Spring Training kicks off for most teams this week, as early preparations for 2025 get underway in Arizona & Florida. Considering that, it wasn’t a shock to see many deals — both big and small — get done over the last seven days. However, we couldn’t get to all of them — until now. Here’s a look at five notable MLB signings that happened over the last week before 2025 Spring Training that you might have missed.

Connor Joe – Padres

The same day the Padres confirmed their list of non-roster invitees, news broke that San Diego made two additional moves. One was the reported signing of Jason Heyward on a Minor League deal. The other involved former Pirates 1B/OF Connor Joe, on a one-year deal.

Joe comes back to San Diego, where his career took off after a strong career at San Diego University. The 32-year-old doesn’t have one standout tool but Joe knows how to work counts and get on base. The ex-Pirate posted 10+ BB% rates in each of the last four seasons.

Why Joe (and Heyward) coming to San Diego is so important, is because the Padres don’t have a set third outfielder to pair with Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr. Former Padre Jurickson Profar is now with the Braves after an All-Star 2024 season, pricing himself out of San Diego. Joe likely won’t leadoff in San Diego but can slot in at the bottom of the lineup, to set up the top half.

Ramon Laureano – Orioles

The Orioles added another option for their outfield, pickup up ex-Brave Ramon Laureano on a one-year deal. Laureano joins Dylan Carlson, who the Orioles signed earlier in the offseason.

Laureano had a rather interesting 2024, starting the year with Cleveland but ending it with Atlanta. He hit just .143/.265/.229 (.494 OPS) with the Guardians before Cleveland cut Laureano. The 30-year-old landed with a banged-up Braves and hit very well, with 11 home runs and a .748 OPS across 98 games. However, Laureano, paid $5.15MM in 2024, was staring at a raise in arbitration and the Braves opted to non-tender him.

There are flaws in Laureano’s game. The 30-year-old has tremendous power but sells out to the fastball and struggles with everything else, hence the high K%. However, he possesses good footspeed and a plus-plus arm, making him a good corner outfielder for Baltimore.

Randal Grichuk – Diamondbacks

Arizona brought back Randal Grichuk to a one-year deal, giving the Diamondbacks balance for their outfield. Last season, Grichuk did very well in limited time, hitting .291/.348/.528 (.876 OPS) with 12 home runs and 34 extra-base hits over 106 contests (279 PA).

Grichuk was mainly used in a platoon role, getting the bulk of his plate apperances (184) versus left-handed pitching. Given Arizona’s glut of left-handed outfielders, it’s likely Grichuk will do the same in 2025, getting time in lieu of Jake McCarthy and/or Alek Thomas against left-handed pitchers.

Trey Mancini – Diamondbacks (ML)

The Diamondbacks also signed Trey Mancini to a Minor League deal, giving him a chance to make a return to the Majors. Mancini didn’t play in the Majors or Minors in 2024.

The 32-year-old’s been a solid power hitter throughout his career, with 39 home runs & 97 extra-base hits between 2021-22. However, Mancini struggled to hit with the Cubs, who were hoping a platoon between him and Eric Hosmer would alleviate their troubles at first.

Mancini is vying for a bench/utility slot, as the Diamondbacks have Josh Naylor slated to play first base in 2025.

Yoan Moncada – Angels

The Angels have former White Sox All-Star Tim Anderson in camp as a non-roster invite this year. Los Angeles (AL) also has Yoan Moncada now, as the Angels signed the ex-White Sox to a one-year deal worth $5MM. Moncada originally had a club option for 2025 worth $25MM but was bought out in November, ending his run with Chicago.

Despite his status as arguably the top prospect in baseball a decade ago, Moncada recorded a largely disappointing career with the White Sox. The 29-year-old cracked 25 home runs in 2019 and a .919 OPS, both career-bests. However, he couldn’t come close to replicating either figures and was besieged by injuries from 2022-24.

Moncada provides depth for a team that needs it, as the Angels have Anthony Rendon, a third baseman with his own injury concerns. The 29-year-old is patient and has power, with a career average Barrel% of 9.5%, above the league-average.

Make sure to check out which college players made the 2025 Golden Spikes Preseason Watch List.