MLB Player News

Kopech (undisclosed) is expected to possibly miss the first month of the season, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Fabian Ardaya and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic note that Kopech dealt with a forearm issue throughout the postseason, "but it was not deemed to be anything he couldn't pitch through." It's not clear whether it's the forearm problem or something else that might force the month-long absence. More information on Kopech's situation should come to light soon.

The Giants signed Lucchesi to a minor-league contract Monday that includes an invitation to spring training, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Lucchesi will earn $1.5 million if he's in the majors. The left-hander made 11 starts with the Mets over the last two seasons, compiling a 3.32 ERA but an underwhelming 39:25 K:BB across 57 innings. Lucchesi will likely begin the 2025 season in the rotation at Triple-A Sacramento.

Liberatore said Sunday that he'll build up as a starter during spring training, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

The left-hander found success out of the bullpen last season with a 3.69 ERA in 54 relief appearances, but he'll still get stretched out during camp. Liberatore pointed out it's easier to pare down his workload later on compared to building up midseason, so he could still end up beginning the campaign in a relief role.

Sasaki agreed to terms on a contract with the Dodgers on Friday, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports.

Sasaki received offers from many teams but ultimately decided to join the Dodgers, who were heavily favored to land the 23-year-old from the beginning. The right-hander receives a $6.5 million signing bonus, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Over four seasons in Japan, Sasaki compiled a 2.02 ERA and 0.88 WHIP across 414.2 innings. Although his deal is officially only a minor-league contract, the phenom is certainly talented enough to pitch in the majors immediately. That being said, it's unclear where he will fit in the Dodgers' star-studded rotation.

Atlanta designated Winans for assignment Friday.

The move frees a spot on the 40-man roster for Amos Willingham, who was claimed off waivers. Winans, 29, has made eight starts at the big-league level since the beginning of the 2023 season, putting up a 7.20 ERA and 38:12 K:BB across 40 innings.

The Orioles designated Contreras for assignment Thursday.

The transaction frees up a 40-man roster spot for Jacob Amaya, who was claimed off waivers. Contreras was a waiver claim himself just last week and could be on the move again. The righty has bounced around to four different organizations since October.

The Nationals outrighted Adon (biceps) to Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

He's no longer on the 40-man roster but will remain in the organization. Adon's 2024 season ended with a biceps injury and it's unclear whether he will be healthy for spring training.

France (shoulder) will expand his flat-ground throwing program to 90 feet Wednesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Working his way back from surgery in July to repair a torn right shoulder capsule, France was clocked at 72-74 mph while throwing from 75 feet, which is on target for where he's supposed to be at this stage of his rehab. The right-hander is not expected back until at least the second half of the 2025 season and might not be ready to be a real contributor for the Astros again until 2026.

Verlander said Monday that he began throwing much earlier than usual this offseason and is already touching 92 mph, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Verlander averaged 93.5 mph with his four-seamer in 2024, but at this stage of the offseason the hurler is viewing 92 mph as an encouraging sign. The righty also said he's addressed the shoulder and back issues that limited him to just 90.1 innings this past season, although it's not clear exactly what that entails. Verlander inked a one-year, $15 million contract with the Giants last week and will be looking to bounce back in 2025 in what will be his age-42 season.

The Cubs designated Arias for assignment Monday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the signing of Colin Rea. Arias, 23, made a full-time move to relief in 2024 and split the season between Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa, compiling a 4.77 ERA and 72:48 K:BB over 60.1 innings.