MLB Player News

Kuhnel signed a minor-league contract with the Astros on Monday that includes an invitation to spring training, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Kuhnel elected free agency after being jettisoned from the Astros' 40-man roster earlier this month, but he'll return on a non-guaranteed deal. The big right-hander has put up a 6.02 ERA and 71:24 K:BB over 83.2 innings during parts of four big-league seasons.

Coulombe signed a one-year contract with the Orioles on Monday that includes a club option for 2025.

The deal buys out the left-hander's final year of arbitration eligibility, and potentially, his first year of free agency. Coulombe was excellent for Baltimore in 2023, collecting a 2.81 ERA and 58:12 K:BB over 51.1 innings. He'll be a key setup man in the bullpen again in 2024.

The Tigers designated Sweet for assignment Monday, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

He'll cede his spot on the 40-man roster to infield prospect Colt Keith, who signed a six-year extension with Detroit over the weekend. Sweet has already been in three different organizations this offseason, and he'll now go through the waiver process once again. The reliever held a 10.38 ERA in seven appearances this past season with Oakland and Seattle in what was his first taste of the majors.

Barnes (hip) has recovered from offseason hip surgery and is expected to throw for MLB teams within the next week, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

The veteran right-hander had a 5.48 ERA in 24 outings for Miami before undergoing hip surgery last summer, and he apparently required another procedure after the club declined his 2024 option in November. Barnes recorded 24 saves with a 3.79 ERA for the Red Sox in 2021 but has struggled over the past two seasons.

Edward signed a minor-league contract with the Cubs on Saturday that includes an invitation to spring training, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

It's a return to where Edwards first reached the big leagues and had his most successful seasons. Edwards posted a 3.69 ERA and 24:17 K:BB over 31.2 frames with the Nationals in 2023. He missed the last three months of the season with a shoulder issue but presumably will be healthy heading into camp.

Hernandez signed a minor-league contract with the Padres on Friday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Hernandez elected free agency after losing his spot on the Padres' 40-man roster back in November, but he's now back with the club as a non-roster invitee. The 29-year-old was knocked around during his brief time in the majors in 2023 but held a 3.84 ERA and 82:21 K:BB over 61 innings between Double-A San Antonio and Triple-A El Paso.

Duarte was designated for assignment by the Rangers on Friday.

The Rangers needed to free up a spot on their 40-man roster for the addition of David Robertson. Duarte was just acquired from the Reds via trade last month after he had been dropped from their 40-man roster, and he'll now go through the waiver process again.

Wood agreed to terms on a contract with the Athletics on Saturday, Robert Murray reports.

The particulars of the deal aren't known yet, and it is pending a physical. Wood made 12 starts and 17 relief appearances last season with the Giants, holding a 4.33 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 74:42 K:BB over 97.2 innings. The 33-year-old left-hander will slide into Oakland's rotation and the club will hope he can have a nice first half so it can trade him to a contender at the deadline.

Zimmermann (abdomen) said Saturday he should be a "full go" for spring training, Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com reports.

Zimmermann first suffered the injury in July but was able to pitch through it, per Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com, and he went under the knife to address the issue in October. Zimmermann spent most of last season at Triple-A Norfolk, where he posted a 4.42 ERA and 1.55 WHIP across 99.2 innings, and he'll compete for an Opening Day roster spot during spring training.

Ottavino signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the Mets on Saturday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

Ottavino declined his player option worth $6.75 million earlier in the season, and the fact $4 million of that salary would have been deferred likely played a part in that decision. He'll now stick with the Mets on a cheaper deal and likely reprise his role as a high-leverage reliever. The 38-year-old righty logged a 3.21 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 62 strikeouts in 61.2 innings last season while collecting a career-best 12 saves. Less ninth-inning work is likely in 2024 with closer Edwin Diaz back and healthy, however.