MLB Player News

Roby did allow two earned runs on three hits with a walk, which continued his up-and-down AFL stint. He was dominant in his first outing then couldn’t get out of the first inning last week, so Tuesday’s outing was a step in the right direction. Roby was injured for a large part of 2023 and then was traded to the Cardinals at the deadline as part of the Jordan Montgomery trade. In four starts with St. Louis’ Double-A affiliate, he posted a 3.00 ERA with a 43.2 percent strikeout rate, and a four-pitch arsenal highlighted by a plus fastball and curveball. The 22-year-old is unlikely to break camp with the Cardinals but could be a name to watch by the summer.

Helvey has made 193 minor-league appearances, all of them with the Giants after being drafted by San Francisco in 2018. He appeared in 41 games with a 4.96 ERA for Triple-A Richmond in 204, and he struck out an impressive 102 batters over his 74 1/3 innings. He’ll have an outside chance of helping the Nationals’ bullpen to begin 2024.

Ramirez was designated for assignment to make room for Michael Petersen after the Blue Jays claimed him from the Dodgers. Ramirez will now hit the free-agent market, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he looked overseas for a new club.

The actual timing of the move will likely be delayed, allowing Sasaki to be signed during the 2025 international period after Jan. 15. After all, the vast majority of those limited 2024 dollars have already been spent. Because he’s just 23 and MLB doesn’t want teams paying youngsters what they’re worth, Sasaki will have to sign a minor league deal, probably capped out at $6 million or so, instead of the $200 million or even $300 million he’d surely command as an actual free agent. The hard-throwing righty went 30-15 with a 2.02 ERA and a 524/91 K/BB over 414 2/3 innings in his four seasons with the Marines. That he’s had some injury issues is a concern, and his stuff last season wasn’t as good as it was previously. Still, he’s one of the world’s most talented pitchers.

The 24-year-old defensive wizard became the first member of the Brewers to win the award, which recognizes the top overall defender in the National League. Turang led the N.L. in putouts, assists and total zone rating while somehow managing to make the unbelievable play look routine. Don’t be surprised when he takes home his second consecutive Gold Glove Award in 2025.

It’s the first time that any member of the Mariners has won the award — which recognizes the league’s top overall defender. Raleigh is just the second American League catcher to receive the honor, joining Jose Trevino who won the award in 2022. Yadier Molina is the only catcher to win it in the National League, but he did so four different times. The 27-year-old backstop led American League catchers in framing runs (13) and tied for the lead in defensive runs saved (16) while pacing all of baseball in runners caught stealing (26).

The 28-year-old southpaw appeared in 10 games for the Astros during the 2024 season, posting a 6.55 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and a 3/5 K/BB ratio over his 11 frames. The Guardians have done a terrific job in recent years of turning scrap heap relievers into viable high-leverage options, so don’t be surprised if we end up seeing Mushinski get some very important outs for them before the 2025 season is through.

The former top prospect struggled during his time with the Rays during the 2024 campaign, slashing an anemic .122/.201/.237 with three long balls, 12 RBI and a 53/12 K/BB ratio over 155 plate appearances in his 58 games. He’ll get a chance to compete for the Reds’ backup catcher gig heading into the 2025 regular season.

It’s unclear whether or not the 31-year-old southpaw will receive an invitation to major league spring training. Leibrandt made two appearances with the Reds during the 2024 season, compiling a cringe-inducing 9.95 ERA, 2.05 WHIP and a 5/2 K/BB ratio across 6 1/3 innings of work. He’ll add depth from the left side of the Yankees’ bullpen.

Madris appeared in 21 games at the big league level for the Tigers during the 2024 season, slashing .269/.324/.358 with a homer, five RBI and a 20/6 K/BB ratio across 75 plate appearances. He’ll get an opportunity during spring training to compete for a bench spot on the club’s Opening Day roster.

The 30-year-old left-hander is one of the top starting pitchers available on the open market this season, so he’s going to attract plenty of interest. The Orioles, Red Sox and Yankees have all been linked to him already as well and the Braves have made it a priority to retain him as well. MLBTradeRumors.com expects Fried to land a contract in the range of $156 million over six years.