MLB Player News

Mantiply signed a one-year, $935,000 contract with the Diamondbacks on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Mantiply lost his role as a high-leverage option out of the Arizona bullpen in 2023, as he posted a 4.62 ERA across 39 frames in the majors. He saw a significant dip in strikeouts and his lack of velocity could continue to lead to inconsistent results.

Thompson signed a one-year, $1.4 million contract with the Diamondbacks on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Thompson struggled for the first half of the 2023 season with the Rays, but he posted a pristine 0.69 ERA and 0.54 WHIP across 13 innings after being picked up by Arizona. While that's a limited sample of success, he projects to play a key role in the Diamondbacks' bullpen this season.

Smith signed a one-year, $2.2 million contract with the Mets on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Smith saw his performance decline in 2023, though he notched a career-high 56.1 innings and 15 combined saves and holds. With Edwin Diaz getting a clean bill of health, Smith projects to occupy a setup role at best in 2024.

Soto signed a one-year contract with the Phillies on Thursday to avoid arbitration.

Soto saw his saves total diminish significantly in 2023 after being traded from Detroit to Philadelphia last offseason. He still managed an impressive 24 holds and also posted an 8.8 percent walk rate -- by far the best mark of his career. Jose Alvarado is the current favorite for the closer role, but with Craig Kimbrel out of the picture, this could be a bullpen to watch in spring training.

Burke signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Rangers on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Burke struggled with the long ball in 2023, serving up 2.0 HR/9 across 59.2 frames. He had a relatively strong 17.2 K-BB%, so he could see some improvement moving forward if he can keep the ball in the yard.

Sborz signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Rangers on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Sborz posted an ugly 5.50 ERA across 52.1 innings in 2023, though that also came with just a 53.8 percent strand rate. He'll need to keep the ball in the yard to be more effective -- he served up 1.4 HR/9 -- but his 66:17 K:BB suggests there is room for improved results. Sborz figures to be a key high-leverage reliever in the Rangers' bullpen in 2024.

Hernandez (shoulder) signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Rangers on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Hernandez had a shaky 2023 season, which he split almost exactly evenly between the majors and Triple-A Round Rock. His 4.3 BB/9 and 1.1 HR/9 served as a bad combination, which led to a 5.40 ERA and 1.58 WHIP while in the big leagues. Hernandez was also sidelined in the playoffs due to a shoulder injury, so his health remains in question this offseason.

Chargois signed a one-year contract with Miami on Thursday to avoid arbitration.

Chargois was effective out of Miami's bullpen in 2023, maintaining a 3.61 ERA with a 1.25 WHIP across 42.1 innings. He managed four holds and one save but pitched primarily in lower-leverage situations.

Bender (elbow) agreed to a one-year contract with the Marlins on Thursday to avoid arbitration.

Bender missed all of the 2023 season while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. He was facing hitters in September, meaning he should have the chance to enter the 2024 campaign healthy.

Vesia signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Dodgers on Thursday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Vesia struggled on the surface in 2023 in large part due to .354 BABIP and 72.6 percent strand rate. However, he still managed a 21.7 K-BB% and should be in for a bounceback campaign in a potential high-leverage role out of the Dodgers' bullpen in 2024.