MLB Insider: Breaking down 6 recent free-agent contracts

Michael Wacha, Boston Red Sox. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Wacha, Boston Red Sox. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michael Wacha. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

The MLB offseason continues to churn, as six free agents have come off the board in recent days. Here’s a breakdown of each deal.

Most of the top MLB free agents have signed. There are still a few available, including Jurickson Profar, but teams mostly have their rosters set as pitchers and catchers report to spring training.

In recent days, Michael Wacha signed with the San Diego Padres. Left-hander Matt Moore signed with the Los Angeles Angels. Pitchers Jimmy Nelson and Alex Reyes signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. There are others, of course, with the Boston Red Sox continuing to add infield depth in the wake of Trevor Story’s injury.

Here’s a breakdown of each contract, via major-league sources.

MLB Insider: Breaking down 6 recent free agent signings

Michael Wacha, San Diego Padres

Free-agent right-hander Michael Wacha and the San Diego Padres agreed to a four-year, $26 million contract, according to sources. Here’s a full breakdown of the deal, per source:

Signing bonus: $3.5 million. 2024 and 2025 club option: $16 million that must be exercised or declined at the same time.

If the club option is declined, it turns into a $6.5 million player option in 2024 and $6 million player options in 2025 and 2026.

The deal also includes a multitude of incentives. In 2023: $500,000 each for 20, 25 games; $1 million for 30 games. 2024-2026 if player options are exercised: $500,000 each for 20, 25 games; $1 million for 30 games.

Alex Reyes, Los Angeles Dodgers

Free-agent reliever Alex Reyes and the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a one-year, $1.1 million contract that includes a club option for 2024. Here’s a full breakdown, per source:

  • 2023: $1.1 million.
  • 2024: $3 million club option ($100,000 buyout).

The base in 2024 increases by $300,000 each for 15, 20 relief appearances and $400,000 for 25 relief appearances.

In 2023, Reyes can earn $250,000 each with 15, 20, 25, 30 relief appearances.

In 2024, Reyes can earn $250,000 each for 50, 55, 60, 65 relief appearances. He can earn an additional $250,000 for 30, 35, 40, 45 games finished. He can also earn $500,000 each for 60 and 120 days on the active roster.