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Angels Today
By the People, for the People
MLB Rumors: Cubs Sign Veteran Reliever, Astros and Blue Jays Make Trade
The latest MLB offseason news and transactions as spring training begins.
Feb. 13, 2026 at 7:39pm
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The Chicago Cubs are reportedly nearing a multi-year deal with free agent reliever Shelby Miller, who is expected to miss the 2026 season due to an elbow injury. Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays have acquired outfielder Jesús Sánchez from the Houston Astros in exchange for outfielder Joey Loperfido. Elsewhere, the Cincinnati Reds have signed free agent first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, and the Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a minor-league deal with veteran utility player Chris Taylor.
Why it matters
These moves highlight the ongoing roster shuffling and transaction activity as MLB teams finalize their rosters ahead of the upcoming season. The Cubs' reported signing of Miller, despite his injury, suggests they are looking to bolster their bullpen depth, while the Blue Jays-Astros trade involves two young outfielders looking to establish themselves at the big-league level. The Reds' addition of Lowe and the Angels' deal with Taylor represent efforts by those clubs to add experienced depth and potential bounce-back candidates to their lineups.
The details
The Cubs are reportedly close to signing 35-year-old reliever Shelby Miller to a multi-year contract, even though he is expected to miss the entire 2026 season due to an elbow injury. Miller pitched well out of the bullpen last year, posting a 2.74 ERA and 1.04 WHIP with 54 strikeouts in 46 innings for the Diamondbacks and Brewers. The Blue Jays have acquired 28-year-old outfielder Jesús Sánchez from the Astros in exchange for 26-year-old outfielder Joey Loperfido. Sánchez hit .237/.304/.395 with 1.3 WAR in 134 games last season, while Loperfido hit .333/.379/.500 with 0.6 WAR in 41 games for the Blue Jays. The Reds have signed 30-year-old first baseman Nathaniel Lowe to a contract, hoping he can bounce back after hitting just .228/.307/.381 with 18 homers and 84 RBIs in 2025. The Angels have agreed to a minor-league deal with 35-year-old utility player Chris Taylor, who struggled to a .186/.256/.301 line in 58 games between the Dodgers and Angels last season.
- The Cubs and Shelby Miller are "nearing a multi-year deal" as of February 13, 2026.
- The Blue Jays and Astros completed their trade on February 13, 2026.
The players
Shelby Miller
A 35-year-old free agent reliever who is expected to miss the 2026 season due to an elbow injury.
Jesús Sánchez
A 28-year-old outfielder who was traded from the Astros to the Blue Jays.
Joey Loperfido
A 26-year-old outfielder who was traded from the Blue Jays to the Astros.
Nathaniel Lowe
A 30-year-old first baseman who signed a contract with the Reds.
Chris Taylor
A 35-year-old utility player who signed a minor-league deal with the Angels.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
The takeaway
These MLB offseason moves highlight the ongoing roster shuffling and transaction activity as teams finalize their rosters ahead of the upcoming season. The deals involve a mix of veteran players looking to bounce back, young talents seeking more playing time, and teams trying to add depth and experience to their pitching staffs and lineups.
