MLB Player News

The Phillies acquired Shugart from the Pirates on Tuesday in exchange for Francisco Lareto, Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic reports.

Shugart had been designated for assignment last week and is now headed across the state. The right-hander appeared in 35 games for the Pirates in 2025, finishing with a 3.40 ERA and 31:17 K:BB over 45 innings. Shugart will compete for a spot in the Phillies' bullpen, but he has minor-league options remaining.

The Padres re-signed Cruz to a minor-league contract Dec. 18 that includes an invitation to spring training, Alejandra M. Razo of MSN.com reports.

Cruz was non-tendered by the Padres in November but has re-upped on a minor-league pact. The lefty permitted two runs over 3.2 innings during his brief stint with the Padres in 2025 and is likely ticketed for Triple-A El Paso to begin the 2026 campaign.

The Dodgers signed Robinson to a minor-league contract Dec. 18.

Robinson spent most of 2025 at the Triple-A level but did appear in one game with the Dodgers before being removed from their 40-man roster. The 31-year-old will give the organization some experienced catching depth at Triple-A Oklahoma City.

The Reds re-signed Higgins to a minor-league contract Dec. 17.

Higgins slashed .240/.300/.345 with seven homers in 111 games with Triple-A Louisville in 2025 and is likely headed back there to start the 2026 season. The catcher last reached the majors in 2022.

The Reds signed Leibrandt to a minor-league contract Dec. 27.

Leibrandt got into two games with the Reds in 2024 before splitting the 2025 season between Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the Yankees organization and the CTBC Brothers Baseball Club of the Chinese Professional Baseball League. The southpaw is likely ticketed for the Triple-A Louisville rotation to begin the 2026 season.

Atlanta signed English to a minor-league contract Dec. 22.

English reached the big leagues for the first time at age 28 for the Diamondbacks in 2025, going 2-for-22 at the plate in seven tilts. He can play both corner-infield spots as well as left field and will likely begin the 2026 season at Triple-A Gwinnett.

The Diamondbacks signed Dubin (elbow) to a minor-league contract Dec. 19.

Dubin made 30 appearances between the Astros and Orioles in 2025, collecting a 5.08 ERA and 28:11 K:BB over 33.2 frames. The 30-year-old finished the year on the injured list with right elbow discomfort, and it's unclear whether he will have any restrictions at the beginning of spring training.

The Dodgers designated Fitzgerald for assignment Tuesday, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

The transaction clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Andy Ibanez, whose signing was made official Tuesday. Fitzgerald was a waiver claim of the Dodgers last week and will now be available again for other clubs to claim. He slashed .196/.302/.457 with four home runs in 24 games for the Twins in 2025.

The Diamondbacks acquired Arenado and cash considerations from the Cardinals on Tuesday in exchange for Jack Martinez, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM reports.

Arenado has agreed to waive his no-trade clause in order to facilitate a deal, and the Cardinals are expected to cover all but $11 million of what remains on the veteran third baseman's contract through 2027. An eight-time All-Star, Arenado has been in a steady decline offensively, having slashed .237/.289/.377 with 12 home runs over 107 contests in the 2025 regular season. He missed time with a shoulder issue, but Arenado finished the season healthy. Arenado -- who turns 35 in April -- will take over at third base in Arizona, which could push Jordan Lawlar to the outfield and Blaze Alexander to a utility role.

The Diamondbacks signed Loaisiga (elbow) to a minor-league contract Tuesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports.

Loaisiga dealt with injuries again in 2025, posting a 4.25 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 25:10 K:BB across 29.2 innings for the Yankees before his season ended prematurely due to a flexor strain. The expectation is that the righty will be ready for spring training, and Loasiga has flashed enough upside when on the bump that he'll have a good shot to win a roster spot if he can avoid another injury.