MLB Player News

Leon signed a minor-league contract with the Royals on Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Leon has Salvador Perez and Freddy Fermin ahead of him on the depth chart, so he'll begin the 2024 season at Triple-A Omaha unless the Royals opt to carry three catchers. Slated to turn 35 in March, Leon got into 21 games with the Rangers in 2023, going just 6-for-41 at the plate.

The Blue Jays claimed Serven off waivers from the Cubs on Tuesday, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

Serven has gone from the Rockies to the Cubs and now to the Blue Jays via waivers this month. The 28-year-old has slashed just .195/.248/.314 over 228 plate appearances at the major-league level, even as his home games have been played at Coors Field. Serven does have options remaining and, if he's still with the Blue Jays come Opening Day, he seems likely to be assigned to their Triple-A affiliate in Buffalo.

Okey signed a minor-league contract with the Dodgers on Jan. 3.

Okey slashed .281/.345/.414 with 26 RBI across 235 plate appearances last season with the Angels' Triple-A affiliate. Now with the Dodgers, the 29-year-old backstop will provide organizational depth and will only potentially see the majors if Will Smith or Austin Barnes are forced to miss time.

Perez signed a minor-league contract with the Athletics on Jan. 5.

Perez elected free agency after being removed from the A's 40-man roster back in October, but he wound up re-signing. The 33-year-old catcher collected a .650 OPS in 66 games for Oakland in 2023 in what was his first action in the majors since 2018.

McGuire signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Red Sox on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

McGuire was the Red Sox's backup catcher for the 2023 season. He posted a modest .668 OPS across 202 plate appearances and figures to serve in the same role while complementing Connor Wong in 2024.

Heim signed a one-year, $3.1 million contract with the Rangers on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Heim is in the first year of arbitration and was rewarded for a strong 2023 season. He was aided by a strong supporting cast in the Rangers lineup and finished with 95 RBI, but he still posted a career-best .755 OPS while also improving his ISO for the third consecutive campaign.

Trevino (wrist) signed a one-year, $2.7 million contract with the Yankees on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Trevino was shut down shortly after the All-Star break due to a wrist injury and underwent surgery to resolve the issue. He hit only .210 across 169 plate appearances prior to going down, and he'll have to battle prospect Austin Wells for playing time behind the plate in 2024.

Bethancourt agreed to a one-year, $2.05 million contract with the Marlins on Thursday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

The Marlins acquired Bethancourt from the Guardians in exchange for cash in December and they will pay for his services again to avoid an arbiter. The 32-year-old backstop had a .225/.254/.381 slash line with 11 home runs in 104 games for the Rays last year. He will split time with Nick Fortes in Miami this season.

Kirk agreed to a one-year, $2.8 million deal with the Blue Jays on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The Jays came to terms with both of their catchers Thursday, with the more senior Danny Jansen getting $5.2 million. Kirk will look to rebound after hitting .250 with eight home runs in 123 games last season, albeit with strong defense behind the plate.

Knizner signed a one-year, $1.8 million contract with the Rangers on Thursday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Knizner was non-tendered by the Cardinals this offseason but managed to land a relatively substantial major-league deal with Texas. It's unclear how he'll fit in on a depth chart that also includes Jonah Heim, Sam Huff and Andrew Knapp, though Knizner should have the chance to win the backup role behind Heim in spring training.