MLB Player News

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.

Athletics general manager David Forst said this week that the team isn't considering moving Miller back into a starting role, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

When the Athletics announced last offseason that Miller would be used as a reliever, they didn't rule out the right-hander eventually returning to the rotation. However, it appears that ship has now sailed and Miller's future is in the bullpen. He was one of the best closers in baseball in 2024, posting a 2.49 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 104:21 K:BB over 65 innings. Given his past health issues, it's not a surprise that the team has opted to leave Miller in a role in which he's proven he can stay heathy and effective.

The Angels designated Miller for assignment Thursday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Miller made his big-league debut in 2024 as a 28-year-old, maintaining a 4.15 ERA and 1.62 WHIP across 13 innings while working in relief. He'll remain in the Angels' organization and could have the chance to return to the majors at some point in 2025.

McFarland signed a one-year contract with the Athletics on Thursday.

McFarland put up a 3.81 ERA and 1.24 WHIP over 56.2 innings last year and tallied 19 holds while pitching in high-leverage situations fairly often. He's likely to retain a similar role in his second year with the A's, though opportunities for saves will be limited as long as Mason Miller is still on the team.

The Guardians agreed to a one-year, $4 million contract with Hedges on Wednesday, Buster Olney of ESPN reports.

Hedges will return to Cleveland as Bo Naylor's backup. The 32-year-old slashed only .152/.203/.220 with two homers in 66 contests for the Guardians this season but is lauded for his defense and handling of a pitching staff.

The Blue Jays are open to moving Guerrero to third base next season if they're able to acquire a first baseman this offseason, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Heyman lists Pete Alonso as the bat the Blue Jays could bring in to force a position switch for Guerrero. Vlad Jr. made 11 starts at the hot corner this season and was an everyday third baseman during his rookie year back in 2019. How eager Toronto might be to move the slugger across the diamond on a full-time basis isn't clear, but it might be considered for the opportunity to add the right bat.

Rodriguez recently underwent surgery to repair a ligament tear in his right thumb, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey indicated Wednesday it was a cleanup procedure that Rodriguez had and the expectation is the young outfielder will be ready for spring training. Rodriguez was limited to just 47 games in 2024 due to the nagging thumb issue. The 21-year-old ended the season at Triple-A St. Paul and is already on the 40-man roster, so he could push to debut in 2025.

Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said Tuesday that the team is undecided on what role Whitlock (elbow) will fill in 2025, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Breslow added that he does plan to define Whitlock's role eventually, but factoring into the decision will be what happens with other potential pitching additions the club makes this offseason. Whitlock underwent an internal brace procedure in May and is likely to get a late start to 2025 regardless of the role he fills, although the rehab would take longer if the Red Sox elect to stretch him out to be in the rotation.

Hendricks agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Angels on Wednesday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com first reported that a deal was close and Sherman has provided the financial details. Hendricks -- who turns 35 next month -- didn't have an ideal walk year with a 5.92 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 87:43 K:BB over 130.2 innings with the Cubs. The Angels will pay a modest sum in hopes that the right-hander can bounce back in 2025.

Lewis could be used more at second base next season, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.

Lewis made one start at the keystone for the Twins in September, his first there at the major-league level. The 25-year-old has graded out well in terms of range at third base but has struggled with his throwing, so second base could be a better fit. How much time Lewis ultimately spends at second base in 2025 might depend on how the Minnesota roster shakes out over the winter.