MLB Player News

Ibanez agreed to a one-year, $1.4 million contract with the Tigers on Friday to avoid arbitration, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports.

Ibanez took a step back during his second year with the Tigers, slashing .241/.295/.357 over 244 plate appearances during the regular season. However, the Tigers have deemed his performance worthy of a $633,900 raise from his previous salary. He's expected to remain in a utility role next year.

The Royals acquired India (ankle) and Joey Wiemer in exchange for Brady Singer on Friday.

India enjoyed a strong 2024 season with the Reds while serving as their primary second baseman. However, with Matt McLain and Christian Encarnacion-Strand back from injury, there was a projected playing time squeeze along Cincinnati's infield. India should immediately slot into the starting second base job with the Royals ahead of Michael Massey, and he could hit near the top of the order given his career .352 OBP.

Orioles general manager Mike Elias said Friday that Mateo (elbow) might not be fully recovered for the start of spring training, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

That contradicts what Elias said in October about Mateo's recovery from UCL reconstruction surgery on his left (non-throwing) elbow, although the revised timeline does not seem to be the result of a setback. Elias did add that he expected Mateo to be ready for close to a full 162-game schedule. The veteran infielder is slated for a utility role with the Orioles in 2025.

The Twins outrighted Severino to Triple-A St. Paul on Monday, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Severino is no longer on the 40-man roster but will stick around in the organization. He slashed .254/.342/.434 with 21 homers over 128 games this season with St. Paul.

The Rays exercised Lowe's $10 million club option for 2025 on Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

It's possible the Rays will look to trade Lowe as his salary escalates, but picking up the option was a fairly easy call. They also have an $11.5 million club option for 2026. Lowe slashed .244/.311/.473 with 21 home runs over 425 plate appearances for Tampa Bay this season.

Stefanic was outrighted to Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday.

Stefanic earned a career-high 124 plate appearances in 2024 but maintained just a .556 OPS with zero home runs. Depending on the Angels' offseason moves, Stefanic could be a depth option along the infield in 2025.

Lopez was outrighted to Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday.

Lopez appeared in the majors for the first time since 2021, picking up 71 plate appearances across the final six weeks of the regular season. He managed only a .629 OPS with a 35.2 percent strikeout rate, and he could now be looking for a new opportunity.

Frazier will undergo surgery on his right thumb this week, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Frazier strained the thumb back in June and required a brief injured-list stint at the time. The exact nature of the procedure he will have isn't clear, but Frazier should be fully healthy well ahead of spring training. The utility player has an $8.5 million mutual option for 2025.

Keith isn't in Detroit's starting lineup Saturday for Game 5 of the ALDS against the Guardians.

Cleveland will send left-hander Matthew Boyd to the mound Saturday, meaning the lefty-hitting Keith will begin the game on the bench. Andy Ibanez will fill in at the keystone and bat fourth.

Polanco underwent surgery Thursday to repair the patellar tendon in his left knee, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Polanco had a career-worst .651 OPS in 2024 while playing through the knee issue, and he's now getting the injury addressed. The second baseman is expected to be ready for spring training, but it remains to be seen which uniform he will be donning in 2025 as the Mariners weigh a $12 million club option or $750,000 buyout.