MLB Player News
-
Tyler O'Neill RF | BAL
Orioles' Tyler O'Neill: Does not exercise opt out
O'Neill will remain with the Orioles after declining to exercise the opt-out clause in his contract, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.
O'Neill is owed $33 million over the next two years, and he's wisely decided to opt into that deal after slashing just .199/.292/.392 over 54 games in his first year in Baltimore. The 30-year-old should bounce back to some degree in 2026, but he will remain an injury risk.
-
Cody Bellinger LF | NYY
Cody Bellinger: Declines player option for 2026
Bellinger became a free agent Monday after declining his $25 million player option for 2026, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.
Bellinger will test out free agency after slashing .272/.334/.480 with 29 home runs, 98 RBI and 13 stolen bases over 152 regular-season games for the Yankees in 2025. The Yankees will likely make an effort to re-sign the 30-year-old, but Bellinger should have a healthy market as a relatively young free agent coming off a nice season who can play multiple positions.
-
Edwin Diaz RP | NYM
Edwin Diaz: Hits free-agent market
Diaz became a free agent after opting out of his contract Monday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.
Diaz had two years and $38 million remaining on his contract with the Mets, but he will forgo that salary as he seeks a longer and more lucrative free-agent deal. The Mets are likely to be in the mix to retain Diaz, but he will have plenty of interest on the open market. Diaz -- who turns 32 in March -- posted a 1.63 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 98:21 K:BB over 66.1 frames in 2025, notching 28 saves in the process.
-
A.J. Minter RP | NYM
Mets' A.J. Minter: Exercises player option
Minter (lat) exercised his $11 million player option for 2026 on Monday, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.
Minter made only 13 relief appearances for the Mets in 2025 before undergoing season-ending left lat surgery in early May. The left-hander is expected to be recovered in time for the start of spring training and will return to a high-leverage role in the Mets' bullpen. Minter could even see some save chances in 2026 if Edwin Diaz departs via free agency.
-
Robert Suarez RP | SD
Robert Suarez: Opts out, becomes free agent
Suarez became a free agent after opting out of his contract Monday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.
Suarez had an $8 million player option in 2026 and 2027, but he will forgo those and enter the free-agent market. The 34-year-old led the National League with 40 saves in 2025 and boasts a 2.87 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 134:32 K:BB over 134.2 regular-season innings since the start of the 2024 campaign. Suarez should have no trouble landing a sizeable contract this offseason to serve as a closer.
-
Cole Wilcox RP | TB
Rays' Cole Wilcox: No longer on 40-man roster
The Rays designated Wilcox for assignment Monday.
Wilcox made his major-league debut this season with the Rays, getting roughed up for seven runs (three earned) over one inning in his lone appearance. The 26-year-old will go through the waivers process and could remain in the organization if he goes unclaimed.
-
Garrett Acton RP | TB
Rays' Garrett Acton: Booted from 40-man roster
The Rays designated Acton for assignment Monday.
Acton made one scoreless appearance for the Rays in 2025 but spent virtually all of his time at Triple-A Durham, where he held a 3.68 ERA and 71:27 K:BB over 58.2 frames. The 27-year-old is no longer on the 40-man roster but could stick around in the organization if he passes through waivers.
-
Stuart Fairchild RF | TB
Rays' Stuart Fairchild: Activated and DFA'd
The Rays activated Fairchild (oblique) from the 60-day injured list and designated him for assignment Monday.
Fairchild missed most of the second half with an oblique strain. While he will be recovered well ahead of spring training, the Rays have elected not to put him back on their 40-man roster. Fairchild is a career .223/.305/.384 hitter across parts of five major-league seasons.