Giants, Brewers Targets; AFL Prospects Shine

The offseason picture expanded beyond Arizona Fall League performances: the San Francisco Giants are said to need high-leverage relief and starting/outfield upgrades after Randy Rodriguez underwent Tommy John surgery and is likely out for 2026, with Devin Williams and Jorge Polanco among names linked as fits. The Brewers could shop ace Freddy Peralta and may lose Brandon Woodruff to free agency, with some projections tying Woodruff to a roughly two-year, $22 million deal and the Rangers or Milwaukee as possible landing spots. The New York Mets are prioritizing a rotation fix after a post–All-Star break collapse, with a Bleacher Report trade concept sending Mackenzie Gore to the Mets, while Christian Scott is rebuilding after major elbow surgery and is expected to be ready for spring training. Several prospects continued to raise their stock in the AFL: Rangers reliever Emiliano Teodo (2.25 ERA, Stuff+ 104), Rockies outfielder Jared Thomas (strong hitting but elevated strikeouts), Royals catcher Blake Mitchell (two-hit game and first AFL homer), and Reds prospect Ryan McCrystal (.295, .791 OPS in his first full pro season). Broader MLB discussion has re-emerged about realignment amid Tampa Bay ownership and stadium uncertainty and data showing postseason success concentrated among top-payroll teams. Outside baseball, Bat Week at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park highlighted bats’ roles in ecosystems and conservation wins such as the Rodrigues Island flying fox recovery.