MLB Player News

Kontos agreed to a one-year, $1.15 million contract with the Giants on Monday to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Kontos appeared to have his best season in 2015 with career-highs in ERA (2.33) and innings (73.1). Advanced statistics told a different story for the right-handed middle reliever, however, a low strikeout rate and high percentage of men left on base indicate that fantasy owners should be hesitant to expect similar results in 2016.

Torres has been placed on waivers by the Mets, Adam Rubin of ESPN reports.

After a suitable trade was not found, the Mets decided to place the 33-year-old on waivers. Torres pitched in 57.2 innings for the Mets last season, posting a 4.68 ERA and 1.37 WHIP. His contract is not very expensive, so there is a good chance that a team looking for a veteran reliever could snatch him up while he's available.

Underwood received an invitation to spring training Friday.

The right-hander hasn't pitched a game above High-A in his career, so it's unlikely that he'll appear in the majors this season. That being said, this shows how highly they regard the 21-year-old, as not too many other players of his age and experience would be invited to major league spring training.

Biddle was designated for assignment Friday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

This move was made to make room on the 40-man roster for Bobby LaFromboise, who was claimed off waivers by the Phillies on Friday. Biddle, a former first-round pick and top prospect, has struggled to find his command throughout his career, posting BB/9 rates ranging from 3.42 to 5.50 over the past five seasons. To make matters worse, Biddle underwent Tommy John surgery in October and will miss the entire 2016 season. It could be a while before the 24-year-old is even on the radar for fantasy purposes.

Edgin (elbow) is expected to be ready about one month into the season, ESPN New York's Adam Rubin reports.

Edgin had Tommy John surgery in March and subsequently missed the entire 2015 season. Previous reports suggested he would be ready for Opening Day, but it now sounds as if that won't be the case. Assuming he returns to his pre-injury form, he'll be a key lefty in the New York bullpen.

Torres was designated for assignment Friday, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

Just one week after Torres signed a one-year deal to avoid arbitration with the Mets, the club opted to DFA him to clear space on the 40-man roster for the recently signed Antonio Bastardo.

Rodney agreed to a one-year deal with Padres on Wednesday that includes an option year in 2017 and could be worth up to $7 million in 2016 with performance bonuses, Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com reports.

The veteran Rodney was a former closer with the Mariners before losing the job due to poor performance. As a result, the Padres decided to go with an incentivized deal that will pay dividends to both parties if he pitches well. He and Kevin Quakenbush will likely compete for the job out of spring training, and there's a shot that he could wind up closing out games again in 2016.

Manager Pete Mackanin said the "field is wide open" when asked who would close for the Phillies next season, CSN Philadelphia reports.

Hernandez is considered a front-runner for the closing gig, but the Phillies brought in Ernesto Frieri, Edward Mujica, and Andrew Bailey as non-roster invitees to compete for a job as well. The team has an opening at the back of their pen after sending Ken Giles to the Astros this offseason.

De La Rosa agreed to a one-year contract with the Diamondbacks on Friday, avoiding arbitration.

The 26-year-old righty held up well physically in 2015, reaching the 30-start milestone for the first time in his career, but his production was average at best with a 4.67 ERA and 1.357 WHIP. He'll likely slot in as a back-of-the-rotation starter this season with Arizona after the additions of Zack Greinke and Shelby Miller this offseason.

Vizcaino agreed to a one-year contract with the Braves on Friday, avoiding arbitration.

With Jason Grilli shelved with a torn Achilles for much of the 2015 season, Vizcaino capitalized on his opportunity as the Braves' closer, notching nine saves in 10 opportunities. That said, with Grilli on pace to return for spring training, Vizcaino will need to keep up his 2015 production to keep his grip on the closing role.