MLB Player News

Duke Ellis is a lot of things. Jasson Dominguez is not one of them. The Yankees will instead go with the speedy Ellis as a bench option who can spell in the outfield and pinch run. It’s certainly possible Dominguez will get a chance with the Yankees again in 2024, but fantasy managers will certainly be disappointed by this news.

Fujinami spent the 2024 season in the Mets’ organization, and he was outrighted off the roster after posting an ugly 7.79 ERA with Triple-A Syracuse. The 30-year-old right-hander also struggled in the majors in 2023, but he does have quality stuff; just no idea where that stuff is going. He’ll get a chance to show he can throw enough strikes to win a bullpen spot in the Seattle bullpen this spring.

McShane was the Pirates’ 13th round pick in 2024. The 23-year-old right-hander will likely report to the lower levels after not making his professional debut last summer.

Jon Heyman notes the deal is for $22 million over two years, and is pending a physical. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com adds that he can opt out after the 2025 season. Minter was a target of several teams including the Blue Jays and Cubs, but the Mets appear to have won his services. The 31-year-old southpaw has been one of the most effective relievers in baseball, and forged a 2.62 ERA and 35/11 K/BB over his 34 1/3 innings in 39 appearances in 2024. He’ll be a bridge to Edwin Diaz for the 2025 season.

Raposo was unclaimed after hitting the waiver wire Tuesday. The 26-year-old will likely be an option behind the plate for the Rainiers in 2025.

The Orioles designated Soto for assignment after claiming Roansy Contreras off waivers from the Reds last Friday. Soto will stick around to provide some infield depth on a team that already has plenty of it.

Winans has been and up-and-down option for Atlanta and the 29-year-old will hit the waiver wire with Amos Willingham claimed off waivers and taking his spot on the 40-man roster.

Willingham was designated for assignment by the Nationals on Saturday, and now he’ll provide some depth for the Atlanta pitching staff for the 2025 campaign. Allan Winans was designated for assignment to make room.

In the deal, Murray reports that the PIrates will send Boston right-handed pitcher Matt McShane. Shugart was designated for assignment after the Red Sox acquired Blake Sabol from the Giants, and he should compete for one of the final spots in the PIttsburgh bullpen.

Bukauskas was placed on the injured list last year on April 14 with a right lat sprain and didn’t return to the majors. The former first-round pick could be of interest on the waiver wire for orgs looking to add depth to their pitching staff.

Rodriguez gets an MLB deal after spending the 2024 season with the Yakult Swallows in Japan. He was very effective in the NPB with a 1.74 ERA over 88 innings, and he’s well known for having one of the more lively fastballs in terms of movement. Rodriguez will likely be a middle-inning option, but the 26-year-old could compete for saves at some point with the Milwaukee closing situation far from concrete.