MLB Player News

Hill signed a one-year, $1.8 million contract with the White Sox on Thursday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Hill was non-tendered by the Padres last month after posting a 5.48 ERA and 26:14 K:BB over 44.1 innings in 2023. The left-hander's bat-missing ability has completely evaporated over the last two seasons with just a 12.7 percent strikeout rate, but he remains elite in inducing grounders, having produced them at a 61.2 percent clip last season. The White Sox will be hoping Hill can rebound in the first half of 2024 so that they can flip him to a contender at the trade deadline.

Staumont (shoulder) signed a one-year contract with the Twins on Wednesday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Hayes says the deal is worth a little less than $1 million and notes that Staumont will have a year of arbitration eligibility in 2025, as well. Staumont was non-tendered by the Royals last month after undergoing thoracic outlet syndrome surgery in July. The 30-year-old has posted a 6.09 ERA over 63 appearances since the start of the 2022 season, but from 2019-21 he held a 2.93 ERA and 124:53 K:BB over 110.2 innings. The track record of pitchers coming back from TOS surgery is checkered, at best, but on a one-year pact the Twins felt Staumont was worth a roll of the dice.

The Yankees acquired Morris from the Guardians on Tuesday in exchange for Estevan Florial.

Morris surrendered six earned runs over just eight major-league innings last season, but he posted a 2.28 ERA with 23 strikeouts over 23.2 innings for Cleveland in 2022. The 27-year-old right-hander has some past experience as a starter but will presumably compete for a spot in the Yankees' Opening Day bullpen at spring training.

Castillo signed a minor-league contract with the Rangers on Dec. 18.

Castillo had a rough 2023 campaign, collecting a 6.23 ERA in eight appearances for the Mariners and a 5.13 ERA and 50:35 K:BB across 47.1 frames at Triple-A Tacoma. Both his velocity and control have trended in the wrong direction in recent seasons. Still, Castillo will turn just 30 next month, and a pitcher with his track record seems worthy of a roll of the dice on a minor-league deal.

Alexy signed a minor-league contract with the Twins on Dec. 19.

Alexy began the 2023 season at Triple-A Charlotte in the White Sox organization but was released after collecting a 12.00 ERA and ugly 21:41 K:BB over 21 innings. He then resurfaced in independent ball with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs but wasn't much better for them, posting an 11.81 ERA and 8:11 K:BB across 5.1 frames. Alexy is still just 25 and was once considered a decent prospect, so the Twins figured he was worth a shot in hopes that he'll solve his control problems.

Miller signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Tigers on Friday, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

The deal also includes a $4.25 million club option (or $250,000 buyout) for 2025. Miller had a sneaky-good season for the Dodgers in 2023 in relief, collecting a 1.71 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 42:19 K:BB over 42 innings. He should be used in high-leverage spots out of Detroit's bullpen.

The Yankees signed Burdi to a minor-league contract Thursday with an invitation to major-league spring training, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

Burdi elected to become a free agent in November after being outrighted off Cincinnati's 40-man roster. The 30-year-old reliever has surrendered 17 runs -- 16 earned -- in just 15.1 career innings of work at the MLB level.

Scott signed a minor-league contract with the Astros on Dec. 12.

Scott owns a rough 9.00 ERA in 46 major-league innings, but his minor-league numbers have always been good. The 31-year-old right-hander could get a look in the Houston bullpen at some point in 2024.

Newcomb underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Wednesday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Newcomb also required surgery on his left knee in September, but he is expected to be fully recovered from both procedures by the time spring training opens in February. The 30-year-old left-hander posted a 3.00 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 17:9 K:BB over 15 innings (two starts, five relief appearances) last season when healthy. He projects to operate in a swingman role for the Athletics in 2024.

Patino was designated for assignment by the White Sox on Wednesday.

Patino had a lot of prospect buzz a couple of years ago, but he owns a career 5.02 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 124:70 K:BB in 136.1 major-league innings. The 24-year-old right-hander might draw some interest on waivers given his age and raw talent.