The Orioles signed Alonso to a five-year, $155 million contract Wednesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

After losing their closer earlier this week, the Mets now watch their slugging first baseman walk out the door. The $31 million average annual value is a record for a first baseman. Alonso -- who just turned 31 over the weekend -- put together one of his better seasons in 2025 with the Mets, slashing .272/.347/.524 with 38 long balls and 126 RBI. The Orioles are now overloaded with first baseman/designated hitter types and seem likely to deal from that surplus for pitching help.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday that he expects Rice to play "a lot" against left-handed pitchers in 2026, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.

The left-handed-hitting Rice's playing time against southpaws in 2025 was limited, though that was due in large part to Paul Goldschmidt's effectiveness versus lefties. Rice hit only .208 over 119 regular-season plate appearances against left-handers this past season, but he slugged seven home runs while boasting a .481 slugging percentage in those matchups. Heading into his age-27 season, Rice will be the Yankees' primary first baseman in 2026, and he could get an opportunity to be an everyday player.

The Twins released McCusker on Wednesday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

McCusker is expected to sign with a team in Asia, and the Twins will free up a spot on their 40-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 Draft. The 27-year-old went 5-for-29 with a 1:16 BB:K over 30 plate appearances with Minnesota in 2025.

Adam (quadriceps) is expected to be ready to throw off a mound sometime during spring training, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Adam underwent surgery in September to repair a torn left quad tendon. While it seems a stint on the injured list to begin the 2026 season is likely, Adam might not need to miss much time. The 34-year-old boasts a 1.66 ERA and 101:32 K:BB over 92 regular-season innings during his time with the Padres.

Herget will enter spring training as a starting pitcher, Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic report.

Herget was a starting pitcher in college but has not made a traditional start in his entire professional career. He did, however, record more than three outs in 31 of his 59 appearances for the Rockies in 2025. Herget was excellent out of the Rockies' bullpen last season, posting a 2.48 ERA and 81:26 K:BB over 83.1 innings.

Reynolds signed a contract with the Yokohama Bay Stars on Tuesday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Reynolds was non-tendered by San Diego after he turned in a 5.33 ERA and 1.37 WHIP over 27 regular-season innings in the majors. Rather than looking to rebound with another MLB organization, the 27-year-old righty will now take his talents to Japan in an effort to give new life to his career.

Finnegan signed a two-year, $19 million contract with the Tigers on Tuesday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

After turning in a 4.38 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over 39 innings with the Nationals, Finnegan became dominant on the mound once he moved from Washington to Detroit at the trade deadline, posting a 1.50 ERA and 0.72 WHIP with a 23:4 K:BB in 18 regular-season innings with the Tigers. He'll now officially stay put in the Motor City for the 2026 campaign and figures to remain in the mix for saves along with Will Vest.

Soto signed a one-year, $7.75 million contract with the Pirates on Tuesday, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports.

Soto improved in nearly every major statistical category in 2025, finishing the regular season with a 4.18 ERA and 1.43 WHIP alongside 22 holds and a 70:24 K:BB over 60.1 innings between the Orioles and Mets. He'll receive a $2.4 million raise upon moving to the Pirates and is likely to remain in a high-leverage role; however, the majority of save opportunities will presumably continue going to Dennis Santana.

The Red Sox plan to challenge Abreu to face more left-handers this coming season, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Abreu has mostly been limited to facing right-handers since his MLB arrival in 2023, but the Red Sox are ready to give him a shot against all starters. "With Willy and some of the lefties, we have to see if they can do it," manager Alex Cora said. "It's about that time, especially with Abreu. If he can hit lefties and hit for power and play defense the way he's done the last few years, he can be the guy." Abreu's made just 15 starts against lefties and has 145 total plate appearances against southpaws since 2023, struggling to a .205 average and .589 OPS.

Casas (knee) has been at Boston's training facility in Fort Myers since the end of the regular season, Lauren Campbell of MassLive.com reports.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora continues to have faith in the young first baseman, who was limited to 29 games last season. "That's great for a young guy to know what he needs to do to compete," the manager said. "He's done that. Hopefully we can get him heathy." The shortened 2025 season was the second consecutive abbreviated campaign for Casas, who was limited to 63 games in 2024 due to a fractured rib. Casas is not a lock to return as the starting first baseman, and the Red Sox are rumored to have interest in free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso.