MLB Player News

The Padres declined Pivetta's $14 million option for 2027 on Saturday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Pivetta endured an injury-plagued campaign in 2026, as he pitched in only eight regular-season games due to a right flexor strain. The veteran hurler did return for the end of the campaign and looked great in September, recording a 1.45 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 18:2 K:BB over 18.2 innings across four starts. Pivetta also started two postseason contests, allowing three runs across 7.2 frames while registering an 8:2 K:BB in those outings. Despite the promising finish to the campaign, the Padres opted not to pick up Pivetta's option for 2027, perhaps due in part to the fact that the right-hander would have then had an $18 million player option for 2028. San Diego could still look to re-sign Pivetta on a different deal, though he should draw multiple suitors in free agency given the desirability of reliable starting pitching.

The Rays exercised Rasmussen's $20 million club option for the 2027 season Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Rasmussen made 30 starts in the regular season and spent fewer than 45 days on the injured list in 2026, triggering escalators that elevated the value of his option from $8 million to $20 million. The Rays' decision to bring the 31-year-old back for another season was likely easy despite the price increase, as he posted a 2.67 ERA and 0.91 WHIP across 172 regular-season innings. He also allowed just seven runs in 28.2 frames during the postseason while helping the Rays secure their second American League pennant in seven seasons.

The Rangers selected Curry's contract from Double-A Frisco on Friday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

Curry pitched at three different levels this season and finished with a 5.02 ERA and 1.38 WHIP across 104 total innings. The 24-year-old righty is no longer eligible to be selected in the Rule 5 Draft now that he's captured a 40-man spot, and he'll likely have a chance to capture a spot in Texas' Opening Day bullpen during spring training.

Soroka declined his end of a $10 million mutual option for the 2027 season Friday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Soroka enjoyed a career-reviving season during his time in Arizona, posting a 3.41 ERA and 1.09 WHIP alongside a 114:29 K:BB over 116 innings. The 29-year-old's strong performance significantly increased his chances of securing a multi-year deal in free agency this winter, so he'll accept a $1 million buyout from the D-backs and begin fielding offers from interested clubs in need of rotation help.

The Athletics declined Springs' $15 million club option for 2027 on Friday.

He'll receive a modest $750,000 buyout instead. Springs battled through a woeful 2026 campaign, finishing with a 6.18 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 112:57 K:BB over 142.2 innings covering 29 starts. The 34-year-old southpaw served up 23 home runs and had a 6.90 ERA at Sutter Health Park, so Springs will likely be seeking to land with a team that has a more pitcher-friendly home confines.

The Twins declined Ryan's $13 million mutual option for 2027 on Friday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Ryan remains under team control for one more season, but the Twins are passing on the option because the hurler's arbitration projection is much lower. The right-hander authored a 3.79 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 159:31 K:BB across 144.2 innings covering 27 outings for Minnesota this season.

The Orioles declined Eflin's (elbow) $25 million mutual option for 2027 on Friday.

He'll receive a $2 million buyout instead. Eflin made only one start for the Orioles this season before undergoing Tommy John surgery, and the free agent will be shelved until around midseason next year.

Gray declined his side of a $30 million mutual option for 2027 on Friday and is now a free agent, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Gray will be paid a $5 million buyout instead. He'll have an exclusive negotiating window with the Red Sox for five days, but it's unlikely the two sides will reach an agreement before Gray is able to field offers from other clubs, as well. The 37-year-old went 18-5 with a 2.72 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 149:46 K:BB over 169 regular-season innings in 2026.

Bagwell underwent right elbow surgery recently, Lindsay Crosby of BravesToday.com reports.

The specifics of the procedure are unclear, but Crosby notes that Bagwell will likely miss the entirety of the 2027 season. Bagwell -- who turns 21 in February, posted a 3.17 ERA and 105:32 K:BB over 108 innings between Single-A Augusta and High-A Rome in 2026.

The Marlins exercised Alcantara's $21 million club option for 2027 on Friday.

Alcantara collected a 3.87 ERA and 153:59 K:BB over a league-high 214 innings this season. The 31-year-old is a tier below other frontline starting pitchers when it comes to swing-and-miss, but Alcantara has re-established himself as baseball's preeminent workhorse since coming back from Tommy John surgery. Alcantara is set to reach free agency next winter.