MLB Player News

Newman signed a one-year, $2.662 million contract with the Reds on Friday, avoiding arbitration, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Newman turned in his best season at the plate since 2019, hitting .274 over 288 at-bats last year. However, walks and extra-base hits were few and far between for the 29-year-old infielder, limiting him to a .688 OPS. He will most likely be used as the Reds' everyday shortstop in 2023, but his offensive production is unlikely to surge.

Sosa agreed to a one-year, $950,000 contact with the Phillies on Friday to avoid arbitration, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

It's the first year of arbitration eligibility for Sosa, who was acquired from the Cardinals at the trade deadline last season. The 26-year-old had a .227/.275/.369 slash line with two home runs and six stolen bases in 78 games and should fill a utility role for Philadelphia in 2023.

Davis signed a one-year, $4.21 million contract with the Giants on Friday to avoid arbitration, source reports.

Davis started slow for the Mets last season, but was able to slash .263/.361/.496 with the Giants after being traded at the deadline. It's unclear how exactly Davis will fit in the Giants' lineup in 2023, whether it's at third base or as the designated hitter, but he still figures to get his fair share of at-bats next season.

Toro signed a one-year, $1.25 million contract with the Brewers on Friday to avoid arbitration, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

It's a nice little raise for Toro, who was eligible for arbitration for the first time as a Super Two qualifier. The 26-year-old was acquired via trade from the Mariners last month and will compete for the Brewers' second base job in 2023.

Senzel (toe) signed a one-year, $1.95 million contract with the Reds on Friday to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Senzel's 2022 season ended in September with a fractured toe that later required surgery when it didn't heal properly. His status for the start of spring training is in question and it's fair to wonder at this point whether a breakout will ever happen for the 2016 No. 2 overall pick.

Farmer agreed to a one-year, $5.585 million contract with the Twins on Friday to avoid arbitration, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

The 32-year-old was acquired from the Reds in November and is now officially under contract for 2023, which is his third year of arbitration eligibility. Farmer is likely to open the season in a utility role for Minnesota, especially following the surprise re-signing of Carlos Correa.

Madrigal and the Cubs agreed on a one-year, $1.225 million contract Friday to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

The 25-year-old struggled to stay healthy in 2022, batting .249 with seven doubles, seven RBI, 19 runs and three stolen bases over 209 at-bats in 59 games with the Cubs. With the addition of Dansby Swanson this offseason, Madrigal does not have direct path to a starting spot in the infield, though he will likely rotate in and out of the lineup in a variety of spots including designated hitter in 2023.

Maton, Matt Vierling and Donny Sands were traded from the Phillies to the Tigers on Saturday in exchange for Gregory Soto and Kody Clemens, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

Maton could have a clearer path to playing time in Detroit than he had in Philadelphia, though there's no guarantee he'll earn regular at-bats. In 216 career plate appearances at the highest level, he's hit .254/.330/.434 with seven home runs. That's good for a 108 wRC+, though his 31.5 percent strikeout rate is worryingly high while his 32.8 percent hard-hit rate is well below average, suggesting he's been quite lucky to produce above-average results.

Moustakas (calf) was released by the Reds on Thursday.

The 34-year-old was designated for assignment by the Reds ahead of Christmas, and he'll now hit the open market after he passed through waivers unclaimed. Moustakas missed the last six weeks of 2022 with a calf injury and finished the campaign with a .214/.295/.345 slash line in 78 contests.

Devers agreed to an 11-year, $331 million contract extension with the Red Sox on Wednesday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Devers avoided arbitration with Boston on Tuesday by signing a one-year, $17.5 million deal. Although the two sides appeared to be far apart on a long-term contract, they managed to reach an agreement a day later. Devers' deal is the richest in Red Sox history and the largest contract for a third baseman in MLB history. The 26-year-old has been named an All-Star in the last two seasons, and he slashed .287/.355/.530 with 65 home runs, 201 RBI, 185 runs and eight stolen bases while playing 297 games across those campaigns.