MLB Player News

Gilbert signed a minor-league contract with the Reds on Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Gilbert, 30, pitched 17.1 relief innings with the Diamondbacks in 2023, posting a 5.19 ERA but a 19:5 K:BB. The left-hander is capable of starting or relieving and it's not clear which role the Reds have planned for him. In either case, he's likely headed to Triple-A Louisville for the start of the 2024 season.

Mengden signed a contract with the CTBC Brothers of the Chinese Professional Baseball League in Taiwan on Tuesday.

It will be Mengden's second stint overseas, as he pitched for the Kia Tigers of the Korea Baseball Organization in 2021. The 30-year-old holds a career 4.65 ERA over parts of six major-league seasons.

The Rangers acquired Duarte (shoulder) from the Reds on Tuesday in exchange for cash considerations.

Duarte had been designated for assignment by Cincinnati but will now go back on a 40-man roster as he joins the Texas organization. The 27-year-old holds a 4.19 ERA and 25:23 K:BB over 34.1 innings at the major-league level over the last two seasons. Duarte ended last season on the injured list with a shoulder issue, and it's not clear what his current health status is.

Krehbiel signed a minor-league contract with the Mariners on Tuesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Krehbiel, 31, holds a 3.65 ERA and 57:27 K:BB over 74 relief innings covering parts of four seasons at the big-league level. The right-hander spent the 2023 campaign in the Orioles organization, holding a 1.80 ERA in six appearances in the majors and a 3.89 ERA in 35 outings at Triple-A Norfolk.

Graveman is expected to miss the 2024 season after the Astros announced Tuesday that he underwent surgery last week to repair the labrum in his right shoulder.

Graveman first developed shoulder soreness toward the end of the 2023 regular season and was held out of postseason action. Discomfort returned after a period of rest and rehab, necessitating the procedure. Graveman, 33, will be entering the final year of his three-year, $24 million contract in 2024 and is set to become a free agent next offseason.

Bautista (elbow) on Tuesday wouldn't rule out the possibility of returning before the end of the 2024 season, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Bautista underwent Tommy John surgery in October, so the odds of him making it back at any point in 2024 are slim, if not non-existent. The goal remains for the reliever to be ready for the start of the 2025 season. Craig Kimbrel is slated to serve as the Orioles' closer while Bautista rehabs.

The Reds designated Duarte (shoulder) for assignment Saturday.

With the signing of Brent Suter becoming official Saturday, Duarte will be pushed off the Reds' 40-man roster. The 27-year-old righty posted a 3.69 ERA and 1.39 WHIP across 31.2 innings last season and could be an attractive waiver option for other clubs in search of bullpen help.

Jackson signed with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball on Friday.

After three seasons in Major League Baseball, Jackson will ply his trade in Japan, where he might be able to work as a starter. The Pirates released Jackson last month to allow him to pursue this opportunity. Still just 27, Jackson could theoretically return to the majors down the line if things go well for him in his new venture.

Harris signed a minor-league contract with the Twins on Friday.

Harris elected to enter free agency after being outrighted to Triple-A by the Nationals earlier in the offseason. The 30-year-old righty made his MLB debut last season, posting a 5.12 ERA and 1.76 WHIP through 19.1 frames, and he'll serve as organizational bullpen depth for the Twins.

The Mets claimed Kranick off waivers from the Pirates on Friday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Kranick is on the move to a new organization one week after being designated for assignment. The right-hander missed most of 2023 while working his way back from Tommy John surgery but will enter 2024 healthy. He's posted a 5.56 ERA and 36:22 K:BB across nine starts and two relief appearances at the big-league level.