The San Francisco Giants finalize their post‑World Series roster shake‑up by designating left‑handed reliever Reiver Sanmartin for assignment. Sanmartin, 30, posted a 4.22 ERA with 16 strikeouts over 21.1 innings in 24 games this season. He joins eight other players cut or claimed earlier in the day, leaving the Giants with exactly 40 men on the roster. The club also declined the option on veteran right‑hander Rowan Wick, hinting at a possible non‑tender and minor‑league re‑sign. With Rule 5 deadline looming Nov 17, more moves are expected.
Brew Crew Ball ranks the five worst Milwaukee Brewers games of the 2026 season. The list opens with the April 23, 2026, 5‑4 walk‑off loss to Detroit, a key part of a five‑in‑six defeat streak. June 20’s 4‑3 defeat to Atlanta sees Aaron Ash’s first save turned into a loss on Ozzie Albies’ 339‑foot homer. The painful World Series Game 4 on Oct. 27 ends 4‑3 to Tampa Bay after a 12th‑inning lead by rookie Cooper Pratt is erased by a bullpen collapse. July 29’s 16‑3 drubbing by San Francisco is the season’s biggest margin, and the #1 spot is a 9‑8 loss to the Cubs (not fully detailed). Each game highlights missed opportunities and bullpen woes despite a championship season.
The San Francisco Giants designate left‑handed reliever Reiver Sanmartin for assignment, trimming their 40‑man roster to the limit, and simultaneously decline the $800,000 option on right‑hander Rowan Wick, triggering a $100,000 buyout. Wick, who signed an $880,000 contract last off‑season while rehabbing a UCL tear from Japan, stays with the club as an arbitration‑eligible player. Further moves are pending.
The Colorado Rockies have hired former White Sox pitching coach Ethan Katz as their major‑league pitching coach for the 2027 season. A former Rockies draft pick (26th round, 2005) who posted a 2.79 ERA in the minors, Katz brings extensive experience, including stints as a high‑school coach at Harvard‑Westlake, assistant roles with the Angels, Mariners and Giants, and a five‑year tenure as Chicago’s pitching coach (2021‑25) where his staff posted a 3.73 ERA in his debut year before slipping to the mid‑4.00s. After a brief assistant role with the Astros in 2026, he replaces Alon Leichman, who left after the Rockies posted a league‑worst 5.99 ERA. Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer praised Katz’s track record of improving pitchers.
The Toronto Blue Jays decline the $8 million club option on outfielder Myles Straw, triggering a $1.75 million buyout from the Guardians per the 2025 trade. Straw, now a free agent, posted a .241/.304/.342 slash line over 330 PA in 2026 after a strong start (.277/.327/.383) and remains an elite runner and versatile defender. Toronto also reshuffled its 40‑man roster, reinstating several players from the 60‑day IL, outrighting CJ Van Eyk, and seeing Rudy Martin Jr. elect free agency. Potential suitors include the Yankees, Royals, Reds, Giants, Phillies and former club Houston.
The Texas Rangers claim right‑hander Jose Butto off waivers from the San Francisco Giants and outright outfielder Michael Helman after he clears waivers. Butto, 28, posted a 2.55 ERA in 30 games for the Giants in 2024 but missed most of 2026 after surgery to remove a blood clot. He’s arbitration‑eligible, out of options and offers low‑cost ground‑ball relief for camp. Helman, who cleared waivers, is likely to become a free agent due to his service time.
The Orioles overhaul their 40-man roster as free agency opens, clearing five fringe players—including former #2 overall pick Heston Kjerstad and 2021 slugger Ryan Mountcastle—from the roster and adding four claimants: RHP Josh White (Marlins), LHP Philip Abner (Mets), C Zach Morgan (Giants) and RHP Chase Hampton (Cardinals). All four injured-list pitchers—Kyle Bradish, Ryan Helsley, Tyler O’Neill and Jordan Westburg—return to the roster. Baltimore also extends a qualifying offer to free-agent right-hander Trevor Rogers, one of eight that will likely be declined, positioning the team for a possible compensation pick. These moves have minimal impact on the projected Opening Day 2027 lineup but signal continued roster churn.
The Phillies announced today that they claimed infielder Brett Harris and utility infielder Shay Whitcomb off waivers from the San Francisco Giants as they fine‑tune their roster for the offseason. Catcher Garrett Stubbs elected free agency, while right‑handers Brad Keller and Caleb Kilian, plus infielder/outfielder Felix Reyes, also part ways. Whitcomb, who saw limited action with the Giants and Astros last season (/.203/.233/.336 in 122 PA), adds defensive versatility but struggles offensively. Harris, a corner‑infielder who hit .288/.399/.449 in Triple‑A last year, offers similar depth. The moves reflect Philadelphia’s push for more roster flexibility ahead of upcoming roster cuts.
The Giants trim their roster to 41 players ahead of the 2 p.m. 40‑man deadline, shedding nine relievers and position players via waivers after a flood of IL activations and qualifying offers. Claims include relievers José Buttó and Duncan Davitt, infielders Brett Harris and Shay Whitcomb, and catcher Zach Morgan, while Joel Kuhnel and Seth Lonsway are outrighted and Tristan Beck released. Recent moves—Nate Furman’s trade, Andrew Knizner’s outright, JT Brubaker’s free agency—leave only reliever Rowan Wick and outfielder Harrison Bader as roster questions. The 40‑man list now features Logan Webb, Matt Chapman, Willy Adames and a 22‑player pitching staff.
The Seattle Mariners add depth ahead of free‑agency day, claiming right‑hander Isaac Mattson from the Pittsburgh Pirates and outfielder Grant McCray from the San Francisco Giants. Mattson, a 31‑year‑old reliever with a 93‑96 mph fastball and solid secondary slider and changeup, brings a much‑needed upgrade to Seattle’s middle‑relief corps. McCray, a 25‑year‑old with elite speed, a strong arm and a 12% barrel rate, offers versatile defensive coverage but has struggled with contact, striking out 40% of his swings. Both retain minor‑league options through 2027, giving the Mariners flexibility as they trim the 40‑man roster.
The Cincinnati Reds claimed right‑handers Duncan Davitt and Paxton Schultz off waivers on Monday, adding two low‑cost depth arms as they near the 2027 roster deadline. Davitt, a 27‑year‑old former 18th‑round pick of the Rays with experience as a starter and reliever and a 9.4 K/9 in the minors, was taken from the Giants. Schultz, a former 14th‑round pick of the Brewers who spent five years with Toronto before moving to Washington, brings 57 innings of big‑league work. Both have remaining options, giving the Reds flexibility as they rebuild their bullpen.
The Cincinnati Reds add two right‑handers via waivers on Monday, filling five spots on their 40‑man roster. They claim Duncan Davitt from the San Francisco Giants and Paxton Schultz from the Washington Nationals. Davitt, a 27‑year‑old former 18th‑round pick of the Rays, made only two MLB appearances in 2024 and posted a 6.04 ERA in Triple‑A this season. He still has two minor‑league options. Schultz, 28, debuted with Toronto in 2025, posting a 4.38 ERA over 24⅔ innings, but struggled with a 6.40 ERA for Washington in 2026 despite a strong 2.48 ERA in Triple‑A. Both pitchers now join the Reds’ 40‑man roster.
The 2027 Contemporary Baseball Era Hall of Fame ballot lists former Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy among eight non‑player candidates. Also on the slate are veteran managers Dusty Baker, Joe Maddon and Lou Piniella, executives Sandy Alderson and Brian Sabean, broadcaster‑former NL president Bill White, and media mogul Ted Turner. Bochy’s résumé includes three World Series titles with the San Francisco Giants, a 2,252‑2,266 managerial record and a 6th‑place all‑time ranking in wins. The article also highlights the playing and managerial careers of his fellow nominees, noting Baker’s 19‑year playing stint and recent 2022 Astros championship, and White’s seven Gold Gloves and All‑Star honors.
The National Baseball Hall of Fame has placed eight candidates on its 2027 Contemporary Era Non‑Player ballot, spotlighting three San Francisco Giants legends: manager Dusty Baker, manager Bruce Bochy and GM Brian Sabean. Baker, 8th all‑time in wins (2,183) and 2022 World Series champion, joins Bochy—four World Series titles and sixth‑most career wins—and Sabean, the longtime architect of Giants success now 70. Also on the ballot are Lou Piniella, Bill White, Ted Turner and Joe Maddon. The article celebrates their achievements and notes the Hall’s new rules that keep Barry Bonds out, while highlighting the historical significance of these nominees.
Jackson Flora, the 21‑year‑old right‑hander who was drafted fourth overall by the San Francisco Giants in July 2026, tops the second chapter of the 2027 Willie McCovey Memorial Community Prospect List as the organization’s No. 2 prospect. The 6‑ft‑5 pitcher posted a 1.06 ERA and 133 strikeouts in 102 innings at UC Santa Barbara, signed for just under $8 million, and impressed in brief AA stints with Richmond, throwing two perfect innings and striking out four. The Giants could fast‑track him to the majors in 2027 or ease him back through High‑A/Eugene, but his polished fastball/slider combo signals a potential rotation piece by 2028. The article also lists other nominees for the No. 3 spot.
The Washington Nationals face a flurry of roster moves on November 2 as MLB forces all 40‑man rosters to be finalized by 5 p.m. ET. Five Nats on the 60‑day IL – Mitchell Parker, PJ Poulin, Ken Waldichuk, Matt Waldron and Drew Millas – must be either DFA’d or reinstated, and Paul Toboni has already DFA’d Richard Lovelady to clear space. The club also acquired infielder Nate Furman from the Giants in exchange for minor‑league left‑hander Tony Neubeck, showing Toboni’s intent to churn the back end of the roster. With the CBA deadline looming and key dates like the non‑tender deadline on Nov 20, Washington is poised for more waiver‑wire activity and possible surprise deals throughout the month.
Monday kicks off with a jam-packed MLB deadline schedule. Teams must finalize 40‑man roster cuts by 4 pm CT, activating players from the 60‑day IL and possibly sparking more trades like the Giants’ Nate Furman move to Washington. Contract, player, and mutual options, plus qualifying offers worth $23.15 million, are also due today, with rejected QOs netting original clubs a draft pick. At 4 pm CT, free agency opens, ending the negotiating window and unleashing the market. A Top 50 Free Agents breakdown drops tonight, offering analysis and predictions for every major name.
The Padres announced several roster moves on Sunday, picking up the $2.5 million option on left‑hander Kyle Hart and confirming Yuki Matsui and Wandy Peralta will opt into 2027 contracts. They declined options on Nick Pivetta, Miguel Andujar, Griffin Canning and Lucas Giolito, signaling unlikely re‑signings given injury histories. Hart’s option is seen as a low‑cost bullpen boost, while Matsui could help retain star reliever Adrian Morejon amid interest from the Yankees, Mets, Blue Jays and Dodgers. The Gold Glove winners were named, leaving Ty France and Freddy Fermin off the list, and the 45‑day window opened for Japanese pitcher Teruaki Sato. Additional offseason rumors include a Giants‑Nationals trade and former Astro Brad Ausmus as a potential Houston manager.
Still offering zero apology, the SF Giants have announced their 2027 Pride Night. With literal fireworks. We’re not kidding.
The latest Pinstripe Alley post previews the first full week of the 2026 MLB offseason, noting upcoming awards voting, early roster moves by teams like the Giants, and a GM approval poll for November—the first since the Yankees fell in the ALDS. It also features a grade for Jake Bird’s season, a birthday tribute to Jonathan Loáisiga, an offseason mailbag invitation, and Jeremy’s BBWAA award finalists. Readers are invited to weigh in on which Yankees free agents might return and react to Cody Belinger’s Gold Glove surprise.
The San Francisco Giants are acquiring minor league left-handed pitcher Tony Neubeck from the Washington Nationals in exchange for infielder Nate Furman as the team works to clear space on its 40-man roster. The trade was reported Sunday by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, who cited sources familiar with the deal. Passan reported that San Francisco is […]
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The San Francisco Giants trade second baseman Nate Furman to the Washington Nationals for left‑handed minor‑league pitcher Tony Neubeck as they clear roster space before the Monday 60‑Day IL reinstatement deadline. Furman, a 25‑year‑old who debuted this season and logged a .125/.243/.125 line in 22 MLB games, becomes expendable with Casey Schmitt and Marcelo Mayer slated for second base. Neubeck, a 23‑year‑old undrafted free agent from Indiana, posted 13 strikeouts in nine Low‑A innings and isn’t on either 40‑man roster. The swap offers Washington a young bench option and gives the Giants a potential arm for future depth.
The Nationals have picked up infielder Nate Furman from the Giants, with pitcher Tony Neubeck heading to San Francisco in return and left‑hander Richard Lovelady designated for assignment. Furman, a 25‑year‑old left‑handed hitter who debuted this season and logged a .125/.243/.125 line in 39 MLB plate appearances, brings a .292/.400/.404 minor‑league slash line and 69 steals in 1287 PA. He primarily played second base last two years, offering a rare left‑handed option for Washington. The move follows a recent waiver claim of Braxton Roxby and comes as the Giants scramble to cut their 40‑man roster before the deadline.
The Hokkaido Nippon‑Ham Fighters have announced they will post right‑hander Hiromi Itoh to MLB, giving clubs a 45‑day window to sign him once paperwork is complete (the clock pauses if the December 1 lockout begins). The 29‑year‑old boasts a 2.92 ERA, 902 strikeouts in six NPB seasons, and a 2025 Sawamura Award after leading the league with 195 strikeouts and six complete games. In 2026 he posted a 3.18 ERA over 172⅔ innings with 159 Ks. At 5’9″, 180 lb, his low‑90s fastball and diverse repertoire draw comparisons to Yu Darvish, and the Giants are among the teams showing interest. Posting fees follow the standard 20%/17.5%/15% structure.
The 2026 SnakePit Awards launch today with the Play of the Year nomination process. Fans are invited to suggest and vote on standout moments—from home runs like Ketel Marte’s May 19 walk‑off against the Giants to dramatic defensive feats such as Nolan Arenado’s double play on May 12 and Alek Thomas’s April 3 diving catch. The pre‑ballot thread will narrow the field to five nominees (typically two infield, two outfield, one homer) before a mid‑week tally determines the finalists.