The Pirates designated Cheng for assignment Friday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

The Pirates needed to clear some roster space after bringing in three players via a three-team trade with Houston and Tampa Bay on Friday, and Cheng will end up as one of the casualties. The 24-year-old infielder made his MLB debut near the beginning of last season, going 0-for-7 with three strikeouts before being sent back to the minors. He didn't fare well at the plate in Triple-A either, slashing .209/.310/.271 with 36 RBI, 37 runs scored and 18 steals across 398 plate appearances at Indianapolis.

Vasquez (undisclosed) signed a minor-league contact with the Orioles on Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Vasquez hit .256/.297/.359 with two homers and six steals over 44 contests at Double-A Montgomery in the Rays organization before missing the final three months with an undisclosed injury. It's unclear what his current health status is, but the infielder will be part of big-league spring training with the Orioles.

The Rangers signed Velazquez to a minor-league contract Dec. 8.

Velazquez spent all of this past season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the Yankees organization, slashing .242/.304/.345 with five homers and 25 steals. A career .189/.244/.293 hitter over parts of six big-league seasons, Velazquez will give the Rangers some experienced infield depth at Triple-A Round Rock.

Kim signed a one-year, $20 million contract with Atlanta on Monday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Kim finished out the 2025 campaign with Atlanta after being claimed off waivers, and he did enough to earn himself another look with the club in 2026. He slashed .253/.316/.368 with three home runs, 12 RBI and 14 runs scored in 24 games down the stretch of the 2025 season after being dumped by the Rays. Kim figures to see the bulk of his playing time at shortstop heading into the upcoming season, though he can also manage at the keystone if necessary. Mauricio Dubon is expected to be deployed as a true utility man following the addition of Kim.

The Angels acquired Grissom from the Red Sox on Tuesday in exchange for Isaiah Jackson, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Grissom had a forgettable tenure in Boston after being sent there from Atlanta in the Chris Sale trade. He slashed only .190/.246/.219 with zero home runs over 31 games during the 2024 season before spending all of 2025 at Triple-A Worcester, where he slashed .270/.342/.441 with 13 home runs. Grissom -- who will turn just 25 in January -- is out of minor-league options and will get a fresh start with the Angels. Most of Grissom's experience has come in the middle infield, but he's also handled third base, first base and left field.

The Yankees do not expect Volpe (shoulder) to be ready for his season debut before the end of April, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Volpe underwent surgery in mid-October to repair a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder. He is expected to be cleared to hit by February but will not be allowed to dive on the shoulder until around April. It's possible Volpe will be ready to go by early May, but a clearer picture of his timetable should be available at a later date. Jose Caballero is in line to serve as the Yankees' primary shortstop until Volpe is ready.

The Pirates claimed Luciano off waivers from the Giants on Friday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Luciano was one of the top prospects in baseball a few years ago, but he has not progressed as hoped, slashing just .217/.286/.304 over 41 games in the majors and .227/.351/.401 at the Triple-A level. He's still just 24, though, so the Pirates felt he was worth a roll of the dice. Luciano -- who does not have minor-league options remaining -- has primarily been a shortstop but shifted to left field at Triple-A Sacramento in 2025. It's unclear at this point what position the Pirates have planned for him.

Arroyo will begin transitioning from second base to left field this month during the Columbian Winter League, Adam Jude of the Seattle Times reports.

Arroyo played second base exclusively in 2025 between High-A Everett and Double-A Arkansas, slashing .262/.401/.433 with 17 homers and 12 steals between the two stops. He has never played the outfield before, but with the Mariners' infield depth, the organization has elected to move the 21-year-old to left field. Arroyo could push to debut at some point during the 2026 season.

Young is the leading candidate to start at second base for the Mariners next season, Adam Jude of the Seattle Times reports.

Young's playing time tapered off for the Mariners down the stretch of the regular season and he did not play during the playoffs. However, Seattle remains high on the 22-year-old's potential despite a .211/.302/.305 batting line in 77 games this season. The Mariners could acquire a second baseman from outside the organization, but if they don't, the left-handed-hitting Young is the top candidate to start at least against righties. Leo Rivas and Ryan Bliss (knee) will also be in the mix.

Schmitt underwent surgery on his left wrist Tuesday and was given a rehab timeline of 8-to-10 weeks, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

The 26-year-old could be limited for the start of spring training in February but should have plenty of time to get back to full health before Opening Day. Schmitt played in 95 games for the Giants last season and clubbed 12 home runs with a .237/.305/.401 slash line in 348 plate appearances. He should be in the mix to start at second base to begin 2026 but is likely better suited for more of a utility role.