Van Belle (elbow) signed a two-year, minor-league contract with the Rays on Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The Rays let go of Van Belle earlier in the offseason following surgery to repair his UCL, but he will now rejoin the organization while he rehabs the injury. The 29-year-old righty isn't expected to pitch at all in 2026, but he may be an option for the Rays' 2027 staff after turning in a 3.26 ERA and 1.11 WHIP over 105 Triple-A innings during 2025.

The Angels claimed Meckler off waivers from the Giants on Wednesday.

Meckler got a cup of coffee in the big leagues in 2023 but has been stuck in the minors the last two seasons. The 25-year-old slashed .287/.390/.370 at Triple-A Sacramento in 2025, though he managed just one home run in 87 contests. Meckler can handle all three outfield spots and also played some second base for Sacramento last season, which should give him a better chance of cracking the Angels' Opening Day roster.

The Orioles outrighted Walker to Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

While no longer on the 40-man roster, Walker will remain in the organization after passing through waivers unclaimed. The left-handed reliever holds a career 6.59 ERA and 31:14 K:BB over 27.1 innings covering parts of three big-league seasons.

The Orioles designated Noel for assignment Wednesday, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

The move frees up a 40-man roster spot for Marco Luciano. Noel had just been claimed off waivers earlier this week and is now set to go through the waivers process again. The 24-year-old has smacked 19 home runs across 351 plate appearances at the major-league level but sports a lowly .193/.242/.401 batting line and 32.8 percent strikeout rate over that time.

Angels general manager Perry Minasian said Wednesday during a conference call announcing the signing of Yates that the reliever will have to earn closing opportunities, Taylor Blake Ward of The Sporting Tribune reports.

Minasian did point out multiple times that Yates' closer experience as well as a past relationship with pitching coach Mike Maddux were important factors in the Angels giving the veteran hurler a one-year, $5 million contract. The Angels also added former closer Jordan Romano this offseason and have Ben Joyce (shoulder) and Robert Stephenson (elbow) coming back from injury. All four relievers are candidates for saves, and Minasian noted that the decision as to who will close games will be up to manager Kurt Suzuki.

The Orioles claimed Luciano off waivers from the Pirates on Wednesday, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports.

Luciano has managed just a .217/.286/.304 batting line over 41 games in the majors and hasn't been great at the Triple-A level, either, slashing .227/.351/.401. The former top prospect is still just 24, so the Orioles felt he was worth a flier. Luciano -- who does not have minor-league options remaining -- was moved to left field at Triple-A Sacramento in the Giants organization in 2025 after previously playing shortstop.

The Rays signed Olivares to a minor-league contract Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

A career .254/.306/.407 hitter over parts of five big-league seasons, Olivares spent the 2025 season with the Orix Buffaloes in Japan. The 29-year-old will compete for a roster spot with the Rays but is likely destined to begin the 2026 season at Triple-A Durham.

The Guardians re-signed Nunez to a minor-league contract Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Nunez went 2-for-7 at the plate during his brief time with the Guardians in 2025 and slashed .176/.330/.349 at Triple-A Columbus. He's likely headed back to Columbus to begin the 2026 season.

Roa signed a minor-league contract with the Astros on Dec. 20.

Roa made his MLB debut with the Marlins in 2025, throwing three scoreless innings while striking out three batters and walking three. Most of his time was spent in Triple-A, where he posted a 2.83 ERA and 1.10 WHIP across 60.1 frames. The 26-year-old righty is likely to report to Triple-A Sugar Land to begin the 2026 campaign, though he could join the Astros' bullpen at some point if he continues to thrive in the minors.

The Red Sox and Crawford (wrist) avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2.75 million contract Tuesday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Crawford will receive the same salary in 2026 after he missed the entire 2025 season due to a knee injury and then right wrist surgery. The hurler is expected to be ready in time for Opening Day, though it's possible he's slow-played at the beginning of spring training. Assuming health, Crawford is set to compete for a spot in Boston's rotation.