MLB Player News

Jeffers is back after missing Saturday’s game due to an injury to his right hand. The Twins considered his absence precautionary, and he’s ready to roll for the series finale against St. Louis on Sunday.

Heasley fortifies Chicago’s bullpen depth heading into spring training after making four unremarkable relief appearances last year for the Orioles. The 27-year-old former starter hasn’t missed a ton of bats, even in shorter bursts out of the bullpen, but is capable of soaking up multiple frames, if needed. He’s merely extra organizational depth at this stage of his development.

DeLauter was once again plagued by foot issues last year, which limited him to just 39 contests between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus. The 23-year-old former first-round pick was really starting to take off on the doorstep of the big leagues before a late August hamstring strain ended his shot at making Cleveland’s postseason roster. The positive news is that he looked sharp during a 12-game stint in the Arizona Fall League and projects as an impact fantasy contributor at the highest level due to his combination of elite contact skills and plus raw power. It’s only a matter of time before he’s a fixture in the Guardians’ outfield mix.

Thompson hasn’t officially announced his retirement from professional baseball. However, he’ll pick up the pigskin at South Alabama as a walk-on in the coming weeks during their offseason workouts and spring practices. The athletic soon-to-be 27-year-old former first-round pick was a standout quarterback at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in Mobile, Alabama prior to being selected 26th overall in the 2017 MLB Draft by the Rangers. If his baseball career is finished, he’ll end with an underwhelming .232/.273/.295 triple-slash line with one homer and 27 stolen bases in 109 games between the Rangers and Reds from 2022-2024.

Lantigua provides the Phillies with some extra infield depth at Triple-A Lehigh Valley after spending the last seven seasons in Toronto’s system. The 26-year-old second baseman batted .265/.367/.336 with four homers and 16 steals in 521 plate appearances last season for Triple-A Buffalo.

This comes shortly after the Dodgers were reportedly named one of three finalists for Sasaki’s services. He recently completed meetings with those other two finalists and the Padres and Blue Jays as he gets close to the January 23 deadline. Whatever club lands Sasaki is gaining one of the most talented — and productive, particularly for his age — pitchers in the sport.

Wendelken spent the last two years overseas, and the 31-year-old right-hander was able to post a 1.57 ERA in 95 games in Japan the last two seasons. He’ll compete for a bullpen spot with the Padres, and while he has a chance to make the team even with the minor-league contract, it likely won’t be in a role that provides fantasy upside.

Stock has not pitched in the majors since 2021. The 35-year-old throws hard, but hasn’t been able to find success at the highest level thus far. He provides some depth at the Triple-A level for 2025..

Raposo is now off the 40-man roster. The Mariners claimed the backstop off waivers from the Jays, and will likely report to Triple-A Tacoma if he goes unclaimed on the waiver wire.

Mastrobuoni was designated for assignment after the Cubs acquired Matt Festa from the Rangers. The 29-year-old has not been successful with the bat, but has a chance to make the Seattle roster because of his ability to play all over the field

Díaz heads to San Francisco as extra organizational relief depth at Triple-A Sacramento after making one relief appearance last year for the Astros. The 30-year-old journeyman righty has logged 88 appearances (eight starts) between three different clubs at the big-league level dating back to 2017. He’ll presumably get a chance to compete in spring training for a spot in the Giants’ season-opening bullpen.