MLB Player News

Horton, who climbed through three minor-league levels in 2023, has an outside chance at making his MLB debut this season, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

While Bastian notes that a 2025 MLB debut is probably more likely for Horton, the fact that he's already knocking on the door speaks loudly of his advanced skill set. The 22-year-old finished with a 2.65 ERA and 117 strikeouts across 88.1 innings last season across the three levels. Horton has the stuff to be an impact player as soon as he reaches the majors, and he could force the issue if he continues to dominate in the minors.

Bickford will make $900,000 in 2024 after winning his arbitration hearing against the Mets on Tuesday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

Bickford walks away with an extra $85,000 compared to the Mets' offer and a $160,000 salary increase from last year. The 28-year-old righty logged a 4.95 ERA and 1.46 WHIP through 67.1 frames between the Dodgers and Mets in 2023, and he will likely be limited to low-leverage situations to begin the new season.

Adams (ankle) was designated for assignment by the Mets on Tuesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The 32-year-old signed a one-year contract with the Mets in November, but he was removed from the 40-man roster Tuesday to make room for the signing of Jake Diekman. Adams had a 5.71 ERA in 24 appearances for the Diamondbacks last season before he fractured his ankle in August.

Kershaw (shoulder) began a throwing program last week, Andy McCullough of The Athletic reports.

Kershaw is about three months removed from surgery to repair the gleno-humeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder. The expectation is that he will not be game-ready until at least sometime in the second half. Kershaw has agreed to a new one-year contract with the Dodgers, a deal which will become official after he takes a physical Thursday.

Bellati was designated for assignment by the Phillies on Tuesday.

Bellati made 27 appearances for the Phillies last season and was unimpressive with a 5.11 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 25:12 K:BB over 24.2 innings. The right-hander has no remaining minor-league options, so Philadelphia opted to removed him from the 40-man roster to clear space for trade-acquisition Michael Rucker.

The Phillies acquired Rucker from the Cubs on Tuesday in exchange for cash considerations.

Rucker had been designated for assignment and has now landed in a new organization. The 29-year-old reliever has collected a 4.96 ERA and 120:50 K:BB over 123.1 innings out of the Cubs' bullpen covering the last three seasons. He'll compete for a middle-relief gig.

Kershaw (shoulder) signed a one-year contract with the Dodgers on Tuesday, Andy McCullough of The Athletic reports.

The contract also contains a player option for 2025. Kershaw will take a physical Thursday before the deal is made official. That also happens to be the first day the Dodgers can place players on the 60-day injured list, which would preclude them from having to free up a spot on the 40-man roster. Kershaw had surgery on his left shoulder in November and won't be ready to pitch until at least the second half, with a clearer timetable likely not available for months.

Berti isn't expected to remain atop the Marlins' depth chart at shortstop as the club looks at available free-agent options, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Tim Anderson is the biggest name still on the market at shortstop, with Amed Rosario, Nick Ahmed and Adalberto Mondesi also said to be on Miami's radar. Berti saw a career-high 424 plate appearances last season, playing 64 games at short but also 41 at third base, 15 at second base and 19 between the corner outfield spots, and the Marlins still view him as a better fit in a utility role. If the team elects not to bring in a free agent, Jacob Amaya and Vidal Brujan could also get looks this spring as potential starting options at shortstop.

Arizona general manager Mike Hazen said Mena is "not a finished product" and is expected to start the season at Triple-A Reno, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Hazen said the right-handed Mena's slider and curveball are "really good," adding that the pitcher has a "decent" changeup. "We felt like this was an opportunity for us to add a really young starting pitcher, already been to Triple-A, and we think he has really good stuff," the GM said. What the organization will be looking for when spring training opens is an increase in velocity, as well as a refinement of all offerings and development of pitch sequencing. Mena, who turned 21 in December, made four starts at the Triple-A level while with the White Sox organization in 2023.

Small was traded from the Brewers to the Giants on Monday in exchange for cash considerations, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Small put up solid numbers at Triple-A Nashville in 2023, posting a 3.18 ERA and 1.25 WHIP with a 61:24 K:BB across 51 innings, but it didn't translate to the big leagues in what was a small sample size. The southpaw surrendered five runs on nine hits and two walks while striking out six across four frames. Small will compete for a low-leverage relief role during spring training.