MLB in brief: Ronald Acuna Jr. at the World Baseball Classic

Ronald Acuna Jr. at the World Baseball Classic

It's going to be a good show.

Ronald Acuña Jr. will play for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic! pic.twitter.com/SJ6KpNsmPM

— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) January 29, 2026

Jonah Tong will not be pitching for Canada.

Jonah Tong has confirmed that he will not play for Canada in the World Baseball Classic.

He wanted to play, but it's an understandable decision for the young right-hander who debuted last summer with the Mets and has a good opportunity in camp this spring.

— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) January 29, 2026

Austin Barnes with the Mets

It's a minor league deal.

The Mets have announced that they have signed catcher Austin Barnes to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.

Barnes spent 11 seasons with the Dodgers from 2015-2025. pic.twitter.com/RLDEwPHYk7

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) January 29, 2026

What kind of contract for Freddy Peralta?

It will be interesting to follow, but $120 million over four years could do the trick.

There's no doubt Peralta can get more if he's willing to go to free agency at the end of the season, but there's always risk in waiting, especially with a lot of talk of a work stoppage. Some other factors: Skubal f/a, Mets P dev success … https://t.co/2RmcjmRAEH

— Jim Duquette (@JimDuquetteGM) January 29, 2026

Davis Schneider wants to win

He believes in his club.

ICYMI: @SNSAlli & I had the chance to chat with #BlueJays 2B/OF Davis Schneider today.

Discussed last year's #WorldSeries run, Bo Bichette's departure, and the team's outlook for 2026! https://t.co/skEwum9cwZ

— Daniele Franceschi (@Daniele_Media) January 28, 2026

Zack Wheeler wanted to go to the World Classic

His health obviously prevents him from going.

How is Team USA shaping up for the World Baseball Classic? Q&A with manager Mark DeRosa. https://t.co/bcroQnBac4

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 29, 2026

This content was created with the help of AI.