MLB Player News

Kirk has yet to report to spring training as he awaits the birth of his child, Gregor Chisholm of The Toronto Star reports.

"We're still on baby watch," Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Friday. "I thought it was going to be (Thursday). My last update this morning was, 'Not quite yet.' " Kirk is going to play for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, so after he does report he might only get in a couple weeks work before departing for the tournament in early March.

White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said Friday that he wants Grandal to primarily focus on catching this year, per Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com.

Grandal was limited to DH duties for stretches last season due to back and knee injuries, but he entered camp at full health, and the hope is that he can be a near-everyday presence behind the plate throughout the 2023 campaign. "I haven't really thought about him as a DH," said Grifol. "That doesn't mean he's not going to. But he's our catcher."

Maldonado (hernia) confirmed Thursday that he is fully healthy leading into the spring, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Maldonado required hernia surgery in mid-November, but he's now healthy after having three full months to recover. He used the period of rehab and recovery to drop 17 pounds and is preparing to be something close to an everyday presence at catcher this year for the reigning World Series-champion Astros. The 36-year-old hit a career-high 15 home runs over 113 regular-season games in 2022, though his .600 OPS was still below average.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch doesn't believe that Rogers (elbow) will have any restrictions to begin 2023, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Rogers has already been able to catch bullpens in Florida, and Hinch told reporters that the backstop sent him photos making throws at a variety of angles. He missed the 2022 season while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery that occurred in 2021. Assuming continued good health, Rogers should be the primary backup for Eric Haase during the 2023 campaign.

Rogers (elbow) was spotted catching Matthew Boyd's bullpen session at Monday's spring training workout and appears to be at full health ahead of the 2023 season, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Though Rogers missed the entire 2022 season while rehabbing from September 2021 Tommy John surgery, he was cleared to resume full hitting last summer. However, he wasn't able to start a throwing progression until the fall, but the 27-year-old backstop appears to be in sound health at the start of spring training. He'll be competing in camp for a spot on the Tigers' Opening Day roster as the top backup to presumptive No. 1 catcher Eric Haase.

Collins signed a minor-league contract Thursday with the Guardians which includes an invitation to major-league spring training.

Collins struggled to a .155/.231/.320 batting line in 36 major-league games last season between the Blue Jays and Pirates. The 28-year-old catcher seems unlikely to make the Cleveland's Opening Day roster since he sits firmly behind Mike Zunino and Bo Naylor on the depth chart.

Raleigh (thumb) said Wednesday that he had no issues while catching a bullpen session Tuesday for pitcher Marco Gonzales, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Raleigh mentioned that he has more rehab and strengthening work to do before being cleared for full baseball activities, but the fact that the surgically repaired left thumb isn't hindering him from catching is a positive sign at the onset of spring training. The switch-hitting backstop underwent surgery in the fall after he played through the broken thumb and a torn ligament in his left hand late in the regular season and during Seattle's postseason run. Raleigh, who hit 27 home runs and batted .211 in 415 plate appearances in 2022, appears on track to be ready for Opening Day, but he may not be formally cleared until he appears in a Cactus League game.

Trevino and the Yankees avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year deal Friday.

The Yankees acquired Trevino in a trade with Texas prior to last season and were rewarded with an All-Star campaign. Much of Trevino's value comes from his defense, however, which limits his fantasy appeal. His .248/.283/.388 slash line last season wasn't particularly exciting, and his 11 homers merely tied him for 17th among all catchers.

Higashioka and the Yankees avoided arbitration Friday by agreeing to a one-year deal.

Higashioka homered 10 times in 248 plate appearances last season, but his .227/.264/.389 slash line was good for just an 83 wRC+. He'll enter the 2023 season as Jose Trevino's backup behind the plate.

Bethancourt signed a one-year, $1.35 million contract with the Rays on Friday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

The 31-year-old had a surprisingly solid year in 2022, as he recorded a career-high .692 OPS over 333 plate appearances between the A's and Rays. Bethancourt will likely split time with Francisco Mejia in 2023, though he should see a larger share of the action behind the dish.