Baez (hip) has initiated a running progression and is expected to start light defensive drills this week.

Baez is working his way back from the arthroscopic surgery he underwent on his right hip in early September. The 32-year-old is expected to have a role with the Tigers in 2025, but he won't be handed everyday at-bats. Baez will likely ramp up his activity in the coming months and he has previously been described to have a "fighting chance" at being ready to go for Opening Day in late March according to Detroit's president of baseball operations Scott Harris.

The Tigers re-signed Leonard to a minor-league contract Thursday that includes an invitation to spring training, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Leonard was non-tendered last month but is now back in the Detroit organization as a non-roster invitee. The 24-year-old slashed .263/.326/.455 with 10 home runs during an injury-shortened 2024 campaign for Triple-A Toledo and is likely headed back there to start 2025.

Seager (hip/hernia) is close to being cleared to perform all baseball activities, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Seager underwent sports hernia surgery in September. He's been resting and rehabbing for the last two months but is almost ready to begin his normal offseason routine. Seager is expected to head into spring training at 100 percent.

The Tigers designated Leonard for assignment Tuesday.

Leonard slashed .263/.326/.455 with 10 home runs across 282 plate appearances for Triple-A Toledo in 2024. The Tigers are designating him for assignment to create space for one of the three pitchers being added to the 40-man roster Tuesday.

The White Sox selected Montgomery's contract from Triple-A Charlotte on Tuesday, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.

Montgomery slashed only .214/.329/.381 with 18 home runs and a 28.6 percent strikeout rate this season at Charlotte, although at 22 (he'll turn 23 in February), he was quite young for that level. He could use some more seasoning, but with a fast start next season, Montgomery could push to see time at shortstop with the big club.

The Angels signed Newman to a one-year, $2.5 million contract with a $2.5 million club option for 2026 on Thursday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

The veteran infielder could be the current favorite to open next season at shortstop for the Angels if Zach Neto (shoulder) isn't ready. Newman slashed .278/.311/.375 with three homers and eight steals in 111 games for the Diamondbacks in 2024 and graded out as a plus-four in Outs Above Average at shortstop.

Franco (personal) is facing charges of illegal use and possession of a firearm related to his arrest in an altercation in the Dominican Republic on Sunday, Juan Recio of ESPN.com reports.

Franco is expected to be granted provisional release Tuesday, although terms of his bail have not yet been defined. The 23-year-old is on MLB administrative leave and is due to stand trial on Dec. 12 in the Dominican Republic involving charges of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation against a minor and human trafficking. A concurrent investigation of Franco is being performed by MLB under its domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy.

Franco (personal) was arrested in the Dominican Republic on Monday following an altercation Sunday during which guns were drawn, Juan Recio of ESPN.com reports.

Franco is being held for questioning and it's not yet clear whether he faces charges as a result of the incident. The 23-year-old is on MLB administrative leave and is due to stand trial on Dec. 12 in the Dominican Republic involving charges of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation against a minor and human trafficking. If convicted, Franco faces up to 20 years in prison. MLB is also performing a concurrent investigation of Franco under its domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy.

Correa's recovery from plantar fasciitis in his right foot is progressing ahead of his recovery from the same problem in his left foot last offseason, Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey told The Athletic. "He's tracking in a positive direction. He's got good plans for how he's going to handle it therapeutically and I think he's in a good place," said Falvey.

Correa was sidelined with plantar fasciitis in his right foot from just before the All-Star break until Sept. 14. He was able to play 11 games in September in which he showed little rust despite no minor-league rehab games, hitting .325 with a .960 OPS. He was clearly not moving at full speed, but the rest and rehab in the offseason should have him ready for spring training. After he struggled with plantar fasciitis in his left foot during the 2023 season that limited him at at the plate, the health of his feet will be something to watch in spring training.

Angels general manager Perry Minasian revealed Friday that Neto had right shoulder surgery Wednesday and could miss the start of next season, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

Minasian didn't divulge specifics regarding the nature of the injury or the procedure. Neto hurt his shoulder on a slide Sept. 26 and missed the final three games of the regular season. He initially tried to rest and rehab the shoulder but was still feeling discomfort, leading to the surgery. Luis Rengifo (wrist) or the newly acquired Scott Kingery could get reps at shortstop if Neto needs to miss time.