MLB Player News

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.

Cisnero signed a one-year, $1.75 million contract with the Angels on Saturday, Taylor Blake Ward of The Sporting Tribune reports.

Cisnero's ERA ballooned to 5.31 in 2023 with the Tigers, but he collected a 70:25 K:BB over 59.1 innings. The 34-year-old posted a 3.84 ERA with 229 strikeouts across 211 frames during his five seasons in Detroit and should slide into a setup role in Anaheim.

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.

The White Sox designated Ramsey for assignment Saturday.

Ramsey appeared in 21 games for the White Sox after having his contract selected in August, posting a 5.85 ERA and 1.70 WHIP across 20 frames. He'll now be cast off the 40-man roster in order to make room for Zach DeLoach and Prelander Berroa following Saturday's trade that sent Gregory Santos (elbow) to Seattle.

The Mariners traded Berroa, Zach DeLoach and the 69th pick in the 2024 MLB Draft to the White Sox on Saturday in exchange for Gregory Santos (elbow), Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Berroa spent nearly all of last season with the Mariners' Double-A affiliate, logging a 2.76 ERA and 1.27 WHIP across 65.1 innings. He also appeared in two big-league games, throwing 1.2 scoreless frames while striking out three batters and walking three more. The 23-year-old righty was expected to compete for a spot in Seattle's bullpen during the spring, but he should have little trouble securing a big-league roster spot in Chicago.

The White Sox traded Santos (elbow) to the Mariners on Saturday in exchange for Prelander Berroa, Zach DeLoach and the 69th pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

The White Sox continue their rebuild by unloading Santos, who posted a 3.39 ERA and 1.30 WHIP while striking out 66 batters in 66.1 frames and recorded five saves during his first full MLB season. Santos ended the campaign on the injured list due to right elbow inflammation and has been easing his way back to full health during the offseason. The 24-year-old righty had been in a position to operate as Chicago's closer, but Santos projects as a middle reliever in a deeper Seattle bullpen.

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.