MLB Player News

Rice will take a seat after going 0-for-5 with three strikeouts during Monday’s contest against the Rays. The 25-year-old first baseman is mired in a 4-for-44 tailspin that includes a staggering 21 punchouts since his three-homer explosion against the Red Sox back on July 6. It’ll be Jahmai Jones leading off on Tuesday night against Mets veteran southpaw Jose Quintana.

McCoy was non-tendered as the Padres needed to free up a couple of spots on their 40-man roster in late November, but he’ll rejoin the fray on a minor league pact. The 29-year-old hit just .204/.278/.245 with no homers, three RBI and a 19/5 K/BB ratio over 57 plate appearances with the Padres in 2024.

There had been reports that the two sides were nearing an agreement for Hernández to return to the Dodgers, but those appear to have been premature. At a minimum, you’d expect that the 32-year-old slugger and his representatives will at least wait until Juan Soto signs, as the teams that miss out there will be more incentivized to chase after his services. A return to the Dodgers still seems to be the most likely scenario, but the Dodgers may have to pay up to get it done.

Bieber will make $10 million for the 2025 season and the deal also includes a $16 million player option ($4 million buyout) for the 2026 season. Bieber will remain with the only organization that he has ever known since being selected in the fourth round of the 2016 draft. He chose to return to the Guardians despite having outstanding offers for more guaranteed money elsewhere. The 29-year-old right-hander made a pair of brilliant starts to open the 2024 season before suffering a season-ending elbow injury and ultimately undergoing Tommy John surgery. He’s expected to miss at least the first few months of the 2025 season while continuing his recovery.

The move takes the 27-year-old hurler off of the club’s 40-man roster. Ward had been claimed off of waivers from the Nationals in early November after posting a 5.64 ERA and 1.73 WHIP over 119 2/3 innings at Triple-A Rochester during the 2024 season. He’ll continue to serve as additional rotation depth for the O’s.

The 28-year-old outfielder struggled in 55 games with the Pirates during the 2024 season, slashing just .224/.291/.333 with five homers, 23 RBI and a 37/16 K/BB ratio over 196 plate appearances. He has strong tools though and has shown plenty of potential at the plate throughout parts of five seasons in the big leagues, making him a terrific depth signing for the Mets.

The former top prospect is without a clear path to the big leagues now that Mark Vientos has cemented himself as the team’s regular third baseman, so it’s not surprising to hear that the Mets would be fielding calls on Baty. Of course, things could change if the Mets are unable to re-sign Pete Alonso and wind up shifting Vientos over to first base. While they aren’t actively looking to move him, don’t be surprised if the Mets find a deal to their liking and the 25-year-old infielder is shipped elsewhere before the 2025 campaign begins.

Harney was an eighth round pick by the Rays in 2022, and he reached Double-A in 2024 while forging a 3.54 ERA and 35/13 K/BB over 40 2/3 innings across 27 appearances. The 26-year-old right-hander will provide some depth for the Mets pitching staff in 2025 with an outside chance of helping the New York bullpen.

Jeff Passan of ESPN reports it’s an $8.5 million deal for Jansen with a mutual option for 2026. The Rays were reportedly in the mix to sign Travis d’Arnaud before he landed with the Angels, and instead will bring in Jansen to serve as their catcher for the 2025 campaign. The 29-year-old struggled with Boston after being dealt to the Red Sox from Toronto, but when healthy, he’s served as a solid option behind the plate. He’ll be a mid-range second catcher to open the year from a fantasy perspective.

It’s been widely reported that the Cubs would prefer to trade Bellinger after he opted in to his contract for the 205 season, but Suzuki is a new one. The 30-year-old has dealt with injury issues, but he’s been a solid contributor on the field with a 278/.354/.470 in 2024. There would assuredly be a better return for Suzuki than Bellinger because of his production and cheaper contract, as well.

The third year will be a player option. The A’s would seem to have overpaid for Severino, whose bounce-back season with the Mets came with a 101 ERA+ and a 21.2% strikeout rate that paled in comparison to what he did with the Yankees in his previous best years. Still, it isn’t going to be easy to get quality veterans to play in Sacramento, and he’s a pretty obvious upgrade for the rotation if he remains healthy. He’s probably not someone who should be drafted in 10- or 12-team leagues next spring.