Mark Polishuk | MLB Trade Rumors

Astros Sign Carlos Perez, Amos Willingham To Minors Deals

By Mark Polishuk | January 17, 2026 at 12:17pm CDT

The Astros released their list of non-roster Spring Training invitees yesterday, and two of the names heading to camp are catcher Carlos Perez and right-hander Amos Willingham, who signed minor league deals with Houston back in November.

Now entering his age-35 season, Perez will look to continue his tour of the AL West by winning a job on the Astros’ roster. Perez played 184 of his 278 career big league games with the Angels, and he has also suited up for the Rangers and Athletics during his five MLB seasons. Most of Perez’s time in the majors came during the 2015-18 seasons, as he didn’t resurface again in the Show until he played in 66 games with the A’s in 2023.

Perez was non-tendered after the season but returned to the A’s on a minor league deal for 2024, and he then moved onto the Cubs last offseason on another minor league pact, with neither agreement resulting in any MLB playing time. Over 859 career plate appearances in the majors, Perez has hit only .218/.265/.327. His all-time Triple-A numbers (.279/.353/.505 over 3055 PA) are far superior, with the caveat that Perez has played most of his Triple-A career in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League.

Yainer Diaz is Houston’s starting catcher but the backup role is now in flux since Victor Caratini signed with the Twins. Cesar Salazar is the top current choice as Diaz’s understudy and Perez is the only other catcher in the organization with any big league experience. Perez could push Salazar for a roster spot in Spring Training, though since Astros GM Dana Brown said earlier this month that the team was still on the lookout for backup catching help, both Salazar and Perez could be pushed down the depth chart.

Willingham made his MLB debut by pitching 24 1/3 innings over 18 appearances with the Nationals in 2023, but he tossed just a single inning in one game for Washington in 2024. The righty has a 7.11 ERA to show for his brief time in the bigs, but he has a 3.62 ERA and 23% strikeout rate to show for his 104 1/3 innings in Triple-A, albeit with a 10.27% walk rate that is on the high side. The Georgia native signed a minor league deal with the Braves last offseason that didn’t lead to a call-up, and Willingham actually spent most of his year at the Double-A level while also battling injuries.

Willingham made some changes to his pitching repertoire last year. After previously using a fastball-slider combo as his two primary pitches, he threw his cutter over half the time in 2025, with his 94.4mph fastball reduced to a 37.3% usage rate. He’ll head to Spring Training with the hopes that this revamped arsenal can lead to a job in the Astros’ bullpen, and Willingham has a minor league option remaining.

Dodgers Likely To Keep Teoscar Hernandez

By Mark Polishuk | January 17, 2026 at 11:31am CDT

Teoscar Hernandez’s name surfaced in trade rumors earlier this winter, and now that Kyle Tucker is joining the Los Angeles outfield, it created some natural speculation that the Dodgers could clear room by moving Hernandez elsewhere. Even with Tucker in the fold, however, it is more likely than not that Hernandez will still be a Dodger on Opening Day, according to both The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez.

The Dodgers’ plan is likely to move Hernandez over to left field, with Tucker taking his customary right field position. Andy Pages and Tommy Edman would be the primary center field options with Alex Call in a reserve outfield role, and Edman is also perhaps the top option within an unsettled second base mix that also includes Miguel Rojas, Hyeseong Kim, Alex Freeland, and new acquisition Andy Ibanez. A reunion with Enrique Hernandez at some point this offseason also can’t be ruled out.

Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts and GM Brandon Gomes both downplayed the idea of a Hernandez trade back in December, and even Rosenthal’s initial report about the trade talks indicated that it was “unlikely” the Dodgers would move on just a year after signing Hernandez to a three-year, $66MM free agent contract. The remaining money on that deal is broken down as $12MM in 2026, $14.5MM in 2027, and a $6.5MM buyout of a $15MM club option for the 2028 season.

Half of that $66MM guaranteed has already covered in the form of a $23MM signing bonus and a $10MM salary for 2025, plus $23.5MM of the total $66MM is deferred until 2031. A team trading for Hernandez would therefore be taking on only $33MM over a two-year period, with the remaining deferrals reducing that overall price tag.

This modest remaining cost likely led a few outfield-needy teams to at least float the idea of a Hernandez deal with Los Angeles, and the Royals were cited as one of the interested clubs. While money isn’t exactly an object for the free-spending Dodgers, moving Hernandez would’ve provided the team with some luxury tax relief, and opened up some more room in the outfield for other players. Call or Edman could get more playing time on the grass, which then removes Edman from the second base battle. Several of the Dodgers’ top prospects are outfielders, so the likes of Josue De Paula could’ve had more room for a Major League debut in 2026.

In keeping Hernandez, the Dodgers avoid any potential pitfalls with depth or untested players as L.A. tries to win its third consecutive World Series title. There’s also the possibility that Hernandez’s trade market was a little thin in the wake of a so-so year for the veteran. Hernandez still hit 25 homers, but his .247/.284/.454 slash line over 546 plate appearances translated to only a 102 wRC+, and his walk rate plunged to a career-low 4.8%.

Hernandez also had only a 107 wRC+ in 2023, though he bounced back from that season to hit more like his old self in his first year with the Dodgers in 2024. Another rebound performance shouldn’t be ruled out as Hernandez enters his age-33 season, but his subpar defense means that his value is limited if he isn’t hitting.

While trading a proven big leaguer like Hernandez might not be in the cards for the Dodgers, the champs have enough depth all over the diamond that they could turn to any number of less-established players as trade chips. Rosenthal suggests that right-hander Bobby Miller or minor league outfielder Ryan Ward could be players Los Angeles is more open to trading.

Just a few years removed from being one of the game’s top pitching prospects, Miller performed well in his 2023 rookie season but has struggled to an 8.85 ERA over 61 MLB innings since Opening Day 2024. He appeared in only two Major League games in 2025 while continuing to battle control problems at the Triple-A level. Ward is an eighth-round pick from the 2019 draft who crushed Triple-A pitching in 2025, and while he likely would’ve already gotten a chance in the Show in a less star-studded organization, Ward is entering his age-28 season and probably isn’t in the Dodgers’ long-term plans.

Sung Mun Song To Miss Four Weeks Recovering From Oblique Injury

By Mark Polishuk | January 17, 2026 at 9:53am CDT

Padres infielder Sung Mun Song will require about four weeks of recovery time due to an oblique injury, according to Jeeho Yoo of the Yonhap News Agency. Song sustained the injury during a recent batting practice session.

The projected recovery period just about matches up with the start of San Diego’s spring camp, so Song might not miss any time at all as he prepares for his first big league Spring Training. As always, of course, oblique-related injuries are notoriously tricky to gauge, so the four-week timeline perhaps represents a best-case scenario. Song will also be missing out on offseason prep time in general, so depending on his progress, the Padres could place him on the 10-day injured list to begin the season if Song still needs a little more time to ramp up.

As Yoo notes, the more immediate matter for Song even before Opening Day is the World Baseball Classic in March. That said, it wasn’t known if Song was intending to play for the South Korean national team or if he was skipping the WBC to focus on his debut season in the majors. Yoo writes that Song didn’t take part in the South Korean team’s preliminary camp that opened on January 9, hinting that Song might not have been in the team’s plans even if healthy.

Song wasn’t on the national team’s radar during the last WBC in 2023, as the infielder didn’t really start to produce big numbers in the KBO League until the 2024 season. Song broke out with 19 homers and a .340/.409/.518 slash line over 602 plate appearances for the Kiwoom Heroes that year, and followed up by hitting .315/.387/.530 with 26 home runs in 646 PA in 2025.

This put Song onto the radar of Major League teams, and after the Heroes agreed to post him, San Diego signed Song in December to a four-year contract worth $15MM in guaranteed money, with a player opt-out prior to the 2029 season and a club option for the 2030 season. Manny Machado is occupying Song’s primary position of third base, but Song’s ability to also play first and second base should allow him plenty of playing time bouncing around the Padres’ infield, plus the team has also considered him as an outfield candidate. There’s plenty of intrigue in how the 29-year-old will adjust to MLB pitching, though this oblique issue is an unwelcome first hurdle to Song’s Padres career.

Rays Looking To Trade For Catchers, Had Interest In J.T. Realmuto

By Mark Polishuk | January 17, 2026 at 9:03am CDT

The catching position has long been a weak link in Tampa Bay, and the Rays at least considered making a big move to solidify the position this winter. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reports that Tampa showed some interest in signing J.T. Realmuto before Realmuto re-signed with the Phillies yesterday for three years and $45MM.

The Rays rarely make major forays into the free agent market, and it was widely assumed that Realmuto would eventually return to Philadelphia. Beyond these two points, however, it makes plenty of sense why the Rays would’ve checked in Realmuto, given both their needs behind the plate and the fact that Realmuto lingered on the open market until mid-January. Had the Phillies successfully signed Bo Bichette, for instance, Realmuto’s chances of a reunion might’ve gotten a lot slimmer, leaving the door open for the Rays (or another catcher-needy team) to swoop in with an offer.

Zach Eflin’s three-year, $40MM deal from the 2022-23 offseason represents the biggest contract the Rays have ever given to a free agent. This isn’t far under what Realmuto got from the Phillies, and if Philadelphia had dropped out of the Realmuto market altogether, there might’ve been opportunity for the Rays to make a similar offer, or perhaps even a matching average annual value on a two-year deal. In fact, MLB Trade Rumors projected a two-year, $30MM deal for Realmuto, but the Phils ended up adding a third year with the same $15MM average annual value.

Besides the Phillies, the Red Sox were the only other team known to have interest in Realmuto this winter. The Rangers were a speculative suitor, but reports indicated that the team’s limited budget wouldn’t allow for such a pursuit. Among other contenders or would-be contenders, the Giants, Reds, Pirates, or Marlins might’ve made sense, but there wasn’t any indication that any of these clubs (several of whom are also operating within reduced payrolls) made any push for Realmuto.

As per usual in Tampa Bay, there has been a lot of offseason roster shuffling, with some relatively pricier players moved out and other players brought in to fill holes in a somewhat less expensive manner. Steven Matz, Cedric Mullins, and Jake Fraley were all signed for a combined $25MM, so the Rays added three players for slightly more than the $22.5MM they would’ve owed Brandon Lowe and Pete Fairbanks had the two been retained. The end result is a payroll that will probably look pretty similar to last year — RosterResource estimates the Rays’ 2026 payroll at around $80.1MM, in comparison to their $78.9MM payroll from 2025.

Signing Realmuto might well have resulted in the Rays having to unload another prominent salary to make the numbers fit. Losing someone like Yandy Diaz to add Realmuto might not have been a welcome tradeoff for Tampa’s lineup, but since Diaz is entering the last guaranteed year of his contract, perhaps that’s a move the Rays would’ve been open to making making in order to finally shore up the catching position.

President of baseball operations Erik Neander said in November that the Rays were keeping an open mind about catchers, saying that “if we can find a way to be better at that position, we will, but those are two guys [Nick Fortes and Hunter Feduccia] we appreciate. If we roll into next year and that’s where we are — a lot of players, we’re counting on development from where they were, and that certainly applies to those two and [we] think that they can give us more than they did this year.”

Fortes and Feduccia are currently lined up as the Rays’ top two catchers, with Logan Driscoll and non-roster invite Blake Sabol as the only other backstops in the organization with any MLB experience. In a sign of how the position has been a revolving door for the Rays, Fortes and Feduccia have each been with the team just since July, as the duo were respectively acquired from the Marlins and Dodgers in deadline trades.

Fortes is a glove-first catcher who has hit only .224/.280/.345 over 1174 plate appearances in the majors. Feduccia also hasn’t hit in the Show but only in the limited sample of 119 PA, with 102 of those trips to the plate coming after the trade from Los Angeles. Formerly a well-regarded prospect in the L.A. farm system, Feduccia has strong Triple-A numbers and might be something of an untapped resource as a hitter, though he is already 28 years old.

With Realmuto back in Philadelphia and Victor Caratini now signed by the Twins, the top two options on the free agent catching market quickly left the board in 24 hours’ time. Rather than sort through other free agents who might not represent clear upgrades, the Rays seem to prefer looking for trade help, as Rosenthal writes. The pickings are pretty slim on this front as well, but teams like the Royals, Cardinals, or Pirates could conceivably have enough available catching depth to match up with Tampa Bay as trade partners.

Blue Jays Reportedly Offered 10-Year, $350MM Deal To Kyle Tucker

By Mark Polishuk | January 17, 2026 at 7:59am CDT

Kyle Tucker’s four-year, $240MM contract with the Dodgers ended an intriguing trip through free agency for the outfielder, as Tucker opted for a shorter-term deal with an extremely high average annual value and some built-in flexibility (opt-outs after the 2027 and 2028 seasons) over a longer-term pact. Multiple reports suggested that Tucker’s only true long-term offer on the table came from the Blue Jays, and the New York Post’s Jon Heyman writes that the terms of Toronto’s offer were $350MM over ten years.

This is more in line with the 11-year, $400MM projection that MLB Trade Rumors predicted for Tucker at the start of the offseason. That price tag was naturally going to keep many teams out of the bidding from the onset, but even among the larger-market teams, there seemed to be a reluctance to give Tucker a long-term commitment — perhaps due to the injuries that cost him time over the last two seasons, and contributed to his second-half slump with the Cubs last year. The Mets were Tucker’s other primary suitor but New York was reportedly only willing to offer a frontloaded four-year deal worth $220MM with multiple opt-outs.

In terms of pure dollars, the $350MM would’ve tied for the seventh-priciest deal in baseball history, and only 15 contracts have ever topped a $35MM average annual value. It would’ve been the largest free agent deal in Blue Jays history but not their largest contract altogether, as Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s 14-year, $500MM extension from last spring takes that title. The Jays have gone bigger in the past, however, as they made Shohei Ohtani an offer similar to the heavily-deferred ten-year, $700MM pact that the superstar took from the Dodgers during the 2023-24 offseason.

This now marks the fourth time in three offseasons that the Jays have made a huge push for a player who eventually signed with the Dodgers, between Tucker, Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki. Given how the latter three played major roles in Los Angeles’ World Series triumph over Toronto last fall, missing out on Tucker as well adds some sting to the Blue Jays’ unsuccessful pursuit. It also didn’t help that longtime shortstop Bo Bichette then signed with the Mets on a three-year, $126MM deal that also included two opt-outs, leaving Toronto coming up short on seemingly their top two position-player targets of the offseason.

That being said, the Kazuma Okamoto signing filled a hole in the Blue Jays’ infield, and led to some speculation that signing Tucker for the outfield was more of priority for the Jays than reuniting with Bichette. There’s also the fact that Toronto had years to discuss long-term extensions with Bichette when he was under team control, and the acquisition of Andres Gimenez from the Guardians last winter seemed to hint that the Jays were preparing for a post-Bichette era at shortstop.

Had Tucker accepted the Blue Jays’ offer, he would’ve joined Guerrero as the team’s lineup cornerstones for the next decade. He also would’ve solidified a Jays outfield that has George Springer and Daulton Varsho both scheduled to hit free agency next winter, even though Springer primarily worked as a DH in 2025. The Jays are certainly hoping that Anthony Santander (their biggest signing from last offseason) can rebound from what was essentially a lost 2025 campaign, and Okamoto’s signing probably means that breakout star Addison Barger may be utilized more as a right fielder than as a third baseman.

For now, Toronto’s regular outfield looks pretty similar to their 2025 plan — Varsho in center field, Springer and Santander perhaps splitting time between DH and one corner slot, and some combination of Barger, Nathan Lukes, and Davis Schneider all getting time in the other corner spot. Barger figures to play some third base and Schneider can play second base, further aiding manager John Schneider’s ability to find at-bats for everyone.

Of course, it is also possible that the Blue Jays might still bolster their outfield picture with another new face. Cody Bellinger has been on the Jays’ radar both this winter and in past offseasons, and he is reportedly looking for a longer-term deal than the five-year deal in the $155MM range the Yankees have apparently put on the table. The Mets have also been linked to Bellinger’s market, though that could change now that the Amazins have splurged on Bichette. The Jays’ willingness to offer Tucker 10 years obviously doesn’t mean they’ll readily offer Bellinger anything beyond five years, but Toronto has been so aggressive in free agency that it wouldn’t be a surprise if the team pivoted to the best outfielder remaining on the open market.

Landing Tucker would’ve been another coup in what has already been an expensive offseason in Toronto. Dylan Cease’s seven-year, $210MM contract is the biggest free agent deal in franchise history, and the Jays have also invested heavily in Okamoto (four years/$60MM), Tyler Rogers (three years/$37MM), and Cody Ponce (three years/$30MM). The Blue Jays’ payroll has already soared to record heights, with RosterResource’s projection of a $310.5MM luxury tax number already putting the Jays over the maximum penalty line of $304MM. This comes with a 90 percent surcharge for the Jays as a penalty for their second consecutive year as tax payors, so Tucker’s $35MM AAV for 2026 would’ve come with a big tax hit of $31.5MM.

As much as ownership is clearly willing to spend in pursuit of a championship, one wonders if Tucker (or Bichette) represented a special circumstance, and the Jays aren’t willing to spend to such a huge extent for Bellinger or any other prominent free agents remaining. Toronto could look to lower-cost free agents or to the trade market to address any other roster holes.

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

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