MLB Player News

The Mariners re-signed Hahn to a minor-league contract Nov. 18 that includes an invitation to spring training.

Hahn ended the 2024 season at Triple-A Tacoma after signing with the Mariners in September, and he's returned as a non-roster invitee. The 35-year-old hasn't appeared in the majors since 2021 and is likely headed back to Tacoma as relief depth.

Avila cleared waivers Wednesday and was sent outright to Triple-A Columbus.

Avila was DFA'd last Wednesday to clear a roster spot for new signee Paul Sewald, and the former will officially remain in the organization after passing through waivers unclaimed. Avila turned in a 3.25 ERA and 1.31 WHIP over 74.2 regular-season innings after joining the Guardians in April, and he could be one of the first names considered for a promotion if/when Cleveland needs to call up a reliever from the minors.

Estevez agreed to a two-year, $20.2 million contract with the Royals on Wednesday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

The deal also reportedly features a $13 million club option for 2027 with a $2 million buyout. Estevez is coming off the best year of his career, finishing 2024 with a 2.45 ERA and 0.91 WHIP through 55 regular-season innings while converting 26 saves between the Angels and Phillies. Now in Kansas City, the 32-year-old righty is likely to take over as the Royals' primary closer, which would push Lucas Erceg into a setup role.

The Tigers signed Kahnle to a one-year, $7.75 million contract Wednesday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Kahnle hasn't had a season where he avoided the injured list since 2019, and he threw a total of just 13.2 regular-season innings from 2020-22. However, the 35-year-old has been quite effective when on the bump, most recently holding a 2.11 ERA and 46:19 K:BB over 42.2 regular-season innings with the Yankees in 2024. The changeup specialist has no issues with splits and will be part of the late-inning mix in Detroit, which could include some save opportunities.

The Rangers signed Chavez to a minor-league contract Monday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Chavez, 41, showed in 2024 with Atlanta that he still has something left in the tank, posting a 3.13 ERA and 55:19 K:BB over 63.1 regular-season innings. The 17-year veteran should have a decent chance to crack the Rangers' Opening Day roster as a middle reliever.

Although Stewart (shoulder) has thrown three bullpen sessions in the last month and expects to be ready for Opening Day, he will be built up slower than the rest of the pitchers as a precaution this spring, Phil Miller of the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Stewart underwent season-ending arthroscopic right shoulder surgery in August, and his initial recovery timeline was 5-to-6 months. He's been a lockdown reliever for Minnesota when healthy, collecting a 0.66 ERA and 56:17 K:BB through his first 41 innings with the Twins in 2023 and early 2024. However, he hurt his shoulder in May of last year and wasn't the same pitcher thereafter. If healthy and back to his prior form, he'd be a top setup option in the bullpen.

Karinchak signed a minor-league contract with the White Sox on Saturday that includes an invitation to spring training.

A shoulder injury prevented Karinchak from playing in the minors until the end of last season, but he was effective during his rehab outings, giving up just two runs in 6.2 innings while striking out 12 batters and walking six. The 29-year-old righty owns a 3.10 ERA and 1.18 WHIP across 165.2 career innings, and assuming he returns to a similar level of effectiveness post-injury, he should have a solid chance to win a job in Chicago's bullpen.

The Blue Jays traded Eisert to the Rays on Thursday in exchange for cash considerations.

Eisert was dropped from the Jays' 40-man roster Monday to make room for new signee Anthony Santander, but the former will reclaim a roster spot as he changes organizations. Eisert reached the majors for the first time last season, allowing three earned runs in 6.2 innings across three appearances. He'll most likely begin the 2025 campaign with Triple-A Durham.

The Guardians signed Pint to a minor-league contract Wednesday.

The No. 4 overall pick in the 2016 First-Year Player Draft, Pint has failed to live up to expectations, in large part due to an inability to find the strike zone. He made five appearances with the Rockies over the last two seasons, allowing nine runs with a 7:8 K:BB over 3.2 frames. He'll be in minor-league camp during spring training and likely begin the 2025 season at Triple-A Columbus.

The Guardians designated Avila for assignment Wednesday.

The transaction clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Paul Sewald. Avila, 28, held a 3.81 ERA and 82:36 K:BB over 82.2 regular-season innings for the Guardians in 2024. There might be interest in Avila via trade or waivers, but his lack of minor-league options will limit his appeal.