MLB Player News

We’re not sure how San Diego’s crowded closing situation is going to play out entering the 2024 campaign. The Padres have several options in the late-innings including hard-throwing righty Robert Suarez, who signed a five-year, $46 million contract last offseason to return to San Diego, and newly-signed Japanese southpaw Yuki Matsui, who inked a five-year, $28 million pact just a few weeks ago. Go figures to be in the mix for saves right away for San Diego after posting 139 saves along with a strong 3.18 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 401/163 K/BB ratio across 368 1/3 innings (354 appearances) over the last seven seasons for the LG Twins of the Korea Baseball Organization.

Abel, 23, takes the roster spot of Zach Wheeler after Wheeler was placed on the paternity list, and he’ll make the start Wednesday against the Blue Jays. He was impressive in his MLB debut with six scoreless innings and nine strikeouts, and he’s worthy of streaming consideration for Wednesday’s tilt.

Wheeler will be away from the team to welcome a new member to the family. The 35-year-old will likely make a start over the weekend, but for now, Mick Abel is up to replace Wheeler on the active roster.

Interesting. Jankowski was on the injured list with a left groin strain, but rather than add him back to the active roster, the Rays placed him on waivers and he went unclaimed. The 33-year-old should see a market for a team needing outfield depth, but he may need to sign a minor-league deal before joining the majors.

Grandal is currently away from Triple-A Worcester, and the backstop isn’t expected to return. A first-round pick back in 2010, Grandal has bounced around organizations but was a very effective catching option for the majority of his career, and his respectable .236/.345/.424 slash with 194 career homers understates his production in his best seasons.

Koss will head to Sacramento after hitting a paltry 219/.275/.266 in his limited action on the Giants’ bench. The 27-year-old is replaced on the roster by Daniel Johnson.

Knizner will head to the Giants two weeks after signing with the club on a minor-league deal. The 30-year-old backstop will operate as Patrick Bailey’s backup while with San Francisco.

Johnson is part of a massive roster rehaul for the Giants as they look to get their offense back on track. Johnson will get a chance to help, but the 29-year-old isn’t going to see enough consistent playing time or do enough with it to suggest he’s a viable fantasy option.

Huff is removed from the active and 40-man roster after slashing just 208/.259/.340 in his time with San Francisco. Considering his age and roster pedigree there’s a chance he goes claimed, but if not he’ll likely report back to Triple-A Sacramento.

Smith is taking the roster spot of LaMonte Wade Jr. after he was designated for assignment. The former first-round pick and top prospect opted out of his deal with the Yankees on Monday, and he was slashing .255/.333/..448 prior to that decision. He’ll likely just be a bench option with the Giants in 2025.

Wade has been dealing with a hand injury, but the GIants are removing him from the 40-man roster rather than playing him on the injured list. The 31-year-old will almost assuredly see interest on the waiver wire based on previous success, but he’s been awful in 2025 with a line of 167/.275/.271 and just a single home run. Dominic Smith was signed to a one-year deal to take Wade’s place on the roster.