The Atlanta Braves sign 28‑year‑old infielder Vidal Bruján to a minor‑league contract, assigning him to Triple‑A Gwinnett as depth. Bruján, who has appeared in 271 MLB games for six clubs since his 2021 debut, posted a career .197/.266/.272 slash line and a modest 53 wRC+. His most recent big‑league stint was a 74 wRC+ stretch with the Marlins in 2024. After brief stops with the Twins, Mets and a 2025 Braves waiver claim, he spent most of last season in Triple‑A, hitting 113 wRC+ and stealing 16 bases. Atlanta plans to invite him to spring training as a non‑roster utility option, with potential bench duty at second base, shortstop, third, or right field.
A fan rebuts former Marlins exec David P. Samson’s claim that MLB no longer needs radio, arguing that radio remains a free, accessible way to follow the Braves—especially in the car during the postseason via the 680 The Fan app. He highlights the nostalgic bond between baseball and radio, cites John Smoltz’s broadcasts, and warns that dismissing radio ignores older fans who still tune in weekly.
Ahead of the 2027 season, the Yankees face a decision on free‑agent Jazz Chisholm Jr., who posted a .231 average, 19 homers, 55 RBIs and a career‑high 41 steals for New York. Insider Jim Bowden recalls a rookie‑year incident when Chisholm parked in Derek Jeter’s spot at Marlins spring training, highlighting his “complicated” off‑field persona. Bowden says Chisholm’s talent is valuable defensively, but contending clubs may shy from a long‑term deal, leaving second‑division teams to likely bid for his 20‑HR/40‑steal profile. The Yankees’ next move and Chisholm’s offseason destination remain uncertain.
The Mets Morning News spotlights the Brewers' historic World Series win, with Milwaukee holding a victory parade on Oct. 30, 2026. The piece hints at Mets offseason moves, naming free-agent pitcher Teruaki Sato and noting the Braves' signing of 17‑year‑old Cuban catcher Anthony Calderon. It also recaps league-wide roster moves: the Marlins pick up Sandy Alcántara’s 2027 option, the Nationals lose hitting coach CJ Gillman to Seattle, and the Astros hire former Cardinals assistant GM Randy Flores. Finally, it recalls Tom Seaver’s second Cy Young Award on this date in 1973.
The blog outlines one likely trade candidate from each NL East club ahead of the 2027 season. Ronald Acuña Jr. (Braves) is injury‑prone, vocal about leaving and could fetch top prospects for teams like the Cubs, Mets or Padres. Bryce Harper (Phillies) carries a $125.5 million contract through 2032 and may waive his no‑trade clause, but his declining defense makes a move doubtful; possible destinations include the Brewers, Diamondbacks or Mets. Sandy Alcantara (Marlins) rebounded to a 3.87 ERA in 2026 after Tommy John surgery, with his $21 million 2027 option exercised, making him a pricey but attractive arm for the Blue Jays, Cubs or Padres. Finally, shortstop C.J. Abrams (Nationals) is highlighted as a potential trade piece, though details are cut off. The piece weighs each player’s performance, contract status and clubhouse factors to gauge trade likelihood.
The Orioles surprise the offseason market by signing outfielder Rece Hinds to a 2027 major‑league contract, despite a .179 slash line in 12 games and a costly error in the season finale. Hinds, a former 49th‑overall pick who bounced from the Reds to the Marlins before landing in Baltimore, is out of options and must clear waivers to be sent down. The move underscores the O’s outfield depth concerns, with Luis Robert Jr. likely bought out and prospects like Dylan Beavers, Colton Cowser, Tyler O’Neill, and Leody Taveras still under contract. Manager Craig Albernaz highlighted a recent misplay blamed on Hinds not wearing sunglasses. The signing hints at scouting director Mike Elias betting on Hinds’ speed and past potential.
The Atlanta Braves have signed 17‑year‑old Cuban catching prospect Anthony Calderón, adding a 6‑ft‑4 power‑handed catcher to this year’s international class. Calderón receives a $350,000 bonus, tying him for the fifth‑most expensive signing in the Braves’ current pool and matching breakout prospect Jorwin Pulido’s deal. The Braves edged out the Marlins, Rangers and Royals, and retain $533,700 of their 2026 international bonus pool. Calderón, trained at Alex Sánchez’s Academy, showcases strong defense, power and a recent home‑run against the Dominican Republic U‑18 squad, but won’t impact the big‑league club for several years.
Former NL Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara is staying with the Miami Marlins, at least for now, after having his option for next season picked up.
The Orioles officially decline the mutual option on right‑hander Zach Eflin’s 2027 contract, ending a potential $25 million deal. Eflin, who underwent Tommy John surgery in April and was pulled after 3 2/3 innings in his first 2026 start, posted a 5‑2 record with a 2.60 ERA in nine starts after being acquired from Tampa Bay in July 2024. He struggled in 2025 with back surgery and a 5.93 ERA. Meanwhile, Baltimore signs outfielder Rece Hinds to a 2027 major‑league contract after purchasing him from the Marlins; he hit .179 in 12 games.
The Baltimore Orioles have re‑signed outfielder Rece Hinds to a one‑year Major League deal that pays $4,700 above the upcoming league minimum. Acquired from the Marlins at the August trade deadline, Hinds is now secured on the 40‑man roster, a move often used by GM Mike Elias to protect fringe players. The modest salary reduces his waiver appeal, increasing the odds he’ll clear waivers and be outrighted if designated. Hinds, a 26‑year‑old former 2019 Reds second‑round pick, has a .171/.229/.388 line in 166 MLB PA with a 41.6% strikeout rate, but hits .258 with 53 Triple‑A homers and shows versatility across the outfield and on the bases.
The Miami Marlins officially exercised the $21 million club option on right‑hander Sandy Alcantara, turning a $19 million net deal into a six‑year, $75 million commitment through 2027. Alcantara, the 2021 NL Cy Young winner, logged a league‑leading 214 innings with a 3.87 ERA, low walk rate and solid ground‑ball numbers after returning from Tommy John surgery. Miami plans to start him on Opening Day and shows no intent to trade him, despite past speculation. The move sets up a potential extension worth $25‑28 million per year for four to five years, the biggest pitcher contract in franchise history.
The Miami Marlins have outrighted five players from their 40-man roster, clearing waivers and likely sending them to minor‑league free agency. Catchers Logan Driscoll (who never appeared in the majors for Miami) and Brian Navarreto (.135 average in 61 PA) are among those cut. Right‑handers Tyler Zuber, who posted a 5.67 ERA in 39⅔ innings and will miss most of 2027 after a UCL brace, Zach Brzykcy (5.70 ERA in Triple‑A) and Wikelman González (6.05 ERA in Triple‑A) were also removed. All five struggled at the major‑league level this season.
The St. Louis Cardinals likely need to make serious bullpen additions this offseason. Former Cardinal Lance Lynn gives three great options in Pete Fairbanks, Evan Phillips, and Jose Alvarado.
MLB Trade Rumors' Top 40 list spots shortstop Jeremy Peña (Astros) and Otto Lopez (Marlins) as prime trade targets for the Atlanta Braves, who still lack a solid option at the position after Ha‑Seong Kim’s disappointing season. Peña, an All‑Star with a Gold Glove and strong offensive numbers, would give Atlanta instant upgrade but would demand a steep return from a non‑rebuilding Astros. Lopez is deemed less likely due to intra‑division trade hesitancy. The Braves are also linked to Jo Adell and MacKenzie Gore as they search for a shortstop solution before a possible December 2 lockout.
Sportsnaut outlines one likely trade target from each AL West club ahead of the 2027 season. The Astros could move 35‑year‑old first baseman Christian Walker—who’s hit 25+ homers for five straight years—if a team like the Diamondbacks, Guardians or Tigers bites. The Rangers may flip left‑hander MacKenzie Gore, whose 2026 season posted a 4.58 ERA and 1.34 WHIP, to suitors such as the Marlins, Mets or Tigers. Seattle’s durable right‑hander Logan Gilbert, a $15 million man with a 3.60 ERA over 2021‑26, might be dealt if the Mariners choose a rebuild, with the Cubs, Diamondbacks or Padres in the mix. Oakland’s catcher Shea Langeliers is also flagged as a potential mover. Each player’s contract status and recent performance fuel the speculation.
The Houston Astros have interviewed former scout Oz Ocampo for their assistant general manager vacancy, a role he pursued on Monday. Ocampo, who helped land Houston’s international talents like Framber Valdez, Cristian Javier and Yuli Gurriel during stints from 2012‑2020 and 2022, previously held assistant GM duties with the Marlins and a special‑assistant post with the Pirates. With GM Dana Brown dismissed in August and his duties now split among assistants Charles Cook, Gavin Dickey and Connor Huff, the club is weighing Ocampo’s return amid a broader search for a new front‑office leader.
The 2026 Perfect Game WWBA World Championship in Jupiter, Florida featured over 100 teams, with East Cobb/SD Padres Scout Team pulling an 8-7 walk‑off balk win over SBA/Marlins Scout Team 2028 after erasing a six‑run deficit. Scout writer highlights six 2027 MLB Draft prospects: Samir Mohammed (RHP, LSU commit) struck out 11, posting 95‑100 mph fastballs and a mid‑80s changeup; Deuce Jenkins (OF/1B, Mississippi State commit) logged five extra‑base hits, including a 438‑ft home run and a 6.5‑second 60‑yard dash; Demarcus Lowery (OF, Louisville commit) delivered 404‑ft blasts at 102‑103 mph and runs a 6.62‑second 60‑yard; Max Hemenway (SS, Tennessee commit) went 4‑for‑11 with solid barrel feel and defensive range; Sebastian “Sushi” Wilson (OF, Tennessee commit) showed 100 mph exit velocity and a quick left‑handed swing. The article also notes other standout performers from the tournament.
Maybe it won't be just the usual suspects involved in the Skubal sweepstakes?
The Atlanta Braves eye Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez as their ideal trade target, according to Miami Herald reporter Barry Jackson. Lopez boasts elite defense (14 OAA, six DRS) and posted a career‑best .305 average with a league‑leading 191 hits, though he has modest power (11 HR this season). With three years of control left, Miami would consider moving him only for a hefty return, despite recent blockbuster deals with the Phillies. The Braves, still searching for a consistent offensive solution beyond the long ball, may need to trade top prospects to secure Lopez, as free‑agent shortstop options are scarce this offseason.
Rumors are swirling around the Marlins' middle-infield breakouts.
The post The Marlins Consider A Trade appeared first on Baseball Prospectus .
The Miami Marlins’ shortstop Otto Lopez posted a .305/.349/.437 line in 2026, hitting 11 home runs, stealing 34 bases and striking out just 13% of the time. By contrast, the Yankees batted .235 and struck out 24.7% of their plate appearances, sparking speculation that New York could benefit from acquiring Lopez. Reports suggest Miami is open to offers for Lopez and outfielder Xavier Edwards if the return is substantial, though no concrete Yankees proposal exists yet. With his contract through 2029, the Yankees must weigh Lopez’s high contact rate against his low walk rate and potential defensive flexibility at shortstop or second base before making a move.
In the October 26 MLB Trade Rumors subscriber chat, Steve Adams predicts a bustling trade market despite a weak free‑agent class, especially at the top. He notes solid mid‑tier talent, affordable back‑end starters, and a shortage of impact bats, forecasting a “mini‑deadline” vibe before the lockout and a flurry of moves afterward. Adams also downplays Marlins prospect De Los Santos, citing limited upside, and hints at a forthcoming list of top offseason trade targets once the World Series concludes. The chat promotes exclusive subscriber content and tools for deeper MLB analysis.
Pat Murphy, promoted to Brewers manager in November 2023, was a top candidate for the Mets’ 2019 hiring and remained interested after Carlos Beltran’s 2020 resignation, but the club chose Luis Rojas instead. Milwaukee now sits just three wins away from a World Series crown under Murphy, highlighting the Mets’ rotating‑door coaching history as they aim for stability with Andy Green. Meanwhile, the Marlins face a potential payroll floor, budgeting $81.8 million for 2027 and planning modest extensions and $10‑$15 million contracts; prospect Brandon Compton is shifting to first base after a strong .270/.411/.576 line with 36 homers and could debut in 2027. Phillies infielder Aidan Miller, recovering from a back injury, shows promise after a solid AFL stint and may fill a third‑base vacancy in 2027.
The Miami Marlins may entertain offers for All-Star shortstop Otto Lopez and second baseman Xavier Edwards, though neither is officially for sale, MLB Trade Rumors reports. Lopez, 28, posted a breakout .305/.349/.437 line with 11 homers, 71 RBIs, 191 hits (NL lead), 34 steals and a 122 wRC+ this season, earning 6.1 bWAR and strong defensive metrics. Edwards, 27, hit .280 with a .730 OPS. Both are under team control through 2029 and projected to earn $5.4 M and $3.5 M respectively. With Miami missing the playoffs and needing pitching and power, the front office could listen to high‑return trade proposals while recognizing the players' peak market value.
The MLBPA quietly withdrew its December 2025 grievance against the Tampa Bay Rays for allegedly misusing revenue‑sharing funds. The 2018 complaint also targeted the Marlins, Pirates and Athletics, but the status of those cases remains unclear. The move comes months after the Rays' sale to Patrick Zalupski and approval of a new stadium slated for 2029, which Zalupski says could lift Tampa Bay’s payroll into the league’s upper half. Despite a modest $98.4 M luxury‑tax‑eligible payroll (27th overall), the Rays posted a 98‑win season and are now opening the World Series against the Brewers, sparking debate over MLB’s competitive balance as the current CBA approaches its December 1 expiry and an imminent lockout.