MLB Player News

Altavilla signed a minor-league contract with the White Sox on Thursday and received an invitation to spring training.

Altavilla made five appearances for the Royals in 2024, giving up six earned runs over just 3.2 innings while striking out five batters and walking three. Most of his time was spent in Triple-A, however, where he logged a 3.51 ERA and 1.34 WHIP over 41 frames. The lack of depth in Chicago's bullpen will give the 32-year-old righty better odds at cracking the Opening Day roster, but Triple-A Charlotte remains his most likely destination.

Wright (shoulder) hopes to be fully healthy for spring training and compete for a spot in the Royals' rotation, Jaylon Thompson of the Kansas City Star reports.

Wright underwent surgery in October of 2023 to repair a torn capsule in his right shoulder. He's now more than a year removed from that operation, and in October he touched 90 mph during a bullpen session. That's a far cry from the 95.1 mph Wright averaged with his four-seamer during his breakout 2022 campaign when he won 21 games and posted a 3.19 ERA, but the hope is that his velocity will continue to tick up as he further distances himself from surgery. It's no guarantee his stuff will bounce back as he returns from a major shoulder procedure, but Wright will be one to keep a close eye on during spring training.

The Twins signed McCaughan to a minor-league contract Dec. 4.

McCaughan, 28, held a 6.21 ERA over 42 innings between the Marlins and Guardians in 2024. The right-hander has experience as a starter and a reliever, and it's unclear which role the Twins have planned for him, but he'll likely begin the 2025 season at Triple-A St. Paul.

The Red Sox traded Rodriguez-Cruz to the Yankees on Wednesday in exchange for Carlos Narvaez, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Over 20 games (19 starts) between Single-A and High-A in 2024, Rodriguez-Cruz turned in a 2.84 ERA and 1.19 WHIP alongside a 99:39 K:BB over 85.2 innings. The 21-year-old right-hander will likely remain in High-A with his new organization and have his sights set on a promotion to Double-A Somerset.

The Red Sox designated Valdez for assignment Wednesday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Following the acquisition of Carlos Narvaez from the Yankees, Valdez will end up as the odd man out of a spot on Boston's 40-man roster. The 25-year-old utility man slashed just .214/.270/.363 in 223 big-league plate appearances last season, though his defensive versatility could prompt another team to take him in off waivers.

The Yankees traded Narvaez to the Red Sox on Wednesday in exchange for Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz and international signing bonus pool money, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Narvaez appeared in six games for the Yankees in 2024, during which he went 3-for-13 at the plate with six strikeouts. However, he slashed .254/.370/.412 with 58 RBI and nine stolen bases in Triple-A, and he should have a solid chance to supplant Mickey Gasper as Boston's backup catcher during spring training. Enmanuel Valdez was designated for assignment in order to make room for Narvaez on the 40-man roster.

Loaisiga (elbow) signed a one-year contract with the Yankees on Wednesday, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports.

Loaisiga's new deal also includes a team option for the 2026 season. The 30-year-old reliever made three appearances for New York last season, throwing four scoreless innings while striking out three batters and walking one, but his year was cut short by a torn UCL in early April. The surgery he received to repair his elbow wasn't a full Tommy John procedure, so his return timeline is a few months shorter than it could've been, but it's still unlikely Loaisiga is ready to return to the Yankees' bullpen by Opening Day.

Bieber (elbow) said Wednesday that he has been throwing from 90 feet three times per week, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports.

Bieber is encouraged by the progress he's made since undergoing Tommy John surgery in April, though he also said "there's a long way to go." The 29-year-old agreed to a one-year deal Friday to remain in Cleveland for 2025, and his rehab is expected to extend a few months into the regular season.

White Sox general manager Chris Getz said Wednesday that Thorpe (elbow) is going through his normal offseason throwing program and expected to be 100 percent for spring training, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Thorpe underwent surgery in early September to remove a bone spur in his right elbow but has apparently already made a full recovery. The young right-hander posted a 5.48 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 25:21 K:BB in 44.1 innings for the White Sox in 2024 and has a good shot to open the 2025 season in the big-league rotation.

The Rays signed Brentz to a minor-league contract Dec. 7.

Brentz hasn't been the same since coming back from Tommy John surgery, most recently posting an 11.40 ERA while walking 52 over 30 innings between Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha in the Royals organization. The lefty showed promise in his rookie season back in 2021 and the Rays will try to coax that back out of him.