MLB Player News

Strahm (knee) signed a one-year, $2 million contract to avoid arbitration with the Padres on Wednesday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

The 29-year-old has been a reliable bullpen piece for the Friars over the past few years, and he had a 2.61 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 15:4 K:BB with three holds over 20.2 innings last season. Strahm underwent surgery to repair the patellar tendon in his right knee during October, but he's expected to be ready for the start of spring training.

Brasier agreed to a one-year, $1.25 million contract with the Red Sox on Wednesday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

The Red Sox lack a proven closer on the roster, with Matt Barnes positioned as the likely ninth-inning option if they do not add anyone more seasoned, so Brasier could earn late-inning work in 2021. The 33-year-old righty had a 3.96 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 30 strikeouts in 25 innings last season.

Pruitt (elbow) agreed to a one-year, $617,500 contract with the Astros on Wednesday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

He underwent surgery in September to repair a hairline fracture in his elbow, but he is supposed to be available sometime early in the 2021 season. Pruitt profiles as a swing man or long reliever for Houston.

Garcia signed a one-year, $950,000 contract with the Giants on Wednesday to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

The left-hander got a late start to the 2020 campaign but turned out to be San Francisco's most reliable reliever with a 0.49 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 14:7 K:BB with six holds over 18.1 innings. Garcia shouldn't be expected to replicate those numbers over a full season, but he also had a 3.02 ERA during the 2019 season.

Barnes agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the Red Sox on Wednesday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

The 30-year-old righty logged his worst ERA (4.30) since 2015, but he also notched nine saves in 24 appearances. He has proven to be a capable setup man, but he would probably open the year as Boston's closer if they don't add any superior relievers this offseason.

Jackson signed a one-year, $1.9 million deal to avoid arbitration with the Braves on Wednesday.

The right-hander recorded 18 saves and nine holds with a 3.84 ERA during 2019, but he struggled last season with a 6.84 ERA. Jackson wasn't included on Atlanta's playoff roster, but the team is apparently willing to give him a chance to rebound in 2021.

The Twins and Duffey agreed Wednesday on a one-year, $2.2 million contract, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Duffey will be getting a $1 million raise for 2021 after he finished second among all Twins relievers in WAR (0.7) while posting a 1.88 ERA and 31:6 K:BB in 24 innings during the 60-game 2020 campaign. He'll likely be in line to serve as one of the top setup men to Taylor Rogers in 2021, assuming the Twins don't bring in another veteran closer to replace Rogers.

Thielbar signed a one-year, $700,000 contract with the Twins on Wednesday, avoiding arbitration, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Thielbar was highly effective in his return to the majors in 2020, posting a 2.25 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 22:9 K:BB over 20 innings. By inking a new deal with the Twins on Wednesday, he'll avoid arbitration heading into his age-34 season. The southpaw will have to prove himself over a larger sample in 2021, but he impressed in Minnesota during the abbreviated 2020 campaign.

Alexander agreed to a one-year, $1 million deal with the Dodgers on Wednesday, avoiding arbitration, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

He was optioned Sept. 2 and left off the Dodgers' postseason roster, but the team still likes his outlook for the 2021 season. Alexander, 31, is arguably the best lefty groundball specialist in the game (career 70.9 GB%), which has allowed him to suppress runs without missing many bats (17.3 K% in 2020).

Dominguez (elbow) agreed to a one-year, $727,500 contract with the Phillies on Monday, avoiding arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

He had Tommy John surgery in late July, so Dominguez may not pitch at all in the majors this season. Obviously the Phillies like his talent enough to pay to keep him in the organization during a lost season. He had a breakout rookies season in 2018 when he logged a 2.95 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in 58 innings, but struggled to a 4.01 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in 24.2 innings in 2019.