The Yankees face a dilemma over free‑agent third‑baseman Eugenio Suarez, who hit 26 homers in 2026 but posted a modest .212/.307/.433 slash line and inconsistent contact. Cincinnati declined his 2027 option, making him available, yet his defensive flexibility—splitting time at third and DH—clashes with New York’s roster needs, especially with Ben Rice and Giancarlo Stanton in the mix. The article advises a short, value‑priced contract only after a thorough defensive review, suggesting a younger, higher‑variance option like Korean third‑baseman Si Hwan Roh as an alternative. The decision hinges on balancing power, risk, and roster fit.
Veteran right‑hander Max Scherzer says he will pitch in upcoming "lockout games" this offseason to decide if he returns for a 2027 season, MLB Trade Rumors reports. In his final Blue Jays start, Scherzer threw seven innings of one‑run ball with seven strikeouts against the Reds, moving to 3,557 career strikeouts—just three shy of Justin Verlander’s lead. At age 41, he battled forearm, ankle and back issues, posting a 5.74 ERA over 84⅔ innings in 2026, but finished the year with a respectable 4.16 ERA over his last 12 starts. He could sign with a rotation‑needy club once free agency opens.
The National League Silver Slugger finalists were revealed, and the Cincinnati Reds have two players in the mix. Shortstop Elly De La Cruz joins Washington’s CJ Abrams and Miami’s Otto Lopez after posting a 30‑30 season with a 142 OPS+. Utility‑man Sal Stewart competes with Milwaukee’s Jake Bauers and San Diego’s Fernando Tatis Jr. after hitting 32 homers, 112 RBIs and posting a 117 OPS+. Both face stiff competition, and the winners will be announced on November 17. No Red has captured a Silver Slugger since Nick Castellanos in 2021.
The Baltimore Orioles have signaled openness to a major roster overhaul, making most players — except Pete Alonso — trade‑eligible. Writer Clay Snowden argues the Cincinnati Reds should capitalize by targeting outfielder Colton Cowser, the 2021 No. 5 overall pick who hit 24 homers as a rookie. While Cowser’s power has declined, his elite center‑field defense (rated seven outs above average in 2026) and plus arm fill a glaring gap for the Reds, who lack a reliable everyday center fielder. Snowden projects Cowser could provide 20 home runs, 10‑15 steals and a 105‑110 wRC+ in Great American Ball Park, plus a left‑handed bat to balance the lineup. With limited payroll, adding Cowser offers a cost‑effective defensive upgrade while freeing resources for other needs.
The Tampa Bay Rays have reached a minor‑league deal with right‑hander Levi Stoudt, who will receive a non‑roster invite to spring training. The 29‑year‑old, who logged four MLB games with the 2023 Reds and most recently posted a 22⅔‑inning, zero‑earned‑run streak before a June elbow injury ended his 2026 season, throws a mid‑90s fastball (averaging 96 mph in Triple‑A) and a high‑percentage slider. The move follows the Rays’ re‑signing of right‑hander Kodi Whitley, who posted a 2.81 ERA over 32 Triple‑A innings for Durham. Both pitchers add depth to Tampa Bay’s bullpen heading into the 2027 campaign.
Levi Stoudt, the 28‑year‑old right‑hander who logged a 0.00 ERA over 22.2 innings for the Phillies’ Triple‑A and Double‑A clubs, signs a minor‑league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays just three days after entering free agency. The Rays will invite him to major‑league spring training. Stoudt, a former Cincinnati Reds reliever with a 0‑1 record and 9.58 ERA in 10.1 MLB innings, boasts a 97.8‑mph fastball, 87‑mph slider and 84‑mph sweeper, and has not allowed a run this season. The move marks his fifth organization as he approaches his 29th birthday.
ClutchPoints breaks down the top 20 MLB trade candidates for the 2026‑27 offseason, highlighting players who could flip the balance for teams after a surprising Dodgers loss. The list starts with Colorado outfielder Jake McCarthy’s explosive season, Cincinnati’s ace‑in‑waiting Hunter Greene (despite a second Tommy John), and Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández, who may become a trade chip amid a deep roster. Other notable names include Boston’s speed‑power combo Jarren Duran, Houston’s versatile third‑baseman Isaac Paredes, and Miami’s breakout shortstop Otto López. The article offers salaries, injury risks, and team needs to help clubs assess who’s worth a buy‑low move.
Since the Red Sox’s World Series win, trade chatter has fixated on shortstop upgrades. Rumors surfaced on Oct. 31 about Cincinnati’s Elly De La Cruz, followed by MassLive’s Chris Cotillo and Jim Bowden touting CJ Abrams and De La Cruz as early‑November targets. Recent show‑time on the Felger & Mazz show introduced Otto Lopez, with former deadline interest noted by Jeff Passan. The author argues the real answer lies in Red Sox top prospect Franklin Arias, the No. 2 shortstop prospect in baseball, who posted a .952 OPS in Double‑A Portland and .894 OPS in Worcester—well above peers like Marcelo Mayer. The piece questions why the Sox haven’t pursued Arias despite a glaring need at shortstop.
Baseball America’s James Anderson breaks down his 2027 dynasty second‑base rankings, highlighting top targets, sleepers, and fades. He recommends Tate Southisene (Braves) as a dual‑threat 20‑HR, 30‑plus steal prospect on the cusp of a big‑league call‑up, and Mitch Voit (Mets) as a steady steal‑oriented option for 2028‑29. Cole Young (Mariners) offers reliable power with mid‑range upside. Sleepers include Pedro Ramirez (Cubs), a 23‑year‑old with strong Triple‑A numbers, and Hao‑Yu Lee (Tigers), a versatile hitter despite defensive struggles. Albies (Braves) and Matt McLain (Reds) are flagged as fades due to declining OBP and average.
Trevor Rogers tops the Orioles’ free‑agent list, drawing interest as a 29‑year‑old left‑hander ranked #2 by MLBTradeRumors and #3 by FanGraphs. Outfielder Luis Robert Jr., despite a hamstring injury after just three games, appears on several rankings and could fetch a one‑year deal worth $10.5‑$14 million, with the Padres, Reds or Royals as likely suitors. Veteran right‑hander Chris Bassitt (1‑5, 4.59 ERA) is undecided about returning amid a potential lockout starting Dec. 1. Reliever Andrew Kittredge, Zach Eflin, Keegan Akin, Ryan Mountcastle, Heston Kjerstad and others also hit free agency, though many face age or injury hurdles. The article breaks down each player’s recent stats, contract options and market outlook.
The Cincinnati Reds have three prospects named to the National League roster for the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars Game. Outfielder Yerlin Confidan leads the league with a .339 average and .998 OPS, while also gearing up for the AFL Home Run Derby. Infielder Carlos Sanchez, a 21‑year‑old who just advanced from High‑A to AA, posts a .259/.397/.534 line with four homers and a perfect walk‑to‑strikeout ratio. Right‑hander Luke Holman rebounds from injury, delivering a 1.00 ERA and 20 strikeouts over 13 innings. The Fall Stars Game streams on MLB.com with the first pitch around 8 PM ET.
The Chicago White Sox’s postseason surge in 2026, powered by a fifth‑ranked offense (776 runs) and a young, up‑and‑coming lineup, faces a coaching shuffle as hitting coach Joel McKeithan departs for the St. Louis Cardinals. McKeithan, who joined the Sox as an assistant in 2025 after stints with the Reds, Tigers and Phillies, will now help the rebuilding Cardinals improve on their 2026 low of 720 runs. With Derek Shoman staying on staff, the Sox must find a new second‑in‑command to guide their talent‑rich roster and keep the team in postseason contention for 2027.
The Cincinnati Reds have hired former Guardians assistant pitching coach Joe Torres as their new major‑league pitching coach, effective immediately ahead of the 2027 season. Torres, 44, is a former 1st‑round pick of the Anaheim Angels in 2000 and a left‑handed prospect once ranked #50 by Baseball America, but his playing career was derailed by Tommy John surgery. He transitioned to coaching with the Guardians’ farm system in 2017, working under Terry Francona. Torres replaces Derek Johnson, who was dismissed after a prolonged leave of absence in the 2026 season.
The Cincinnati Reds name former Cleveland Guardians assistant pitching coach Joe Torres as their new pitching coach, replacing Derek Johnson who left after a personal leave. Torres, who worked with manager Terry Francona in Cleveland from 2013‑2023 and served as the Guardians’ assistant pitching coach since 2022, brings a reputation for strong pitcher development—evident in 2026 ace Gavin Williams, Rookie of the Year finalist Parker Messick, and closer Cade Smith’s 41 saves. The Reds, whose 2026 ERA was 4.84 in a hitter‑friendly park and face roster turnover and injuries, hope Torres can help revive their rotation alongside Francona.
Former Cincinnati Reds first‑round pick Austin Hendrick becomes a free agent after five seasons in the minors. Selected #12 overall in the pandemic‑shortened 2020 MLB Draft, the left‑handed outfielder struggled with swing‑and‑miss issues, never breaking through the majors and posting a .566 OPS in 58 AAA games in 2026. The Reds opted not to add him to their 40‑man roster, joining 20 other minor leaguers, including former big‑leaguers Michael Chavis and Garrett Hampson, in free agency. Hendrick’s rise and fall highlight the draft’s 2020 “misses” alongside peers like Robert Hassell and Zac Veen.
Assistant GM and VP of baseball operations David Bell quits the Toronto Blue Jays, saying he wants to reassess where he can make the biggest impact. Bell, who joined the front office two seasons ago after a six‑year managerial stint with the Reds, oversaw player acquisitions, development and performance. The club, which surged from a last‑place finish in 2024 to a 94‑win AL East title and a World Series appearance in 2025 before slipping back to the bottom in 2026, will now look to fill his duties alongside AGMs Joe Sheehan and Michael Murov and VPs James Click and Jeremy Reesor.
Hall of Famer Johnny Bench praised the Milwaukee Brewers as “the best team in baseball” after they captured their first World Series title. The Brewers finished the regular season 103‑59, swept the Dodgers in the NLCS, and defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in six games to clinch the championship. Bench, a two‑time champion with the 1975‑76 Reds and Hall of Fame inductee since 1989, shared his congratulations on MLB Network Radio, underscoring the historic achievement for the franchise.
The St. Louis Cardinals will appoint former White Sox assistant hitting coach Joel McKeithan as their new hitting coach, replacing Brant Brown, who was let go after two seasons. McKeithan, 35, brings experience from the White Sox, where hitters ranked fifth in the league with 211 homers and a 9.5% walk rate in 2026, as well as prior roles with the Reds and minor‑league stints in the Phillies and Tigers systems. The Cardinals struggled offensively last season, posting a .239/.313/.378 line and the fifth‑worst wRC+ (93) in MLB, prompting the move. Other staff changes include potential returns for third‑base coach Pop Warner and outfield/baserunning coach Jon Jay in 2027.
The post notes that former Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell resigns from his assistant GM and VP of Baseball Operations role, ending a two‑year front‑office stint focused on player development and strategy. It also highlights MLB’s latest 50‑50 revenue‑share lockout proposal, noting continued union resistance and skepticism about a revenue cap. Additional tidbits include a brief look at 2023 first‑rounder Brandon Barriera’s stalled progress and a quirky nod to local politics in Texas. The author wraps up by expressing uncertainty about the 2027 season amid ongoing labor talks.
The St. Louis Cardinals hired Joel McKeithan as their new hitting coach, who spent time with the Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, and Driveline prior to his hire. This external option gives the Cardinals a new voice in the clubhouse.
The article proposes a bold Boston Red Sox offer for Cincinnati’s star shortstop Elly De La Cruz, suggesting a trade that would send prospects Franklin Arias, left‑hander Payton Tolle, and outfielder Justin Gonzales to the Reds. De La Cruz, a 24‑year‑old switch‑hitter who posted .283/.365/.515 with 30 homers and 30 steals in 2026, could solve Boston’s 23rd‑ranked offense and anchor the infield, possibly moving Trevor Story to second base. The Reds, coming off a 75‑87 season, would receive a potential future shortstop, a proven starter, and a high‑upside bat. The piece weighs the benefits and risks for both clubs, noting the proposal is speculative, not a confirmed deal.
The voters made some egregious mistakes when picking the MLB awards finalists.
The Lookout Landing tracker compiles every Seattle Mariners off‑season transaction so far. In October, Seattle claimed INF/OF Michael Toglia (Reds) and OF Grant McCray (Giants), exercised Andrés Muñoz’s option while dropping Victor Robles and Bryce Miller, and may have rehired hitting coach CJ Gillman. Both Josh Naylor and Cal Raleigh underwent offseason surgeries. In early November, the club extended Randy Arozarena’s qualifying offer, claimed RHP Isaac Mattson (Pirates), reinstated seven injured players—including Matt Brash and Luke Raley—and outrighted five to Triple‑A Tacoma. The roundup links to deeper coverage for each move.
Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart joins Carson Benge (Mets) and JJ Wetherholt (Cardinals) as the three finalists for the 2026 NL Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award, announced by MLB on Nov. 2. Stewart, the NL Rookie of the Month in April and August, finished with over 30 homers, 100 RBIs and a 117 OPS+, but a September slump and a move to first base hurt his WAR. Wetherholt offers Gold‑Glove‑level shortstop defense despite a .619 OPS in his final stretch, while Benge posted a 118 OPS+ with a 20/20 power‑speed line. The winner will be revealed on Nov. 9, and the rookie’s team receives valuable draft compensation.
Carson Benge joins Sal Stewart (Cincinnati) and JJ Wetherholt (St. Louis) as the trio of National League Rookie of the Year finalists, with the winner set for MLB Network on Nov. 9. Benge, the Mets’ 23‑year‑old outfielder, posted a .321 average and .896 OPS in his last 48 games, logged a historic 20/20 season and led the majors in Arm Value. Stewart logged 32 homers and 111 RBIs, the most by a rookie since 2019, while Wetherholt topped NL rookies with 4.6 fWAR despite an IL stint. The Mets haven’t had a ROY finalist since 2023 and no position‑player votes since 2020.