MLB Player News

The Astros designated Urias for assignment Tuesday.

The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Miguel Ullola. Urias is projected to make more than $4 million in his final year of arbitration eligibility, which the Astros felt was too much. The 31-year-old is a career .257/.321/.403 hitter and capable defender at second and third base, so he shouldn't have difficult landing a major-league contract this winter, assuming he clears waivers and becomes a free agent.

King rejected the Padres' $22.025 million qualifying offer Tuesday, Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com reports.

King was limited to 15 regular-season starts in 2025 due to shoulder and knee issues, but it's still not a surprise he elected to turn down the qualifying offer. King posted a 3.44 ERA over 73.1 innings last year and had a 2.95 ERA during his first season as a full-time starter in 2024. Extending the qualifying offer will net the Padres a compensatory draft pick, assuming he doesn't re-sign with the team.

Diaz rejected the Mets' one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer Tuesday, Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com reports.

Diaz opted out of the two years and $38 million remaining on his contract with the Mets earlier this month, and now he has passed on the qualifying offer. Neither decision was a surprise, as the closer shouldn't have difficulty netting a big multi-year pact this winter. If he leaves the Mets, New York will receive a draft pick as compensation.

Spiers (elbow) was designated for assignment by the Reds on Tuesday, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

Cincinnati needed a 40-man spot for one of its young prospects, and Spiers was a likely choice to be bounced given he's expected to miss most, if not all, of 2026. The right-hander made three appearances (two starts) in the majors this past season before undergoing Tommy John surgery at the end of July. Spiers has put up a 5.69 ERA and 1.57 WHIP over 117 career innings in the majors.

Suarez rejected the Phillies' one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer Tuesday, Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com reports.

By extending Suarez the qualifying offer, the Phillies will now obtain a draft pick if the left-hander signs with a new team in free agency. Suarez has never made 30 starts or thrown 160 innings in a big-league season, but he's been incredibly valuable nonetheless, collecting a 3.25 ERA since the start of the 2021 campaign.

Cease rejected the Padres' one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer Tuesday, Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com reports.

Cease posted a 4.55 ERA over 32 regular-season outings for the Padres, but he boasted a 215:71 K:BB over 168 innings. He's made at least 32 starts and struck out over 200 batters in each of the last five regular seasons, so the righty will do quite well in free agency. The Padres will receive draft-pick compensation if Cease departs.

Valdez declined the Astros' one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer Tuesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

It's no surprise the left-hander rejected the qualifying offer since he's expected to land a significant multi-year deal in free agency. Valdez has been one of the most consistent starting pitchers in baseball since he became a full-time member of Houston's starting rotation in 2020, though his 3.66 ERA and 1.24 WHIP last season were his worst marks since the 2019 and 2021 campaigns, respectively. Due to the qualifying offer, the Astros will receive draft-pick compensation if he signs with another team.

Bichette rejected the Blue Jays' one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer Tuesday, Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com reports.

It was a foregone conclusion that Bichette would pass on the qualifying offer, but extending it means the Blue Jays will net a draft pick if the infielder departs in free agency. Bichette's market will be robust after he slashed .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs and 94 RBI over 139 regular-season games for Toronto in 2025.

Schwarber rejected the Phillies' one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer Tuesday, Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com reports.

If the Phillies are unable to re-sign Schwarber, they will receive draft-pick compensation. Schwarber put together his best season in his walk year in 2025, clubbing a National League-high 56 home runs during the regular season for Philadelphia.

The Reds selected Rodriguez's contract from Double-A Chattanooga on Tuesday, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

Acquired in a rather inconspicuous trade with the Mets in 2022, Rodriguez has emerged as a legitimate major-league prospect thanks largely to his hitting ability. He advanced to the Triple-A level this past season, and while most of his numbers fell off compared to what he was doing at Double-A Chattanooga, he still hit seven homers and stole nine bags in 53 games with Louisville. Now protected from the Rule 5 Draft, Rodriguez will have a chance to debut late in 2026.