MLB Player News

The Dodgers acquired Gage and right-hander Christian Zazueta from the Yankees on Monday in exchange for left-hander Caleb Ferguson, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Though Ferguson is a more established left-handed reliever at the big-league level, he's bound for free agency in 2025 and has no minor-league options remaining, while Gage is a pre-arbitration pitcher who still has an option. Gage isn't expected to be a vital part of the Los Angeles bullpen in 2024, but he'll at least help restore some left-handed depth to the relief ranks while also offering more maneuverability between the majors and Triple-A Oklahoma City. Over his 16 career big-league appearances over the past two seasons between Toronto and Houston, the 30-year-old Gage owns a 1.83 ERA (3.74 SIERA) over 19.2 innings.

Brasier signed a two-year, $9 million contract with the Dodgers on Monday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

The deal could max out at $13 million if incentives are reached. Brasier was released by the Red Sox last May following a dreadful start but thrived after being picked up by the Dodgers off the scrap heap, posting a 0.70 ERA and 38:10 K:BB over his final 38.2 frames. The 36-year-old will attempt to pick up where he left off in 2024.

Padres manager Mike Shildt mentioned Suarez and Yuki Matsui as possibilities but declined to name a closer when asked last week, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Shildt also brought up Wandy Peralta as a high-leverage option but, perhaps notably, did not bring up Woo-suk Go's name. The manager indicated that it's possible he could name a closer based on how things go in spring training but also hinted that it might be a committee based on the situation and who is available. While Suarez and Matsui appear to be the guys for fantasy managers to target if they're drafting early, it's a situation that lacks clarity at the moment.

Assad is likely competing with Hayden Wesneski, Drew Smyly and Jordan Wicks for the fifth spot in the Cubs' rotation to begin the season, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Kyle Hendricks, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon and newcomer Shota Imanaga figure to be locked into rotation spots to begin the season, which leaves the No. 5 spot open. Assad made 10 starts and 32 total appearances for the Cubs last year, and the righty posted a strong 3.05 ERA and 1.23 WHIP across 109.1 innings. While fantasy managers would prefer that Assad is starting, he did give the Cubs a good multi-inning bullpen weapon in 2023, and they may decide to stick him back in that role in 2024 if it helps the club win games.

Wesneski is likely competing with Javier Assad, Drew Smyly and Jordan Wicks for the fifth spot in the Cubs' rotation to begin the season, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Kyle Hendricks, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon and newcomer Shota Imanaga should all be locked into rotation spots, which leaves the No. 5 role up for grabs. Wesneski made 34 appearances for the Cubs last year, including 11 starts, and posted a 4.63 ERA and 1.28 WHIP across 89.1 innings. He doesn't profile as a particularly exciting fantasy option, though he would have more value if he's starting instead of serving as a long reliever.

Alzolay will likely begin the year as the Cubs' closer, though new addition Hector Neris gives manager Craig Counsell a possible alternative for the late innings, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Alzolay excelled as Chicago's closer last season, converting 22 of 25 save opportunities and posting a strong 2.67 ERA across 64 innings. However, Neris posted an even better 1.71 ERA over 68.1 innings for Houston in 2023, and he has 89 career saves in 10 MLB seasons. At the very least, the veteran should serve as a solid setup option, and he could emerge as a candidate for saves if Alzolay struggles.

Medina signed a minor-league contract with the Nationals on Friday.

Medina posted a 5.35 ERA over 19 appearances (two starts) in the majors from 2020-22 before spending last season pitching in Korea. The 27-year-old figures to report to Triple-A Rochester to begin 2024 where he'll provide either rotation or bullpen depth.

The Cardinals designated Zuniga (forearm) for assignment Saturday.

The signing of Keynan Middleton became official Saturday, and Zuniga was the roster casualty. Zuniga spent most of his time in Triple-A last season, logging a 7.63 ERA and 1.72 WHIP across 30.2 innings, and he ended the season on the injured list due to a right forearm strain.

Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said Saturday that Treinen (shoulder) is trending toward a return in 2024, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

It remains unclear whether Treinen will be able to pitch in spring training games, but it's relatively positive news for the 35-year-old right-hander. Treinen missed the entire 2023 campaign after undergoing surgery on his shoulder in November 2022, and he was lit up for three runs in 1.1 innings at Triple-A Oklahoma City before being pulled off his rehab assignment.

Feyereisen (shoulder) is expected to be a "full go" for spring training, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Feyereisen was forced to miss all of last season after undergoing a shoulder procedure in December 2022. He threw a bullpen session Saturday as the latest step in his rehab program and appears set to compete for a spot in the Dodgers' bullpen in the spring. The 30-year-old reliever boasts a 2.31 ERA and 1.00 WHIP through 89.2 innings in his MLB career.