The Houston Astros have signed free-agent left-hander Steven Okert to a minor-league deal. Okert wasn't very good in 2024 with the Minnesota Twins, but he'll get another opportunity in spring training in 2025 with the Astros. In his 44 appearances (one start) over 35 1/3 innings with the Twins this past season, Okert posted a bloated 5.09 ERA (5.12 FIP), a career-worst 1.50 WHIP, 33 strikeouts and 16 walks while going 3-2. The 33-year-old southpaw will most likely open the campaign at Triple-A Sugar Land but should eventually see some time in the big leagues in Houston. He was originally drafted in the fourth round in 2012 out of Oklahoma by the San Francisco Giants. Okert has a career 4.34 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with only one save, which came last year with the Twins. He's not at all on the fantasy radar heading into 2025.

Minnesota Twins outfielder Nick Gordon has been traded to the Miami Marlins for reliever Steven Okert, according to Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic. Gordon, who just lost his arbitration hearing with the Twins, will earn $900,000 this upcoming season and is out of minor league options. He will need to earn a spot on Miami's roster and should have a chance to compete for a bench spot during spring training. Gordon is a career .250/.293/.392 hitter with 15 home runs, 80 RBI, and 16 stolen bases over 696 career at-bats. Okert worked a 4.45 ERA, 1.261 WHIP, and 73:24 K/BB ratio over 58 2/3 innings of relief last year with the Fish. He should work middle relief for the Twins this upcoming season.

Miami Marlins relief pitcher Steven Okert (triceps) made his third Grapefruit League outing on Sunday in a 4-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox, striking out one in a scoreless inning of work. So far in spring training action, the 31-year-old left-hander hasn't allowed a run in his three innings of work while striking out two and walking one. He finished the 2022 campaign on the injured list with left triceps tightness, but he looks ready to go for Opening Day this year. In his second year in Miami in 2022, Okert finished with a strong 2.98 ERA (4.36 FIP), 1.17 WHIP, 26 walks and career-high 63 strikeouts in 51 1/3 innings over 60 relief outings. He's probably not a candidate for save chances in Miami, but he could be useful in deep holds leagues.