MLB Player News

Groover was invited to major-league camp for spring training, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports

Groover, the team's second-round selection in 2023, hit .281/.367/.474 last season with 10 home runs in 61 games over three minor-league stops. He missed significant time early with a broken wrist and eventually finished at Double-A Amarillo. Groover made up for lost reps in the Arizona Fall League, where he hit .339 in 18 games. He's spent time on the diamond at first, second and third base, but Groover needs to improve defensively if he's to stick at third. The soon-to-be 23-year-old showed good plate discipline in the minors, walking nearly as much as striking out.

The Mets designated De Los Santos for assignment Friday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

De Los Santos was claimed off waivers by the Mets on Nov. 4 after being let go by the Blue Jays. He spent most of the 2024 season at Triple-A Buffalo, where he slashed .260/375./.441 with six home runs and 16 RBI over 152 plate appearances. De Los Santos was brought in to compete for spot on the Mets' roster for the 2025 campaign, but his removal from the 40-man roster is to make room for Nick Madrigal, who signed a one-year, $1.35 million contract Friday.

Maciejewski signed a minor-league contract with the Brewers on Friday, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Maciejewski was able to reach the big leagues for the first time in 2024, allowing two earned runs in seven innings across four appearances with the Yankees. He didn't find similar success in the minor leagues, however, accumulating a 5.37 ERA and 1.48 WHIP over 60.1 Triple-A frames. The 29-year-old southpaw will almost certainly fill in as bullpen depth at Triple-A Nashville.

Contreras signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Brewers on Friday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

The new deal also includes a $12 million club option for 2026. Contreras set new career highs last year with 23 homers and 92 RBI while slashing .281/.365/.466 across 679 regular-season plate appearances. The two-time All-Star is expected to continue serving as Milwaukee's everyday catcher in 2025, though he may occasionally move into the DH spot to get Eric Haase some reps behind the dish.

The Mets signed Madrigal to a one-year, $1.35 million contract Friday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

He can earn an additional $500,000 in incentives. Madrigal has failed to pan out despite being the fourth overall pick in the 2018 Draft, particularly during his time with the Cubs when he managed just a .251/.304/.312 slash line in 616 PAs over the last three seasons. Injuries have been a problem, with a fractured hand costing him significant time in 2024. Madrigal can play second and third base and will attempt to win a reserve role in New York.

The Diamondbacks signed Hampson to a minor-league contract Friday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Hampson slashed only .230/.275/.300 with zero home runs and seven stolen bases over 113 regular-season contests with the Royals in 2024. The 30-year-old played seven different positions for Kansas City and will operate as a utility player, either in Arizona or at Triple-A Reno.

The Padres and King avoided arbitration Friday by agreeing to a one-year, $4 million contract with a $15 million mutual option for 2026, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The buyout on the option is $3.75 million, with the possibility of it reaching $8 million if he hits all his incentives. The structure of the deal provides the Padres with some payroll wiggle room, which could lessen the need to trade either King or Dylan Cease. The right-handed King collected a 2.95 ERA and 201:63 K:BB over 173.2 regular-season innings with the Padres in 2024.

The Cubs signed Hughes to a minor-league contract Friday that includes an invitation to spring training, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Hughes was drafted by the Cubs in the 16th round of the 2017 Draft and briefly served as the team's closer in 2022, but his career has been sidetracked since then by knee problems and other injuries. The left-hander made 15 appearances with the Diamondbacks in 2024, posting an 8.15 ERA and 21:10 K:BB across 17.2 frames. He'll compete for a bullpen job with Chicago.

Brasier was designated for assignment by the Dodgers on Thursday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The Dodgers made their signing of Kirby Yates official, with Brasier losing his spot on the roster as a result. Brasier had a strong 3.54 ERA and 0.96 WHIP with a 25:5 K:BB across 28 innings in 2024, so he has a good shot to land elsewhere either via a waiver claim or trade.

The Reds designated Legumina for assignment Thursday.

With Austin Hays officially signing with Cincinnati on Thursday, Legumina will end up as the odd man out of a roster spot. The 27-year-old righty allowed nine earned runs in just 9.1 big-league innings last season, but other teams may be willing to take a chance on him after he finished the Triple-A season with a 3.03 ERA and 1.05 WHIP over 62.1 frames.