MLB Player News

Phillips signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract with the Dodgers on Friday to avoid arbitration, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Phillips was simply dominant in 2022, recording a minuscule 1.14 ERA and 0.76 WHIP through 63 innings out of the bullpen. Though recreating those numbers will be almost impossible for the 28-year-old righty, Phillips will certainly see plenty of action in high-leverage situations next season.

Thielbar signed a one-year, $2.4 million contract with the Twins on Friday to avoid arbitration, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Thielbar has been one of the most consistent pieces of the Twins' bullpen for the past three seasons, keeping his WHIP right around the 1.15 mark. The veteran southpaw will turn 36 at the end of the month, so it's worth questioning how much left he has in the tank. But for now, a 2.42 FIP keeps him in a nice position as one of Minnesota's top relievers.

Sims (back) signed a one-year, $1.27 million contract with the Reds on Friday to avoid arbitration, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Sims' season was cut short in 2022 after undergoing season-ending surgery on his back, and the 6.2 innings he managed to pitch early in the year weren't pretty (9.45 ERA, 1.65 WHIP). It's possible he'll work his way back into the closer role Cincinnati had planned for him going into 2022, though it may take a while before he gets there.

Antone (elbow) signed a one-year, $770,000 contract with the Reds on Friday to avoid arbitration, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Antone missed the entirety of 2022 due to Tommy John surgery, but back-to-back seasons with a sub-3.00 ERA and a strikeout rate north of 30 percent in 2020-21 is more than enough reason for the Reds to keep him around. He will likely have to slowly work back into high-leverage situations, but if he's able to return to his pre-injury form, he could take over as the Reds' closer during the season.

Hernandez signed a one-year, $1.275 million contract with the Rangers on Friday to avoid arbitration, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Recovery from a Tommy John procedure in April 2021 kept Hernandez from playing last season until mid-July, but he was effective after he returned. In 30.1 innings, he recorded a 2.97 ERA and 1.42 WHIP -- good enough to keep him in a setup role to start 2023.

Hearn agreed to a one-year contract with the Rangers on Friday to avoid arbitration.

Hearn worked as a swingman for the Rangers last season with 13 starts in 31 appearances, and he had a 5.13 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 97:43 K:BB across 100 innings. Texas has significantly revamped its rotation during the offseason, so the 28-year-old will likely be limited to a relief role in 2023.

Armstrong signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Rays on Friday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

After being released by Miami and signed by Tampa Bay in May, Armstrong recorded a 3.60 ERA and 1.27 WHIP as a member of the Rays bullpen. His impressive 9.63 K/9 from last year also makes him a candidate to pitch more often in high-leverage situations in 2023.

Barria agreed to a one-year, $1.05 million contract with the Angels on Friday to avoid arbitration, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Barria made his big-league debut in 2018 and primarily worked as a starter when up with the Halos prior to 2022, but he established himself as a solid reliever last season with a 2.61 ERA across 79.1 innings. The 26-year-old should pitch out of the bullpen again in 2023 following his successful transition to relief.

Arano agreed to a one-year, $925,000 contract with the Nationals on Friday to avoid arbitration, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Arano made 43 appearances for the Nationals in 2022 and had a 4.50 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 44:12 K:BB across 42 innings. The 27-year-old is likely to open 2023 in middle relief but could see high-leverage chances with a strong start to the campaign.

Finnegan signed a one-year, $2.325 million contract with the Nationals on Friday to avoid arbitration, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Finnegan collected 11 saves for the Nationals last season, posting a 3.51 ERA and 70:22 K:BB over 66.2 innings along the way. He is the favorite to open 2023 as the club's closer, although his leash wouldn't figure to be a long one.