MLB Player News

Criswell was shifted from the rotation to the bullpen in Triple-A at the beginning of the year and proceeded to post a 6.24 ERA in 57 2/3 innings for Albuquerque, though that did come with an 83/24 K/BB ratio. He’ll get a look in middle relief.

Ichiro becomes the first Japanese-born player headed to Cooperstown and fell just one ballot shy of being a unanimous selection with 99.7 percent of the vote. The Mariners icon wrapped up a legendary 19-year career with 3,089 hits, which doesn’t include his additional 1,278 hits overseas in Japan prior to his stateside arrival. The 2001 AL MVP Award winner broke George Sisler’s single-season record with a staggering 262 hits during a transcendent 2004 campaign and made 10 consecutive All-Star Game appearances from 2001-2010. A six-time All-Star and 2007 AL Cy Young Award winner, Sabathia split his 19-year career between the Guardians and Yankees, with a memorable half-season stint for the Brewers sandwiched in the middle back in 2008 when he tossed an astounding seven complete games during a 17-start span. The generational southpaw, who finished with 251 wins in addition to a lifetime 3.74 ERA across 560 career starts, appeared on 86.8 percent of ballots to easily clear the 75 percent threshold. Among the elite closers of his generation and a strikeout machine, Wagner finally gets the long-awaited call for enshrinement — appearing on 82.5 percent of ballots — during his 10th and final year of eligibility after falling just short (73.8 percent) last year. The trio will join the late Dick Allen and Dave Parker, who were selected for enshrinement back in December by the Classic Baseball Era Committee, this summer in Cooperstown.

Klein heads to the Pacific Northwest after being designated for assignment last week by the rebuilding Athletics. The 25-year-old righty made eight appearances last year for Oakland, finishing with a bloated 11.05 ERA, 2.45 WHIP and 7/6 K/BB ratio over 7 1/3 innings of work.

Jay has been jettisoned from Seattle’s 40-man roster to make room for newly acquired reliever Will Klein. The 30-year-old southpaw was claimed off waivers earlier this month from Milwaukee after making five relief appearances last season between the Brewers and Mets.

Kurtz made some serious noise last year in the Arizona Fall League following an impressive professional debut after being selected fourth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Wake Forest. The 21-year-old burgeoning slugger appears to be on the fast track to the majors and figures to make a four-category impact as a middle-of-the-order force once he arrives. He’s easily a top 30 fantasy prospect entering next season.

The deal, which also includes a $1.5 million buyout, is now official. It’s hard to believe that Pérez will only 34 years old in a couple weeks since it feels like he’s been around forever. He’ll provide the rebuilding White Sox with a reliable back-end rotation stabilizer, but he’s a non-factor for fantasy purposes. He posted a respectable 4.53 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 107/49 K/BB ratio across 135 innings (26 starts) last year between the Padres and Pirates.

Marinaccio was claimed off waivers back in late September from the Yankees after posting a strong 3.86 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 25/10 K/BB ratio across 23 1/3 innings (16 appearances) last year for New York. The 29-year-old righty has made 101 relief appearances in the big leagues over the past three years. He should garner some interest on waivers.

Not great. Nightengale adds that Kopech isn’t dealing with any structural damage, but the Dodgers are expected to proceed with an abundance of caution at the outset of next season. The 28-year-old former starter was a revelation last year after coming over from the White Sox but forearm issues are never a good sign. He’s probably going to be limited in spring training, if he pitches at all, and there should be some clarity on his status in the coming weeks. The unexpected injury revelation certainly explains why the Dodgers are making significant financial commitments to free agent closers Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates.

Quijada was effective when on the mound, but was limited to just 19 2/3 innings with 24 strikeouts, 17 walks and a 3.26 ERA. He should be a set-up reliever for the Los Angeles bullpen in 2025.

Taylor was not claimed after being designated for assignment by the Mariners last Wednesday. The 26-year-old offers roster versatility, so it was a little surprising to see no team put in a claim even if the offensive upside is lacking.

Pat Ragazzo reports that Trivino was clocked up to 94 mph while throwing at Cressey Sports Performance. The 33-year-old right-hander hasn’t been able to pitch in the majors since 2022 in the ALCS because of elbow issues, and had his $5 million club option for 2025 declined by the Yankees in November. Trivino was a very strong bullpen opton before those injuries, however, and it won’t be surprising to see a team taking a chance on him before the start of the year.