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Fernando Tatis Jr. Prefers Playing Second Base to Right Field
San Diego Padres outfielder/second baseman Fernando Tatis Jr. is known to prefer playing second base, per Dennis Lin of The Athletic. Tatis Jr. had only very briefly played second base in the big leagues prior to 2026. However, he played over 50 games at the position this past season after Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth missed extended time due to a concussion. For what it's worth, Tatis Jr. was significantly better at the plate after shifting back to his normal position in right field in the second half of the season. Still, the 27-year-old will likely remain an elite fantasy asset regardless of where he lines up defensively, and could have more value to managers if he retains second base eligibility beyond 2027. Cronenworth still has four years and over $49 million remaining on his current contract with San Diego, which may block Tatis Jr. from a full-time move to the infield.
Source: The Athletic - Dennis Lin
Source: The Athletic - Dennis Lin
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Adrian Morejon in Line for Massive Contract in Free Agency?
San Diego Padres left-hander Adrian Morejon is "poised to attract offers exceeding the four-year, $72 million deal" that fellow lefty reliever Tanner Scott signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2025 offseason, per Dennis Lin of The Athletic. Morejon was one of the best bullpen arms in baseball in 2026, recording a 9-3 record with a 2.83 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 107 strikeouts, 28 holds, and three saves across 86 innings (76 games). The 27-year-old averaged a career-high 99.1 miles per hour on his fastball and posted an excellent 30.4% strikeout rate. Morejon has primarily worked as a setup man to this point in his career. However, he has the stuff to potentially shift into being a closer, depending on where he ends up in free agency this winter.
Source: The Athletic - Dennis Lin
Source: The Athletic - Dennis Lin
Joe Musgrove's 2027 Role in San Diego is Uncertain
San Diego Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller did not commit to right-hander Joe Musgrove being a part of the team's starting rotation in 2027 when asked on Wednesday, saying that "the best spot for Joe Musgrove" will be "one of the questions for the offseason." Musgrove has not pitched in the regular season since 2024 due to persistent elbow issues. However, the 33-year-old managed to return to the mound in the 2026 postseason, making two appearances and pitching three innings. Musgrove was an effective pitcher in 2024, recording a 6-5 record with a 3.88 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 101 strikeouts across 99 2/3 innings (19 starts). He also has one season remaining on the five-year, $100 million contract he signed with the Padres ahead of the 2023 season. Still, it appears as though San Diego may be open to using Musgrove out of the bullpen in an effort to keep him healthy in 2027.
Source: The Athletic - Dennis Lin
Source: The Athletic - Dennis Lin
Joe Espada Will Not Return as Astros Manager in 2027
The Houston Astros announced on Wednesday that Joe Espada will not return as the team's manager in 2027. Espada took over in Houston in 2024 and led the Astros to a 256-229 record across his three years at the helm. The Astros won two American League West division crowns under Espada, but failed to win a single postseason game. Houston has also gotten progressively worse over the last three seasons, winning 88 games in 2024, 87 games in 2025, and 81 games this past season. Espada has already met with the Seattle Mariners about their managerial vacancy, so he could remain in the AL West.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Davis Martin Hindered by Calf Injury This Year
Chicago White Sox general manager Chris Getz said on Wednesday that right-hander Davis Martin (calf) was hindered by right-calf discomfort in 2026, according to James Fegan of The Athletic. "I think it's very clear that he was hindered and wasn't himself," Getz said. Martin said that he battled calf issues off and on since April. The 29-year-old finished the year going 9-8 overall with a career-best 3.95 ERA (3.83 FIP), and 1.31 WHIP with a career-best 122 strikeouts and 46 walks in 146 innings pitched over 29 appearances (28 starts). Martin's calf injury apparently bothered him more as the season progressed, as he had a sharp 2.00 ERA with 71 strikeouts and 14 walks in his first 67 2/3 innings before sporting an ERA closer to 6.00 with 51 strikeouts and 32 walks in 78 1/3 innings pitched to close out the year. The White Sox did not trust him enough to use him as a starter during the postseason, as Martin pitched just one inning out of the bullpen and gave up two runs. With extended rest during the offseason, Martin should come into spring training in 2027 fully healthy and ready to bounce back.
Source: The Athletic - James Fegan
Source: The Athletic - James Fegan
White Sox Discussing Extension With Munetaka Murakami
Chicago White Sox general manager Chris Getz said on Wednesday that meetings continue with first baseman Munetaka Murakami on a contract extension, according to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score. Getz said that negotiations are sensitive, so no specific information will be coming from the team. The two sides began talking late in the summer. The 26-year-old Japanese left-handed slugger hit only .207 (94-for-454) during the regular season with a 35.4% strikeout rate, but he added 35 home runs, 77 RBI, 82 runs scored, and a stolen base in 127 games across 553 plate appearances in his first year in the States. Murakami made a statement in his first year with the Pale Hose after signing a two-year, $34 million contract as a free agent. He helped the White Sox turn things around big time after they were one of the worst franchises in the game in 2025. Murakami's power from the left side is apparent, but his swing-and-miss ways are a cause for concern for fantasy managers. He also finished ice-cold at the dish to close the season with a .156/.299/.375 slash line in the last two months of the regular season.
Source: 670 The Score - Bruce Levine
Source: 670 The Score - Bruce Levine
Shohei Ohtani Batting Sixth in NLCS Game 3 on Wednesday
After the Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly considered benching two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani going into Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers, Ohtani is serving as the designated hitter and is batting sixth against lefty Robert Gasser, according to MLB.com. Ohtani, who has carried the Dodgers to back-to-back championships, has not been right and has battled knee and biceps injuries since early in July. There has been a major power outage for the four-time MVP, as he has not homered since Aug. 19 and has a .156/.283/.200 slash line since then. The sixth spot is the lowest in the batting order that Ohtani has hit in with the Dodgers. The 32-year-old veteran is hoping to provide a spark for L.A. and prevent the Dodgers from falling into a daunting 3-0 hole in the best-of-seven series. In six postseason games this October, Ohtani has just three hits in 24 plate appearances with two runs scored, one steal, three walks, and seven strikeouts.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Griffin Jax to Start Game 3 of ALCS in Cleveland
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Griffin Jax will start for the Rays in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series on Thursday in Cleveland against the Guardians, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Jax will toe the rubber for Tampa back in Cleveland with the series now tied 1-1 after the Rays outlasted the Guardians in Game 2 on Tuesday night. He will be making his first career postseason start after five relief appearances for the Rays, dating back to 2023. In his lone appearance this October for Tampa, Jax allowed an earned run on one hit while walking one and striking out four in two innings of work for a hold in Game 3 of the AL Division Series against the division-rival New York Yankees. The 31-year-old veteran began the 2026 campaign as a reliever for Tampa before being moved to a starting role mostly. He went 8-10 on the year with a 3.53 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 116 strikeouts in 112 1/3 innings pitched across 34 outings (23 starts). Jax did not have a single appearance during the regular season against the Guardians.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Robert Gasser Starting Game 3 of NLCS Against Dodgers
Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Robert Gasser will get the nod for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on the road against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday, according to MLB.com. Gasser began the 2026 season at Triple-A Nashville but rode his high-quality sweeper and growing confidence late in the year to join flamethrower Jacob Misiorowski and right-hander Logan Henderson in Milwaukee's starting rotation. He will be opposed by Dodgers lefty Blake Snell as the Brewers look to take a convincing 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Gasser looked good in his start in Game 4 of the NL Division Series against the San Diego Padres, allowing just one run in his four innings of work. Overall in 2026, Gasser posted a 3.87 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with 103 strikeouts and 35 walks in 109 1/3 innings for Milwaukee, but he was electric down the stretch, recording a 1.73 ERA in his last seven appearances (six starts). Gasser struggled in his two appearances against the Dodgers during the regular season, allowing seven earned runs on 12 hits (three homers) while walking five and striking out 11 in 10 2/3 innings pitched in his two starts (both losses). It is a tough assignment for the southpaw on the road with the Dodgers' backs against the wall.
Source: MLB.com - Sonja Chen, Adam McCalvy, and AJ Cassavell
Source: MLB.com - Sonja Chen, Adam McCalvy, and AJ Cassavell
Don Mattingly To Manage Phillies For Two More Years
The Philadelphia Phillies have announced a new two-year deal for former interim manager Don Mattingly to manage the team in 2027 and 2028, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. The Phillies bowed out of the playoffs this year in the National League wild-card series against the Atlanta Braves, although they did come back to force a decisive Game 3. The Phillies will look to Mattingly to help them break through in the playoffs, as the team is largely talented both hitting-wise and on the mound.
Source: Mark Feinsand, MLB.com
Source: Mark Feinsand, MLB.com
Bryan Baker Pitches Perfect Ninth For Fourth Save of Postseason
Tampa Bay Rays closer Bryan Baker was effective again in limiting the Cleveland Guardians in the ninth inning while picking up his fourth postseason save in Tuesday night's 3-1 victory in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series. The right-hander did not allow a hit or a walk in a three-up, three-down ninth inning with one strikeout. The Rays have to feel comfortable turning to Baker in save situations, as he has come through all regular season long and now into the postseason. The two-run lead was plenty enough for Baker to protect as he helped the Rays even the ALCS at 1-1.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Parker Messick Picks Up Loss in Game 2 of ALCS
Cleveland Guardians left-handed pitcher Parker Messick picked up the loss in Game 2 of the ALCS on Tuesday night despite not allowing an earned run to the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays broke through with three runs in the fourth inning after an error from third baseman Jose Ramirez opened the floodgates. Messick, pitching in front of friends and family near his hometown, allowed six hits and walked two batters, but struck out three. It was clearly not Messick's sharpest outing of the postseason, as the rookie has been very good lately in the playoffs. Despite not having earned runs in his box score, Messick was not at his best over his 82 pitches with 47 for strikes.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Freddy Peralta Pitches Gem In Game 2 Win Over Guardians
Tampa Bay Rays right-handed pitcher Freddy Peralta threw six shutout innings on Tuesday night and kept the Cleveland Guardians in check on the way to evening up the ALCS at 1-1. Peralta scattered four hits and walked two, but struck out six batters in holding Cleveland off the scoreboard during his six innings of work. The talented right-hander threw 99 total pitches with 68 for strikes. Peralta then gave way to three Rays relievers in the 3-1 defeat of the Guardians. Peralta mixed his electric fastball with his dynamic changeup to keep the Cleveland hitters off balance and give the Rays their first win of the ALCS.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Brandon Woodruff Throws 31 Pitches in Bullpen Session
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (shoulder) threw 31 pitches in a bullpen session at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday. According to Curt Hogg, a reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Woodruff could be a long shot to be on the World Series roster should the Brewers make it that far. The right-handed pitcher is battling back from a right shoulder injury after exiting a July 4th start. Hogg said the intent is for Woodruff to work his way up to facing batters next. If Woodruff is deemed healthy for the World Series, it would be a big lift for the Brewers to get a pitcher of his experience back in the mix, but he will have to make it through a ton of checks to be considered healthy enough for the World Series roster.
Source: Curt Hogg, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Source: Curt Hogg, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Nick Pivetta May Not Be a Lock to Return to San Diego in 2027
San Diego Padres right-hander Nick Pivetta's $14 million team option for the 2027 season "would be risky (for the team) to exercise," per Dennis Lin of The Athletic. When healthy, the production Pivetta provides is worth well more than $14 million. Across 181 2/3 innings (31 starts) in 2025, the 33-year-old recorded a 13-5 record with a 2.87 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 190 strikeouts. However, Pivetta made just eight starts in 2026 due to issues with elbow inflammation and forearm tightness. While the veteran was able to make it back for the end of the regular season and San Diego's brief playoff run, injury concerns could cloud his outlook heading into 2027.
Source: The Athletic - Dennis Lin
Source: The Athletic - Dennis Lin
Ty France Likely to Return to Padres in Free Agency?
San Diego Padres first baseman Ty France "seems most likely" of the team's key impending free agents to return in 2027, per Dennis Lin of The Athletic. France was an unlikely hero for San Diego in 2026 after signing a minor league deal last offseason, hitting .295/.363/.502 with 21 home runs, 72 RBI, 59 runs scored, and one stolen base across 500 plate appearances. The 32-year-old posted a 9.1% barrel rate and 47.2% hard-hit rate, both of which represented career highs. France is also widely considered to be one of the better defensive first basemen in MLB. Still, the veteran's age and lack of a proven track record as a high-level contributor could hold down his free agent market. San Diego will likely be facing significant payroll constraints this winter, so bringing back France at a reasonable price could be a priority.
Source: The Athletic - Dennis Lin
Source: The Athletic - Dennis Lin
Joe Espada Set to Interview for Mariners Manager Job
The Seattle Mariners are set to interview current Houston Astros manager Joe Espada for their managerial vacancy, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic. While Espada is currently employed by Houston, Rome reports that his future with the organization is "in doubt" as his contract expires at the end of October. Espada has been the manager of the Astros since the start of the 2024 season. Houston has reached the playoffs twice under his watch, but they've failed to win a postseason game and have also seen their regular-season record get worse every year. The Mariners parted ways with former manager Dan Wilson shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 season. Seattle won just 76 games this year, but the team has plenty of returning talent. If Espada gets the Mariners job, he will be under pressure to win immediately in Seattle.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Yankees Could Look to Trade Luis Garcia Jr.?
New York Yankees first baseman Luis Garcia Jr. could be a trade candidate this offseason, speculates Joel Sherman of The New York Post. The Yankees acquired Garcia Jr. from the Washington Nationals at the 2026 trade deadline. The 26-year-old had a breakout season in 2026, hitting .277/.309/.521 with 30 home runs, 92 RBI, 69 runs scored, and five stolen bases across 543 plate appearances split between New York and Washington. However, the Yankees have a potential logjam between first base and designated hitter. Ben Rice is locked into one of the two spots, and New York may look to deploy oft-injured outfielders Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge at DH more frequently in 2027. Sherman reports that the Arizona Diamondbacks were also in on Garcia Jr. at the trade deadline and could be potential trade partners for the Yankees over the winter.
Source: New York Post - Joel Sherman
Source: New York Post - Joel Sherman
Shohei Ohtani Will Be in Dodgers' Game 3 Lineup
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that designated hitter Shohei Ohtani will be in the team's lineup for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday, per Jack Harris of the California Post. Ohtani played through knee and biceps issues for a significant portion of the second half of the regular season. The 32-year-old hit just .245 with eight home runs across 212 plate appearances after the All-Star break, and his struggles have continued into the postseason. Across 24 plate appearances in October, Ohtani has just three hits, none of which have gone for extra bases. With the Dodgers down two games to zero against Milwaukee, they will need more out of Ohtani to mount a comeback and continue their bid for a third straight World Series title.
Source: California Post - Jack Harris
Source: California Post - Jack Harris
Drew Rasmussen Allows Two Homers in Otherwise Strong Start
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen allowed two earned runs on eight hits (two home runs) while walking none and striking out seven in six innings pitched in a no-decision on Monday night against the Cleveland Guardians in a 7-3 loss in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series. Rasmussen was not quite as good as he was in his start in the AL Division Series against the division-rival New York Yankees, when he tossed eight shutout innings with just one hit and 10 strikeouts, but he did enough to put the Rays in position to take the first game of the best-of-seven series. Rasmussen allowed solo shots to outfielder Chase DeLauter in the sixth inning and to catcher Patrick Bailey in the seventh inning. He has been great for Tampa in his two starts so far this postseason, posting a 1.29 ERA with 17 strikeouts and only two walks in 14 innings. Rasmussen has only made five playoff appearances in his career, but he has allowed only five earned runs with two walks and 22 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings pitched.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Yoshinobu Yamamoto has Forgettable Game 2 Start in Milwaukee
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto did not have the kind of start that the Dodgers needed from him in the Game 2 loss to the hosting Milwaukee Brewers on Monday in the National League Championship Series. Yamamoto surrendered three earned runs on four hits while walking two and striking out only one in 2 2/3 innings pitched in a no-decision. It was one of the Japanese hurler's worst showings in his postseason career, especially after he threw a seven-inning gem with one walk, one run allowed, and 10 strikeouts in the Game 3 win over the Atlanta Braves in the NL Division Series on Oct. 6. Yamamoto did not have his swing-and-miss stuff working in this one, which was the shortest playoff outing of his career. He could certainly bounce back if the Dodgers extend the series, but they will certainly have to win Game 3 of the NLCS back in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Yamamoto now has a 2.47 career ERA in the playoffs with 59 strikeouts and 15 walks in 65 2/3 innings pitched in 12 outings (11 starts) for the Dodgers.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
More News About Fernando Tatis Jr.
