MLB Offseason Roundup: Padres Add to Bullpen, Will Someone Take Flier on Smith-Njigba?

This is one in a series of daily articles highlighting the latest news and notes from the MLB offseason.

It was a relatively quiet day of the MLB offseason, with one notable transaction taking place.

The San Diego Padres reached an agreement with former New York Yankees reliever Wandy Peralta, as first reported by Ken Rosenthal and Dennis Lin of The Athletic. It’s a four-year deal worth $16.5 million and is a unique structure with opt-out clauses after each of the first three seasons.

The 32-year-old Peralta has generated good results with the Yankees since joining them during the 2021 season. Over three years with New York, the left-hander posted a 2.82 ERA across 165 appearances.

Last year, he finished 4-2 with a 2.83 ERA in 63 appearances. He also had a 5.05 FIP, however, largely due to a surprising lack of control. Peralta finished with 5.0 walks per nine innings in 2023 after checking in under three walks per nine the previous season.

SMITH-NJIGBA IN DFA LIMBO

Outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigba faces an uncertain future after he was designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The decision was made to make room for Aroldis Chapman on the 40-man roster.

In his very brief big-league career, Smith-Njigba hasn’t produced much, but he has a steady track record in the minor leagues and is still only 24 years old (he turns 25 at the end of April).

With one minor league option remaining, it seems likely that the Pirates will lose Smith-Njigba to another organization who could use depth at the position.

The Pirates have a week to trade him if that is the ultimate outcome.

PBN LINKS

Aroldis Chapman Excited to Join David Bednar, Giving Pirates Elite Bullpen Duo

Pirates DFA Canaan Smith-Njigba, Make Aroldis Chapman Signing Official

Perrotto: Would Pirates Sell Souls for Potential Pennant?

MLB Trade Rumors Lists Pirates as Trade Fit for Catcher Joey Bart

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