All articles tagged with #minor league contract
Taijuan Walker, released by the Phillies in April after a rough 23 earned runs over 22 2/3 innings in five appearances, has signed a minor-league deal with the Los Angeles Angels to rehab in Arizona and pursue a return to the majors; he previously signed a four-year, $72 million contract with Philadelphia after the 2022 season, which the Phillies are largely paying off.
The Orioles signed veteran outfielder Tommy Pham to a minor-league deal that includes an early June opt-out if he isn’t added to the active roster, aiming to bolster outfield depth amid injuries and roster churn; Pham, 38, has a lengthy, journeyman career and would earn a path back to the majors if he performs well in the minors.
Chicago signed veteran reliever Liam Hendriks to a minor-league deal as he chases a Major League return. The 37-year-old is coming off Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Tommy John surgery, and after a difficult spring with the Twins, he’ll begin in the Cubs’ system (eyeing Triple-A Iowa) to prove he still has upside and depth for the bullpen amid several injuries in Chicago.
Texas signs veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training, where his right-handed bat could serve as bench depth and a platoon option alongside Joc Pederson in the outfield.
Toronto re-signed left-hander Joe Mantiply to a minor-league deal with a non-roster invite to spring training, bringing back a pitcher who split last season between Triple-A Buffalo and the Jays organization and posted a 19:0 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 64 Triple-A plate appearances, providing left-handed bullpen depth after limited MLB success but recalling his 2022 All-Star form.
Boston signed reliever Kyle Keller to a minor-league deal with a Spring Training invitation, a $1.9 million base if he makes the MLB roster, and a mid-April assignment clause. Returning from four seasons in Japan with a strong 2.42 ERA in 152 1/3 NPB innings, Keller could provide non-roster bullpen depth for Boston under chief Chris Breslow.
The Philadelphia Phillies signed veteran utilityman Dylan Moore to a minor-league contract with a non-roster invitation to spring training, adding veteran bench depth to Rob Thomson’s roster. Moore, who has seven MLB seasons and spent time with the Mariners and Rangers, will compete for a multi-positional role off the Phillies’ bench and can play everywhere except catcher, offering defensive flexibility and a platoon-friendly bat.
The Cincinnati Reds signed right-hander Darren McCaughan to a minor-league contract and will bring him to spring training as a non-roster invitee. The 29-year-old swingman has MLB experience across four teams with a 6.02 ERA in 61 1/3 innings. He spent most of 2025 in Minnesota’s Triple-A system, posting a 5.10 ERA over 97 innings with 20 homers allowed. McCaughan is known for solid control and multi-role versatility, making him organizational depth for Cincinnati and likely a Triple-A Louisville option rather than breaking camp with the Reds.
Los Angeles Angels signed right-hander Nick Sandlin to a minor-league contract with a spring-training invite, adding bullpen depth after an injury-marred 2025 season. Sandlin posted solid numbers from 2021-24 (3.27 ERA with strong strikeouts and grounders) but dealt with elbow/lat injuries last year. If he spends 15 days on a major-league roster, he reaches five years of service time, giving the Angels control through 2027 if he performs.
Kyle Gibson opted out of his minor league deal with the Rays after a strong showing in Triple-A, where he posted excellent stats and showed improvement from his rough MLB stint earlier in the year with the Orioles, increasing his chances of securing an MLB contract.
Joey Votto, a Canadian baseball icon, has embarked on a new journey with the Toronto Blue Jays, signing a minor-league contract and expressing his excitement to restart his career at 40. Votto, who spent 17 seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, is now aiming to earn a spot with the Blue Jays and feels the fire and uncertainty reminiscent of his 18-year-old self. Despite the possibility of not playing a game for the Blue Jays, Votto is grateful for the opportunity and is focused on fitting in and contributing in any way he can.
The Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement with outfielder David Peralta on a minor league contract. Peralta, who struggled in the 2023 season with the Dodgers due to injuries, will provide depth and a veteran presence for the Cubs. While he faces competition for playing time in the outfield, his solid defensive skills and potential for a bounce-back performance make him a valuable addition to the team.
The Detroit Tigers have signed Keston Hiura to a minor-league contract with an invitation to MLB spring training, offering him a chance to earn $2 million if he makes the majors with additional bonuses. The 27-year-old, known for his power hitting, fills a need for upper-level depth at first base for the Tigers. With a track record of hitting for power in the majors and minors, Hiura played 284 games with the Milwaukee Brewers from 2019-22, hitting .238 with 50 home runs. This low-risk deal provides the Tigers with a potential power hitter and depth at first base.
The Miami Marlins have signed free agent Trey Mancini to a minor league contract, with Mancini set to join the team as a non-roster invitee for spring training. Mancini, who struggled in the 2023 season after being released by the Cubs and later the Reds, will compete for a bench spot and potential playing time at designated hitter and in the outfield corners with the Marlins. Despite recent struggles, Mancini has shown the ability to be a productive hitter and has a compelling personal story, having overcome Stage 3 colon cancer and returning to play in 2021.
Vladi Miguel Guerrero, son of Hall of Fame slugger Vladimir Guerrero and half-brother of Toronto star Vladimir Guerrero Jr., has agreed to a minor league contract with the New York Mets as part of the 2024 international signing period. The Mets also reached deals with top prospects Yovanny Rodriguez, Yensi Rivas, and Edward Lantigua as the signing period opened for eligible players born between Sept. 1, 2006, and Aug. 31, 2007.