MLB Player News

Reds manager David Bell said Friday that he wants Stephenson (collarbone) in the lineup for 140-150 games this season, Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

That helps to explain why the Reds have stacked up an experienced cast of veteran backup catchers -- Curt Casali, Luke Maile, and Austin Romine -- over the course of the winter. Stephenson is expected to see a lot of time at DH and first base to aid in ensuring that he can handle a larger overall workload. The 26-year-old was limited to 50 games in 2022 due to a range of different ailments, but it was a broken collarbone that officially ended his season in August. He's averaged an .823 OPS with 15 home runs and 73 RBI for every 162 games played when healthy.

Perez re-signed with the Mets on a minor-league contract Thursday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Perez was acquired from the Pirates last midseason and later elected free agency after being outrighted off the 40-man roster, but he's now back with the organization on a minor-league pact. The 30-year-old sports a career .545 OPS over parts of five big-league seasons.

Barrera signed a minor-league contract with the Cardinals on Friday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

The 28-year-old has seen big-league action in bits and pieces with the Nationals, collecting a .631 OPS in 162 plate appearances over three seasons. Barrera will likely to open 2023 at Triple-A Memphis.

Nido agreed to a two-year, $3.7 million contract extension with the Mets on Wednesday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

The contract covers Nido's remaining arbitration years and pays him $1.6 million in 2023 and $2.1 million in 2024. The 28-year-old is expected to serve as a backup backstop again after registering a .239/.276/.324 slash line over 313 plate appearances for the Mets in 2022.

Trevino and the Yankees avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year deal Friday.

The Yankees acquired Trevino in a trade with Texas prior to last season and were rewarded with an All-Star campaign. Much of Trevino's value comes from his defense, however, which limits his fantasy appeal. His .248/.283/.388 slash line last season wasn't particularly exciting, and his 11 homers merely tied him for 17th among all catchers.

Higashioka and the Yankees avoided arbitration Friday by agreeing to a one-year deal.

Higashioka homered 10 times in 248 plate appearances last season, but his .227/.264/.389 slash line was good for just an 83 wRC+. He'll enter the 2023 season as Jose Trevino's backup behind the plate.

Knizner agreed to a one-year, $1.1 million contract with the Cardinals on Friday to avoid arbitration, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Knizner appeared in a career-high 97 games last season and had a .215/.301/.300 slash line with four home runs and 25 RBI. He'll remain the No. 2 catcher despite the retirement of Yadier Molina after the Cardinals signed Willson Contreras in free agency.

Bethancourt signed a one-year, $1.35 million contract with the Rays on Friday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

The 31-year-old had a surprisingly solid year in 2022, as he recorded a career-high .692 OPS over 333 plate appearances between the A's and Rays. Bethancourt will likely split time with Francisco Mejia in 2023, though he should see a larger share of the action behind the dish.

Stallings signed a one-year, $3.35 million contract with the Marlins on Friday to avoid arbitration, Craig Mish of SportsGrid.com reports.

Stallings managed a lowly .584 OPS in 2022 but continued to draw praise for his defense and handling of the pitching staff. He'll share catching duties with Nick Fortes in 2023.

Mejia signed a one-year, $2.155 million contract with the Rays on Friday to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Mejia took a step back at the plate in 2022 with just a .645 OPS, and at this point it's difficult to see him turning into an everyday catcher. He will share time behind the dish with Christian Bethancourt in 2023.