MLB Player News

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.

The Pirates and Brubaker (elbow) avoided arbitration Wednesday by agreeing to a one-year, $2.275 million contract, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Brubaker will receive the same salary that he got in 2023 after missing the entire season following Tommy John surgery. The goal is for Brubaker to make it back sometime around the All-Star break. He holds a career 3.99 ERA and 324:109 K:BB over 315.2 innings over parts of three seasons at the major-league level.

The Rockies and Quantrill avoided arbitration Wednesday by agreeing to a one-year, $6.55 million contract, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Colorado acquired Quantrill from Cleveland back in November and it has now locked him into a contract for the 2024 campaign. The right-hander posted a disappointing 5.24 ERA and 58:35 K:BB over 99.2 innings in 2023 but held a career 3.54 ERA heading into the season. Quantrill will open 2024 in the Rockies' rotation but won't be a desirable fantasy option.

Prosecutors in Los Angeles have declined to file felony charges against Urias in connection with a September arrest on suspicion of domestic violence, the Orange County Register reports.

Urias could still face misdemeanor charges after the case was referred to the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office. The 27-year-old was arrested in early September outside BMO Stadium in Exposition Park following an alleged incident with his wife. Urias was placed on administrative leave by Major League Baseball days after his arrest and missed the remainder of the season. He is a repeat offender, having been suspended for 20 games in 2019 under MLB's domestic violence policy. Urias is a free agent and is likely facing another lengthy suspension when/if he signs with a new organization.

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.

Ynoa (elbow) signed a one-year, $825,000 contract with Atlanta on Friday to avoid arbitration.

Ynoa missed all of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in September 2022. There have been no updates regarding his status for spring training, but a return at some point this season is likely. The 25-year-old holds a 5.22 ERA and 1.32 WHIP through 122.1 career innings.

Hudson signed a one-year contract with the Rockies on Friday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Hudson was non-tendered by the Cardinals earlier in the offseason after putting up a 4.64 ERA and 1.47 WHIP with a 123:95 K:BB across the past two seasons. Signing with the Rockies should ensure Hudson remains part of a major-league rotation, but having to pitch his home games at Coors Field likely won't help his subpar statline.

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.