MLB Player News

The Rays and McClanahan (triceps) avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.6 million contract Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

It's the same salary McClanahan was paid each of the last two seasons. The left-hander did not pitch at all in 2024 while recovering from Tommy John surgery and was limited to only three rehab starts in 2025 due to a nerve issue in his left triceps that eventually required surgery. The expectation is that McClanahan will be ready for the start of spring training, but he's a major health risk heading into the 2026 season.

The Guardians acquired Bruihl from the Blue Jays on Wednesday in exchange for cash considerations.

Bruihl held a 5.27 ERA and 18:7 K:BB across 13.2 frames at the major-league level during the 2025 regular season. The left-handed reliever does not have minor-league options remaining, so he should have a good chance to crack the Guardians' Opening Day bullpen.

The Guardians designated Noel for assignment Wednesday.

The transaction clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Justin Bruihl. Noel has slugged 19 home runs across 351 plate appearances at the major-league level, but that's come with a .193/.242/.401 batting line, 32.8 percent strikeout rate and 4.8 percent walk rate. That said, he's just 24 years, and with his power potential, Noel should interest via trade or waivers.

The Orioles outrighted Handley to Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Handley was removed from the 40-man roster last week, but he has cleared waivers and will remain in the organization as catching depth. The 27-year-old went just 3-for-41 at the dish during his time in the majors in 2025.

The Orioles re-signed Suarez (forearm) to a minor-league contract Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Suarez was non-tendered by Baltimore last month but has made his way back into its organization. The right-hander was limited to only 11.2 innings with the big club in 2025, first due to a shoulder injury and then a flexor strain that ended his season. It's not clear what Suarez's current health status is, but he's been a useful swingman for the Orioles when available.

Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris stopped short of naming Jansen the team's closer Wednesday, saying that there are "at least three or four closer types" on the roster, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Jansen is 24 saves shy of 500 for his career and has been adamant about reaching that milestone, but it seems he was not promised the closer role in Detroit when he agreed to a one-year, $11 million contract. Harris said that who closes for the Tigers will be up to manager A.J. Hinch. While Jansen remains the favorite to see the bulk of the save opportunities, Kyle Finnegan, Will Vest and Tyler Holton could be in the mix, as well.

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 Athletics signed Kuhnel to a minor-league contract Tuesday.

Kuhnel spent all of the 2025 season at the Triple-A level in the Phillies and Yankees organizations. The big right-hander holds a career 5.86 ERA and 76:24 K:BB over 93.2 frames covering parts of five big-league seasons. Kuhnel will likely begin the 2026 campaign at Triple-A Las Vegas.

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

After being non-tendered by Detroit last month, Little will wind up staying in the organization. Slated to turn 28 in January, Little allowed two runs over three innings during his brief time in the majors in 2025 with the Dodgers.

The Tigers re-signed Guenther (hip) to a minor-league contract Tuesday.

Guenther was non-tendered by the Tigers in November but will return to the organization on a minor-league deal. The left-hander underwent a left hip arthroscopy in July and it's not clear whether he will be fully cleared to participate in spring training.