MLB Player News

Pena agreed to a one-year, $9.475 million contract with the Astros on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Pena was a reliable shortstop across his first three MLB campaigns, but his breakout in 2025 will more than double his salary in his second year of arbitration eligibility. The 28-year-old posted a career-best .304/.363/.477 slash line with 17 home runs, 20 stolen bases, 62 RBI and 68 runs in 125 games. He missed the final week of the season due to an oblique injury and was also sidelined by a rib issue earlier in the year, but he should be healthy to begin 2026.

Neto (hand) agreed to a one-year, $4.15 million contract with the Angels on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

It's a significant raise for the 24-year-old shortstop, who is entering his first year of arbitration eligibility. Neto had a late start to 2025 due to a shoulder injury and missed the final two weeks of the season with a hand issue, but he was productive when available with 26 home runs, 26 steals and a .793 OPS in 128 contests.

Clement signed a one-year, $4.6 million contract with the Blue Jays on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Clement slashed .277/.313/.398 with 50 RBI and 83 runs scored over 588 plate appearances in the 2025 regular season before batting an absurd .411 with nine RBI and scoring 13 runs during Toronto's postseason run, which fell just one game short of a World Series title. The 29-year-old will receive a $2.63 million raise as a reward for his efforts and will likely spend most of his time at second base in 2026 following the Jays' acquisition of third baseman Kazuma Okamoto during the offseason.

The Rays claimed Cheng off waivers from the Pirates on Wednesday.

Cheng went 0-for-7 with three strikeouts in his first taste of the majors in 2025 and also slashed only .209/.307/.271 during his time at Triple-A Indianapolis. The 24-year-old can play both middle-infield spots and is likely destined for Triple-A Durham to begin the 2026 campaign.

The Orioles claimed Luciano off waivers from the Pirates on Wednesday, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports.

Luciano has managed just a .217/.286/.304 batting line over 41 games in the majors and hasn't been great at the Triple-A level, either, slashing .227/.351/.401. The former top prospect is still just 24, so the Orioles felt he was worth a flier. Luciano -- who does not have minor-league options remaining -- was moved to left field at Triple-A Sacramento in the Giants organization in 2025 after previously playing shortstop.

Mayer (wrist) is expected to be ready for Opening Day, Lauren Campbell of MassLive.com reports.

Mayer is recovering from right wrist arthroscopy performed in August that ended his season after 44 games. He potentially could have played in the postseason had Boston extended its run, and Mayer is expected to be available for spring training. Depending on roster additions, the 23-year-old infielder could end up playing second base, shortstop or third base. He mainly played at the hot corner in his big-league debut, but a downturn in shortstop Trevor Story's defense (minus-9 OAA) in 2025 could allow Mayer to return to his natural position, which would allow Story to shift to second

Matthews is still viewed as a second baseman long term, but he'll also play in the outfield in 2026, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

"He's going to get some run in the outfield, but second base is still going to be his main position," general manager Dana Brown said. "We project he'll turn the corner with the bat and get maybe some run in the outfield a little bit, as well." Matthews is situated as a backup option at shortstop and second base, and he would need an injury to Jeremy Pena or Jose Altuve to see significant work in the middle infield in 2026. The Astros probably aren't done making moves this offseason either and could add more outfield options, but Brown and manager Joe Espada were complimentary about Matthews' potential in the short term and long term. Matthews is a great athlete with plus speed and above-average raw power. He slashed .260/.371/.458 with 17 home runs, 41 steals and a 27.9 percent strikeout rate in 112 games in the Pacific Coast League. A .167 BABIP and 42.6 percent strikeout rate led to a .167 batting average and .222 on-base percentage in the majors, but he showed off his tools with four home runs and one steal in 13 games.

Young is expected to see the majority of playing time at second base for the Mariners in 2026 even if the team acquires a second baseman from outside the organization, Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic report.

The Mariners remain very high on Young even after he had just a .607 OPS in 257 plate appearances during his rookie season. Young is just 22, but the Mariners appear committed to giving him some leash in the majors in 2026. It seemingly makes a trade for Ketel Marte unlikely, and if Brendan Donovan is acquired, he would be in line to see the bulk of his reps at a position other than second base.

Vasquez (undisclosed) signed a minor-league contact with the Orioles on Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Vasquez hit .256/.297/.359 with two homers and six steals over 44 contests at Double-A Montgomery in the Rays organization before missing the final three months with an undisclosed injury. It's unclear what his current health status is, but the infielder will be part of big-league spring training with the Orioles.

The Rangers signed Velazquez to a minor-league contract Dec. 8.

Velazquez spent all of this past season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the Yankees organization, slashing .242/.304/.345 with five homers and 25 steals. A career .189/.244/.293 hitter over parts of six big-league seasons, Velazquez will give the Rangers some experienced infield depth at Triple-A Round Rock.