MLB Player News

Wendzel was designated for assignment earlier this week by the Rangers and heads to Cincinnati in a small trade deadline swap.

Shugart is removed from the 40-man roster after the Red Sox traded for Blake Sabol. Shugart picked up a save while making six appearances for Boston in 2024 while forging a 4.15 ERA, and he likely will see interest on the waiver wire or via trade from a team looking for pitching depth.

Sabol was designated for assignment by San Francisco after they signed Justin Verlander on Saturday. The 27-year-old backstop can handle things behind the plate, but also is capable of playing in the outfield. That versatility gives him a good chance to make Boston after spring training, but it’s far from a lock.

Taylor gets booted off the 40-man roster with the Mariners acquiring Blake Hunt in a deal with the Orioles. Taylor offers roster versatility and speed, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if a team put a claim in for the 26-year-old, with a trade also possible.

It’s a return to the organization for Hunt, as Seattle dealt Hunt to the Orioles for Mike Baumann last summer. The 26-year-old backstop will be the third catcher for the Mariners behind Cal Raleigh and Mitch Garver while likely reporting to Triple-A Tacoma to begin the year.

Adon, 26, was designated for assignment last week, and unsurprisingly the right-hander went unclaimed after going 3-16 with a 6.66 ERA in 26 career starts. The right-hander will be a depth piece if he doesn’t elect free agency.

Salas won’t turn 17 until March, but still is eligible for a massive bonus. if the last name sounds familiar, he’s the brother of Ethan Salas; one of the top prospects in the sport at the catching position. Andrew offers a chance to hit for a high average and is viewed as a strong defender who could end up at shortstop or in the outfield. He won’t be ready for MLB action for several years.

De Jesus Gonzalez is considered by many — including MLB Pipeline — to be the top international player on the market not including Roki Sasaki. The switch-hitting shortstop has a chance to hit for average and power from both sides of the plate, and there’s enough speed to project some stolen bases in his future. Considering he doesn’t turn 18 until October, it’s likely De Jesus Gonzalez doesn’t play in the majors until the end of the decade, but there’s significant fantasy upside that comes with a good amount of risk, too.

It’s the top bonus of any international signing Thursday. Peña is a left-handed hitting shortstop who projects to hit for a high average thanks to his smooth left-handed stroke with solid power potential as well. It’ll be years until he reaches the majors, but he has some of the best upside of any IFA signing of this class.

The 39-year-old Bard missed all of last season after suffering a knee injury in spring training and then hurting his elbow. He had a 4.56 ERA in 49 1/3 innings for the Rockies in 2023.

France underwent surgery last July to repair a capsule tear in his right shoulder which carried a 12-14 month return timetable. The additional clarity on his recovery timeline puts him back in Houston’s rotation mix at some point during the second half. The -year-old righty has resumed a throwing program and is expected to progress long-tossing this week. With Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, Ronel Blanco and Spencer Arrighetti locked into rotation spots, it’ll likely be Hayden Wesneski opening the year as the Astros’ fifth starter until some combination of Luis Garcia, Lance McCullers Jr. or France are ready to return.