MLB Player News

Plawecki agreed to a one-year, $1.6 million deal with the Red Sox on Wednesday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

He made a strong impression as a backup last season, hitting .341/.393/.463 with one home run and one steal in 89 plate appearances. There will be steep regression coming, but he should be locked in as Christian Vazquez's backup.

Sanchez was tendered a contract by the Yankees on Wednesday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Sanchez posted lackluster numbers at the plate in 2020 and was rumored to be a non-tender candidate during the offseason. However, he'll remain with the Yankees next season while also avoiding arbitration. While Kyle Higashioka enters the season as the favorite to serve as the Yankees' primary catcher, Sanchez could certainly carve out more playing time in 2021 if he can return to his previous form.

Wong's contract was purchased by the Red Sox on Friday.

Acquired from the Dodgers in the Mookie Betts trade, Wong is Boston's top catching prospect. He spent the summer at the alternate training site after finishing 2019 at Double-A, so he should open the year at Triple-A. Wong has significant right-handed power, but needs to improve his approach at the plate.

Rortvedt was added to the Twins' 40-man roster Friday.

Rortvedt didn't make the 60-man roster in 2020, but he advanced to Double-A in 2019, hitting .239/.332/.355 with 19 RBI. He'll remain in the organization going forward, as his addition to the 40-man roster will protect him from the Rule 5 draft.

Moreno was added to the Blue Jays' 40-man roster Friday.

Moreno was able to develop as part of the Blue Jays' 60-man roster in 2020, but he's likely still several years away from being considered for the major-league roster. His addition to the 40-man roster will protect him from the upcoming Rule 5 draft. The 20-year-old slashed .280/.337/.485 with 12 home runs at the Low-A level in 2019.

Adams was added to the Blue Jays' 40-man roster Friday.

Adams didn't make an appearance in the majors as part of the Blue Jays' 60-man roster in 2020, but he'll be protected from the upcoming Rule 5 draft. The 24-year-old progressed to the Double-A level in 2019, slashing .258/.349/.439 with 11 home runs and 39 RBI.

Perez's $5.5 million team option for 2021 was picked up by Cleveland on Friday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Perez sustained a right wrist contusion during Game 2 of the AL Wild Card Series, but it's unlikely that the issue will impact his offseason plans as he prepares for another season with Cleveland. The 31-year-old also missed time earlier in the season with a shoulder injury, but he served as the primary catcher when he was healthy, slashing .165/.264/.216 with five RBI over 32 games.

Stassi recently underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left hip.

The 29-year-old had a strong 2020 campaign with a .278/.352/533 slash line and seven homers in 31 games, and it wasn't known he was dealing with the injury until undergoing an MRI at the close of the season. The typical return game is 4-to-6 months, so if his recovery timeline goes on the long end of that spectrum, he may not be ready for the start of the 2021 season.

Maldonado is "banged up" according to manager Dusty Baker but could still appear off the bench Tuesday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Maldonado will sit in favor of Dustin Garneau on Tuesday for the first time this postseason, though his absence was apparently a coach's decision and not related to his minor injuries. Expect him back as soon as Game 4 on Wednesday if not before.

Maldonado is not starting Game 3 of the ALCS against the Rays on Tuesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Maldonado has started every playoff game thus far for the Astros this season, hitting just .154/.214/.308. Dustin Garneau will catch Jose Urquidy in his absence.