MLB Player News

Wingenter pitched scoreless innings the last two days, so he just has to be sent down for a fresh arm, even though none of the Cubs’ top four relievers worked at all Saturday or Sunday.

Danner was designated for assignment after the Blue Jays acquired Josh Walker in Dcember. Danner, 26, posted solid numbers in Buffalo with a 3.06 ERA and 36/13 K/BB over 35 1/3 innings, and could be given a chance to compete for one of the final spots in the Seattle bullpen this spring.

Rojas will head to Chicago and assuredly be a regular, likely as the starting third baseman. The 30-year-old got off to a roaring start for Seattle, but plummeted over the final few months of the campaign. Even with playing time guaranteed, there’s no real reason to roster Rojas in 2025.

Amaya is booted off the 40-man roster after the White Sox made the signing of Josh Rojas official. The former Dodgers’ prospect struggled at the highest level, but as a 26-year-old capable of playing up the middle he could see interest on the waiver wire.

Warren gets the heave-ho off the 40-man roster after the Giants claimed Sam Huff off waivers from the Rangers. Warren posted a 1.69 ERA in a very small sample of six appearances and 10 2/3 innings with San Francisco, and it wouldn’t be a surprise at all if a team showed interest via trade or claim.

Huff was once a top prospect who has shown some offensive upside at the highest level, but injuries and contact issues have seen his stock drop drastically. He’ll compete for a backup backstop position with the Giants, but more than likely is just organizational depth. Austin Warren was waived in a corresponding move to make room on the 40-man roster.

Krehbiel, 32, is returning to the Rays’ organization after pitching for the team in 2021. The veteran right-hander spent 2024 in the minors with the Mariners and is just a depth piece for 2025.

Julks went unclaimed after being designated for assignment. The 28-year-old outfielder hit just .214/.275/.306 in 2024 for Chicago last year, so it’s not a surprise other clubs didn’t have interest in adding him to their respective 40-man rosters.

Shewmake was designated for assignment by the White Sox after they traded for Tyler Gilbert. The 27-year-old was a first-round pick in 2019, and he’ll get a chance to compete for a utility role with Kansas City. Odds are that he’ll be depth in Omaha to open the 2025 season, assuming he isn’t designated for assignment before the year begins.

Garrett, 27, was diagnosed with a left elbow impingement at the end of the 2024 season, but unfortunately the southpaw will need to undergo the brace procedure. When healthy he’s shown the stuff to suggest he can be a mid-rotation starter or better, but he’s only been able to throw over 100 innings once in his career. The Marlins will likely need to add a veteran starter for the back of their rotation, even in a year where they’re unlikely to compete for a playoff spot.

On paper this one makes sense, even if New York fans won’t be too excited about Polanco after looking at his numbers in 2024. The 31-year-old would fill a need at second base with Gleyber Torres now a member of the Tigers, and he’s a good bounceback candidate after his previous success with Minnesota before his disastrous year with the Mariners. The Astros have also shown interest in Polanco, but that isn’t likely to be a fit anymore.