MLB Player News

Rengifo (wrist) will earn $5.95 million in 2025 after winning his arbitration case against the Angels, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

The two sides were only $150,000 apart when they filed last month, but they went to a hearing and Rengifo's side emerged victorious. Rengifo -- who is expected to be ready for spring training after right wrist surgery last August -- is likely headed for a super utility role with the Angels again in 2025.

The Tigers designated Englert for assignment Friday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

A 40-man roster spot needed to be freed up with Jack Flaherty's deal becoming official. Englert has collected a 5.45 ERA and 57:22 K:BB in 77.2 innings over the last two seasons with Detroit. The 25-year-old has a 29.1 percent strikeout rate and 7.4 percent walk rate in the minors and has minor-league options left, so he could draw some interest via trade or waivers.

Wong appeared to be noticeably stronger at January's Fan Fest, Jenn McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Wong jokingly said he spent the winter "eating a lot," in an effort to be more durable behind the plate. The strong frame might also help him sustain through the regular season with a bat in his hand. Wong owned an .856 OPS through the end of June then dropped to .671 the rest of the way. Wong is expected to serve as Boston's No. 1 catcher and won't have to look over his shoulder at Kyle Teel, the prospect who was traded to the White Sox in the Garrett Crochet swap.

Yoshida (shoulder) said at January's Fan Fest that he's not sure he'll be ready for the start of the regular season, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Yoshida was set to begin swinging a bat by late January and throwing by March. He spent much of the winter in Boston with team trainers rehabbing from October shoulder surgery. Entering the third season of a five-year deal, Yoshida hasn't been able to stay healthy, which has impacted production. He'll likely serve as Boston's primary designated hitter, where he spent all but one game in 2024, and could see some starts in the outfield.

Kieboom signed a minor-league contract with the Angels in December, per Maren Angus-Coombs of SI.com, and he has been invited to major-league spring training.

Kieboom was a first-round pick in the 2016 First-Year Player Draft, but he's been unable to find success in the majors, slashing .199/.297/.301 with 12 home runs, 42 RBI, 57 runs and no stolen bases over 508 regular-season plate appearances with Washington. He spent all of last season at Triple-A and recorded a mediocre .751 OPS across 359 trips to the plate. Kieboom likely faces an uphill battle in trying to break camp with Los Angeles, but there's at least a feasible path to doing so, as the Angels have suggested that Anthony Rendon isn't going to be handed the starting third-baseman role given his struggles in recent campaigns.

The Angels have issued Moore a non-roster invitation to spring training.

Moore isn't currently on the team's 40-man roster, but his invitation comes as no surprise since he's expected to compete not only for a roster spot but for the Angels' starting second-baseman role during spring training. If he breaks camp with the big club, it would be a rapid ascent for Moore, who was selected in the first round of the First-Year Player Draft last summer and put up a .911 OPS over 98 plate appearances in Double-A. Moore's biggest competition for the starting gig at second base may be veteran Luis Rengifo (wrist), but Rengifo is capable of playing almost anywhere on the field, and the Angels may have a need for him at shortstop to begin the campaign if Zach Neto (shoulder) isn't ready for Opening Day.

The White Sox may test out Colas at first base during spring training, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports.

As Romero noted, a move from the outfield to first base could improve Colas' odds of making Chicago's Opening Day roster. Colas saw just 13 games of big-league action last season. He slashed .273/.368/.273 with just four RBI and zero extra-base hits across 38 plate appearances. The White Sox have a plethora of capable outfielders, including Andrew Benintendi, Luis Robert, Mike Tauchman, Austin Slater, Miguel Vargas and Dominic Fletcher. Colas would give Chicago a left-handed bat to pair with Andrew Vaughn at first base.

The Angels signed Moncada to a one-year, $5 million contract Thursday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Moncada spent the previous eight seasons in Chicago with the White Sox, but he appeared in just 12 games last season due to an adductor injury. Across 45 plate appearances, Moncada slashed .275/.356/.400 with three extra-base hits, five walks and four runs scored. Injuries have plagued Moncada throughout much of his career, but he now gets a change of scenery. With experience at both second and third base, Moncada gives the Angels another option alongside Anthony Rendon and Luis Rengifo (wrist).

Baldwin could begin the 2025 season as the White Sox starting shortstop, Chris Getz of MLB.com reports.

The White Sox have a particularly uncertain outlook at shortstop, with Baldwin, Colson Montgomery and Chase Meidroth all potential candidates. Baldwin has the advantage of big-league experience as well as defensive versatility. His big-league debut didn't go well in 2024 -- he maintained a .249 wOBA and 58 wRC+ in 121 plate appearances -- but his ability to play second base and shortstop as well as some outfield should keep him in consideration for a significant role to begin the 2025 campaign.

Melton could push to make the Opening Day roster in 2025, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com suggests.

Melton progressed to Triple-A Sugar Land in 2024, accruing 192 plate appearances at the level. However, he managed only a 78 wRC+ and is not yet on the team's 40-man roster. That combination makes him a longshot to open the year in Houston, though he has significant power and speed tools, so if he does earn playing time he could quickly emerge on the fantasy radar. In addition, the Astros have an unresolved outfield and Melton is capable of playing all three spots.