MLB Player News

The Pirates probably figured they were getting a guy who would start in their outfield for a couple of years when they acquired De La Cruz at the deadline, but he’s performed poorly both offensively and defensively. They’ve also since moved Oneil Cruz to center, leaving them with just one outfield spot unspoken for going forward. As a first-time arbitration-eligible player, De La Cruz will be cheap enough that he shouldn’t be a non-tender candidate. He could be brought back to compete with Jack Suwinski, Cook and others for the right field job, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get sent elsewhere in a minor deal.

The Angels seem to be scooping up all the veterans this offseason, trading for Jorge Soler and signing Travis d’Arnaud and now Newman. The 31-year-old hit .278 in 288 at-bats in 2024 with three home runs, 28 RBI, and eight steals. However, the veteran’s real value will come with his elite defense across the infield, which has led him to be a positive-WAR player over his career. He will likely fill a utility role off the bench for the Angels.

The New York Post’s Jon Heyman says it will be for one year and include a club option. Newman is coming off a nice season as a utilityman for the Diamondbacks, having hit .278/.311/.375 in 311 plate appearances. He could open up as the Angels’ starting shortstop if Zach Neto requires an IL stint after shoulder surgery. He’ll also likely help out at third base after Anthony Rendon gets hurt.

Hill was released by the White Sox in June after posting a 5.87 ERA, 2.22 WHIP, and 13/10 K/BB ratio in 23 innings. However, after signing with the Yankees, the left-hander had a 2.05 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 18/9 K/BB ratio in 44 innings. He won’t be a fantasy asset but would be a strong addition to the Yankees’ bullpen.

Moncada is a free agent who has reportedly been attracting interest from a few teams this offseason, so a potential injury for an oft-injured player would be a killer to his market. However, it was revealed after the game that he didn’t suffer any fractures, so he should be fully healthy heading into 2025.

It’s a pretty interesting wrinkle for the Pirates as Strom played a pivotal role last decade in building the Astros juggernaut before a three-year stint with the Diamondbacks. He brings a wealth of experience to a talented Pittsburgh staff headlined by the tandem of Paul Skenes and Jared Jones with top prospect Bubba Chandler on the doorstep of the big leagues.

Briceño is the first prospect to launch double-digit homers in the AFL since Mike Olt accomplished the feat back in 2011. The 20-year-old backstop was limited to just 40 games last season at Low-A Lakeland and figures to open up next year back in the lower minors. His over-the-fence pop is unquestioned and he figures to hit for plenty of power once he arrives in the big leagues. That’s unlikely to happen in 2025, but he’s definitely increased his long-term dynasty appeal with his AFL performance.

Duarte remains with Minnesota shortly after being removed last week from the club’s 40-man roster. The 27-year-old righty, who has made 36 relief appearances in the big leagues since 2022, is expected to miss the vast majority of next season as he recovers from UCL revision surgery.

Curvelo officially joins the Rangers after it was reported Sunday that the 24-year-old would be joining the Rangers. He’s coming off a fantastic season in Double-A Arkansas with a 2.57 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and a 78/18 K/BB ratio over his 66 2/3 innings of work. He’ll get a chance to win a spot in the Texas bullpen, and he may have the stuff to be a high-leverage reliever.

Fink was the Guardians’ minor league hitting coordinator the last three years, so he’ll have some familiarity with some of the Cleveland hitters. He replaces Chris Valaika, who left the Guardians to join Terry Francona’s staff in Cincinnati.

Romero mentions some of the teams that have monitored the infielder are the Blue Jays, Yankees, and Mariners. Moncada is a free agent after the White Sox declined his $25 million option for the 2025 season. The former top prospect does have a career .756 OPS and offers the ability to play both third and second base, but has struggled mightily over the last few seasons both on the field and to stay healthy. He’s likely looking at a one-year “prove it” deal this winter.