MLB Player News

Fulmer has been selected by the Dodgers in the second round of the 2021 Rule 5 draft, JJ Cooper of Baseball America reports.

Fulmer was a first-round pick by the White Sox in 2015, and he's spent parts of the last six seasons in the big leagues. However, he's failed to generate much success at the top level. The right-hander posted a 6.66 ERA and 1.52 WHIP in 25.2 innings across 20 relief appearances with the Reds last year. However, he should be in the mix for a low-leverage relief role with the Dodgers at some point in 2022.

Menez was selected by the Cubs in the first round of the 2021 Rule 5 draft Wednesday, JJ Cooper of Baseball America reports.

Menez made eight appearances (one start) in the majors for the Giants last year and recorded a 3.86 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in 14 innings. However, he wasn't added to San Francisco's 40-man roster during the offseason and will likely compete for a spot in the Cubs' major-league bullpen this spring.

Llovera signed a minor-league contract with the Giants on Friday.

Llovera spent most of the season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2021 and logged a 3.46 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 52 innings across 32 appearances (four starts). He'll now attempt to carve out a role with the Giants, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him serve as a non-roster invitee this spring.

Wingenter (back) signed a minor-league contract with the Reds on Wednesday that includes an invitation to big-league camp.

Wingenter was non-tendered by San Diego on Tuesday, but it didn't take him long to latch on with a new team. The right-hander made two rehab appearances in rookie ball last season while making his return from Tommy John surgery in July 2020, but he picked up a back injury and required another procedure in September.

Medina was designated for assignment by the Phillies on Wednesday.

Medina allowed three earned runs with a 6:4 K:BB over 7.2 frames in his first taste of big-league action in 2021. He spent most of the year at Triple-A Lehigh Valley and had a 5.05 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in 17 starts. The move cleared a space on the 40-man roster for the signing of Johan Camargo.

Martinez agreed to a four-year, $20 million contract with the Padres on Wednesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Martinez will make his way to the majors after spending the past four years playing in Japan. He had a 4.77 ERA in 88 appearances from 2014 to 2017 with the Rangers before heading overseas, and he's earned another big-league opportunity by posting a 1.62 ERA over 149.2 innings during 2021. The deal includes opt outs after the first and second years, so Martinez could hit the open market again if he performs well in 2022.

Garcia signed a two-year, $7 million contract with the Padres on Wednesday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Garcia served as a late reliever for the Cardinals in 2021 and converted two of three save chances while recording 11 holds. Across 34 relief appearances, he posted a 3.24 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in 33.1 innings. The Padres lost closer Mark Melancon to the Diamondbacks on Wednesday, so Garcia will likely compete for save chances with Emilio Pagan ahead of the 2022 campaign.

Melancon signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Diamondbacks on Wednesday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Melancon declined his option with the Padres in early November, and he'll now land a new deal with Arizona. The right-hander served as San Diego's closer in 2021 and led the majors by converting 39 of 45 save chances, and he posted a 2.23 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 64.2 innings across 64 relief appearances. The 36-year-old will presumably serve as the Diamondbacks' closer during the 2022 campaign.

Hammer signed a minor-league contract with the Rockies on Tuesday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Hammer elected free agency after being outrighted by the Phillies earlier in November, and he's now latched on with the Rockies. The 27-year-old had a 4.95 ERA over 20 big-league innings and a 3.80 ERA in 23.2 frames at Triple-A last season.

Pagan agreed to a one-year, $2.3 million deal with the Padres on Tuesday to avoid arbitration, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Pagan has struggled with the Padres over the past two seasons, but the team will give him another chance in 2022. The 30-year-old had a 4.83 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 69:18 K:BB over 63.1 innings with five blown saves and 19 holds. He could be in the high-leverage mix again next year with a strong showing in spring training.