MLB Player News

Holliday said last week that he's worked on improving his speed this offseason and is "trying to make that a priority, to be able to steal bases," Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Holliday added that he's been doing strength training, as well, and is "definitely as strong as I've ever been." The 20-year-old ranked in the 95th percentile in sprint speed in 2024 but stole only four bases in 60 games. Of course, he got on base at only a .255 clip, so Holliday will have to make strides at the plate before he can even think about running more. Holliday did steal 24 bases in 2023 in the minors, so the ability to be a factor on the basepaths seems to be there.

The Rangers signed Ahmed to a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to major-league spring training Tuesday.

Ahmed, 34, spent the 2024 campaign splitting action with the Giants, Dodgers and Padres. A glove-first middle infielder, Ahmed slashed .229/.267/.295 with two home runs and 17 runs batted in across 71 regular-season games last year. The veteran will look to win a job behind Marcus Semien, Corey Seager (hip/hernia) and Josh Smith in the middle of the Rangers' infield this spring.

The Orioles designated Vazquez for assignment Tuesday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Baltimore acquired Vazquez from the Cubs in exchange for cash considerations just five days ago, but he's now out of a 40-man roster spot after the Orioles signed Ramon Laureano to a one-year contract Tuesday. Vazquez appeared in 11 games for the Cubs last season, slashing .083/.143/.083 across 14 plate appearances.

Sweeney stands a good chance to make Detroit's Opening Day roster, though he faces plenty of competition for an everyday starting role, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

The Tigers added Gleyber Torres in the offseason, and he figures to slot in at second base. The signing added further depth to a team that already features a handful of versatile infield defenders, such as Zach McKinstry, who is out of minor-league options. Sweeney and McKinstry are each left-handed, and the fact Sweeney has minor-league options remaining could result in him opening the year at Triple-A. Veteran shortstop Javier Baez (hip) is questionable for Opening Day, and would likely start at shortstop against lefties when healthy, regardless of whether Sweeney is on the roster. Fantasy managers may need to show some patience with Sweeney, though he could see his role expand as the year progresses.

The White Sox claimed Amaya off waivers from the Orioles on Monday.

Amaya was removed from the White Sox' 40-man roster less than a month ago before being scooped up via waivers by the Orioles. Now he's headed back to Chicago, where he will provide some infield depth.

The Rays designated Basabe for assignment Monday, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports.

The move frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for the newly-acquired Alex Faedo. Basabe, 24, missed a large chunk of the 2024 season with a fractured wrist, slashing just .248/.293/.336 over 66 contests during his time at Triple-A Durham. He has minor-league options left and could draw interest from a team looking for utility depth.

The Royals designated Shewmake for assignment Friday.

The Royals made the signing of Carlos Estevez official Friday, leaving no room on the 40-man roster for Shewmake. The 27-year-old infielder will now enter the waiver process for the second time in the last 30 days, and his reputation as a strong defender could get him picked up by another club.

The Orioles acquired Vazquez from the Cubs on Friday in exchange for cash considerations.

Vazquez had been designated for assignment and will now join a new 40-man roster. The 25-year-old will compete for a utility infielder job, but Vazquez has minor-league options remaining and will likely begin the year at Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles agreed to terms with Mateo (elbow) on a one-year contract Tuesday with a club option for 2026 to avoid arbitration.

The deal is worth $3.55 million, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports. As for Mateo's injured left elbow, there is no update as he recovers from UCL reconstruction surgery on his non throwing arm. He may be limited in spring training, and as to how he will be used is up in the air. The utility player will have a conversation with the Orioles on how he will be utilized when spring training commences, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reported Dec. 9.

Brito could be a long shot to win the Guardians' second-base job, Joe Noga of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Manager Stephen Vogt spoke to reporters recently, and when asked about the second-base job, mentioned Brito fifth among the five names he brought up as being in the competition, with Gabriel Arias, Tyler Freeman, Angel Martinez and Daniel Schneemann being the others. While it doesn't necessarily mean Brito is indeed a long shot for the gig, it could indicate he won't be at the top of the pecking order heading into camp. Brito is the only one in the group without major-league experience, although he is on the 40-man roster. The 23-year-old slashed .256/.365/.443 with 21 homers and 13 steals in 2024 at Triple-A Columbus.