MLB Player News
-
Maverick Handley C | BAL
Orioles' Maverick Handley: Outrighted to Triple-A
The Orioles outrighted Handley to Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.
Handley was removed from the 40-man roster last week, but he has cleared waivers and will remain in the organization as catching depth. The 27-year-old went just 3-for-41 at the dish during his time in the majors in 2025.
-
Albert Suarez SP | BAL
Orioles' Albert Suarez: Back with Orioles on NRI deal
The Orioles re-signed Suarez (forearm) to a minor-league contract Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.
Suarez was non-tendered by Baltimore last month but has made his way back into its organization. The right-hander was limited to only 11.2 innings with the big club in 2025, first due to a shoulder injury and then a flexor strain that ended his season. It's not clear what Suarez's current health status is, but he's been a useful swingman for the Orioles when available.
-
Kenley Jansen RP | DET
Tigers' Kenley Jansen: POBO won't commit to closer
Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris stopped short of naming Jansen the team's closer Wednesday, saying that there are "at least three or four closer types" on the roster, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.
Jansen is 24 saves shy of 500 for his career and has been adamant about reaching that milestone, but it seems he was not promised the closer role in Detroit when he agreed to a one-year, $11 million contract. Harris said that who closes for the Tigers will be up to manager A.J. Hinch. While Jansen remains the favorite to see the bulk of the save opportunities, Kyle Finnegan, Will Vest and Tyler Holton could be in the mix, as well.
-
Brandon Waddell RP | NYM
Mets' Brandon Waddell: Booted off 40-man roster
The Mets designated Waddell for assignment Wednesday.
The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for Drew Romo, who was claimed off waivers. Waddell had re-signed with the Mets last month after proving useful in a swingman role in 2025, holding a 3.45 ERA and 22:11 K:BB over 31.1 innings. If he clears waivers, Waddell would have the ability to elect free agency.
-
Drew Romo C | CHW
Mets' Drew Romo: Claimed off waivers by Mets
The Mets claimed Romo off waivers from the Orioles on Wednesday.
Romo has bounced around from the Rockies to the Orioles and now the Mets this month. The switch-hitting catcher is just 9-for-54 at the plate during his brief time in the majors. With Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens slated to open 2026 as the Mets' catching duo, Romo is likely to begin the 2026 campaign at Triple-A Syracuse.
-
Willy Vasquez SS | TB
Orioles' Willy Vasquez: Inks NRI deal with Baltimore
Vasquez (undisclosed) signed a minor-league contact with the Orioles on Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.
Vasquez hit .256/.297/.359 with two homers and six steals over 44 contests at Double-A Montgomery in the Rays organization before missing the final three months with an undisclosed injury. It's unclear what his current health status is, but the infielder will be part of big-league spring training with the Orioles.
-
Joel Kuhnel RP | PHI
Athletics' Joel Kuhnel: Nabs MiLB deal from Athletics
The Athletics signed Kuhnel to a minor-league contract Tuesday.
Kuhnel spent all of the 2025 season at the Triple-A level in the Phillies and Yankees organizations. The big right-hander holds a career 5.86 ERA and 76:24 K:BB over 93.2 frames covering parts of five big-league seasons. Kuhnel will likely begin the 2026 campaign at Triple-A Las Vegas.
-
Sean Guenther RP | DET
Tigers' Sean Guenther: Re-signs with Detroit
The Tigers re-signed Guenther (hip) to a minor-league contract Tuesday.
Guenther was non-tendered by the Tigers in November but will return to the organization on a minor-league deal. The left-hander underwent a left hip arthroscopy in July and it's not clear whether he will be fully cleared to participate in spring training.
-
Blake Hunt C | SEA
Padres' Blake Hunt: Signs MiLB pact with Padres
The Padres signed Hunt to a minor-league contract Tuesday.
Hunt spent the 2025 season at Triple-A Tacoma in the Mariners organization, slashing .272/.368/.452 with eight home runs in 68 contests. The 27-year-old was up in the big leagues briefly with the Orioles in 2024 but is still looking to make his major-league debut. Hunt was originally selected by the Padres in the second round of the 2017 First-Year Player Draft before being traded to the Rays in the Blake Snell deal.