Passan's MLB free agency, trade intel on Tucker, Bregman, more  —  On this date last year, Major League Baseball teams had spent around $2.1 billion on free agents.  So far this year, that number is shy of $1.4 billion.  And as big as that difference seems, it's impossible not to notice …

Phillies lean right with new-look bullpen, still waiting on J.T. Realmuto  —  By the end of this frenetic Phillies week, in which they settled on an outfield alignment and rearranged their bullpen, things were not materially different.  The core of this roster will remain intact …

What I'm hearing about the Diamondbacks, Rays and Cardinals, plus more MLB notes  —  Here's some of the latest offseason information I'm hearing from major-league sources:  —  A scenario exists in which the Arizona Diamondbacks would both sign free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman and keep second baseman Ketel Marte.

Dustin May ‘excited’ to join rotation while Cardinals continue shopping for starter to add  —  Pitcher Dustin May talks about joining the St. Louis Cardinals on Dec. 18, 2025.  —  kAmu@C 2 e\7@@E\e C:89E\92?  56C H9@D6 42C66C :D 567:?  65 3J H92E 96 5@6D 2E 2 5:DE2?  46 @7 e_ 766E[ e :?  496D[ ?

Pirates land Rays 2B Brandon Lowe in 3-team trade  —  The offense-starved Pittsburgh Pirates finally made an aggressive offseason move, acquiring two-time All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe from the Tampa Bay Rays as part of a three-team trade that also includes the Houston Astros.

Orioles acquire Shane Baz from Rays for prospects, draft pick  —  The Baltimore Orioles acquired right-hander Shane Baz in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday, sending a four-prospect package and a draft pick in a rare intradivision deal.  —  Following a search all winter for starting pitching …

Sources: Padres, RHP Michael King agree to 3-year deal  —  Right-hander Michael King and the San Diego Padres agreed to a three-year, $75 million contract, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan on Thursday.  —  The deal allows King to opt out after the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

Man Utd hopeful of beating City to Semenyo amid Guardiola uncertainty  —  Exclusive: United to target Bournemouth winger in January, with doubts over future of Catalan coach potentially working in their favour  —  Manchester United will go all-out to sign Antoine Semenyo in January and hope …

Twins finalize sales, name Tom Pohlad new controlling owner  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Twins ownership has finalized the purchase of portions of the franchise by three different investors, limited partnerships the Pohlad family sought for a fresh infusion of cash and strategy after deciding earlier …

Bichette open to 2B?  Plus: The latest on Bregman  —  When the offseason began, Bo Bichette was the consensus No. 1 choice among all available shortstops, setting him up for a potential bidding war between clubs in need at that position.  —  As we head toward January, things have changed a bit.

MLB free agency reset: Predictions for top remaining targets  —  We've started to see some top free agents come off the board as the MLB offseason has gotten rolling: Kyle Schwarber back to the Philadelphia Phillies, Pete Alonso to the Baltimore Orioles and Dylan Cease to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Rox hire Jeff Pickler to serve as Schaeffer's bench coach  —  DENVER - Former Twins and Reds coach Jeff Pickler is joining the Rockies as bench coach under manager Warren Schaeffer, the club announced Wednesday.  —  “We are beyond excited to bring Jeff Pickler onto the staff,” said Schaeffer.

Giants adding Houser to rotation on 2-year deal (report)  —  The Giants are adding a veteran arm to their rotation, agreeing with right-hander Adrian Houser on a two-year, $22 million deal, according to a report by ESPN's Jeff Passan on Tuesday.  The team has not confirmed the deal, which reportedly includes a club option for 2028.