The Yankees plan to swing for the fences in the trade market after a sweep by the Rays, focusing on bolstering a weak in‑field offense at third base. GM Brian Cashman says the position needs help, and trade targets include Texas Rangers’ Corey Seager—who carries a $155 million, five‑year contract but offers 120 OPS+ and postseason power despite recent injuries—and Oakland’s contact‑hitter Jacob Wilson, a young shortstop with a low strike‑out rate and a seven‑year, $70 million extension. Both deals could involve the Yankees absorbing part of the salary and adding MLB‑ready pitching assets. The article weighs each player’s upside against cost and durability as New York eyes its 28th World Series title.
A report by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale suggests the Oakland Athletics could trade shortstop Jacob Wilson to address their desperate need for starting pitching. Wilson, the 2025 All‑Star rookie, signed a seven‑year, $70 million extension but saw a slump in his sophomore year and underwent major shoulder surgery. While the A’s are only a year from moving to Las Vegas and have top prospect shortstop Leo De Vries ready to take over, Wilson’s affordable contract makes him a potential trade chip for quality arms. The article weighs his injury risk, roster fit, and the market for a long‑term, cost‑controlled infielder against the thin odds of a deal.
The Houston Astros announce former Detroit catcher Brad Ausmus as their new manager, with a press conference set for Friday at 10 a.m. Ausmus brings a 386‑422 record (.478) from stints with the Tigers, Yankees bench, and Oakland, highlighted by a 90‑win, AL Central‑winning 2014 season. The article critiques the hire as “meh,” noting the Astros missed a chance to let GM Randy Flores select a manager and pointing to past missteps, such as the Dusty Baker‑James Click era and Jeff Bagwell’s overreach in the front office. It argues that alignment between manager and front office is crucial for the franchise’s future success.
Baseball America’s James Anderson breaks down the 2027 dynasty third‑base market, highlighting top targets like Curtis Mead (Red Sox), who should thrive in Fenway after a wrist injury, Isaac Paredes (Astros), a 28‑year‑old offering solid power and on‑base skills, and Red Sox’s Caleb Durbin, a potential 25‑steal threat. Sleepers include Rangers’ Josh Jung, likely undervalued after a recent injury, and Athletics prospect Johenssy Colome, a DSL standout with high upside. Anderson advises selling high on fades such as Mariners infielder Michael Arroyo and Braves star Austin Riley, whose market values exceed their projected dynasty worth. The article offers actionable trade ideas for the offseason.
In this follow‑up for Baseball Prospectus, the author revisits six mid‑season projections made in May—three pitchers and three hitters—to see how they held up through 2026. He admits misreading the power surge of Athletics rookie Carlos Cortés, who slumped to .223/.293/.333 with just six homers after an early .311 slugging promise. He correctly predicted the fade of Diamondbacks veteran Ildemaro Vargas, who managed only three more home runs after a brief April burst. Ozzie Albies’ Braves comeback also trends as expected, with improved contact and reduced strikeouts. The piece offers a candid self‑assessment of scouting instincts and highlights the need to factor bat speed and swing velocity in future forecasts.
The Houston Astros announce Brad Ausmus as their 21st manager, effective Nov. 11, 2026. The 57‑year‑old former catcher returns to the club where he spent 10 seasons (1997‑98, 2001‑08) and earned three Gold Gloves. Ausmus brings a mixed managerial record (386‑422, .478) from five seasons with Detroit and Los Angeles, plus three years as the Yankees’ bench coach and a stint with the Athletics. He also led Team Israel in the 2022 and 2026 World Baseball Classics. The hire follows Joe Espada’s non‑renewal after the Astros’ 2026 postseason exit and aligns with GM Randy Flores’s vision, beating out candidates like Albert Pujols and Morgan Ensberg.
On Veterans Day, the Oakland Athletics' GM Cam Castro hints the franchise is gearing up for an aggressive push ahead of its planned move to Las Vegas. During the 2026 MLB General Managers meeting, front‑office figures like Billy Owens and Taylor Smith talk about newfound flexibility and “Vegas‑like” spending, though Castro claims he’s comfortable with the current pitching staff despite a league‑worst 5.51 HR/9 and a 4.62 road ERA. Speculation ranges from international pitcher deals to a possible big‑ticket extension for Nick Kurtz, while the team remains cautious about splurging on high‑priced free agents. The article explores what "aggressive" could mean for the A’s roster before the offseason officially begins.
The Houston Astros have reportedly locked in former Tigers manager and Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus as their new manager, a move heavily influenced by owner Jim Crane and former teammate Jeff Bagwell. Ausmus brings six years of managerial experience and recent AL‑West exposure with the Angels and A's, and will inherit a largely intact coaching staff. The hire follows the October 31 appointment of GM Randy Flores, a longtime Cardinals executive tasked with rebuilding a depleted farm system. While Astros fans worry about Bagwell’s anti‑analytics reputation, the organization is prioritizing experience over the youth‑focused approach taken by the Mariners.
The Houston Astros announce longtime catcher Brad Ausmus as their 21st manager, unveiled by GM Randy Flores. Ausmus, 57, returns to Houston after coaching stints with the Yankees (2024‑26) and Oakland A’s (2022) and previous managerial roles with the Angels (2019) and Detroit Tigers (2014‑17). He boasts an 18‑year playing career, including 1,259 games and three Gold Gloves with the Astros, plus a key 2005 World Series appearance and a famous 2005 NLDS homer. Ausmus also led the 2014 Tigers to a 90‑72 record and a postseason berth and coached in the 2024 World Series with the Yankees. The press conference streams Friday at 10 AM on Astros.com and social channels.
The Houston Astros announce Brad Ausmus as their new manager. Ausmus, a former Astros catcher with an 18‑year MLB career, previously managed the Detroit Tigers (2014‑17), leading them to a division title in 2014, and the Los Angeles Angels in 2019. He most recently served as bench coach for the New York Yankees (2024‑26) and the Oakland A’s (2022). His close ties to ex‑teammate Jeff Bagwell, an advisor to owner Jim Crane, raise questions about the influence of new GM Randy Flores on Astros decision‑making.
MLB’s award season rolls on as the Athletics’ manager Mark Kotsay misses the Manager of the Year shortlist, while White Sox skipper Will Venable clinches the AL honor and Brewers’ Pat Murphy makes history with a third straight NL award. Jacob Misiorowski (NL) and Cam Schlittler (AL) lead the Cy Young race, and MVPs look set for Cubs’ Pete Crow‑Armstrong and Astros’ Yordan Alvarez. Meanwhile, A’s new front office duo Taylor Smith and Carlos Castro dive into the Las Vegas GM meetings, eyeing their first 2027 moves amid a quiet free‑agency market.
Baseball America releases its 2027 dynasty rankings for third basemen, highlighting a mix of youthful power, veteran value, and high-upside prospects. Junior Caminero (Rays) tops the list at 23, offering a rare blend of power and average with two 40‑HR seasons already. José Ramírez (Guardians) follows, still productive at 34 despite injury concerns. Aidan Miller (Phillies) shines after an injury‑free AFL showing a .320 line and strong baserunning. Caleb Bonemer (White Sox) and Zack Gelof (Athletics) round out the top five, each projected as 30‑HR, 10‑15 SB contributors with improving strike‑out metrics. The rankings focus on long‑term value for 2027‑contending and rebuilding teams, with full targets, sleepers, and fades to be posted Thursday.
Free‑agent second baseman Gleyren Torres, a former two‑time All‑Star who logged a .257 average and .738 OPS with the Detroit Tigers, is being linked to a possible New York Yankees reunion. Despite his solid offensive output, Talkin’ Yanks analysts Jimmy O’Brien and Jake Storiale express doubt, noting lingering questions about his defense and past friction with Aaron Boone and Brian Cashman. They suggest the Yankees might prefer other options, like Michael Volpe or Jose Caballero, while clubs such as the Royals, Angels, Pirates and A’s also show interest.
Andrés Giménez’s 2026 season sees him transition from second base to shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays after Bo Bichette’s departure. In 148 games he posts a .244/.291/.359 slash line, a 1.1 WAR (Baseball‑Reference) or 2.8 WAR (FanGraphs) and a $22.4 M value, with a .286 wOBA and 81 wRC+. His walk rate drops to 3.3% while strikeouts rise to 18.5%. Defensively he records a league‑best .985 fielding average and +19 Outs Above Average. He hits best against the A’s (.455/.500/.727) and struggles versus the Angels (.105/.100/.158). Monthly splits show peaks in June (.301/.342/.425) and lows in May (.153/.223/.271).
Rookie center fielder Henry Bolte earned just one fifth‑place vote in the 2026 AL Rookie of the Year race, tying for 12th overall despite posting a .277/.359/.405 line, 11 homers and 21 steals after being called up following Denzel Clarke’s injury. The Athletics praised his defense and spark in the lineup, noting his likely role as the everyday CF next season. The piece also previews upcoming Manager of the Year awards and highlights A’s offseason moves and front‑office developments.
The Yankees have exactly what the Athletics need if they want to explore a Jacob Wilson trade.
Dodger Executive Vice President Janet Marie Smith receives the Baseball Reliquary’s “Shrine of the Eternals” award at a Nov. 8 ceremony at Whittier College. The Class of 2026 also honors Hall of Fame catcher Roy Campanella and former A's owner Charlie Finley. Smith was praised for pioneering modern ballpark design with Oriole Park at Camden Yards and the Fenway renovation, and for her recent Dodger Stadium upgrades, including a new Centerfield Plaza and statues of Jackie Robinson and Sandy Koufax. She also earns SABR’s Dorothy Seymour Mills Lifetime Achievement Award, highlighting her impact on baseball and American culture.
The Empire Sports Media piece examines whether the Yankees should trade for Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers, whose 2026 season produced 23 homers and a .802 OPS despite a meniscus surgery. A fan‑generated three‑team proposal suggests New York would give up pitchers Ryan Weathers and Elmer Rodriguez, but the article warns that the offer is speculative and that the A’s will likely demand a high price for a controllable player under contract through 2028. It highlights the Yankees' sub‑.600 OPS from catchers last season, the medical risk of Langeliers, and the alternative of retaining Austin Wells while targeting a right‑handed catcher in free agency.
Athletics Nation is hiring one or two freelance writers to cover the Oakland A's as they finish their Sacramento era and prepare for a 2028 move to Las Vegas. Writers will work remotely, earn a monthly stipend, and focus on game coverage—pre‑game threads, lineup previews, and post‑game recaps—without needing press credentials. Candidates must love the A's, produce clean copy 2‑3 times weekly, and be familiar with WordPress and Slack; prior sports writing is a plus but not required. Interested applicants should email a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to [email protected] with “New Writer Inquiry” in the subject line.
The MLB Trade Rumors preview kicks off with GM Meetings in Las Vegas, where new Astros and A's execs Randy Flores and Taylor Smith make their debuts and league leaders mingle amid lockout rumors. The site also wraps its Offseason Outlook series, offering subscriber‑only deep dives on each club’s payroll, roster needs and front‑office trends for the 2027 season. Meanwhile, Detroit scouts report that the Tigers are eyeing NPB talent—pitcher Teruaki Sato and hitters Kaima Taira and Hiromi Itoh—to bolster a rotation that struggled after trading Tarik Skubal and seeing limited returns from Jack Flaherty and Justin Verlander.
The November 9 post on Bleed Cubbie Blue dives into a whirlwind of baseball milestones, kicking off with the 1976 unconditional release of future Hall of Famer Billy Williams by the Oakland A’s—ending his 18‑year career that featured 426 homers and a .290 average, mostly with the Cubs. It then flashes back to historic Cubs moments like Frank Chance’s 1912 sale to the Reds, the 1935 birth of Cardinals legend Bob Gibson, and Luke Appling’s 1950 White Sox release. The roundup also highlights Hall of Fame honors (Gibson, Whitey Herzog), major awards from Roger Maris to Aaron Judge, and recent Rookie‑of‑the‑Year winners. Birthdays for current Cubs players round out the tribute.
The article analyzes the Oakland Athletics' recent hire of Cam Castro, a senior vice president of player development from the Houston Astros, highlighting how the Astros' nuanced approach to timing roster changes and granting second chances fuels their success. It details the Astros’ skill in retaining undervalued talent—like Garrett Mitchell, Jake Bauers, Brandon Woodruff, Joey Ortiz, and Brice Turang—and turning them into contributors, while also managing injuries and performance swings. Castro’s move underscores the perpetual talent drain from high‑performing clubs and the strategic edge his expertise could give the Athletics.
On this day in 1954 the Philadelphia Athletics earned approval to move to Kansas City, a franchise that later flourished in Oakland with three straight World Series titles (1972‑74). The post then shifts to three hot topics: First‑baseman Ty France, who hit .295 with a team‑best 141 wRC+ for the Padres, is attracting multiple suitors and could land a two‑year, $32 million deal that would triple his career earnings. Next, veteran ace Max Scherzer, a three‑time Cy Young winner and near‑Hall of Famer, will appear in offseason “lockout games” before deciding on a 2027 return, sitting just three strikeouts shy of passing Justin Verlander. Finally, MLB Trade Rumors’ Free Agent Prediction Contest ends Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 11 PM CT, with the top 15 earners receiving a year’s Front Office membership.
Today in White Sox History highlights November 8 with the 1920 league‑realignment saga, when the Sox briefly left the American League for a proposed unified National League before the leagues stayed separate, shaping modern baseball. It also marks the birth of longtime coach Joe Nossek (1940), noted for his sign‑stealing expertise after playing for the Twins, A’s and Cardinals. The post recalls 1977 slugger Richie Zisk’s 30‑home‑run season before his $2.3 million move to Texas, and notes the 1999 South Carolina resolution to honor Shoeless Joe Jackson, now Hall‑eligible again. Finally, it commemorates Jerry Manuel’s 2000 Manager of the Year award after leading a low‑budget White Sox to a 95‑win season.
Competitive balance means nothing if you don’t want to compete, as teams like the Athletics and Rockies might soon perfectly demonstrate.