MLB Player News

The Athletics acquired Muller from Atlanta on Monday in a three-team deal which also involved the Brewers, Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com reports.

Details of the trade are still emerging, but most notably, Atlanta acquired Sean Murphy and Milwaukee received William Contreras. Prospects Freddy Tarnok and Esteury Ruiz are going to Oakland alongside Muller, who was arguably Atlanta's top prospect. The left-handed starter struggled in three big-league appearances in 2022, but his Triple-A performance-3.41 ERA, 159:40 K:BB and a 1.18 WHIP in 134.2 innings inspire confidence in him becoming an effective big leaguer. Atlanta's strong rotation may have kept Muller in the minors longer than he needed. Oakland, on the other hand, figures to work Muller into its starting mix to begin the 2023 season.

Williams said Monday that he'll be a starter in 2023, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Nine of the righty's 30 appearances in with the Mets 2022 were starts. With the Nationals, who have a far less impressive rotation, Williams will handle a more substantial workload. At two years and $13 million, he could be a bargain if he posts anything close to his 3.79 ERA over the last two seasons.

Heaney's signing of a two-year, $25 million contract with the Rangers was formally announced by the team Friday.

Heaney reportedly turned down more money from other clubs in order to sign with Texas, which is close to his native Oklahoma. With the help of a new slider, the left-hander tallied a 3.10 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 110:19 K:BB ratio over 72.2 innings for the Dodgers in 2022. Heaney will remain a major health risk in 2023 but should be useful in fantasy leagues when on the mound.

Williams agreed to a two-year, $13 million contract with the Nationals on Friday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

The 30-year-old worked as a swingman over the past two years and could fill a similar role going forward, though he could see more chances to start for Washington, especially if Stephen Strasburg (ribs) remains sidelined to open 2023. Williams started in nine of his 30 appearance last season for the Mets and had a 3.21 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 84:23 K:BB across 89.2 innings.

Verlander's signing of a two-year, $86.66 million contract with the Mets was formally announced by the team Wednesday.

The deal was reported Monday and has now been officially announced by the team. It includes a full no-trade clause and contains a $35 million vesting option for 2025 should Verlander pitch at least 140 innings in 2024. The reigning American League Cy Young winner is headed to the National League for the first time and will serve as Jacob de Grom's de facto replacement at the top of New York's rotation.

Williams has discussed a possible reunion with the Mets, Andy Martino of SNY.tv reports.

Martino notes that the Mets are "not the only team in" on the right-hander, so it would appear they have a little competition. Williams, 30, pitched well in a swingman role in 2022, holding a 3.21 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 84:23 K:BB ratio across 89.2 innings.

Quintana agreed Wednesday with the Mets on a two-year, $26 million contract, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Quintana enjoyed a resurgent season in 2022, going 6-7 while producing a 2.93 ERA and 1.21 WHIP with 137 strikeouts over 165.2 innings in 32 starts between the Pirates and Cardinals. He'll now provide the Mets with a left-handed option to complement frontline starters Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, the latter of whom replaces Jacob deGrom as New York's new staff ace. The two-year deal will keep Quintana in New York through his age-35 campaign.

Taillon agreed to a four-year, $68 million contract with the Cubs on Tuesday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Taillon tied a career-high with 32 starts and covered 177.1 innings for the Yankees in 2022, and he'll now return to the NL Central and continue his career in Chicago. The 31-year-old had a 3.91 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 151:32 K:BB last season and should slot in behind Marcus Stroman in the Cubs' rotation.

Walker agreed to a four-year, $72 million contract with the Phillies on Tuesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Walker posted a 3.49 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 132:45 K:BB across 157.1 innings for the Mets last season, and he'll remain in the NL East for the foreseeable future as he makes his way to Philadelphia. The 30-year-old will slot in behind aces Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola to bolster the Phillies' already strong rotation.

Criswell was acquired by the Rockies from the Athletics on Tuesday in exchange for minor-league pitcher Chad Smith.

Criswell began the 2022 campaign at the Low-A level but made his way to Triple-A by the end of the season. The 23-year-old had a 4.03 ERA across 24 appearances (21 starts) in total last season and could make his big-league debut at some point in 2023.