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The Angels sign veteran infielder Yolmer Sánchez on a minor league contract, aiming to return to the big leagues after a two-year hiatus. Known for his defensive prowess and versatility, Sánchez previously played seven seasons with the White Sox, earning a Gold Glove award at second base in 2019. Despite lackluster offensive numbers in recent years, his ability to play multiple positions makes him a valuable depth piece for the Angels, particularly with Zach Neto locked in at shortstop and potential needs at second and third base. This move underscores teams ongoing efforts to build depth with experienced players who can contribute defensively and fill multiple roles.

Miguel Sanó, former All-Star with the Twins, finalizes one-year deal with Chunichi Dragons after impressive winter ball performance in Dominican Republic.

Today, were celebrating notable baseball figures born on December sixteenth, including Mike Flanagan, a dominant pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, Alcides Escobar, a key player for the Kansas City Royals championship team, Billy Ripken, a scrappy infielder and brother of Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., Sammy Strang, a switch-hitting infielder and outfielder who won a championship with the New York Giants, and Adolfo Phillips, known as the Panamanian Flash, a swift center fielder for the Cubs.

Foster Griffin, a left-handed pitcher, is poised to return to MLB after a successful stint in Japan. Hes received contract offers, having been a first-round draft pick by the Royals in 2014. Griffins minor league success led to a one-year deal with the Yomiuri Giants, where he thrived for three years. His Japanese stats are impressive: a 2.57 ERA, 25.1% strikeout rate, and 5.5% walk rate. Despite a leg injury in his final season, he maintained a 1.62 ERA. Now healthy, Griffin seeks a team with rotation openings for a starting job, aiming for a one or two-year deal to prove himself as a reliable MLB starter.

Genei Sato, a promising Japanese baseball pitcher, plans to bypass the traditional path to Major League Baseball. Instead of entering through the posting system, he aims to transfer to a U.S. university in 2026, declare for the MLB Draft in 2027, and play college baseball in the U.S. This move, though unusual, is gaining traction among young Japanese talents. Sato, despite his size, boasts a fastball in the high nineties and a splitter in the low nineties. Hes already faced top NCAA hitters and plans to play summer ball in 2026, setting the stage for his unique journey to the big leagues.

Jorge Polanco, the New York Mets new infielder, has made history with a record-breaking drop in strikeout rate. After a 29% strikeout rate in 2024, he plummeted to 15% in 2025, the biggest year-to-year decrease ever. This dramatic change, from a 13.6% point drop, was due to a combination of improved health and a new stance. Polanco moved to a more neutral position, leading to a flatter swing path and better contact skills. Despite this, he maintained pull power, making him 32% better than average in 2025. His impressive adjustments suggest a promising future for the Mets.

Baseballs Hot Stove Season: Top Free Agents Still Available As the holiday shopping season nears its end, the baseball market is moving at a slower pace, with many top free agents still unsigned. The starting pitching market, in particular, has been surprisingly quiet, despite Dylan Ceases massive deal. Big names like Framber Valdez, Tatsuya Imai, and Ranger Suárez are seeking at least five-year contracts. On the position player side, Pete Alonso, Kyle Schwarber, and Josh Naylor have signed big deals, but the biggest names like Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger, Alex Bregman, and Bo Bichette are still available. The reliever market has been active, with Edwin Díaz setting a new record for average annual value, but clubs still needing bullpen help have fewer proven options left.

Ketel Marte, a top Diamondbacks player, is a hot trade target, with the Giants interested. However, Martes impending ten-and-five rights could block trades, including to the Giants, who are on his no-trade list. The Diamondbacks hold a strong negotiating position, requiring swift and attractive offers from potential suitors.

Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim returns to the Atlanta Braves, signing a one-year, $20 million deal after declining a $16 million option with the Tampa Bay Rays. Kim, who batted .234 with 5 home runs and 17 RBIs last season, will receive a $4 million raise. To make room for Kim, the Braves designated right-handed pitcher Osvaldo Bido for assignment, and Mauricio Dubón will likely move into a utility role.