MLB Player News

Atlanta acquired Jimenez from the Tigers on Wednesday in exchange for minor-league infielder-outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy, minor league left-handed pitcher Jake Higginbotham and cash considerations.

Jimenez finally broke through for the Tigers in 2022, producing a 3.49 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 77:13 K:BB ratio over 56.2 innings. He figures to slide into a middle-relief role for Atlanta and will be arbitration eligible for a final time this winter.

Rodriguez was selected by the Cardinals during the Rule 5 draft Wednesday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Rodriguez inked a minor-league deal with the Yankees in August but didn't pitch in the organization in 2022 before being grabbed by the Cardinals. The 32-year-old hasn't been in affiliated baseball since 2015, when he covered 10.2 innings at the Triple-A level. Rodriguez most recently worked in the Mexican League over the summer and had a 2.01 ERA and 73:13 K:BB across 44.2 innings.

Varland was selected by the Brewers with the 14th overall pick in the 2022 Rule 5 draft, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Varland spent the last two seasons at Double-A Tulsa and posted a 6.04 ERA and 1.58 WHIP in 104.1 innings over 57 appearances (21 starts). Despite his lackluster results overall, he had some more success after moving to the bullpen last year, so it's possible the Brewers utilize him in that capacity this season.

Ward was selected by the Nationals with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 Rule 5 draft, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Ward missed the start of the 2022 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery in June 2021, but he returned to game action in early August. He made 13 total starts in the minors last year and posted a 2.28 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 51.1 innings. After dealing with an oblique injury to close out the 2022 season, he should be back to full health in time for spring training in 2023. Ward will be stretched out as a starter this spring but will likely spend most of 2023 as a long reliever. However, general manager Mike Rizzo said Wednesday that the team sees the right-hander as a starter in the long run, per Zuckerman.

Yacabonis signed a minor-league contract with the Mets on Dec. 1.

His deal presumably includes an invitation to big-league spring training, where he'll be competing for a spot in the Mets' Opening Day bullpen. Yacabonis made 14 appearances at the MLB level between stops with the Marlins and Rays in 2022, logging an 8.36 ERA and 2.14 WHIP across 14 innings.

The Mets acquired Raley from the Rays on Wednesday in exchange for minor-league pitcher Keyshawn Askew, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Aside from All-Star closer Edwin Diaz, the Mets were lacking in reliable setup options last season, and the team's relief depth became further tested earlier this winter when all of Seth Lugo, Trevor May, Joely Rodriguez and Adam Ottavino became free agents. The addition of Raley thus addresses a major need, as he'll give the Mets a proven left-handed arm to slot in front of Diaz in the late innings. Raley covered 53.2 frames for Tampa Bay in 2022, collecting one win, six saves and 22 holds while pitching to a 2.68 ERA and 0.97 WHIP.

Zuniga agreed to a major-league contract with the Cardinals on Tuesday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Zuniga spent last at the Double-A level with the Dodgers, and he's now latched on with the Cardinals. The 24-year-old has yet to see action above Double-A, so he's unlikely to be a significant contributor for St. Louis in 2023.

Strahm agreed to a two-year, $15 million contract with the Phillies on Tuesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

The left-hander spent 2022 with Boston on a one-year, $3 million deal, and he's now cashing in with Philadelphia after he posted a 3.83 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 52:17 K:BB across 44.2 innings. Strahm had four saves and 12 holds last season but is unlikely to be a significant factor during the ninth inning for the Phillies.

Garcia signed a one-year deal with the Pirates on Tuesday, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Garcia will make $2.5 million in 2023, with Pittsburgh holding a club option for $3.25 million for 2024, per Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic. The lefty was designated for assignment by the Giants in November, but that came after a solid season in which he posted a 3.74 ERA. He's unlikely to add significantly to his career total of two saves this season, but he should still be a serviceable member of the Pittsburgh bullpen.

Castro signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Diamondbacks on Friday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Castro will head to Arizona after spending the 2022 campaign with the Yankees, producing a 4.03 ERA and 1.45 WHIP with 31 strikeouts over 29 innings in 34 appearances out of the bullpen. The 27-year-old right-hander will likely operate in a middle-relief role for Arizona. The Diamondbacks have a club option on the contract for 2024 worth an additional $3.5 million.