MLB Player News

Moustakas (calf) doesn't appear to be in line for a regular role with the Reds in 2023, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "He's on our roster," general manager Nick Krall said, when asked about Moustakas at a recent fan event.

The Reds were willing to eat outfielder Shogo Akiyama's contract last season when they determined that Akiyama no longer had a role with the team, and that might be the same path they take with Moustakas this season. A healthy Joey Votto (shoulder) should reclaim everyday duties at first base during the upcoming season, and Moustakas' other avenues to playing time at designated hitter or third base could also be blocked with Cincinnati presumably keen on giving some of its younger hitters opportunities. Before his 2022 campaign came to an end in late August with a left calf strain, Moustakas posted a .640 OPS -- the second-worst mark of his career -- and a career-high 26.3 percent strikeout rate over 285 plate appearances.

Toro and Jesse Winker were acquired by the Brewers from the Mariners on Friday in exchange for Kolten Wong and cash considerations, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Toro was acquired by the Mariners from the Astros at the 2021 trade deadline, and he's now on the move once again. The 25-year-old played in a career-high 109 games last season, but he struggled offensively with a .185/.239/.324 slash line, 10 home runs and 35 RBI. He's under team control through 2026 and should have the chance to secure a starting spot in the lineup during spring training, with Wong's departure opening up the job at second base.

Candelario and the Nationals agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal Tuesday, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Candelario was non-tendered by the Tigers after a down season in 2022, which saw him hit just .217/.272/.361 with 13 homers. He's found himself in a great spot to try to launch a bounceback campaign, as his primary competition for playing time at third base will be Carter Kieboom, a career .197/304/.285 hitter who missed most of last season due to Tommy John surgery. A better 2023 for Candelario isn't too tough to envision, as he hit a strong .278/.356/.458 across the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Senzel underwent surgery in the offseason to repair the broken bone in his toe, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Senzel's toe wasn't healing properly, so the surgery was simply to mend the issue. He is still expected to be ready for the start of spring training. The 27-year-old outfielder was forced to miss the final weeks of the season because of his toe, and he finished the year with a career-low .602 OPS through 411 plate appearances.

The Pirates traded Newman to the Reds on Friday in exchange for right-hander Dauri Moreta.

Cincinnati traded Kyle Farmer to the Twins earlier Friday, and Newman will essentially replace Farmer as the top utility player off the Reds' bench. While Newman provides little power, he has good bat-to-ball skills and a little speed. Newman finished with a .288 average (15-for-52) and three steals in his final 15 games last season.

Triolo (knee) was added to Pittsburgh's 40-man roster Tuesday.

Triolo spent the final month of 2022 on the injured list at Double-A Altoona with a hyperextended knee, but he still had a productive campaign with a .285/.378/.424 slash line and 24 steals in 112 games. The 24-year-old should move up to Triple-A Indianapolis at some point in 2023.

Vosler was designated for assignment by the Giants on Tuesday.

Vosler played in 36 contests for the Giants last season and hit well with an .811 OPS, four home runs and 12 RBI in 111 plate appearances. He bounced between Triple-A and the majors and could be ticketed for a similar role in 2023.

Busch was added to the Dodgers' 40-man roster Tuesday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Busch opened 2022 at Double-A Tulsa and posted a 1.112 OPS in 31 games to earn a promotion to Triple-A Oklahoma City. The 25-year-old clubbed 32 homers and 38 doubles between the two levels in 2022, though he may need to cut down on his 26 percent strikeout rate before he receives an extended look in the majors.

De La Cruz was added to the Reds' 40-man roster Tuesday.

One of the top prospects in baseball, De La Cruz crushed opposing pitchers in 2022, slashing .306/.361/.586 between High-A and Double-A ball. He still needs to clean up some things on the defensive end and improve his strikeout rate (30.9 K% in Double-A), but that kind of offensive production suggests it will only be a matter of time before De La Cruz gets the call to the majors.

Vargas signed a one-year contract with the Nationals on Tuesday, avoiding arbitration

Vargas provided solid production at the plate for Washington, slashing .302/.338/.439 upon joining the team in August. The 31-year-old infielder could slide back in as a starter in 2023, though he will likely ultimately settle into his customary utility role.