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While the spotlight is on the Pirates for Brandon Lowe, and Jake Magnum, don’t leave out Mason Montgomery. Although he struggled in late relief with the Rays in 2025, his upside could make him a dominant set-up or even a potential closer with Pittsburgh. Mason Montgomery throws from a high release point, averaging 98.7 miles per hour with 18.5 inches of vertical break. He also throws a slider that averages 89.7 miles per hour with sharp arm side break that plays very well with his fastball. Montgomery’s strong areas were his ability to get swing and misses while having opposing hitters chase frequently, however, he struggled with command which led to a high H/9 (9.6), and a high BB/9 (5.3). If his command improves, Montgomery will be one of the best relief options in the league with many years of control left. I absolutely love this move for Pittsburgh. They upgraded their lineup heavily, while adding to their bullpen in Mason Montgomery, who could be a real game changer for the Buccos in 2026. #Pirates #LetsgoBucs #Pittsburgh #MLB

While the spotlight is on the Pirates for Brandon Lowe, and Jake Magnum, don’t leave out Mason Montgomery. Although he struggled in late relief with the Rays in 2025, his upside could make him a dominant set-up or even a potential closer with Pittsburgh. Mason Montgomery throws from a high release point, averaging 98.7 miles per hour with 18.5 inches of vertical break. He also throws a slider that averages 89.7 miles per hour with sharp arm side break that plays very well with his fastball. Montgomery’s strong areas were his ability to get swing and misses while having opposing hitters chase frequently, however, he struggled with command which led to a high H/9 (9.6), and a high BB/9 (5.3). If his command improves, Montgomery will be one of the best relief options in the league with many years of control left. I absolutely love this move for Pittsburgh. They upgraded their lineup heavily, while adding to their bullpen in Mason Montgomery, who could be a real game changer for the Buccos in 2026. #Pirates #LetsgoBucs #Pittsburgh #MLB

While the spotlight is on the Pirates for Brandon Lowe, and Jake Magnum, don’t leave out Mason Montgomery. Although he struggled in late relief with the Rays in 2025, his upside could make him a dominant set-up or even a potential closer with Pittsburgh. Mason Montgomery throws from a high release point, averaging 98.7 miles per hour with 18.5 inches of vertical break. He also throws a slider that averages 89.7 miles per hour with sharp arm side break that plays very well with his fastball. Montgomery’s strong areas were his ability to get swing and misses while having opposing hitters chase frequently, however, he struggled with command which led to a high H/9 (9.6), and a high BB/9 (5.3). If his command improves, Montgomery will be one of the best relief options in the league with many years of control left. I absolutely love this move for Pittsburgh. They upgraded their lineup heavily, while adding to their bullpen in Mason Montgomery, who could be a real game changer for the Buccos in 2026. #Pirates #LetsgoBucs #Pittsburgh #MLB

Pirates trade: Source confirms that the Pirates have acquired second baseman Brandon Lowe, outfielder Jake Mangum and LHP Mason Montgomery from the Rays, pending medicals. They'll send Mike Burrows to Houston in a 3-team deal. @Ken_Rosenthal had it.

With the Baltimore Orioles signing star first baseman, Pete Alonso, this gives them one of the best lineups in baseball. This could allow the Orioles to trade some of their young, promising players for proven pitching talent. Here are my favorite possible trade proposals: Trade 1: Orioles receive: Sandy Alcantara-RHP Marlins receive: Coby Mayo-3B/1B, Caden Bodine-C (#10) Although at a high price, this gives the Orioles a potential frontline starter who has a couple years of control, while the Marlins would be receiving immense talent at both the corner infield, and catcher position. Trade 2: Orioles receive: Freddy Peralta-RHP Brewers receive: Enrique Bradfield Jr.-OF (#4), Michael Forret-RHP (#11) The Orioles would receive an ace who gives a consistent 160+ innings for 1 year, while the Brewers would receive a speedy, talented outfielder in Bradfield Jr. and a pitcher who’s seen great success paired with great stuff. Trade 3: Orioles receive: Seth Lugo-RHP Royals receive: Heston Kjerstad-OF Orioles would get a veteran pitcher who can pitch good quality innings, while the Royals get a young, projectable outfielder who fills a hole in their roster. #MLB #Orioles #Marlins #Brewers #Royals #Birdland #MLBOffseason #MLBNetwork

With the Baltimore Orioles signing star first baseman, Pete Alonso, this gives them one of the best lineups in baseball. This could allow the Orioles to trade some of their young, promising players for proven pitching talent. Here are my favorite possible trade proposals: Trade 1: Orioles receive: Sandy Alcantara-RHP Marlins receive: Coby Mayo-3B/1B, Caden Bodine-C (#10) Although at a high price, this gives the Orioles a potential frontline starter who has a couple years of control, while the Marlins would be receiving immense talent at both the corner infield, and catcher position. Trade 2: Orioles receive: Freddy Peralta-RHP Brewers receive: Enrique Bradfield Jr.-OF (#4), Michael Forret-RHP (#11) The Orioles would receive an ace who gives a consistent 160+ innings for 1 year, while the Brewers would receive a speedy, talented outfielder in Bradfield Jr. and a pitcher who’s seen great success paired with great stuff. Trade 3: Orioles receive: Seth Lugo-RHP Royals receive: Heston Kjerstad-OF Orioles would get a veteran pitcher who can pitch good quality innings, while the Royals get a young, projectable outfielder who fills a hole in their roster. #MLB #Orioles #Marlins #Brewers #Royals #Birdland #MLBOffseason #MLBNetwork

With the Baltimore Orioles signing star first baseman, Pete Alonso, this gives them one of the best lineups in baseball. This could allow the Orioles to trade some of their young, promising players for proven pitching talent. Here are my favorite possible trade proposals: Trade 1: Orioles receive: Sandy Alcantara-RHP Marlins receive: Coby Mayo-3B/1B, Caden Bodine-C (#10) Although at a high price, this gives the Orioles a potential frontline starter who has a couple years of control, while the Marlins would be receiving immense talent at both the corner infield, and catcher position. Trade 2: Orioles receive: Freddy Peralta-RHP Brewers receive: Enrique Bradfield Jr.-OF (#4), Michael Forret-RHP (#11) The Orioles would receive an ace who gives a consistent 160+ innings for 1 year, while the Brewers would receive a speedy, talented outfielder in Bradfield Jr. and a pitcher who’s seen great success paired with great stuff. Trade 3: Orioles receive: Seth Lugo-RHP Royals receive: Heston Kjerstad-OF Orioles would get a veteran pitcher who can pitch good quality innings, while the Royals get a young, projectable outfielder who fills a hole in their roster. #MLB #Orioles #Marlins #Brewers #Royals #Birdland #MLBOffseason #MLBNetwork

The Nationals just acquired catching prospect, Harry Ford, for left-handed reliever, Jose Ferrer. The Nationals needed a catcher, and the Mariners need bullpen help while being locked in with Cal Raleigh at the catcher position. Harry Ford is the 42nd ranked prospect in baseball, while being ranked 3rd in the catching position. Ford had a good year in the minors in 2025 hitting .283 with 16 home runs and a .868 ops. A great get for the Nationals who should be on the opening day roster. First glance this trade could seem lopsided, however, Jose Ferrer was one of the better relievers when looking at underlying metrics while not hitting arbitration until 2027. In 76.1 innings, Ferrer pitched to a 4.48 ERA, with a 3.03 FIP. Ferrer was exceptional at limiting walks and home runs, and primarily struggled with giving up hits. Jose Ferrer also was elite at limiting barrels and giving up ground balls. Pairing these underlying metrics with T-Mobile park could give Jose Ferrer an opportunity to be one of the best set up mans in baseball in 2026. #MLB #Nationals #Mariners #Seattle #Trades

The Nationals just acquired catching prospect, Harry Ford, for left-handed reliever, Jose Ferrer. The Nationals needed a catcher, and the Mariners need bullpen help while being locked in with Cal Raleigh at the catcher position. Harry Ford is the 42nd ranked prospect in baseball, while being ranked 3rd in the catching position. Ford had a good year in the minors in 2025 hitting .283 with 16 home runs and a .868 ops. A great get for the Nationals who should be on the opening day roster. First glance this trade could seem lopsided, however, Jose Ferrer was one of the better relievers when looking at underlying metrics while not hitting arbitration until 2027. In 76.1 innings, Ferrer pitched to a 4.48 ERA, with a 3.03 FIP. Ferrer was exceptional at limiting walks and home runs, and primarily struggled with giving up hits. Jose Ferrer also was elite at limiting barrels and giving up ground balls. Pairing these underlying metrics with T-Mobile park could give Jose Ferrer an opportunity to be one of the best set up mans in baseball in 2026. #MLB #Nationals #Mariners #Seattle #Trades

The Nationals just acquired catching prospect, Harry Ford, for left-handed reliever, Jose Ferrer. The Nationals needed a catcher, and the Mariners need bullpen help while being locked in with Cal Raleigh at the catcher position. Harry Ford is the 42nd ranked prospect in baseball, while being ranked 3rd in the catching position. Ford had a good year in the minors in 2025 hitting .283 with 16 home runs and a .868 ops. A great get for the Nationals who should be on the opening day roster. First glance this trade could seem lopsided, however, Jose Ferrer was one of the better relievers when looking at underlying metrics while not hitting arbitration until 2027. In 76.1 innings, Ferrer pitched to a 4.48 ERA, with a 3.03 FIP. Ferrer was exceptional at limiting walks and home runs, and primarily struggled with giving up hits. Jose Ferrer also was elite at limiting barrels and giving up ground balls. Pairing these underlying metrics with T-Mobile park could give Jose Ferrer an opportunity to be one of the best set up mans in baseball in 2026. #MLB #Nationals #Mariners #Seattle #Trades

The Nationals just acquired catching prospect, Harry Ford, for left-handed reliever, Jose Ferrer. The Nationals needed a catcher, and the Mariners need bullpen help while being locked in with Cal Raleigh at the catcher position. Harry Ford is the 42nd ranked prospect in baseball, while being ranked 3rd in the catching position. Ford had a good year in the minors in 2025 hitting .283 with 16 home runs and a .868 ops. A great get for the Nationals who should be on the opening day roster. First glance this trade could seem lopsided, however, Jose Ferrer was one of the better relievers when looking at underlying metrics while not hitting arbitration until 2027. In 76.1 innings, Ferrer pitched to a 4.48 ERA, with a 3.03 FIP. Ferrer was exceptional at limiting walks and home runs, and primarily struggled with giving up hits. Jose Ferrer also was elite at limiting barrels and giving up ground balls. Pairing these underlying metrics with T-Mobile park could give Jose Ferrer an opportunity to be one of the best set up mans in baseball in 2026. #MLB #Nationals #Mariners #Seattle #Trades

The Nationals just acquired catching prospect, Harry Ford, for left-handed reliever, Jose Ferrer. The Nationals needed a catcher, and the Mariners need bullpen help while being locked in with Cal Raleigh at the catcher position. Harry Ford is the 42nd ranked prospect in baseball, while being ranked 3rd in the catching position. Ford had a good year in the minors in 2025 hitting .283 with 16 home runs and a .868 ops. A great get for the Nationals who should be on the opening day roster. First glance this trade could seem lopsided, however, Jose Ferrer was one of the better relievers when looking at underlying metrics while not hitting arbitration until 2027. In 76.1 innings, Ferrer pitched to a 4.48 ERA, with a 3.03 FIP. Ferrer was exceptional at limiting walks and home runs, and primarily struggled with giving up hits. Jose Ferrer also was elite at limiting barrels and giving up ground balls. Pairing these underlying metrics with T-Mobile park could give Jose Ferrer an opportunity to be one of the best set up mans in baseball in 2026. #MLB #Nationals #Mariners #Seattle #Trades

The first player I pick to have a breakout year in 2024 is Grayson Rodriguez, a right-handed starting pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles. Grayson Rodriguez is currently 24 years old and is a solidified arm into the Baltimore Orioles weak rotation. Here is why I think Rodriguez is a prime breakout candidate for the Orioles: In the first half of the MLB Season, Rodriguez started in 10 games, which he put up brutal stats. From April 5th, 2023 up until the MLB all star break, July 7th, 2023, Rodriguez held a 7.35 era with a 5.90 FIP. He also walked a ton of batters, averaging 4.17 walks per nine innings (BB/9). Rodriguez had 4 games with 3 or more walks, while only pitching in 5.0 or less innings. Although his first 10 starts were not what the Orioles were expecting, Rodriguez did face some bad luck. In those 10 games, he held a 3.92 xFIP, and a .372 BABIP (Batting average of balls put in play). Grayson Rodriguez was sent down in the early-middle part of the season due to his bad performance, but once the all star break was over, he looked liked a completely new pitcher. From his first start after the all star break, July 17th, 2023, to his last regular season start, September 27th, 2023, Grayson held a 2.58 era with a 2.76 FIP. During this 13 game stretch, Rodriguez completely cut down on the walks, posting a 2.47 walks per nine innings, while only having 1 game where he had 3 or more walks in 5.0 innings pitched or less. He also limited the homeruns, only giving up 3 in 76.2 innings pitched (post all star break) compared to his 13 homeruns in only 45.1 innings pitched (pre all star break). The only sabermetric Rodriguez had less results after the all star break was his strikeout rate. Before the break, Rodriguez struck out 11.12 batters per nine innings (K/9), or 56 strikeouts in 45.1 innings pitched. However, after the break, he struck out 8.57 batters per nine innings, or 73 strikeouts in 76.2 innings pitched. Although he sacrificed the strikeouts, he focused more on creating weaker contact, which made him a much better pitcher. One of the main factors that led Rodriguez to have a much better second half of the season was to cut out the usage of his cutter. When Grayson used the cutter, opponents hit for a .316 batting average with a .842 SLG. Basically, when Grayson threw the cutter, opponents not only hit it, but hit it for extra bases. Rodriguez last threw his cutter on August 2nd, 2023. From that date to the end of the season, Rodriguez had a repertoire of a 4-seam fastball, a changeup, a curveball, and a slider. After the all star break, Grayson Rodriguez completely changed his game, and helped the Orioles win the American League East division over the Rays. I believe Rodriguez will break out next year, and even has the chance to become the Orioles ace, de-crowning Kyle Bradish, while also tallying some Cy Young votes. #MLB #Orioles #Pitcher #GraysonRodriguez #OriolePark #Birdland

The Angels just acquired Grayson Rodriguez from the Angels in exchange for Taylor Ward. First thoughts👇 The Angels cashed in on this trade in my opinion, as Taylor Ward is a win-now player and the Angels are not in a place to win. Of course, Grayson Rodriguez comes with injury concerns, but when healthy he has potential to be a game changer for the Halos. In 2024, Rodriguez pitched in 116.2 innings striking out 130 with an ERA of 3.86 and a whip at 1.24. His fastball is a solid pitch that sits in the mid-high 90’s, however his change up was an elite pitch in 2024. His breaking balls could use work, but from a first glance, the Angels have a chance to get a front of the line Ace with this move. #Angels #LTBU #Orioles #Birdland #MLB #MLBOffseason