MLB Player News

Barrera signed a minor-league contract with the Cardinals on Friday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

The 28-year-old has seen big-league action in bits and pieces with the Nationals, collecting a .631 OPS in 162 plate appearances over three seasons. Barrera will likely to open 2023 at Triple-A Memphis.

Nido agreed to a two-year, $3.7 million contract extension with the Mets on Wednesday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

The contract covers Nido's remaining arbitration years and pays him $1.6 million in 2023 and $2.1 million in 2024. The 28-year-old is expected to serve as a backup backstop again after registering a .239/.276/.324 slash line over 313 plate appearances for the Mets in 2022.

Trevino and the Yankees avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year deal Friday.

The Yankees acquired Trevino in a trade with Texas prior to last season and were rewarded with an All-Star campaign. Much of Trevino's value comes from his defense, however, which limits his fantasy appeal. His .248/.283/.388 slash line last season wasn't particularly exciting, and his 11 homers merely tied him for 17th among all catchers.

Higashioka and the Yankees avoided arbitration Friday by agreeing to a one-year deal.

Higashioka homered 10 times in 248 plate appearances last season, but his .227/.264/.389 slash line was good for just an 83 wRC+. He'll enter the 2023 season as Jose Trevino's backup behind the plate.

Knizner agreed to a one-year, $1.1 million contract with the Cardinals on Friday to avoid arbitration, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Knizner appeared in a career-high 97 games last season and had a .215/.301/.300 slash line with four home runs and 25 RBI. He'll remain the No. 2 catcher despite the retirement of Yadier Molina after the Cardinals signed Willson Contreras in free agency.

Bethancourt signed a one-year, $1.35 million contract with the Rays on Friday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

The 31-year-old had a surprisingly solid year in 2022, as he recorded a career-high .692 OPS over 333 plate appearances between the A's and Rays. Bethancourt will likely split time with Francisco Mejia in 2023, though he should see a larger share of the action behind the dish.

Stallings signed a one-year, $3.35 million contract with the Marlins on Friday to avoid arbitration, Craig Mish of SportsGrid.com reports.

Stallings managed a lowly .584 OPS in 2022 but continued to draw praise for his defense and handling of the pitching staff. He'll share catching duties with Nick Fortes in 2023.

Mejia signed a one-year, $2.155 million contract with the Rays on Friday to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Mejia took a step back at the plate in 2022 with just a .645 OPS, and at this point it's difficult to see him turning into an everyday catcher. He will share time behind the dish with Christian Bethancourt in 2023.

Murphy (shoulder) and the Mariners agreed on a one-year, $1.625 million contract Friday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

The catcher had to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery in late June, but he is expected to be ready for the start of the 2023 campaign. Murphy batted .303 with a solo homer and nine runs scored over 33 at-bats in 14 games with Seattle last season and figures to back up Cal Raleigh.

Nola signed a one-year, $2.35 million contract with the Padres on Friday to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Nola put up a disappointing .649 OPS for the Padres last season while making a career-high 94 starts at catcher. He'll enter the 2023 campaign atop the depth chart but figures to cede a good amount of playing time to Luis Campusano.