MLB Player News

Pressly is expected to serve in a setup role for the Astros following the signing of Josh Hader, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Manager Joe Espada declined to name a closer when asked Saturday at the team's FanFest event. However, Rome writes of Espada that he "sounded like a manager who will eventually name a standalone closer," and that's fully expected to be Hader. The team spoke to Pressly before agreeing to terms with Hader and Pressly is "all in" on the move, per Espada. Pressly should still be rosterable in deep leagues even in a setup role, but clearly his fantasy stock is way down following the Hader move.

Giles will throw a bullpen session Friday for interested teams, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Giles held a similar showcase last season and ended up securing a minor-league deal with the Dodgers shortly afterward. His performance at Triple-A Oklahoma City was rather uninspiring -- he surrendered 19 earned runs in 18 innings -- but perhaps the 33-year-old righty will show enough promise Friday for another club to take a flier on him.

Brebbia signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the White Sox on Saturday, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

Brebbia posted a 3.83 ERA and 1.31 WHIP across 124.2 frames during his time with the Giants, though he struggled in 2023 after returning from a lat injury, surrendering seven earned runs in 9.2 innings. The 33-year-old has worked as a middle reliever, opener and setup man throughout his career, and the White Sox's lack of bullpen depth also opens the possibility for save opportunities.

Kuhnel elected free agency Jan. 13.

Kuhnel was designated for assignment in early January and was outrighted to Triple-A Sugar Land shortly after. He'll now hit free agency seeking a new opportunity after posting a 5.54 ERA and 1.62 WHIP across 13 innings split between the Reds and Astros in 2023.

Stephenson agreed to a three-year, $33 million contract with the Angels on Friday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

With Josh Hader landing in Houston, Stephenson was one the better relievers left on the market. He had a breakout 2023 campaign, during which he maintained a 3.10 ERA and 0.88 WHIP to go along with a 77:16 K:BB across 52.1 innings while pitching primarily with the Rays. Stephenson also proved capable of working in a high-leverage role by racking up 15 holds, and he should be in contention for saves alongside Carlos Estevez with his new club.

Hader signed a five-year, $95 million contract with the Astros on Friday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Coming off a phenomenal season in which Hader logged a 1.28 ERA and 1.10 WHIP through 56.1 innings while racking up 33 saves, the 29-year-old southpaw will join the Astros on the most lucrative deal for a reliever in MLB history, based on present-day value. This will be Hader's second stint with the Astros organization -- he spent roughly two years in Houston's farm system before being traded to the Brewers in 2015. He will almost certainly take over as the Astros' primary closer, moving Ryan Pressly into a setup role.

Rodney has not given up hope of pitching in the major leagues again, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Rodney will turn 47 in March and hasn't seen any action in the majors since 2019, so it would be the longest of long shots. The three-time All-Star has been pitching in the Mexican League and Dominican Winter League the last few years and says he wants to continue playing until he's 50.

Naile was transferred from the Cardinals to the KIA Tigers of the KBO on Friday.

Naile appeared out of the Cardinals bullpen sparingly across the last two seasons, throwing a combined 24.1 innings. He struggled to a 7.40 ERA and 1.89 WHIP in that span and will seek to reinvigorate his career overseas.

The Astros are making a big effort to sign Hader, Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome of The Athletic are reporting.

If the Astros were to sign Hader, it would create quite a ripple in the closer pool, as Hader is unlikely to share the save duties with Ryan Pressly. The Astros just got the news that Kendall Graveman is out for the season, so they need more premium depth in their bullpen.

Bowman signed a minor-league contract with the Twins on Thursday and received an invitation to major-league spring training, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

In 2023, Bowman returned to the majors for the first time since 2019, though he appeared in just three games for the Yankees and surrendered four earned runs in four innings. The 32-year-old reliever posted a 3.99 ERA and 1.39 WHIP in Triple-A and will now have an outside shot at making the Twins' Opening Day roster.