MLB Player News

The Red Sox signed Bauers to a four-year, $58 million contract Friday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Bauers has parlayed his breakout 2026 season into a big free-agency payday. The 31-year-old slashed .266/.389/.484 with 26 home runs, 11 stolen bases and a 94:156 BB:K over 144 regular-season contests for the Brewers, and he added NLCS MVP honors on Milwaukee's way to the title. Because the Brewers extended Bauers a qualifying offer, they will net a draft pick as compensation for him signing elsewhere. Per Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic, Bauers is expected to split playing time between first base and designated hitter with Willson Contreras. That puts Roman Anthony (finger) in left field and Jarren Duran likely on the trade block (again).

Santana will like to continue his playing career, Will Sammon, Ken Rosenthal and Katie Woo of The Athletic report.

Santana inked a one-year, $2 million contract with the Diamondbacks last winter but was released after going just 2-for-24 at the plate. He then signed a minor-league deal with Atlanta but was cut loose before appearing in a big-league game for them. Santana will turn 41 shortly after Opening Day next season and would likely have to accept a minor-league deal.

Stewart was named the 2026 National League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year on Monday.

Stewart mashed his way to this award and earned 20 of 30 potential first-place votes. He clobbered 32 homers and collected 112 RBI and 87 runs over 162 appearances during his rookie campaign while also managing to hit for average (.263). Stewart isn't known for his speed, but the 22-year-old also tallied 15 stolen bags on 23 attempts.

General manager Craig Breslow noted Monday that Casas (wrist) could see at-bats in a winter league, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

Casas last appeared in the big leagues during the 2025 season before undergoing surgery to repair a ruptured patellar tendon and an intercostal strain. He then underwent arthroscopic wrist surgery on his left wrist in August, ending any chance of a return in 2026. If given a clean bill of health, Casas could have a chance to gain some confidence in his surgically-repaired wrist over the offseason before reporting for spring training ahead of the 2027 campaign.

Smith was sent outright to Triple-A Reno on Monday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Smith struggled in limited big-league action during the 2026 campaign, slashing .183/.262/.294 with three home runs, 12 RBI, two stolen bases and 12 runs in 40 games. He'll have the option to elect free agency after being outrighted Monday.

The Brewers extended Bauers a one-year, $23.15 million qualifying offer Monday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

Bauers made himself a lot of money with his breakout showing in 2026. He slashed .266/.389/.484 with 26 home runs during the regular season and later was named NLCS MVP during the Brewers' run to the World Series. This might be the 31-year-old's only chance at landing a multi-year contract, but it wouldn't be a surprise if Bauers opts to lock in a big raise by accepting the qualifying offer.

Wagaman cleared waivers and elected to become a free agent Monday.

Wagaman got into 52 games with the Mets in 2026 but managed just a .588 OPS. The 29-year-old will now seek a job in a new organization after passing through waivers unclaimed.

The Phillies claimed Harris off waivers from the Giants on Monday.

Harris has managed just a .566 OPS over 89 games covering parts of three seasons in the majors. The 28-year-old can handle every infield position and could compete for a reserve role in Philadelphia in 2027.

The Orioles declined Mountcastle's $7.5 million club option for 2027 on Monday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

It was a lost 2026 season for Mountcastle, who was limited to only eight games because of a fractured foot and strained oblique. Mountcastle is healthy now and will turn just 30 in January, but he's had trouble staying on the field and being productive the last few years, so his free-agent market will likely be modest.

The Twins outrighted Sabato to Triple-A St. Paul on Thursday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Sabato reached the majors for the first time this season, going hitless in six plate appearances. The 27-year-old is a former first-round draft pick but has never been considered a top prospect.