MLB Player News

Karinchak elected free agency Monday.

Karinchak refused an outrighted assignment by the Guardians, opting for free agency instead. He was limited to just seven rehab appearances in 2024 due to a shoulder issue but was pitching in games at the end of the season. Karinchak boasts a 36.3 percent strikeout rate but also a 14.1 percent walk rate over parts of five major-league seasons.

Foster (back) elected free agency Monday.

The White Sox removed Foster from their 40-man roster and he has chosen free agency rather than accepting an outright assignment. Foster finished the 2024 season on the injured list with a back injury and it's not clear what his current health situation is.

Lambert (shoulder) elected free agency Monday.

Lambert refused an outright assignment by the White Sox, opting for free agency instead. He underwent right shoulder surgery in August and it's unclear when he'll be ready to pitch in games.

The White Sox claimed Murfee (elbow) off waivers from the Astros on Monday.

Murfee had Tommy John surgery in July of 2023 and was pulled off his rehab assignment in 2024 after just one appearance due to elbow soreness, although he was facing hitters again by the end of the season. The 30-year-old posted a 2.70 ERA and 92:28 K:BB over 83.1 innings with the Mariners from 2022-23, so it could be a sneaky waiver claim by the White Sox if Murfee can stay healthy.

The Reds extended a one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer to Martinez on Monday, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Wittenmyer hears that, before the offer was extended, the two sides engaged in talks regarding a multi-year extension "without gaining much traction." Martinez declined a $12 million player option last week after posting a 3.10 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 116:18 K:BB over 142.1 innings in 2024. He could surely get more in total dollars on the open market, but locking in a $21.05 million salary for 2025 might be tempting for Martinez. If he rejects it, the Reds would receive a draft pick if the righty signs elsewhere.

The Twins outrighted Winder to Triple-A St. Paul on Monday, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Winder, 28, spent the bulk of the 2024 season at St. Paul posting a 6.15 ERA but a 47:13 K:BB over 41 innings. He will remain in the organization as bullpen depth.

The Twins outrighted Duarte (elbow) to Triple-A St. Paul on Monday, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Duarte underwent UCL revision surgery in May and will be sidelined at least until midseason. He'll remain in the Twins' organization while rehabbing.

The Twins outrighted Dobnak to Triple-A St. Paul on Monday, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

It's not the first time Dobnak has been outrighted, so he has the option to elect free agency. If he doesn't he'll represent rotation depth at St. Paul, where he held a 4.25 ERA and 1.45 WHIP with 134 strikeouts over 133.1 innings in 2024.

The Twins outrighted Blewett to Triple-A St. Paul on Monday, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

He's been outrighted before, so Blewett could elect free agency if he wants. The reliever made 12 appearances for the Twins in 2024, posting a 1.77 ERA and 18:8 K:BB over 20.1 frames.

Kuhnel elected free agency Monday.

He cleared waivers after being scrubbed from the Rays' 40-man roster but will test out free agency rather than accepting an outright assignment. Kuhnel holds a career 5.86 ERA and 76:24 K:BB over 93.2 innings covering parts of five seasons at the big-league level.