MLB Player News

Imai will remain with the Astros in 2027 rather than exercising the opt-out clause in his contract, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Imai has two years and $36 million remaining on his contract, which is well shy of what he'd get on the open market after he posted a disappointing 4.93 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 97:51 K:BB over 76.2 innings in his first year with the Astros. He has another opt-out clause in his contract that he could exercise after the 2027 campaign. Imai spent the final two months of the regular season in the bullpen, and it's unclear what plans the Astros have in store for Imai's role next season.

The Angels outrighted Rivero to Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday.

The Angels are doing some 40-man roster housekeeping, and Rivero will lose his spot. He has the ability to reject the outright assignment and become a free agent, a move Rivero seems likely to make.

The Angels outrighted Peralta to Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday.

The transaction frees a spot on the Angels' 40-man roster. Since he's been outrighted previously, Peralta has the ability to decline the assignment and become a free agent. He holds a career 5.64 ERA and 60:33 K:BB over 68.2 innings covering parts of four big-league seasons.

The Red Sox traded Eaton to the Athletics on Thursday in exchange for minor-league pitcher Jareth Rayo, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Eaton appeared in 24 games for the Red Sox this season, going 8-for-50 (.160) at the plate while tallying six RBI, four runs scored and two steals. He had a bit more success in the minors to the tune of a .254/.338/.412 slash line over 363 plate appearances, and he'll likely compete for a spot on the Athletics' Opening Day roster in 2027.

Helsley (elbow) will exercise his $14 million player option for 2027, Andy Kostka of TheBanner.com reports.

Helsley was limited to only 15.1 innings in 2026 because of elbow trouble, making his decision to pick up his player option and remain in Baltimore a fairly easy one. The reliever pitched in a rehab game in September, so he should be healthy for spring training, barring any setbacks. Helsley figures to be in the mix to close games for the Orioles in 2027, though Felix Bautista and/or Rico Garcia are also options for the ninth inning.

Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said recently that the team will consider using Arenado some at first base next season, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Arenado is still expected to see the lion's share of his playing time in 2027 at third base, but putting him at first base on occasion will reduce some wear and tear and also provide additional avenues to playing time for others. Hazen said he's spoken to Arenado, who is not only on board with the possibility but brought up potentially getting some reps in at first base in winter ball. Arenado had a nice bounce-back season in his first year with the Diamondbacks, slashing .255/.331/.475 with 30 home runs and 86 RBI.

Boyd declined his side of a $15 million option for 2027 on Thursday and is now a free agent, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

The veteran left-hander will be given a $2 million buyout instead. The Cubs can still negotiate with Boyd for a few days before other teams are allowed to discuss a contract with him. Boyd -- who turns 36 in February -- logged a 3.91 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 96:39 K:BB across 126.2 regular-season innings in 2026.

Holmes declined his $12 million player option for 2027 on Thursday and is now a free agent, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

The Cubs will have an exclusive negotiating window with Holmes for a few days, and they are reportedly interested in re-signing the righty. However, Holmes is almost surely going to reach free agency and field bids from several clubs. The 33-year-old was limited to 18 regular-season starts due to a fractured fibula, but he posted a 3.29 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 78:42 K:BB over 101.1 innings.

Barrero declined an outright assignment from the Orioles and elected free agency Thursday, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports.

Barrero went 1-for-6 at the dish in a cup of coffee with Baltimore this season and slashed .202/.305/.400 with 23 homers and 13 steals at Triple-A Norfolk. The 28-year-old is now free to latch on with a new organization.

King declined his $28 million player option for 2027 on Thursday and is now a free agent, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

King will receive a $5 million buyout instead and will now be on the lookout for a multi-year contract this offseason. The 31-year-old right-hander logged a 3.21 ERA and 1.18 WHIP across 32 regular-season starts for the Padres in 2026, though his strikeout rate dipped to 21 percent. King will be arguably the top free-agent starting pitcher after Tarik Skubal.