MLB in brief: Tarik Skubal to the World Baseball Classic | Matt Strahm traded?

Tarik Skubal at the World Classic

David Bednar, Logan Webb, and Mason Miller will also pitch for the Americans.

All-Star Game starters
Cy Young winners
WBC teammates

Tarik Skubal will join Paul Skenes on Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic! pic.twitter.com/Ima7zCDHx9

– MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 18, 2025

Nearly $30 million in revenue for Blue Jays members

The series paid off. 70 members of the organization will receive several hundred thousand dollars each – and we're not just talking about players.

The Blue Jays received 24% of the $128.2m players' pool for post-season revenues (the Dodgers received 36%).

They gave out 70 full shares, each worth $354,118 (the Dodgers handed out 82 full shares at $484,747).

The players pool total just shy of last year's record $129m.

– Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) December 18, 2025

Munetaka Murakami with the Pirates?

The idea is circulating.

We are days away from Munetaka Murakami's posting window closing, could we see him sign with a small to mid market team?

https://t.co/fGPbvbj8w4 pic.twitter.com/Dq2U8UMWPB

– MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) December 18, 2025

Matt Strahm traded?

Possible.

“The best available [left-hander] is Matt Strahm, who is likely to be traded by Philadelphia.”

-@JeffPassan pic.twitter.com/2FFOcKWQ7z

– Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) December 18, 2025

Speaking of rumors: Nico Hoerner and the Giants.

The #SFGiants have “checked in” on #Cubs INF Nico Hoerner, per @susanslusser pic.twitter.com/yNrkzrW7GT

– MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) December 18, 2025

Tyler Austin with the Cubs

He returns to North America.

First baseman Tyler Austin and the Chicago Cubs have agreed to a one-year major league deal, sources tell ESPN. Austin, 34, is a former top Yankees prospect who has been a star in Japan for the last half-decade, hitting .293/.377/.568 for the Yokohama Bay Stars.

– Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 18, 2025

This content was created with the help of AI.