MLB Player News

Schreiber signed a one-year, $1.175 million contract with the Red Sox on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

Schreiber impressed during his first full season with Boston in 2022 and got off to a hot start last year as well. However, the 29-year-old righty injured his shoulder in May and wasn't quite the same when he came back in late July, recording a 4.85 ERA and 1.48 WHIP through 29.2 innings post-injury. Schreiber may still be an option for Boston in high-leverage situations this season, but his reliability remains questionable.

King signed a one-year, $3.15 million contract with the Padres on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

King was traded to San Diego in December as part of the deal that sent Juan Soto to the Yankees, and he's now officially under contract for the new season. King was moved from the bullpen into the Yankees' rotation toward the end of last season, allowing him to pitch a career-high 104.2 innings while still maintaining a 2.75 ERA. The 28-year-old righty will most likely remain a starter as he begins his tenure as a Padre.

Poche signed a one-year, $2.375 million contract with the Rays on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

2023 was a breakout year for Poche, who finished the season with a 2.23 ERA,1.09 WHIP and 61:24 K:BB across 60.2 innings. His strong campaign earned him a $1.195 million raise, and he'll likely continue working as Tampa Bay's left-handed setup man in 2024.

Pivetta signed a one-year, $7.5 million contract with the Red Sox on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Pivetta receives a $2.15 million salary increase in his final year of team control. The 30-year-old recorded a 4.04 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with a 183:50 K:BB across 142.2 innings last season -- easily his best statline since joining the Red Sox in 2020.

The Diamondbacks and Sewald avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $7.35 million contract Thursday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

It's Sewald's final year of arbitration eligibility, as he's currently slated to hit the free-agent market next offseason. The 33-year-old held a 3.12 ERA and 80:24 K:BB over 60.2 frames while notching 34 saves between the Mariners and Diamondbacks in 2023. With an unquestioned closer gig heading into 2024, Sewald's fantasy arrow is pointing up.

Antone (elbow) signed a one-year, $830,000 contract with the Reds on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Tommy John surgery kept Antone sidelined last season until the beginning of September, and right elbow tendinitis ended his campaign after just five appearances. Antone looked good when he was able to pitch, surrendering one run in 5.2 innings while striking out seven batters.

Crochet signed a one-year, $800,000 contract with the White Sox on Thursday to avoid arbitration.

Crochet charted a 3.55 ERA and 1.97 WHIP through 12.2 MLB innings last year, though shoulder issues limited him to just 25 total appearances between the majors and minors. White Sox general manager Chris Getz said Tuesday the team plans on using Crochet as a starter in 2024, though it's unclear whether he will be stretched out in the big leagues or in Chicago's minor-league system.

Merryweather signed a $1.175 million contract with the Cubs on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

In his first season with the Cubs, Merryweather turned in the best year of his career with a 3.38 ERA and 1.31 WHIP through 72 innings while picking up two saves and 17 holds. The 32-year-old earns a $438,000 raise in his first arbitration year, and he appears in position to continue serving in a setup role for Adbert Alzolay.

Thornton signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Mariners on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Thornton proved to be a valuable addition to Seattle's bullpen after he was traded from Toronto in July. He logged a 2.08 ERA and 1.08 WHIP through 26 innings with the Mariners and figures to be used often in high-leverage situations in 2024.

The Mariners and Topa avoided arbitration by agreeing to a $1.25 million contract Thursday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Topa was in his first year of arbitration eligibility. The 32-year-old had a breakout season with the Mariners in 2023, posting a 2.61 ERA and 61:18 K:BB over 69 innings. He will handle high-leverage situations for Seattle again in 2024.