MLB Player News

With Vidal Bruján and Derek Hill coming off the IL, there was no room for Hensley on the active roster. The 28-year-old has hit .212/.293/.288 in 23 games for the Marlins with one home run, one steal, and a 29.3 percent strikeout rate.

Maldonado was claimed off waivers from the Marlins in November after registering a 5.68 ERA and 1.47 WHIP across 19 MLB innings and a 4.66 ERA in Triple-A with a 53/22 K/BB ratio in 46 1/3 innings. He was designated for assignment to clear room on the 40-man roster for Elvis Alvarado, who was claimed off waivers from the Pirates.

Santos appeared in 33 games for Triple-A Memphis last season, pitching to a 5.61 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, and 60/33 K/BB ratio in 77 innings. Santos was released earlier in January once it was revealed that he expected to miss the 2025 season while rehabilitating from an injury, but the Cardinals will now have him for two more seasons and can help him with the rehab. Santos and Nick Robertson came to the Cardinals last off-season in a trade with the Red Sox for Tyler O’Neill. Robertson is no longer on the Cardinals.

The Twins claimed Weiss off waivers from the Red Sox last season after he posted a 3.21 ERA in 14 innings in 2023. Weiss missed the first three months of the 2024 season with a shoulder strain and then registered a 5.40 ERA, 1.88 WHIP, and 32/11 K/BB ratio in 25 innings at Triple-A

As Matheson noted, “This is a bit of a ‘prove it’ spring for Martinez, coming off his suspension.” However, Martinez is one of the few players who can play the infield and DH who actually hits for power. Other options like Will Wagner, Leo Jimenez, and Addison Barger are most contact-oriented hitters; however, “Martinez needs to prove he’s competent in the field, which has been a challenge at times.” While Matheson admitted that there is a chance Martinez could play it way into a starting opportunity, it seems like a longshot for now.

The Pirates signed Alvarado to a one-year deal but chose to designate him for assignment earlier this week to make room for Adam Frazier. Now Alvarado will get a chance to latch on with the Athletics. The 25-year-old has yet to make his MLB debut but did register a 2.79 ERA and a 71/38 K/BB in 48 1/3 innings for the Marlins’ Triple-A affiliate last season.

The 28-year-old Hernández was tremendous out of the bullpen for Texas in 2020 and 2022 and looked to be a potential closer of the future. However, he struggled in 2023 and then again last season, pitching to a 5.05 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, and 36/26 K/BB ratio in 41 innings before Texas put him on waivers. Given how much success Tampa Bay has had in the past with getting veteran relievers to put forth career-best efforts, it wouldn’t surprise us if Hernández becomes another name they can add to the list.

Castillo mentions that the Yankees still want to acquire a third baseman or second baseman and have Jazz Chisolm Jr. play the other position, but they are not looking at either of the high-profile veterans. Bregman is looking for a five-year contract or longer and still asking for nearly $30 million in AAV, and Nolan Arenado would require a trade and the Yankees to take on his salary. For now, the expectation is for the Yankees to look to fill the position internally or will a lower-cost option.

Blum mentioned that, based on comments from Angels’ management, “it seems more likely for a backup first baseman to come in the form of a more versatile infielder.” That means Niko Kavadas and Ryan Noda are less likely to win the job. Blum suggests that Rendon, “who isn’t likely to get everyday reps at third base,” could serve as a backup at both positions, potentially starting versus left-handed pitchers. Maybe this part-time role could keep him healthy all season, but it’s hard to see him having much fantasy value outside of the deepest formats.

Blum noted that the Angels were planning to call up Moore in September last season before he suffered a meniscus injury. The 22-year-old, who was the eighth overall pick in last year’s draft, hit .347/.400/.584 in 25 minor league games last season with six home runs and two steals. With Anthony Rendon now transitioning to a bench role, the Angels could slot Luis Rengifo in at third base and let Moore battle Kevin Newman for the starting second base job. Moore’s chances of making the Opening Day roster may also be improved by shortstop Zach Neto (shoulder) likely starting the year on the IL. That would mean the Angels could play Newman at shortstop and give Moore the second base job. This will certainly be a situation to monitor this spring.

It’s not a huge surprise since Stephenson underwent Tommy John surgery in April of last season, but this is the first confirmation that we’re hearing. The 31-year-old signed a three-year, $33 million contract last offseason after re-inventing himself in Tampa Bay and posting a 2.35 ERA, 0.68 WHIP, and 60/8 K/BB ratio in 38 1/3 innings. Stephenson figures to be back in action by the summer and could emerge as a late-inning option if Ben Joyce is unable to hold down the job.