MLB Player News

The Rangers needed to clear a spot on their 40-man roster for the return of Nathan Eovaldi on Thursday and unfortunately, Contreras was the odd-man out this time around. He pitched pretty well in a bullpen role during the 2024 season — registering a 3.86 ERA and 52/25 K/BB ratio across 60 2/3 innings of work, so once again it wouldn’t be surprising to see another team take a shot at him on waivers.

Jung was able to begin swinging again in November, and the 26-year-old told reporters before his charity wiffle ball game that he isn’t dealing with any issues with the wrist. He’s one of the more talented options at third base and has been successful when healthy, and it’s obviously great to see that he should be ready to roll for the start of the campaign this spring.

The deal was reported to be worth $3 million. Ferguson hasn’t done much starting of games since he was in the minors in 2018, but the Pirates are talking about stretching him out and having him compete for a rotation spot. We’d say it’s more likely that he’ll be in the pen on Opening Day. He has a 3.44 ERA in 249 career relief appearances.

Duquette says Alonso is only willing to do this deal with the Mets right now. No acceptable long-term offers have emerged for the 30-year-old first baseman. The Angels emerged as a suitor, but most of the deep pocketed teams have chosen to look elsewhere.

Kittredge will get $9 million this year and either $9 million or a $1 million buyout in 2026. The 34-year-old Kittredge was one of the NL’s top setup men last year, picking up 37 holds with a 2.80 ERA for the Cardinals. However, his peripherals weren’t as strong, leaving him with a 3.96 FIP and a 4.05 xERA. He’ll battle Yannier Cano and Seranthony Domínguez for eighth-inning duties in Baltimore, assuming that Felíx Bautista proves healthy.

The 30-year-old right-hander briefly held the Rockies’ closer role in 2024 but ultimately registered a putrid 6.49 ERA, 1.78 WHIP and a 45/33 K/BB ratio over 59 2/3 innings with just two saves on the season. Fantasy managers would be wise to avoid the Rockies’ bullpen altogether in 2025.

The 25-year-old southpaw showed flashes of greatness during the 2024 season, but ultimately finished with an underwhelming 3.90 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and a 181/65 K/BB ratio over 166 1/3 innings in his 32 starts. The tools are definitely in place for him to take a major leap forward in 2025, but he has to exhibit better command of the strike zone and cut back on the walks.

Morgan had been projected by MLBTradeRumors.com to earn $1 million via arbitration, so both sides should be pleased with how it ultimately turned out. The 28-year-old right-hander was acquired from the Guardians in late November after registering a 1.93 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and a 34/11 K/BB ratio across 42 innings. He’ll work in high-leverage situations for the Cubs and could ultimately challenge for save chances at some point during the 2025 season.

The 26-year-old right-hander had been projected by MLBTradeRumors.com to earn $1.3 million through the arbitration process. Brieske really blossomed in the Tigers’ bullpen in 2024, posting a 3.59 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and a 69/30 K/BB ratio over 67 2/3 innings. He’ll reprise his setup role for the Tigers once again in 2025.

The 28-year-old backstop had the best season of his career offensively in 2024, slashing .258/.338/.444 with 19 homers and 66 RBI over 515 plate appearances. He’s currently being drafted as a fringe top 10 option at the catcher position, with an average draft position right around pick 150 overall.

MLBTradeRumors.com had projected that Akin would earn $1.4 million via arbitration, so it appears to be a fair deal for both parties. The 29-year-old southpaw was an absolute force out of the O’s bullpen in 2024, registering a 3.32 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and a 97/19 K/BB ratio over 78 2/3 innings in his 66 appearances.