MLB Player News

Smith signed a one-year, $2.2 million contract with the Mets on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Smith saw his performance decline in 2023, though he notched a career-high 56.1 innings and 15 combined saves and holds. With Edwin Diaz getting a clean bill of health, Smith projects to occupy a setup role at best in 2024.

Soto signed a one-year contract with the Phillies on Thursday to avoid arbitration.

Soto saw his saves total diminish significantly in 2023 after being traded from Detroit to Philadelphia last offseason. He still managed an impressive 24 holds and also posted an 8.8 percent walk rate -- by far the best mark of his career. Jose Alvarado is the current favorite for the closer role, but with Craig Kimbrel out of the picture, this could be a bullpen to watch in spring training.

Chargois signed a one-year contract with Miami on Thursday to avoid arbitration.

Chargois was effective out of Miami's bullpen in 2023, maintaining a 3.61 ERA with a 1.25 WHIP across 42.1 innings. He managed four holds and one save but pitched primarily in lower-leverage situations.

Bender (elbow) agreed to a one-year contract with the Marlins on Thursday to avoid arbitration.

Bender missed all of the 2023 season while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. He was facing hitters in September, meaning he should have the chance to enter the 2024 campaign healthy.

Vesia signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Dodgers on Thursday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Vesia struggled on the surface in 2023 in large part due to .354 BABIP and 72.6 percent strand rate. However, he still managed a 21.7 K-BB% and should be in for a bounceback campaign in a potential high-leverage role out of the Dodgers' bullpen in 2024.

Williams agreed to a one-year contract with the Brewers on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Based on the reported figures the two sides were exchanging, the deal is likely for around $7 million, and it comes with a club option for 2025. Williams is the top closer in fantasy for 2024, according to early ADP. He had a 1.53 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 87 strikeouts in 58.2 innings last season while notching 36 saves.

Payamps agreed to a one-year deal with the Brewers on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Payamps, a 29-year-old righty, emerged as the Brewers' top setup man for stretches of last season. He logged a 2.55 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 77 strikeouts in 70.2 innings while also chipping in seven wins and three saves.

Okert signed a one-year, $1.1 million contract with the Marlins on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Okert threw a career-high 58.2 innings in 2023 and maintained a 4.45 ERA to go along with a 1.26 WHIP. His 73:24 K:BB was more impressive, and he should shoulder a heavy workload in the Marlins' bullpen once again in 2024.

Graterol signed a one-year, $2.7 million contract with the Dodgers on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Graterol is in his second year of arbitration and doubled his salary from 2023. He posted a career-high 67.1 innings last season and maintained a 1.20 ERA and 0.97 WHIP with a 48:12 K:BB across 67.1 innings. Graterol could enter the closer picture in 2024, though Evan Phillips will open the year as the favorite for save chances.

Finnegan agreed to a one-year contract with the Nationals on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Finnegan served as the Nationals' primary closer in 2023, recording 28 saves. He had an uneven performance overall, however, posting a 3.76 ERA and 1.30 WHIP to go along with a 63:24 K:BB across 69.1 innings. He'll likely begin the 2024 campaign in the ninth-inning role, but Hunter Harvey could overtake him fairly quickly.