MLB Player News

Avila was claimed off waivers from the Giants in June even though he was out with a shoulder problem. He’s since returned, but it’s been a struggle; after a successful rehab stint in A-ball, he’s given up 10 runs in 1 1/3 innings over three appearances for Triple-A Norfolk. He’ll probably clear waivers this time around.

In one of the most highly anticipated arbitration hearings ever, the two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner lands a record $32 million via arbitration — $1 million more than the previous record held by Juan Soto in 2024. It’s a gargantuan raise over the $10.15 million that he took home in 2025, but it’s hard to imagine any pitcher in baseball more deserving at the moment. Provided the Tigers don’t attempt to trade him and his new increased salary, they’ll boast perhaps the best 1-2 punch atop any rotation in the American League.

Maile, 34, appeared in 25 games with the Royals during the 2025 season, slashing .244/.346/.356 with one homer and six RBI in 54 plate appearances. He’ll continue to function as extra catching depth for the Royals.

The 28-year-old hurler spent the 2025 campaign in the Phillies’ organization where he registered a disappointing 6.28 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and a 25/14 K/BB ratio across 28 2/3 innings between High-A Jersey Shore and Double-A Reading. He’ll add organizational bullpen depth for the Rangers.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post adds that the contract will be for $1.5 million. After failing in their surprise pursuit of Framber Valdez, the Pirates will settle for his former rotation-mate instead. Urquidy missed most of the 2025 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, ultimately logging 2 1/3 innings with the Tigers in September. Urquidy looked sharp in the Mexican Winter League though and he should help to bring stability to the back end of the Pirates’ rotation.

Thompson, 27, registered a troublesome 11.81 ERA, 2.62 WHIP and an 11/12 K/BB ratio across 10 2/3 frames with the Nationals in 2025. He missed the first half of the season while recovering from Tommy John surgery and was ultimately shut own in September due to right biceps tendinitis. He’ll add bullpen depth for the Rangers.

The 36-year-old lefty hit the free agent market when the Reds declined his $3 million club option at the end of the 2025 season. Suter struggled to a career-worst 4.52 ERA and a 53/18 K/BB ratio over 67 2/3 innings. He would add another quality arm to the Halos’ middle relief corps.

Rather than accepting an outright assignment to Triple-A Rochester, the 28-year-old left-hander will explore opportunities on the open market instead. Pilkington posted a 4.45 ERA 1.28 WHIP and a 34/17 K/BB ratio across 28 1/3 innings out of the Nationals’ bullpen in 2025. He should have no problem landing on his feet elsewhere.

Velasquez hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since the 2023 season. He made 18 starts at Triple-A Columbus for the Guardians in 2025 before moving to the Korea Baseball Organization where he struggled to an 8.23 ERA, 1.86 WHIP and a 28/18 K/BB ratio across 35 frames. He’s nothing more than extra rotation depth for the Cubs and can be ignored for fantasy purposes.

Bergner, 28, was a ninth-round selection by the Tigers from the 2019 draft class and spent his first seven years in the minor leagues in their organization. In 2025, he compiled a 3.43 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and a 95/43 K/BB ratio across 97 innings between Triple-A Toledo and Double-A Erie. He’ll add pitching depth in the upper minors for the Rangers.

The 29-year-old southpaw spent the entire 2025 campaign at Triple-A Tacoma for the Mariners, registering a 4.91 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and a 44/29 K/BB ratio across 84 1/3 innings of work in 47 appearances (three starts). He’ll add pitching depth for the Jays.