All articles tagged with #dodgers
The Mets claimed catcher Ben Rortvedt off waivers from the Dodgers to add depth behind Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens, moving Dedniel Nunez to the 60-day IL to clear 40-man space. Rortvedt, a defensively solid catcher with major-league experience, could push Hayden Senger for a depth role, and his lack of remaining options means the Mets will need to manage the 40-man roster as spring training approaches.
The Dodgers announced 32 non-roster Spring Training invites, including catcher Seby Zavala and reliever Jordan Weems on minor-league deals. Zavala provides veteran catching depth behind Will Smith, though he hit .164 in Triple-A last year; Weems has MLB experience across six seasons but owns a 5.51 ERA in 160 career innings. The club also added other depth pieces (Wyatt Mills, Carlos Duran, Antoine Kelly) and Nick Senzel in camp as it shapes the roster behind Smith and backup options like Ben Rortvedt and Dalton Rushing.
Terrance Gore, a speed-focused pinch runner whose baserunning helped him win three World Series titles with the Royals (2015), Dodgers (2020) and Braves (2021), died at age 34 from complications after a routine surgical procedure, per a Kansas City Royals announcement. Drafted in 2011 out of Gulf Coast State College, Gore spent eight pro seasons and 112 regular-season games, bouncing through the minors and several MLB teams before his late-2020 stint with the Dodgers. He is survived by his wife and three children.
A federal jury in Los Angeles convicted former Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig of obstruction of justice and making false statements to investigators about his involvement in illegal sports betting; he faces up to 20 years in prison and sentencing is set for May 26, with an appeal planned by his defense.
Los Angeles claimed outfielder Michael Siani off waivers from the Yankees and designated infielder Andy Ibanez for assignment to open a 40-man roster spot. Siani, a strong defender and baserunner with a remaining option, could finally carve out a spot on the Dodgers’ 40-man with spring training approaching. Ibanez, on a one-year major-league deal, is expected to clear waivers and be sent to Triple-A if unclaimed; as a major-league contract he cannot be traded without consent before June 15.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says Shohei Ohtani will not pitch for Japan in the World Baseball Classic and will instead focus on hitting, with the plan reportedly set about a month ago; Ohtani will ramp up his arm in spring training as he prepares for the regular season after his recent injuries, making this year’s WBC a hitters-only appearance for him.
Dodgers say Shohei Ohtani won’t pitch in the 2026 World Baseball Classic due to insurance constraints and will serve as a DH for Team Japan, with him still aiming to be ready to pitch by Opening Day. Blake Snell is taking a deliberate offseason approach to build strength after shoulder inflammation in 2024–25, with plans to be ready for Opening Day and backups like Sasaki or Emmet Sheehan ready if needed. Tommy Edman is recovering from ankle surgery, facing an uncertain Opening Day as he progresses from ligament repair and bone spur removal and hopes to return to form, though his speed and baserunning recovery have lagged. The Dodgers are weighing rotation depth, likely using more than five starters to cover potential injuries and workloads.
Kyle Tucker signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, turning down offers from the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays. The four-year, $240 million contract (averaging $60 million per year with opt-outs after years two and three) was described as a strong fit for the Dodgers by GM Brandon Gomes. Tucker praised the organization’s top-to-bottom excellence and hinted at pursuing a third straight title with the Dodgers’ core.
The Dodgers designated outfielder Michael Siani for assignment to clear a 40-man roster spot for Kyle Tucker, whose four-year contract was formally announced. Siani, a defensively strong, speed-driven fourth outfielder with limited hitting, has bounced among several NL clubs and now faces waivers or a possible trade within five days. He retains a minor league option, making him a potential depth bench option for a club that can shuttle him between Triple-A and the majors.
The Dodgers remain interested in trading for Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta, who posted a 2.70 ERA with 204 strikeouts in 33 starts last season and is under an $8 million club option for the upcoming year, per The Athletic's Katie Woo, as Los Angeles pushes for more offseason moves.
Bleacher Nation’s MLB rumor roundup notes Cody Bellinger weighing multiple offers (Yankees, Mets, Blue Jays) with a decision expected soon; the Dodgers are eyeing Freddy Peralta to bolster their rotation, and Tarik Skubal trade chatter has resurfaced as arbitration looms. The piece also touches on other potential moves and headlines, including links to Miguel Andujar, Matt Shaw, and various starting-pitching options across the league.
Kyle Tucker’s high-value deal underscores the Dodgers’ financial heft and signals a shift in MLB power away from the Yankees’ traditional dominance; the move could push Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner to explore minority stakes or external investors to stay competitive as more teams rely on outside capital to fund payrolls and strategy.
Kyle Tucker reportedly rejected Toronto's 10-year, $350 million offer and signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers for four years and $240 million, including a large signing bonus and deferrals/opt-outs that push the present-day AAV above $57.1 million. The Jays reportedly led the bid by about $110 million in total value, while New York had previously offered $220 million with no deferrals before pivoting to Bo Bichette; the deal reinforces a heated cross-border rivalry, and Tucker is slated to play in Toronto in 2026 for a World Series rematch.
The Mets stunned the market by signing Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million deal to energize their lineup, while their $220 million bid for Kyle Tucker fell short to the Dodgers, who ultimately secured the star. The 24-hour swing shifts the Mets’ narrative toward a dynamic, upgrade-filled lineup despite the sting of losing Tucker, with questions remaining about Bichette’s longevity and fit.
The Dodgers reportedly courted Kyle Tucker with a record offer to join a powerhouse lineup that already includes Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, illustrating a win-at-all-costs approach that mirrors historic dynasties in other sports—from the Yankees’ Evil Empire era to Durant joining the Warriors and Real Madrid’s Galácticos—highlighting a broader trend of top stars chasing championships by joining elite rosters in leagues without salary caps.