MLB Player News

Sanchez elected free agency Monday, Isaac Azout of FishOnFirst.com reports.

The Marlins outrighted him to Triple-A Jacksonville, but Sanchez has declined that assignment and will hit the free-agent market. Sanchez returned to the majors in 2024 for the first time since years of shoulder trouble, but he posted a 6.06 ERA and ended the season back on the injured list with more shoulder issues. It's not clear what his current health status is.

The Diamondbacks claimed Martinez off waivers from the Astros on Monday.

Martinez, 30, held a 3.59 ERA and 36:18 K:BB across 52.2 frames for Houston in 2024. He will provide the Diamondbacks with some additional right-handed relief depth.

The Mets outrighted Gage to Triple-A Syracuse on Monday, Michael Mayer of MetsmerizedOnline.com reports.

Gage has accepted the assignment and will remain in the organization. The lefty spent all of 2024 at the Triple-A level, collecting a 4.10 ERA and 51:22 K:BB over 41.2 innings.

The Twins exercised Alcala's $1.5 million club option for 2025, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Alcala spent some time in the minors in 2024 but pitched well over 58.1 innings with the Twins, posting a 3.24 ERA and 58:20 K:BB over 58.1 frames. He'll be used in middle relief in 2025.

Karinchak elected free agency Monday.

Karinchak refused an outrighted assignment by the Guardians, opting for free agency instead. He was limited to just seven rehab appearances in 2024 due to a shoulder issue but was pitching in games at the end of the season. Karinchak boasts a 36.3 percent strikeout rate but also a 14.1 percent walk rate over parts of five major-league seasons.

Foster (back) elected free agency Monday.

The White Sox removed Foster from their 40-man roster and he has chosen free agency rather than accepting an outright assignment. Foster finished the 2024 season on the injured list with a back injury and it's not clear what his current health situation is.

Lambert (shoulder) elected free agency Monday.

Lambert refused an outright assignment by the White Sox, opting for free agency instead. He underwent right shoulder surgery in August and it's unclear when he'll be ready to pitch in games.

The White Sox claimed Murfee (elbow) off waivers from the Astros on Monday.

Murfee had Tommy John surgery in July of 2023 and was pulled off his rehab assignment in 2024 after just one appearance due to elbow soreness, although he was facing hitters again by the end of the season. The 30-year-old posted a 2.70 ERA and 92:28 K:BB over 83.1 innings with the Mariners from 2022-23, so it could be a sneaky waiver claim by the White Sox if Murfee can stay healthy.

The Reds extended a one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer to Martinez on Monday, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Wittenmyer hears that, before the offer was extended, the two sides engaged in talks regarding a multi-year extension "without gaining much traction." Martinez declined a $12 million player option last week after posting a 3.10 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 116:18 K:BB over 142.1 innings in 2024. He could surely get more in total dollars on the open market, but locking in a $21.05 million salary for 2025 might be tempting for Martinez. If he rejects it, the Reds would receive a draft pick if the righty signs elsewhere.

The Twins outrighted Winder to Triple-A St. Paul on Monday, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Winder, 28, spent the bulk of the 2024 season at St. Paul posting a 6.15 ERA but a 47:13 K:BB over 41 innings. He will remain in the organization as bullpen depth.