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.
The Boston Red Sox and outfielder Jarren Duran have agreed to a one-year, $7.7 million contract for the 2026 season, including performance bonuses, after declining his previous $8 million team option. Duran, 29, remains under team control through 2028 and had a solid 2025 season with notable offensive and defensive contributions.
Cody Bellinger has opted out of his $25 million contract with the Yankees to become a free agent, after a strong season where he hit .272 with 29 home runs and a high WAR of 5.0. The 30-year-old outfielder, who previously played for the Dodgers and Cubs, is expected to attract multiple teams interested in his services.
Rob Refsnyder plans to continue playing in 2026, with informal talks already underway with the Red Sox, after a strong recent performance that highlights his value as a bench player with a notable platoon split, and potential interest from other teams like the Diamondbacks, Cubs, Royals, and Guardians.
Cody Bellinger will decline his $25 million player option with the Yankees to become a free agent, after a strong season where he hit .272 with 29 home runs. He is expected to seek a long-term deal, likely in the $100-150 million range, as he returns to the open market.
The Houston Astros have called up outfielder Zach Cole from Triple-A to join the team for the series opener in Atlanta, making corresponding roster moves including optioning César Salazar and transferring Luis Garcia to the 60-day injured list due to season-ending elbow issues. Cole, a promising power-speed outfielder with a strong minor league performance, will add depth to the Astros' bench.
The Boston Red Sox are finalizing an eight-year, $130 million contract extension with outfielder Roman Anthony, covering 2026-2033 with a club option for 2034, making him a key part of their future and one of the largest guarantees for a player with less than a year of major league service.
The Phillies released outfielder Oscar Mercado after he opted out of his minor league contract, returning him to the open market. Mercado, a five-year MLB veteran, has struggled to find consistent playing time at the major league level since his impressive rookie season in 2019, and recent roster moves by the Phillies, including acquiring Harrison Bader, may open new opportunities for him elsewhere.
The Kansas City Royals acquired veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for pitcher Andrew Hoffmann, aiming to bolster their struggling outfield offense.
Adolis Garcia of the Texas Rangers is attracting trade interest as the MLB deadline approaches, with his recent hot streak and defensive improvements making him a notable trade candidate, especially if the team decides to rebuild or free up payroll for future prospects.
The Atlanta Braves have designated outfielder Alex Verdugo for assignment to make room for Jurickson Profar, who is returning from an PED suspension. Verdugo, who signed a one-year deal with the Braves, started strong but his performance has declined significantly, mirroring his struggles with the Yankees last year. His defensive metrics have also worsened, and he may be released or traded in the coming days, with the Braves likely responsible for most of his remaining salary.
The Mariners claimed outfielder Jacob Hurtubise off waivers from the Reds and assigned him to Triple-A Tacoma, adding depth to their outfield amid injuries to key players. Hurtubise, a speedy and versatile defender with a strong minor league track record, has brief MLB experience but is primarily known for his speed and defensive skills. His journey to the Mariners involved being drafted in 2019, returning to West Point, and signing as an undrafted free agent in 2020.
The Kansas City Royals have promoted outfielder John Rave to the major league roster, filling a vacancy created by recent roster moves. Rave, a versatile outfielder with strong recent performance in Triple-A, is expected to contribute to the team's outfield as they seek improvements in their offensive production from the grass.
The Baltimore Orioles have signed outfielder Tyler O'Neill to a three-year contract worth up to $49.5 million, with an opt-out option after one year. This marks the first multi-year deal under GM Mike Elias. O'Neill, known for his 2021 standout season with the Cardinals, had a less impressive year with the Red Sox. His signing raises questions about the future of Anthony Santander and Heston Kjerstad in the Orioles' lineup. The deal slightly exceeds market expectations, reflecting Elias's confidence in O'Neill's potential impact.
The Oakland Athletics demoted outfielder Esteury Ruiz, despite his strong start to the season, citing the need for him to improve his on-base skills and reduce strikeouts. The move has sparked controversy, with some fans speculating that the demotion was influenced by ownership's desire to relocate the team to Las Vegas. The team's decision to claim outfielder Tyler Nevin off waivers and the performance of another demoted player, Brent Rooker, have also fueled debate.