MLB Player News

Hader agreed to a one-year, $14.1 million contract with the Padres on Friday to avoid arbitration, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

It's the biggest salary an arbitration-eligible reliever has ever received, and it comes in the left-hander's final year before being eligible for free agency. Hader had an ugly and uncharacteristic 5.22 ERA between the Brewers and Padres in 2022, though that figure was heavily inflated by five outings in which he gave up three runs or more. He still went 36-for-40 in save chances, and he should be once of the top closers in baseball again in 2023.

Thornton and the Blue Jays agreed on a one-year, $1 million contract Friday to avoid arbitration, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The right-hander compiled a 4.11 ERA and 1.24 WHIP with 37 strikeouts and three holds over 46 innings in 32 appearances with Toronto in 2022. Thornton will provide bullpen depth for the Jays again in 2023.

Martin (shoulder) and the Rangers agreed on a one-year, $1.275 million contract Friday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Martin and the team were able to avoid dealing with the arbitration process. The left-hander ended the 2022 season on the 15-day injured list with a shoulder injury, and he recently suffered a setback that will affect his availability for most of the 2023 campaign. Martin will require surgery and should be considered out indefinitely until the team releases a recovery timeline.

Ferguson and the Dodgers settled on a one-year, $1.1 million contract Friday to avoid arbitration, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The reliever was very effective in 2022, posting a 1.82 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 37 strikeouts and seven holds over 34.2 innings in 37 appearances out of the Dodgers' bullpen. Ferguson will likely operate in a significant role again in 2023.

Scott agreed to a $2.825 million contract with the Marlins on Friday to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

The 28-year-old led the Marlins with 20 saves last season, but he struggled during the second half while Dylan Floro finished the campaign as the primary closer. Scott finished with a 4.31 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 90:46 K:BB across 62.2 innings and is likely to open 2023 in a setup role.

Junis signed a one-year, $2.8 million contract with the Giants on Friday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Junis put up a 4.42 ERA and 98:25 K:BB over 112 innings for the Giants in 2022 while serving as a traditional starter and bulk reliever. The 30-year-old would appear to be slated for a relief role in 2023, at least to open the season.

Minter signed a one-year, $4.3 million contract with Atlanta on Friday to avoid arbitration.

Minter was one of the best relievers in baseball in 2022, collecting a 2.06 ERA, five saves and a 94:15 K:BB over 70 innings with a major-league leading 35 holds. He'll presumably enter 2023 in a high-leverage role once again, but behind Raisel Iglesias in the pecking order for saves in Atlanta's bullpen.

Mayza agreed to a one-year, $2.1 million contract with the Blue Jays on Friday to avoid arbitration, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Mayza was once again a solid bullpen piece for Toronto in 2022 and recorded two saves and 16 holds with a 3.14 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 44:12 K:BB across 48.2 innings. The veteran lefty should fill a similar role out of the bullpen in 2023.

Hudson signed a one-year, $2.65 million contract with the Cardinals on Friday to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Hudson posted a 4.45 ERA and ugly 78:61 K:BB across 139.2 innings for the Cards in 2022 in his first full season back from Tommy John surgery. He's currently on the outside looking in for a rotation spot in 2023 but could still wind up making a decent number of starts for the big club.

Edwards signed a one-year, $2.25 million contract with the Nationals on Friday to avoid arbitration, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Edwards earned the raise following a resurgent 2022 season which saw him post a 2.76 ERA and 56:25 K:BB over 62 innings. He'll be in the late-inning mix for the Nationals again in 2023, perhaps even seeing some save opportunities.