MLB Player News

Gilbert received an invite to big-league spring training from the Mets, Abbey Mastracco of the New York Daily News reports.

Picked up from the Astros in last year's Justin Verlander deal, Gilbert is the top outfield prospect in the Mets' organization and slashed .325/.423/.561 in 149 plate appearances for Double-A Binghamton following the trade. The 23-year-old could open the season at Triple-A and make his major-league debut later in 2024, but he's a long shot to break camp with the big-league club after the Mets added Harrison Bader last month.

Carasiti signed a minor-league contract with the Rockies on Jan. 29 that includes an invitation to spring training.

Carasiti was roughed up to the tune of a 6.29 ERA and 16:11 K:BB across 24.1 frames for the Rockies last season, but they saw enough promise in him to bring him back. The 32-year-old reliever figures to open the 2024 campaign at Triple-A Albuquerque.

Atlanta announced Friday that Waldrep received an invitation to major-league spring training.

The No. 24 overall selection in the 2023 Draft, Waldrep cruised through four minor-league levels last season, posting a 1.53 ERA and 41:16 K:BB over 29.1 innings covering eight starts. Slated to turn 22 next month, Waldrep is likely headed back to Triple-A Gwinnett to start 2024, but it wouldn't be a surprise if he makes some starts for Atlanta this season.

Giles signed a minor-league contract with Atlanta on Friday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Giles held a showcase for teams last month and came out of it with a deal from Atlanta. The veteran reliever allowed 19 earned runs in 18 innings last season at Triple-A Oklahoma City and made just nine total appearances in the majors from 2020-22 due to injury. Still, the 33-year-old righty has 115 career saves and a 12.3 K/9 over 362 big-league relief appearances, and he carries little risk as a non-roster invitee.

Feltner (elbow) is healthy heading into spring training and will compete for a rotation spot, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Feltner had an injury-plagued 2023 campaign, first suffering a skull fracture after being struck by a line drive in mid-May. He ended the season on the injured list with elbow inflammation, but he has fully recovered and will be entering the spring at full strength. That doesn't necessarily mean he'll start the season in the majors or the rotation, as he posted a 5.82 ERA and 1.68 WHIP across 43.1 innings with the club in 2023. Peter Lambert and Noah Davis are the other primary candidates to be the team's fifth starter.

Middleton signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Cardinals on Thursday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

The deal also includes a $5 million club option for 2025. Middleton was a quality middle reliever for the Yankees and White Sox last season, maintaining a 3.38 ERA and 1.24 WHIP across 50.2 innings -- his heaviest workload in the majors since 2017. He's unlikely to factor into the saves picture with his new club, but he should bolster the middle of the bullpen.

Small was designated for assignment by the Brewers on Thursday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Small was selected in the first round of the 2019 Draft and rose quickly through Milwaukee's minor-league system. However, he's made just four big-league appearances and shifted to a relief role in 2023. Due to his former prospect pedigree, Small could be claimed by a team on waivers.

Ortiz was traded from the Orioles to the Brewers along with DL Hall and the 34th pick in the 2024 MLB Draft in exchange for Corbin Burnes on Thursday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

This should be a positive move for Ortiz, as he was stuck in a loaded Baltimore system that likely would have blocked him from a full-time role in the majors anytime soon. Now, he'll head to a team with some infield uncertainty -- particularly at third base -- and he could be the Opening Day starter at the hot corner with a decent showing in spring training. Ortiz's defensive value and contact skills are his carrying skills, though he isn't likely to offer much power.

Hall was traded from the Orioles to the Brewers along with Joey Ortiz and the 34th pick in the 2024 MLB Draft in exchange for Corbin Burnes on Thursday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Hall was once viewed as a top prospect as a starting pitcher, though he's made only one start in 29 appearances in the majors. He was effective as a reliever in 2023, posting a 3.26 ERA and 1.19 WHIP across 19.1 innings for Baltimore after a disrupted offseason caused him to begin the year at less than full strength, though he also covered 49 frames in the minors. However, Hall should have a renewed chance to join a big-league rotation with Milwaukee, and he will likely compete for the role in spring training with the likes of Colin Rea and Joe Ross.

Chisholm (toe) will make $2.625 million in 2024 after losing his arbitration hearing with the Marlins on Thursday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Entering his first year of arbitration eligibility, Chisholm had asked Miami for $2.9 million. Instead, he will have to settle for $275,000 less than his desired salary after appearing in 157 games across the past two seasons. Chisholm underwent surgery in October to address the turf toe in his right foot and is expected to be ready to go by Opening Day.