training performance, and then heading to another interested team via trade or an opt-out in his contract at the end of camp.

Pirates Sign Noah Davis To Minor League Deal

By Mark Polishuk | January 11, 2026 at 8:14pm CDT

The Pirates signed Noah Davis to a minor league deal earlier this week, as per Davis’ MLB.com profile page. The right-hander elected minor league free agency in October, qualifying for the status due to multiple career outright assignments and not being added back to the Twins’ 40-man roster after being outrighted in September.

After making his MLB debut in the form of a single inning of work for the Rockies during the 2022 season, Davis has now played in each of the last four Major League seasons, albeit with not a ton more playing time than that initial cup-of-coffee appearance. Davis has 27 games and 62 1/3 innings under his belt, with a 9.53 ERA, 18.5% strikeout rate, and 9.2% walk rate.

A lot of the damage has come from the long ball, as Davis has given up a whopping 17 home runs in his 62 1/3 IP. Ten of those 17 homers came during Davis’ three seasons in Colorado, and he then allowed seven more runs over 11 innings with the Dodgers and Twins in 2025. The right-hander actually began the 2025 season with the Red Sox on a minor league contract, but Los Angeles swung a trade for Davis in late March, and then designated him for assignment in July. Minnesota then claimed Davis off waivers but things didn’t do any better for the righty in Minnesota, and he finished his 2025 campaign an 18.00 ERA.

Now entering his age-29 season, Davis also doesn’t have great numbers in Triple-A or even in Double-A, though 2025 marked the first time he’d been utilized almost exclusively as a reliever. The results were better, with Davis posting a 3.88 ERA, 26K%, and 11.5BB% across 48 2/3 innings and 35 appearances with the Dodgers’ and Twins’ Triple-A affiliates.

While this improvement hasn’t translated to success against big league batters, Davis’ possible upside as a reliever was enough to get the Pirates interested in a look during Spring Training. Between Pittsburgh’s recent success in producing arms and new pitching coach Bill Murphy’s track record with the Astros, there’s some reason to believe Davis might be a late bloomer with some help from the Buccos’ pitching development team.

MLBTR Live Chat

By Mark Polishuk | January 11, 2026 at 7:40pm CDT

Mark P

The Weekend Chat has been launched! Let’s open up the queue to see what’s what…

Charkip

Who says no, Jordan Lawlar to the Guardians and Chase DeLauter to the DBacks

Mark P

Probably both teams, but Cleveland moreso.

Tigers Fan

Why haven’t we heard any talk about the Tigers trying to extend Casey Mize?

Mark P

It could be that these talks are happening and both sides are staying quiet, but Mize is something of a tricky player to evaluate for extension purposes. He’s only had a couple of (mostly) healthy seasons and pitched well, but not necessarily front-of-the-rotation well.
I’m sure Mize feels like he can hit another level, and hitting that level in 2026 lines him up nicely in free agency next winter. So he might not want to lock himself down to an extension now.

Guest

Bellinger will get more or less than Bregman?

Mark P

I probably shouldn’t doubt Boras’ ability to work his magic, but I think it’ll be less

Squints

As a Brewers fan, is there any rebuttal to the Cubs recent moves?

Mark P

The Brewers aren’t ever going to outspend the Cubs, but that hasn’t stopped Milwaukee from beating them in the past. I’m not sure I’d necessarily even pick Chicago for first in the Central right now.

Scott S

What type of package should the Brewers receive from a Freddy Peralta trade? Which teams seem to be most interested?

Mark P

Peralta is so inexpensive that pretty much any contender in the league would or should want him.
The most popular comp for a Peralta trade package is the Corbin Burnes package: a MLB-ready position player, an MLB-ready pitcher, and a draft pick (or another minor leaguer, if the Brewers are dealing with a team that doesn’t have a tradeable Competitive Balance Pick).
Given how Peralta is also making a little more than half of Burnes’ salary in his final arb-eligible season, the Brewers may well ask for more in a trade return.

Bregman

Think the Cubs will do the Red Sox a solid and trade Hoerner to Boston?

Mark P

The Bregman signing makes a Nico trade slightly more likely, but if I’m the Cubs, I keep everyone for the sake of depth. Injuries are inevitable, and there are worse ideas than having Moises/Shaw/Alcantara as the all-younger bench core.

I got friends in Lowe places

Any thoughts on where Nathanial Lowe lands?

hiflew

Any rumblings about the Rockies plans at 1B? Is the plan to hope for Charlie Condon to win the job in the spring? They only have Blaine Crim otherwise.

Mark P

Hey, two questions in one fell swoop! Lowe’s list of potential landing spots is pretty thin, but a one-year deal in Colorado seems like as decent a spot as any. Condon has only 55 Double-A games under his belt, so an Opening Day job seems a little unlikely. The Rockies should be as patient as possible with Condon.

Framber & Ranger

When and where are we finally going to sign?

Mark P

This is a purely speculative pipe dream of mine, but I wonder if the Marlins could be a dark horse for either of these guys. Miami can add another frontline starter to replace Cabrera, and boost the payroll enough to avoid an MLBPA grievance.
But, in a more realistic world, the Orioles make a lot of sense for either guy. Can’t rule out the Mets, maybe the Padres if they move some money, maybe even the Yankees or Red Sox.

Bichette to Phillies seems like a SOLID fit

Mark P

It’s not a perfect fit since it then essentially means the Phils have to move Bohm or Stott. But, since Bichette is also way better than either of these guys, you’re right.

Enrico Pallazo

With Ketel reportedly off the trading block, what do you think the timing and return of a Donovan trade would be?

Mark P

Bregman’s signing might open things up for a Donovan trade in the next couple of weeks, since now you figure Boston might make a larger push (not that the Sox are the only Donovan suitor by a long shot).
I also have my doubts that Marte is truly off the market. That might be a little bit of gamesmanship from Mike Hazen to try and spur better offers.

Carl

Who says no, Brendan Donovan for Bryce Eldridge?

Mark P

Giants in a heartbeat. They’re not moving a top prospect for two years of Donovan.

Tony Fernandez

Wouldn’t the jays be better off trying to get a deal done with Bo as opposed to Tucker? Tucker is clearly the better player, but in addition to costing more his arrival would mean one of springer, varsho, Santander, okamoto or Barger would have to take a seat. Bringing Bo back lets those big bats all stay in the line up and Clement moves to the bench…which also solves the jays need for a bench bat that can play SS and 2b

Mark P

Toronto has enough multi-positional guys that they’d sign Tucker and let the rest figure itself out. If that means keeping Santander as a very expensive part-timer, so be it.

John

Followup – Bellinger to the Mets all but guaranteed now?

Mark P

They seem to be a pretty interesting contender, since the rest of his public suitors (Cubs, Dodgers, Jays, Phillies, Giants) have either made other moves, are imperfect roster fits, or are the Angels (Angels).
If this Yankees/Bellinger stalemate is for real and neither side is blinking, that opens the door for the Mets to perhaps swoop in on Bellinger, who checks a lot of boxes on that team.
It also might free up the Yankees to spend their dollars on a Suarez or Valdez rather than on Bellinger.

Tim

So the Tigers are just going to let Skubal walk after next season and take the pick?

Mark P

Probably, unless the team isn’t in contention at the deadline and moves him then.
But, I expect Detroit to contend for the AL Central again, and perhaps beyond. If you’re a Tigers team trying to win, why not keep Skubal, since having arguably the best pitcher in the world on your team gets you a lot closer to a World Series

rockies

the McCarthy trade means Doyle is gone? Or do they run it with Moniak, Veen, Doyle, Beck, Freeman, AND McCarthy?

Mark P

There’s probably as much of a chance that the Rox move any of Moniak/Veen/Beck than they do Doyle. Remember, DePodesta didn’t draft Veen or Beck, so if he doesn’t evaluate them highly, he might be more inclined to move them while they have some “top prospect” sheen.

Guest

Do you see a chance the yanks get Bo to play 2nd and extend Jazz but move him to 3rd?

Mark P

That creates the question of what’s to be done with Ryan McMahon. Also, the Yankees generally don’t do extensions, as a franchise rule — I’d be stunned if they locked up Jazz or anyone to an extension.

Skubal arbitration

Reports say Boras is going to use a seldom used clause that allows final arb eligible players to comp to free agent contracts. How much would Skubal get on a 1 year free agent contract? Do you think Skubal wins his arbitration hearing?

Mark P

I think the Tigers win, just because I’m not sure the panel will want to give Skubal such a precedent-shattering salary.
This is another reason why a Skubal trade might be unlikely, at least until the hearing is over. It would be mighty awkward for a team to trade for Skubal, then immediately go into a contentious arbitration and arguing “well, he’s not THAT good…”

If Skubal was magically a free agent now and was limited to one-year deals, he would also easily clear $32MM.

Your Average Terrified Mariner Fan

How many mlb games do you think Colt Emerson plays next year?

Mark P

I can see him being up pretty early in the season, if perhaps not by Opening Day. Obviously this equation changes if the M’s bring in an everyday 2B/3B type to crowd up the infield picture.
Maybe 81 games for Emerson?

Bob

Who gets the better return? One year of Hoerner or two years of Donovan?

Mark P

Donovan

Tim

is Alec Burleson the Cardinals first baseman next year? Or did the Cardinals spend 5 to 6 million for rhys hoskins?

Mark P

Burleson will get every opportunity for everyday at-bats. St. Louis is in a rebuild and will prioritize giving their younger guys chances.
Put another way, the Cards aren’t moving Contreras to open up first base just to sign someone like a Hoskins to cut into Burleson’s playing time

A.Judge

Realistically how many solid years do I have left before my inevitable decline? One, maybe two?

Mark P

Define “decline.” Judge is one of the biggest multi-year heaters in baseball history. If he drops back to being only (only!) the 155 wRC+ player he was from 2017-21, that’s both a decline on paper, and still numbers that put Judge into the MVP race.
The point is, Judge is such a special hitter that he may be beyond the realm of normal aging curves.

David

Why don’t the Dodgers just make Rushing the full-time LF and sign a true backup catcher?

Mark P

Rushing played 31 minor league games in left field in 2024, and two in 2025. It seems like the experiment is probably over, plus it’s asking a lot of Rushing to take on an everyday role at what is still a new position while he is still figuring out how to hit MLB pitching.

Beano

What’s the latest on Louis Robert and K Tucker? I really thought the Sox would’ve move Robert by now and I certainly thought Tucker and Bellinger would have new homes by now? I can’t recall – is it odd that the some of the top names in the FA/to be traded group are still out there?

Mark P

It’s not at all unusual, especially since Boras represents so many top guys and he is not shy about letting his clients’ markets play out deeper into the winter. And even then, you saw Boras clients Cease and Alonso both sign relatively early.

Guardians

What do you expect from Cleveland for the rest of the offseason?

Mark P

One or two low-tier acquisitions, probably one for the lineup and for one for the rotation.

Chicago Fan

Better chance of winning a championship in the year 2026: Cubs or Bears?

Mark P

As a Packers fan, this question really made me grit my teeth. My answer is the Cubs, since the Bears’ next opponent probably won’t decide to phone in a half of football.

Bendix

What would you grade the Marlins in the Cabrera trade? Caissie seems like another young player to add to a nice young core.

Mark P

I like the deal for Miami. Caissie is the kind of blue-chip prospect you want to get back for a pitcher with Cabrera’s upside and years of team control.

Southside Sox Fan

Good evening Mark, Go Bears first off. I think the White Sox take a few steps forward this season and possibly (with some luck) challenge for a wild card entry in the playoffs. Do you see the White Sox winning 80+ games this season?

Mark P

The Sox will need to do a lot more with their roster to get anywhere close to 80 wins. This club still lost 102 games last year, don’t forget.

Dodger Dog

Do you think transitioning Shohei to play 1st base when Freeman’s contract expires would work? It would free up a spot for another bat at DH, and he could still pitch.

Mark P

Ohtani is a good enough athlete that he could probably adjust to 1B pretty easily (/insert Moneyball clip here), or play some outfield. But, the Dodgers also aren’t going to do anything to overload Ohtani’s already-historically unusual workload

Nationals Fan

There was a lot of buzz earlier this offseason that MacKenzie Gore would be traded, but there hasn’t been much news about it since. Do think it is still likely?

Mark P

My stance on Gore hasn’t changed. Washington isn’t going to move him unless they get the moon and stars in return, since the Nats have no immediate need to move him now.

Baffled by the Bay

Darragh and Steve laughed about the Giants’ offseason during the most recent podcast. Do you think they’ll do anything that isn’t laughable this offseason?

Mark P

I find it hard to believe that the Giants won’t do anything kinda notable, but it has been an extremely quiet offseason.
Maybe they’re lurking in the Bellinger (or even the Tucker?) markets. Acquiring a second baseman also suddenly makes their winter look at lot better.

WSoxFan

Any chance the White Sox trade Robert before the season begins? I’d really like Braden Montgomery to have a chance to break camp as the new Sox CF, but with Robert there is no need for the additional OF.

Mark P

Montgomery has only 34 Double-A games under his belt, so bringing him right up to the Show by Opening Day seems aggressive. As with the Rockies and Condon earlier, Chicago should be in no huge rush to get their top prospects in the majors in early 2026.
If Robert is still the White Sox beyond the trade deadline, Montgomery could be called up to play another outfield spot, to ease him into the big leagues. Or, Robert could be moved into a corner spot.

Teddy

Christian Walker for catcher Keibert Ruiz and infielder Luis Garcia (INF)? Astros get luxury tax relief, a backup catcher and a solid bat. Nationals clear their books and make room for Harry Ford behind the plate.

Mark P

Walker has $40MM left on his contract and Ruiz $35MM, so the Nationals wouldn’t be saving all that much money, even with Garcia added. Also, the Nats have barely anything on the payroll ledger anyway, so it’s not like they need to clear salary space.
The answer to the Ford/Ruiz situation will just be that Ford starts and Ruiz is (an overpaid) backup. While the Nats do need a 1B, they’re more likely to pursue a Rhys Hoskins type as a stopgap.
And, not to pile on, but another flaw in this proposal is that Garcia doesn’t have a place to play in Houston

Guest

Do you think the Royals stand pat, or is there a legitimate trade partner for Kris Bubic or Noah Cameron?

Mark P

Plenty of teams would or should be in on both pitchers. It’s just a question of finding a match that also lines up with what KC wants (i.e. offensive help)

Arthur Rhodes

Luis rengifo the perfect buy low for the M’s to help the young guys at 3rd and 2nd?

Mark P

I may be the president of the Rengifo fan club, so I’d personally like that signing for the M’s. Seattle fans may be underwhelmed considering the alternatives of Polanco, Donovan, Marte, etc., and I wonder if the Mariners’ own front office evaluates Rengifo highly enough to give him playing time over the in-house prospects

Braves are going to get a SP right????? Who you got going to Atlanta for their staff?

Mark P

At this rate, I think the Braves will simply sign every reliever in baseball, and solve their run-prevention issues that way.

Lylesbay

whats the holdup with tucker, with soto last year it got done quickly, are teams mulling over tucker’s projection? it seems what reporters said about him has many gm’s scared, even his supposed $400M ask is slipping into $300’s

Mark P

Soto has a much stronger track record than Tucker, plus several big-market teams involved in his bidding war. This offseason, the Mets, Yankees, etc. aren’t as keen to spend big money, leaving Tucker’s market more than a little uncertain.
For all of the reports that Toronto might be a frontrunner for Tucker, for instance, the Jays might not be willing to offer him a desired contract if they feel they’re bidding against themselves.

Johnny 5

Shouldn’t the Rockies of all teams be the team willing to take on bad contracts for prospects? They have room and roster space. Take fliers to pick up lottery prospects and if any value is recouped flip the player?

Mark P

Agreed. Bryant/Tovar are the only players under contract beyond 2026, so the Rockies should be trying to get talent into the system even if it means eating some money.
Like, the Phillies aren’t going to attach a top prospect to Castellanos or something, but for someone in their second or third tier of prospects? Sure.

Nick S

Do you think the A’s will be able to sign one of Chris Bassitt or Lucas Giolito for their rotation?

Mark P

I have trouble believing any pitchers with options elsewhere will sign with the A’s, barring a drastic overpay.

Patrick

Are the Pirates done with adding to the lineup? I know it’s not great but it’s much improved especially considering they have the top offensive prospect in baseball. If money is tight, I’d rather add a veteran starter.

Mark P

Cherington said the other day that the team is still looking for a third baseman or shortstop. Adding such a player on a short-term deal could work, while still allowing for enough dollars to bring in a veteran arm. (Jose Quintana, come on down!)

Alec bohm

What’s my trade value?

Mark P

Not that much. I even listed Bohm as a non-tender candidate back when I did the Phillies offseason outlook last fall, because just cutting him seemed like a better idea than struggling on the trade market or paying him $10.2MM

Green Monster

Is Bregman’s signing with the Cubs at all a reflection of ownership cheapness or front office incompetence in Boston, or did the Cubs just overpower the Red Sox with a great offer?

Mark P

According to reports, Boston’s offer also had a lot of deferred money but spread out over a much longer period of time.
And, the lack of a no-trade clause seemed like an issue of Bregman. This is speculative on my part, but I wonder if seeing what happened with Devers last year made Bregman wary about committing with the Sox unless they gave him no-trade protection.

Bloom

Who’s taking jojo Romero off my hands?

Mark P

Hard to say, since tons of teams could use a solid lefty reliever.

PhilsPhansince1965

Has the JT Realmuto / Phillies standoff become a real concern, or is it still strictly business?

Mark P

As noted in a recent chat, Realmuto’s last free agent deal with the Phillies wasn’t signed until late January 2021. We’re still over a couple of weeks away even from that point, so I wouldn’t get too antsy about things yet. Until Realmuto actually signs elsewhere or the Phils obtained another catcher, the greatest likelihood is that JTR will be back in Philly

Guards fan

Guardians reporter for the Athletic, Meisel, has been linking Austin Hays to them as a right handed OF bat to try to help balance their lefty heavy lineup. Have you heard any thing about this or another right handed bat, perhaps?

Mark P

Hays would be a really good fit to give the Guardians some cover in case the kids aren’t ready for the majors yet.

Larry Wayne

AA has systematically addressed all the needs and the roster looks Opening Day ready. He has said he wants a little more starting pitcher depth but our starting 5 are really good IF they stay healthy (one of these years they have to, right?). We also have Holmes, Elder and about 10 minor league starters who could get a look and chance to stay. Some with big upside. Another experienced starter would be a luxury and not a necessity at this point. All of that being said, he will not sign anyone with a draft pick attached so give me a best shot FA name other than Bassit that could fit the mold.

Mark P

I kinda joked about this earlier, but the Braves having such a deep bullpen now makes their need for a starter a little less glaring. As you noted, Atlanta has a lot of rotation options at least from a pure depth perspective, even if obviously adding another proven starter would help alleviate the injury concerns over Sale, Lopez, etc.
Bassitt would basically a perfect fit for Atlanta. Verlander too.

WBC

I know a lot of fans bellyache about the Classic but I really enjoy it and think it’s great for the game. What are your thoughts?

Mark P

I’m a big fan of the WBC, and am eagerly looking forward to this year’s tournament

Mark P GM

You need an ace-type SP. Would you feel more comfortable signing Framber Valdez or Ranger Suarez if the contract were the same?

Mark P

I’d prefer Suarez.
Imagine a team of five Ranger Suarezes in the rotation and nine Luis Rengifos around the diamond. I’d never lose!

Guest

Barger to the Pirates? Good move? Or is Bohm more likely?

Mark P

There is basically zero chance the Jays would trade Barger. Bohm is vastly more likely, and while that’s technically an upgrade for Pittsburgh, I think they can do better.

guardians picking bazzana first overall instead of nick kurtz has to get some ppl fired right?

Mark P

Seems drastically early to be making that call

Cool

Is it just a weird coincidence that the Red Sox have not signed a free agent to a major league deal, or is there something deeper there?

Mark P

Boston has gotten weirdly conservative in free agency, but it’s not like they haven’t been actively making notable moves on the trade front.
Tonight’s chat queue has plenty of “the Sox are doomed” types of messages, but I disagree. Maybe this is 25 years of watching things just seem to work out for Boston sports teams, but the Red Sox are still a good team as presently constructed, and there’s still plenty of time left in the offseason to make a few moves. Bregman leaving is hardly the end of the world.

Drew Rasmussen

Will the rays let me throw more pitches this year? I’m sick of being pulled on low pitch counts.

Mark P

“Twice through the order, then out” has become a common tactic throughout the sport, but in Rasmussen’s case, the Rays were naturally being cautious given his health history. Rasmussen still tossed 150 innings last year, so if all goes well, he should be used somewhat more normally in 2026

Hunter Green

Do I play for Cincy or somewhere else

Mark P

Cincinnati. The Reds aren’t moving him unless they got an absolute haul in return.

Elias

Why am I not adding more to the bullpen given all the other additions I’ve made?

Mark P

Helsley and Kittredge are already notable additions. Still plenty of time for the O’s to get after more relievers, if even some lower-cost types

Blue Heaven

Was it the toughest PO lost for Packers, especially lost against Bears?

Mark P

Green Bay’s season was over the moment Parsons got hurt, so I didn’t think they beating the Bears anyway. It’s funny, people don’t usually mention the Packers when it comes to gut-wrenching playoff losses, but they’ve had some doozies in the last 20 years. Granted, that one Super Bowl win eases the pain a bit…

Who should I reasonably ask Breslow for Tatis?

Mark P

1. Tatis has a no-trade clause, which might turn off the Red Sox as much as Tatis himself might it use it to block any deals
2. The Padres aren’t moving Tatis, as Preller said last month.
3. The asking price would be so high that I don’t see the Sox meeting it, even if Preller threw in Yoshida/Hicks as salary offset.

Zach

What kind of contract is Marcell Ozuna going to get?

Mark P

If anything, a one-year deal worth maybe $8MM or so?
Reflection of his age, down numbers in 2025, and lack of defensive value

Guest

How come guardians and dodgers hardly do a deal together?

Mark P

Because I’m a big baseball nerd, I’ve absolutely spent time on B-Ref’s baseball trade histories page, to idly check out which teams are or aren’t common trade partners.
The Amed Rosario/Noah Syndergaard deal from 2023 is the only player-for-player swap between the two teams in the last 11 years, though they’ve had some cash considerations deals. I can only assume the lack of action is lingering hate from the 1920 World Series.

Tony Vitello

If the Giants signed Bichette would the talk of their poor offseason flip completely? Would that move be enough?

Mark P

No question. These chats all winter have been full of comments ripping on the Cubs for their lack of action, but unsurprisingly, those have dried up this week.

Mike Trout

Doesn’t seem like we’ll be good anytime soon. Any other HOF caliber players to play on such bad teams their entire career?

Mark P

Ernie Banks leaps to mind

Luis Arraez

Am I still an option at 2B? While they should be concentrating on power, the Red Sox have a need at second base…

Mark P

Arraez can play 2B, but he’s just not a good defender. In addition to providing zero power and few walks, Arraez’s limited skillset makes him a tough sell

Angels Fan

After restructuring the Rendon contract to pay out over five years and shedding Taylor Ward’s salary, Angels fans were hopeful Arte Moreno would sign an impact free agent. Instead, he has so far committed less than $15M in free agent spending this year. Perry Minasian refuses to discuss payroll or spending levels but it certainly seems the Angels are reducing payroll, possibly significantly. Am I right?

Mark P

You’re right.
I’d stated in the past that the Angels are in the position where they’d have to overpay a premium player to sign, since a premium player who has options elsewhere will or should naturally have misgivings about playing for a franchise that is stuck in such a rut. And if you’re the Angels with their track record, “overpaying” for a free agent target is a particular risk.

So now they’re in this limbo of not really wanting to pay big prices in the first place, but needing to in order to attract even second-tier free agents, let alone top-shelf guys. And, the cupboard is pretty bare in terms of trade chips. Tough situation for the Halos (and, even moreso, their fans)
I lost track of time, and only just realized we’ve sailed over the two-hour mark. Time to wrap things up for this week’s chat. Thanks so much to everyone who sent in a question, it’s greatly appreciated!
fyi, if you’re interested in more baseball Q&A, one of the many benefits of our Trade Rumors Front Office subscription is the exclusive weekly live chats. The more limited field means you’re about 10 times more likely to get a question answered, as opposed to battling for space with hundreds of other questions in today’s chat. For more on our memberships, check out this link:
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/membership?ref=chat-1-11-26

Marlins Re-Sign Jesus Tinoco To Minor League Contract

By Mark Polishuk | January 11, 2026 at 5:00pm CDT

The Marlins signed Jesus Tinoco to a minor league deal earlier this week, according to the right-hander’s MLB.com profile page. Tinoco returns after electing free agency following an outright assignment off Miami’s roster in early November.

The length of the contract isn’t known, which is a key element since Tinoco isn’t expected to pitch in 2026 after undergoing flexor surgery last September. It is possible the Marlins inked him to a two-year pact with an eye towards having Tinoco healthy and available for 2027, and giving him the 2026 season to rehab in a familiar environment.

This is now the third time Tinoco has joined the Marlins over his 14-pro career, which includes six seasons in the majors (from 2019-25 with the Marlins, Cubs, Rangers, and Rockies) and the 2023 season spent in Japan with the Seibu Lions. Tinoco first arrived in South Beach after being dealt from Colorado in August 2020, and Miami then claimed Tinoco off waivers from the Cubs in July 2024.

Fifty-one of Tinoco’s 126 2/3 career Major League innings have come in a Marlins uniform, and he has a 3.00 ERA over his time with the Fish. The numbers were even better before Tinoco posted a 5.12 ERA over 19 1/3 frames last year, and is fair to assume that he was never himself following an IL stint due to a back injury, and then a forearm strain that shut him down at the start of June.

Tinoco has a 3.98 ERA, 19.7% strikeout rate, and 11.3% walk rate over his big league career. His 2024 campaign was his most promising performance, as he had a 3.32 ERA, 25.9K%, and 7.4BB% in 40 2/3 innings despite bouncing around to three different teams over the course of the season. The drop in walk rate was a particularly good development, as Tinoco had previously struggled with his control in the majors and at times during his minor league career.

Tinoco relies on his slider and sinker as his primary offerings, and doesn’t make much use of his traditional four-seam fastball (which has mid-90s velocity). It is an open question how Tinoco’s repertoire might develop once he returns to the mound in what will be his age-32 season, as Tinoco turns 31 this coming April.

Reds Sign Garrett Hampson, Josh Staumont, Brandon Leibrandt To Minors Contracts

By Mark Polishuk | January 11, 2026 at 4:06pm CDT

The Reds signed utilityman Garrett Hampson, right-hander Josh Staumont, and left-hander Brandon Leibrandt to minor league deals in December, as per each player’s official MLB.com profile page. Hampson’s deal was also announced today on the Reds’ official X feed, with the added detail that Hampson has been invited to the club’s big league Spring Training camp.

This is Hampson’s second go-around in Cincinnati, after appearing in nine games for the team in 2025. Hampson began the season on a minor league deal with the Diamondbacks and made the Opening Day roster, but was then released in May. Cincinnati inked Hampson to a MLB deal a few days later but designated the utilityman near the end of June, with the Cardinals then claiming Hampson away on waivers. Hampson has been a free agent since he was DFA’ed again and then released by St. Louis in September.

Over 62 games and 91 plate appearances spread out over his three teams, Hampson hit just .143/.250/.169. It was a tough showing even for a player who carried a modest .240/.301/.362 career slash line into the 2025 season, though Hampson’s versatility has been far more important than his bat in carving out an eight-year MLB career. Hampson has played at least eight games at every position on the diamond besides catcher, with the bulk of his coming as a second baseman and center fielder. Even over just those nine previous games with the Reds, Hampson appeared at second base, third base, shortstop, and center field.

Cincinnati already has a number of multi-position players on the roster, so Hampson may have a tricky time winning a spot on the Reds’ roster. Hampson is also out of minor league options, while Staumont has one option year remaining and Leibrandt has two.

Staumont is back for what is technically his second season with the Reds, though a preseason injury kept Staumont from getting any game action in either the majors or minors. Staumont had pitched in each of the previous six big league seasons, posting a 3.97 ERA over 192 2/3 innings with the Royals and Twins. Once a key leverage reliever and potential future closer for Kansas City, Staumont’s production started to drop off in 2022 as injuries impacted his career, culminating in a thoracic outlet syndrome surgery in 2023.

After averaging 98 mph on his fastball in 2020, Staumont’s velo dropped to 94.3mph by the 2024 season, and his strikeout numbers also sharply dropped off. Control had been an issue for Staumont even in his best years, so it is anyone’s guess as to how he’ll now look entering his age-32 season and after a full year away from pitching. The Reds already have first-hand knowledge of Staumont’s health situation, however, and a minors deals represents no risk for the team in bringing Staumont to camp and seeing what can still contribute.

Leibrandt is yet another former Red, as he posted a 9.95 ERA over 6 1/3 innings (two appearances) for the team in 2024. This brief stint and five games (nine IP) with the Marlins in 2020 represent Leibrandt’s entire MLB resume, and the rest of his career has seen the southpaw pitch in the minors, with independent league teams, and with the Chinese Professional Baseball League’s CTBC Brothers in 2025.

Leibrandt had good results over approximately half a season in the CPBL, posting a 1.94 ERA and 5.37% walk rate over 83 1/3 innings with the Brothers, albeit with a 16.45% strikeout rate. This was enough to get Cincinnati’s attention for another contract, and Leibrandt figures to act as Triple-A rotation depth.

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