MLB Player News

Hughes (knee) is expected to have a normal throwing progression this offseason, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Hughes was limited to just 17 appearances this season due to a knee issue that eventually required surgery, but he'll go into the offseason without any restrictions. Adbert Alzolay looks like the early favorite to open 2024 as the Cubs' closer, but Hughes should be used in high-leverage spots if he can stay healthy and return to his 2022 form.

Boxberger (forearm) is expected to resume throwing in mid-November, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Boxberger made only five relief appearances with the Cubs in the second half of the 2023 campaign because of forearm troubles, but he should be able to enjoy a relatively normal offseason. The veteran right-hander carries a $5 million mutual option (or $800,000 buyout) for 2024.

Fulmer underwent UCL revision surgery Thursday on his right elbow and is expected to miss the 2024 season, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

This procedure comes with brutal timing for the 30-year-old reliever, who is set to become a free agent in November. He inked a one-year, $4 million contract with the Cubs prior to the 2023 season and went on to post a 4.42 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 65:28 K:BB across 57 innings before finishing the year on the injured list because of a forearm strain.

Heuer (elbow) is slated to begin a throwing program in mid-November, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Heuer had surgery to repair a fractured right elbow in late June and has completed the initial healing and range of motion phase of his recovery. The next step will be throwing, which will begin in about a month. There is no timetable for Heuer's return, but he would seem to have a good shot to be ready for Opening Day in 2024 if he can progress without setbacks.

The Rockies sent Kauffmann outright to Triple-A Albuquerque on Wednesday.

After clearing outright assignment waivers, Kauffmann will officially remain in the Rockies' farm system without the benefit of a 40-man roster spot. Kauffmann struggled mightily in the majors this season to the tune of an 8.23 ERA across 35 innings. The 26-year-old righty will likely need to show significant improvement with Albuquerque before he gets another opportunity in the big leagues.

Koch went unclaimed off waivers Wednesday and was sent outright to Triple-A Albuquerque.

Koch split time between Colorado and Albuquerque in 2023, turning in better numbers at the major-league level with a 5.12 ERA and 1.29 WHIP across 38.2 innings. Koch will have the right to elect free agency during the offseason, and he figures to at least draw a minor-league deal for 2024 if he choses to leave the Rockies.

Harris cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Harris appeared in 16 games for the Nationals in 2023, posting a 5.12 ERA and 1.76 WHIP through 19.1 frames. He put up similar numbers during his time in Triple-A (5.57 ERA, 1.90 WHIP) and is set to become a minor-league free agent following the World Series.

Fulmer elected free agency Tuesday.

Fulmer had been outrighted off the Angels' 40-man roster and is now out of the organization altogether. The 29-year-old holds a career 6.14 ERA over parts of seven major-league seasons.

Diaz cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Salt Lake on Monday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

The Angels are doing some 40-man roster housecleaning and Diaz is one of the guys to lose his spot. He will remain in the organization.

Barria elected free agency Monday.

Barria is arbitration eligible this offseason and instead of non-tendering him later the Angels removed him from the 40-man roster now. He has rejected an outright assignment and is now a free agent.