MLB Player News

Rainey and the Nationals agreed to terms Tuesday on a one-year contract to avoid arbitration, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Rainey endured a turbulent 2021 campaign in which he struggled from both a performance and health standpoint, but he at least closed the season on a high note. Following a call-up from Triple-A Rochester for the final two weeks, Rainey made six appearances out of the bullpen and turned in a 1.41 FIP over that stretch while notching two saves. Rainey's strong finish to the season along with an impressive 20.1-inning sample in 2020 looks like it'll be enough to keep him in the closer mix heading into 2022, as manager Dave Martinez said early in spring training that he was hopeful the right-hander would seize hold of the job. The skipper may not formally name a closer heading into Opening Day, but Rainey should be in the mix for the gig if he turns in a productive spring.

Alexy allowed one hit and one walk while striking out one over two innings in Tuesday's spring training game against Arizona.

Alexy came in after starter Kolby Allard tossed two innings, but he's expected to compete for a rotation spot this spring. He made his major-league debut in 2021, making four starts and one piggyback outing over the final month of the season. The right-hander made a couple of nice starts to begin his career before running into adversity over the final three outings when he issued 12 bases on balls over 12 innings. He's not a lock to make the rotation, so guys like Allard will also build up innings during the truncated spring training.

Richards agreed to a one-year, $1 million contract with the Blue Jays on Tuesday, avoiding arbitration, Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com reports.

Richards is in his first year of arbitration eligibility and will receive a modest raise. He spent most of last season with Toronto and was a solid bullpen piece with a 3.31 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 37:10 K:BB across 32.2 innings.

Rogers agreed to a one-year, $7.3 million contract with the Twins on Tuesday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Rogers made $6 million in 2021 and will receive a modest raise in his final year of arbitration eligibility. The left-hander recorded nine saves and eight holds last season with a 3.35 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 59:8 K:BB over 40.1 innings and is the favorite to work as Minnesota's primary closer in 2022, but his upside is limited given manager Rocco Baldelli's non-traditional approach to save situations.

Scott signed a one-year, $1.05 million contract with the Orioles on Tuesday, avoiding arbitration, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Scott will just clear the seven-figure threshold in his first year of arbitration ability. He struck out 27.9 percent of opposing batters last season but also walked 14.7 percent, leading to a poor 5.17 ERA.

Maton signed a one-year, $1.55 million contract with the Astros on Tuesday, avoiding arbitration, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Maton struggled to a 4.97 ERA in 25.1 innings for the Astros after a midseason move from Cleveland, with his strikeout rate plummeting from 34.3 percent prior to the deal to 20.2 percent for his new team.

Manaea agreed to a one-year, $9.75 million contract with Oakland on Tuesday to avoid arbitration, Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com reports.

Trade rumors continue to swirl regarding Manaea given Oakland has already offloaded some core players, but the left-hander was able to agree on a deal for 2022 with the A's. He had a 3.91 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 194:41 K:BB over 179.1 innings last season, and it remains to be seen how long he remains in Oakland while entering his final year before hitting free agency.

Garcia's visa issues are nearly resolved, and he should arrive at camp Thursday or Friday, Scott Mitchell of TSN.ca reports.

Garcia is facing a fairly substantial visa delay, but the Blue Jays aren't ruling him out for Opening Day. He's been able to throw back in Venezuela and is expected to require just two or three Grapefruit League appearances to be ready.

Alexander is expected to open the season in the rotation, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

The Tigers added Michael Pineda on Friday, which seemingly pushed Alexander to the bullpen. Pineda may not be ready to start by Opening Day due to his late signing, however, so Alexander could get at least a turn or two in the rotation before heading to the bullpen.

Voth and the Nationals agreed to terms on a one-year, $875,000 deal Tuesday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Voth pitched almost exclusively out of the bullpen for the first time last season but didn't have much success, struggling to a 5.34 ERA in 57.1 innings while walking a carer-high 11.3 percent of opposing batters.