MLB Rumors: Outfielders

Burleson is likely to split most of his playing time between designated hitter and the corner outfield in 2026 after Willson Contreras indicated he plans to stay with the Cardinals, reports Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat.

According to Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com, O'Neill isn't expected to exercise the opt-out in contract this offseason, keeping him with the Orioles for the remaining two years of his deal.

Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic believes the "smart money" is on Tucker not re-signing with the Cubs this offseason.

Tucker was noncommittal when asked Saturday about staying with the Cubs long-term, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Bellinger is expected opt out of his contract with the Yankees this offseason, but he could still return to the Bronx for 2026 given that he's said he would "absolutely" like to come back, reports Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post believes the Yankees shouldn't attempt to re-sign Grisham during the offseason.

Bellinger is expected to opt out of his contract with the Yankees to become a free agent this winter, according to Jorge Castillo of ESPN.

Walker has been training at Driveline Baseball early in the offseason.

Duran led the AL in triples during the 2025 MLB season with 13.

Carroll led the National League with 15 triples in the 2025 MLB season and became the first player to lead the NL in that category in three straight campaigns.

The Padres placed Laureano on the 10-day injured list on Sep. 27 due to a fracture in the index finger of his right hand, and the veteran outfielder is not expected to play in the postseason, according to Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Suzuki was named the National League Player of the Week for the week of Sept. 22 to 28.

Judge was named the American League Player of the Week for the final week of the regular season.

Rodriguez was one of seven players who finished the 2025 MLB season with at least 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases, according to Manny Randhawa of MLB.com.

Crow-Armstrong was one of seven players who finished the 2025 MLB season with at least 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases, according to Manny Randhawa of MLB.com.

Soto was one of seven players who finished the 2025 MLB season with at least 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases, according to Manny Randhawa of MLB.com.

Carroll was one of seven players who finished the 2025 MLB season with at least 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases, according to Manny Randhawa of MLB.com.

Judge won the 2025 American League batting title after hitting an MLB-best .331.

Grisham was close to being traded to the Mets before the deadline this season, according to Andy Martino of SNY.tv.

Chourio became the youngest player in MLB history to record multiple seasons of 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.

The Cubs are hoping to reinstate Tucker, who's dealing with a calf injury, on Friday, according to Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Castellanos criticized the communication he has with manager Rob Thomson after Friday's win over the Diamondbacks, according to Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer. "Communication over the years has been questionable, at least in my experience.... There's just been times where things have been said, and then, over the course of years, I'll have expectations because I'll latch on to what's being said and then actions would be different," Castellanos said. "And then I'm kind of left just thinking and whatnot. But again, like it is what it is. Adapt, do what I can. At the end of the day we're here to win a World Series."

Manager Will Venable said Wednesday that the White Sox are "probably running out of time" for Robert to return this season from a hamstring injury, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.

Adell, who missed Monday's game due to an illness, was named the American League Player of the Week on Monday.

Burleson is expected to return to the Cardinals' active roster after Garrett Hampson is designated for assignment by the Cardinals on Monday, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic.