MLB Player News

Stephenson signed a one-year, $1.75 million contract with the Pirates on Friday to avoid arbitration, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

It was a tale of two seasons for Stephenson in 2022. After posting a 6.04 ERA and 1.48 WHIP with the Rockies, he was pushed off their roster and was claimed by the Pirates in late August. Upon joining Pittsburgh, Stephenson put up a 3.38 ERA and 0.82 WHIP to close out the season. If the 29-year-old righty can carry that success with Pittsburgh over into 2023, there's a good chance he establishes himself as the team's primary setup man.

Tate signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Orioles on Friday to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Tate has evolved into a solid late-inning reliever for the Orioles, having put up a 3.05 ERA and 60:16 K:BB over 73.2 innings in 2022 with five saves and 16 holds. He'll help set up for Felix Bautista in 2023.

Underwood signed a one-year, $1.025 million contract with the Pirates on Friday, avoiding arbitration, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

In his second season with the Pirates, Underwood reached the double-digit hold mark for the first time in his career and recorded his first career save as well. If the 28-year old can continue to strike batters out at an acceptable rate (8.95 K/9 in 2022) and give up fewer long balls, there's a good chance the Pirates let him pitch more often in high-leverage situations in 2023.

Staumont (biceps) signed a one-year, $1.025 million contract with the Royals on Friday to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Staumont put up an ugly 6.45 ERA over 42 appearances in 2022 before his season ended prematurely due to a biceps issue. The Royals will be hoping for better health and better results in 2023, and the 29-year-old right-hander is still a likely candidate to fill a high-leverage role.

Cisnero signed a one-year, $2.2875 million contract with the Tigers on Friday to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Cisnero made just 28 appearances in 2022 due to shoulder and personal issues. He managed a 1.08 ERA across 25 innings in spite of a 23:19 K:BB. Some regression is bound to happen, but he should still be a solid middle reliever in 2023.

Hicks and the Cardinals agreed on a one-year, $1.8375 contract Friday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Hicks and the team will avoid arbitration after coming to terms on a deal for 2023 on Friday. The right-hander produced a 4.84 ERA and 1.32 WHIP with 63 strikeouts and eight holds over 61.1 innings in 35 appearances, including eight starts, with St. Louis last season. Hicks will likely open the 2023 campaign as a setup option ahead of closer Ryan Helsley in the Cardinals' bullpen.

Brasier signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Red Sox on Friday, avoiding arbitration, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

2022 saw Brasier record a career-worst 5.78 ERA through 62.1 innings, though his 4.92 K/BB ratio was one of the better marks across the majors. Still, the 35-year-old reliever has a tendency to get hit around more often than not, and holds almost no fantasy value beyond the deepest of leagues.

Romano agreed to a one-yar, $4.538 million contract with the Blue Jays on Friday to avoid arbitration, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

It's the first year of arbitration eligibility for Romano, and he'll receive a significant raise after he recorded 36 saves with a 2.11 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 73:21 K:BB across 64 innings last year. The 29-year-old has been dominant over the past couple seasons and will open 2023 as Toronto's clear-cut closer.

Heuer (elbow) and the Cubs agreed on a one-year, $785,000 contract Friday to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

The right-hander missed the entirety of the 2022 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery in early March and he will look to make his return to the mound in 2023. Heuer last pitched in 2021, producing a 4.28 ERA and 1.31 WHIP with 56 strikeouts over 67.1 innings in 65 appearances between the White Sox and Cubs.

Beeks signed a one-year, $1.375 million contract with the Rays on Friday to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

The left-hander was excellent for the Rays last season, holding a 2.80 ERA and 70:22 K:BB over 61 innings. The Rays like to use Beeks as an opener and he also has the ability to go multiple innings in relief, if needed.