Michael Baumann: Everything you need to know

Baumann signed a minor-league deal with the Mets on Wednesday, Michael Mayer of MetsmerizedOnline.com reports. Baumann logged a 4.20 ERA, 1.93 WHIP, 19:12 K:BB and 53.7 percent groundball rate in 15 innings as a reliever in NPB last year. Prior to heading to Japan for one year, the 30-year-old righty registered a 4.95 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 147 strikeouts in 167.1 MLB innings, almost exclusively as a reliever. Baumann's poor control (16 percent walk rate in Japan) would likely limit him to low-leverage relief work if he earns a call-up in 2026.

Baumann was released by the Marlins on Monday and later signed with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball Organization, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. Baumann was the definition of a journeyman in 2024, making stops with the Orioles, Angels, Marlins, Mariners and Giants. He didn't pitch particularly well, posting a 5.55 ERA and 1.49 WHIP with a 58:28 K:BB across 58.1 frames, so he'll look for a better outcome overseas in 2025.

The Marlins activated Baumann from the paternity list Friday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. Baumann missed the series earlier this week against the Twins while welcoming a new addition to the family but will be back in the bullpen for the Marlins' final series of the season in Toronto. He has allowed 10 runs with a 17:4 K:BB over 12.1 innings during his time with Miami.