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Neftali Feliz Neftali Feliz Catches on with Seattle as NRI Thu, Jan 30, 2025, 7:24 PM The Mariners signed Feliz to a minor-league contract Thursday that includes an invitation to spring training. Analysis: Feliz, 36, has spent the last three seasons pitching in the Mexican League and has not seen any action at the big-league level since 2021. The Mariners will give the former All-Star closer a look in spring training to see if he has anything left in the tank.
Jesse Hahn Jesse Hahn Gets NRI pact from Seattle Thu, Jan 30, 2025, 7:20 PM The Mariners re-signed Hahn to a minor-league contract Nov. 18 that includes an invitation to spring training. Analysis: Hahn ended the 2024 season at Triple-A Tacoma after signing with the Mariners in September and he's returned as a non-roster invitee. The 35-year-old hasn't appeared in the majors since 2021 and is likely headed back to Tacoma as relief depth.
Albert Abreu Albert Abreu Inks NRI pact with Cincinnati Thu, Jan 30, 2025, 2:35 PM The Reds signed Abreu to a minor-league contract Thursday that includes an invitation to spring training, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports. Analysis: Abreu, 29, spent this past season in Japan with the Saitama Seibu Lions, holding a 2.39 ERA and 33:20 K:BB over 49 innings. The right-handed reliever has collected a 4.58 ERA and 136:78 K:BB over 135.2 frames covering parts of four big-league seasons. He's likely headed to the Triple-A Louisville bullpen to begin the 2025 season.
Pedro Avila Pedro Avila Clears waivers Thu, Jan 30, 2025, 4:57 AM Avila cleared waivers Wednesday and was sent outright to Triple-A Columbus. Analysis: Avila was DFA'd last Wednesday to clear a roster spot for new signee Paul Sewald, and the former will officially remain in the organization after passing through waivers unclaimed. Avila turned in a 3.25 ERA and 1.31 WHIP over 74.2 regular-season innings after joining the Guardians in April, and he could be one of the first names considered for a promotion if/when Cleveland needs to call up a reliever from the minors.
Carlos Estevez Carlos Estevez Signing with Kansas City Thu, Jan 30, 2025, 12:06 AM Estevez agreed to a two-year, $20.2 million contract with the Royals on Wednesday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports. Analysis: The deal also reportedly features a $13 million club option for 2027 with a $2 million buyout. Estevez is coming off the best year of his career, finishing 2024 with a 2.45 ERA and 0.91 WHIP through 55 regular-season innings while converting 26 saves between the Angels and Phillies. Now in Kansas City, the 32-year-old righty is likely to take over as the Royals' primary closer, which would push Lucas Erceg into a setup role.
Ian Gibaut Ian Gibaut Back with CIN as NRI Wed, Jan 29, 2025, 11:10 PM Gibaut signed a minor-league contract with the Reds on Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports. Analysis: Gibaut missed the vast majority of 2024 due to forearm and calf injuries, and he was non-tendered by the Reds earlier this winter. The 31-year-old reliever owns a 3.77 ERA over 112.1 innings since joining the Reds in 2022, and he'll attempt to work his way back into Cincinnati's bullpen during spring training.
Owen White Owen White Designated for assignment Wed, Jan 29, 2025, 10:45 PM The Reds designated White for assignment Wednesday. Analysis: The Reds needed to make room on the 40-man roster after acquiring Taylor Rogers from San Francisco on Wednesday, and White will end up as the odd man out. The 25-year-old righty spent most of last season with the Rangers' Triple-A affiliate, accumulating a 5.64 ERA and 1.57 WHIP across 99 innings. Regardless of whether he clears waivers or gets claimed by another organization, White will almost certainly head back to Triple-A to begin 2025.
Alex Faedo Alex Faedo Removed from 40-man roster Wed, Jan 29, 2025, 9:54 PM The Tigers designated Faedo for assignment Wednesday, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports. Analysis: The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Tommy Kahnle. Faedo made a full-time move to the bullpen in 2024, posting a 3.61 ERA and 55:28 K:BB over 57.1 innings. Not having minor-league options left could limit his appeal on waivers, but Faedo would be a depth upgrade for some teams.
Taylor Rogers Taylor Rogers Traded to Cincinnati Wed, Jan 29, 2025, 9:46 PM The Reds acquired Rogers and cash considerations from the Giants on Wednesday in exchange for Braxton Roxby, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports. Analysis: Rogers' strikeout rate dipped to 25.7 percent in 2024, but he still had a very good season in collecting a 2.40 ERA and 64:22 K:BB over 60 innings. The left-hander instantly becomes the Reds' best left-handed setup man and a candidate to take over at closer if Alexis Diaz isn't able to bounce back from his rough 2024 campaign.
Johan Oviedo Johan Oviedo Loses arbitration hearing Wed, Jan 29, 2025, 8:08 PM Oviedo (elbow) will be paid $850,000 in 2025 after losing his arbitration hearing to the Pirates, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Oviedo had requested $1.15 million when figures were exchanged earlier this month. The right-hander missed the entirety of the 2024 campaign while recovering from Tommy John surgery but is expected to be ready to go for spring training. Oviedo will compete for a rotation spot this spring, but the Pirates might elect to stash him on the injured list for a while to knock some rust off.
Brad Keller Brad Keller Lands with Northsiders as NRI Wed, Jan 29, 2025, 7:55 PM The Cubs signed Keller to a minor-league contract Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Jacob Zanolla of Cubs Insider reports. Analysis: Keller made 16 appearances (two starts) between the White Sox and Red Sox in 2024, finishing with a 5.44 ERA and 32:15 K:BB over 41.1 innings. The 29-year-old is likely to begin the 2025 campaign as rotation depth at Triple-A Iowa.
Ha-Seong Kim Ha-Seong Kim Agrees to deal with Tampa Bay Wed, Jan 29, 2025, 7:40 PM The Rays signed Kim (shoulder) to a two-year, $29 million contract Wednesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. Analysis: The deal includes an opt-out after the first year, which would potentially allow Kim to hit the free-agent market again next winter if he bounces back from right shoulder surgery. Tampa Bay expects Kim to be ready to debut for the team by May, at which point he will take over as its everyday shortstop. Taylor Walls and Jose Caballero will compete for reps at short until Kim is ready. Kim, 29, slashed .233/.330/.370 with 11 home runs and 22 stolen bases with the Padres in 2024.
Alex Vesia Alex Vesia Avoids arbitration Wed, Jan 29, 2025, 7:24 PM The Dodgers and Vesia avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2.25 million contract with a $3.55 million club option for 2026, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Vesia had filed at $2.35 million and the Dodgers at $2.05 million earlier this month, and the two sides will now avoid a hearing. The lefty reliever had a stellar 2024 campaign, collecting a 1.76 ERA and 87:33 K:BB over 66.1 regular-season frames. The Dodgers' bullpen is loaded, but Vesia should see high-leverage opportunities again in 2025.
Ryan Pressly Ryan Pressly Told he will get save chances Wed, Jan 29, 2025, 6:58 PM Pressly said at his introductory press conference with the Cubs on Wednesday that he was told by the team he would close some games this season, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. Analysis: Pressly went on to compliment incumbent closer Porter Hodge and added that he planned to go into spring training competing for the ninth-inning gig. While Hodge fared well as the Cubs' closer down the stretch of the 2024 season, Pressly should enter 2025 as the clear favorite for the role. The 36-year-old has regressed over the last two seasons but still been plenty effective, holding a 3.54 ERA and 132:34 K:BB over 122 regular-season frames.
Tommy Kahnle Tommy Kahnle Signs one-year deal with Detroit Wed, Jan 29, 2025, 6:12 PM The Tigers signed Kahnle to a one-year, $7.75 million contract Wednesday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports. Analysis: Kahnle hasn't had a season where he avoided the injured list since 2019, and he threw a total of just 13.2 regular-season innings from 2020-22. However, the 35-year-old has been quite effective when on the bump, most recently holding a 2.11 ERA and 46:19 K:BB over 42.2 regular-season innings with the Yankees in 2024. The changeup specialist has no issues with splits and will be part of the late-inning mix in Detroit, which could include some save opportunities.
Joe La Sorsa Joe La Sorsa Released by Washington Wed, Jan 29, 2025, 5:27 PM The Nationals released La Sorsa on Wednesday, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports. Analysis: La Sorsa cleared waivers after being designated for assignment, but the Nationals have elected to cut the left-handed reliever loose. The 26-year-old has posted a 4.47 ERA and 42:12 K:BB over 50.1 innings across parts of two seasons at the major-league level.
Ryne Stanek Ryne Stanek Re-signs with NYM Wed, Jan 29, 2025, 4:40 PM The Mets re-signed Stanek to a one-year, $4.5 million contract Wednesday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. Analysis: He can earn an additional $500,000 in incentives. Stanek was acquired by the Mets at the 2024 trade deadline and, between the regular and postseason, held a 5.18 ERA but a 31:11 K:BB over 24.1 innings for them. The right-handed reliever will help set up ahead of closer Edwin Diaz for New York in 2025.
Wade Miley Wade Miley Inks MiLB deal with Cincinnati Wed, Jan 29, 2025, 3:47 PM The Reds signed Miley (elbow) to a minor-league contract Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. Analysis: He'll earn a prorated $2.5 million if in the majors and has a June 1 opt-out, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Miley underwent a hybrid UCL repair on his left elbow last May but is hoping to be ready to contribute at the major-league level but late April or early May of this season. The 38-year-old posted a 3.14 ERA and 1.14 WHIP over 120.1 innings with the Brewers in 2023, although that came with just 79 strikeouts. The Reds don't currently appear to have room for Miley in their rotation, but that could change by the time he's ready to pitch.
Jorge Mateo Jorge Mateo Avoids arbitration Tue, Jan 28, 2025, 11:23 PM The Orioles agreed to terms with Mateo (elbow) on a one-year contract Tuesday with a club option for 2026 to avoid arbitration. Analysis: The deal is worth $3.55 million, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports. As for Mateo's injured left elbow, there is no update as he recovers from UCL reconstruction surgery on his non throwing arm. He may be limited in spring training, and as to how he will be used is up in the air. The utility player will have a conversation with the Orioles on how he will be utilized when spring training commences, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reported Dec. 9.
Elias Diaz Elias Diaz Remains with San Diego Tue, Jan 28, 2025, 10:32 PM Diaz signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Padres on Tuesday, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports. Analysis: Diaz joined the Padres on a minor-league deal in late August after being released by the Rockies. After being promoted, the former All-Star appeared in 24 games for San Diego, but he recorded just four hits across 21 at-bats. He became the team's number two catcher behind Kyle Higashioka following Luis Campusano's demotion to Triple-A El Paso in September. Diaz would remain the backup catcher for the postseason roster. With Higashioka now on the Rangers, Diaz has a shot to be in the Opening Day lineup for the Padres. His new contract includes a mutual option for 2026 and is pending a physical.