MLB Player News

Montoyo was briefly mentioned as a candidate for the Reds before they eventually decided on David Bell, but this is the first we’ve heard of him talking to the Blue Jays. Astros bench coach Joe Espada just interviewed on Monday while Rays major league field coordinator Rocco Baldelli, Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde, and Athletics coordinator of instruction Ed Sprague are among the other names being considered.

This makes room for Zach Eflin on the 40-man. The move comes three weeks after Robertson was claimed off waivers from the Pirates and two days after the team tweeted happy birthday to him. Robertson, 28, hit .129/.173/.143 in 75 plate appearances for the Jays and White Sox last season.

According to FanSided’s Robert Murray, Eflin gets a $3 million signing bonus, a $5 million salary and a $2 million buyout on a $25 million mutual option for 2027. The price of both the option and the buyout will increase by $1 million with 15 starts next year, an additional $1.5 million with 20 starts and then another $2.5 million with 25 starts. So, a healthy 2026 spent in the rotation would guarantee him $15 million in all. After two healthy and productive seasons in 2023 and ’24, Eflin had a 5.93 ERA and a 50/13 K/BB in 71 1/3 innings last season. The 31-year-old is expected to be ready in the spring following back surgery in August.

Eflin, who was 26-17 with a 3.54 ERA between 2023 and ’24, is coming off a rough 2025 (6-5, 5.93 ERA in 14 stars) that included season-ending back surgery in August. Maybe he’ll rebound, but he seems more like a depth starter than a potential No. 2 or No. 3 at this point. As things stand now, he’s set to join a rotation that includes Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Shane Baz and Dean Kremer. That wouldn’t leave any room for Tyler Wells or Cade Povich, assuming that everyone is healthy.

The 34-year-old southpaw pitched for six different teams (Marlins, Angels, Yankees, Dodgers, Rangers and Pirates) across his 12 major league seasons, compiling a 56-72 record, 4.57 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and a 1156/339 K/BB ratio over 1136 2/3 innings. We wish him the best of luck in the next stage of his life.

The deal has yet to be officially announced as the 31-year-old right-hander still needs to pass his physical. Harvey was limited to just 12 appearances during the 2025 campaign due to recurring adductor and shoulder issues. When healthy though, he has proven to be a weapon at the back end of any bullpen and he should find himself in a setup role in front of closer Daniel Palencia.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said earlier this offseason that Brett Baty would get the majority of playing time at third base in 2026, but it’s noteworthy that Mauricio is being used exclusively at third in the winter leagues. He’s a player who has played shortstop, second base, and outfield as well, so the Mets may be looking to position him as the primary competition for Baty at third base.

The deal, which was agreed to earlier this week, is now official after the 32-year-old right-hander passed his physical. The contract includes a $1 million signing bonus and Fairbanks will have the potential to pick up an additional $1 million in incentives. He’ll step in as the Marlins primary closer — in place of an injured Ronny Henriquez and over incumbent Calvin Faucher — after recording 75 saves for the Rays over the past three seasons.

Burgos, 23, spent the first seven years of his minor league career in the Guardians’ organization. He spent the entire 2025 campaign at Double-A Akron where he slashed an underwhelming .206/.295/.386 with 14 homers, 73 RBI and a 95/43 K/BB ratio over 407 plate appearances. He’ll add depth in the upper minors for the Jays.

The 28-year-old hurler split his 2025 season between the Rangers and Brewers organizations where he compiled a 4.94 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and a 55/28 K/BB ratio over 51 innings at the Double-A level. He’ll add minor league bullpen depth for the Yankees.

The Pirates have been mentioned as the favorites to land the 29-year-old third baseman, but it sounds like there are other teams in the mix as well. Okamoto slashed a healthy .322/.411/.581 with 27 homers and 83 RBI in 611 plate appearances with the Yomiuri Giants in 2025. He has until January 4 to sign with an MLB team.