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.

The Angels are nearing a contract agreement with Newman, Will Sammon and Sam Blum of The Athletic report.

It's not clear whether it's a major-league or minor-league contract. Newman, 31, spent the 2024 season with the Diamondbacks, slashing .278/.311/.375 with three homers and eight steals in 111 games. With Zach Neto (shoulder) looking iffy for Opening Day, Newman would provide the Angels with some protection 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.

Atlanta acquired Allen from the Athletics on Monday in exchange for Jared Johnson.

Allen, 26, has managed just a .209/.254/.283 batting line over parts of three seasons at the major-league level. He does have a reputation as a solid glove at shortstop, although he came in at negative-2 Outs Above Average during his 41 games with the Athletics in 2024. Allen offers an alternative at shortstop to Orlando Arcia, who is coming off a disappointing season, but ultimately Allen should be more of a depth option.

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.

Adames has received offers from the Dodgers and Mets as of Thursday, freelance reporter Mike Rodriguez reports.

The Mets offer is for seven years and over $160 million. However, because Francisco Lindor holds the reigns at shortstop, Adames would have to likely play third base. As for the offer from the Dodgers, the details of the proposed contract have not been reported. If he signs with Los Angeles, he will stay at shortstop.

Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said Wednesday that the assumption is Betts will move back to the infield next season, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

Betts was the Dodgers' regular shortstop and occasional second baseman for the first three months of the 2024 season before fracturing his hand. Upon his return in mid-August, he moved back to right field on a full-time basis. However, it would appear he'll be on the move again in 2025 to one of the middle infield spots (or perhaps both). The decision could negatively affect the playing time outlook of Miguel Rojas and/or Gavin Lux.

Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey indicated Tuesday the club is considering moving Luciano to the outfield, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Luciano has played only shortstop and second base but has struggled mightily defensively at both spots. Additionally, Posey believes a move to a less taxing position could unlock Luciano's potential at the plate. The 23-year-old has slashed just .217/.286/.304 with no home runs and a 35.7 percent strikeout rate in his first 126 major-league plate appearances.