MLB Player News

Fairbanks and the Marlins agreed Wednesday on a one-year, $13 million contract, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Tampa Bay declined Fairbanks' $11 million club option for 2026 earlier this offseason, but the reliever ended up securing an extra $2 million after hitting the open market. The deal also includes a $1 million signing bonus and another $1 million in appearance-based incentives, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. The Marlins took a committee approach to the closer position in 2025, but Fairbanks' contract should give him some security as the Marlins' preferred ninth-inning man heading into spring training. Though staying healthy has often been an issue for Fairbanks throughout his career, he continued to pitch effectively in his age-31 season in 2025, logging a 2.83 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 59:18 K:BB while converting 27 of 32 save chances across 60.1 innings with the Rays.

The Pirates signed O'Hearn to a two-year, $29 million contract Tuesday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

He'll have the opportunity to stretch the total guarantee to $30 million if he reaches $500,000 in incentives each year of the deal. O'Hearn has slashed .277/.343/.445 over the last three regular seasons between the Orioles and Padres and made his first All-Star team in 2025. The left-handed hitter reversed a career trend and hit better versus lefties (.832 OPS) than righties (.795 OPS) in 2025, so he could be an everyday player in Pittsburgh. With Spencer Horwitz manning first base, O'Hearn will likely see most of his playing time at designated hitter.

The Cubs signed Webb to a one-year contract Tuesday that includes a club option for 2027, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Webb was non-tendered by the Rangers last month even after posting a 3.00 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 58:19 K:BB across 66 innings during the 2025 season. The 32-year-old right-hander should fill a middle-relief role in the Cubs' bullpen.

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

Mosqueda pitched for Triple-A Memphis in the Cardinals organization in 2025, holding a 4.52 ERA and 68:31 K:BB over 65.2 innings. The left-handed reliever has yet to reach the big leagues but will compete for a roster spot in spring training.

The White Sox designated Rolison for assignment Tuesday.

The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for Sean Newcomb, who was signed Tuesday. Rolison was a waiver claim of the White Sox earlier this month and will now be up for grabs on waivers again. He held a 7.02 ERA and 25:20 K:BB over 42.1 innings with the Rockies in 2025.

The White Sox signed Newcomb (elbow) to a one-year, $4.5 million contract Tuesday.

Newcomb was terrific as a full-time reliever after being traded to the Athletics last season, collecting a 1.75 ERA and 50:14 K:BB over 51.1 innings. The left-hander will get an opportunity to start in Chicago, per Will Sammon of The Athletic, though he could eventually shift back to a relief role. Newcomb's 2025 campaign ended prematurely due to left elbow inflammation, but he should be ready to go for spring training.

Young is expected to see the majority of playing time at second base for the Mariners in 2026 even if the team acquires a second baseman from outside the organization, Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic report.

The Mariners remain very high on Young even after he had just a .607 OPS in 257 plate appearances during his rookie season. Young is just 22, but the Mariners appear committed to giving him some leash in the majors in 2026. It seemingly makes a trade for Ketel Marte unlikely, and if Brendan Donovan is acquired, he would be in line to see the bulk of his reps at a position other than second base.

Henriquez underwent a UCL reconstruction surgery with an internal brace procedure on his right elbow and will miss the 2026 season, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Henriquez appeared in line to compete for save chances heading into the 2026 campaign after putting together an impressive 2025 season. He posted a 2.22 ERA and 1.10 WHIP with a 98:27 K:BB and seven saves in 11 chances across 73.0 innings. However, he'll now shift his focus to rehabbing following a recent season-ending surgery. The Marlins expect him to be ready for next year's spring training, per an update from the team.

The Pirates signed Fletcher to a minor-league contract Monday, that includes an invitation to spring trainingAlex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Fletcher elected free agency back in October after being removed from the White Sox' 40-man roster and he'll now head back to the National League. The 28-year-old has slashed only .233/.280/.325 in parts of three big-league seasons and, even with the Pirates' lack of outfield depth, will likely begin the 2026 season at Triple-A Indianapolis.

The Mariners signed Refsnyder to a one-year, $6.25 million contract Monday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Refsnyder slashed a robust .312/.407/.516 versus left-handed pitching during his four seasons with the Red Sox, and it should be against southpaws that he sees most of his playing time with the Mariners. He's capable of handling all three outfield spots, and while Refsnyder does have past infield experience, he hasn't played on the dirt regularly since 2017.