MLB Player News

The Dodgers reached a contract agreement with Yates on Tuesday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Just a couple days after signing the top free-agent relief arm in Tanner Scott, the Dodgers have further fortified their bullpen with the addition of Yates. Slated to turn 38 in March, Yates collected a microscopic 1.17 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 85:28 K:BB over 61.2 innings while notching 33 saves for the Rangers in 2024. It's not an ideal landing spot from a fantasy perspective, as he will have lots of competition for saves in the Dodgers' bullpen.

The Cubs signed Richards to a minor-league contract Monday, Aram Leighton of Just Baseball reports.

Richards had a 4.55 ERA in 2024 between the Blue Jays and Twins and saw his strikeout rate dip from 33.3 percent to 22.4 percent year-over-year. That said, as a versatile arm with some swing-and-miss ability, he's a solid get on a minor-league contract. Presumably, he'll receive an invitation to spring training, where he'll compete for a bullpen gig.

The Reds signed Young to a minor-league contract Monday that includes an invitation to spring training, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Young began last season with the Reds before being traded to the Giants and then finishing the year with the Mets. The left-handed reliever dealt with back problems in 2024 but has been pretty effective since 2022 when available, posting a 3.28 ERA and 86:38 K:BB over 96 innings. Young has a shot to win a bullpen job in Cincinnati if he has a strong camp.

The Pirates re-signed Ryan to a minor-league contract Monday that includes an invitation to spring training, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Ryan, 29, put up a 5.95 ERA and 17:9 K:BB over 20.2 innings out of the Pirates' bullpen in 2024. He'll compete for a relief role in spring training but will probably begin the year at Triple-A Indianapolis.

The Padres re-signed Davis to a minor-league contract Monday that includes an invitation to spring training, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Davis, who turns 32 in February, made seven appearances for San Diego in 2024, allowing eight runs (seven earned) over seven innings. The lefty reliever will try to win a spot in the Padres' bullpen but is likelier to begin the 2025 season at Triple-A El Paso.

Scott agreed to a four-year, $72 million contract with the Dodgers on Sunday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Shortly after landing coveted Japanese starter Roki Sasaki, Los Angeles has now also secured the top closer on the market. Scott recorded 22 saves and 11 holds between the Marlins and Padres during the 2024 regular season and finished with a 1.75 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 84:26 K:BB across 72 innings. The left-hander should open 2025 as the favorite for saves on the best team in baseball, but righty Michael Kopech could also be in the mix.

Minter (hip) agreed to a two-year, $22 million contract with the Mets on Friday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

The Mets were known to be seeking a high-leverage reliever and have landed one of the better ones available in Minter. The 31-year-old southpaw was limited to 39 appearances for Atlanta in 2024 due to a left hip injury which eventually required surgery, but he was highly effective when on the bump, compiling a 2.62 ERA and 35:11 K:BB over 34.1 innings. Since 2020, Minter boasts a 2.85 ERA and 30.1 percent strikeout rate. There's no word on how far along he is in his recovery, but he will presumably be ready to go by Opening Day. He'll operate in a setup role ahead of closer Edwin Diaz next season at least, but the two-year deal has an opt-out after 2025.

Atlanta claimed Willingham off waivers from the Nationals on Friday.

Willingham had been designated for assignment and is now on the move to another 40-man roster in the NL East. The 26-year-old has made 19 appearances in the majors since the start of the 2023 season, collecting a 7.11 ERA and 16:9 K:BB across 25.1 frames.

The Brewers designated Bukauskas for assignment Friday, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

The transaction creates space on the 40-man roster for the signing of Elvin Rodriguez. Bukauskas was injured for much of 2024 with triceps and oblique problems, but he pitched well when available, yielding one run with a 6:1 K:BB in six innings. There could be interest in the 28-year-old via trade or waivers.

The Brewers signed Rodriguez to a one-year contract with a club option for 2026, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Rodriguez spent the last year-and-a-half in Japan with the Yakult Swallows, posting a 2.77 ERA and 67:25 K:BB across 78 innings. The right-hander has eight appearances under his belt at the major-league level, having allowed 35 runs in 33 frames.