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The Seattle Mariners acquired right-hander Mike Baumann and minor league catcher Michael Perez from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for minor league backstop Blake Hunt on Wednesday night.
Baltimore designated Baumann for assignment on Saturday. He was 1-0 with a 3.44 ERA in 17 relief appearances this season after going 10-1 out of the bullpen last season.
Overall, Baumann, 28, is 13-5 with a 4.45 ERA in 94 appearances (four starts) with the Orioles over the past four seasons.
The Orioles optioned Hunt to Triple-A Norfolk. He was batting .293 with four homers and 20 RBIs in 23 games for Triple-A Tacoma.
Hunt, 25, was a second-round draft pick in 2017 by the San Diego Padres and also spent time in the Tampa Bay Rays' organization before being traded to the Mariners last November.
Perez, 31, was batting .221 with two homers and 13 RBIs in 21 games at Norfolk. He has played in 202 major league games with a .179 average and 15 homers for the Rays (2018-20), Pittsburgh Pirates (2021-22) and New York Mets (2022-23).
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Five reasons why the Dodgers will three-peat as World Series champions
Game 7 of the World Series isn't even 24 hours old, and already the business of baseball has shifted to the 2026 season. Scores of players officially became free agents Sunday, while others are choosing whether to exercise or decline options for next season. But one thing is for sure: The Los Angeles Dodgers are the overwhelming favorite to win a third straight World Series. This might be obvious because the Dodgers will likely run MLB's highest payroll onto the field on Opening Day. But there is substance to go with the big bucks. Here are five reasons why the Dodgers will become the first team since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees to win three titles in a row: 1. The full Shohei Ohtani Shohei Ohtani didn't make his season debut as a pitcher until June 16, 73 games into the Dodgers' season, following his second major elbow surgery. Since it was impossible to send him out on a rehab assignment without removing him from the MLB roster, he rehabbed his way back by slowly building up. Well, that won't be necessary in 2026. Ohtani will be a full go right from Opening Day. He pitched just 47 innings over 14 regular-season starts, but was under no limits in the postseason, as we saw with the right-hander starting Game 7 on three days' rest. During the regular season, Ohtani posted a 2.87 ERA with 1.7 walks and 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings. 2. Starting rotation is stacked Ohtani probably won't even be the Dodgers' Opening Day starter, however. That honor should go to Yoshinobu Yamamoto following his World Series MVP performance. From there, the starting five will be Tyler Glasnow, two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki. As always, health will be the key for the rotation, especially with Glasnow, but there is plenty in reserve in Tony Gonsolin, Emmet Sheehan, Bobby Miller and Gavin Stone. 3. Mookie Betts is completely healthy One reason the Dodgers finished with the third-best record in the NL this season was because of the health of shortstop Mookie Betts to begin the season. Betts had an undisclosed illness that took nearly 20 pounds off his already-slight 180-pound frame. He didn't hit above .258 in any month, with a low of .208 in July, before finally getting back on track in August and September. Betts finished with a slash line of .258/.326/.406 while playing Gold Glove-caliber defense at short, but still short of his career slash line of .278/.363/.505. There is nothing more dangerous than a driven Betts, so he could put up big numbers in 2026. 4. Room for more players While some pending free agents — think Enrique Hernandez and Miguel Rojas — will return, the Dodgers may be making free-agent additions and even a trade or two as they shed some contracts this offseason. A big outfield bat would be the biggest priority, likely a left fielder. A wild card in the outfield scenario would be whether the Dodgers opt to play Ohtani in the outfield on occasion. Ohtani had played in just seven games in the outfield, all coming in 2021, when he was in right field for six games and left for one. This could allow Ohtani to DH on the day before and after he pitches and give the other veterans a chance to just hit when he plays the outfield. 5. Dave Roberts at the helm Managing a superstar-studded roster like the Dodgers takes a unique skillset, one that Dave Roberts has navigated pretty well in recent years. He now has three World Series rings in six years. Roberts has shown the ability to adjust to circumstances, like last year with a bullpen-centric pitching staff, to this year with the bullpen a liability and the rotation a strength. Also, his feel for the game was on display with the insertion of Rojas into the lineup for Games 6 and 7 and putting Andy Pages in for defense in the ninth inning of Game 7 before his amazing catch.
Steelers make hard decision to part ways with once-promising defensive player
The Pittsburgh Steelers sought to bolster their secondary during the 2024 NFL season, and an unlikely solution quickly emerged in undrafted free agent Beanie Bishop Jr. In his rookie season, Bishop impressed by intercepting four passes and showing flashes of playmaking ability. However, following the 2024 campaign, it became clear that Pittsburgh wanted more than just Bishop to play a nickel role, and instead, across their secondary. After making several moves to strengthen depth in the secondary, Bishop's role diminished. He was moved to the practice squad, but after the Steelers were reportedly signing wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the practice squad on Monday, Bishop was forced off the roster. It was officially announced on Monday that the Steelers would be releasing Bishop from their practice squad. Bishop’s release underscores the harsh realities of roster management in the NFL. Despite his rookie success, the team clearly prioritized adding depth and flexibility elsewhere, particularly at wide receiver. While Bishop showed potential as a ballhawk, the Steelers’ secondary has now shifted toward veterans and other younger options to solidify the unit. For Bishop, this is likely not the end of his NFL journey, as players with his skill set often find opportunities on other teams or return to practice squads later in the season. Steelers fans will remember his contributions, but the organization appears focused on reshaping the roster for greater overall depth heading into the 2025 season. When the Steelers faced the Aaron Rodgers-led New York Jets during the 2024 NFL season, Bishop rose to the occasion. Targeted by the future Hall of Famer, Bishop answered the call in spectacular fashion, intercepting Rodgers not once, but twice. The performance instantly became a defining moment for the rookie, showcasing his ball-hawking instincts and fearlessness on the field. Ex-Steelers DB steals two footballs from Aaron Rodgers back in 2024 The game did not just make headlines for the on-field heroics. Afterward, Bishop went viral for his heartfelt postgame antics, making it clear that he expected Rodgers to autograph both intercepted footballs he kept. The moment captured the attention of fans and social media alike, cementing Bishop’s reputation as a confident and charismatic young player who was not afraid to make his mark. It is a memory that Bishop and Steelers fans will likely treasure for years to come. Bishop was thrilled to learn that in the 2025 offseason, Rodgers would be joining the Steelers. Rodgers became part of the team for the 2025 season. While it does not appear that the two are currently teammates, the ever-revolving nature of NFL practice squads means this may not be Bishop’s last opportunity in Pittsburgh or in the NFL. His rookie season showed his talent and potential, and there could still be a chance for him to make an impact in the Steel City or elsewhere in the league.
Eagles-Saints Trade Speculation Doesn't Make Sense
The Philadelphia Eagles have already pulled off three trades ahead of the National Football League trade deadline over the last week with time for more. The trade deadline is one of the most interesting times of the year because there is endless speculation out there and mock trades as well. Some make perfect sense. Others, not so much. For example, Yahoo Sports senior writer Frank Schwab made a list of eight mock deals he wants to see. One involved the Eagles getting cornerback Alontae Taylor from the New Orleans Saints. "CB Alontae Taylor to Eagles," Schwab said. "The Eagles made a move to help their pass rush, but cornerback depth is still an issue. They acquired cornerback Jaire Alexander in a low-cost move, but there's a reason the Ravens were willing to move him. Cornerback Michael Carter was added too but the Eagles should be aiming higher. Taylor would fit in well, and he has been rumored to be possibly on the move with the Saints season continuing to get worse." This type of deal doesn't make sense for Philadelphia The Eagles' cornerback room was a big question, but after the additions of Jaire Alexander and Michael Carter II, that no longer is the case. The Eagles have Cooper DeJean, who they could move to the outside if they really wanted to, although that doesn't seem likely after the additions at this moment. Vic Fangio recently talked about the idea and sounded hesitant even before the trades. But, still, DeJean is there along with Adoree' Jackson and Kelee Ringo. The Eagles have the draft capital to get a deal done if they really wanted to and Taylor is a talented player, but at this point, cornerback isn't an issue for the team any longer. The Eagles addressed the pass rush too. With time running out before Tuesday's deadline, the Eagles don't need to do anything splashy any longer. If the Eagles are still looking, the next thing that would make sense is adding another depth offensive lineman. Injuries have been a problem this season, so preemptively adding someone could be a nice luxury. But, the Eagles' roster -- at least on paper -- looks ready for the stretch run and doesn't need a third corner before the deadline.
Marcus Spears jokes about Howie Roseman after latest Eagles trade: ‘I hate him’
The Philadelphia Eagles got the ball rolling over 24 hours before the NFL trade deadline. Jaelan Phillips will join the Eagles via the Miami Dolphins, adding an impact pass rusher. It’s the type of move we have come accustomed to from Philadelphia general manager Howie Roseman in recent years. ESPN’s Marcus Spears is fed up with Roseman, at least when he has his Dallas Cowboys fan hat on. Spears is just like plenty of other people in Dallas, watching their bitter NFC East rivals continue to push for Super Bowls. “I hate Howie,” Spears said. “I hate him. I’m so sick of him. I’ve been sick of him for a couple years now… Howie knows I don’t hate him. I actually admire the way he goes after winning championships and does not wait. You think about the Eagles for the last four years — going to Super Bowls, having opportunities to win them. He’s made a significant trade, at some point, in all of those seasons.” Roseman lifted the Lombardi Trophy in February, then watched the banner be unveiled at Lincoln Financial Field before the Eagles and Cowboys played. Philadelphia emerged as a winner, starting their Super Bowl defense 1-0. Now, the record sits at 6-2 overall in a wide-open NFC, and Roseman appears to have his sights on another championship. Spears has nothing but respect for the way Roseman conducts business. You have to imagine many across the league feel the same way. But they may just express it in the same way Spears did, coming at it with a little jealousy. Dallas Cowboys yet to make move ahead of NFL trade deadline This one may even sting a little more because Dallas is searching for a player who can get after quarterbacks too. Philadelphia wound up sending a third-round pick to Miami, something the Cowboys do not currently have. The Pittsburgh Steelers have that due to the George Pickens trade. Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones hinted, if not told us, something is on the way soon. When speaking to Stephen A. Smith on the radio, Jones claimed a trade is done and will be released on Tuesday, just hours after the team plays on Monday Night Football against the Arizona Cardinals. “Immediately it will have him on the field and it will address some of the things that have been our shortcomings,” Jones said via Jon Machota of The Athletic.
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