MLB Player News

Gorman (hamstring) said Sunday he's been working with a nutrition program this offseason and is heading toward spring training with increased flexibility and reduced back inflammation, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Gorman has battled back issues the past couple years, but the nutrition program has apparently helped ease those issues. The 23-year-old finished 2023 on the injured list with a hamstring strain, but that injury doesn't appear to be a concern heading into camp. He's coming off a strong campaign during which he posted a .236/.328/.478 slash line with 27 homers, 76 RBI, 59 runs and seven steals in 119 contests.

Burleson revealed Saturday that he's lost 12 pounds so far this offseason in an effort to become a more reliable defender, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Burleson graded out at minus-9 in Statcast's Outs Above Average in 2023, with most of that coming in the outfield. The 25-year-old has implemented a stricter diet this offseason and also worked on increasing his mobility, leading to weight loss and, he hopes, improved defense. Burleson posted just a .691 OPS last season, but a 13 percent strikeout rate and 41 percent hard-hit rate offered some promise. He currently projects as a reserve for the Cardinals but could see semi-regular starts between the outfield, designated hitter and first base.

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said Saturday that while Busch's ultimate position will be up to manager Craig Counsell, he expects the 26-year-old to play first base, Jared Wyllys of AllCHGO.com reports.

"He's certainly going to play. There's no question. It's up to Craig where. I think first base is obviously a natural spot for him. He's played there a lot," Hoyer said at the team's Cubs Convention. Most of Busch's playing time with the Dodgers in 2023 came at third base, and it's possible he could wind up there if the Cubs bring in another first baseman. However, the consensus seems to be that the defensively-challenged Busch fits best at first base. If Busch is indeed confined to first, it puts a damper on Matt Mervis' dynasty outlook.

Okey signed a minor-league contract with the Dodgers on Jan. 3.

Okey slashed .281/.345/.414 with 26 RBI across 235 plate appearances last season with the Angels' Triple-A affiliate. Now with the Dodgers, the 29-year-old backstop will provide organizational depth and will only potentially see the majors if Will Smith or Austin Barnes are forced to miss time.

The Reds designated Duarte (shoulder) for assignment Saturday.

With the signing of Brent Suter becoming official Saturday, Duarte will be pushed off the Reds' 40-man roster. The 27-year-old righty posted a 3.69 ERA and 1.39 WHIP across 31.2 innings last season and could be an attractive waiver option for other clubs in search of bullpen help.

Castillo was designated for assignment by the Mets on Friday, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

Castillo was just claimed off waivers from Arizona a week ago but will make way for Sean Manaea, whose two-year deal with the Mets is now official. While Castillo has mostly struggled at the highest level, he had a .431 OBP at Triple-A last season, so a team with an opening on its 40-man roster may give him a shot.

Blankenhorn signed a minor-league contract with the Nationals on Dec. 22, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Blankenhorn had elected free agency after being jettisoned from the Nats' 40-man roster in October but wound up re-signing. The 27-year-old outfielder went 5-for-31 with one home run with Washington before his season was ended by a foot injury. He'll be healthy for spring training.

The Mets designated Hummel for assignment Friday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Hummel will lose his spot on New York's 40-man roster in order to make room for Max Kranick, who was claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh on Friday. Hummel has slashed .166/.264/.286 in 227 MLB plate appearances, but his impressive Triple-A history could still net him a waiver claim.

The Mets claimed Kranick off waivers from the Pirates on Friday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Kranick is on the move to a new organization one week after being designated for assignment. The right-hander missed most of 2023 while working his way back from Tommy John surgery but will enter 2024 healthy. He's posted a 5.56 ERA and 36:22 K:BB across nine starts and two relief appearances at the big-league level.

Hicks signed a four-year, $44 million contract with the Giants on Friday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

The kicker here is that the Giants plan to use Hicks as a starter, which comes as quite a surprise. Hicks' only experience in the majors as a starter came early in 2022 with the Cardinals, when he posted a 5.47 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 25:21 K:BB over 26.2 innings. His 204 other big-league appearances have all been in relief, including all 65 last season. The Giants always have the option of eventually moving Hicks back to the bullpen if starting doesn't work out, of course. The 27-year-old held a 3.29 ERA and 81:32 K:BB across 65.2 frames for the Cardinals and Blue Jays in 2023.