MLB Player News

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns indicated in an interview with Foul Territory on Wednesday that he does not expect to sign Alonso to a contract extension prior to the first baseman reaching free agency next offseason.

Stearns did say that he's hopeful the two sides will eventually be able to work something out, but it doesn't sound like either party anticipates that happening before the end of the season. Alonso, for what it's worth, hired Scott Boras as his agent earlier this offseason. The 29-year-old slugger will make $20.5 million in 2024 before hitting the open market next winter.

With January trade addition Michael Busch likely to play first base, per Jared Wyllys of AllCHGO.com, Mervis may have to settle for a bench role to begin the season.

Busch is not considered a great defender, but the team seems to want his slugging bat in the lineup, which could come at the expense of Mervis at first base. Mervis and Busch are young players with some upside, though both struggled during their respective MLB debuts last season, with strikeouts a key problem for each player. The situation at first appears to be fluid, but for now consider the outlook for Mervis to be somewhat dampened by the arrival of Busch.

The Cardinals claimed Rivas off waivers from the Angels on Monday.

Even though spring training games are still about three weeks away, Rivas has already been well traveled this offseason. After being booted off the Pirates' 40-man roster shortly following the regular season, Rivas has been claimed and waived by both the Guardians and Angels before catching on with St. Louis on Monday. The Cardinals cleared room on the 40-man roster for Rivas by designating outfielder Moises Gomez for assignment, but the 27-year-old first baseman could be at risk of being cut once again if St. Louis needs to open up another roster spot at any point in the near future. Even though he was frequently shielded against left-handed pitching this past season, the lefty-hitting Rivas still finished with an unremarkable .229/.303/.422 slash line over 123 big-league plate appearances between the Padres and Pirates.

Hoskins (knee) said Monday that he expects to be full-go at the beginning of spring training, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Hoskins missed the entire 2023 season after tearing his left ACL during spring training, but he was close to being cleared to return during the postseason for the Phillies and should head into his first camp with the Brewers with no lingering limitations. Slated to turn 31 in March, Hoskins is set to be Milwaukee's regular first baseman in 2024 but should also see ample time at designated hitter.

Padlo signed a minor-league contract with the Dodgers on Friday that includes an invitation to spring training, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Padlo was in the Angels organization in 2023, going 1-for-8 at the plate during his brief time with the big club and posting an .835 OPS with 13 homers at Triple-A Salt Lake. The 27-year-old is likely headed to Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he'll represent infield depth.

Hoskins (knee) signed a two-year, $34 million contract with the Brewers on Tuesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Hoskins was forced to sit out all of 2023 after tearing his left ACL during a spring training game. Despite the slugger's injury history, Milwaukee will bring Hoskins in to take over as its everyday first baseman and fill one of the team's biggest offseason needs. Hoskins reached the 30-homer mark twice in six seasons with the Phillies, and playing his home games at American Family Field could help him get there again in 2024 if he stays healthy. Hoskins will be allowed to opt out of his new contract after the first season.

Gallo signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Nationals on Tuesday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

He'll have the opportunity to earn an additional $1 million in incentives. Gallo slashed just .177/.301/.440 last season with the Twins, although he did pop 21 home runs over 332 plate appearances. The 30-year-old would appear to be penciled in as the Nationals' regular left fielder, although he could see some action at first base, as well.

Blandino is attempting to become a pitcher, Fernando Rayo of 8 Deportivo reports.

Blandino is expected to report to Double-A Chattanooga for the start of the season, as he didn't secure an invitation to big-league spring training when inking his MiLB deal in November. He's appeared in five major-league contests as a pitcher and has featured a knuckleball during his brief experience on the bump.

Alonso signed a one-year, $20.5 million contract with the Mets on Thursday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Alonso is in the final year of arbitration eligibility and saw his salary jump $6 million from 2023. He's proven to be one of the most consistent power producers across five full seasons in the majors, reaching 40 homers in each of the last two campaigns and three times overall. Assuming he and the Mets don't agree to an extension, Alonso will hit free agency next offseason.

The Diamondbacks and Walker avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $10.9 million contract Thursday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

It's a nice raise for the first baseman in what was his final year of arbitration eligibility. Walker struggled in the postseason for Arizona but had another terrific regular season, slugging 30-plus home runs for the second year in a row while reaching the 100-RBI mark for the first time.