#competitive-balance-tax

#competitive-balance-tax

The Cubs trading for Edward Cabrera was the big news on Wednesday. Several teams have tried to trade for the right-hander over the last year, but the Marlins have maintained an unreasonable asking price. Heading into the 2025 trade deadline, the Marlins asked the Cubs for two top-100 prospects and more. No one met those demands, so Cabrera stayed with the Marlins to finish out the 2025 season.

Teams pay escalating penalties for exceeding the threshold in consecutive seasons. The Dodgers, Mets, Yankees, Phillies and Rangers have all paid the tax in at least three straight years - subjecting them to the highest escalator fees. The Astros went over the line for the second straight season. The Blue Jays, Padres and Red Sox had gotten below in 2024 and are categorized as first-time payors.

The Los Angeles Dodgers came to an agreement on a three-year, $69 million contract with free agent closer Edwin Díaz to provide a major boost to their bullpen. The $23 million average annual value (AAV) of the contract set a new record for relievers, surpassing the $20.4 million mark Díaz received in his last deal with the New York Mets. It is the second major contract the Dodgers have handed out to a relief pitcher in as many years, following the signing of Tanner Scott last offseason.

Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker and Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber headline the 13 players who were tendered the $22.025 million qualifying offer on Thursday, sources told ESPN. Players who are tended the qualifying offer have until Nov. 18 to accept or reject the one-year deal. Other players to have been tagged, sources told ESPN, include: * Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette * Houston Astros left-hander Framber Valdez * San Diego Padres right-hander Dylan Cease * Phillies left-hander Ranger Suarez * New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz * Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres * Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Brandon Woodruff * Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen * mlbCubs left-hander Shota Imanaga * Padres right-hander Michael King * New York Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham.

As former San Francisco Giants starter Blake Snell gets ready to start Game 1 of the World Series for the archrival Dodgers, one key figure around the Giants is saying the left-hander will have a serious impact on how much San Francisco can spend this offseason. Giants broadcaster Dave Flemming was a guest on the " TK Show" podcast from San Francisco Standard columnist Tim Kawakami.