All articles tagged with #outfielder
The Mets signed veteran outfielder Mike Tauchman to a minor-league contract with a non-roster invitee status, giving him a chance to break camp as New York reshuffles its outfield with Juan Soto to left and Luis Robert Jr. in center; MJ Melendez adds depth on the 40-man, and Carson Benge’s spring performance will determine whether Tauchman earns an MLB roster spot.
Terrance Gore, a speedy outfielder who played eight MLB seasons with the Royals, Cubs, Dodgers and Mets and helped three teams win World Series titles, died at 34 from complications after a procedure. Drafted by Kansas City in 2011, Gore was renowned for elite baserunning (23 steals in 2014) and his pinch-running roles, including a key run for the Cubs in the 2018 wild-card loss, with postseason stints spanning the Royals (2015), Dodgers (2020) and Braves (2021). His death was confirmed by a family friend; his wife noted it was due to complications from a simple procedure, and tributes highlighted his energy, humility, and impact through his baseball academy.
The Yankees, after re-signing Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham, remain in the market for a right-handed hitting outfielder to balance the lineup, with options dwindling as spring training approaches; Slater is off the board, Grichuk’s left-handed splits declined in 2025, and internal candidates like Jasson Dominguez face added pressure while Miguel Andujar left for the Padres, leaving Cashman with a roster not far from the one that fell to the Blue Jays in the 2025 ALDS.
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.
The New York Mets reportedly met with free-agent star Kyle Tucker, signaling a serious bid to reshape the 2026 roster after offseason upheaval. The meeting went well and the Mets are cautiously optimistic about Tucker, who is coming off a .266/.377/.464 season with 22 homers in 136 games for the Cubs in 2025. If healthy, Tucker could bolster the Mets’ outfield and middle-of-the-order protection alongside Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto, with other suitors like the Blue Jays and Dodgers also in the mix.
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.