MLB Offseason Moves: Teams Sign Key Players to Minor League Deals

The MLB offseason has seen teams making strategic moves by signing players to minor league contracts, a tactic aimed at bolstering depth and future roster decisions. The Detroit Tigers have signed four pitchers to minor league deals, including relievers Jack Little and Sean Guenther, who have both been non-tendered.

Enmanuel De Jesus, a left-hander returning from Korea, and righty Cole Waites, who is recovering from elbow surgery, also join the ranks on minor league contracts. Guenther has a solid 2.30 ERA over the past two seasons but has faced injury setbacks, while Little has shown promise but struggled in the majors.

In another move, the San Diego Padres have inked right-hander Triston McKenzie to a minor league deal. McKenzie, once a promising ace with the Guardians, has battled injuries and had a disappointing 2024 season with a 5.11 ERA.

The Padres are hopeful that this low-risk signing could yield positive results as they prepare for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies have signed catcher Brett Sullivan to a minor league deal, increasing their depth behind the plate as they prepare for the season with limited options at the position.

Sullivan has experience in the majors but faced challenges in recent years, making this signing a depth move for Colorado as they look to solidify their roster ahead of the season.