MLB Player News

The Athletics could use Miller as a closer in 2024, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

General manager David Forst mentioned using Miller out of the bullpen to start the 2024 campaign citing the flamethrower's prior health issues. The right-hander dealt with a UCL sprain in his elbow last season, which forced him to miss the majority of the year. Forst stated that the club would like to see Miller get through an entire season before thinking about building him back up as a starter, per Gallegos.

Astros general manager Dana Brown said Monday that Whitley is healthy and will report to spring training as a reliever, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Whitley didn't make an appearance at Triple-A Sugar Land after late May because of a right lat strain, but he's been throwing this offseason without issue. While the former top prospect will have a chance to win a bullpen job out of spring training, he could be sent back to Sugar Land after the Astros were awarded a fourth option year.

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

Phillips underwent Tommy John surgery in the spring of 2022 before being selected by Atlanta with the 57th overall pick in the 2022 First-Year Player Draft. Prior to his procedure, the 20-year-old touched triple digits with his fastball, and it's fair to think he could do so again if his recovery process goes smoothly. It's not clear where Phillips currently stands in his rehab, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him return to the mound and make his minor-league debut early in 2024.

Waldichuk underwent a Tenex procedure on Oct. 17 and received a PRP injection on Oct. 24 after being diagnosed with a left UCL sprain and flexor strain.

Waldichuk felt discomfort in his pitching elbow following his final start of the season back on Sept. 29 and an MRI and doctor visit revealed the bad news. The left-hander has opted for a conservative treatment rather than Tommy John surgery, with the minimally invasive Tenex procedure designed to remove scar tissue, and the PRP injection aimed to promote healing. Waldichuk is currently limited to physical therapy, and his timeline for a throwing program is up in the air.

Maeda agreed to a two-year, $24 million contract with the Tigers on Sunday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Maeda spent the last four years in Minnesota and will remain in the AL Central on a two-year deal with the Tigers. After posting a career-best 2.70 ERA and 0.75 WHIP in 66.2 innings during his first year with the Twins in the COVID-shortened season, the right-hander regressed over the past two years. He recorded a career-worst 4.66 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 106.1 innings during the 2021 campaign before undergoing Tommy John surgery that forced him to miss the 2022 campaign. He wasn't particularly dominant in his return to the mound last season, logging a 4.23 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 104.1 innings. However, the Tigers will hope that he can bounce back during his age-36 season in his second year removed from his procedure.

Soroka (forearm) said Monday that he has resumed throwing and "feels great," LaMond Pope of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Soroka finished the 2023 season on the 60-day injured list with right forearm inflammation and missed all of 2021-22 due to consecutive Achilles tears, but he should be able to enjoy a normal offseason and will likely be in the running for an Opening Day rotation spot with the White Sox in 2024. Chicago acquired the 26-year-old right-hander from Atlanta last week as part of a six-player trade.

Bido agreed to a major-league deal with the Athletics on Monday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

After being non-tendered by Pittsburgh on Friday, Bido quickly recaptured a 40-man roster spot with another organization in rebuilding mode. The 28-year-old right-hander reached the majors for the first time in 2023, going 2-5 with a 5.86 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 48:21 K:BB over 50.2 innings spanning 16 appearances (nine starts) with the Pirates. Bido has two minor-league options remaining, so if he falls short in his bid for an Opening Day roster spot with the Athletics, he'll provide rotation depth at the Triple-A level.

Kansas City acquired Wright (shoulder) from Atlanta on Friday in exchange for Jackson Kowar, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Wright has already been ruled out for the entire 2024 season after requiring surgery last month to repair a torn capsule in his right shoulder. He won 21 games in 2022, though, and makes sense as a reclamation project for a Royals team that is hoping to eventually shift out of rebuilding mode.

White Sox general manager Chris Getz said Friday that he expects one or both of Shuster and Michael Soroka (forearm) to open 2024 in the rotation, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com reports.

Both pitchers were acquired from Atlanta on Thursday as the White Sox look to stock up on some much-needed rotation depth. Getz did say that he's not done in seeking starting pitching additions this winter, but as it stands right now Shuster and Soroka would each seem to have a good shot at a prominent role. Shuster held an ugly 5.81 ERA and 30:26 K:BB across 52.2 innings for Atlanta in 2023, but he's just 25 and was a first-round pick in 2020.

White Sox general manager Chris Getz said Friday that he expects one or both of Soroka (forearm) and Jared Shuster to open 2024 in the rotation, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com reports.

Both players were acquired from Atlanta on Thursday in a deal which sent reliever Aaron Bummer the other way. The White Sox' rotation looks like one of the easiest to crack right now and the path would be further cleared if Dylan Cease is traded. Getz did note that he plans to acquire additional pitching help this winter, but Soroka has an early leg up for a spot as he tries to reestablish himself in his new surroundings. The right-hander ended the 2023 season on the injured list with forearm inflammation, but he could be ready for the start of spring training.