MLB players increase potential war chest to $415 million ahead of bargaining

Big league baseball players increased their potential war chest of cash and investments ahead of collective bargaining to $415 million heading into 2026, up from $284 million at the start of 2025, according to the union’s annual federal disclosure form filed. The Major League Baseball Players Association had $222.1 million in U.S. Treasury securities, $155.5 million in other investments and $37.4 million in cash as of Dec. 31. The union executive board has withheld 100% of licensing money due players for 2024 and 2025 to prepare for bargaining to replace the current labor contract, which expires on Dec. 1. That money could be disbursed to players during a work stoppage.

Jays say RHP Ponce expected to miss ‘significant time’
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Cody Ponce is expected to miss “significant time” because of a sprained ligament in his right knee, manager John Schneider said. The Blue Jays put Ponce on the 15-day injured list before Tuesday’s game against Colorado and recalled righty Lazaro Estrada from Triple-A Buffalo. Ponce had to be carted off the field in the third inning of Monday’s 14-5 loss to Colorado, his first big league appearance since 2021.

Mariners agree to $95 million, 8-year deal with top prospect Colt Emerson, AP source says

The Seattle Mariners have agreed to an eight-year, $95 million deal with top prospect Colt Emerson. That’s according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn’t been announced. The contract starts this season and includes a team option for 2034. It would be the largest ever for a player who has not made his major league debut. The Mariners selected the 20-year-old shortstop with the 22nd overall pick in the 2023 amateur draft. Emerson entered the season as Baseball America’s No. 7 prospect.

Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki to go on a minor-league rehab stint during Cubs’ upcoming trip

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell says outfielder Seiya Suzuki will go on a minor-league rehab stint during the team’s upcoming trip. Suzuki began the season on the injured list because of a sprained right knee sustained while playing for Japan in the World Baseball Classic. He sprained the posterior cruciate ligament in the knee in Japan’s loss to Venezuela on March 14 in the WBC quarterfinals. Counsell said whether Suzuki goes to Triple-A Iowa or Double-A Tennessee will depend on the weather. The Cubs wrap up a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. They have an off day before starting a six-game trip to Cleveland and Tampa Bay against the Guardians on Friday. Suzuki is in the final season of an $85 million, five-year contract.

Six-time All-Star J.D. Martinez joins Mets as a special assistant to baseball operations

Six-time All-Star J.D. Martinez is joining the New York Mets as a special assistant to baseball operations. The 38-year-old Martinez last played in 2024 for the Mets, the final season of his 14-year career with six teams. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza envisions Martinez’s role as being similar to that of Carlos Beltran, another former Mets player who was hired as a special assistant to the general manager in 2023.