MLB Player News

The Cubs declined Assad's $3.3 million club option for 2027 on Monday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Assad remains in the organization and is arbitration eligible, so the Cubs will simply look to bring him back at a lesser salary. The 29-year-old swingman gave the Cubs solid work again this season, posting a 3.63 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 63:27 K:BB over 94.1 innings covering 11 starts and 17 relief outings.

The Cardinals acquired Rivera from the Red Sox on Tuesday in exchange for Juan Garcia, Andrew Parker of SoxProspects.com reports.

Rivera had been designated for assignment Monday as the Red Sox did some 40-man roster housekeeping. The big lefty allowed seven runs over 10 innings during his brief time in the majors in 2026, and he posted a 2.96 ERA and 55:27 K:BB across 45.2 frames with Triple-A Worcester. Rivera will compete for a spot in the Cardinals' bullpen in 2027, but he has minor-league options remaining.

San Francisco declined Wick's (elbow) club option for the 2027 season Monday.

Wick will remain with the organization and is arbitration eligible. He was unable to pitch during the 2026 while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.

Austin (knee) was outrighted to Triple-A Iowa on Monday.

Austin underwent right knee surgery in March, though it's currently unclear where he's at in his rehab. He'll remain with the organization but is no longer a member of the 40-man roster following Monday's transaction.

Smith was sent outright to Triple-A Reno on Monday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Smith struggled in limited big-league action during the 2026 campaign, slashing .183/.262/.294 with three home runs, 12 RBI, two stolen bases and 12 runs in 40 games. He'll have the option to elect free agency after being outrighted Monday.

Adams was sent outright to Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday.

Adams will lose his place on the 40-man roster after making his big-league debut in 2026. He surrendered five runs on five hits and two walks over one inning in his lone appearance.

Sanmartin was designated for assignment by the Giants on Monday.

Sanmartin will head to waivers while also allowing the Giants to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. He appeared in 24 games during the 2026 season, posting a 4.22 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with a 16:7 K:BB across 21.1 innings.

The Pirates claimed Baddoo off waivers from the Brewers on Monday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Baddoo missed a chunk of the 2026 season with a quad injury but fared well at Triple-A Nashville, slashing .252/.342/.469 with 11 yome runs over 64 contests. The 28-year-old outfielder does not have minor-league options remaining, so he would have to be exposed to waivers again if he doesn't make the Pirates' Opening Day roster.

The Brewers exercised Contreras' $15.5 million club option for 2027 on Monday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

The reigning World Series MVP returning on an affordable team option was a foregone conclusion. Contreras is currently set to reach free agency next offseason, and a long-term deal with the Brewers seems unlikely. However, the expectation is that the club will resist trade overtures for Contreras this winter and have him hit in the middle of the lineup again in 2027.

The Cubs claimed Orze off waivers from the Twins on Monday.

Orze made 36 appearances for the Twins this season, collecting a 5.66 ERA and 36:21 K:BB over 41.1 innings of work. The 29-year-old is out of minor-league options, so he would have to be exposed to waivers again if the Cubs try to send him to the minors.