MLB Week in Review: Top 7 Stories from Jan 26 – Feb 1, 2026

A busy week of signings, trades, and front-office change: the Giants landed Harrison Bader, the Yankees kept Cody Bellinger, the Mets and Rangers made major rotation additions, José Ramírez stayed in Cleveland, the White Sox added Seranthony Domínguez, and the Twins parted ways with Derek Falvey. Here’s the rundown—and what it means for AthX.

1. Giants Sign Harrison Bader (2 years, $20.5M)

San Francisco addressed a glaring need in center field, signing Harrison Bader to a two-year, $20.5 million deal (Jan. 26). Bader, 31, is coming off a strong 2025 (.277, 17 HR, 146 games with Twins/Phillies) and brings elite defense (Gold Glove 2021; 76 outs above average since 2018, most among outfielders). The Giants’ outfield tied for worst in MLB with -18 OAA in 2025—Bader should slot in as everyday center fielder, with Jung Hoo Lee likely shifting to a corner.

2. Yankees Re-Sign Cody Bellinger (5 years, $162.5M)

The New York Yankees re-signed Cody Bellinger to a five-year, $162.5 million contract (Jan. 21). The deal includes a $20 million signing bonus, no deferrals, and player opt-outs after 2027 and 2028; Bellinger also received a full no-trade clause. In 2025 he batted .272/.334/.480 with 29 home runs in 152 games and earned All-MLB Second Team honors—his best season since his 2019 NL MVP year with the Dodgers.

3. Mets Acquire Freddy Peralta from Brewers

The New York Mets acquired Freddy Peralta and Tobias Myers from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for prospects Jett Williams (SS/2B/OF, Mets No. 3 / MLB Top 30) and Brandon Sproat (RHP, Mets No. 5) (Jan. 22). Peralta, 29, is a two-time All-Star who posted a 2.70 ERA in 33 starts with 200+ strikeouts in 2025 (fifth in NL Cy Young voting) and has an $8 million club option for 2026. The deal significantly upgrades the Mets’ rotation.

4. Rangers Acquire MacKenzie Gore from Nationals

The Texas Rangers acquired LHP MacKenzie Gore from the Washington Nationals in a five-prospect deal (Jan. 22). Washington received Gavin Fien (SS, Rangers No. 2), Alejandro Rosario (RHP, No. 6), Devin Fitz-Gerald (INF, No. 12), Yeremy Cabrera (OF, No. 16), and Abimelec Ortiz (1B/OF, No. 18). Gore, 26, was a 2025 NL All-Star (4.17 ERA, 30 starts, 185 K, 29.7% whiff rate) and is under control through 2027. He joins Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi in a revamped Texas rotation.

5. Guardians Extend José Ramírez (7 years, $175M)

José Ramírez agreed to a seven-year, $175 million extension with the Cleveland Guardians (Jan. 24), keeping him through 2032. The deal adds $106 million in new money to the three years and $69M he had left; $10 million per year is deferred (payments begin 2036), and he received a full no-trade clause plus MVP bonuses. Ramírez, 33, is a seven-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger and is approaching 300 HR / 300 SB (15 HR and 13 SB away).

6. White Sox Sign Seranthony Domínguez (2 years, $20M)

The Chicago White Sox signed RHP Seranthony Domínguez to a two-year, $20 million contract (Jan. 23), with a $12 million mutual option for 2028 ($2M buyout). Domínguez, 31, is expected to serve as the primary closer; he averaged 97.7 mph on his fastball and in 2025 posted a 3.16 ERA with 79 strikeouts in 62⅔ innings (67 appearances) for Baltimore and Toronto, with a 1.86 ERA in 29 career postseason games.

7. Twins, Derek Falvey Part Ways

Derek Falvey, president of baseball and business operations for the Minnesota Twins, departed in a mutual agreement (Jan. 31). Falvey had been with the Twins since 2016 and was promoted to oversee both baseball and business in March 2025. The move follows new principal owner Tom Pohlad taking over in December 2025. GM Jeremy Zoll will assume a more prominent role overseeing baseball operations; Tom Pohlad will handle business operations on an interim basis. Under Falvey the Twins made four postseason appearances and won three division titles (70–92 in 2025).

What It Means for AthX

Signings and trades shift roles, lineups, and ballparks—dynamic pricing responds to new teams and usage. Bader and Bellinger stay relevant as everyday outfielders; Peralta and Gore get rotation boosts in New York and Texas; Ramírez’s long-term commitment stabilizes his Cleveland profile; Domínguez’s closing role could lift his value. Front-office change in Minnesota may affect how the Twins build their roster going forward. Use this week’s moves to build or adjust your portfolio before spring games ramp up.

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*Sources: ESPN, MLB.com, MLB Trade Rumors, AP, The Athletic, Fox Sports, Washington Post, CBS Sports, Yahoo Sports, NY Post, Baseball America, Bleacher Report. Fact-checked February 1, 2026.*