2026 Transactions: Angels Sign Lucchesi, DFAs & Selections

The final pieces of MLB roster housekeeping were completed on March 25, just before the Yankees and Giants took the field in San Francisco. Two former Giants, Joey Lucchesi and Austin Slater, found new homes before the big Opening Day on the 26th. Plus, many players were designated for assignment on the 25th.

Signings

The Angels signed veteran left-hander Joey Lucchesi on March 25. Lucchesi, who pitched for the Giants last season, was on a Minor League deal with San Francisco but did not make their roster.

The lefty gave up five hits and struck out two over three innings.

Outfielder Austin Slater signed with the Marlins, a team in need of outfielders at the moment, thanks to injuries. Slater slashed .267/.389/.467 over 15 spring games with the Tigers.

Demotions

Easton McGee (Brewers), Seth Halvorsen (Rockies), Brenan Hanifee (Tigers), and Eli Morgan (Royals) were optioned to Triple-A.

Perhaps the most notable of the bunch was Halvorsen, who saw time as the Rockies’ closer last season. The hard-throwing right-hander walked 12 over five spring innings.

Darvish to restricted list

Rather than putting him on the injured list, the Padres placed pitcher Yu Darvish on the restricted list.

Darvish will likely miss all of 2026 after he had a brace surgery on his elbow during the winter. However, this move does open up an avenue for the Padres to clear money off the books.

There was some speculation that the right-hander was going to retire earlier in the offseason. However, that did not materialize, as Darvish noted that he was still focused on rehabbing his elbow.

DFA’s and releases

Here’s a look at the players who were designated for assignment on the 25th:

• RP Angel Bastardo (Blue Jays)
• OF Dairon Blanco (Rangers)
• INF/OF Vidal Brujan (Mets)
• RP Grant Holman (Diamondbacks)
• RP Bryan Hudson (Mets)
• RP Jackson Kowar (Orioles)
• C Alex Jackson (Twins)
• INF Leo Jimenez (Blue Jays)
• C Korey Lee (White Sox)
• OF Luis Matos (Giants)
• 1B Curtis Mead (White Sox)
• RP Jack Neely (Cubs)
• INF Bryan Ramos (Orioles)
• OF Johnathan Rodriguez (Guardians)
• C Ben Rortvedt (Mets)
• C Cesar Salazar (Astros)
• RP Dylan Smith (White Sox)
• C Garrett Stubbs (Phillies)
• RP Keegan Thompson (Rockies)
• OF Drew Waters (Royals)
• INF Brett Wisely (Braves)

Spencer Miles, the Blue Jays’ 2025 Rule 5 pick, beat out former Rule 5 pick Angel Bastardo for a roster spot.

The White Sox cut Korey Lee and Curtis Mead, both of whom were former top prospects. Mead was acquired last July in a trade with the Rays.

Additionally, the Mariners released catcher Andrew Knizner.

Contract selections

Christian Cairo (Phillies), Jared Oliva (Giants), Brett Sullivan (Rockies), Cam Booser (Rays), Joe Ross (Diamondbacks), Mitch Garver (Mariners), and TJ Rumfield (Rockies) had their contracts selected and added to their respective teams’ 40-man rosters.