MLB Player News

Hernandez has signed a contract with Boston, Alex Kolodziej of FanRag Sports reports

Hernandez last played in the big leagues back in 2016 with the Diamondbacks, where he only made 11 plate appearances -- the 24-year-old catcher spent 2017 in Double-A Jackson, slashing a disappointing .197/.182/.348. Look for Hernandez to start the season at Triple-A Pawtucket, where he figures to provide additional depth for Boston's minor league system behind the dish.

Vazquez said that he needs to get better at calling a game, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports,

Vazquez carries a reputation as an elite defensive catcher but is still learning the art of pitch sequencing and playing to the strength of a pitcher. He's rebounded nicely from Tommy John elbow surgery in 2015 and emerged as Boston's leading catcher. The 27-year-old essentially split the catching chores with Sandy Leon in 2017, but Vazquez was the much better hitter (.290/.330/.404) and should get the greater share of at-bats in 2018. In addition to his surprising hitting results, Vazquez's arm came back to pre-surgery strength, as he threw out 21 of 50 would-be base stealers.

Heim was traded to Oakland as the player to be named in the deal that sent Joey Wendle to Tampa Bay earlier in the month, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Heim split time last season between Single-A Charlotte and High-A Bowling Green, hitting an unremarkable .260/.317/.402 with nine homers in 93 games across both levels. The switch-hitting backstop hasn't really impressed in the lower minors to this point, and seeing as he's still 22 years old, there's a good chance he repeats High-A again next season.

Casali signed a minor-league deal with the Angels that includes an invite to spring training, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.

He elected free agency after the Rays removed him from the 40-man roster this offseason. Casali has a career .199/.285/.385 slash line with 19 home runs and a 30.5 percent strikeout rate in 466 MLB plate appearances, although his defense behind the dish grades out well. Martin Maldonado is the clear starter in Anaheim, but Casali will be able to compete with Juan Graterol and Carlos Perez for a shot to be the backup this spring.

Stassi is the frontrunner to be the backup catcher to Brian McCann in 2018, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The 26-year-old Stassi has served as the organization's primary catcher at the Triple-A level the last four seasons, first at Oklahoma City and then at Fresno. He's coming off his best season at Triple-A, hitting 12 home runs with an .856 OPS. To be generous, his major-league track record is too small of a sample size (79 at-bats), but his career numbers in the minors don't suggest a productive hitter in MLB. That could present a problem should McCann's career trajectory continue on the same path. The 33-year-old catcher, who had 349 at-bats in 2017, has seen fewer at-bats in successive seasons since 2014.

Jansen was added to Toronto's 40-man roster and is protected from the Rule 5 draft.

The 22-year-old catcher reached Triple-A Buffalo last season. Although he played just 31 games with Buffalo, Jansen managed to make an impact at the plate. He posted a great .328/.423/.552 line and drew 11 walks while striking out just seven times. While the Blue Jays may want him to spend some more time with Buffalo to start the 2018 campaign, but he could push his way into consideration for backup duty in Toronto at some point.

McGuire was added to Toronto's 40-man roster Monday.

McGuire missed much of the 2017 season rehabbing from knee surgery, but managed to play 34 games at Double-A New Hampshire. Over the aforementioned outings, he slashed a solid .278/.366/.496 and slugged six home runs. By being added to the 40-man roster, McGuire will be protected from the Rule 5 draft.

Trevino was added to the Rangers' 40-man roster Monday.

Adding Trevino to the 40-man roster protects him from the Rule 5 draft. Trevino had a bit of a down year during his first season at Double-A Frisco. Before 2017, he'd posted a batting average above .250 and an OPS above .700 in each previous season. However, over 105 games last year he slashed just .241/.275/.323 (.598 OPS).

Haase was added to the Indians' 40-man roster Monday.

The move was made to protect Haase from the Rule 5 draft. The 24-year-old hit .258/.349/.574 with 26 homers in 95 games for Double-A Akron last season. With top-prospect Francisco Mejia and Yan Gomes ahead of him on the depth chart, Haase currently doesn't have a clear path to the majors at catcher.

Leon is starting at catcher and batting eighth in Sunday's ALDS Game 3 against the Astros, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Leon was positioned on the bench for Friday's Game 2, but he'll be slotted back into the starting lineup as the Red Sox square off against Brad Peacock and the Astros in their potential elimination game. The veteran backstop went 2-for-4 with an RBI in his Game 1 start.