Manager Alex Cora said Saturday that Hamilton may occasionally play in the outfield this season, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Cora added that the Red Sox would like Hamilton to be as versatile as possible for the sake of roster flexibility. The 27-year-old has been used exclusively at second base and shortstop throughout his MLB career, though he has started eight games in center field in the minors.

The Orioles designated Soto for assignment Friday.

The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for Roansy Contreras, who was claimed off waivers. Soto saw spot duty in the majors in 2024 with the Reds and Orioles, going 3-for-13 at the plate.

Pena agreed to a one-year, $4.1 million contract with the Astros to avoid arbitration Thursday, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Pena will receive a nice raise in his first year of arbitration eligibility after serving as Houston's primary shortstop since making his debut in 2022. The 27-year-old posted 15 home runs and 20 stolen bases with a .266/.308/.394 slash line over 157 games in the 2024 regular season.

Clement agreed to a one-year, $1.975 million contract with the Blue Jays on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

In his first full major-league season, Clement slashed .263/.284/.408 with 12 home runs and 51 RBI over 452 plate appearances while also swiping 12 bags. The 28-year-old doesn't have any minor-league options remaining, so he remains in a good position to open the season as either the primary third baseman or utility player.

The White Sox designated Amaya for assignment Wednesday, LaMond Pope of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for Josh Rojas, whose signing was officially announced Wednesday. Amaya was a waiver claim of the White Sox in August and slashed just .179/.225/.194 over 23 games for them down the stretch of the 2024 season.

The Royals claimed Shewmake off waivers from the White Sox on Wednesday.

Shewmake had been booted from Chicago's 40-man roster but will now join Kansas City's 40-man and remain in the American League Central. The infielder is just 8-for-64 at the plate during his brief time at the major-league level but has a reputation as a solid defender. Shewmake has minor-league options remaining and will likely begin the 2025 season at Triple-A Omaha.

Grissom is the "nominal favorite" to open next season as the Red Sox' starting second baseman, Sean McAdam of MassLive.com reports.

David Hamilton was Boston's primary second baseman in the second half in 2024 before a fractured finger ended his season in late August. While Hamilton will also be in the running for the starting gig at the keystone in 2025, it sounds like the Red Sox want to give Grissom another look. Grissom slashed only .190/.246/.219 over 31 games with the big club in 2024 while battling numerous injuries, but he closed out the year strong at Triple-A Worcester and will turn just 24 this month. While Grissom might have a slight leg up at second base right now, it's also possible the Red Sox acquire help from outside the organization.

The White Sox designated Shewmake for assignment Wednesday, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.

The transaction clears a spot on the 40-man roster for Tyler Gilbert, who was acquired via trade. Shewmake is just 8-for-64 at the plate during his brief time at the major-league level. The 27-year-old can play a capable shortstop and has minor-league options remaining, so it's possible he'll draw interest via trade or waivers.

The Astros designated Kessinger for assignment Monday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the signing of Christian Walker, which was made official Monday. Kessinger, 27, is 8-for-61 at the plate over the last two seasons in the majors and has a career .694 OPS in the minors, but it's possible he'll draw interest from a team in need of utility infielder depth.

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.