MLB Player News

Harris, who finished the 2023 minor-league season at Triple-A Las Vegas, has a chance to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster with an impressive spring training, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Gallegos notes Harris is clearly behind Jordan Diaz and the switch-hitting Abraham Toro in the hierarchy at the position as spring camp approaches, but the 25-year-old has shown solid upside during his rise through the organizational ranks. Harris earned his promotion to the highest level of the minors with a .283 average and .825 OPS across 69 games with Double-A Midland in 2023, and he more than held his own against Triple-A arms in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League by generating a .271/.347/.419 slash line across 36 games to close out the minor-league campaign. Harris has impressed with his ability to make solid contact -- he's posted a sub-18.5 percent strikeout rate in four professional stops since the beginning of the 2022 season -- and has shown some welcome plate discipline at times with double-digit walk rates at both High-A Lansing and Midland.

Caminero is unlikely to crack the Rays' Opening Day roster, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Caminero made his major-league debut in late September of last year, skipping over the Triple-A level. That promotion was made in part due to need, though, and the fact that he's just 20 and has only 81 games of Double-A experience and zero Triple-A experience under his belt points to more seasoning required. Caminero forcing his way onto the roster with a dominant spring training can't be ruled out, but fantasy managers should expect him to spend some time back in the minors first.

Malloy has been asked to prepare to play corner outfield this spring, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

The bulk of Malloy's time in the minors has been spent at third base, including last season at Triple-A Toledo. However, his defense has always lagged behind his offense and it looks like a full-time move to the outfield is in the offing. The 23-year-old did start 44 games between left and right field at Toledo in 2023, so it's not going to be a major adjustment for him. Malloy's bat looks nearly ready, as he's coming off a season that saw him slash .277/.417/.474 with 23 home runs and 83 RBI.

The Orioles acquired Maton from the Tigers on Wednesday in exchange for cash.

Maton was DFA'd by the Tigers on Monday in order to clear space for Kolton Ingram. Maton showed promise during his first two seasons with the Phillies, but he managed just a .593 OPS last year in 293 plate appearances with Detroit. He will almost certainly head to Triple-A Norfolk to begin 2024.

Astros owner Jim Crane said in an interview with Jerome Solomon of the Houston Chronicle this week that the team will "definitely" make Bregman a contract extension offer before he reaches free agency next offseason.

For what it's worth, Crane was asked about Bregman's contract situation prior to the club announcing Jose Altuve's five-year, $125 million extension. Bregman is nearly four years younger than Altuve and seems inclined at this juncture to test out the free-agent market, so a long-term deal doesn't appear super likely. The third baseman slashed .262/.363/.441 with 25 home runs and 98 RBI for Houston in 2023.

The Tigers designated Maton for assignment Monday.

Maton gives up his spot on the 40-man roster to left-hander Kolton Ingram, who was claimed off waivers from the Angels. The utility player managed just a .173/.288/.305 batting line across 293 major-league plate appearances with the Tigers in 2023 and had offseason knee surgery. He's expected to be recovered from the operation in time for the start of spring training.

Bride was designated for assignment by the Athletics on Friday.

Bride appeared in 98 games for the A's over the past two seasons, but his .192/.296/.232 slash line wasn't enough for him to retain a spot on the 40-man roster ahead of spring training. The move clears space for Ross Stripling, who was acquired Friday from San Francisco.

The Astros acquired Cabbage from the Angels on Wednesday in exchange for Carlos Espinosa.

Cabbage had been designated for assignment over the weekend and now has a new home. The 26-year-old was one of just two minor leaguers to go 30-30 in 2023, collecting 30 home runs and 32 stolen bases at Triple-A Salt Lake. There's lots of swing and miss in his game, however, as he fanned at a 30 percent rate at Salt Lake and a whopping 46.4 percent rate during his brief time with the Angels. Cabbage will provide depth at first base and in the outfield.

Miranda (shoulder) began throwing in mid-January, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Miranda had surgery in early October to remove scar tissue from his right labrum and rotator cuff. He was cleared to begin hitting in early December and recently progressed to hitting off a pitching machine and throwing. The plan is for Miranda to be eased into game action this spring at designated hitter before eventually playing the field. All 35 of Miranda's starts during his injury-shortened, disappointing 2023 season came at third base, but his best shot at playing time in 2024 could be at first.

The Angels designated Cabbage for assignment Saturday, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports.

With the signing of Matt Moore becoming official Saturday, Cabbage will lose his spot on the 40-man roster in order to clear room. Cabbage slashed .208/.232/.321 with seven RBI across 56 plate appearances for the Angels last season, though his .975 OPS in Triple-A could certainly draw interest from other clubs on the waiver wire.