MLB Player News

Leiter lost his arbitration case against the Yankees on Saturday and will make $2.05 million in 2025, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Leiter posted a 4.98 ERA and 1.71 WHIP after being traded from Chicago to New York at last season's trade deadline. His underwhelming performance in pinstripes likely caused the arbitrators to side with the club and will ultimately result in him making $450,000 less than the $2.5 million he filed for. The 33-year-old righty is expected take on a role in middle relief for New York in 2025.

India (ankle) said Saturday that he has talked with the Royals about playing third base and left field in addition to second base, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

India has never fielded a position other than second base at the major-league level, though he served primarily as a third baseman in the minors back in 2019. Left field, on the other hand, will be a completely new experience for the 28-year-old, but he cited his athleticism as a reason to believe he'll succeed in the new role. The Royals will likely start India in left field several times during spring training, though it's unclear how often he will venture away from the keystone once the regular season begins.

Cecconi will build up as a starter during spring training, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Cecconi, who was acquired from Arizona during the offseason, worked as a starter and reliever with the Diamondbacks, although he was knocked around in both roles. The Guardians' front office was concerned about starting depth entering the offseason, and they've worked to address that, adding Cecconi and Luis Ortiz, but there are still unknowns. Both Gavin Williams and Triston McKenzie had rocky campaigns in 2024, which opens a crack for Cecconi to emerge as a member of the rotation that opens the season.

Brennan and Jhonkensy Noel enter spring training in a competition for the starting job in right field, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Brennan made most of his starts in right field in 2024, but the left-handed hitter platooned at the position in the second half after the righty-swinging Noel was called up late June. Brennan burst onto the scene in 2022 but failed to replicate his success the last two seasons, hitting just 13 home runs with a .673 OPS over 252 games. The Guardians would like to get more power out of the corner outfield positions, particularly after the team traded Josh Naylor during the offseason. Enter Noel, who went deep 13 times in 67 games after his call-up. He presents issues, too, so the eventual starter may emerge from outside this duo.

Noel and Will Brennan enter spring training in a competition for the starting job in right field, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Those two platooned in right for the second half of 2024, and that arrangement could return this season. The Guardians would like to have a bat that replaces the power lost when Josh Naylor was traded to Arizona. Brennan hasn't replicated the promise he showed when he first appeared in the majors in 2022. The right-handed hitting Noel bopped more home runs (13) and slugged higher (.486) than Brennan (eight, .388), but he could be a liability against righty pitching and needs to improve selectivity at the dish to become a lineup regular. Noel had a 31.8 strikeout percentage with a chase percentage of 45.0, both among the lowest in MLB. If neither player delivers what manager Stephen Vogt wants, Cleveland could seek another option.

The Royals designated Shewmake for assignment Friday.

The Royals made the signing of Carlos Estevez official Friday, leaving no room on the 40-man roster for Shewmake. The 27-year-old infielder will now enter the waiver process for the second time in the last 30 days, and his reputation as a strong defender could get him picked up by another club.

The Orioles designated Rivera for assignment Friday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

The transaction frees up room on the 40-man roster for Luis Vazquez, who was acquired from the Cubs on Friday. Rivera slashed .313/.370/.578 in 73 plate appearances down the stretch with the Orioles last season and agreed to a one-year, $1 million contract earlier this offseason to avoid arbitration, but he'll now go through the waivers process.

The Orioles acquired Vazquez from the Cubs on Friday in exchange for cash considerations.

Vazquez had been designated for assignment and will now join a new 40-man roster. The 25-year-old will compete for a utility infielder job, but Vazquez has minor-league options remaining and will likely begin the year at Triple-A Norfolk.

Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said during the team's Winter Meltdown fan event last week that Lewis will play third base this season, La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

The Twins have toyed with the idea of moving Lewis to second base, and while he will get some reps at the keystone during spring training, the plan is for him to be the primary third baseman again in 2025. It's possible things change during the season, but fantasy managers shouldn't be counting on Lewis picking up second base eligibility. Brooks Lee might be the favorite to open the season as the Twins' second baseman, but Edouard Julien, Willi Castro and Austin Martin are also candidates to see action there.

Moniak will be paid $2 million in 2025 after winning his arbitration case against the Angels, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

The Angels had filed at $1.5 million when figures were exchanged earlier this month. Moniak slashed only .219/.266/.380 in 124 games with the Angels last season and will likely serve as their fourth outfielder in 2025.