MLB Player News

Anderson is out of minor-league options, making him a favorite to begin the season as part of the Atlanta rotation, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

While team president Alex Anthopoulos could still bring in another arm before spring training begins or even during camp, as the Atlanta roster stands, Anderson appears to be in line to open the year as the No. 4 or No. 5 starter behind Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez and Spencer Schwellenbach, filling out the back of the rotation along with Grant Holmes. Spencer Strider is expected to miss the first month or so of the campaign as he completes his recovery from elbow surgery, but once he returns, Anderson could be the pitcher bumped to a lesser role. The 26-year-old right-hander hasn't pitched in the majors since 2022, and the one-time top prospect managed a 3.96 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 53:27 K:BB over 52.1 innings for Triple-A Gwinnett last season.

The Reds believe Ashcraft (elbow) could be a bullpen weapon, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Apparently, the Reds held this belief since Ashcraft was drafted, but starters are more valuable, and he had some success in that role initially. Cincinnati added to the rotation during the offseason, and if all are healthy, Ashcraft would be outside the rotation.

Cecconi will build up as a starter during spring training, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Cecconi, who was acquired from Arizona during the offseason, worked as a starter and reliever with the Diamondbacks, although he was knocked around in both roles. The Guardians' front office was concerned about starting depth entering the offseason, and they've worked to address that, adding Cecconi and Luis Ortiz, but there are still unknowns. Both Gavin Williams and Triston McKenzie had rocky campaigns in 2024, which opens a crack for Cecconi to emerge as a member of the rotation that opens the season.

Rodriguez might open the season in the Blue Jays' bullpen following the addition of Max Scherzer, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet reports.

Rodriguez will likely stay stretched out during spring training, but he looks to be sixth on the rotation depth chart for Toronto. The Blue Jays do have a stretch 13 games in 13 days from April 4-16, presenting an opportunity for Rodriguez to get a spot start or two if the club wants to use him in a swingman role. Rodriguez made 21 starts for Toronto in 2024, posting a 4.47 ERA and 85:40 K:BB over 86.2 innings.

Scherzer agreed to a one year, $15.5 million contract with the Blue Jays on Thursday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

The Blue Jays will be Scherzer's seventh team in the majors as he looks to pitch in his 18th season. The 40-year-old is coming off of a nine-start season with the Rangers during which he dealt with back and arm injuries, but hopes of a healthy offseason will propel him into 2025. If the right-hander can stay healthy, he should be a key piece at the top of Toronto's rotation alongside Kevin Gausman.

The Tigers designated Faedo for assignment Wednesday, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Tommy Kahnle. Faedo made a full-time move to the bullpen in 2024, posting a 3.61 ERA and 55:28 K:BB over 57.1 innings. Not having minor-league options left could limit his appeal on waivers, but Faedo would be a depth upgrade for some teams.

Oviedo (elbow) will be paid $850,000 in 2025 after losing his arbitration hearing to the Pirates, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Oviedo had requested $1.15 million when figures were exchanged earlier this month. The right-hander missed the entirety of the 2024 campaign while recovering from Tommy John surgery but is expected to be ready to go for spring training. Oviedo will compete for a rotation spot this spring, but the Pirates might elect to stash him on the injured list for a while to allow him time to knock some rust off.

The Reds signed Miley (elbow) to a minor-league contract Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

He'll earn a prorated $2.5 million if in the majors, and he has a June 1 opt-out, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Miley underwent a hybrid UCL repair on his left elbow last May but is hoping to be ready to contribute at the major-league level by late April or early May of this season. The 38-year-old posted a 3.14 ERA and 1.14 WHIP over 120.1 innings with the Brewers in 2023, although that came with just 79 strikeouts. The Reds don't currently appear to have room for Miley in their rotation, but that could change by the time he's ready to pitch.

Jay elected free agency Tuesday.

Jay cleared waivers after being designated for assignment by the Mariners last week but has decided to test out free agency rather than accept an outright assignment. The left-handed reliever permitted five runs (four earned) over five appearances between the Mets and Brewers in 2024.

The Marlins claimed Gillispie off waivers from Atlanta on Tuesday, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports.

Gillispie allowed two runs with an 8:5 K:BB over eight innings covering three appearances with the Guardians in 2024 in his first major-league stint. The 27-year-old split his time between the rotation and bullpen last year at Triple-A Columbus, and it's not clear what role the Marlins have planned for him.