MLB Insider: Breaking down 5 recent signings and extensions

MLB News: Jandel Gustave signs with the Arizona Diamondbacks

Right-handed reliever Jandel Gustave and the Arizona Diamondbacks are in agreement on a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to spring training, according to a source familiar with the deal. The contract pays $950,000 if Gustave is in the majors.

Gustave marks the 17th(!) reliever that the Diamondbacks have added this offseason. The team clearly prioritized adding bullpen depth and taking as many chances on relievers to see if they can uncover a diamond in the rough.

Gustave, 30, is a smart, inexpensive gamble. He posted a 3.86 ERA in 28 games with the Brewers last season. He posted a 2.96 ERA in 23 games with the Giants in 2019 and a 3.44 ERA in Milwaukee in 2021. He’s struggled with command issues throughout his career — he has a 2/1 strikeout-to-walk ratio in five major-league seasons — but adding a reliever with his experience on a minor-league contract comes with relatively no risk.

MLB News: Aroldis Chapman signs with the Kansas City Royals

Free-agent reliever Aroldis Chapman signed a one-year, $3.75 million contract with the Kansas City Royals. Here’s a breakdown of the full contract, according to a source:

$312,500 each in 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and 55 games.

$312,500 each for 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36 and 40 games finished.

The deal also includes $100,000 for Cy Young ($50,000 for second through fifth place), among other award bonuses.

MLB News: Jeff McNeil extension with the New York Mets

National League batting champion Jeff McNeil signed a four-year, $50 million contract extension with the New York Mets, the team announced. The deal includes a club option for a fifth season that could bring the total value to $63.75 million.

Here’s a full breakdown of the contract, according to a source: $6.25 million in 2023; $10.25 million in 2024; $15.75 million in 2025 and 2026; $13.75 million club option in 2027 ($2 million buyout).

McNeil’s extension brings the Mets’ payroll to a record-breaking $467 million. Extending McNeil, 30, means that both sides avoid going to an arbitration hearing (he requested $7.75 million in 2023 while the Mets countered with $6.25 million) and ensures that one of the game’s best hitters stays in New York for years to come.

The immediate question following the McNeil extension is when, or if, the Mets would do the same with superstar Pete Alonso. Such an extension should be the top priority for general manager Billy Eppler, though it’s unclear if conversations have even begun.