MLB Player News

The Dodgers declined Nelson's (elbow) $1.1 million club option for 2023 on Tuesday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

The veteran right-hander re-signed with Los Angeles in March after he underwent Tommy John surgery in August 2021, but the organization won't exercise his option for next season. Nelson didn't play in 2022 while rehabbing from the procedure, and it's unclear if he's expected to be ready to go for spring training in February.

Jackson elected free agency Sunday.

Jackson was outrighted to Triple-A Gwinnett on Sept. 21, but rather than remaining in the Atlanta organization heading into the spring, he'll try his luck on the open market. The 35-year-old right-hander owns a 4.21 ERA and 19.8 K-BB% across 57.2 career innings in the majors.

Suarez declined his $5 million player option for 2023 and became a free agent Monday, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports.

Suarez joined the Padres on a one-year, $5 million deal last December and was a candidate to contend for the club's vacant closing role in spring training after he had been a prolific end gamer while pitching overseas in Japan in 2020 and 2021, but he never gained much traction as San Diego's ninth-inning man. Even so, Suarez still found a niche in the late innings as a setup man and thrived in that capacity, notching a 2.27 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 61:21 K:BB in 47.2 innings while collecting 12 holds and one save. Suarez could look to find a home this winter with a team that may give him a clearer path to a closing gig, but at the very least, he should net a bigger contract in free agency after excelling in his first season back in North America.

Diaz and the Mets agreed to a five-year, $102 million contract Sunday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Diaz was slated to become a free agent during the offseason and would have undoubtedly drawn interest from plenty of teams, but he'll instead remain with the Mets on the largest contract for a reliever in history, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Diaz was one of the most dominant closers in baseball in 2022, converting 32 of 35 save chances while posting a 1.31 ERA and 0.84 WHIP while striking out 118 batters in 61 innings. His new agreement with the Mets includes an opt-out after the third season and a full no-trade clause as well as a $20 million team option for the 2028 season.

Pressly pitched a scoreless ninth inning during Saturday's 4-1 win over the Phillies in Game 6 of the World Series, allowing one hit, striking out none and walking none.

Pressly remained spotless for the postseason, finishing with a 0.00 ERA and just one unearned run allowed across 11 innings. He surrendered a one-out single to J.T. Realmuto, but was able to force two flyouts to secure the World Series victory. The 33-year-old ended his 2022 campaign with 18 consecutive saves -- his last blown save was July 30 against the Mariners. Pressly was extended through 2024 at the beginning of the season in what looks like a great decision for the Astros after the closer was dominant to finish the year.

Barlow underwent surgery Friday to separate a pair of fused tendons in his right wrist and is expected to be ready for the start of spring training in February, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Barlow dealt with blister issues throughout 2022, and the wrist procedure is expected to help curtain those problems. The right-hander served as Texas' closer during the first half of the season and converted 13 of 17 save opportunities, but he landed on the injured list in July shortly after being demoted from the role. He finished the season with a 3.86 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 28:13 K:BB across 35 innings.

Chafin plans to decline his $6.5 million player option for 2023 ahead of next week's deadline, Evan Petzold of The Detroit Free Press reports.

Chafin won't have to formally submit a decision regarding whether or not to exercise his 2023 option until five days after the end of the World Series, but the 32-year-old has already decided to try his luck on the open market following an impressive season in Detroit. The veteran lefty made 64 appearances for the Tigers, notching two wins, three saves and 19 holds while submitting a 2.83 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and a 15.9 K-BB% across 57.1 innings. No matter where he ultimately lands, Chafin is unlikely to get a look as a full-time closer, but he should be a key part of the late-inning mix.

Pressly pitched the final five outs and earned the save during Thursday's 3-2 win over the Phillies in Game 5 of the World Series, allowing zero hits, walks and runs while striking out two.

Pressly threw a slider that hit Bryce Harper with two outs in the ninth, but he got Nick Castellanos to ground out to secure the save in Game 5. The closer converted his first save of the World Series, and he has now earned the save in 16 consecutive opportunities. After throwing 19 pitches the night prior in Game 4, Pressly needed another 26 to get the final five outs of Game 5. The 33-year-old Texan came into the game with the tying run on third and just one out in the eighth, but he was able to record a strikeout and a groundout to escape the jam. Pressly is having an outstanding postseason for the Astros -- he has allowed just one unearned run over 10 innings while striking out 13.

Pruitt was outrighted to Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Pruitt appeared in 39 games for Oakland in 2022 but won't retain his spot on the 40-man roster through the offseason. He had a 4.23 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 38:9 K:BB across 55.1 innings.

Pressly pitched the final inning of Wednesday night's 5-0 win over the Phillies in Game 4 of the World Series, allowing zero runs, zero hits and one walk while striking out one.

Pressly entered the game in the ninth inning with a chance to complete just the second no-hitter in World Series history, and he got the job done. The 33-year-old got J.T. Realmuto to ground out to third to end the game, evening up the series at 2-2. He has allowed just one unearned run in eight appearances during the postseason while amassing 11 strikeouts. Pressly threw 19 pitches Wednesday night, and he may be called on again Thursday night to close out Game 5 if the Astros can get to the ninth inning with a lead.