MLB Player News

Ngoepe was traded to the Blue Jays on Monday in exchange for cash or a player to be named later.

The 27-year-old infielder made his big-league debut last season, hitting .222 with zero home runs and a 41.3 percent strikeout rate in 63 plate appearances. The Pirates get to clear a spot on the 40-man roster while the Blue Jays get some infield depth. It would not be surprising if the Blue Jays tried to designate Ngoepe for assignment to clear a 40-man roster spot later this offseason.

Altuve was named the American League's Most Valuable Player on Thursday.

Altuve's ascension to stardom took another major leap forward in 2017 as the 27-year-old became the first Astro to bring home MVP honors since Jeff Bagwell was crowned NL MVP in 1994. Altuve led the American League in hits (204) for the fourth consecutive season and won the league's batting title with a career-high .346 average. His 24 home runs were also a career high and the superstar second baseman is the consensus No. 2 player (after Mike Trout) heading into 2018 fantasy drafts. The man can do it all.

General manager Brian Cashman said Torres (elbow) could push for a starting spot as early as Opening Day, Brendan Kuty of NJ.com reports.

Cashman noted that the coaching staff thought Torres was ready for the majors on Opening Day last season, but ultimately decided to keep him in the minors for a little more seasoning. The 20-year-old flashed why he's seen as one of baseball's top prospects before undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery in June, hitting .309/.406/.457 with seven homers and seven stolen bases in 23 games (96 plate appearances) for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after earning a promotion from Double-A Trenton. He's on track to be fully healthy by the start of spring training, where he'll compete with Starlin Castro and Chase Headley for the starting job at second and third base, respectively.

Chavis got experience during Fall Instructional camp and the Arizona Fall League at first base, Jim Callis of MLB.com reports.

Chavis restored his prospect luster in 2017 when he bashed 31 home runs and posted a .910 OPS in stops at High-A Salem and Double-A Portland. The former shortstop who transitioned to third base a couple of seasons ago is blocked at that position in Boston by Rafael Devers. As such, the organization is preparing Chavis for first base. He's not expected to reach the majors in 2018, but he's certain to reach Triple-A Pawtucket, if not start the season there.

Forsythe's $8.5 million team option was exercised by the Dodgers on Monday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Coming off a season in which he hit .224 with a .678 OPS over 119 games, the Dodgers opted to pick up Forsythe's option and keep him for the 2018 season. In addition to his average falling from 2016's mark of .264, Forsythe regressed in terms of power last season as well. After logging 20 home runs and a .444 slugging percentage in 2016, Forsythe hit just six home runs to go with a .327 slugging percentage.

Arroyo underwent surgery on his hand and won't return to the Dominican Winter League, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

It's currently unknown when Arroyo, who had a plate put in his hand, will resume baseball activity. However, the team hasn't given any indication that he won't be back in full health once spring training arrives. Arroyo got his first taste of the majors during the 2017 season, as he played in 34 games for the big club. In that time he hit .192/.244/.304.

Houston picked up its club option of $6 million for Altuve ahead of the 2018 season, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet reports.

No surprise here as the Astros will gladly pick up Altuve's modest contract for next season, with another club option on the horizon the following year as well ($6.5 million). During the regular season, Altuve hit .346/.410/.547 with 24 home runs and 81 RBI, and then helped the team bring a World Series title to Houston.

Hernandez is out of the lineup for Game 7 of the World Series against the Astros on Wednesday.

Once again, Hernandez will retreat to the bench with right-hander Lance McCullers taking the mound for Houston, as Joc Pederson draws the start in left. Hernandez will be available off the bench for the winner-take-all finale.

Hernandez is not in the lineup for Game 6 of the World Series against the Astros on Tuesday.

As was the case in Game 2, Hernandez will give way to lefty-hitting Joc Pederson in left field with right-handed hurler Justin Verlander toeing the rubber for the opposition. Hernandez will be available off the bench in what is an elimination game for Los Angeles.

Arroyo left a Dominican Winter League game after re-injuring his wrist, reports Giants Prospects.

He suffered a broken hand in July after getting hit by a pitch and was trying to make up for lost time playing for Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Republic. Arroyo has an excellent hit tool, but it's difficult to take much from his 2017 numbers, as he rode a .427 BABIP at Triple-A and dealt with much worse luck (.231 BABIP) in 135 big-league plate appearances. Given the Giants' dearth of options at third base, Arroyo figures to compete in spring training to open the year at the hot corner.