MLB Player News
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Ryan O'Hearn 1B | PIT
Pirates' Ryan O'Hearn: Gets $29 million from Pirates
The Pirates signed O'Hearn to a two-year, $29 million contract Tuesday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.
He'll have the opportunity to stretch the total guarantee to $30 million if he reaches $500,000 in incentives each year of the deal. O'Hearn has slashed .277/.343/.445 over the last three regular seasons between the Orioles and Padres and made his first All-Star team in 2025. The left-handed hitter reversed a career trend and hit better versus lefties (.832 OPS) than righties (.795 OPS) in 2025, so he could be an everyday player in Pittsburgh. With Spencer Horwitz manning first base, O'Hearn will likely see most of his playing time at designated hitter.
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Jacob Webb RP | CHC
Cubs' Jacob Webb: Grabs MLB pact from Cubs
The Cubs signed Webb to a one-year contract Tuesday that includes a club option for 2027, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.
Webb was non-tendered by the Rangers last month even after posting a 3.00 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 58:19 K:BB across 66 innings during the 2025 season. The 32-year-old right-hander should fill a middle-relief role in the Cubs' bullpen.
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Oddanier Mosqueda RP | PIT
Pirates' Oddanier Mosqueda: Signs NRI deal with Pirates
The Pirates signed Mosqueda to a minor-league contract Tuesday that includes an invitation to spring training.
Mosqueda pitched for Triple-A Memphis in the Cardinals organization in 2025, holding a 4.52 ERA and 68:31 K:BB over 65.2 innings. The left-handed reliever has yet to reach the big leagues but will compete for a roster spot in spring training.
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Ronny Henriquez RP | MIA
Marlins' Ronny Henriquez: To miss 2026 season
Henriquez underwent a UCL reconstruction surgery with an internal brace procedure on his right elbow and will miss the 2026 season, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.
Henriquez appeared in line to compete for save chances heading into the 2026 campaign after putting together an impressive 2025 season. He posted a 2.22 ERA and 1.10 WHIP with a 98:27 K:BB and seven saves in 11 chances across 73.0 innings. However, he'll now shift his focus to rehabbing following a recent season-ending surgery. The Marlins expect him to be ready for next year's spring training, per an update from the team.
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Dominic Fletcher CF | PIT
Pirates' Dominic Fletcher: Latches on with Pirates
The Pirates signed Fletcher to a minor-league contract Monday, that includes an invitation to spring trainingAlex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.
Fletcher elected free agency back in October after being removed from the White Sox' 40-man roster and he'll now head back to the National League. The 28-year-old has slashed only .233/.280/.325 in parts of three big-league seasons and, even with the Pirates' lack of outfield depth, will likely begin the 2026 season at Triple-A Indianapolis.
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Christian Bethancourt C | TOR
Cubs' Christian Bethancourt: Goes to Cubs on NRI deal
The Cubs signed Bethancourt to a minor-league contract Monday that includes an invitation to spring training, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.
He'll be paid $1.6 million if in the majors, but with Carson Kelly and an out-of-minor-league-options Miguel Amaya already on the team, Bethancourt is unlikely to crack the Opening Day roster. The 34-year-old catcher spent the 2025 season at Triple-A Buffalo in the Blue Jays organization, posting just a .551 OPS. Bethancourt is a career .229/.259/.362 hitter over parts of eight big-league seasons.
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Jared Shuster RP | CHW
Cardinals' Jared Shuster: Lands in St. Louis as NRI
The Cardinals signed Shuster to a minor-league contract Monday that includes an invitation to spring training, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.
A first-round pick in the 2020 First-Year Player Draft, Shuster was once a prospect of some note. However, the left-hander's performance thus far at the major-league level hasn't been encouraging, as he holds a 5.27 ERA and 98:64 K:BB over 141.2 innings covering parts of three seasons. Shuster is capable of starting and relieving, and it's unclear what role the Cardinals have in mind for him, but he has a chance to make the roster on a rebuilding squad.
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Alec Burleson LF | STL
Cardinals' Alec Burleson: Shifting to first base
Burleson will become the Cardinals' everyday first baseman in 2026 following the trade of Willson Contreras (shoulder) to the Red Sox, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Burleson has primarily played the outfield in pro ball, but he has ample experience at first base, as well, having made 38 starts there during the 2025 season. The 27-year-old will have dual eligibility in fantasy leagues in 2026, but it's unclear whether he will see enough action in the outfield to retain eligibility there heading into 2027. The left-handed-hitting Burleson greatly improved versus left-handed pitching in 2025 -- slashing an adequate .271/.310/.398 -- and the Cardinals intend to give him everyday reps in 2026 rather than saddling him with a platoon partner.
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Hunter Dobbins SP | STL
Cardinals' Hunter Dobbins: Traded to Cardinals
The Red Sox traded Dobbins (knee) to St. Louis on Sunday as part of a package for first baseman Willson Contreras (shoulder), Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.
Dobbins had his 2025 campaign cut short when he tore the ACL in his right knee while running to cover first base during a game against the Rays in mid-July. The hurler ultimately underwent surgery and ended the season on the 60-day injured list, though he began a throwing progression in early November and is slated to be ready for the start of spring training. Prior to getting hurt, Dobbins made 13 appearances (11 starts) during his first taste of the majors, posting a 4.13 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 45:17 K:BB across 61 innings. Dobbins could compete for a spot in St. Louis' rotation, but his low-strikeout profile isn't one that typically attracts the attention of fantasy managers.
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Vimael Machin 3B | BAL
Rockies' Vimael Machin: Nabs MiLB deal with Colorado
Machin agreed to a minor-league contract with the Rockies on Sunday, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports.
The deal includes an invitation to big-league spring training, where the 32-year-old will get the chance to compete for a utility infield role on Colorado's Opening Day roster. For the first time since 2022, Machin resurfaced in the big leagues this past season, appearing in four games for Baltimore in late August and going 1-for-11 with a solo home run and a walk. He spent the bulk of the season at Triple-A Norfolk, slashing .286/.347/.476 with 18 home runs and 15 stolen bases across 504 plate appearances.