MLB Player News

Pinto is currently the only catcher on the Rays' 40-man roster and is expected to get a lot of opportunities in the starting lineup, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Pinto emerged as a viable backup across the second half of the 2023 season, but he should see a more significant role with both Christian Bethancourt and Francisco Mejia in new organizations. Across 105 plate appearances last year, Pinto posted a .204 ISO and 98 wRC+, though those marks also came with a 32.4 percent strikeout rate and only a 1.9 percent walk rate. His batting average could be a significant concern as a result.

Sanchez signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the Brewers on Wednesday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Sanchez spent most of last season with the Padres, slashing .218/.292/.500 with 19 homers and 46 RBI after being claimed by the team in late May. The 31-year-old was particularly effective against lefties, putting up a .984 OPS over 79 plate appearances. Now with Milwaukee, Sanchez will likely receive most of his at-bats at designated hitter while also giving the Crew another option at catcher behind starter William Contreras.

Hickey needs to improve his framing and throwing or could end up changing positions, Christoper Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Hickey's above-average offense was on display in 2023 as it was the year prior. He swatted 19 home runs over 80 games in stops at High-A Greenville and Double-A Portland; however, his work behind the dish is sketchy -- the 24-year-old threw out just seven percent (10-for-139) of base stealers. Scouts say it has more to do with mechanics than arm strength, and that will be a focus in 2024. If the defense doesn't improve, Hickey could move to first base/DH, or potentially, left field.

Godoy signed a minor-league contract with the Rangers on Monday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Godoy, 29, spent 2023 at the Triple-A level between the Orioles and Yankees organizations. He saw spot action in the majors from 2021-22 and will give the Rangers some catching depth at Triple-A Round Rock.

Trevino (wrist) said Monday that he will not have any limitations in spring training, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Trevino -- who is more than six months removed from right wrist surgery -- implied that he's able to perform all baseball-related activities without issue. The veteran catcher will enter spring training seemingly behind youngster Austin Wells on the Yankees' catching depth chart, but assuming he's fully healthy, Trevino should still see plenty of work behind the plate in 2024.

Fortes worked on changes to his stance and swing this offseason, and Marlins manager Skip Schumaker is expecting more offense from him this season, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

It would be hard for Fortes' offense to get worse in 2024 after he stumbled to a .562 OPS through 323 plate appearances last year, a significant decline from the .696 OPS he posted in 2022. The Marlins like his work with the pitching staff, however, and offseason addition Christian Bethancourt has a career .622 OPS in the majors, so the starting job behind the plate likely still belongs to Fortes.

Pineda cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Rochester on Friday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Pineda is no longer on the Nationals' 40-man roster but will retain a spot in the organization. The 23-year-old catcher slashed just .152/.215/.212 across 107 plate appearances at Double-A Harrisburg in 2023.

The Red Sox acquired Heineman from the Mets on Friday in exchange for cash considerations, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

Heineman had been claimed off waivers by the Mets earlier this offseason but was designated for assignment earlier this week. The 32-year-old catcher has an option year remaining and seems likely to begin 2024 at Triple-A Worcester.

The Mets designated Heineman for assignment Tuesday, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

Heineman will lose his spot on the 40-man roster to Adam Ottavino, whose signing was made official Tuesday. Heineman slashed .237/.383/.316 in 47 plate appearances between the Pirates and Blue Jays last season, and he logged similar numbers with the teams' Triple-A affiliates.

Nunez signed a minor-league contract with the Guardians on Tuesday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Nunez will face an uphill battle to make the Opening Day roster but will give the Guardians another catcher in camp. The 29-year-old has a career .653 OPS over parts of three big-league campaigns.