MLB Player News

The Rockies acquired Stephenson and outfielder Jameson Hannah from the Reds on Wednesday in exchange for pitchers Jeff Hoffman and Case Williams, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

The deal features two MLB pieces in Stephenson and Hoffman and two prospects in Hannah and Williams changing organizations. Like Hoffman, Stephenson is a former first-round draft pick who transitioned from starting to relief duty early on during his big-league career. A back strain limited Stephenson to just 11 innings with the Reds in 2020, but when he was healthy late in 2019, he showed some signs of dominance as a late-inning arm. However, even if Stephenson is able to avoid the injured list in Colorado, pitching at Coors Field will likely hurt his chances of delivering the type of ratios that will be useful in fantasy.

Hoffman was traded from the Rockies to the Reds on Wednesday in exchange for Robert Stephenson and Jameson Hannah, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Hoffman spent the first five seasons of his career with the Rockies, but he was never able to generate much major-league production. The right-hander transitioned to a bullpen role in 2020, but he continued to struggle, posting a 9.28 ERA and 1.92 WHIP over 21.1 innings. It's unclear whether he'll remain a reliever with his new club or whether he'll move back to the rotation.

Law announced Monday via his personal Twitter account that he agreed to a minor-league contract with the Twins that includes an invitation to big-league spring training.

According to Darren Wolfson of Channel 5 Saint Paul, Law's deal is worth $750,000 at the big-league level and contains an opt-out clause. Law didn't receive a call-up to the majors at any point in 2020 after being included in the Rangers' 60-man player pool, but the reliever made 58 appearances for the Blue Jays in 2019, compiling a 4.90 ERA and 1.66 WHIP.

Speier was designated for assignment by the Royals on Friday.

Speier made the Royals' Opening Day roster in 2020, but he gave up five runs on nine hits and four walks while striking out six over 5.2 innings. He was optioned to the alternate training site in August and didn't return to the big leagues. His removal from the 40-man roster will make room for several prospects who will now be protected from the Rule 5 draft.

Santos' contract was purchased by the Giants on Friday.

Santos logged a 2.86 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 26:9 K:BB in 34.2 innings (eight starts) at Low-A in 2019. He is working on improving his third-pitch changeup and his command, which will determine whether he ends up as a back-end starter or reliever. Look for him to open the year at High-A or Double-A.

Doval's contract was purchased by the Giants on Friday.

A 23-year-old relief pitching prospect, Doval spent 2019 at High-A and was at the alternate training site this past summer. He misses a lot of bats but needs to refine his command. It's possible he could debut in the majors in the second half of 2021 or in early 2022.

Solomon was added to the Astros' 40-man roster Friday, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

He underwent Tommy John surgery in the summer of 2019, and should be fully recovered at this point. Solomon had a promising 2018 season at Low-A and High-A, and could open the upcoming season at Double-A. He has a fairly high ceiling and is a nice sleeper in deep dynasty leagues.

Jackson's contract was purchased by the Dodgers on Friday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

A 24-year-old righty, Jackson logged 15 starts at High-A in 2019 before spending this past summer at the alternate training site. He can miss bats at a high clip, but has struggled with his command and control, which could limit him to the bullpen long term. Look for him to open the year at Double-A or Triple-A.

Uceta's contract was purchased by the Dodgers on Friday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Uceta has a slight 6-foot, 155-pound frame, but he has the stuff to start long term. He was suspended by the team this past summer for breaking a security protocol, but he obviously didn't wear out his welcome. He could open the year at Triple-A, but this will be a tough big-league rotation to crack during the upcoming season.

Morgan was added to Cleveland's 40-man roster Friday.

Morgan was part of the 60-man player pool in 2020 and spent the entire season at the team's alternate training site. He'll now be protected from the Rule 5 draft. The right-hander posted a 3.79 ERA with 104 strikeouts with Double-A Akron in 2019.