MLB Player News

Karinchak signed a one-year, $1.9 million contract with the Guardians on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Karinchak walked 28 batters across 39 innings in 2023, but he still managed a solid 3.23 ERA with 52 strikeouts. While Emmanuel Clase is almost certainly locked into the closer role in Cleveland, Karinchak could be a decent source of holds.

Holmes signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Yankees on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Holmes has served as the Yankees' primary closer each of the last two seasons, recording a combined 44 saves. He also managed a career-best 18.3 K-BB% across 63 frames in 2023 and should continue to rack up save chances in 2024.

Schreiber signed a one-year, $1.175 million contract with the Red Sox on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

Schreiber impressed during his first full season with Boston in 2022 and got off to a hot start last year as well. However, the 29-year-old righty injured his shoulder in May and wasn't quite the same when he came back in late July, recording a 4.85 ERA and 1.48 WHIP through 29.2 innings post-injury. Schreiber may still be an option for Boston in high-leverage situations this season, but his reliability remains questionable.

Poche signed a one-year, $2.375 million contract with the Rays on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

2023 was a breakout year for Poche, who finished the season with a 2.23 ERA,1.09 WHIP and 61:24 K:BB across 60.2 innings. His strong campaign earned him a $1.195 million raise, and he'll likely continue working as Tampa Bay's left-handed setup man in 2024.

Pivetta signed a one-year, $7.5 million contract with the Red Sox on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Pivetta receives a $2.15 million salary increase in his final year of team control. The 30-year-old recorded a 4.04 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with a 183:50 K:BB across 142.2 innings last season -- easily his best statline since joining the Red Sox in 2020.

Crochet signed a one-year, $800,000 contract with the White Sox on Thursday to avoid arbitration.

Crochet charted a 3.55 ERA and 1.97 WHIP through 12.2 MLB innings last year, though shoulder issues limited him to just 25 total appearances between the majors and minors. White Sox general manager Chris Getz said Tuesday the team plans on using Crochet as a starter in 2024, though it's unclear whether he will be stretched out in the big leagues or in Chicago's minor-league system.

Thornton signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Mariners on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Thornton proved to be a valuable addition to Seattle's bullpen after he was traded from Toronto in July. He logged a 2.08 ERA and 1.08 WHIP through 26 innings with the Mariners and figures to be used often in high-leverage situations in 2024.

The Mariners and Topa avoided arbitration by agreeing to a $1.25 million contract Thursday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Topa was in his first year of arbitration eligibility. The 32-year-old had a breakout season with the Mariners in 2023, posting a 2.61 ERA and 61:18 K:BB over 69 innings. He will handle high-leverage situations for Seattle again in 2024.

The Astros and Abreu avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.75 million contract Thursday, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

It's a well-earned raise for Abreu, who was in his first year of arbitration eligibility. The hard-throwing reliever has been dominant for Houston over the last two seasons, posting a 1.84 ERA and 188:57 K:BB across 132.1 innings. If anything happens to closer Ryan Pressly, Abreu would be next in line.

Hernandez agreed to a one-year contract with the Royals on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

The 26-year-old righty has a career 4.90 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 126 strikeouts in 123 innings as a reliever after not panning out as a starter. Hernandez notched four saves and averaged 99 mph on his fastball last season, but he probably won't be the go-to option at closer, barring several injuries ahead of him on the depth chart.