MLB Player News

It’s Abel’s last start of the year, so he finishes 3-12 with a 6.46 ERA and a 117/78 K/BB in 108 2/3 innings for the IronPigs. He’s been a top 100 prospect for both Baseball America and MLB four years running, but that’s not going to carry into 2025. Fortunately, he’s just 23, and he has time to turn things around.

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.

The Padres have yet to officially announce the deal. Padres’ general manager AJ Preller spoke very highly of Niebla shortly after the season ended, noting, “We’re going to reward the people that perform... Ruben’s been a big performer. Looking forward to him being a big part of the Padres organization for a long time.” Under the three seasons in which Niebla has been in charge of the Padres’ pitching staff, they have ranked near the top of the league in all major pitching categories.

That means that the 25-year-old is now eligible to sign with any team. Revilla led the Cuban league with 29 homers over 110 games during the 2022 campaign. He spent his last two professional seasons playing for the Chunichi Dragons in Japan’s Western League. In 2023 he struggled to a .188/.235/.305 slash line with just three homers, 14 RBI and a 48/7 K/BB ratio over 136 plate appearances. It’s highly unlikely that he’ll be able to land anything other than a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.