MLB Player News

Richards signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Blue Jays on Friday to avoid arbitration, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The 29-year-old held a 5.34 ERA but also struck out 82 over 64 innings for the Blue Jays last season. Richards has plenty of past starting experience but appears pegged for a full-time relief gig again in 2023. He did serve as an opener for the Jays a few times in 2022 and might be used some in that role again for the upcoming season.

Harvey signed a one-year contract with the Nationals on Friday to avoid arbitration, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.

Harvey managed to stay healthy enough to make 38 appearances for the Nats in 2022, collecting a 2.52 ERA and 45:12 K:BB over 39.1 innings. The 28-year-old remains a huge health risk, but he still has a big arm and could even close for Washington in 2023 as long as he's able to reliably take the mound.

Alcala (elbow) signed a one-year, $790,000 contract with the Twins on Friday to avoid arbitration, Darren Wolfson of Channel 5 Saint Paul reports.

Alcala was limited to just two appearances for the Twins in 2022 due to an elbow issue while eventually required surgery in August. He's expected to be ready for Opening Day and has the potential to be a high-leverage bullpen option if he can stay healthy.

Brebbia settled on a one-year, $2.3 million contract with the Giants on Friday to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

The reliever compiled a serviceable 3.18 ERA and 1.31 WHIP while striking out 54 batters and earning 18 holds over 68 innings in 76 appearances while also being used as an opener 11 times. Brebbia will likely operate in a versatile role once again this season, operating ahead of closer Camilo Doval.

Santana and Atlanta agreed on a one-year, $1 million contract Friday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

After posting a 5.22 ERA and 1.33 WHIP with 54 punchouts over 58.2 innings in 63 appearances with the Rangers last season, the reliever was dealt to Atlanta in November. Santana will likely operate in low-leverage situations out of the bullpen with his new club in 2023.

Bowman re-signed with the Yankees on a minor-league contract Friday.

Bowman hasn't pitched anywhere since 2019, as his career has been sidetracked by elbow problems. It would appear that he could finally be healthy now, although he'll have plenty of rust to knock off before being a consideration for the Yankees.

Taylor and the Astros agreed on a one-year, $830,000 contract Friday to avoid arbitration, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The left-handed reliever appeared in 19 games with the Astros last season, producing a 3.94 ERA and 1.56 WHIP with 19 strikeouts over 16 innings pitched. Taylor will likely remain a middle relief option for Houston in 2023.

Leiter was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Friday.

The team needed to free up a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Eric Hosmer. Leiter had a solid 2022 season, posting a 3.99 ERA and 73:25 K:BB over 67.2 innings while picking up three saves along the way. There might be some interest in him on waivers.

Milner agreed to a one-year, $1 million contract with the Brewers to avoid arbitration Thursday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Milner was a workhorse out of the Milwaukee bullpen in 2022, posting a 3.76 ERA and 1.18 WHIP across 64.2 innings. He also tallied a career-high nine holds, though he is not a candidate to see save chances in 2023.

Littell signed a minor-league contract with the Rangers on Thursday, Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com reports.

Littell will be in big-league camp as a non-roster invitee. The 27-year-old was highly effective out of the Giants' bullpen in 2021 before stumbling to a 5.08 ERA in 2022. He should have a decent chance to win a middle-relief role in Texas.