MLB Player News
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Braden Shewmake SS | NYY
White Sox's Braden Shewmake: Removed from 40-man roster
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.
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Grae Kessinger SS | NYM
Astros' Grae Kessinger: Designated for assignment
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.
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Javier Baez SS | DET
Tigers' Javier Baez: Begins running program
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.
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Eddys Leonard SS | MIL
Tigers' Eddys Leonard: Returns to Detroit as NRI
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.
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Corey Seager SS | TEX
Rangers' Corey Seager: Close to baseball activities
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.
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Colson Montgomery SS | CHW
White Sox's Colson Montgomery: Joins 40-man roster
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.
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Kevin Newman 3B | LAA
Angels' Kevin Newman: Nabs one-year deal with Halos
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.
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Wander Franco SS | TB
Rays' Wander Franco: Facing firearm charge
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.
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Wander Franco SS | TB
Rays' Wander Franco: Arrested following altercation
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.