MLB Player News

The Tigers traded Nevin to the Orioles in exchange for cash considerations Monday.

Nevin will return to Baltimore after appearing in 58 games for the Orioles during the 2022 campaign. He slashed .200/.306/.316 with two homers, 10 RBI and 11 runs scored over 41 contests a year ago with Detroit and figures to serve as organizational depth heading into the 2024 season.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone indicated in an interview with Foul Territory on Friday that he'd like to see LeMahieu win the team's leadoff spot.

The skipper isn't committing to any lineup spots yet, but he noted when discussing the leadoff spot that he was "excited" with how LeMahieu finished the season and is hoping the 35-year-old can "solve" the leadoff spot for the Yanks. Boone also mentioned Alex Verdugo and Gleyber Torres as potential leadoff candidates. The manager is tentatively planning to hit Juan Soto second and Aaron Judge third.

Nevin was designated for assignment by the Tigers on Thursday.

Detroit needed to free up a spot on its 40-man roster for the addition of Devin Sweet. Nevin, 26, has slashed just .203/.310/.301 over 105 games at the major-league level and stands a decent chance of passing through waivers unclaimed.

Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander revealed last week that it's "unlikely" Walls (hip) will be ready for Opening Day, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Walls underwent surgery in October to repair a labral tear in his right hip. Manager Kevin Cash had expressed optimism last month that the infielder would be ready for the start of the season, but Neander isn't as hopeful and also noted that, when Walls does make it back, he's unlikely to receive a full workload. Jose Caballero appears poised to be Tampa Bay's Opening Day shortstop.

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said Saturday that while Busch's ultimate position will be up to manager Craig Counsell, he expects the 26-year-old to play first base, Jared Wyllys of AllCHGO.com reports.

"He's certainly going to play. There's no question. It's up to Craig where. I think first base is obviously a natural spot for him. He's played there a lot," Hoyer said at the team's Cubs Convention. Most of Busch's playing time with the Dodgers in 2023 came at third base, and it's possible he could wind up there if the Cubs bring in another first baseman. However, the consensus seems to be that the defensively-challenged Busch fits best at first base. If Busch is indeed confined to first, it puts a damper on Matt Mervis' dynasty outlook.

Farmer agreed to a one-year, $6.3 million contract with the Twins on Thursday that includes a $6.25 million mutual option for 2025, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

There's a $250K buyout if the club declines the 2025 option. Farmer is more valuable in real life than in fantasy, as he doesn't have big tools, but he can capably play any position on the infield. He slashed .256/.317/.408 with 11 home runs in 369 plate appearances last season while playing 20-plus games at second base, third base and shortstop.

Urias signed a one-year, $2.1 million contract with the Orioles on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Urias slashed .264/.328/.375 with 42 RBI across 396 plate appearances last season. Despite his above-average glove and solid batting average, Urias will likely struggle to find regular playing time behind the myriad of talented young prospects the Orioles have on their roster.

Paredes signed a one-year, $3.4 million contract with the Rays on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

2023 was Paredes' best season at the plate to date. He slashed .250/.352/.488 with 31 homers and 98 RBI across 571 plate appearances and cemented himself as the Rays' primary third baseman. He receives a $2.665 million raise and is under team control through 2027.

The Cubs and Madrigal avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.8 million contract Thursday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Madrigal receives a salary bump in what was his second year of arbitration eligibility. The infielder slashed .263/.311/.352 for the Cubs in 2023 and is in the mix for starts at third base again for the upcoming season.

Sosa signed a one-year, $1.7 million contract with the Phillies on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Sosa hit .251 and managed a .720 OPS with 30 RBI through 299 plate appearances in 2023. While last season ended up being one of Sosa's best at the plate, his role remains limited due to the presence of Bryson Stott, Alec Bohm and Trea Turner in Philadelphia's infield.