MLB Player News

McClanahan (elbow) signed a two-year, $7.2 million contract with the Rays on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

McClanahan underwent Tommy John surgery in August, making it unlikely he pitches at all in 2024. However, if the 26-year-old lefty is able to return this season, he would add an extra $120,000 to his 2025 salary for every start he makes.

Skubal and the Tigers agreed to a one-year, $2.65 million deal Thursday to avoid arbitration, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

This is obviously a massive value for Detroit, as Skubal pitched like a frontline starter after returning from injury last season. The 27-year-old lefty logged a 2.80 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 102 strikeouts in 80.1 innings across 15 starts.

The Guardians and Bieber avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $13.125 million contract Thursday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Bieber had been projected as one of the highest earners via the arbitration process in what was his final year of eligibility. The veteran right-hander posted a 3.80 ERA and 107:34 K:BB over 128 innings covering 21 starts for Cleveland in 2023. His stuff and strikeouts have been ticking down and he missed time with an elbow injury last season, but Bieber will be healthy heading into spring training.

The Rangers and Dunning avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.325 million contract Thursday, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

It was Dunning's first year of arbitration eligibility, so he will receive a well-earned raise. The right-hander collected a 3.70 ERA over 172.2 innings for Texas in 2023, putting up a 140:55 K:BB along the way. Dunning will be a key part of the Rangers' rotation again in 2024, particularly for the first half of the season while the club waits on multiple other starters to get healthy.

The Mariners and Gilbert avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $4.05 million contract Thursday, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

Gilbert is a Super 2 qualifier, so he'll get a nice raise. The right-hander boasts a 3.76 ERA and 491:113 K:BB over 495.2 innings covering 88 starts during his three seasons in Seattle. He'll be part of what should be another strong Mariners rotation again in 2024.

The Orioles and Means avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.325 million contract Thursday, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

Means missed most of the 2023 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery and a back injury, but he'll still receive a little salary bump in his third and final year of arbitration eligibility. The veteran left-hander will enter his walk year with a clean bill of health.

Woodford signed a minor-league contract with the White Sox on Wednesday and received an invitation to major-league spring training, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Woodford turned in solid campaigns in 2021 and 2022, but his ERA shot up to 6.23 through 47.2 innings last season, and he was non-tendered by St. Louis as a result. If Woodford is able to return to form during spring training, the White Sox's weak bullpen presents an opportunity for the 27-year-old righty to see plenty of innings this year.

White Sox general manager Chris Getz said Tuesday that the club plans to use Flexen as a full-time starting pitcher in 2024, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Flexen -- who inked a one-year, $1.75 million contract last month -- has split his time between starting and relieving over the last two seasons, but the White Sox plan to give him a full starter's workload in 2024. The right-hander posted a rough 6.86 ERA and 74:38 K:BB through 102.1 innings in 2023 between the Mariners and Rockies, including a 7.18 ERA in 16 starts. However, Flexen generated a 3.66 ERA from 2021-22 with Seattle while being used mostly as a starter, and the White Sox will be hoping he returns to that form.

The Mariners acquired DeSclafani (elbow), Mitch Haniger (back) and cash considerations from the Giants on Friday in exchange for Robbie Ray (elbow), Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

DeSclafani was limited to just 99.2 innings in 2023 due to a flexor strain after throwing just 19 frames in 2022 because of an ankle injury. He did not require surgery and the hope is that he will be ready for Opening Day in 2024, but it's far from a guarantee. The 33-year-old will make $12 million in 2024 in his final year under contract and should provide experienced depth for a young Seattle rotation.

Flexen signed a one-year, $1.75 million contract with the White Sox on Friday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

After recording a 3.66 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in his first two seasons with the Mariners, Flexen's numbers skyrocketed up to a 6.86 ERA and 1.67 WHIP last year through 102.1 total innings between Seattle and Colorado. Chicago's rotation projects to rank near the bottom of the AL again this year, so Flexen should have a fairly clear path to securing a starting job in 2024.