MLB Player News

Merrifield and the Blue Jays both declined his mutual option for the 2024 season Thursday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

The option was worth $18 million, so it's little surprise the team is willing to move on given that Merrifield lost playing down the final stretch. He'll be entering his age-35 season, so Merrifield could be looking for a final payday. He maintained a .700 OPS with 11 home runs and 26 steals across 592 plate appearances in 2023.

The Twins exercised Polanco's $10.5 million club option for 2024 on Thursday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Polanco again battled durability issues in 2023, missing significant time due to ankle, knee and hamstring injuries, but he registered a .789 OPS with 14 home runs across 80 games (343 plate appearances) when healthy. Minnesota could potentially look to trade the 30-year-old infielder this winter and install Edouard Julien at second base, but exercising the option was likely an easy early-offseason decision for the AL Central champs.

The Giants sent Mathias (shoulder) outright to Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday.

Mathias slashed just .226/.333/.258 across 72 plate appearances in the majors this season, and a strained shoulder put an early end to his season in mid-August. Mathias will have the option to elect free agency and should be able to draw a minor-league deal in the offseason.

Mendick elected free agency Tuesday.

Mendick went unclaimed on waivers after being pushed off the Mets' 40-man roster last week. The 30-year-old infielder slashed just .185/.232/.277 with one homer and one steal over 33 major-league games in 2023.

The Mets placed Mendick on outright waivers Friday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Mendick slashed just .185/.232/.277 during his time with the Mets, and he'll now join five other teammates on the waiver wire as the team clears space on its 40-man roster. The 32-year-old infielder can elect free agency if he clears waivers.

Dubon is batting second Thursday in Game 4 of the ALCS against the Rangers.

This is the highest lineup spot yet for Dubon, who hit seventh Wednesday in Game 3 and went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored as the Astros earned an 8-5 victory. He'll cover center field again Thursday, with Chas McCormick handling left field and Kyle Tucker patrolling right field. Michael Brantley is on the bench.

Chavis cleared outright assignment waivers Wednesday and elected to become a free agent, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Chavis compiled a .242/.281/.341 slash line with five RBI across 96 plate appearances in 2023, and he'll now look to latch on with another organization. With a .650 OPS since 2021, Chavis will likely serve in a bench role with his new team.

Dubon is starting in center field and batting seventh Wednesday in Game 3 of the ALCS at Texas.

Chas McCormick will ride the pine as the Astros look to win their first game of the best-of-seven American League Championship Series. This is the third start of the 2023 postseason for Dubon, who has gone 3-for-8 with three singles at the dish.

Dubon is starting in center field and batting seventh in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against the Rangers on Sunday.

The 29-year-old made one start in the ALDS versus the Twins and went 2-for-5 with a pair of singles. Dubon will also start the series opener against Texas with lefty Jordan Montgomery taking the mound. Michael Brantley will come off the bench as a result.

The Rockies sent Castro outright to Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday.

Castro slashed .252/.275/.314 with 31 RBI across 270 plate appearances with the Rockies in 2023, and he will remain in the organization after clearing waivers. Barring a significant turnaround, the 29-year-old infielder seems unlikely to have a significant role with Colorado in 2024.