The Diamondbacks designated Varland (undisclosed) for assignment Thursday.

The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Taylor Clarke. Varland has not made an appearance for Arizona, as he was a waiver claim in August and didn't pitch during the final three month of the season due to an undisclosed injury.

The Diamondbacks signed Clarke to a one-year contract Thursday.

It's a homecoming for Clarke, who was drafted by the Diamondbacks and initially broke into the majors with Arizona. The right-handed reliever spent the 2025 campaign with the Royals, collecting a 3.25 ERA and 44:9 K:BB across 55.1 frames. Clarke has eight career saves and the Diamondbacks have an unsettled bullpen, but it would still be a surprise if he sees many, if any, save opportunities in the desert.

Castro signed a two-year, $12.8 million contract with the Rockies on Thursday, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports.

Castro ended the 2025 campaign on a sour note, slashing just .170/.245/.240 over 110 plate appearances in the regular season after being traded from the Twins to the Cubs at the deadline. Playing 81 games at Coors Field figures to help the 28-year-old's chances of bouncing back at the plate, and his extreme defensive versatility, combined with the Rockies' weak roster, should keep him in the starting lineup nearly every day.

The Reds designated Zulueta for assignment Thursday.

The move frees up a 40-man roster spot for the addition of Pierce Johnson, whose signing was made official Thursday. Zulueta has made 19 relief appearances over the last two seasons with the Reds, collecting a 5.32 ERA and 25:11 K:BB across 23.2 frames. The righty will turn 28 next week and stands a good chance of passing through waivers unclaimed.

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said Thursday that Shaw could be used some in the outfield this season, Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.

If the Cubs hang on to Nico Hoerner rather than trade him following the signing of Alex Bregman, Shaw's best shot at regular playing time would be in a super utility role. All 114 starts for Shaw with the Cubs in 2025 came at third base, but the 24-year-old also has significant experience at second base and shortstop, and he played the outfield some in college and in summer ball. It's also possible the Cubs use Shaw as a trade chip in order to supplement their roster elsewhere.

The Rockies designated Blalock for assignment Thursday, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

The club needed to free up a spot on its 40-man roster for the addition of Michael Lorenzen, whose signing was officially announced Thursday. Blalock has been dreadful in the big leagues to this point, posting an 8.16 ERA and 47:43 K:BB over 89.1 innings in parts of two seasons. Perhaps another team believes it can coax more out of him outside Colorado, but it's likely he will clear waivers.

Alexander is expected to shift to a utility role following the Diamondbacks' acquisition of third baseman Nolan Arenado, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

Alexander finished up the 2025 season as Arizona's primary third baseman after Eugenio Suarez was traded to the Mariners at the trade deadline. Until the Arenado news, Alexander was the nominal starter at the hot corner. He now moves back into a utility role, which will include opportunities in the outfield. The Diamondbacks will be without left fielder Lourdes Gurriel (knee) for much of the first half of 2026 and will want a right-handed complement to Alek Thomas in center field. The team may also deploy him in a rotation at DH. That's in addition to Alexander's ability to back up at three infield positions. His main competition for playing time will be Jordan Lawlar, although general manager Mike Hazen believes both will be able to impact the club "in a number of different ways."

The Blue Jays signed Lantigua to a minor-league contract Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Lantigua spent his first seven seasons in pro ball with the Blue Jays before slashing .230/.356/.330 with seven homers, 17 steals and a 77:73 BB:K over 125 games at Triple-A Lehigh Valley in the Phillies organization in 2025. The 27-year-old is now back in his original organization and is likely ticketed for Triple-A Buffalo to begin the 2026 campaign.

The Red Sox signed Suarez to a five-year, $130 million contract Wednesday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

After watching Alex Bregman walk out the door, the Red Sox have pivoted to further bolstering their rotation with Suarez. The left-hander has never thrown more than 157.1 innings in a regular season, but Suarez boasts a 3.25 ERA over 143 regular-season appearances since the beginning of the 2021 campaign. Suarez also has an excellent postseason track record, having collected a 1.48 ERA and 44:13 K:BB across 42.2 frames.

The Twins designated Gasper for assignment Wednesday, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Vidal Brujan, who was claimed off waivers. Gasper slashed only .158/.257/.232 over 45 contests with the Twins in 2025, but his ability to play catcher, first base, second base and left field could attract the interest of clubs via the waivers process.