MLB Player News

The Marlins claimed Gillispie off waivers from Atlanta on Tuesday, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports.

Gillispie allowed two runs with an 8:5 K:BB over eight innings covering three appearances with the Guardians in 2024 in his first major-league stint. The 27-year-old split his time between the rotation and bullpen last year at Triple-A Columbus, and it's not clear what role the Marlins have planned for him.

Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said Tuesday on the Baseball Isn't Boring Podcast that Kopech (forearm) is going through his normal offseason throwing program and "feeling pretty good."

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported earlier this month that Kopech could miss the first month of the season due to right forearm inflammation that he pitched through during the postseason. However, Gomes indicated that the reliever is in the same boat as the team's other pitchers in that he'll be monitored this spring; however, at this juncture, a late start to the season is not anticipated. Assuming he's healthy, Kopech will be used in high-leverage situations by the Dodgers.

The Reds signed Hays to a one-year, $5 million contract Tuesday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

He'll have an opportunity to earn an additional $1 million in incentives. Hays was limited to just 85 games between the Orioles and Phillies in 2024 due to a calf strain and a kidney infection, and he slashed a disappointing .255/.303/.396 when on the field. However, he had a career .751 OPS prior to last season, including a .779 OPS versus left-handers, so some level of rebound for the 29-year-old in 2025 is doable. Great American Ball Park is an ideal landing spot, although it's not clear whether the Reds intend to give Hays regular starts against righties in addition to lefties.

Sasaki was given a recommendation to undergo Tommy John surgery by a doctor prior to his first season with the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan, Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Sasaki decided against having the operation and eventually discovered the issue was shoulder-related, with a nerve problem leading to discomfort in his elbow. The 23-year-old had durability issues throughout his career in Japan, most recently being limited by arm an oblique injuries over the last two seasons. Sasaki topped out at 129.1 innings with Chiba Lotte in 2022 and tossed 111 frames in 2024. While there don't appear to be any current health-related concerns with the righty, the Dodgers undoubtedly will be careful with his workload. Sasaki is expected to be part of a six-man rotation in 2025, and it's likely additional rest will be built in for him whenever feasible.

The Cubs designated Festa for assignment Tuesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The move frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Ryan Pressly. It's the second time this month that Festa has been designated for assignment, as he was acquired from the Rangers in early January after being booted from their 40-man roster. He posted a 5.70 ERA and 1.23 WHIP across 23.2 innings between the Mets and Rangers in 2024.

The Pirates signed Frazier to a one-year, $1.525 million contract Tuesday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Frazier's first five-and-a-half seasons in the majors were with the Pirates before he made stops with the Padres, Mariners, Orioles and Royals. The 33-year-old slashed only .202/.282/.294 this past season in Kansas City and has managed just a .632 OPS over the last three seasons. Frazier had thumb surgery in October but should be ready to roll for spring training. He'll likely serve in a utility role in Pittsburgh this season.

The Padres signed Wall to a minor-league contract Jan. 16.

Wall, 29, played 16 games at the big-league level between Atlanta and Miami in 2024, putting up a .564 OPS. The Padres don't have much outfield depth, but Wall is nonetheless likely to begin the 2025 season at Triple-A El Paso.

Borucki and the Pirates agreed on a minor-league contract Monday, which includes an invitation to major-league spring training, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Borucki spent the 2024 season as a member of the Pirates organization, producing an inflated 7.36 ERA and 1.64 WHIP with 13 strikeouts over 11 innings in 14 appearances with Pittsburgh. Additionally, he compiled a 4.76 ERA with 21 punchouts over 11.1 innings in 12 appearances with Triple-A Indianapolis. The left-hander will get a shot to prove himself with the big-league club at spring training and if he is able to crack the team's 26-man roster, he'd earn a base salary of $1.15 million in 2025.

Mayza signed one-year, $1.15 million contract with the Pirates on Monday, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Mayza, who struggled through one of the worst seasons of his big-league career a season ago across stops with the Blue Jays and Yankees, will have the luxury of a fresh start following Monday's agreement. He was brilliant for the Blue Jays during the 2023 campaign, posting a sparkling 1.52 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 53 strikeouts and one save across 53.1 innings, so he'll have his sights set on returning to form in Pittsburgh.

Gray (elbow) began a throwing program Monday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Gray did some casual tossing on flat ground in what was his first time throwing since he underwent Tommy John surgery and an internal brace procedure in July. He's got a long road to recovery ahead of him but is hoping to be available to pitch for the Nationals by the end of the 2025 season.