MLB Player News

Kranick's contract was selected by the Pirates on Friday.

A 23-year-old righty, Kranick made 20 starts at High-A in 2019, logging a 3.79 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 78:30 K:BB in 109.1 innings. He doesn't throw very hard, so he wouldn't be a great candidate to shift to relief. Kranick could open the year at Double-A or Triple-A.

Frias' contract was purchased by the Diamondbacks on Friday.

One of Arizona's most talented pitching prospects, Frias has a chance to develop into a high-strikeout starter or a late-inning reliever, depending on the development of his third pitch and his command. He has never pitched above Low-A but spent the summer at the alternate training site, likely setting up an assignment to High-A or Double-A in 2021.

Weber was designated for assignment by the Red Sox on Friday.

Boston added seven prospects to its 40-man roster as protection from the Rule 5 draft, and Weber ended up being a roster casualty. The 30-year-old righty logged a 4.40 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 43 innings in 2020.

Payamps was designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks on Friday.

Payamps had minimal usage in the majors in 2020, and he allowed one earned run while striking out two over three relief innings. The right-hander's removal from the 40-man roster makes room for several prospects who will now be protected from the Rule 5 draft.

Mata's contract was purchased by the Red Sox on Friday.

One of Boston's top pitching prospects, Mata spent the summer at the alternate site, although he missed a couple weeks with a hamstring injury. He won't turn 22 until May but already has 11 starts at Double-A under his belt, so he could open the year at Triple-A. Mata has the potential to develop into a mid-rotation starter if he can throw enough strikes.

Bukauskas was added to the Diamondbacks' 40-man roster Friday.

Bukauskas was part of the 60-man player pool in 2020, but he failed to make his major-league debut. He'll now be protected from the Rule 5 draft due to his addition to the 40-man roster.

Wells' contract was purchased by the Orioles on Friday, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

A 23-year-old southpaw, Wells logged a 2.95 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 105:24 K:BB in 137.1 innings at Double-A in 2019. He should be ready to compete for a rotation spot sometime in 2021 and profiles as a back-end starter or swing man.

Gomez was added to the Yankees' 40-man roster Friday.

Gomez struggled a bit with Low-A Charleston in 2019, posting a 6.08 ERA and 25:9 K:BB over 26.2 innings. However, the 21-year-old will remain part of the organization going forward since he'll now be protected from the Rule 5 draft.

Lowther's contract was purchased by the Orioles on Friday, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

One of the Orioles' top left-handed pitching prospects, Lowther has 27 starts at Double-A under his belt and spent this past summer at the alternate training site, so he is nearing his big-league debut. There should be some rotation spots up for grabs early and often in Baltimore in 2021, and this new Orioles regime has shown a strong ability to develop pitchers.

Baumann's (elbow) contract was purchased by the Orioles on Friday, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

Despite the fact that Baumann was shut down in September with a flexor strain in his right arm, the Orioles think enough of his long-term prospects that they wanted to shield him from the Rule 5 draft. It's a nice vote of confidence in his ability to make a full recovery. If that happens, he would likely open the year at Triple-A.