MLB Player News

Antone (elbow) signed a one-year, $770,000 contract with the Reds on Friday to avoid arbitration, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Antone missed the entirety of 2022 due to Tommy John surgery, but back-to-back seasons with a sub-3.00 ERA and a strikeout rate north of 30 percent in 2020-21 is more than enough reason for the Reds to keep him around. He will likely have to slowly work back into high-leverage situations, but if he's able to return to his pre-injury form, he could take over as the Reds' closer during the season.

Hernandez signed a one-year, $1.275 million contract with the Rangers on Friday to avoid arbitration, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Recovery from a Tommy John procedure in April 2021 kept Hernandez from playing last season until mid-July, but he was effective after he returned. In 30.1 innings, he recorded a 2.97 ERA and 1.42 WHIP -- good enough to keep him in a setup role to start 2023.

Hearn agreed to a one-year contract with the Rangers on Friday to avoid arbitration.

Hearn worked as a swingman for the Rangers last season with 13 starts in 31 appearances, and he had a 5.13 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 97:43 K:BB across 100 innings. Texas has significantly revamped its rotation during the offseason, so the 28-year-old will likely be limited to a relief role in 2023.

Armstrong signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Rays on Friday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

After being released by Miami and signed by Tampa Bay in May, Armstrong recorded a 3.60 ERA and 1.27 WHIP as a member of the Rays bullpen. His impressive 9.63 K/9 from last year also makes him a candidate to pitch more often in high-leverage situations in 2023.

Barria agreed to a one-year, $1.05 million contract with the Angels on Friday to avoid arbitration, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Barria made his big-league debut in 2018 and primarily worked as a starter when up with the Halos prior to 2022, but he established himself as a solid reliever last season with a 2.61 ERA across 79.1 innings. The 26-year-old should pitch out of the bullpen again in 2023 following his successful transition to relief.

Arano agreed to a one-year, $925,000 contract with the Nationals on Friday to avoid arbitration, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Arano made 43 appearances for the Nationals in 2022 and had a 4.50 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 44:12 K:BB across 42 innings. The 27-year-old is likely to open 2023 in middle relief but could see high-leverage chances with a strong start to the campaign.

Finnegan signed a one-year, $2.325 million contract with the Nationals on Friday to avoid arbitration, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Finnegan collected 11 saves for the Nationals last season, posting a 3.51 ERA and 70:22 K:BB over 66.2 innings along the way. He is the favorite to open 2023 as the club's closer, although his leash wouldn't figure to be a long one.

Cimber signed a one-year, $3.15 million contract with Toronto on Friday to avoid arbitration, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

In his first full season with the Blue Jays, Cimber put up a 2.80 ERA and 1.12 WHIP through 70.2 innings out of the bullpen, earning 20 holds and four saves in the process. His impressive stats were more than enough to warrant a healthy raise for the 32-year-old righty, who will most likely serve as a setup man in 2023.

Warren cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Salt Lake by the Angels on Friday.

Warren holds a 3.47 ERA over 30 appearances across the last two seasons for the Halos. He'll represent relief depth for them in the minors.

Clarke signed a one-year, $1.15 million contract with the Royals on Friday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Clarke had a solid first season in Kansas City, putting up a 4.04 ERA and 48:8 K:BB over 49 innings while collecting three saves. The 29-year-old is likely to work in a middle relief role again in 2023.