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Pirates Weigh Fast-Track for Konnor Griffin to Opening Day
1 day ago•Source: Baseball America
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Urias Boosts Cards’ Infield Depth on One-Year Pact
St. Louis is nearing a one-year, $2 million guaranteed deal with infielder Ramon Urias, including a $1.5M salary in 2026 and a $500k buyout on a 2027 mutual option, with up to $2M in incentives based on plate appearances. The versatile veteran, who has spent time at multiple infield spots and won a Gold Glove at third in 2022, would provide veteran depth as the Cardinals rebuild and could slot into several infield roles or serve as a trade asset if he performs well in 2026.
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Padres add Griffin Canning to bolster rotation on low-risk deal
San Diego signed right-hander Griffin Canning to a deal that will be finalized after a physical, adding rotation depth amid health questions for Darvish and a reshuffled staff; the 29-year-old is returning to Southern California after time with the Angels and Mets, including a ruptured Achilles in 2025, and velocity up to 93 mph in a showcase. Terms are undisclosed, and San Diego must create 40-man space after Castellanos’ signing.
Padres Land Castellanos on League-Minimum Deal, Eye 1B/DH Role
San Diego signed Nick Castellanos to a league-minimum MLB deal, adding a veteran right-handed bat who could split first-base duties with Gavin Sheets and serve as a DH/backup outfielder, with Laureano in left and an open 40-man roster slot delaying any immediate moves; Castellanos will try to rebound after a disappointing Phillies tenure marked by defensive struggles and clubhouse tensions.
Durbin Headlines Red Sox Infield Shakeup in Brewers Trade
Milwaukee trades Caleb Durbin along with Anthony Seigler and Andruw Monasterio to Boston for Kyle Harrison, David Hamilton and Shane Drohan, plus a compensatory Round B pick; Boston gains infield depth and versatile options, while Milwaukee replenishes pitching depth and infield flexibility ahead of the 2026 season.
Ozuna Pact Sparks Pirates’ Offensive Push and 3B Quest
The Pirates signed Marcell Ozuna to a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2027, boosting their offense as they push to upgrade at third base and add a left-handed starter. Ozuna’s move to DH could dampen talk of a McCutchen reunion and likely ends Pittsburgh’s pursuit of Isaac Paredes, who’s owed $9.35M in 2026. With Ozuna in the fold, Pittsburgh’s 2026 payroll sits around $105M, a potential franchise Opening Day record, underscoring a busy but careful off-season as they balance short-term needs with payroll limits.
Durbin Upgrade Prompts Red Sox Infield Shuffle
Boston added Caleb Durbin in a six-player trade with Milwaukee, giving the Sox a versatile second/third baseman and prompting questions about infield alignment as Mayer, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and a shoulder-injured Romy Gonzalez compete for at-bats. Durbin is expected to see regular action in the middle infield, with Trevor Story handling shortstop for now and IKF as the primary backup. In the outfield, Boston plans to use Wilyer Abreu as an everyday player alongside Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, Roman Anthony, and Masataka Yoshida, though Yoshida’s big contract and Abreu’s left-handed splits could shape regular playing time. Spring training will clarify the exact lineup and roles.
Sox land Durbin in multi-player infield upgrade
The Red Sox are acquiring Caleb Durbin from the Brewers in a multi-player deal that also sends Kyle Harrison, Shane Drohan and David Hamilton to Milwaukee, while Boston gains Andruw Monasterio, Anthony Seigler and a Competitive Balance Round B pick. Durbin, 25, is a versatile 2B/3B with a strong 2025 rookie year (.256/.334/.387, 11 HR, 18 steals) and solid defense, giving Boston a controllable, run-prevention-oriented infielder for the near future.
Pirates bet on Ozuna with short-term DH upgrade
The Pittsburgh Pirates agreed to a one-year, $12 million contract with Marcell Ozuna (pending a physical), adding a right-handed bat to bolster the lineup. Ozuna will earn $10.5 million in 2026 with a $1.5 million buyout on a $16 million mutual option for 2027. The 35-year-old had a down 2025 season (.232/.355/.400, 21 HR) hampered by a hip injury and declining bat speed, but Pittsburgh hopes he can produce as a designated hitter. The move pushes payroll to about $105 million, reshapes the lineup with Ozuna, O’Hearn, Lowe and Horwitz, and effectively ends Andrew McCutchen’s Pirates tenure while boosting odds for a wild-card push.
Valdez Signs with Tigers, Sparking a Busy Pitching Market
Framber Valdez signed a three-year, $115 million deal with the Detroit Tigers to anchor the rotation alongside Tarik Skubal, a move that sharpens the free-agent market and keeps other top arms—like Zac Gallen and several others (Bassitt, Giolito, Verlander, Scherzer)—in play for teams such as the Orioles, Twins, and Pirates. Baltimore faces draft-pick penalties if they pursue Gallen, while budget constraints and tax implications shape how aggressively teams pursue high-end starters; the Yankees reportedly cooled on a Valdez pursuit after re-signing Cody Bellinger, and Minnesota’s front office changes signal broader retooling as the market moves forward.
Orioles add versatile Blaze Alexander in Strowd trade
Baltimore acquired infielder Blaze Alexander from Arizona in exchange for right-hander Kade Strowd and two minor leaguers, Wellington Aracena and José Mejía, in a 40-man neutral trade. Alexander, 27, has a .237/.322/.366 MLB line with a 95 wRC+ and offers multi‑position versatility, likely serving as a top bench option for Baltimore as it builds depth around its young core. Arizona clears fringe roster depth, particularly in its bullpen, while Strowd is a controllable depth arm with options. The move continues Orioles’ strategy of adding flexible infield/utility pieces to bolster their roster.
Padres add Miguel Andujar on a $4M, one-year deal
San Diego agreed to a one-year, $4 million contract with Miguel Andujar, adding a versatile right-handed bat to the lineup. The 31-year-old posted a strong .318/.352/.470 line in 94 games last season with the A’s and Reds, his best production since his 2018 ROY runner-up year, and he provides depth and platoon potential despite a history of injuries.