MLB Player News

Okert agreed to a one-year, $2.325 million contract with the Astros on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The left-hander had a successful first year in Houston during 2025, recording one save and 11 holds with a 3.01 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 84:19 K:BB across 71.2 innings. Okert should operate as part of the setup mix for the Astros again in 2026.

Heineman agreed to a one-year, $1,237,500 deal with the Blue Jays on Thursday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The 34-year-old catcher is set to return as Alejandro Kirk's backup after avoiding arbitration. Heineman had a career year in 2025, logging 2.1 fWAR after having never been worth a full win over replacement in any prior season. He slashed .289/.361/.416 with three home runs, two steals and a 17.8 percent strikeout rate in 174 plate appearances.

Wesneski (elbow) agreed to a one-year, $975,000 deal with the Astros on Thursday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

The two sides avoid arbitration, as Wesneski continues working his way back from Tommy John surgery in May 2025. He'll likely be sidelined until around midseason, but could provide rotation depth and bullpen help in the second half. The 28-year-old righty logged a 4.50 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 29:6 K:BB in six starts (32 innings) for the Astros in 2025 before the injury.

The Rays claimed Cheng off waivers from the Pirates on Wednesday.

Cheng went 0-for-7 with three strikeouts in his first taste of the majors in 2025 and also slashed only .209/.307/.271 during his time at Triple-A Indianapolis. The 24-year-old can play both middle-infield spots and is likely destined for Triple-A Durham to begin the 2026 campaign.

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.