Merrill Kelly is finalizing a two-year, $40 million contract to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he established himself as a reliable starter despite a non-traditional path to MLB, including time in Korea and overcoming early career struggles to become a dependable pitcher.
Veteran pitcher Kyle Hendricks, known for his cerebral approach and key role in the Cubs' 2016 World Series win, has announced his retirement after a career spanning over a decade, including stints with the Cubs and Angels, with notable achievements such as leading the majors in ERA in 2016 and earning over $86 million.
Shota Imanaga, a Japanese pitcher, has become a free agent after the Chicago Cubs declined his contract option and he also declined a $15 million player option for 2026, following a strong rookie season and subsequent injury struggles, making him a sought-after player for teams aiming for the 2026 World Series.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal was removed from a game due to left side tightness and is undergoing evaluation, with potential implications for the team's postseason rotation as he is a key pitcher with a strong recent performance record. The severity of his injury will influence the Tigers' pitching plans for the final weeks of the regular season and the playoffs.
The Phillies have signed pitcher Walker Buehler, who was recently released by the Red Sox, as a potential bullpen contributor for the playoffs, aiming to see if he can recover his form after struggles and injuries.
Angel Cervantes, a highly ranked high school pitcher, has chosen to attend UCLA and play college baseball instead of signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates after being drafted No. 50 overall in the 2025 MLB Draft, bolstering UCLA's pitching staff for their upcoming season.
Former Michigan pitcher Rich Hill, at 45 years old, is expected to be called up by the Kansas City Royals, potentially tying the MLB record by playing for his 14th team, and could become the oldest active player in MLB.
Rich Hill, a former Dodgers pitcher and one of the most experienced players in MLB history, is expected to be promoted from the minors to the Kansas City Royals, marking his return to the league after nearly a year and potentially making him the oldest active MLB player at age 45.
Former MLB All-Star pitcher Kyle Gibson announced his retirement after 13 seasons, having played for several teams including the Twins, Rangers, Phillies, Orioles, and Cardinals. Known for his durability and solid performance, Gibson made his debut in 2013 and was an All-Star in 2021. He decided to retire after a brief stint with the Rays in 2023 and reflecting on his career and personal life.
Veteran MLB pitcher Kyle Gibson announced his retirement after a 13-year career, during which he played for five teams, including notable stints with the Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers, and Baltimore Orioles, achieving a career-high 15 wins in 2023.
The Boston Red Sox selected righthander Kyson Witherspoon with the 15th overall pick in the MLB Draft, marking their first first-round pitcher selection since 2017, after a period of focusing on position players.
Noah Syndergaard, a former top MLB pitcher, has signed a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox after being out of baseball since 2023, aiming for a career revival following struggles with the Dodgers and Guardians.
Kyle Freeland of the Rockies has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to lower back stiffness, with Carson Palmquist recalled to start against the Nationals. Freeland's season has been affected by control issues and playing for a struggling team, and his injury is not considered serious. His contract details and limited trade value are also discussed.
Veteran pitcher Jose Ureña has elected free agency after going unclaimed on waivers following his designation by the Dodgers. He has played for three MLB teams this season, with a mixed performance, and will seek new opportunities to pitch in a swing capacity.
The New York Yankees have signed left-handed pitcher Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract, marking the largest guarantee ever for a left-handed pitcher. Fried, a two-time All-Star with a 2.81 ERA over the past five seasons, joins a strong Yankees rotation. The deal, pending a physical, is the 12th $100 million-plus contract in Yankees history, surpassing the Los Angeles Dodgers for the most such deals by any team. Fried was also pursued by the Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Rangers.