MLB Player News

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.

The Marlins declined to tender Anderson a contract for 2023, Craig Mish of SportsGrid.com reports.

Anderson has battled injuries over the past two seasons, falling short of 100 games played both years, and the Marlins decided to move on rather than pay an above-market rate for Anderson's services. Despite his injury woes, Anderson (career .750 OPS) figures to get a big-league contract in free agency.

The Tigers declined to tender Candelario a contract for 2023.

Candelario finally enjoyed some success against big-league pitching in 2021, smacking 42 doubles with a .794 OPS, but it all came crashing back down for him in 2022. HIs batting average fell more than 50 points and Candelario will now be looking for a new team in free agency.

The Reds agreed to trade Farmer to the Twins on Friday in exchange for right-hander Casey Legumina, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

A late bloomer, Farmer became a regular for the Reds at shortstop over the past couple seasons. He led Cincinnati in plate appearances by a wide margin in 2022, though the team eventually moved Farmer off shortstop to give Jose Barrero, Spencer Steer and others some time late in the year. The 32-year-old Farmer is best utilized as a utility player, and that's almost certainly what he will be with Minnesota.

The Twins agreed to trade Urshela to the Angels on Friday in exchange for right-hander Alejandro Hidalgo, Jeff Passan of ESPN reports.

Urshela finished third on the team in plate appearances in 2022 with 551 and was worth a couple wins above replacement by fWAR. However, he's due north of $6.5 million in his final year of arbitration eligibility, and the Twins ultimately decided to flip him for a young prospect rather than pay up. Urshela could play some shortstop for his new club or move across the diamond to first base, but Anthony Rendon's inability to stay healthy could open up plenty of playing time at third base as well.

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.

Mead (elbow) was added to the Rays' 40-man roster Tuesday.

Mead is one of Tampa Bay's most highly-regarded prospects, so it's no surprise he's been added to the 40-man roster in order to shield him from the Rule 5 draft. He split 2022 between the Double-A and Triple-A levels and had a .922 OPS with 13 home runs, 50 RBI and seven stolen bases in 76 games before he was shut down with an elbow injury.