MLB Player News

White Sox general manager Chris Getz noted Tuesday that Santos (elbow) might not be ready for the start of spring training, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Santos finished the 2023 season on the injured list due to right elbow inflammation and just recently resumed throwing in Arizona. Getz said the medical reports have been good so far, but this could be a situation that is slow-played during spring camp in an attempt to avoid significant setbacks. Santos, 24, may find himself in the running for a share of Chicago's closer role in 2024 if his health cooperates.

Tampa Bay re-signed Devenski to a one-year, $1.1 million contract Tuesday with a $2 million club option for 2025, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Devenski posted an overall 4.46 ERA in 42.1 innings between the Angels and Rays in 2023, but he racked up 42 strikeouts while issuing only 11 walks. The 33-year-old right-hander owns a career 3.78 ERA in 373.1 total big-league frames and returns to Tampa Bay as a likely middle or multi-inning reliever.

Yates signed a one-year contract Tuesday with the Rangers, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

The one-year deal will be worth about $4.5 million, per Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News. Yates registered a steady 3.28 ERA with 80 strikeouts over 60.1 innings of relief for Atlanta in 2023, even tallying five saves along the way. The 36-year-old right-hander projects to fill a setup role with the reigning World Series champions in 2024. He turns 37 years old in March.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Tuesday that Winckowski could be an option for the rotation in 2024, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Winckowski had a terrific 2023 season out of Boston's bullpen, posting a 2.88 ERA and 82:31 K:BB over 84.1 innings. He was used almost exclusively as a starter throughout his pro career prior to that, though, and it sounds like the Red Sox will stretch him back out during spring training. Ultimately, whether Winckowski receives a legitimate look in the rotation could depend on how many starters the Red Sox acquire this offseason.

Roberts (elbow) signed a minor-league contract with the Cubs on Saturday.

Roberts was non-tendered by the Cubs last month but is now back in the fold as organizational relief depth. The 26-year-old right-hander did not pitch in 2023 while recovering from Tommy John surgery, though he is expected to be fully recovered by the beginning of spring training in 2024.

Heller signed a minor-league contract with the Pirates on Tuesday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Heller, 32, posted a 3.86 ERA and 16:11 K:BB over 18.2 innings in 2023 with Atlanta. He'll provide Pittsburgh with some right-handed relief depth.

Marte signed a minor-league contract with the Angels on Monday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Marte was non-tendered by Los Angeles in November, and he'll now return to the organization on a minor-league deal for the 2024 season. The right-hander figures to provide bullpen depth as needed, though he's struggled to find his footing in the big leagues so far in his career.

Tate is healthy and participating in a normal throwing program this offseason, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Tate was limited to just 13 rehab appearances this season because of a right forearm issue, but the Orioles are confident the reliever has finally put the injury behind him. A healthy Tate -- who posted a 3.05 ERA over 67 relief appearances in 2022 -- could provide a big boost to a Baltimore bullpen which will be without Felix Bautista (elbow) in 2024.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Monday that Diaz is "fully healthy" after completing his recovery from the patellar tendon surgery he required on his right knee last March, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Coming off a brilliant 2022 campaign in which he converted 32 of 35 save chances while posting a 1.31 ERA and striking out 118 over 62 innings, Diaz profiled as arguably the top closer in fantasy drafts heading into last spring, but his season was quickly torpedoed before it even started after he injured his knee while celebrating a win for Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. Diaz didn't experience any setbacks while completing what had been expected to be a six-month recovery from surgery, and though he had hoped to pitch at some point in September, the Mets chose not to activate him as they played out the string on a non-contending season. Mendoza wasn't willing to fully commit to Diaz being in store for a normal spring training, but the right-hander is seemingly facing no restrictions in his throwing program so far this offseason and should settle back into the closer's role for the Mets by the time Opening Day arrives.

Kowar and Cole Phillips (elbow) were traded from Atlanta to Seattle on Sunday in exchange for Jarred Kelenic, Marco Gonzales and Evan White, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Kowar was traded from Kansas City to Atlanta in mid-November, and he'll be on the move once again as the Winter Meetings get underway. The 27-year-old was once a highly-regarded prospect, but he's largely struggled in the big leagues. Over 39 appearances (eight starts), he's posted a 9.12 ERA and 2.09 WHIP in 74 innings. If he earns a spot on Seattle's Opening Day roster in 2024, it's possible he has to settle for a role as a long reliever early in the year.