MLB News

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced on Wednesday that they signed infield prospect Konnor Griffin to a nine-year, $140 million contract extension that runs through the 2034 season. Griffin came into 2026 as the consensus top prospect in baseball, but he didn't make the Opening Day roster out of spring training. It didn't take the 19-year-old long to get the call-up to the big leagues, though, and he'll be the team's starting shortstop going forward. The former ninth overall pick in 2024 has gotten off to a slow start at the plate in his first five MLB games, but he did have two hits in the team's 7-1 win over the San Diego Padres on Tuesday. Griffin has gone 3-for-17 (.176) with a double, three RBI, two runs, two walks, and four strikeouts. He'll get the day off in the series finale on Wednesday against the Friars after inking a nine-year extension. Griffin's contract is the largest in Pirates history. While Griffin may get off to a slow start, he has all the tools to be a perennial All-Star before long.

The Chicago White Sox optioned right-hander Shane Smith to Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday and selected the contract of left-hander Tyler Schweitzer from Charlotte in a corresponding move. Things have unraveled quickly for Smith early in the 2026 season. In his first three starts, he allowed 12 runs (10 earned) on 12 hits (one homer) while walking nine and striking out 11 in 8 1/3 innings pitched. Although he was the team's Opening Day starter, he'll be sent to the farm to work out some of his issues. Fantasy managers are hoping that Smith is back in Chicago sooner rather than later. For now, Jonathan Cannon could take Smith's starting rotation spot. Smith, 26, was a first-time All-Star in 2025 as a rookie, going 7-8 with a 3.81 ERA (4.10 FIP) and 1.19 WHIP with 145 strikeouts and 58 walks in 146 1/3 innings over 29 starts. So far, Smith is already off to the dreaded sophomore slump, but there is plenty of time to turn things around.

Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Jacob Misiorowski delivered another dominant outing on Tuesday in a 3-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox, allowing three runs on two hits and four walks while striking out 10. Misiorowski was charged with the loss, but he continues to show electric stuff that can overpower hitters. The 24-year-old holds a 3.31 ERA and leads MLB with 28 strikeouts in 16 innings pitched. As the young phenom continues to develop, he should improve his consistency and command. Misiorowski has already flashed top-tier upside and is trending toward becoming one of the most dominant arms in the league.

Colorado Rockies outfielder Mickey Moniak launched his third home run of the season on Tuesday in a 5-1 win over the Houston Astros. Moniak now has three home runs in his last three games and is pushing to secure his everyday role with Colorado after posting an .824 OPS in 135 games last season. The 27-year-old also hit 24 home runs last year, 10 more than any previous season, signaling potential for more to come from the young lefty. Moniak is now slashing .278/.278/.778 with a 1.056 OPS in five games this season and is enjoying a power surge early as he looks to take the next step offensively.

Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz picked up his fourth save of the season on Tuesday in a 4-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. Diaz allowed a hit and a walk but minimized damage with his elite swing-and-miss stuff, striking out three to close out the game. In his first year in Los Angeles, Diaz has not lost his dominance, recording eight strikeouts in five innings while posting a 1.80 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. The closer role is firmly his, and he will continue to receive consistent save opportunities. Diaz should remain one of the most reliable late-inning options in the MLB as the Dodgers push for another World Series run.

Tampa Bay Rays reliever Bryan Baker has emerged as a reliable and effective option out of the bullpen in his first full year with the club. Baker has already recorded a save and a win, posting a 2.25 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in four innings of work. He has struggled to find consistency throughout his career, but is off to a dominant start to the 2026 season and is earning more trust from manager Kevin Cash. The 31-year-old has relied heavily on his changeup this year, throwing it 35 percent of the time with a run value in the 94th percentile. As Baker continues to see success, fantasy managers should consider adding him while he remains available.

Minnesota Twins reliever Cole Sands recorded just one out in the 4-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday. He entered in the eighth inning and allowed a lineout and two walks. Sands continues to search for a defined role in the backend of the Twins bullpen after securing his first save of the season in his first appearance. He has not received another save opportunity since. The 28-year-old has still been effective, posting a 2.25 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, and .231 opponents average. Sands worked primarily as a setup man last year, recording 13 holds and three saves, but could shift roles as he continues to navigate his usage.

Texas Rangers reliever Jakob Junis earned his second save of the season in a 3-2 win over the division-rival Seattle Mariners on Tuesday. Junis allowed two hits but minimized damage and induced weak contact, throwing 11 strikes out of 15 pitches. The 33-year-old has yet to allow a run or a walk in seven innings pitched this year, and has looked effective in late-game situations. He has progressed steadily over his 10-year career and is expected to earn more high-leverage opportunities if the success continues. Junis is in his first year with Texas after coming over from Cleveland, where he posted a 2.97 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 66 innings.