The New York Yankees have signed outfielder Brennan Davis to a minor league contract, as reported by Aram Leighton of Just Baseball. This move marks a significant opportunity for Davis, who has faced a challenging journey due to injuries over the past few seasons.

Brennan Davis, 25, was once regarded as one of the top outfield prospects in baseball. Drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2018, Davis quickly rose through the ranks, showcasing his potential with impressive performances. However, his progress was hampered by a series of injuries, limiting him to just 71 games over the past three seasons.

Despite these setbacks, Davis managed to put up solid numbers in Triple-A Iowa in 2024, slashing .214/.359/.469 with 11 home runs in 47 games. His resilience and determination have earned him another chance to prove himself, this time with the Yankees.

The Yankees' decision to sign Davis reflects their willingness to take a chance on a player with high potential. If Davis can stay healthy and perform well, he could make a significant impact on the Yankees' roster in the future.

The Seattle Mariners have signed catcher Jacob Nottingham to a minor league contract, and it will mark Nottingham's fourth stint with the organization.

Nottingham is a true journeyman in every sense, having spent time in seven different MLB organizations throughout his professional career, spanning more than a decade. Nottingham was initially drafted by the Houston Astros, who later traded him to the Oakland Athletics as part of a package for starter Scott Kazmir. The following offseason, the A's traded him to the Milwaukee Brewers in return for slugger Khris Davis.

Nottingham's journey continued with various teams, showcasing his resilience and adaptability in the sport. In his latest move, he is expected to bring experience and depth to the Mariners' catching options as he works towards securing a spot on the major league roster.

After securing Juan Soto with a record-setting $765 million contract this offseason, the Mets have already made strides in building out their rotation depth. However, it appears that owner Steve Cohen and his seemingly limitless resources may have further plans in the works.

According to ESPN, "The Mets, meanwhile, could go in multiple directions to further complement their addition of Soto to the lineup. First baseman Pete Alonso and third baseman Alex Bregman are the best remaining free-agent hitters, and the Mets could re-sign Alonso or sign Bregman and shift Mark Viento* from first to third." 

The Mets have also shown interest in the free-agent outfield market and remain active in trade discussions.

While the idea of bringing back Alonso or shifting Vientos to first base post-acquiring a new third baseman isn't new, the potential interest in an outfielder is an intriguing development. Currently, Soto and Brandon Nimmo have secured their outfield spots in Queens, and Tyrone Taylor is penciled in as the primary center fielder. Veteran outfielder Starling Marte is likely to serve as the regular designated hitter (DH) for now.

Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Umpires Association have reached a tentative agreement on a new five-year collective bargaining agreement, pending ratification by both umpires and owners next month, via ESPN.

Negotiations have been ongoing since the previous contract expired after the 2024 season, and the parties were able to reach an agreement before the Christmas holiday. This new agreement continues the tradition of having five-year contracts without any labor disputes.

Among the provisions of the new contract is the league's plan to test an automated ball-strike system during spring training next year. One of the final steps was to work out specifics with the MLBUA.

"It's a fair contract, and the Office of the Commissioner treated us with respect throughout the negotiations," the union stated. "We understand the role we play in our game and have worked hard to build our relationship into a partnership with open communications. We look forward to the continued positive growth in the game in the years to come."

This agreement marks a significant step forward for MLB and its umpires, reflecting a strong partnership focused on the continued positive development of the sport.

The Houston Astros announced on Monday that they have signed first baseman Christian Walker to a three-year, $60 million contract. This move, along with acquiring infielder Isaac Paredes from the Chicago Cubs, signals the likely end of Alex Bregman's tenure with the Astros.

General Manager Dana Brown shared, "Paredes will play third base, and Walker will handle first base. Bregman, unfortunately, remains a free agent." Despite the Astros' efforts to re-sign Bregman, who has been their third baseman for nine seasons, negotiations halted, leading the team to explore other options.

"Pursuing Walker was key," Brown added. "We are thrilled to have him for his defensive skills and home run capabilities."

The Astros released Jose Abre* halfway through his three-year deal, making first base a priority. 

The Tampa Bay Rays have signed infielder Coco Montes to a minor league contract, which includes an invitation to Spring Training, as reported by Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Montes last played for the Yomiuri Giants in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league.

Montes' journey began when he was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the late rounds of the 2018 draft. Despite not being a highly-rated prospect, he consistently produced above-average offensive numbers throughout his time in the minors. Montes played across multiple positions, including second base, third base, and shortstop, showcasing his versatility. During a strong 2023 season at Triple-A Albuquerque, he posted an impressive .317/.400/.550 slash line with a 128 wRC+, earning his first promotion to the major leagues.

Despite his success in the minors, Montes struggled to find his footing at the MLB level, going 7-for-38 (.184) with a 38 wRC+. His defensive performance at second base also fell short, with -3 Outs Above Average in a limited sample size of 93 innings. As a result, he was designated for assignment and outrighted to Triple-A in September.

Former Angels manager Phil Nevin is joining the Chicago White Sox in a new role as a special assistant in their player development department. Nevin, who was one of the finalists for the White Sox managerial position this offseason, will be working under White Sox general manager Chris Getz. Nevin's new position was first reported by Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

Phil Nevin, 53, brings extensive experience to his new role, having played 12 seasons in the MLB from 1995 to 2006, with teams like the Astros, Tigers, Angels, Padres, Rangers, Cubs, and Twins. After his playing career, Nevin transitioned into coaching, managing in the minor leagues for the Tigers and Diamondbacks before landing his first MLB coaching job with the San Francisco Giants in 2017. He later coached third base for the Yankees from 2018 to 2021. Nevin began the 2022 season as the Angels' third base coach, stepping up to interim manager and later head manager in 2023. After a challenging season, the Angels decided not to renew his contract for 2024.

In his new role with the White Sox, Nevin will focus on various player development tasks, including amateur scouting for the 2025 MLB Draft. His wealth of experience and knowledge is expected to significantly contribute to the development of the White Sox's up-and-coming talent.

The Houston Astros have announced the signing of first baseman Christian Walker earlier today and, in a corresponding move, have designated infielder Grae Kessinger for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic.

Grae Kessinger, 27, was a second-round pick by the Astros in the 2019 draft. The grandson of six-time All-Star Don Kessinger, Grae showcased impressive bat-to-ball skills during his college career, hitting .330 with a .904 OPS in his junior year at Ole Miss. However, evaluators raised concerns about his ability to handle major league pitching and remain at shortstop.

Kessinger's struggles at the plate were evident during his initial years in the Astros' farm system. In an attempt to maximize his versatility, the organization had him play various positions around the infield.

Unfortunately, Kessinger's offensive performance and defensive versatility were not enough to secure his spot on the Astros' roster. As he enters this new phase, Kessinger will have the opportunity to seek a fresh start with another team.

The Texas Rangers have signed right-handed pitcher Patrick Murphy to a minor league contract, which includes an invitation to Spring Training. Murphy, who last appeared in the majors in 2022, is looking to make a comeback with his new team.

Murphy, 29, spent parts of three seasons in the major leagues with the Toronto Blue Jays and Washington Nationals from 2020 to 2022. During his time in the majors, he pitched 39 2/3 innings across 35 games, posting a 4.76 ERA and 4.31 SIERA. Murphy's 48.0% groundball rate helped him limit opposing batters to just three home runs, showcasing his potential to be a reliable arm.

Despite his promising performance, he struggled to find a long-term spot in either Toronto or Washington's roster. After being drafted by the Blue Jays in 2013, he was designated for assignment in August 2021. Shortly after, the Nationals picked him up off waivers but eventually sent him outright to Triple-A in April 2022. Murphy chose free agency at the end of the season.

The Texas Rangers have announced the signing of veteran right-handed pitcher Shawn Armstrong to a one-year, major league contract. To accommodate Armstrong on their 40-man roster, the Rangers designated catcher Sam Huff for assignment.

Armstrong, 34, brings a decade of experience to the Rangers' bullpen. Throughout his 10 seasons in the majors, Armstrong played for teams including Cleveland, Seattle, Baltimore, and Miami before solidifying his reputation with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2022. 

Armstrong delivered an impressive performance in 2022, posting a 3.60 ERA and a 3.25 FIP over 55 innings of work. His 26% strikeout rate coupled with a 5.4% walk rate highlighted a significant improvement in his command, which had been a challenge earlier in his career when he held a 9.2% walk rate. 

Joining the Rangers, Armstrong is expected to be a key middle reliever, bolstering their bullpen with his seasoned presence and improved control. 

The Philadelphia Phillies have brought Joe Ross onboard with a one-year contract worth $4 million, as reported by Matt Gelb of The Athletic. This signing sees Ross taking on a versatile swingman role, adding depth to both the starting rotation and bullpen. 

To make room for Ross on the 40-man roster, the Phillies have designated right-handed pitcher José Cuas for assignment.

Ross, who will turn 32 in May, spent the 2024 season with the Milwaukee Brewers. He began the year in their rotation, starting nine games and posting a 4.50 ERA and 4.65 SIERA through mid-May. However, a lower back strain sidelined him for over two months. His return saw a rocky start (5 IP, 5 ER) before he transitioned to the bullpen.

Ross's ability to function as both a starter and reliever provides valuable flexibility for the Phillies as they aim to bolster their pitching staff for the upcoming season. 

The Tampa Bay Rays have reportedly reached a minor league agreement with designated hitter Eloy Jimenez, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN. The deal is expected to include an invite to major league Spring Training.

Jimenez, 28, began his professional career after signing with the Chicago Cubs as an international amateur from the Dominican Republic in 2014. He quickly ascended the ranks of top prospects and was included in a significant trade to the Chicago White Sox, alongside pitcher Dylan Cease, in exchange for pitcher Jose Quintana.

During his time with the White Sox, Jimenez continued to shine as a top prospect. Prior to his MLB debut in 2019, the White Sox signed him to a groundbreaking long-term deal worth $43 million over eight seasons, a rare move for a player who had yet to play in the major leagues.

Andrew McCutchen is back with Pittsburgh, the team announced.

In the 2024 season, McCutchen was a reliable performer for the Pirates. He played 120 games and achieved a .232 batting average, 20 home runs, and 50 RBIs. His on-base percentage was .328, and he finished with a .739 OPS. Even at age 37, McCutchen continued to demonstrate his value as an above-average hitter for the Pirates.

Shohei Ohtani continues to make history. The Japanese superstar capped off 2024 by winning The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the third time, placing him alongside basketball legend Michael Jordan. The only athletes with more AP Male Athlete of the Year awards are Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods, and LeBron James, each with four.

In an exclusive interview with the AP, Ohtani expressed his gratitude: "I'm very honored. Obviously, all the hard work has paid off. Maybe next year, I'll get the award again," he said through his interpreter, Matt Hidaka.

Ohtani received 48 votes in a poll conducted by 74 sports journalists from the AP and its members. He previously earned this prestigious honor in 2021 and 2023 while with the Angels.

Recalling his inspirations, Ohtani shared, "Growing up in Japan, I did follow Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods. I would see their accolades and how they were successful in the United States."

The AP Male Athlete of the Year award has been awarded since 1931, with golfer Babe Didrikson*holding the record for the most wins by any athlete, male or female, with six titles.

The New York Mets have made a strategic addition to their pitching staff by signing left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea to a three-year, $75 million contract. The news was first reported by Jeff Passan of ESPN and confirmed by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The deal is pending a physical, and includes deferred money; specifics of these deferrals were noted by Will Sammon of The Athletic.

This is not Manaea's first stint with the Mets. The 33-year-old southpaw was signed by the Mets in January 2024 on a two-year deal worth $28 million, which included an opt-out after the 2024 season. Prior to that, Manaea signed a two-year, $25 million contract with the San Francisco Giants in the 2022-2023 offseason, also featuring an opt-out clause.

In a significant offseason move, the Texas Rangers have secured a deal with veteran outfielder and designated hitter Joc Pederson, via Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic.. The two-year, $37 million agreement includes an opt-out clause after the first season, adding a potent left-handed bat to the Rangers' lineup.

Joc Pederson, 32, had one of the best seasons of his 11-year MLB career in 2024, hitting .275/.393/.515 with 23 home runs and a career-high .908 OPS as the primary designated hitter for the Arizona Diamondbacks. His performance earned him a remarkable 151 OPS+, highlighting his ability to deliver impressive offensive production.

Pederson's signing comes after the Rangers traded first baseman Nathaniel Lowe to the Washington Nationals, creating an opportunity for Pederson to fill a critical role in their offense. With his power-hitting prowess and experience, Pederson is expected to be a crucial part of the Rangers' lineup, particularly against right-handed pitchers.

Over the course of his career, Pederson has accumulated 209 home runs and a .119 OPS+ across 11 seasons. The Rangers, aiming to bounce back from a disappointing 78-84 campaign in 2024, are hopeful that Pederson's addition will provide the offensive boost they need to return to playoff contention.

The Boston Red Sox have made a significant addition to their pitching staff by signing right-handed pitcher Walker Buehler to a one-year contract worth $21.05 million, pending a physical. As reported by Russell Dorsey of Yahoo Sports, the deal also includes performance-based incentives that could further increase its value.

Buehler, a two-time All-Star, became a free agent after a challenging 2024 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He missed the entire 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery, and his return in 2024 was marred by a hip injury, resulting in a 1-6 record and a 5.38 ERA. However, Buehler displayed his potential during the postseason, delivering crucial performances to help the Dodgers clinch the World Series title.

Despite his recent setbacks, the Red Sox believe Buehler can return to his peak form and make a significant impact on their rotation. Boston's pitching staff is aiming for a rebound after a disappointing 81-81 finish in the 2024 season. Buehler's addition, along with other potential signings, reflects the team's commitment to strengthening their roster and making a strong playoff push in 2025.

Teoscar Hernández, a powerhouse for the 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers team that clinched the World Series title, may not be returning for the 2025 season. Despite his impressive contributions and the initial expectation of re-signing Hernández and his potent bat, the Dodgers seem to be exploring other avenues. According to The Athletic, potential options include infielder Ha-Seong Kim in free agency and trade targets like Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki and Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr.

Seiya Suzuki and Luis Robert Jr., provided they are healthy and performing at their best, could potentially match Hernández's production levels. However, acquiring either of these players in a trade means the Dodgers would have to part with significant talent in return. As for Ha-Seong Kim, his availability is uncertain as he is recovering from major shoulder surgery and may not be ready for the start of the 2025 season.

Veteran first baseman and outfielder Wil Myers has decided to retire after an illustrious 11-year career in the major leagues, as he shared with MLB.com’s AJ Cassavell. Myers has opted for a transition away from professional baseball, although he emphasized that he would never "officially" retire. He made this decision in June 2023 after being released by the Reds and dealing with shoulder problems.

Reflecting on his career, Myers said, "I had a great career. I loved what I did. I made a lot of great friends. I have no regrets. If you had told me the day I was drafted that this would be your career, I would’ve taken it in a heartbeat. I loved what I did, and now it’s just kind of onto the next chapter of life."

Myers, who recently turned 34, played an even 1100 career games with the Tampa Bay Rays, San Diego Padres, and Cincinnati Reds from 2013-2023. Over his career, Myers hit .252/.326/.437 with 156 home runs in 4290 plate appearances, achieving a 107 wRC+.

Throughout his career, Myers showcased his versatility by spending most of his time in the field as a first baseman and right fielder. He also logged significant playing time at the other outfield positions and occasionally played third base, particularly in 2018, when the Padres were accommodating several first base/outfield players in their lineup.

The Boston Red Sox have bolstered their pitching depth by signing right-handed pitcher Austin Adams to a minor league contract, as reported by KPRC’s Ari Alexander. Adams will also receive an invitation to the Red Sox's Major League spring training camp. His contract includes over $1.5 million in bonuses based on his appearances at the MLB level.

If Adams earns these bonuses, his salary will be close to the $1.7 million projected for his arbitration salary in 2025. The Oakland Athletics outrighted him at the season’s end, effectively making it an early non-tender decision. While $1.7 million is not a significant amount for many teams, the Athletics were cautious given Adams' high 12% walk rate, despite his 3.92 ERA and 27.7% strikeout rate over 41 1/3 innings out of their bullpen.

Adams, 33, has shown a knack for strikeouts across his career but has struggled with control issues. 

The Washington Nationals and Texas Rangers have completed a one-for-one trade, bringing first baseman Nathaniel Lowe to Washington and sending left-hander Robert Garcia to Texas. This development was first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan and has been officially announced by both teams.

Lowe, 28, experienced his second career trade, four years after his initial swap from the Rays to the Rangers in a six-player deal. Limited opportunities due to the Ray’s first base depth saw Lowe struggle for adequate playing time in his initial MLB seasons. However, Texas quickly installed him as their everyday first baseman, resulting in regular playing time. Over four seasons, Lowe has played in 615 of 648 regular-season games. His performance includes a .274/.359/.432 slash line and 78 home runs over 2576 plate appearances.

Garcia, 25, is a promising left-handed pitcher known for his ability to generate strikeouts. He spent the 2024 season in Double-A, where he posted a 2.85 ERA with a 34.1% strikeout rate and a 9.8% walk rate over 53 2/3 innings. His impressive stats have shown great potential, which the Rangers hope to harness and develop further.

The Detroit Tigers have added depth and experience to their pitching staff by signing right-handed pitcher Jordan Balazovic to a minor league contract. This strategic addition aims to bolster the Tigers' organization as they gear up for the upcoming season.

Jordan Balazovic, 26, has previously pitched for the Minnesota Twins and the Doosan Bears. Drafted by the Twins in the fifth round of the 2016 Major League Baseball draft, Balazovic has consistently shown promise throughout his career. He made his MLB debut with the Twins in June 2023 and has also gained valuable experience playing internationally.
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Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Balazovic's career has been highlighted by impressive performances in the minor leagues. Overcoming injuries, he has demonstrated his potential as a reliable and effective pitcher, making him a valuable asset for the Tigers.

The Oakland Athletics have added left-hander Ben Bowden to their roster, signing him to a minor league deal, as noted on his MLB.com profile.

Bowden, 30, has an intriguing journey through baseball. Drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the second round of the 2016 draft, he was viewed as a promising relief prospect from his college days in the SEC. His path to the majors was delayed due to shoulder injuries that kept him sidelined for the 2017 season. 

Once back on the mound, Bowden quickly moved through the Rockies' minor league system, reaching Triple-A by the end of his second full professional season. He excelled at the Double-A level, posting a 1.05 ERA with an impressive 46.2% strikeout rate in 26 appearances. 

The cancellation of the minor league season in 2020 further delayed Bowden's rise, but he made up for lost time in 2021 by delivering 11 2/3 scoreless innings at the Triple-A level, earning his promotion to the major leagues.

In a roster shuffle, the Philadelphia Phillies have designated left-handed pitcher Tyler Gilbert for assignment, announced just today. Gilbert's roster spot will be filled by fellow lefty Jesús Luzardo, who was acquired in a trade with the Miami Marlins earlier today.

The timing is particularly tough for Gilbert, as it coincides with his 31st birthday. Gilbert had a brief but decent stint with the Phillies, pitching 8 1/3 innings this year with a 3.24 ERA, although his 4.85 FIP suggested some underlying struggles. 

Gilbert's journey with the Phillies has been quite the rollercoaster. Initially drafted by Philadelphia in the sixth round of the 2015 draft, he found his way back to the organization earlier this year after signing a minor league deal with the Cincinnati Reds during the winter. He was traded to the Phillies back in May but was ultimately selected to the active roster for the stretch run. 

Interestingly, Gilbert was previously picked up by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft. He made his MLB debut with the Diamondbacks in 2021 and spent parts of three seasons with them.

In a pivotal transition, the San Diego Padres have appointed John Seidler as their new control person, following the passing of owner Peter Seidler just over a year ago. This change, reported by Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, marks a significant step in maintaining the Seidler family's legacy and commitment to the Padres.

Eric Kutsenda, who served as the interim control person immediately after Peter Seidler's passing, will continue to be part of the organization. The rest of the team's senior leadership will also remain in their current roles. However, John Seidler's appointment as control person will need approval from Major League Baseball before it becomes official.

John Seidler, 65, is Peter's eldest brother and part of the Seidler family, which holds a 45% stake in the team. Previous reports indicate that Peter Seidler intended for his family to maintain ownership of the Padres for generations. John Seidler's new role aligns with this vision, ensuring the Seidler family continues to guide the franchise.

The Padres released a statement through Acee: 

"Since Peter’s passing, Eric Kutsenda has served as our interim control person. Peter’s youngest brother Matt, as trustee of Peter’s trust, is pleased to announce that John Seidler, Peter’s oldest sibling, an accomplished entrepreneur and business executive, will be the Padres’ next control person, pending approval by Major League Baseball.

Peter never viewed the Padres as ‘his’ team. Instead, he saw the team as an asset of the community of which he was a faithful steward. John shares Peter’s vision and will continue to strengthen and nurture this great franchise, its players, fans and employees, and the entire San Diego community."