MLB Player News

Mesoraco signed a minor-league contract with the Mets on Thursday that includes an invitation to spring training.

The oft-injured catcher split time between the Reds and Mets last season, compiling a .221/.303/.398 slash line with 11 homers and 33 RBI. With Wilson Ramos in town, Mesoraco will have to battle with Travis d'Arnaud and Tomas Nido for backup catcher duties to start the season, further limiting his fantasy upside.

Collins will begin the 2019 season at Triple-A Charlotte, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Collins has followed a traditional path through the organization and will be one step below MLB. The White Sox are still working with him defensively, but as a team in rebuild mode, they can expose him to the majors without much concern. At the plate, Collins bashed 17 home runs each of the last two seasons and has elite on-base skills.

Perez (hamstring) said Friday that he's "completely" ready to go for spring training, Juan C. Toribio of MLB.com reports.

After being acquired from the Diamondbacks on July 31, Perez had a brief, but productive run as the Rays' top catcher before his season came to an end in late August when he strained his left hamstring. He was cleared to return to action for a couple of winter-ball games in Puerto Rico and experienced no setbacks in those contests, giving him full confidence in his health heading into the spring. Perez will likely work as the Rays' No. 2 backstop in 2019 after the team traded for Mike Zunino earlier in the offseason.

Thaiss earned an invitation to the Angels' major-league camp Friday.

Thaiss played 85 games for Triple-A Salt Lake last season, posting a mediocre .277/.328/.457 line in 85 games. That's not great for a first baseman, and he's unlikely to make the big-league roster out of camp, but he'll be just an injury or two away from making his debut once the season gets underway.

Knizner was extended an invitation to the Cardinals' major-league spring training, Rob Rains of StLSportsPage.com reports.

This isn't much of a surprise after Knizner tore it up at Triple-A Memphis with a .315/.383/.407 slash line. The 23-year-old is now the clear heir apparent to veteran Yadier Molina after Carson Kelly was traded to Arizona in December as part of the package to acquire Paul Goldschmidt. There's no guarantee Knizner will see much time in the majors this season given Molina's track record, even if he breaks camp as the No. 2 catcher, but Knizner could see some opportunities should any injuries crop up for the veteran.

Stewart signed a minor-league contract with the Padres on Thursday which includes an invitation to spring training.

Stewart split time between Atlanta and Arizona in 2018, appearing in just eight big-league games between both stops. With Austin Hedges and Francisco Mejia both ahead of Stewart on the organizational depth chart, the veteran backstop doesn't figure to spend much (if any) time in the majors in 2019.

Raleigh received an invitation to major-league spring training Thursday, TJ Cotterill of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Raleigh, the 90th overall pick in the 2018 draft, played well in his first taste of professional baseball, compiling a .901 OPS in 166 plate appearances for short-season Everett. He'll now be rewarded with a chance to play in front of the major-league brass, though he'll likely spend much of the season with Low-A West Virginia or High-A Modesto in order to get more seasoning against professional pitching.

Trevino (shoulder) will start spring training "a little behind" other catchers, Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Trevino, who underwent shoulder surgery last July, is expected to need at least another season in the minors. "Ideally, he gets time to develop," said general manager Jon Daniels. That likely means Trevino will open the year at Triple-A Nasvhille of the Pacific Coast League.

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

Thole hasn't appeared in the majors since 2016, when he hit .169/.254/.220 across 136 plate appearances for the Blue Jays. He spent time in the independent Atlantic League in 2018, slashing .317/.425/.367 across 17 games. Look for him to serve as organizational catching depth in 2019.

The Rangers signed Sanchez to a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to spring training, Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Sanchez was acquired by Texas from Cincinnati last season and appeared in 50 games with Triple-A Round Rock. The graduate of Boston College has played 52 career games in the majors and could factor into the Rangers' plans at catcher. Texas will have four catchers with major-league experience entering spring training: Sanchez, Jeff Mathis, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and non-roster addition Jett Bandy.