MLB Player News

Story underwent an internal bracing procedure on the UCL in his right elbow Monday and is likely to open the 2023 season on the injured list, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

The procedure is an alternative to Tommy John surgery and should carry a shorter recovery time, though Story is nonetheless still expected to miss time. The Red Sox have yet to announce when they expect him back, though players typically take 4-to-6 months to return from the surgery, per Jeff Passan of ESPN.com. That timeline indicates Story could return to game action sometime between mid-May and mid-July. The timing is particularly bad for the Red Sox, as Story had been expected to slide back to shortstop following the departure of Xander Bogaerts. Enrique Hernandez may be asked to step into the middle infield, though that would create a new hole in center field.

Correa agreed to a six-year, $200 million deal with the Twins on Tuesday, pending a physical, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

The "pending a physical" part of this news carries far more weight than it does for most similar announcements, as Correa has already agreed to deals with both the Giants and Mets this winter, only for both to fall through following a medical examination. The Twins are presumably more comfortable with Correa's medicals, having just seen him up close for a full season, and they're also only on the hook through the shortstop's age-33 season. If Correa's troublesome ankle doesn't turn out to be an issue, he could remain a Twin for another decade, as the contract also contains a vesting option for a further four years.

Downs (ankle) was designated for assignment by the Red Sox on Thursday.

One of the key pieces acquired from the Dodgers in the Mookie Betts trade, Downs struggled mightily at Triple-A Worcester the past two years with a .661 OPS in 180 games. He's still just 24, so he'll likely receive some interest on waivers.

Story is the top internal option to start at shortstop for the Red Sox following the departure of Xander Bogaerts, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Story returning to his natural position isn't a slam dunk, though, given concerns about his throwing arm. It's still possible the team opts to keep him at second base and either acquire a shortstop from outside the organization or put Enrique Hernandez there. As Cotillo points out, Story ranked in the 97th percentile in outs above average at second base but just the eighth percentile in arm strength in 2022.

Diaz's two-year, $14.5 million contract with the Athletics was formally announced by the team Tuesday.

Diaz can play all over the field and he should have no trouble finding regular at-bats on Oakland's barren roster. He could hold some deep-league appeal.

Diaz and the Athletics agreed Wednesday on a two-year, $14.5 million contract, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

The terms of Diaz's contract suggests that the Athletics likely envision him serving as a fixture in the lineup in 2023, after he largely served as a utility man in Houston over the past four seasons. He was a near-league-average hitter this past season, slashing .243/.287/.403 (96 wRC+) with 12 home runs, one stolen base, 38 RBI and 35 runs in 327 plate appearances. Diaz made at least five starts at every infield position as well as left field, but it's unclear where Oakland initially intends to use him primarily in 2023.

Reyes signed a minor-league contract with the Athletics on Nov. 14.

After being outrighted off the Brewers' 40-man roster in late October, Reyes elected free agency rather than sticking around in the Milwaukee organization. Though he won't immediately get a spot on Oakland's 40-man roster, Reyes should have the opportunity to compete for a utility role with the big club in spring training. Reyes saw action in six games at the MLB level in 2022, going 4-for-15 at the dish.

Camargo signed a minor-league contract with the Twins on Sunday, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

The switch-hitting journeyman can play all over the infield, and his most-played position in 2022 was shortstop. Camargo, who turns 29 next month, has slashed .208/.265/.319 with seven home runs and zero steals in 311 MLB plate appearances since the start of the 2020 season.

Martinez was added to Cleveland's 40-man roster Tuesday.

The 20-year-old worked his way up to the Double-A level in 2022, so the Guardians opted to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. Martinez had an .849 OPS with 13 home runs and 12 stolen bases in 101 games between High-A and Double-A last season.

Basabe was added to the Ray's 40-man roster Tuesday.

Basabe posted a .324/.385/.462 slash line between the High-A and Double-A levels last season, and Tampa Bay opted to move him to the 40-man roster in order to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. The 22-year-old could open 2023 at Double-A, but it shouldn't be long before he's up with the Triple-A club.