Bannon signed a minor-league contract with the Mets on Monday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Bannon has seen brief action in the majors for three different teams over the last two seasons, going 2-for-20 at the plate. The 27-year-old spent virtually all of 2023 at Triple-A Sugar Land in the Astros organization, posting an .810 OPS with 18 homers and 12 steals over 95 games. Bannon plays second and third base and can handle shortstop in a pinch.

Mauricio suffered an apparent leg injury Sunday while playing in the Domincan Winter League, Michael Mayer of MetsmerizedOnline.com reports.

Mauricio came up lame while making an abrupt stop as he halted a stolen-base attempt. He was down for a bit before eventually walking off the field gingerly with the training staff. There are no more specifics at this point regarding the exact nature of the injury or how severe it might be, but Mauricio's winter ball stint might be over. The 22-year-old is slated to compete for the Mets' third base job during spring training.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns indicated Monday that he expects the team's starting third baseman to come out of the group of Mauricio, Brett Baty and Mark Vientos, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

Stearns also noted that he's not viewing any of the trio of players as a frontrunner for the gig, and it's possible no winner will be declared by Opening Day. The Mets have said Jeff McNeil will be confined mostly to second base, which would indicate that if Mauricio receives everyday at-bats then it would likely come at the hot corner. It's certainly a position battle to keep a close eye on during spring training.

The Mets plan for McNeil to see the bulk of his playing time at second base in 2024, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

McNeil started 57 games in the outfield in 2023, but it sounds like that number probably won't be nearly as high in 2024. He missed the final weekend of the season after being diagnosed with a partial UCL tear in his right elbow, but Nimmo is healthy now and having a normal offseason, per Abbey Mastracco of the New York Daily News. McNeil was going to be playing every day regardless, but the fact that it will come at second base could impact the playing time of Brett Baty and/or Ronny Mauricio.

Mathias (shoulder) signed a minor-league contract with the Reds on Nov. 29.

Mathias, 29, sports a career .246/.317/.391 batting line over parts of three major-league seasons for four different teams. His 2023 campaign ended in mid-August due to a shoulder injury and it's not clear what his current health status is.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Monday that Garcia is not guaranteed the second base job going into next season, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Garcia battled through a disappointing 2023 campaign, slashing just .266/.304/.385 while spending some time back in the minors. The 23-year-old remains talented and would seem to be the odds-on favorite to man second base on Opening Day for the Nationals, but the gig won't be handed to him. Jake Alu, Ildemaro Vargas and Jeter Downs represent potential alternatives to Garcia at the keystone.

The Rays traded Brujan to the Marlins alongside Calvin Faucher (biceps) on Friday in exchange for Erick Lara, Andrew Lindsey and a player to be named later or cash.

Brujan struggled during his multiple stints in the majors last season, but he put up a solid .272/.362/.477 slash line across 276 plate appearances in Triple-A. The 25-year-old will give the Marlins an organizational depth piece capable of fielding nearly every position.

Hernandez signed a minor-league contract with the Brewers on Friday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

The deal includes an invitation to spring training, where Hernandez will compete for a utility infielder job. The 25-year-old has shown very little with the bat during his time in the majors to this point, slashing just .190/.286/.222 over 221 plate appearances.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said Wednesday that Mauricio will play some third base in the Dominican Winter League, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Mauricio made his major-league debut at second base this past season and that is probably going to be his long-term position in Queens, but the Mets want him to continue building his defensive versatility as he participates in winter ball for the third year in a row. The talented young infielder could maybe step in at the hot corner next season if Brett Baty is unable to take a significant step forward. Mark Vientos is also an option at third, though he profiles as more of a first baseman or DH moving forward.

Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said Wednesday that Vargas could see more action in the outfield moving forward, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Vargas slumped his way out of the second base job in Los Angeles before the midway point of the 2023 season and the Dodgers have grown more comfortable using Mookie Betts at that position, especially against right-handed pitching. Vargas, accordingly, is going to have to find a different avenue to get back to a regular major-league role in 2024. The 23-year-old boasts a .310/.392/.487 career minor-league batting line and remains an important long-term piece for the reigning NL West champs. He made seven starts in left field down the stretch this summer with Triple-A Oklahoma City.