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Before you shut down the computer for the week today, let’s catch up on news around MLB this week. Two fascinating one-for-one trades went down recently with a number of other stories around the league to keep an eye on as well.

While you may off the clock, keep an eye out for our Holiday Guide on Friday, which will contain plenty of awesome potential gifts for the holiday season.

The whole team at Just Baseball wishes you an excellent Thanksgiving and holiday weekend from our family to yours!

Marcus Semien for Brandon Nimmo Trade

There’s always that one early offseason move, whether it be via free agency or the trade market, that just comes out of nowhere. Yeah, this one qualifies!

Mets create ELITE middle infield duo and save long-term money. While Marcus Semien may be past the prime of his career offensively, he is an excellent defender at second base and still has some juice left at the plate. Alongside Francisco Lindor, this duo will challenge Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner for the best defensive middle infield in baseball.

Rangers add masher and financial flexibility for the next two years. Semien was a core piece in Texas, but he’s 35 years old and is owed $26 million in each of the next two seasons. This deal saves the Rangers approximately $7 million in each of the next two years, while providing them with a little more offensive juice in their outfield.

New York will now look to upgrade the outfield. They may have already been doing so, but the Mets are even more likely to add a big outfielder now. This trade opens up the possibility of a Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger signing…

Just Baseball Trivia of the Week

Our newsletter will have a trivia question every week to test and expand the baseball knowledge of our subscribers! The answer to the weekly trivia question will be at the bottom of the newsletter each week.

Who leads MLB second basemen in fWAR in the 2020’s?

A) Jose Altuve

B) Marcus Semien

C) Ketel Marte

D) Nico Hoerner

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Moves and Top Stories

A variety of smaller deals and new rumors have emerged this week as we’re just two short weeks away from the MLB Winter Meetings, where free agency often really heats up.

Grayson Rodriguez for Taylor Ward Trade

Speaking of surprise trades, this one certainly came out of nowhere. While Taylor Ward being moved this offseason ahead of hitting free agency after 2026 seemed likely, the return for him was unexpected.

Ward was dealt to the Orioles in exchange for former top prospect Grayson Rodriguez. The initial reaction here was one of confusion, but the deal benefits each team in some capacity.

Baltimore gets a bat that they know will plug into their lineup and produce this coming season. With uncertainty surrounding parts of this roster, Ward will lend at least some stability. Meanwhile, the Orioles can allocate innings elsewhere as they likely have little faith in Rodriguez’s healthy if they’re willing to deal him for a rental.

For the Angels, they will now have four years of control on a pitcher with elite upside if he can remain healthy. This is the type of upside swing is one the Halos should be making in their current status.

New Free Agents Join Market After Non-Tender Deadline

The non-tender deadline represents a time for teams to remove players from their 40-man roster ahead of when they lock leading up to the Rule 5 Draft.

This often leads to veteran players, particularly those in arbitration, being let go by their team due to a higher price tag for the upcoming season.

Adolis Garcia headlines this year’s batch of late free agents, who now join the existing free agents on the market. In a weak class of outfielders behind Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger, Garcia’s upside and lengthy track record may be coveted.

Ryan Helsley…The Starter?

The reliever-to-starter trend has been gaining steam the past couple seasons with the likes of Clay Holmes, Reynaldo Lopez, and others having success with the transition.

The latest potential candidate is reportedly flame-throwing closer Ryan Helsley, who has not started a game since he was in the minor leagues.

The biggest immediate question is pitch usage as he has relied primarily on two pitches for most of his career as a high-leverage reliever. Helsley would certainly need to up the usage of his curveball in addition to possibly adding another pitch.

After a brutal second half, Helsley would be a buy low candidate as a reliever, but maybe his market actually grows as a potential starter.

Sonny Gray to the Red Sox

Last minute addition here with breaking news dropping this morning!

The Red Sox are acquiring veteran starter Sonny Gray from the Cardinals in exchange for right-hander Richard Fitts and prospect left-hander Brandon Clarke. Boston was clearly looking for a rotation veteran to mix in with Garrett Crochet and their young arms while St. Louis moves off a veteran for some upside.

Gray may not be the borderline ace he once was, but he has remained the staple of consistency in recent years and will look to bring that to Boston.

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Other Headlines

↔️ Our final Top 100 Prospects of 2025 dropped recently, which you can read all of the highlights from here. Could some of these top prospects be on the move this winter? Read more!

😳 Rumors surrounding Arizona star Ketel Marte have been swirling lately. We put together six mock trade packages for the star second baseman…don’t get mad at us when you read these (talking to you, Reds fans!).

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Trivia Answer: B) Marcus Semien

Since the start of 2020, no second basemen has produced more fWAR than the newest addition to the Mets roster. He leads the way at 23.5, followed closely by Altuve at 22.1 fWAR.

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