MLB Player News

Holmes agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Yankees on Friday, avoiding arbitration.

Holmes broke out in his age-29 season last year, finishing the season with a 2.54 ERA and 1.02 WHIP while recording the first 20 saves of his career. He's the clear favorite to lead the Yankees in saves this season, though the fact that his ERA jumped from 1.31 prior to the All-Star break to 4.84 in the second half makes him a higher-risk option than one might expect when looking at only his season-long numbers.

Thielbar signed a one-year, $2.4 million contract with the Twins on Friday to avoid arbitration, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Thielbar has been one of the most consistent pieces of the Twins' bullpen for the past three seasons, keeping his WHIP right around the 1.15 mark. The veteran southpaw will turn 36 at the end of the month, so it's worth questioning how much left he has in the tank. But for now, a 2.42 FIP keeps him in a nice position as one of Minnesota's top relievers.

Hernandez signed a one-year, $1.275 million contract with the Rangers on Friday to avoid arbitration, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Recovery from a Tommy John procedure in April 2021 kept Hernandez from playing last season until mid-July, but he was effective after he returned. In 30.1 innings, he recorded a 2.97 ERA and 1.42 WHIP -- good enough to keep him in a setup role to start 2023.

Hearn agreed to a one-year contract with the Rangers on Friday to avoid arbitration.

Hearn worked as a swingman for the Rangers last season with 13 starts in 31 appearances, and he had a 5.13 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 97:43 K:BB across 100 innings. Texas has significantly revamped its rotation during the offseason, so the 28-year-old will likely be limited to a relief role in 2023.

Armstrong signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Rays on Friday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

After being released by Miami and signed by Tampa Bay in May, Armstrong recorded a 3.60 ERA and 1.27 WHIP as a member of the Rays bullpen. His impressive 9.63 K/9 from last year also makes him a candidate to pitch more often in high-leverage situations in 2023.

Barria agreed to a one-year, $1.05 million contract with the Angels on Friday to avoid arbitration, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Barria made his big-league debut in 2018 and primarily worked as a starter when up with the Halos prior to 2022, but he established himself as a solid reliever last season with a 2.61 ERA across 79.1 innings. The 26-year-old should pitch out of the bullpen again in 2023 following his successful transition to relief.

Cimber signed a one-year, $3.15 million contract with Toronto on Friday to avoid arbitration, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

In his first full season with the Blue Jays, Cimber put up a 2.80 ERA and 1.12 WHIP through 70.2 innings out of the bullpen, earning 20 holds and four saves in the process. His impressive stats were more than enough to warrant a healthy raise for the 32-year-old righty, who will most likely serve as a setup man in 2023.

Warren cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Salt Lake by the Angels on Friday.

Warren holds a 3.47 ERA over 30 appearances across the last two seasons for the Halos. He'll represent relief depth for them in the minors.

Clarke signed a one-year, $1.15 million contract with the Royals on Friday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Clarke had a solid first season in Kansas City, putting up a 4.04 ERA and 48:8 K:BB over 49 innings while collecting three saves. The 29-year-old is likely to work in a middle relief role again in 2023.

Maton (hand) agreed to a one-year, $2.55 million contract with the Astros on Friday to avoid arbitration, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Maton was a solid reliever for the Astros last year with a 3.84 ERA across 67 appearances, though he missed the entirety of the postseason after he punched a locker and fractured his hand at the end of the regular season. Assuming he's fully recovered for Opening Day, the right-hander should see some high-leverage work in front of closer Ryan Pressly and top setup man Rafael Montero.