MLB Player News

Evans augments Atlanta’s infield depth in the upper minors heading into the 2024 campaign after spending this past season at Triple-A Reno in the Diamondbacks’ system, batting .312/.424/.439 with 11 homers and two steals across 590 plate appearances. The 31-year-old utility infielder has gotten into 121 games at the big league level since 2017, but hasn’t appeared in the majors since the 2021 season.

Keirsey, 28, appeared in 74 games for the Twins in 2025 — mostly as a late-inning defensive replacement or as a pinch-runner. He logged just 88 plate appearances, slashing .107/.138/.179 with two long balls, six RBI, 10 stolen bases and a 33/2 K/BB ratio. It’s a nice depth signing for the Braves.

The Jays needed to clear a spot on their 40-man roster for the addition of Kazuma Okamoto on Sunday and unfortunately for Schultz it appears as though he drew the short straw this time around. The 27-year-old hurler posted a 4.38 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and a 28/8 K/BB ratio over 24 2/3 innings with the Jays in 2025. He could attract some interest on waivers with so many teams starved for quality bullpen depth.

The deal, which was agreed to on Saturday, is now official. The 29-year-old Japanese slugger will receive a $5 million signing bonus. Okamoto will step in as the Jays’ everyday third baseman after slashing a healthy .322/.411/.581 with 15 homers and 51 RBI in just 314 plate appearances with the Yomiuri Giants of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball in 2025. He makes for an intriguing late-round option in fantasy leagues.

The 28-year-old hurler missed significant time in 2025 due to injury and wound up logging just 15 2/3 innings (primarily at Triple-A Iowa) where he registered a 7.47 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and a 14/8 K/BB ratio across 15 2/3 innings. If healthy, he could wind up being an interesting bullpen addition for the Giants.

Kennedy appeared in the big leagues with three different ballclubs in 2025, slashing .069/.156/.103 in 32 plate appearances between the Dodgers, Blue Jays and Phillies. He also got a World Series ring out of his efforts. He’ll now function as extra infield depth for the Giants.

The 32-year-old right-hander elected free agency after he was non-tendered by the Yankees back in November. Effross made 11 appearances for the Yankees during the 2025 campaign, compiling an 8.44 ERA, 1.78 WHIP and a 6/3 K/BB ratio over 10 2/3 innings. He’ll get a chance during Grapefruit League play to compete for a spot in the Tigers’ Opening Day bullpen.

The 52-year-old skipper was already under contract through the 2026 season, so he’s now locked up through the 2029 season. The deal also includes a club option for 2030. In his three seasons at the helm, the Royals have gone 224-262 (.461) though they finished above .500 in each of the past two seasons. No word on the financial terms of the contract.

The two sides have already spoken about a potential deal, though it’s unclear how much traction has been gained. Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman has been adamant that he would like to add another starter to his rotation this winter and snagging Cabrera from the Marlins would be an outstanding way to accomplish that goal. Cabrera posted a 3.53 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and a 150/48 K/BB ratio over 137 2/3 innings in 26 starts for the Marlins in 2025.

DeJong, 32, appeared in 57 games for the Nationals in 2025, slashing a meager .228/.269/.373 with six homers, 23 RBI and a 70/11 K/BB ratio across 208 plate appearances. He’ll function as extra infield depth for the Bombers and can be ignored for fantasy purposes.

The Phillies join the Yankees, Cubs, Dodgers, Red Sox and Blue Jays as teams that are known to have interest in the 27-year-old. With Trea Turner locked in at shortstop and Bryson Stott set at second base, the most logical scenario would have Bichette playing third base for the Phillies if he were to ultimately sign there. Bichette has told interested teams that he is willing to move to the hot corner under the right scenario. With so many big market teams interested and the available impact options dwindling, expect Bichette to do very well for himself in free agency.