MLB Player News

Nevin was designated for assignment by the Orioles on Wednesday.

The move frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for James McCann. Nevin has managed just a .604 OPS across 202 plate appearances at the major-league level. The 25-year-old stands a good chance to pass through waivers.

LeMahieu will avoid surgery on his broken toe, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

The injury forced LeMahieu to miss the postseason, but the offseason rest appears to be doing its job. The veteran infielder has already been able to run, hit and field, so his availability for the start of spring training doesn't seem to be at much risk.

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.

Peterson's two-year, $9.5 million contract with the Athletics was formally announced Tuesday.

Peterson has put up a .706 OPS with 14 home runs and 22 stolen bases over the last two seasons in a utility role with the Brewers. He should play pretty regularly against righties and offers some deep-league consideration mostly because of his speed.

Peterson signed a two-year contract with the Athletics on Tuesday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Peterson recorded a 76 wRC+ through the end of his age-29 season, but he's posted a 98 wRC+ since turning 30 prior to the 2020 campaign. That doesn't make him much more than a part-time player, though the Athletics have enough holes on their roster that Peterson could feature regularly. Between his mediocre bat, tough home park and weak surrounding lineup, even a regular role would leave Peterson without much fantasy appeal outside of deep leagues.

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.

Astudillo has signed with the SoftBank Hawks of the KBO, Nikkan Sports reports.

The 31-year-old infielder has had a 5.5 percent strikeout rate and 1.5 percent walk rate in 271 MLB plate appearances over the past two seasons, but he hit just .237 with eight home runs over that stretch. Astudillo could find offensive success in the KBO, but he will likely always be a defensive liability.

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.