Caratini signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Astros on Tuesday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Caratini spent two seasons as Milwaukee's backup catcher, and he seems primed to take on the same role behind Yainer Diaz in Houston. The switch-hitting Caratini slashed .259/.327/.383 with seven homers and 25 RBI across 226 plate appearances last season, and his reputation as an excellent framer may help him earn a handful of starts behind the dish.

The Mets claimed Heineman off waivers from the Blue Jays on Friday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Heineman is a career .218/.297/.282 hitter over parts of four big-league seasons. With Francisco Alvarez and Omar Narvaez back in 2024, the 32-year-old Heineman would appear pegged for Triple-A Syracuse to begin next season.

The Mariners acquired Zavala from the Diamondbacks on Wednesday along with Carlos Vargas in exchange for Eugenio Suarez, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Zavala was a waiver claim by the Diamondbacks in September but made just four starts during his three and a half weeks with the team. The 30-year-old catcher has a career .622 OPS over parts of four major-league seasons spent mostly with the White Sox. He could open 2024 as Cal Raleigh's backup.

Atlanta re-signed Tromp to a minor-league contract Wednesday.

Tromp was non-tendered by Atlanta last week but will return to the organization. The 28-year-old catcher has put up a .640 OPS with five home runs over 102 plate appearances at the major-league level. He'll likely begin 2024 at Triple-A Gwinnett.

Stubbs avoided arbitration Friday with the Phillies on a one-year contract.

Stubbs slashed just .204/.274/.283 over 41 regular-season games in 2023 and drew only one postseason plate appearance, but the backup catcher figures to return to that role behind J.T. Realmuto in 2024.

Tromp was non-tendered by Atlanta on Friday, MLB.com reports.

With Sean Murphy and Travis d'Arnaud already on the depth chart, Atlanta doesn't need to carry a third catcher on the 40-man roster during the offseason. Tromp has a 31:1 K:BB in 102 MLB plate appearances and was below league average (84 wRC+) at Triple-A last season as a 28-year-old.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday that Rizzo (concussion) was probably "game ready" by the end of the regular season and is expected to be fine for spring training, Brendan Kuty of The Athletic reports.

This tracks with what Rizzo told reporters in late September. The veteran first baseman wound up being limited to just 99 games during the 2023 season and didn't play after early August due to a concussion which he initially suffered back in late May. It sounds like Rizzo has put the issue in the rearview mirror, though, and will look to bounce back in 2024.

White (hip) was traded from Seattle to Atlanta on Sunday along with Jarred Kelenic and Marco Gonzales in exchange for Jackson Kowar and Cole Phillips.

White is entering his age-28 campaign and is owed $8 million over the next two seasons, but Seattle didn't use him in the majors in 2022 or 2023. Last season was a lost campaign for White, who ended up having hip surgery in May. He hasn't been a league-average hitter since his stint at Triple-A in 2021, and this was primarily a salary dump move by Seattle. White has a career .165/.235/.308 MLB slash line in 306 plate appearances.

Blandino signed a minor-league contract with the Reds on Wednesday.

Blandino joined the Giants on a minor-league deal ahead of the 2022 season before being traded to the Mariners. He was let go by Seattle in August of 2022 and didn't play last year, but he's slated to get another opportunity to provide organizational depth for the Reds in 2023. The 31-year-old played in 135 major-league games with the Reds between the 2018, 2019 and 2021 seasons and hit .226 with two homers, 29 runs, 16 RBI and a steal. He should play mainly in the minors in 2023.

Porter signed a minor-league contract with the Royals on Saturday.

After being non-tendered by the Royals on Friday, Carter will officially remain with the organization. The 28-year-old backstop spent most of his time at Triple-A Omaha last season, slashing .232/.339/.377 with 13 homers and 48 RBI.

Smith was non-tendered by the Nationals on Friday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

The 28-year-old was designated for assignment Tuesday and is now officially a free agent. He showed a lot of promise in 2019-20 with the Mets but has slashed just .242/.316/.350 in 211 major-league games (738 plate appearances) since the beginning of the 2022 campaign.

Porter was non-tendered by the Royals on Friday.

Porter was designated for assignment earlier this week and is now officially a free agent. The 28-year-old catcher has appeared in only 11 career games at the MLB level.

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.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns indicated Monday that he expects the team's starting third baseman to come out of the group of Mauricio, Brett Baty and Mark Vientos, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

Stearns also noted that he's not viewing any of the trio of players as a frontrunner for the gig, and it's possible no winner will be declared by Opening Day. The Mets have said Jeff McNeil will be confined mostly to second base, which would indicate that if Mauricio receives everyday at-bats then it would likely come at the hot corner. It's certainly a position battle to keep a close eye on during spring training.

The Mets plan for McNeil to see the bulk of his playing time at second base in 2024, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

McNeil started 57 games in the outfield in 2023, but it sounds like that number probably won't be nearly as high in 2024. He missed the final weekend of the season after being diagnosed with a partial UCL tear in his right elbow, but Nimmo is healthy now and having a normal offseason, per Abbey Mastracco of the New York Daily News. McNeil was going to be playing every day regardless, but the fact that it will come at second base could impact the playing time of Brett Baty and/or Ronny Mauricio.

Mathias (shoulder) signed a minor-league contract with the Reds on Nov. 29.

Mathias, 29, sports a career .246/.317/.391 batting line over parts of three major-league seasons for four different teams. His 2023 campaign ended in mid-August due to a shoulder injury and it's not clear what his current health status is.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Monday that Garcia is not guaranteed the second base job going into next season, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Garcia battled through a disappointing 2023 campaign, slashing just .266/.304/.385 while spending some time back in the minors. The 23-year-old remains talented and would seem to be the odds-on favorite to man second base on Opening Day for the Nationals, but the gig won't be handed to him. Jake Alu, Ildemaro Vargas and Jeter Downs represent potential alternatives to Garcia at the keystone.

Urias is currently projected as the Mariners' starting third baseman following their trade of Eugenio Suarez, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Seattle acquired Urias from Boston last week and he's now at the top of the team's depth chart at third base, although it's possible the Mariners bring someone else in at the position this offseason. Urias had a dreadful 2023, posting just a .636 OPS with three homers in 52 games while spending a chunk of the year in the minors. He looked like a solid regular a couple years ago, though, and is just 26 years of age.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Tuesday that Walls (hip) is on track to be ready for the beginning of the 2024 season, Steve Carney of StPeteNine.com reports.

Walls underwent surgery in late October to repair a labral tear in his right hip and relieve discomfort caused by an impingement, but he has progressed well in the early stages of his rehab program and could resume workouts sometime in February. The 27-year-old racked up 22 stolen bases over 99 games in 2023, though he finished with a rough .201/.305/.333 overall slash line.

Miranda (shoulder) started hitting within the past week, but he's not expected to begin throwing until January, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Miranda underwent surgery on his shoulder in September, which was a cleanup procedure, according to the Star Tribune. That development is considered a positive, since his shoulder issues were thought to be more serious. Miranda struggled last year by hitting just .211/.263/.303 in 40 games before his season ended in July due to the shoulder injury. Miranda began last season as Minnesota's everyday third baseman, but his struggles and shoulder injury have clouded his outlook for 2024. He'll potentially compete for a role at first base this spring, but he may need to prove himself again at Triple-A.

Marte suffered a strained hamstring while playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Marte will no longer be able to participate in winter ball, but he should be ready to go for the start of spring training. The 22-year-old infielder slashed .316/.366/.456 across 123 big-league plate appearances last year and is expected to begin 2024 as Cincinnati's primary third baseman.

Atlanta re-signed Williams to a minor-league contract Nov. 18.

Williams was non-tendered by Atlanta and elected free agency last month but then immediately re-signed. The 27-year-old utility player has batted just .225/.281/.295 during parts of three seasons in the majors.

The Diamondbacks acquired Suarez from the Mariners on Wednesday in exchange for Seby Zavala and Carlos Vargas, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Suarez stumbled to a .232/.323/.391 batting line this season in Seattle, although he did hit 22 home runs and drive in 96 runs. The 32-year-old is owed $11.3 million in 2024 and has a $15 million club option (or $2 million buyout) for 2025. Suarez should provide more stability at a third base spot which was a revolving door for Arizona in 2023.

Donaldson said Monday in an interview with Josh Wegman of TheScore.com that he is "definitely up" for playing in 2024, but "that would be my last season no matter what."

Donaldson has managed just a .678 OPS since the start of the 2022 season and was limited to 50 games in 2023 because of injuries. He'll also turn 38 next month. Donaldson's batted-ball data remained excellent this season, however, and he still rates fairly well defensively at third base. It wouldn't be surprising for a team to give Donaldson one more shot on a modest one-year deal.

Pirates manager Derek Shelton confirmed Monday that Cruz (ankle) has resumed participating in instructional games in the Dominican Republic this offseason, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Cruz hasn't yet taken part in any official Dominican Winter League games and may not before the 50-game regular season ends in late December, but the fact that he's taking live at-bats again as well as playing the field suggests that he's made a full recovery from the fractured left ankle he suffered April 9. Assuming the 25-year-old avoids any setbacks in his offseason program while he continues to train in the Dominican Republic, he should report to spring training with no restrictions. Though he essentially lost a season of development at the big-league level while recovering from ankle surgery, Cruz has youth in his favor as he looks to bounce back from the major injury. His impressive bat speed and sprint speed has been matched by few players during his time in the majors and should translate to some solid power and stolen-base numbers in 2024 even while he shakes off some rust, but Cruz's lengthy absence didn't do anything to quell the concerns about his plate discipline that existed even before he fractured his ankle.

Grissom could platoon in left field with Jarred Kelenic while also serving as Atlanta's top reserve infielder, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Atlanta wants to get Grissom's bat in the lineup, but it just needs to find a spot for him. He is playing left field in the Puerto Rican Winter League beginning this month, and it seems like he and the lefty-hitting Kelenic will be legitimately competing for at-bats this season. General manager Alex Anthopoulos told reporters Sunday that Kelenic's arrival from Seattle signals an end to their left-field pursuits this winter. If any of Atlanta's infielders get injured, the righty-hitting Grissom could step into more playing time.

McLain said Thursday that his late-season right oblique strain is fully healed, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

McLain landed on the injured list Aug. 28 after straining his right oblique and then suffered a setback just as he was about to return to the Reds in late September. He began light workouts in late October, however, and is now back to full strength here at the end of November. "Things are going good," said the 2023 breakout infielder. "I started to swing, no problems. Lifting, no problems."

Wendle signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Mets on Wednesday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

After two seasons with the Marlins, Wendle will remain in the NL East and presumably serve in a utility role with the Mets. The 33-year-old infielder had his worst season at the plate in 2023, slashing .212/.248/.306 across 318 plate appearances. While Wendle's defensive versatility may get him in the lineup fairly often next year, his poor bat puts a low ceiling on his fantasy value.

Hampson signed a one-year contract with the Royals on Wednesday.

The deal is worth $2 million guaranteed, per Jeff Passan of ESPN.com. Hampson was non-tendered by the Marlins earlier this month despite posting a career-best .276/.349/.380 batting line over 98 games in 2023 while appearing defensively at shortstop, second base, third base and all three outfield spots. The 29-year-old should be a useful super-utility option for Kansas City in 2024.

Velazquez signed a minor-league contract with Atlanta on Friday.

Velazquez was claimed by Atlanta in early September after beginning the 2023 campaign in the Angels organization. He hit .217 with four runs, four RBI and a steal over 14 games at Triple-A Gwinnett but elected free agency in early November. However, after testing free agency for a few weeks, he'll rejoin Atlanta and could compete for a reserve spot on the team's Opening Day roster this spring.

The Red Sox traded Verdugo to the Yankees on Tuesday in exchange for Richard Fitts, Greg Weissert and Nicholas Judice, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

With trade talks stalling between the Yankees and Padres regarding Juan Soto, New York ensures the addition of a capable left-handed outfield bat by acquiring Verdugo. Verdugo slashed .264/.324/.421 with 13 homers and 54 RBI last season across 602 plate appearances. He figures to see regular at-bats versus right-handed pitchers after posting an .806 OPS against them across the last three seasons.

Astros general manager Dana Brown said Tuesday that Meyers will get the bulk of playing time in center field to begin the 2024 season, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Meyers slashed just .227/.296/.382 over 112 regular-season games in 2023 and was left off Houston's postseason roster, but Brown offered high praise for his defensive work and expressed optimism about the 27-year-old taking a step forward offensively. Chas McCormick projects to open the 2024 campaign as the Astros' primary left fielder with Meyers installed in center.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday that Dominguez (elbow) is not guaranteed to immediately step in as the team's starting center fielder when he returns to full health, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Dominguez debuted with New York this past September and posted a robust .980 OPS with four home runs across his first eight major-league games before requiring Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery just a few weeks later. He projects to be recovered from that procedure around the middle of the 2024 campaign, but the 20-year-old rising star may spend a bit more time in the minors beyond the typical rehab assignment.

Angels general manager Perry Minasian said Tuesday that Trout will not be traded this offseason, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Due to a variety of factors, it had always seemed like a long shot that Trout would be dealt, and now we can put any rumors of it to rest. The 32-year-old battled through another injury-shortened season in 2023, playing just 82 games because of a fractured hamate bone. Trout has nearly $250 million remaining on a contract that runs through 2030.

Carlson (ankle) has been cleared for running and baseball activities, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Carlson underwent left ankle surgery in September and is currently rehabbing in the Phoenix area. In addition to ramping up his baseball activities, the switch-hitter is also working on his swing with a coach from Driveline. Carlson is currently projected as the Cardinals' fourth outfielder but has been mentioned as a possible trade chip.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Monday that Robles (back) hasn't yet been cleared to participate in games during the Dominican Winter League, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Robles didn't play after June 20 this past season while dealing with lumbar spine spasms, an injury that proved to be more significant than the Nationals initially anticipated. The outfielder was expected to make up for the three-plus months of lost action by playing regularly in his native Dominican Republic this offseason, but he apparently has yet to fully move past the back issue. Though he's still just 26 years old, Robles' prospect star has long since faded, and he no longer appears to be viewed as a key part of the Nationals' long-term plans after he had his $3.3 million club option for 2024 declined earlier this winter. Robles is still on the books for the upcoming season after renegotiating a new one-year deal with Washington at a lower salary, but he'll probably need to overcome the back injury and turn in solid production in what's left of winter ball to enter spring training as the clear frontrunner for the starting job in center field.

Atlanta traded Gonzales (forearm) and cash to Pittsburgh on Tuesday in exchange for a player to be named later, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Gonzales was sent from Seattle to Atlanta as part of the Jarred Kelenic deal, but his time in Atlanta will last just 48 hours. Gonzales logged a 5.22 ERA and 1.46 WHIP over 50 innings across 10 starts last season, but his season was cut short by a forearm injury in May, and he underwent surgery to address the issue in August. Gonzales is expected to be ready for spring training, where he will compete for a spot in the back of Pittsburgh's rotation.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Tuesday that Springs (elbow) has resumed throwing in the Tampa area, Steve Carney of StPeteNine.com reports.

Springs carried a lot of buzz last spring after working to a 2.46 ERA and 144:31 K:BB over 135.1 innings in 2022, but he blew out his elbow in his third start of the 2023 regular season and underwent Tommy John surgery in late April. The 31-year-old left-hander probably won't return to a major-league mound until late June or early July of 2024.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday that Cortes (shoulder) recently began a throwing program and is doing well, Brendan Kuty of The Athletic reports.

Cortes was limited to only 12 starts this season due to a left shoulder issue, making his last appearance in mid-August. An extended period of rest has evidently done him some good, and he hopes to head into spring training without any physical limitations.

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.

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.

Miley agreed Monday with the Brewers on a one-year, $7 million contract, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Miley is guaranteed $8.5 million in the deal, and the contract includes a $12 million mutual option or $1.5 million buyout for 2025. The veteran southpaw is coming off a strong showing for Milwaukee in 2023, having collected a 3.14 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 79:38 K:BB over 120.1 innings. He turned 37 years old in November and can't be counted on to make every start, but Miley should offer the Brewers a high floor when healthy.

Tonkin signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Mets on Tuesday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

2023 marked Tonkin's return to the majors after six seasons, and he logged a 4.28 ERA and 1.09 WHIP with a 75:23 K:BB across 80 innings. The 34-year-old righty will likely operate as a multi-inning reliever in a Mets bullpen that struggled to find consistent success last season.

Garcia signed a one-year, $4.25 million contract with the Angels on Tuesday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Garcia recorded a 3.73 ERA and 1.30 WHIP over two seasons in San Diego, and he'll now help bolster an Angels bullpen unit that put up a 4.88 ERA last season (fifth worst in MLB). The 36-year-old righty registered one save and six holds during his first stint with the Angels in 2019, though he may be used more often in high-leverage situations next season given the lack of depth in Los Angeles' bullpen.

The Yankees traded Weissert to the Red Sox on Tuesday alongside Richard Fitts and Nicholas Judice in exchange for Alex Verdugo, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Weissert logged a 4.05 ERA and 1.45 WHIP through 20 innings with the Yankees last season, and he'll now switch sides in one of the most intense rivalries in baseball. As part of one of one of the best bullpens in the majors in 2023, Weissert managed just two holds in 17 appearances. Now with Boston, he may receive more late-game opportunities with a bullpen that ranked closer to the bottom of the AL in ERA last year (4.32).

Angels general manager Perry Minasian said Tuesday that Bachman (shoulder) is on track to be ready for the beginning of spring training, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.

Bachman spent the final three months of the 2023 campaign on the major-league injured list due to a shoulder issue that eventually required cleanup surgery, but Minasian said the 24-year-old right-hander is "feeling good" here in early December. Minasian also added that the Angels view Bachman as a starter long term despite having him debut in relief this past summer.

Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said Tuesday that Mata is likely to move into a relief role, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Mata has primarily worked as a starter on his way up through Boston's minor-league system, but he's struggled to stay healthy in recent years and may have better luck on that front with shorter outings. The 24-year-old right-hander missed all of June, August and July in 2023 because of a lingering shoulder injury.

White Sox general manager Chris Getz noted Tuesday that Santos (elbow) might not be ready for the start of spring training, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Santos finished the 2023 season on the injured list due to right elbow inflammation and just recently resumed throwing in Arizona. Getz said the medical reports have been good so far, but this could be a situation that is slow-played during spring camp in an attempt to avoid significant setbacks. Santos, 24, may find himself in the running for a share of Chicago's closer role in 2024 if his health cooperates.

Buxton (knee) is expected to begin baseball activities next week and the Twins plan for him to be the team's starting center fielder next season, the Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. "We're going to go into spring training planning on, if everything continues to go well, having him out there in center field and very hopeful that the procedure he had puts him in the spot he needs to be in," manager Rocco Baldelli said, "but we also have to plan for everything, as usual."

Buxton underwent an arthroscopic procedure in October on his right knee to clean up scarring from a 2022 surgery that led to irritation. Buxton had a workout at Target Field last week and was able to do some activities that he was unable to last season. Buxton wasn't able to play in the field last season due to his knee issues (aside from one game during a minor league rehab stint). While the Twins are optimistic he'll be able to play in the field, the team will seek to find options for a backup given that Buxton hasn't played more than 100 games in seven years and Michael Taylor elected free agency.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez revealed Monday that Meneses played through a knee injury this season, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

It's not clear when Meneses' knee began bothering him, but Martinez indicated it's a big reason why the 31-year-old was basically a full-time designated hitter. With Dominic Smith no longer around, Martinez would like to use Meneses some at first base in 2024 and possibly even some in the outfield. As for how Meneses is progressing in his recovery from the knee problem, Martinez said the right-handed hitter is "doing a lot of agility stuff" this offseason and "looks good so far."

The Mets claimed Hummel off waivers from the Mariners on Friday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Hummel, 29, went 2-for-23 at the plate during his time with the Mariners in 2023 but slashed .262/.409/.435 with eight homers and 26 steals at Triple-A Tacoma. He offers unique versatility with an ability to catch and also play the outfield. New Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns was the Brewers' general manager when they drafted Hummel in 2016.

Ford became a free agent Friday after being non-tendered by the Mariners.

Ford was designated for assignment Tuesday and will now officially head to the open market. He was productive at times for Seattle in 2023 but struggled badly down the stretch. The 31-year-old owns a career .211 batting average and .309 on-base percentage in 234 total major-league games.

Lewis became a free agent after being non-tendered by the Diamondbacks on Friday.

Lewis won American League Rookie of the Year honors with the Mariners in 2020, but he's slashed just .150/.216/.280 over 116 major-league plate appearances since the beginning of the 2022 campaign. The 28-year-old played in only 16 games with the NL champions in 2023.

Vogelbach was non-tendered by the Mets on Friday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Vogelbach served as the Mets' primary designated hitter for a large portion of the 2023 season, but he posted a relatively underwhelming .233/.339/.404 batting line in 104 games (319 plate appearances) and is a liability against left-handed pitching. Mark Vientos appears poised to take over the DH role in Queens next year, pending the team's other offseason moves.