MLB Player News

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said Saturday that while Busch's ultimate position will be up to manager Craig Counsell, he expects the 26-year-old to play first base, Jared Wyllys of AllCHGO.com reports.

"He's certainly going to play. There's no question. It's up to Craig where. I think first base is obviously a natural spot for him. He's played there a lot," Hoyer said at the team's Cubs Convention. Most of Busch's playing time with the Dodgers in 2023 came at third base, and it's possible he could wind up there if the Cubs bring in another first baseman. However, the consensus seems to be that the defensively-challenged Busch fits best at first base. If Busch is indeed confined to first, it puts a damper on Matt Mervis' dynasty outlook.

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.

Urias signed a one-year, $2.1 million contract with the Orioles on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Urias slashed .264/.328/.375 with 42 RBI across 396 plate appearances last season. Despite his above-average glove and solid batting average, Urias will likely struggle to find regular playing time behind the myriad of talented young prospects the Orioles have on their roster.

Paredes signed a one-year, $3.4 million contract with the Rays on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

2023 was Paredes' best season at the plate to date. He slashed .250/.352/.488 with 31 homers and 98 RBI across 571 plate appearances and cemented himself as the Rays' primary third baseman. He receives a $2.665 million raise and is under team control through 2027.

The Cubs and Madrigal avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.8 million contract Thursday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Madrigal receives a salary bump in what was his second year of arbitration eligibility. The infielder slashed .263/.311/.352 for the Cubs in 2023 and is in the mix for starts at third base again for the upcoming season.

Sosa signed a one-year, $1.7 million contract with the Phillies on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Sosa hit .251 and managed a .720 OPS with 30 RBI through 299 plate appearances in 2023. While last season ended up being one of Sosa's best at the plate, his role remains limited due to the presence of Bryson Stott, Alec Bohm and Trea Turner in Philadelphia's infield.

Busch was traded from the Dodgers to the Cubs along with Yency Almonte on Thursday in exchange for two unknown minor leaguers, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Busch, who fits best at first base or designated hitter, was never going to get an extended run at those positions in Los Angeles, so this boosts his fantasy value. He is currently the favorite to beat out Matt Mervis for the starting first base job, but the Cubs aren't necessarily done making moves -- they have been linked to free agent Rhys Hoskins. Busch is already 26 and needed to repeat Triple-A to master the level (102 wRC+ as a 24-year-old in 2022, 150 wRC+ as a 25-year-old in 2023), so he could still end up being a Quad-A bat when it's all said and done. The lefty-hitting slugger will be eligible at third base to start the year. With righties Patrick Wisdom, Christopher Morel and Alexander Canario all still on the roster, it's possible Busch will sit against lefties.

Alcantara signed a minor-league contract with the Pirates on Dec. 9.

Alcantara, 27, posted a .776 OPS over 98 games between the Cubs' and Diamondbacks' Triple-A affiliates. He's slashed just .209/.281/.406 with 12 homers in 192 games across parts of three seasons at the major-league level.

Machado (elbow) might not be ready to play defense Opening Day, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports.

Machado underwent surgery in early October to repair the extensor tendon in his right elbow. It's an injury he dealt with for much of the 2023 campaign and one which kept him from playing the field in September. The designated hitter duty for Machado could potentially carry over into 2024, with Ha-Seong Kim sliding over to third base.

Arauz signed a minor-league contract with the Dodgers on Dec. 15.

Arauz is a career .184/.253/.308 hitter in 95 games at the major-league level, most recently going 8-for-59 (.136) over 27 games with the Mets in 2023. The 25-year-old will give the Dodgers some utility infielder depth.