The Chicago Cubs have agreed to a five-year, $175 million contract with third baseman Alex Bregman, marking a significant offensive upgrade and breaking expectations with a high $35 million annual salary, as part of their active offseason moves.
The Detroit Tigers and other MLB teams are canceling their TV contracts with FanDuel Sports Network due to financial instability within the network, which is struggling to stay afloat amid industry-wide challenges and potential bankruptcy. Teams are exploring alternative broadcasting options, including moving to MLB's own media platform, as the regional sports network industry faces declining revenues and viewership shifts to streaming.
Max Kepler, a free-agent outfielder with a career .235/.316/.425 slash line, has been suspended for 80 games after testing positive for the performance-enhancing drug Epitrenbolone, following a season with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Max Kepler received an 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug, which affects his availability and earning potential, especially as a free agent and for the 2026 playoffs.
Nine MLB teams have terminated their contracts with Main Street Sports due to the company's financial struggles, leading to ongoing negotiations and a shift towards league-controlled broadcasting options, which could impact team revenues and the overall broadcasting landscape in baseball.
Major League Baseball will return to NBC and Peacock in 2026 with a full schedule of games including Sunday Night Baseball, special events like 'Star-Spangled Sunday,' and playoff coverage, starting with an Opening Day doubleheader on March 26.
The Atlanta Braves and eight other MLB teams have canceled their contracts with FanDuel Sports Network due to financial issues faced by Main Street Sports Group, which owns the network. MLB may step in to broadcast the games as the league has previously taken over broadcasts when teams faced payment issues. The situation also affects NBA and NHL partnerships, with negotiations ongoing for payments.
The Los Angeles Angels terminated their TV contract with Main Street Sports Group due to missed payments, raising concerns about future broadcast arrangements and revenue impacts, with options including MLB media or creating a new network, amidst ongoing industry evaluations.
Nine Major League Baseball teams, including the Detroit Tigers, have ended their contracts with FanDuel Sports due to financial uncertainties surrounding Main Street Sports, FanDuel's parent company, which is facing bankruptcy risks. The league is considering taking over broadcasts to avoid revenue loss, and teams are exploring options like moving broadcasts to MLB Media or other buyers like DAZN or FUBO. The situation creates uncertainty for future broadcasting deals and free agent negotiations, but teams may re-sign with FanDuel if issues are resolved.
The Toronto Blue Jays signed Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million contract, marking a significant move in their offseason, with Okamoto expected to be a key player at third base and versatile in the infield and outfield, while also representing a breakthrough in their efforts to acquire high-profile Japanese talent.
Tatsuya Imai, a Japanese pitcher, has agreed to a $54 million, three-year contract with the Houston Astros, including performance-based escalators and opt-out options, making him one of the highest-paid Japanese pitchers in MLB history.
As the 2026 MLB offseason progresses, Tatsuya Imai's signing decision nears its deadline amid limited rumors, the A's are actively extending key players like Tyler Soderstrom and exploring more deals, and the Giants bolster their rotation by signing Tyler Mahle, signaling strategic moves ahead of the season.
The Cleveland Guardians are signing pitcher Pedro Avila to a one-year split contract, providing him with a chance to compete for a spot on the roster and offering the team flexibility. Avila, who has experience in both MLB and Japan, has shown solid performance as a reliever and starter, and the contract structure aims to benefit both parties by making him less likely to be claimed off waivers and more likely to stay with the team.
The Arizona Diamondbacks signed first baseman Luken Baker to a minor league contract after he tested free agency, aiming to see if his power-hitting can translate to the majors, with potential platoon roles and roster flexibility in mind.
The article lists MLB free agents for the 2025-26 season, including players across various positions such as catchers, infielders, outfielders, pitchers, and relievers, with their ages in 2026.