MLB Player News

The Athletics could use Miller as a closer in 2024, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

General manager David Forst mentioned using Miller out of the bullpen to start the 2024 campaign citing the flamethrower's prior health issues. The right-hander dealt with a UCL sprain in his elbow last season, which forced him to miss the majority of the year. Forst stated that the club would like to see Miller get through an entire season before thinking about building him back up as a starter, per Gallegos.

Marte signed a minor-league contract with the Angels on Monday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Marte was non-tendered by Los Angeles in November, and he'll now return to the organization on a minor-league deal for the 2024 season. The right-hander figures to provide bullpen depth as needed, though he's struggled to find his footing in the big leagues so far in his career.

Lowe (knee) has fully recovered and doesn't expect to be limited in his winter workouts, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Lowe was placed on the 10-day injured list at the end of the 2023 campaign after suffering a fractured right patella, but the injury won't alter his offseason program much. The Maryland product should report to spring training with a clean bill of health.

Tate is healthy and participating in a normal throwing program this offseason, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Tate was limited to just 13 rehab appearances this season because of a right forearm issue, but the Orioles are confident the reliever has finally put the injury behind him. A healthy Tate -- who posted a 3.05 ERA over 67 relief appearances in 2022 -- could provide a big boost to a Baltimore bullpen which will be without Felix Bautista (elbow) in 2024.

Astros general manager Dana Brown said Monday that Whitley is healthy and will report to spring training as a reliever, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Whitley didn't make an appearance at Triple-A Sugar Land after late May because of a right lat strain, but he's been throwing this offseason without issue. While the former top prospect will have a chance to win a bullpen job out of spring training, he could be sent back to Sugar Land after the Astros were awarded a fourth option year.

Phillips (elbow) and Jackson Kowar were traded from Atlanta to Seattle on Sunday in exchange for Jarred Kelenic, Marco Gonzales and Evan White, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Phillips underwent Tommy John surgery in the spring of 2022 before being selected by Atlanta with the 57th overall pick in the 2022 First-Year Player Draft. Prior to his procedure, the 20-year-old touched triple digits with his fastball, and it's fair to think he could do so again if his recovery process goes smoothly. It's not clear where Phillips currently stands in his rehab, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him return to the mound and make his minor-league debut early in 2024.

Kowar and Cole Phillips (elbow) were traded from Atlanta to Seattle on Sunday in exchange for Jarred Kelenic, Marco Gonzales and Evan White, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Kowar was traded from Kansas City to Atlanta in mid-November, and he'll be on the move once again as the Winter Meetings get underway. The 27-year-old was once a highly-regarded prospect, but he's largely struggled in the big leagues. Over 39 appearances (eight starts), he's posted a 9.12 ERA and 2.09 WHIP in 74 innings. If he earns a spot on Seattle's Opening Day roster in 2024, it's possible he has to settle for a role as a long reliever early in the year.

The Yankees claimed Gonzalez off waivers from the Guardians on Friday, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

After an impressive rookie season in 2022, Gonzalez's numbers took a major dip in '23, when he slashed .214/.239/.312 across 180 plate appearances. The 25-year-old will have a shot at starting in the Yankees' outfield, though a bounce-back performance at the plate in the spring would greatly improve his chances.

Waldichuk underwent a Tenex procedure on Oct. 17 and received a PRP injection on Oct. 24 after being diagnosed with a left UCL sprain and flexor strain.

Waldichuk felt discomfort in his pitching elbow following his final start of the season back on Sept. 29 and an MRI and doctor visit revealed the bad news. The left-hander has opted for a conservative treatment rather than Tommy John surgery, with the minimally invasive Tenex procedure designed to remove scar tissue, and the PRP injection aimed to promote healing. Waldichuk is currently limited to physical therapy, and his timeline for a throwing program is up in the air.

Henriquez signed a minor-league contract with the Twins on Nov. 19.

Henriquez was briefly a free agent after being non-tendered by Minnesota but wound up re-signing. The 23-year-old got into three games with the Twins in 2022 but spent all of 2023 in the minors, collecting a 5.68 ERA and 49:36 K:BB over 57 frames for Triple-A St. Paul.