MLB Player News

Acuna is expected to compete for the Mets' third-base job during spring training, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

Assuming Pete Alonso moves on -- which is the expectation -- Mark Vientos will slide to first base, creating an opening at third. Acuna has never played the hot corner in pro ball, but he's a capable defender at shortstop and second base and the Mets evidently feel he can handle the switch. Slated to turn 23 in March, Acuna slashed .308/.325/.641 in 14 regular-season games for the Mets in 2024, although that was after he managed a .258/.299/.355 line at Triple-A Syracuse. The Mets would probably prefer to give him more seasoning at Syracuse, but Acuna will get a chance to compete with Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio (knee) for reps at third base with the big club.

Baty is expected to compete for the Mets' third base job during spring training, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

With Pete Alonso expected to move on and Mark Vientos shifting to first base, the Mets have an opening at the hot corner. Baty has slashed just .215/.282/.325 over 169 games at the big-league level, but he's still only 25 and is a former top prospect. It's possible the Mets go outside the organization for additional competition at third base, but for now Baty will battle Ronny Mauricio (knee) and Luisangel Acuna for the gig.

The Mets' current plan is to have Vientos be their first baseman this season, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

That's assuming Pete Alonso isn't re-signed, which is now the expectation. Vientos had a breakout season offensively in 2024, slashing .266/.322/.516 with 27 home runs over 111 regular-season contests for the Mets before adding another five long balls and a .998 OPS in the playoffs. The 25-year-old earned minus-6 Outs Above Average at third base, so a move to the cold corner isn't a surprise. Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio (knee) and Luisangel Acuna are in line to compete for the third base job.

The Reds re-signed Jordan to a minor-league contract Jan. 9.

Jordan reached the majors for the first time in 2024 with the Reds, going 1-for-10 at the plate during a brief stint. The 29-year-old will provide some utility depth at Triple-A Louisville.

The Reds re-signed Wynns (shoulder) to a minor-league contract Jan. 13.

Wynns, 34, spent most of the 2024 season at Triple-A Louisville and suffered a season-ending teres major tear in his right shoulder in late July during one of his seven games with the Reds. It's not clear whether he'll be healthy for the start of spring training, but either way he's slated to begin 2025 at Louisville.

Stratton (knee) is expected to be ready to pitch at the start of spring training, Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Stratton posted a video of him throwing off of a mound Thursday, around a month before pitchers report to spring training. He ruptured his patella tendon in late August but appears to be ahead of schedule in his recovery. Though Stratton will be in camp on a minor-league deal, he was effective in 2024 and should contribute out of the bullpen again in 2025.

Tucker agreed to a one-year, $16.5 million contract with the Cubs on Thursday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Tucker and the Cubs weren't able to agree on a deal prior to the arbitration deadline last week, but a few extra days of negotiation have resulted in the slugging outfielder receiving a $4.5 million raise from last season and $1.5 million more than the Cubs had filed for. Injuries limited him to just 78 games last season, but he was as efficient as ever when healthy, slashing .289/.408/.585 with 23 homers, 49 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 336 plate appearances. Tucker is slated to become a free agent next offseason, but the Cubs will likely attempt to sign him to a long-term deal during the season.

The Cardinals have extended Wetherholt an invitation to big-league camp during spring training.

Wetherholt has just 29 games of professional experience under his belt after being taken with the seventh pick of the 2024 First-Year Player Draft, but the Cardinals will give their top prospect a look this spring. The 22-year-old will likely begin the 2025 season either at High-A Peoria or Double-A Springfield. In addition to Wetherholt, the Cardinals also invited top pitching prospect Quinn Mathews to camp.

The Pirates signed Stewart to a minor-league contract Thursday, Michael Mayer of MetsmerizedOnline.com reports.

Stewart managed an .840 OPS over 58 games with the Mets in 2023 but fell off to a .622 OPS across 74 regular-season contests in 2024. The 31-year-old is right at league average with a career 100 OPS+, so he's not a bad depth option on a minors pact.

The Mets agreed to terms on a contract with Winker on Thursday, Andy Martino of SNY.tv reports.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post says it's a one-year, $7.5 million deal that could reach $9 million if Winker hits incentives. Winker had a solid bounce-back showing in 2024 between the Nationals and Mets, collecting a .764 OPS with 14 homers and 14 steals during the regular season before adding another long ball and a 1.168 OPS in 10 postseason contests. The 31-year-old should see fairly regular reps against righties between designated hitter and left field.