MLB Player News

Atlanta signed Jimenez to a minor-league contract Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Mike Rodriguez reports.

Jimenez, 30, was non-tendered by the Athletics back in November after posting a 4.91 ERA and 25:19 K:BB over 25.2 innings during the 2024 season. The righty reliever has struck out nearly a batter per inning in his career but has also walked 54 over 84.2 frames.

The Mets are not yet sure whether Mauricio (knee) will be ready for the start of spring training, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Mauricio began baseball activities in December as he works his way back from a second right knee surgery. While his rehab seems to be coming along OK, the Mets aren't sure how Mauricio's knee will respond as he continues to ramp things up, so they're taking things day by day with the young infielder. If healthy, he'll compete for the Mets' third base job. However, given his long layoff -- he last played in the Dominican Winter League more than a year ago -- Mauricio seems likely to begin the 2025 season in the minors even if he's not limited in spring training.

The Pirates acquired de Geus from the Blue Jays on Wednesday in exchange for cash considerations, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

De Geus had been designated for assignment but will now join a new 40-man roster. The 27-year-old owns a 7.48 ERA and 1.71 WHIP over 61.1 career big-league innings. He'll compete for a bullpen job this spring but does have minor-league options remaining.

The Rockies signed Martini to a minor-league contract Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Martini managed a .912 OPS in 29 games for the Reds in 2023 and opened 2024 as their primary designated hitter against right-handed pitching, but he fell off to a .641 OPS across 52 contests last season and missed significant time due to thumb surgery. The 34-year-old will compete for a reserve outfielder role in Colorado.

The Rockies signed Hiura to a minor-league contract Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Hiura, 28, went 4-for-27 during his brief time with the Angels last season and sported a .943 OPS with 26 homers at the Triple-A level in 2024. It's conceivable that the former top prospect wins an Opening Day roster spot, but Hiura will more likely begin the year at Triple-A Albuquerque.

The Mets claimed Warren off waivers from the Giants on Wednesday, Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Warren, who turns 29 in February, yielded two runs with a 7:5 K:BB over 10.2 innings with the Giants in 2024. He'll compete for a spot in the Mets' bullpen but is likelier to wind up at Triple-A Syracuse to begin the season.

The Nationals outrighted Adon (biceps) to Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

He's no longer on the 40-man roster but will remain in the organization. Adon's 2024 season ended with a biceps injury and it's unclear whether he will be healthy for spring training.

Verlander said Monday that he began throwing much earlier than usual this offseason and is already touching 92 mph, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Verlander averaged 93.5 mph with his four-seamer in 2024, but at this stage of the offseason the hurler is viewing 92 mph as an encouraging sign. The righty also said he's addressed the shoulder and back issues that limited him to just 90.1 innings this past season, although it's not clear exactly what that entails. Verlander inked a one-year, $15 million contract with the Giants last week and will be looking to bounce back in 2025 in what will be his age-42 season.

The Pirates signed Smith to a minor-league contract Monday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Smith, 34, collected a 4.95 ERA and 46:12 K:BB across 56.1 innings between the Marlins and Orioles this past season. The veteran right-hander will compete for a bullpen job in spring training.

The Pirates signed Johnson to a minor-league contract Monday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Johnson, 29, is a career .177/.248/.226 hitter over 140 plate appearances across three brief stints in the majors. He will compete for a reserve outfielder job but is likely to be assigned to Triple-A Indianapolis to begin the 2025 season.