MLB in brief: Max Kepler suspended for doping | Alex Bregman and the Blue Jays

Max Kepler suspended for doping

Free agent suspended for 80 games.

MLB has announced that free agent OF Max Kepler has received an 80-game suspension after testing positive for Epitrenbolone, a performance enhancing substance, in violation of Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program

– Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 9, 2026

Rob Manfred wants a deadline to sign

Players will never say yes to that.

“But what they said back was, they thought that kind of deadline would work to the disadvantage of the players. And you know, I just – I don't put much credence in this.”

Not sure how MLB could convince players a deadline to sign holds any value in a non-cap system https://t.co/4V5EfZRjCa

– Brandon Wile (@Brandon_N_Wile) January 9, 2026

Kyle Tucker and the Mets

It's still the talk of the town.

“Maybe the Jays pony up a huge deal that satisfies Tucker. Maybe the Dodgers are lying in wait, ready to pounce.

Or maybe the Mets will find themselves in a relatively perfect spot, where something like a four-year, $160 million deal with opt-outs can lure Tucker to Queens…. pic.twitter.com/8FulaCojv7

– SNY (@SNYtv) January 9, 2026

Alex Bregman and the Blue Jays

Jon Heyman still believes.

Word is, they are still open to Alex Bregman, who has a robust market (also Boston, Toronto, Cubs). D-Backs are a team that cares about winning. https://t.co/Ih8RVPffSr

– Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 9, 2026

Paxton Schultz with the Nationals

He was claimed in the waivers.

ROSTER MOVE:

RHP Paxton Schultz has been claimed off waivers by the Nationals pic.twitter.com/jQ3EStsfnI

– Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) January 9, 2026

Freddy Peralta at the World Classic

The Dominicans will be excellent.

Freddy Peralta will pitch for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic pic.twitter.com/3kYyKPYpZQ

– Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) January 9, 2026

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