MLB Player News
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Enmanuel Valdez 2B | PIT
Red Sox's Enmanuel Valdez: DFA'd by Boston
The Red Sox designated Valdez for assignment Wednesday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.
Following the acquisition of Carlos Narvaez from the Yankees, Valdez will end up as the odd man out of a spot on Boston's 40-man roster. The 25-year-old utility man slashed just .214/.270/.363 in 223 big-league plate appearances last season, though his defensive versatility could prompt another team to take him in off waivers.
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Andres Gimenez 2B | TOR
Blue Jays' Andres Gimenez: Bound for Toronto
The Guardians traded Gimenez to the Blue Jays on Tuesday alongside Nick Sandlin in exchange for Spencer Horwitz and Nick Mitchell, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.
Gimenez had a down year offensively in 2024, slashing just .252/.298/.340 with 63 RBI in 152 games. However, the 26-year-old infielder is coming off his second consecutive 30-steal campaign and has developed into one of the game's best defenders. His glove will almost certainly keep him in the lineup everyday for Toronto, and he still has potential to bounce back at the plate after posting an .837 OPS just two seasons ago.
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Jace Jung 2B | DET
Tigers' Jace Jung: Undergoes wrist surgery
Jung underwent a minimally invasive surgical procedure on his right wrist in October, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.
Jung had been dealing with right wrist inflammation late in the season and the 24-year-old is expected to be ready to go for spring training in February. Jung appeared in 34 games with the Tigers during the 2024 regular season, producing a .241 average with five doubles, three RBI and 14 runs scored over 79 at-bats. Manager A.J. Hinch noted Monday that Jung will be given an opportunity to win a job during spring training, and he'll see work at third base, second base and in the designated hitter slot, per Petzold.
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Michael Stefanic 2B | TOR
Blue Jays' Michael Stefanic: Inks minors deal with Toronto
The Blue Jays signed Stefanic to a minor-league contract Wednesday, Nate Heisler of Klutch Sports reports.
Stefanic elected free agency after being outrighted off the Angels' 40-man roster in October. The 28-year-old has slashed just .232/.317/.275 over parts of three big-league seasons and will likely begin 2025 as a utility infielder at Triple-A Buffalo.
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Jeremiah Jackson 2B | NYM
Orioles' Jeremiah Jackson: Signs MiLB deal with Baltimore
The Orioles signed Jackson to a minor-league contract Monday, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.
Jackson played in 121 games with Double-A Binghamton in 2024, batting .206 with 19 home runs, 61 RBI, 49 runs scored and 11 stolen bass as a member of the Mets organization. He will now get a shot to prove himself with Baltimore ahead of the 2025 campaign.
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Franklin Barreto 2B | WAS
Orioles' Franklin Barreto: Signs minor-league deal with O's
The Orioles signed Barreto to a minor-league contract Monday, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.
Barreto played in 29 games with Triple-A Rochester in 2023, batting .202 with seven home runs, 15 RBI, 17 runs scored and two stolen bases over 99 at-bats. He spent the 2024 season with the Diablos Rojos del Mexico, producing a .343 average with 16 home runs and 63 RBi over 76 games. Barreto will now look to make the most of his opportunity with Baltimore ahead of the 2025 season.
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Andy Ibanez 2B | DET
Tigers' Andy Ibanez: Agrees to terms for 2025
Ibanez agreed to a one-year, $1.4 million contract with the Tigers on Friday to avoid arbitration, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports.
Ibanez took a step back during his second year with the Tigers, slashing .241/.295/.357 over 244 plate appearances during the regular season. However, the Tigers have deemed his performance worthy of a $633,900 raise from his previous salary. He's expected to remain in a utility role next year.
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Jonathan India 2B | KC
Royals' Jonathan India: Dealt to KC
The Royals acquired India (ankle) and Joey Wiemer in exchange for Brady Singer on Friday.
India enjoyed a strong 2024 season with the Reds while serving as their primary second baseman. However, with Matt McLain and Christian Encarnacion-Strand back from injury, there was a projected playing time squeeze along Cincinnati's infield. India should immediately slot into the starting second base job with the Royals ahead of Michael Massey, and he could hit near the top of the order given his career .352 OBP.
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Jorge Mateo SS | BAL
Orioles' Jorge Mateo: Could be limited in spring training
Orioles general manager Mike Elias said Friday that Mateo (elbow) might not be fully recovered for the start of spring training, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.
That contradicts what Elias said in October about Mateo's recovery from UCL reconstruction surgery on his left (non-throwing) elbow, although the revised timeline does not seem to be the result of a setback. Elias did add that he expected Mateo to be ready for close to a full 162-game schedule. The veteran infielder is slated for a utility role with the Orioles in 2025.