MLB Player News

The Astros acquired Cabbage from the Angels on Wednesday in exchange for Carlos Espinosa.

Cabbage had been designated for assignment over the weekend and now has a new home. The 26-year-old was one of just two minor leaguers to go 30-30 in 2023, collecting 30 home runs and 32 stolen bases at Triple-A Salt Lake. There's lots of swing and miss in his game, however, as he fanned at a 30 percent rate at Salt Lake and a whopping 46.4 percent rate during his brief time with the Angels. Cabbage will provide depth at first base and in the outfield.

Miranda (shoulder) began throwing in mid-January, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Miranda had surgery in early October to remove scar tissue from his right labrum and rotator cuff. He was cleared to begin hitting in early December and recently progressed to hitting off a pitching machine and throwing. The plan is for Miranda to be eased into game action this spring at designated hitter before eventually playing the field. All 35 of Miranda's starts during his injury-shortened, disappointing 2023 season came at third base, but his best shot at playing time in 2024 could be at first.

The Angels designated Cabbage for assignment Saturday, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports.

With the signing of Matt Moore becoming official Saturday, Cabbage will lose his spot on the 40-man roster in order to clear room. Cabbage slashed .208/.232/.321 with seven RBI across 56 plate appearances for the Angels last season, though his .975 OPS in Triple-A could certainly draw interest from other clubs on the waiver wire.

Moncada said Thursday that he's feeling healthy after being plagued by chronic back and leg issues the previous two seasons, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

Moncada told reporters he's been focused this offseason on improving his core strength after he was limited to just 104 games in 2022 and 92 games in 2023. The 28-year-old has slashed just .234/.288/.386 over that span, and it has seemed like he's never been totally healthy. Moncada will report to spring training early this year ahead of what he hopes will be a bounce-back 2024 campaign. The White Sox hold a $25 million option on him for 2025, so it could be a walk year for the third baseman.

Duffy signed a minor-league contract with the Rangers on Thursday and received an invitation to major-league spring training.

Duffy elected free agency in November after slashing .251/.306/.325 across 209 plate appearances with the Royals last season. The 33-year-old infielder won't see many starts with the defending World Series champions, but his defensive versatility and ability to maintain a decent batting average could allow him to win a spot on the Rangers' bench during spring training.

The Tigers traded Nevin to the Orioles in exchange for cash considerations Monday.

Nevin will return to Baltimore after appearing in 58 games for the Orioles during the 2022 campaign. He slashed .200/.306/.316 with two homers, 10 RBI and 11 runs scored over 41 contests a year ago with Detroit and figures to serve as organizational depth heading into the 2024 season.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone indicated in an interview with Foul Territory on Friday that he'd like to see LeMahieu win the team's leadoff spot.

The skipper isn't committing to any lineup spots yet, but he noted when discussing the leadoff spot that he was "excited" with how LeMahieu finished the season and is hoping the 35-year-old can "solve" the leadoff spot for the Yanks. Boone also mentioned Alex Verdugo and Gleyber Torres as potential leadoff candidates. The manager is tentatively planning to hit Juan Soto second and Aaron Judge third.

Nevin was designated for assignment by the Tigers on Thursday.

Detroit needed to free up a spot on its 40-man roster for the addition of Devin Sweet. Nevin, 26, has slashed just .203/.310/.301 over 105 games at the major-league level and stands a decent chance of passing through waivers unclaimed.

Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander revealed last week that it's "unlikely" Walls (hip) will be ready for Opening Day, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Walls underwent surgery in October to repair a labral tear in his right hip. Manager Kevin Cash had expressed optimism last month that the infielder would be ready for the start of the season, but Neander isn't as hopeful and also noted that, when Walls does make it back, he's unlikely to receive a full workload. Jose Caballero appears poised to be Tampa Bay's Opening Day shortstop.

Farmer agreed to a one-year, $6.3 million contract with the Twins on Thursday that includes a $6.25 million mutual option for 2025, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

There's a $250K buyout if the club declines the 2025 option. Farmer is more valuable in real life than in fantasy, as he doesn't have big tools, but he can capably play any position on the infield. He slashed .256/.317/.408 with 11 home runs in 369 plate appearances last season while playing 20-plus games at second base, third base and shortstop.