MLB Player News

Ryu is participating in spring training with the Hanwha Eagles of the KBO in the midst of the MLB lockout and completed his first bullpen session Sunday, Daniel Kim of MBC Sports+ reports.

Ryu will remain in his home country of South Korea with no end to the lockout in sight, and he'll continue his preparation for the season with the Eagles. The 34-year-old had a 4.37 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 143:37 K:BB across 169 innings last season and will look to rebound for the Blue Jays in 2022.

Maeda (elbow) told The Tokyo Mainichi on Jan. 7 that he's realistically targeting a return to action in the final month of the 2022 season. "Even if I can return, it will be around September. It's not a zero percent chance," Maeda said.

Maeda underwent a modified Tommy John surgery Sept. 1, 2021, with his procedure involving the insertion of an internal brace into his right elbow. The innovative procedure was expected to reduce Maeda's recovery timeline to 9-to-12 months rather than the typical 12-to-16, but the 33-year-old still looks as though he plans on requiring a full year to complete his rehab. With the pitcher himself ruling out a midseason return, Maeda doesn't look to be an appealing fantasy investment, even as a final-round selection in AL-only leagues or best-ball drafts. On a more positive note, Maeda seems to have avoided any setbacks since having the procedure, as he said that he plans to resume playing catch at some point during spring training.

McCullers (forearm) will start throwing in "about a month," Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

McCullers suffered the injury to his throwing arm in mid-October and was unable to pitch in the the ALCS or World Series. In positive news, McCullers recently had an MRI that came back clean. Even so, it will be worth monitoring how McCullers is able to progress prior to spring training, which may dictate whether he is able to ramp up in time to begin the season on the mound.

Lyles agreed to a one-year, $7 million contract with the Orioles on Wednesday that includes an $11 million club option for 2023, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Lyles spent the past two seasons with the Rangers and started in 30 of his 32 appearances last season. He had an unimpressive 5.15 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 146:56 K:BB across 180 innings, though he should have a stable rotation spot to open 2022 given Baltimore's overall lack of starting pitching. The physical exam wasn't completed before MLB initiated the lockout of the players Wednesday, so the deal can't become official until after a new CBA is reached.

Hill agreed to a one-year contract with the Red Sox on Wednesday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

It will be the veteran left-hander's third stint with the Red Sox after tossing 158.2 innings last season, which marks his highest innings total since 2007. Hill split 2021 between the Mets and Rays and posted a 3.86 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 150:55 K:BB in 32 outings. He should be a solid mid-rotation piece for Boston if he can stay healthy in his age-42 campaign.

Bundy (shoulder) signed a one-year deal with the Twins on Wednesday that includes a club option for a second year, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Bundy finished last season on the 60-day injured list with a shoulder strain. He had a 6.06 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in 90.2 innings prior to suffering the injury. Bundy had the best season of his career in 2020, when he logged a 3.29 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 72 strikeouts in 65.2 innings. The former top prospect will make $4 million in 2022 with a $1 million buyout on an $11 million club option in 2023, so it's $5 million guaranteed, per Jon Heyman of MLB Network.

Paxton (forearm) agreed to a one-year, $10 million contract with the Red Sox on Tuesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. The deal includes a two-year team option for 2023 and 2024.

Paxton pitched 1.1 innings for Seattle in 2021 before requiring Tommy John surgery in April, but he's been throwing from beyond 60 feet since September and appears to be making good progress in his recovery. The 33-year-old should be ready to pitch for Boston sometime in June or July, and the team is likely to pick up the two-year option if he performs well in 2022.

German agreed to a one-year, $1.75 million contract with the Yankees on Tuesday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

German ended up starting in 18 of 22 appearances for New York last season, and he posted a 4.58 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 98:27 K:BB across 98.1 innings. He'll be in the mix for a rotation spot again during spring training.

Ray signed a five-year, $115 million contract with the Mariners on Monday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Ray won the 2021 AL Cy Young Award after he posted a 2.84 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in 193.1 innings across 32 starts during his first full season with the Blue Jays. The 30-year-old will now be rewarded with a long-term deal that includes an opt-out clause following the 2024 season.

Lorenzen signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the Angels on Sunday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Lorenzen pitched exclusively for the Reds across his first seven seasons in the majors, but he'll now join the Angels on a short-term deal. The 29-year-old converted all four of his save chances and posted a 5.59 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 29 innings across 27 appearances in 2021. The right-hander will likely be in the mix for a high-leverage role with the Angels in 2022.