MLB Player News

McLain has added 12 pounds of muscle over the offseason, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

After rehabbing injuries each of the last two offseasons, McLain has been able to focus on training this winter and said he feels like he's getting a "fresh start" heading into the 2026 season. The second baseman slashed a disappointing .220/.300/.343 over 147 regular-season contests in 2025, but he has some bounce-back potential heading into his age-26 campaign.

The Mets claimed Cheng off waivers from the Rays on Friday.

It's already the third organization Cheng has been with this month as he bounces around via waivers. The 24-year-old slashed just .209/.307/.271 at Triple-A Indianapolis and went hitless in a brief stint with the Pirates last season, but the Mets felt Cheng was a worthy infield depth addition.

The Marlins claimed Bido off waivers from the Rays on Friday, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports.

It's the fourth organization this offseason for Bido, who posted a 5.87 ERA and 18.7 percent strikeout rate in 2025 with the Athletics. The right-hander held a 3.41 ERA and 24.3 percent strikeout rate in 2024 and offers the flexibility to serve as a starter or reliever. Bido could compete for a rotation spot in Miami, but a long-relief role is likelier.

The Phillies re-signed Realmuto to a three-year, $45 million contract Friday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

The deal can max out at $60 million if Realmuto reaches all of his incentives. The backstop turns 35 in March and has been in a steady decline both offensively and defensively, finishing the 2025 campaign with a .257/.315/.384 batting line and 12 home runs over 134 regular-season contests. However, while Realmuto's best days are behind him, he remains a quality hitter compared to most catchers, still has a great throwing arm and is well-liked in the Phillies' clubhouse.

The Mets plan to use Baty in a utility role following the signing of Bo Bichette, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Bichette will take over at third base, which had been projected as Baty's primary position. Baty will still see some action at the hot corner, but he'll also be used some at second base and possibly first base and left field. It's a hit to Baty's playing time outlook, though the Mets could also use him as part of a trade package to get an outfielder or pitcher. Baty slashed .254/.313/.435 with 18 home runs over 130 games for the Mets in 2025.

The Mets signed Bichette to a three-year, $126 million contract Friday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

The deal includes opt outs after each of the first two years. It's not the long-term contract many expected Bichette to sign, but he'll receive an average of $42 million annually, with the opportunity to re-enter the market if he has a monster 2026 or 2027 campaign. Bichette is likely to take over at third base for the Mets, a position he has never played before, and his arrival pushes Brett Baty into a utility role.

The Pirates have extended Griffin an invitation to big-league camp during spring training.

Arguably the top prospect in all of baseball, Griffin tore through three levels of the minors in 2025, slashing .333/.415/.527 with 21 home runs and 65 stolen bases in his first pro season. The expectation is that he will be given a real shot to win the Pirates' Opening Day shortstop job, and if that happens, Griffin -- who turns 20 in late April -- would be the first position player to make his big-league debut as a teenager since Juan Soto in 2018.

Burke was traded from the Angels to the Reds in a three-team deal Thursday that also included the Rays, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. The full trade has Gavin Lux and Chris Clark are going to Tampa Bay while Josh Lowe heads to Anaheim.

The Reds swapped Lux for Burke in this trade, which is the club's latest in a series of moves to bolster its bullpen. Burke had a solid 3.36 ERA and 1.23 WHIP across 61.2 innings in 2025, and he has served in a high-leverage role for most of the last four seasons, recording 37 holds but no saves.

Tucker agreed to a four-year, $240 million contract with the Dodgers on Thursday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

The Dodgers continue to add to their loaded lineup, with Tucker marking their second significant signing of the offseason. The move should also help his counting-stat potential, as Tucker will undoubtedly hit close in proximity in the order to Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman. The signing also seems likely to result in Tommy Edman (ankle) primarily playing second base.

The Cubs claimed Cowles off waivers from the White Sox on Thursday.

Cowles went from the Cubs to the White Sox via waivers in September, and he's now headed back in the other direction. The infielder slashed only .235/.300/.371 with nine homers and 18 steals at the Triple-A level in 2025. Slated to turn 26 in February, Cowles is likely ticketed for Triple-A Iowa to start off the 2026 season.