Burke was traded from the Angels to the Reds in a three-team deal Thursday that also included the Rays, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. The full trade has Gavin Lux and Chris Clark are going to Tampa Bay while Josh Lowe heads to Anaheim.

The Reds swapped Lux for Burke in this trade, which is the club's latest in a series of moves to bolster its bullpen. Burke had a solid 3.36 ERA and 1.23 WHIP across 61.2 innings in 2025, and he has served in a high-leverage role for most of the last four seasons, recording 37 holds but no saves.

Tucker agreed to a four-year, $240 million contract with the Dodgers on Thursday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

The Dodgers continue to add to their loaded lineup, with Tucker marking their second significant signing of the offseason. The move should also help his counting-stat potential, as Tucker will undoubtedly hit close in proximity in the order to Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman. The signing also seems likely to result in Tommy Edman (ankle) primarily playing second base.

The Cubs claimed Cowles off waivers from the White Sox on Thursday.

Cowles went from the Cubs to the White Sox via waivers in September, and he's now headed back in the other direction. The infielder slashed only .235/.300/.371 with nine homers and 18 steals at the Triple-A level in 2025. Slated to turn 26 in February, Cowles is likely ticketed for Triple-A Iowa to start off the 2026 season.

McGough signed a two-year minor-league contract with the Mets on Thursday, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

McGough made seven appearances (one start) with the White Sox's Triple-A affiliate during 2025, posting a 9.00 ERA and 2.20 WHIP over 15 innings before announcing his retirement in May. Now committed to playing again, the 27-year-old will look to get back on track with the Mets and likely begin the season at Triple-A Syracuse.

The Diamondbacks designated Varland (undisclosed) for assignment Thursday.

The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Taylor Clarke. Varland has not made an appearance for Arizona, as he was a waiver claim in August and didn't pitch during the final three month of the season due to an undisclosed injury.

The Diamondbacks signed Clarke to a one-year contract Thursday.

It's a homecoming for Clarke, who was drafted by the Diamondbacks and initially broke into the majors with Arizona. The right-handed reliever spent the 2025 campaign with the Royals, collecting a 3.25 ERA and 44:9 K:BB across 55.1 frames. Clarke has eight career saves and the Diamondbacks have an unsettled bullpen, but it would still be a surprise if he sees many, if any, save opportunities in the desert.

Castro signed a two-year, $12.8 million contract with the Rockies on Thursday, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports.

Castro ended the 2025 campaign on a sour note, slashing just .170/.245/.240 over 110 plate appearances in the regular season after being traded from the Twins to the Cubs at the deadline. Playing 81 games at Coors Field figures to help the 28-year-old's chances of bouncing back at the plate, and his extreme defensive versatility, combined with the Rockies' weak roster, should keep him in the starting lineup nearly every day.

The Reds designated Zulueta for assignment Thursday.

The move frees up a 40-man roster spot for the addition of Pierce Johnson, whose signing was made official Thursday. Zulueta has made 19 relief appearances over the last two seasons with the Reds, collecting a 5.32 ERA and 25:11 K:BB across 23.2 frames. The righty will turn 28 next week and stands a good chance of passing through waivers unclaimed.

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said Thursday that Shaw could be used some in the outfield this season, Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.

If the Cubs hang on to Nico Hoerner rather than trade him following the signing of Alex Bregman, Shaw's best shot at regular playing time would be in a super utility role. All 114 starts for Shaw with the Cubs in 2025 came at third base, but the 24-year-old also has significant experience at second base and shortstop, and he played the outfield some in college and in summer ball. It's also possible the Cubs use Shaw as a trade chip in order to supplement their roster elsewhere.

The Rockies designated Blalock for assignment Thursday, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

The club needed to free up a spot on its 40-man roster for the addition of Michael Lorenzen, whose signing was officially announced Thursday. Blalock has been dreadful in the big leagues to this point, posting an 8.16 ERA and 47:43 K:BB over 89.1 innings in parts of two seasons. Perhaps another team believes it can coax more out of him outside Colorado, but it's likely he will clear waivers.