MLB Player News

Higashioka signed a two-year, $13.5 million contract with Texas on Monday, which includes a $7 million mutual option for 2027.

Higashioka will add a veteran presence to the backstop position for Texas and is likely to share the workload with Jonah Heim, who struggled during the 2024 campaign. Higashioka is coming off one of his most productive seasons at the plate, swatting a career-high 17 home runs and recording 45 RBI in 84 games for the Padres.

The Blue Jays signed Stefanic to a minor-league contract Wednesday, Nate Heisler of Klutch Sports reports.

Stefanic elected free agency after being outrighted off the Angels' 40-man roster in October. The 28-year-old has slashed just .232/.317/.275 over parts of three big-league seasons and will likely begin 2025 as a utility infielder at Triple-A Buffalo.

The Tigers re-signed Vanasco to a minor-league contract Tuesday.

Vanasco was non-tendered by Detroit last week but returns to the organization on a minor-league pact. The right-hander spent most of the 2024 season at the Triple-A level, collecting a 2.45 ERA and 48:30 K:BB over 40.1 innings of work.

The Mariners are optimistic that Brash (elbow) can make his 2025 debut by the end of April, Adam Jude of the Seattle Times reports.

Brash had an internal brace procedure on his right elbow in early May, so a return in April would be aggressive. However, he's been working out at the team's spring training complex in Arizona and is considered ahead of schedule in his recovery. Brash was dynamite out of Seattle's bullpen in 2023, posting a 3.06 ERA and 107:29 K:BB across 70.2 innings. Once healthy, he will serve in a leverage relief role for the Mariners.

Seager (hip/hernia) is close to being cleared to perform all baseball activities, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Seager underwent sports hernia surgery in September. He's been resting and rehabbing for the last two months but is almost ready to begin his normal offseason routine. Seager is expected to head into spring training at 100 percent.

Garcia (knee) has been cleared to begin running, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Garcia's 2024 season ended prematurely due to a sprained left patella tendon in his knee. He did not require surgery on the knee and is now ready to go through his normal offseason routine. The expectation is that the 31-year-old will head into spring training without restrictions.

Carter (back) has been swinging a bat and is expected to be 100 percent for the start of spring training, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Carter was limited to just 45 games this season due to a nagging back problem and underwent an ablation procedure in October to remove tissue from his back. The expectation is that he'll be without restrictions once spring training rolls around. The 22-year-old posted just a .633 OPS over 162 plate appearances in 2024 but should enter 2025 with a regular role for the Rangers.

The Orioles signed Jackson to a minor-league contract Monday, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Jackson played in 121 games with Double-A Binghamton in 2024, batting .206 with 19 home runs, 61 RBI, 49 runs scored and 11 stolen bass as a member of the Mets organization. He will now get a shot to prove himself with Baltimore ahead of the 2025 campaign.

The Orioles signed Barreto to a minor-league contract Monday, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Barreto played in 29 games with Triple-A Rochester in 2023, batting .202 with seven home runs, 15 RBI, 17 runs scored and two stolen bases over 99 at-bats. He spent the 2024 season with the Diablos Rojos del Mexico, producing a .343 average with 16 home runs and 63 RBi over 76 games. Barreto will now look to make the most of his opportunity with Baltimore ahead of the 2025 season.

The Guardians signed Valera (knee) to a minor-league contract Monday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Valera will remain in Cleveland after being non-tendered by the Guardians on Friday. The 24-year-old outfielder underwent surgery on his right knee in September to repair a ruptured patellar tendon, and he is unlikely to be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season. Valera will likely be assigned to Triple-A Columbus when he is fully healthy.