MLB Player News

Morton (lower leg) said Thursday that he's no longer donning a cast on his surgically repaired right fibula and is now sporting a walking boot, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Morton, who underwent surgery Oct. 28 after breaking his leg in Game 1 of Atlanta's World Series matchup with Houston, said that he'll be limited to non-weight-bearing exercises for the next four weeks before doctors determine the next step in his rehab program. At this stage, Morton still appears on track to be ready to go for the start of the 2022 season, though he may face some restrictions early on during spring training. The 38-year-old was rewarded with a one-year, $20 million extension in September after he submitted a 3.34, 1.04 WHIP and 216:58 K:BB across 185.2 innings over his 33 regular-season starts.

Alcantara and the Marlins are working toward a five-year contract extension worth at least $55 million, Craig Mish of SportsGrid.com reports.

The two sides are likely to finalize the deal within the next few days, giving the 26-year-old right-hander some longer-term security while allowing the Marlins to keep him under club control for what would be his first two years of free agency. Alcantara emerged as one of the game's top young frontline arms in 2021, covering 205.2 innings while posting a 3.19 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 201:50 K:BB.

Quintana signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Pirates on Sunday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

The left-hander struggled with a 6.43 ERA and 1.73 WHIP in 29 games (10 starts) between the Angels and Giants last season. Quintana has thrown only 73 innings over the last two years, so it remains to be seen whether he can stay healthy and pitch well enough to be a back-end rotation option for Pittsburgh.

Butto was added to the Mets' 40-man roster Friday, Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record reports.

Butto logged a 3.12 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in eight starts at Double-A last season. He is the Mets' best pitching prospect with a chance to reach the majors in 2022.

Grove was added to the Dodgers' 40-man roster Friday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

This is a little surprising, as Grove compiled a 7.86 ERA and 1.79 WHIP in 71 innings at Double-A last season. The Dodgers obviously think he's better than that, so perhaps he can break out in 2022.

Gore was added to the Padres' 40-man roster Friday.

Gore's star has fallen significantly over the last couple years, but he was never going to be left unprotected for the Rule 5 draft. At this point, it's possible he will end up in the bullpen, but the Padres will likely either trade him or continue to develop him as a starter in the short term.

Davis joined the Rockies' 40-man roster Friday.

The move means Davis won't be selected in the upcoming Rule 5 draft. He looked good in 19 minor-league starts last season, posting a 3.60 ERA while striking out 25.2 percent of opposing batters. All of those starts came at the High-A level, however, so his major-league debut doesn't appear to be imminent.

Greene had his contract selected by the Reds on Friday.

Greene is expected to compete for a spot in the major-league rotation in spring training, and his addition to the 40-man roster protects him from being selected during the upcoming Rule 5 draft. The 22-year-old righty, who is Cincinnati's top prospect, opened the 2021 season at Double-A Chattanooga and posted a 1.98 ERA in 41 innings (seven starts), and he had a 4.13 ERA over 65.1 innings after being promoted to Triple-A Louisville. Even if he misses out on the Opening Day roster, Greene has a strong chance of making his big-league debut in 2022.

Burnes was announced as the winner of the 2021 National League Cy Young Award on Wednesday, the Baseball Writers' Association of America reports.

Burnes and Zack Wheeler each received 12 first-place votes, but Burnes pulled ahead with 14 second-place votes compared to Wheeler's nine. Burnes led the majors with a 2.43 ERA and also had a 0.94 WHIP and 234:34 K:BB over 167 innings. The right-hander will enter spring training as Milwaukee's ace for the foreseeable future.

Overton (shoulder) signed a minor-league contract with the Reds on Wednesday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Overton made his major-league debut in 2021 and logged a 4.70 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 15.1 innings across nine appearances (three starts) with the Pirates and Blue Jays. It's unlikely that his late-season shoulder injury will limit him to begin the 2022 campaign, and he'll serve as a non-roster invitee during spring training.