Well, the MLB non-tender deadline has passed, and with it, some interesting new names have been added to free agency. It also means that teams can now really begin trading and signing players in earnest.
The Mets and Rangers wasted little time getting some big names moving, as they put together a Marcus Semien/Brandon Nimmo trade. Two big-name (if somewhat older) players will certainly get folks talking and it will also have teams taking a serious look at their needs and how they’re going to go about filling them.
The next few weeks leading up to the holidays are likely to be a flurry of activity, and we can’t wait to see what happens next.
Let’s get into today’s news, with more on that trade, and so much more.
- Kiri Oler brings us an update on the players and teams that will make up the inaugural season of the WPBL.
- Kamila Hinkson shares how WPBL number-one draft pick Kelsie Whitmore is poised to become the face of the new league. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- Brian Murphy has suggestions for one team at each position that is most in need of an upgrade.
- Is Joey Gallo hoping to make an MLB comeback as a pitcher? Story by Brian Murphy.
- Alden Gonzalez reports that former MLBer Brady Anderson has been hired as the Angels’ hitting coach.
- Moves are starting to be made!
- Jay Jaffe makes a Hall of Fame case for Barry Bonds.
- Mike Petriello looks at the best possible fits for a Nolan Arenado trade.
- Tarik Skubal responds to all the trade rumors circulating about him. Story by Patrick Andres.
- Meanwhile, Tim Capurso explains why trading Skubal would actually make sense for the Tigers.
- Jim Bowden has five potential trade packages that the Tigers could get for Skubal. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- Interesting…
- Will Leitch makes a case for seven free agents who should reunite with their former teams.
- Ryan Helsley could be changing from closer to starter and several teams are interested in how that could work for their rotation. Story by Thomas Harrigan.
- Dan Hajducky reports that several Dodgers items sold at auction for close to $900,000.
- The Mariners already retired the number 51 for legend Ichiro Suzuki, but in 2026, they’ll do it again for another Hall of Famer: Randy Johnson. Story by Sam Jane. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- K-Pop and baseball, a combo made in entertainment heaven.
