MLB Player News

Hernandez signed a minor-league contract with the Cardinals on Tuesday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

The catcher will receive an invitation to big-league camp as part of the deal. Hernandez is unlikely to be anything other than organizational depth this season, as he's appeared in just 22 major-league games, none of which have come in the last three seasons. He hit .209/.274/.399 in 47 games for Triple-A Pawtucket in the Red Sox's system in 2019.

Diaz (knee) signed a minor-league contract with the Rockies on Monday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Diaz became a free agent after he was non-tendered by Pittsburgh. He appeared in 101 contests for the Pirates in 2019, slashing .241/.296/.307 with two homers and 28 RBI before being shut down at the end of September due to a knee injury. The veteran backstop figures to battle for a spot on the 25-man roster with Tony Wolters and Dom Nunez.

Heineman signed a minor-league contract with the Giants on Monday, which includes an invitation to spring training Grant Brisbee of The Athletic reports.

Heineman made his major-league debut for the Marlins in September, but he only appeared in five games. He was very effective at the Triple-A level last year, hitting .336/.400/.590 with 13 home runs and four stolen bases over 73 games. The 28-year-old will be in big-league camp, but he'll likely need some more time in the minors before gaining a regular major-league roster spot.

Plawecki agreed to a contract with the Red Sox on Thursday, Robert Murray of The Athletic reports.

Plawecki struggled at the plate in 2019 by hitting .222/.287/.342 with only three home runs and 17 RBI over 60 games with Cleveland, but he'll get a chance to play for his third team in as many seasons. The deal is worth $900,000 over one year, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports. Plawecki will likely serve as a backup behind Christian Vazquez to begin the 2020 season.

Haase was designated for assignment by the Indians on Sunday.

Haase appeared in 10 games (17 plate appearances) with the Indians in 2019 and went 1-for-16 with a home run, three RBI and eight strikeouts. Cleveland already has a solid major-league catching duo with Roberto Perez and the recently signed Sandy Leon.

Bethancourt has signed a minor-league contract with the Phillies that includes an invitation to spring training, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

He played last season in the KBO, hitting .246/.308/.404 with eight home runs in 224 plate appearances. Bethancourt primarily plays catcher, but can also play first base, second base and the outfield in a pinch. He will likely serve as organizational catcher depth.

Maldonado signed a two-year, $7 million contract with the Astros on Friday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Maldonado made three stops in 2019, playing for the Cubs, Astros and Royals. He slashed .213/.293/.378 with 12 home runs and 27 RBI over 105 contests. Maldonado will bring a veteran presence behind the dish and is set to compete for playing time with Garrett Stubbs and Dustin Garneau.

Maile signed a major-league contract with the Pirates on Monday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

The financial terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed. Maile has barely hit like a backup catcher thus far in his big-league career, posting a .198/.252/.304 slash line over parts of five seasons, but he could have a chance to compete with Jacob Stallings for a starting role, barring further offseason additions.

Stubbs is expected to get looks in the infield during spring training, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Stubbs saw time in the outfield with the Astros a season ago, manning left field in seven contests. It would certainly make him a more valuable ballplayer if he's able to add a few infield positions to his repertoire.

Manager Mike Matheny said Tuesday that Perez (elbow) could see considerable time at first base in 2020, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

Since debuting with the Royals in 2011, Perez has shouldered one of the heavier workloads among all big-league catchers, but the Royals will likely be more cautious with his usage behind the plate after Tommy John surgery cost him the entire 2019 campaign. Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com relayed in November that Perez is right on schedule with his recovery and should be restriction-free once spring training arrives, so the 29-year-old should have ample time to get acclimated to the defensive nuances of first base. That being said, Ryan O'Hearn, Ryan McBroom and Hunter Dozier represent the main candidates to man the position in 2020, so Perez's opportunities at first base (and designated hitter too, for that matter) will most likely come on the occasions where the team wants to give him a day off from catching while simultaneously keeping his bat in the lineup.