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."

The Philadelphia Phillies have made a significant acquisition by trading for left-handed pitcher Jesús Luzardo from the Miami Marlins. This move is aimed at bolstering the Phillies' rotation for the upcoming season. The trade was reported by Jim Bowden.

Luzardo, 27, is known for his electric arm but has faced some injury challenges over his career. In the 2024 season, Luzardo had a 5.00 ERA in 66 2/3 innings, dealing with back and elbow trouble. However, his 2023 season showcased his potential, where he posted a 3.58 ERA over 178 2/3 innings with a stellar strikeout rate of 28.1% and a walk rate of 7.4%.

In exchange for Luzardo, the Phillies are sending two prospects to the Marlins: shortstop Starlyn Caba and outfielder Emaarion Boyd Caba is currently ranked as the Phillies' No. 4 prospect, while Boyd holds the No. 23 spot

Luzardo joins an impressive Phillies rotation that includes Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sánchez, and Ranger Suárez. His addition is expected to make a significant impact as the Phillies aim to strengthen their pitching staff and remain competitive in the National League East.

Meanwhile, the Marlins continue their rebuilding process, adding young talent to their farm system. This trade is another step in the Marlins' broader strategy to develop a strong core of future players.

The Chicago White Sox strengthened their bullpen on Saturday by acquiring left-handed reliever Cam Booser from the Boston Red Sox. In exchange, the White Sox sent minor league pitcher Yhoiker Fajardo to Boston.

Booser, 32, has overcome significant personal challenges, including alcohol abuse, injuries, and a bicycling accident, to make his mark in the majors. Last season, he posted an impressive 3.38 ERA with one save and 43 strikeouts across 43 relief appearances. His perseverance and triumph over adversity earned him the Tony Conigliaro Award.

The Detroit Tigers have bolstered their bullpen depth by signing left-handed reliever Matt Gage to a minor league deal with an invitation to big league Spring Training. The news was first reported by Jon Heyman of The New York Post.

Gage, who will turn 32 in February, didn't see any major league action in 2024. Despite this, he brings a wealth of experience from playing in various organizations including the San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros, and most recently the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets. 

Over his brief MLB career, Gage has posted a 1.83 ERA and a solid 3.97 FIP in 19 2/3 innings. His time in Triple-A with the Dodgers and Mets affiliates during 2024 was also productive, yielding a 4.10 ERA and a 28.3% strikeout rate across 41 2/3 innings.

The Cleveland Guardians have made a significant move by trading All-Star first baseman Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks. In return, the Guardians received right-handed pitcher Slade Cecconi and a Competitive Balance Round B draft pick.

Naylor, 27, has been a key player for the Guardians, posting a career-high 31 home runs and 108 RBIs in 2024. Known for his power hitting and consistent performance, Naylor earned his first All-Star selection this past season. His departure leaves a notable gap in Cleveland's lineup.

The 25-year-old Cecconi, who made his MLB debut in the 2023-2024 season, had a challenging year with a 6.66 ERA over 20 outings, including 13 starts. Despite his struggles, the Guardians see potential in Cecconi and hope to develop his skills further.

This trade is part of a broader strategy for the Guardians as they continue to retool their roster. Notably, the deal was quickly followed by the signing of veteran first baseman Carlos Santana. Santana, who previously played for the Guardians, agreed to a one-year contract worth \$12 million.

The Cleveland Guardians are reuniting with a familiar face by signing veteran first baseman Carlos Santana to a one-year, $12 million contract. This agreement marks Santana's third stint with the Guardians, after bouncing around MLB over the past few years. The deal is pending a physical.

Carlos Santana, 38, has had a notable 15-year career, including stints with the Royals, Mariners, Pirates, Brewers, and Twins since 2021. He hit .238/.328/.420 with 23 home runs and won his first Gold Glove in 2024 while playing for Minnesota. Known for his consistent mid-level power and stellar plate discipline, Santana's career numbers include a .242/.354/.431 slash line with 324 home runs and 1,082 RBIs.

This move comes shortly after the Guardians traded first baseman Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The trade, which included right-handed pitcher Slade Cecconi and a competitive-balance Round B pick, was part of Cleveland's ongoing effort to fine-tune their roster. Naylor, who made his first All-Star team in 2024, leaves a gap that Santana is well-equipped to fill.

The Detroit Tigers have re-signed right-handed pitcher Brendan White to a minor league deal, according to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. White, who was non-tendered by Detroit last month, received a non-roster invitation to the big league Spring Training as part of the deal. If promoted to the majors, White will earn $765,000.

White, 26, began his journey with the Tigers organization as a 26th-round pick in the 2019 draft. Making his professional debut shortly after, he did not pitch during the canceled minor league season in 2020. However, he returned to action in 2021 for the club's High-A affiliate, where he posted a solid 4.17 ERA in 101 1/3 innings with a 23.9% strikeout rate and a 6% walk rate over 26 appearances (18 starts).

Upon his promotion to Double-A the following year, White was moved to the bullpen. This change in role yielded excellent results, as he dominated opposing hitters with a 2.67 ERA in 67 1/3 innings, maintaining a 6.3% walk rate and increasing his strikeout rate to 27.1%.

The Kansas City Royals have announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Junior Fernández to a minor league contract. Fernández, who last appeared in MLB during the 2022 season, will look to make a strong impression and secure a spot on the Royals' pitching staff.
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Fernández initially signed with the St. Louis Cardinals as an international free agent in 2014. He made his MLB debut with the Cardinals in 2019 but struggled to establish himself in their bullpen. Across parts of four seasons with St. Louis, Fernández posted a 5.51 ERA and 4.78 SIERA over 50 2/3 innings, primarily in low-leverage situations.

The New York Yankees have added another star to their roster by signing former MVP first baseman Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year, $12.5 million contract.

Goldschmidt, 37, brings a wealth of experience and accolades to the team. The 2022 National League MVP and four-time Gold Glove winner spent the past six seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals. Although he experienced a slight decline in performance last season, with a .716 OPS, 22 home runs, and 65 RBIs, his numbers against left-handed pitchers remained strong, making him a valuable asset for the Yankees.

In a historic outcome of the Juan Soto free agency sweepstakes, the 26-year-old slugger secured an unprecedented $765 million contract with the New York Mets. A rumor surfaced that a security guard employed by the Yankees had barred a member of Soto's family, as well as his chef/driver, from certain areas, upsetting Soto. However, during a Spanish language interview with "Grandes en los Deportes", Soto denied this rumor, calling the Yankees' staff "tremendous" and expressing gratitude for how well they treated his family.

"My family was treated very well by the organization," Soto said, according to a translation by the New York Post. "They were always there to help me and my family at every moment." During his lone season with the Yankees in 2024, Soto enjoyed a career year, posting a .288/.419/.569 slash line with a career-best 41 home runs, 109 RBI, 128 runs scored, and 129 walks in 157 games. His performance helped New York reach its first World Series since 2009.

Represented by the hard-driving agent Scott Boras, Soto was the top free agent on the market and met with several organizations. The final bidding came down to the Yankees, Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays. The Yankees reportedly offered $760 million over 16 years but balked at including a luxury suite. In contrast, the Mets' offer included such accommodations, ultimately securing Soto's decision.

The Miami Marlins are in the process of filling several vacancies on manager Clayton McCullough’s coaching staff. According to Isaac Azout of Fish on First, they have reportedly hired Tyler Smarslok as their new first base coach and promoted Brandon Mann from pitching strategist to bullpen coach. However, the team has yet to officially confirm these moves.

Tyler Smarslok, 32, brings a wealth of experience working with college teams before joining the Twins organization in 2020. He spent the past four seasons coaching for the Triple-A St. Paul Saints and recently managed the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League. This role with the Marlins marks his first major league position, succeeding previous first base coach Jon Jay.

Brandon Mann, 40, enjoyed an extensive professional pitching career, playing parts of 12 seasons in the minors with organizations such as the Rays, Dodgers, Pirates, A’s, and Rangers. He also made brief big league appearances with Texas in 2018, 16 years after being drafted in the 27th round. Mann's career extended internationally to NPB, CPBL, the Atlantic League, and the American Association. Post-retirement, he served as a minor league pitching coordinator for the Lotte Giants of the KBO before joining Driveline Baseball. Since becoming the Marlins' pitching strategist for the 2024 season, he will now take over for Wellington Cepeda* as bullpen coach.

The St. Louis Cardinals recently declined a trade offer from the New York Yankees that would have swapped third baseman Nolan Arenado for right-handed pitcher Marcus Stroman, according to MLB.com. The report highlights that Arenado, 33, might be more inclined to waive his no-trade clause if the Yankees can sign his former Cardinals teammate, free-agent first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.

Arenado, with three seasons remaining on his contract, is a highly sought-after player. The Cardinals are reportedly open to including money in a trade to sweeten the deal, as evidenced by an earlier report that Arenado rejected a trade to the Houston Astros, where St. Louis was willing to pay down between $15 million and $20 million.

Multiple Cardinals veterans are on the trading block leading into the offseason. Closer Ryan Helsley, and starters Erick Fedde and Steven Matz are also attracting interest from various teams, according to MLB.com.

Veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt appears to be a hot commodity on the free-agent market. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, several teams, including the New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Washington Nationals, and New York Mets, have all engaged in talks with him.

Goldschmidt, 37, remains an attractive option due to his extensive experience and solid performance over the years. Despite a slight decline in his offensive output the past couple of seasons, his skillset and leadership make him a valuable asset for any team looking to strengthen their lineup.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have set a new record by owing an unprecedented $103 million in luxury tax penalties for the 2024 season, topping the list of nine Major League Baseball teams subjected to this tax. The New York Mets, under high-spending owner Steve Cohen, follow closely with a tax bill of $97.1 million* bringing their total luxury tax contributions to nearly $229 million.

The World Series champion Dodgers face this hefty tax for the fourth consecutive year, with their tax payroll reaching $353 million. This includes $1,032,454 in non-cash compensation for Shohei Ohtani, whose contract features perks such as a suite for games at Dodger Stadium and an interpreter.

Other teams facing significant luxury tax penalties include:
- New York Yankees: $62.5 million
- Philadelphia Phillies: $14.4 million
- Atlanta Braves: $14 million
- Texas Rangers: $10.8 million
- Houston Astros: $6.5 million
- San Francisco Giants: $2.4 million
- Chicago Cubs: $570,000

These figures, finalized on Friday by Major League Baseball and the players' association and obtained by The Associated Press, highlight the increasing financial commitments of top-spending teams as they strive to build competitive rosters.

The Cincinnati Reds have made a significant move by acquiring All-Star catcher Jose Trevino from the New York Yankees. The trade, announced on Friday evening, sees the Reds sending right-handed reliever Fernando Cruz and catcher Alex Jackson to the Yankees in exchange for Trevino.

Trevino, 32, has a notable track record, having earned an All-Star selection in 2022 and winning both the Gold Glove and Platinum Glove awards. Despite splitting time as a backup catcher last season, Trevino maintained a solid defensive presence with a batting average of .215, eight home runs, and 28 RBIs over 73 appearances. 

Fernando Cruz, a 34-year-old right-handed reliever, had a standout season with a 14.72 K/9 ratio, ranking highest in the Majors among pitchers with at least 50 innings pitched. Over his three seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, he has struck out an impressive 228 batters in 147.1 innings.

The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly "desperate to do something big," according to industry insiders cited by The Athletic. A massive extension for superstar first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is one of the possibilities being discussed. The report suggests a potential extension in the range of $500 million to $600 million could be a realistic target.

Guerrero, who turns 26 next season, is set to hit free agency at the end of the season. In the 2024 season, he posted impressive numbers with a .323/.396/.544 slash line (166 OPS+), 44 doubles, 30 homers, and 103 RBIs. His performance earned him a sixth-place finish in MVP voting and has marked him as one of the league's top talents.

While Guerrero's extension remains a priority, the situation with another Jays' star, shortstop **Bo Bichette**, is more complicated. Bichette, also set to enter free agency next offseason, had a challenging season in 2024. Despite this, industry insiders report that the Blue Jays "do not appear nearly as interested" in extending Bichette compared to Guerrero. However, they are not actively shopping Bichette on the trade market either.

The Athletic notes that executives from three rival clubs, who spoke anonymously, indicated that the Blue Jays are open to trading Bichette, but only for a high price.

The Cincinnati Reds have agreed to a minor league contract with veteran reliever Bryan Shaw, as reported by Robert Murray of FanSided. Shaw, represented by CAA, will reunite with former Cleveland skipper Terry Francona in Cincinnati. He will head to major league camp during spring training, aiming to secure a spot in the bullpen.

Shaw, now 37, has an impressive resume, having pitched in the majors for the past 14 seasons. In 2024, he made a brief stint with the Chicago White Sox, appearing in four innings. Shaw is well-known for his time with Francona in Cleveland, where he established himself as one of the American League's most dependable and effective setup men. 

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The New York Mets have bolstered their lineup by signing three players to minor league contracts with invitations to major league spring training. 

LHP Anthony Gose, RHP Oliver Ortega, and catcher Chris Williams are the newest additions to the Mets' roster.

Gose, known for his powerful fastball and slider, will be looking to make an impact after spending the past few seasons with the Cleveland Guardians.

Ortega, who has experience with the Los Angeles Angels and Houston Astros, aims to prove his worth during spring training following recovery from injuries.

Meanwhile, catcher Williams will bring depth to the Mets' catching position, adding to their options behind the plate

The Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers both strategically left significant amounts unspent from their 2024 international signing bonus pools, with speculation swirling around the potential availability of Japanese pitching phenom Roki Sasaki. The Orioles left approximately $2.1 million unspent, while the Dodgers left around $1.9 million on the table.

Sasaki, 23, was not posted until December 8, meaning he will now enter the 2025 international amateur signing period. This period begins on January 15 and runs through December 15, giving teams a 45-day window to strike a deal with the highly sought-after pitcher. Teams will have ample time to make their best offers before the window closes on January 23.

The 2025 bonus pools range from $7,555,500 for eight teams to $5,146,200 for teams like the Dodgers and San Francisco Giants. Due to Sasaki's talent and potential, numerous teams are expected to bid for his services. As Andrew Friedman, Dodgers president of baseball operations, mentioned during last week's winter meetings, Sasaki is a "major priority" for them, but they understand the competition will be fierce.

The San Diego Padres are another team highly interested in Sasaki, with a bonus pool of $6,261,600 for 2025. Padres manager Mike Shildt expressed confidence in their position, pointing to San Diego’s vibrant market, strong fan support, and the chance for Sasaki to build a lasting legacy by securing the franchise's first World Series title.

Sasaki's agent, Joel Wolfe, has indicated that the pitcher will "seriously consider" joining San Diego, where fellow Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish plays, and Hideo Nomo serves as a special adviser.

The Houston Astros have made a significant move by signing first baseman Christian Walker to a three-year, $60 million contract. The deal, reported by Jon Heyman, brings much-needed power and elite defense to the Astros' lineup.

Walker, 33, has consistently proven himself as one of MLB's top first basemen. Over the past three seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, he has averaged 32 home runs and 94 RBIs per year, while winning three consecutive Gold Glove awards at first base. 

The addition of Walker comes at a crucial time for the Astros, who have historically struggled to find consistency at first base. With his impressive offensive capabilities and defensive acumen, Walker is expected to make an immediate impact on the team's success in the upcoming seasons.

The Atlanta Braves have acquired right-handed pitcher Davis Daniel from the Los Angeles Angels. The deal, confirmed by both clubs, sees left-hander Mitch Farris heading to the Angels in exchange.

Daniel, 27, had been designated for assignment by the Angels earlier this week, creating an opportunity for the Braves to add depth to their pitching staff. With a solid minor league track record and a brief stint in the majors with the Angels, Daniel brings potential and versatility to the Braves' bullpen.

Farris, a promising 23-year-old left-hander, heads to the Angels after showing impressive performance in the minor leagues. He was a 14th round pick by the Braves and made 25 appearances, including 19 starts, with a 3.08 ERA and 131 strikeouts over 108 innings. The Angels hope Farris can continue his development and contribute to their pitching rotation in the future.

Blue Jays Add Three Players on Minor League Deals with Spring Training Invites

The Toronto Blue Jays have officially signed right-handed pitcher Eric Pardinho, left-handed pitcher Eric Lauer, and catcher Ali Sánchez to minor league contracts, each with an invitation to spring training. These strategic acquisitions aim to bolster the team's depth as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Eric Pardinho, a 24-year-old Brazilian pitcher, is returning to the Blue Jays after playing in various levels of their minor league system. Known for his impressive strikeout rates and promising talent, Pardinho aims to prove himself during spring training and earn a spot on the major league roster.

Eric Lauer, 29, joins the Blue Jays with a wealth of experience, having previously played for the San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers. Lauer, a dependable starter during his tenure, brings valuable pitching depth to the Blue Jays' rotation. His performance in spring training will be crucial as he strives to secure a position on the major league team.

Ali Sánchez, a 27-year-old catcher from Venezuela, adds much-needed depth to the Blue Jays' catching position. With experience in the major leagues, including stints with the New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals, and Miami Marlins, Sánchez aims to provide solid defensive skills and contribute to the team's success.

The Baltimore Orioles have signed right-handed pitcher Matt Bowman to a minor league contract, which includes an invitation to spring training. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Bowman will earn $1.1 million if he makes it to the majors, with the potential to earn an additional $400,000 through incentives.

Bowman, 33, has had a journeyman career in Major League Baseball, having previously played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks, Seattle Mariners, and most recently, the Orioles. In the 2024 season, he posted a combined 4.40 ERA and 24:13 K/BB ratio over 30.2 innings across four teams. 

With this new opportunity, Bowman aims to secure a spot on the Orioles' bullpen, offering the team depth and experience. Orioles fans will be watching closely to see how Bowman performs in spring training and whether he can make a significant impact on the team's pitching staff.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed right-handed pitcher Julian Fernández to a minor league contract, which includes a non-roster invitation to big league spring training, according to sources from The Athletic.

Fernández, 28, had a brief stint with the Colorado Rockies in 2021. During that time, he showcased his powerful arm, featuring a fastball that consistently hits triple digits. However, injuries have hampered his progress in the past few seasons. His impressive velocity and potential make him an interesting addition to the Dodgers' organization.

The Dodgers, always on the lookout for talent and depth, see potential in Fernández and hope to tap into his abilities. His performance in spring training will be crucial as he aims to secure a spot in the majors. With this signing, the Dodgers bolster their pitching options and add another intriguing arm to their roster.