MLB Player News

Anderson is out of minor-league options, making him a favorite to begin the season as part of the Atlanta rotation, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

While team president Alex Anthopoulos could still bring in another arm before spring training begins or even during camp, as the Atlanta roster stands, Anderson appears to be in line to open the year as the No. 4 or No. 5 starter behind Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez and Spencer Schwellenbach, filling out the back of the rotation along with Grant Holmes. Spencer Strider is expected to miss the first month or so of the campaign as he completes his recovery from elbow surgery, but once he returns, Anderson could be the pitcher bumped to a lesser role. The 26-year-old right-hander hasn't pitched in the majors since 2022, and the one-time top prospect managed a 3.96 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 53:27 K:BB over 52.1 innings for Triple-A Gwinnett last season.

Holmes is a favorite to begin the season as part of the Atlanta rotation, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

While team president Alex Anthopoulos could still bring in another arm before spring training begins or even during camp, as the Atlanta roster stands, Holmes seems likely to open the year as the No. 4 or No. 5 starter behind Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez and Spencer Schwellenbach, filling out the back of the rotation along with Ian Anderson as both right-handers are out of minor-league options. Spencer Strider is expected to miss the first month or so of the campaign as he completes his recovery from elbow surgery, but once he returns, Holmes could be the pitcher bumped to a lesser role. Over 68.1 big-league innings in 2024, Holmes posted a surprisingly effective 3.56 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with a 70:15 K:BB.

The Reds believe Ashcraft (elbow) could be a bullpen weapon, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Apparently, the Reds held this belief since Ashcraft was drafted, but starters are more valuable, and he had some success in that role initially. Cincinnati added to the rotation during the offseason, and if all are healthy, Ashcraft would be outside the rotation.

Benson reworked his swing during the offseason, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Benson needed to do something to become a more competitive option for the outfield in 2025. He batted .187 (.180 expected average) with a 39.7 strikeout percentage last year. Benson managed to provide some value with 16 steals, though finding playing time may be harder in this season. The Reds recently added outfielder Austin Hays and plan to move Matt McLain to center field; it will be hard for Benson to carve out a regular role with such a crowded mix in the outfield.

Groover was invited to major-league camp for spring training, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports

Groover, the team's second-round selection in 2023, hit .281/.367/.474 last season with 10 home runs in 61 games over three minor-league stops. He missed significant time early with a broken wrist and eventually finished at Double-A Amarillo. Groover made up for lost reps in the Arizona Fall League, where he hit .339 in 18 games. He's spent time on the diamond at first, second and third base, but Groover needs to improve defensively if he's to stick at third. The soon-to-be 23-year-old showed good plate discipline in the minors, walking nearly as much as striking out.

The Mets designated De Los Santos for assignment Friday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

De Los Santos was claimed off waivers by the Mets on Nov. 4 after being let go by the Blue Jays. He spent most of the 2024 season at Triple-A Buffalo, where he slashed .260/375./.441 with six home runs and 16 RBI over 152 plate appearances. De Los Santos was brought in to compete for spot on the Mets' roster for the 2025 campaign, but his removal from the 40-man roster is to make room for Nick Madrigal, who signed a one-year, $1.35 million contract Friday.

Maciejewski signed a minor-league contract with the Brewers on Friday, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Maciejewski was able to reach the big leagues for the first time in 2024, allowing two earned runs in seven innings across four appearances with the Yankees. He didn't find similar success in the minor leagues, however, accumulating a 5.37 ERA and 1.48 WHIP over 60.1 Triple-A frames. The 29-year-old southpaw will almost certainly fill in as bullpen depth at Triple-A Nashville.

Contreras signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Brewers on Friday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

The new deal also includes a $12 million club option for 2026. Contreras set new career highs last year with 23 homers and 92 RBI while slashing .281/.365/.466 across 679 regular-season plate appearances. The two-time All-Star is expected to continue serving as Milwaukee's everyday catcher in 2025, though he may occasionally move into the DH spot to get Eric Haase some reps behind the dish.

The Mets signed Madrigal to a one-year, $1.35 million contract Friday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

He can earn an additional $500,000 in incentives. Madrigal has failed to pan out despite being the fourth overall pick in the 2018 Draft, particularly during his time with the Cubs when he managed just a .251/.304/.312 slash line in 616 PAs over the last three seasons. Injuries have been a problem, with a fractured hand costing him significant time in 2024. Madrigal can play second and third base and will attempt to win a reserve role in New York.

The Diamondbacks signed Hampson to a minor-league contract Friday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Hampson slashed only .230/.275/.300 with zero home runs and seven stolen bases over 113 regular-season contests with the Royals in 2024. The 30-year-old played seven different positions for Kansas City and will operate as a utility player, either in Arizona or at Triple-A Reno.