The Cubs signed Bethancourt to a minor-league contract Monday that includes an invitation to spring training, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

He'll be paid $1.6 million if in the majors, but with Carson Kelly and an out-of-minor-league-options Miguel Amaya already on the team, Bethancourt is unlikely to crack the Opening Day roster. The 34-year-old catcher spent the 2025 season at Triple-A Buffalo in the Blue Jays organization, posting just a .551 OPS. Bethancourt is a career .229/.259/.362 hitter over parts of eight big-league seasons.

The Cardinals signed Shuster to a minor-league contract Monday that includes an invitation to spring training, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

A first-round pick in the 2020 First-Year Player Draft, Shuster was once a prospect of some note. However, the left-hander's performance thus far at the major-league level hasn't been encouraging, as he holds a 5.27 ERA and 98:64 K:BB over 141.2 innings covering parts of three seasons. Shuster is capable of starting and relieving, and it's unclear what role the Cardinals have in mind for him, but he has a chance to make the roster on a rebuilding squad.

Burleson will become the Cardinals' everyday first baseman in 2026 following the trade of Willson Contreras (shoulder) to the Red Sox, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Burleson has primarily played the outfield in pro ball, but he has ample experience at first base, as well, having made 38 starts there during the 2025 season. The 27-year-old will have dual eligibility in fantasy leagues in 2026, but it's unclear whether he will see enough action in the outfield to retain eligibility there heading into 2027. The left-handed-hitting Burleson greatly improved versus left-handed pitching in 2025 -- slashing an adequate .271/.310/.398 -- and the Cardinals intend to give him everyday reps in 2026 rather than saddling him with a platoon partner.

The Seibu Lions of Nippon Professional Baseball signed Canario to a contract Sunday, Yakyu Cosmopolitan reports.

Canario was non-tendered by the Pirates last month after posting a .611 OPS in 87 games for Pittsburgh during the 2025 season. The 25-year-old has slashed just .229/.283/.368 during his limited major-league opportunities and will now try his luck in Japan.

Casas (knee) could begin the season at Triple-A Worcester following Boston's acquisition of Willson Contreras (shoulder), Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Casas is working his way back from surgery to repair a ruptured left patellar tendon and could be ready to go Opening Day. However, with Contreras added to the mix, the Red Sox could choose to proceed cautiously with Casas, who has minor-league options remaining. A trade of an outfielder (likely Jarren Duran) could allow both Contreras and Casas to play regularly between first base and designated hitter, though Masataka Yoshida also looms as a DH option. A clearer plan for Casas should be revealed during spring training.

The Red Sox plan to have Contreras (shoulder) split his playing time between first base and designated hitter, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Triston Casas' recovery from a ruptured patellar tendon is coming along well and there's a chance he's ready for Opening Day, but the acquisition of Contreras allows the Red Sox to slow-play Casas, if needed. Contreras is coming back from a shoulder injury of his own but is expected to be fine for spring training. When both players are healthy, they should soak up most of the reps between first base and DH, though Casas does have minor-league options remaining.

The Red Sox traded Dobbins (knee) to St. Louis on Sunday as part of a package for first baseman Willson Contreras (shoulder), Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Dobbins had his 2025 campaign cut short when he tore the ACL in his right knee while running to cover first base during a game against the Rays in mid-July. The hurler ultimately underwent surgery and ended the season on the 60-day injured list, though he began a throwing progression in early November and is slated to be ready for the start of spring training. Prior to getting hurt, Dobbins made 13 appearances (11 starts) during his first taste of the majors, posting a 4.13 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 45:17 K:BB across 61 innings. Dobbins could compete for a spot in St. Louis' rotation, but his low-strikeout profile isn't one that typically attracts the attention of fantasy managers.

St. Louis traded Contreras (shoulder) to the Red Sox on Sunday for a package that includes pitcher Hunter Dobbins (knee), Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Contreras spent the past three seasons with St. Louis after beginning his career with seven campaigns as a Cub. He transitioned to first base full time last year, with all 120 of his appearances in the field coming at that position after he spent his first nine seasons primarily as a catcher. Contreras reportedly informed Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom in September that he was unwilling to waive his no-trade clause, but clearly the 33-year-old has since had a change of heart. He'll fill a considerable gap at first base for the Red Sox, as they lost Abraham Toro to free agency Friday and DFA'd Nathaniel Lowe in November, leaving only the oft-injured Triston Casas (knee) to compete for at-bats. Contreras' loss of catcher eligibility reduces his fantasy appeal considerably, but he showed in his final season in St. Louis that he can still be moderately productive, slashing .257/.344/.447 with 20 home runs, 80 RBI, 70 runs and five stolen bases over 562 plate appearances. He ended the campaign on the IL due to a right shoulder strain, though the injury isn't expected to impact his readiness for spring training.

Machin agreed to a minor-league contract with the Rockies on Sunday, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports.

The deal includes an invitation to big-league spring training, where the 32-year-old will get the chance to compete for a utility infield role on Colorado's Opening Day roster. For the first time since 2022, Machin resurfaced in the big leagues this past season, appearing in four games for Baltimore in late August and going 1-for-11 with a solo home run and a walk. He spent the bulk of the season at Triple-A Norfolk, slashing .286/.347/.476 with 18 home runs and 15 stolen bases across 504 plate appearances.

The Guardians designated Bruihl for assignment Saturday.

Cleveland just acquired Bruihl from Toronto in exchange for cash considerations Wednesday, but it appears the Guardians no longer see the southpaw as part of the team's big-league bullpen after they signed Shawn Armstrong on Thursday. Bruihl can elect to become a free agent if he passes through waivers unclaimed. He may have to settle for a minor-league deal eventually, as he holds a career 4.72 ERA and 1.37 WHIP with a 69:32 K:BB over 89.2 innings across 94 games spanning parts of five campaigns.