Mining the News (11/13/26)

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Free Agents

• Keith Law analyzed Michael King while mentioning a different slider King threw late in the season.

The change happened after the All-Star break with a bump of 1 mph and 100 rpm’s. He didn’t start throwing it more until September when he increased his usage to 15%. The pitch’s botOvr increased from 53 to 56 and its Pitching+ from 102 to 107.

American League

Orioles

• Michael Forret should be added to the 40-man roster and the team considers him big league ready.

The team is in need of starting pitching and he should join the rotation at some point next season.

National League

Braves

• There is no quick desicion coming on Jurickson Profar.

In other words, the Braves aren’t going to make an unnecessary immediate emotional decision. Releasing Profar now would create no financial or roster benefit. That could change as the offseason progresses.
…
If there doesn’t seem to be a fit at the end of camp, the Braves could release Profar. The financial cost would be the same as it would be if the decision was made today. But at least other options would have been evaluated before it was determined best to eat the $15 million.

I suspect the team will hold on to Profar through the lockout. If the season is shortened, the team won’t have to pay Profar a portion of the millions he’s owed.

• Shortstop prospect Alex Lodise is discussed including a major mid-season improvement with his plate discipline.

The team needs a shortstop and Lodise is the closest to being major league ready. Across three minor league levels, the 22-year-old hit .272/.355/.486 with 28 HR and 17 SB.

Mets

• Tylor Megill (677 ADP) is out of options.

I’m fine with taking a chance on him at his current cost. Even though he struggled with walks in 2025 (4.4 BB/9), he still posted a 3.95 ERA and 11.7 K/9.

Nationals

• Jake Irvin is being considered for a rotation spot if he adds 3 mph to his fastball.

Toboni indicated that, behind Cavalli, Alvarez and Connelly Early, Jake Irvin has put himself in a good position to compete for a rotation spot. Though Irvin has a 5.62 ERA over the last two years, some evaluators believe that is largely a byproduct of his low-90s velocity.

Irvin is working with team officials in West Palm Beach, Fla., to address the issue — the team hopes that if he can sit 95 mph at his frame and arm slot, he can make a significant leap.

So 3 mph. We’ll see.

• Andrew Pinckney is mentioned as a backup outfielder.

Pinckney wasn’t on my radar, but I see the 25-year-old hit .270/.347/.437 with 16 HR and 20 SB in AAA last season. Our Steamer600 projections have him at 17 HR and 18 SB. While he’s not lined up to start at the moment, if he does get playing time, don’t ignore him.

Phillies

• Brandon Marsh dealt with a hand injury for months.

Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh underwent surgery on his left hand, just above the wrist, reports Matt Gelb of The Athletic. The procedure took place just after the season ended. There was no public information about a hand injury for Marsh during the season but Gelb says he played through it for months. It’s unclear if team personnel knew about the issue. Gelb adds that Marsh is available in trade talks this offseason as the Phillies are telling other clubs they aren’t locked into anything in the outfield.

I wonder when the injury occurred?

Rockies

• Mickey Moniak struggled after returning from a May ankle injury.

He had a .942 OPS before the injury and a .648 OPS after it.