Barnes signed a minor-league contract with the Mets on Thursday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Barnes appeared in 13 regular-season games for the Dodgers in 2025, posting a .519 OPS across 44 plate appearances before being cut loose by the team in May. The 36-year-old backstop will now aim to return to the big leagues with the Mets, though he'll most likely fill in as minor-league depth at Triple-A Syracuse.

The Cardinals have extended Henderson an invitation to big-league camp during spring training.

A 6-foot-2, 180-pound southpaw, Henderson has logged an ERA below 3.00 at Single-A, High-A and Double-A since getting drafted in the eighth round in 2023. Last year, he had a 2.59 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 134:51 K:BB in 132 innings across 25 starts at Double-A. His fastball sits in the 92-94 mph range and plays up due to its late life. His sweeper and changeup are strong offerings, and while he may not have a plus pitch in his arsenal, Henderson has what it takes to turn a lineup over multiple times. In 2025, he allowed a .600 OPS against righties and a .558 OPS against lefties. He isn't on the 40-man roster, but Henderson could make his big-league debut in 2026 if he handles Triple-A the same way he has every other level in pro ball.

Nootbaar (heels) opening the season on the injured list is "fair to assume" until he shows he can play in games at full speed, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Nootbaar underwent surgery in early October to address deformities on both of his heels. It's possible the outfielder looks good in camp and is ready to go Opening Day, but the likelier scenario is the rebuilding Cardinals err on the side of caution and ease Nootbaar into things. More will be known during spring training about the progress of his recovery. If Nootbaar does need an IL stint and Brendan Donovan is still with the team, Donovan could slide out to start in left field. Nathan Church could handle left field if Nootbaar isn't ready and Donovan is traded.

Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom indicated during the team's recent Winter Warm-Up fan event that it's uncertain whether Dobbins (knee) will pitch in spring training games, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Dobbins needed surgery to repair a torn right ACL in July. He's been throwing all offseason, but the Cardinals could still choose to slow-play their offseason trade acquisition. If healthy, Dobbins will compete for a spot in the St. Louis rotation, but he does have minor-league options remaining and could also be stashed on the injured list for a while. More clarity on Dobbins' timetable should be available once spring training gets underway.

Adams cleared waivers Wednesday and was sent outright to Triple-A Rochester.

The 29-year-old catcher was DFA'd by the Nationals last Thursday to create space on the 40-man roster for Gus Varland (undisclosed). Adams had the right to elect free agency after passing through waivers unclaimed, but he will instead accept his assignment to Rochester and is likely to remain there for the majority of 2026.

Edman (ankle) will have a delayed start to spring training as he continues to rehab from ankle surgery, and it's possible he won't be available by Opening Day, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

The 30-year-old underwent the ankle surgery in mid-November, but his recovery and rehab apparently haven't gone fully according to plan. Edman still has about two months to get up to speed for Opening Day, and it'll be worth keeping an eye on his rehab progress throughout spring training. Hyeseong Kim and Andy Ibanez could form a platoon at second base should Edman require a stint on the IL to begin 2026.

McCaughan signed a minor-league contract with the Reds on Wednesday, which includes an invitation to major-league spring training, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

McCaughan allowed just one run in 5.1 innings during his three appearances with the Twins last season. He didn't have nearly the same level of success in the minors, however, turning in a 5.10 ERA and 1.49 WHIP across 97 frames with Triple-A St. Paul. Barring a significant turnaround, the 29-year-old righty will likely remain at Triple-A for the vast majority of 2026.

The Nationals designated Pilkington for assignment Wednesday.

The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for waiver claim Tsung-Che Cheng. Pilkington appeared in 34 games for the Nationals last season, posting a 4.45 ERA and 34:17 K:BB over 28.1 innings. The 28-year-old lefty stands a good chance of passing through waivers unclaimed, but if that happens he would have the ability to elect free agency.

The Nationals claimed Cheng off waivers from the Mets on Wednesday.

It's the fourth organization that Cheng has been in this offseason. Cheng batted only .209/.307/.271 at Triple-A Indianapolis in the Pirates organization last season and went hitless in seven plate appearances with the big club. The 24-year-old will compete for a reserve role with the Nationals but does have minor-league options remaining.

The Brewers signed McGuire to a minor-league contract Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

McGuire participated in 44 regular-season games for the Cubs in 2025, slashing .226/.245/.444 with nine home runs. The Brewers have an opening at backup catcher behind William Contreras, and there's a good chance McGuire wins that job.