MLB Player News

The White Sox signed Newcomb (elbow) to a one-year, $4.5 million contract Tuesday.

Newcomb was terrific as a full-time reliever after being traded to the Athletics last season, collecting a 1.75 ERA and 50:14 K:BB over 51.1 innings. The left-hander will get an opportunity to start in Chicago, per Will Sammon of The Athletic, though he could eventually shift back to a relief role. Newcomb's 2025 campaign ended prematurely due to left elbow inflammation, but he should be ready to go for spring training.

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.

The Mariners signed Refsnyder to a one-year, $6.25 million contract Monday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Refsnyder slashed a robust .312/.407/.516 versus left-handed pitching during his four seasons with the Red Sox, and it should be against southpaws that he sees most of his playing time with the Mariners. He's capable of handling all three outfield spots, and while Refsnyder does have past infield experience, he hasn't played on the dirt regularly since 2017.

The Athletics designated Waldichuk for assignment Monday.

The move frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Jeff McNeil (shoulder), who was acquired via trade. Waldichuk missed all of 2024 and the first half of 2025 while recovering from Tommy John surgery, and he posted an 8.65 ERA, 2.06 WHIP and 64:42 K:BB across 51 innings this past season at Triple-A Las Vegas. The lefty will turn 28 in January and hasn't pitched in the majors since 2023, but with a career 33.9 percent strikeout rate in the minors and team control through 2029, he could draw interest via trade or waivers.

The Athletics acquired McNeil (shoulder) and cash considerations from the Mets on Monday in exchange for Yordan Rodriguez, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

McNeil finished the 2025 season with a .243/.335/.411 batting line and 12 home runs over 462 plate appearances, which was his best offensive season since he made the All-Star team and won the National League batting title in 2022. He underwent thoracic outlet surgery after this past season but is expected to be ready for spring training. Slated to turn 34 just after Opening Day, McNeil will take over as the Athletics' starting second baseman and will get a boost with a move from Citi Field to Sutter Health Park.

The Tigers re-signed Mattison to a minor-league contract Dec. 18 that includes an invitation to spring training, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Mattison was non-tendered by the Tigers last month, but he's now back in the organization and will be in big-league camp this spring. The righty reliever boasts a 32.8 percent strikeout rate in the minors but has been held back by a bloated 13.4 percent walk rate.

The White Sox signed Harris to a minor-league contract Monday that includes an invitation to spring training, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.

Harris hit .285/.369/.435 at Triple-A Round Rock in the Rangers organization last season but went just 8-for-40 with a 30.2 percent strikeout rate during his time with the big club. The White Sox don't have much outfield depth, so the 26-year-old Harris has an outside shot of pushing for an Opening Day roster spot.

The Guardians signed Heuer to a minor-league contract Monday that includes an invitation to spring training, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Heuer got into three games between the Rangers and Tigers in 2025 but spent most of the season at the Triple-A level, where he held a 3.14 ERA and 62:17 K:BB over 48.2 innings. The 29-year-old reliever will compete for a spot in the Guardians' bullpen but is likely headed to Triple-A Columbus to begin next season.

Casas (knee) could begin the season at Triple-A Worcester following Boston's acquisition of Willson Contreras (shoulder), Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Casas is working his way back from surgery to repair a ruptured left patellar tendon and could be ready to go Opening Day. However, with Contreras added to the mix, the Red Sox could choose to proceed cautiously with Casas, who has minor-league options remaining. A trade of an outfielder (likely Jarren Duran) could allow both Contreras and Casas to play regularly between first base and designated hitter, though Masataka Yoshida also looms as a DH option. A clearer plan for Casas should be revealed during spring training.

The Red Sox plan to have Contreras (shoulder) split his playing time between first base and designated hitter, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Triston Casas' recovery from a ruptured patellar tendon is coming along well and there's a chance he's ready for Opening Day, but the acquisition of Contreras allows the Red Sox to slow-play Casas, if needed. Contreras is coming back from a shoulder injury of his own but is expected to be fine for spring training. When both players are healthy, they should soak up most of the reps between first base and DH, though Casas does have minor-league options remaining.