The Reds claimed Contreras off waivers from the Rangers on Thursday.

It's the second time this offseason that Contreras has been on the move via the waivers process, as he previously went from the Angels to the Rangers. The 25-year-old held a 4.35 ERA and 56:31 K:BB over 68.1 innings between the Pirates and Angels in 2024. Contreras has experience as a starting pitcher and reliever, though it's not clear which role the Reds have in mind for him.

Soroka agreed to terms on a one-year, $9 million contract with the Nationals on Thursday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Soroka started last season with a 6.39 ERA and 1.51 WHIP after nine starts with the White Sox. His performance improved dramatically after moving to the bullpen, posting a 2.75 ERA and 1.22 WHIP alongside a 60:20 K:BB over 36 frames as a reliever. The Nationals will attempt to transition Soroka back into a starting role, per Andrew Golden of The Washington Post, but given the 27-year-old's injury history and the fact he hasn't reached 100 innings since 2019, the Nationals may look to limit his workload.

Vespi signed a minor-league contract with the Phillies on Thursday and received an invitation to spring training, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Vespi held his own in the majors last season, allowing four earned runs over 12.1 innings with the Orioles. However, his success didn't translate to the minors, as he finished the year with a 7.23 ERA and 2.04 WHIP in 42.1 frames at Triple-A Norfolk. He'll get a chance to redeem himself and compete for a bullpen spot during spring training with Philly, but the 29-year-old southpaw is most likely destined to start 2025 in Triple-A.

Canning signed a one-year, $4.25 million contract with the Mets on Wednesday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Canning made 32 appearances (31 starts) for the Angels last season, accumulating a 5.19 ERA and 1.40 WHIP alongside a 130:66 K:BB over 171.2 innings. He could compete with Tylor Megill for the final spot in New York's rotation during spring training, depending on the health of Paul Blackburn (back) and how successful Clay Holmes is in transitioning to a starting role.

Arenado used his no-trade clause to block a potential trade to the Astros, Mark Feinsand, John Denton and Brian McTaggart of MLB.com report.

The report says the Cardinals were willing to send $15-20 million to the Astros to help cover part of Arenado's salary, but the third baseman informed St. Louis he would not waive his no-trade clause to go to Houston. It's not clear what the Cardinals would have received in return. While the two sides are still having "ongoing talks," the Astros "aren't holding out much hope that a deal will get done."

The Cubs acquired Poteet from the Yankees on Tuesday in exchange for Cody Bellinger and cash consideration, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Poteet, 30, made four starts and one relief appearance for the Yankees in 2024, collecting a 2.22 ERA and 16:8 K:BB across 24.1 innings. He could be used either as a starter or reliever, with the rotation at Triple-A Iowa perhaps being his most likely destination.

Atlanta signed Weems to a minor-league contract Tuesday, Spencer Nusbaum of The Washington Post reports.

Weems, 32, holds a career 5.26 ERA and 161:77 K:BB over 155.2 innings covering parts of five seasons at the major-league level. He will likely begin the 2025 campaign in the bullpen at Triple-A Gwinnett.

Holmes said Tuesday that he wants to throw at least 160 innings in 2025, Metsmerized Online reports.

Whether the Mets share the same goal is not clear. Holmes is making the move from the bullpen to the rotation in 2025 after spending each of the last six seasons exclusively pitching in relief. The most innings the 31-year-old has ever thrown in a season came back in 2016, when he tossed 136.1 frames with Double-A Altoona in the Pirates organization. Holmes threw 75 innings between the regular and postseason with the Yankees in 2024.

The Diamondbacks signed Vargas to a minor-league contract Tuesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Aram Leighton of Just Baseball reports.

Vargas was non-tendered by the Nationals last month after he slashed just .246/.295/.316 in 2024. The 33-year-old first reached the majors with the Diamondbacks in 2017 and has spent parts of five seasons in the big leagues with Arizona. Vargas has a shot to win a utility job with the Diamondbacks.

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer indicated Tuesday that Busch is not under consideration to play third base and will instead remain focused on first base, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The Cubs have an opening at the hot corner following the trade of Isaac Paredes and Busch has some experience at third base. However, the team views Busch as a potential Gold Glove-caliber first baseman and wants him to remain there. Top prospect Matt Shaw looks to be the current favorite to start at third base.