The Royals signed Alfaro to a minor-league contract Monday, Aram Leighton of JustBaseball.com reports.

Alfaro got into 14 games with the Nationals in 2025, slashing .256/.256/.308. The 32-year-old hasn't seen significant action at the major-league level since 2022, and with Salvador Perez and Carter Jensen locked onto the big-league roster, that's unlikely to change in 2026.

Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said earlier this month that Fry (face) is expected to resume playing defense during the 2026 season, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports. "I'm just excited that David is going to be healthy," Vogt said. "David having a full winter, healthy, completed the [throwing] rehab. It's going to be really exciting to be able to use him the way his skill set is intended."

After undergoing Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow last November, Fry was cleared to make his 2025 debut for the Guardians in late May but ended being limited exclusively to designated-hitter and pinch-hitting duties throughout the season. His campaign came to an early end when he was hit in the face by a pitch from the Tigers' Tarik Skubal on Sept. 23, resulting in Fry requiring surgery to repair nasal fractures. Vogt suggested that Fry has fully healed from that procedure, putting the 30-year-old on track to resume duties as the team's third catch while also being in the mix for playing time at the infield and outfield corners in 2026. Fry's ability to hit lefties -- he had a .996 OPS against southpaws in 2024 -- should provide a boost to the Guardians, who ranked 27th against left-handers in 2025 with a .647 OPS.

The Athletics signed Soderstrom to a seven-year, $86 million contract extension Thursday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. The deal includes a club option for 2033.

The deal buys out at least three free-agent years and can max out at $131 million if Soderstrom reaches all of the escalators in the contract. Soderstrom broke out in 2025 in his first full major-league season, slashing .276/.346/.474 with 25 home runs and 93 RBI. He also learned to play left field on the fly and took to it surprisingly well, finishing as a Gold Glove finalist. Soderstrom will be only 31 in the final year of the contract if the Athletics pick up his option, so it's a deal that is likely to be very team-friendly if he continues his upward trajectory.

The Cubs signed Bethancourt to a minor-league contract Monday that includes an invitation to spring training, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

He'll be paid $1.6 million if in the majors, but with Carson Kelly and an out-of-minor-league-options Miguel Amaya already on the team, Bethancourt is unlikely to crack the Opening Day roster. The 34-year-old catcher spent the 2025 season at Triple-A Buffalo in the Blue Jays organization, posting just a .551 OPS. Bethancourt is a career .229/.259/.362 hitter over parts of eight big-league seasons.

The Red Sox plan to have Contreras (shoulder) split his playing time between first base and designated hitter, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Triston Casas' recovery from a ruptured patellar tendon is coming along well and there's a chance he's ready for Opening Day, but the acquisition of Contreras allows the Red Sox to slow-play Casas, if needed. Contreras is coming back from a shoulder injury of his own but is expected to be fine for spring training. When both players are healthy, they should soak up most of the reps between first base and DH, though Casas does have minor-league options remaining.

St. Louis traded Contreras (shoulder) to the Red Sox on Sunday for a package that includes pitcher Hunter Dobbins (knee), Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Contreras spent the past three seasons with St. Louis after beginning his career with seven campaigns as a Cub. He transitioned to first base full time last year, with all 120 of his appearances in the field coming at that position after he spent his first nine seasons primarily as a catcher. Contreras reportedly informed Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom in September that he was unwilling to waive his no-trade clause, but clearly the 33-year-old has since had a change of heart. He'll fill a considerable gap at first base for the Red Sox, as they lost Abraham Toro to free agency Friday and DFA'd Nathaniel Lowe in November, leaving only the oft-injured Triston Casas (knee) to compete for at-bats. Contreras' loss of catcher eligibility reduces his fantasy appeal considerably, but he showed in his final season in St. Louis that he can still be moderately productive, slashing .257/.344/.447 with 20 home runs, 80 RBI, 70 runs and five stolen bases over 562 plate appearances. He ended the campaign on the IL due to a right shoulder strain, though the injury isn't expected to impact his readiness for spring training.

The Twins acquired Wagaman from the Marlins on Friday in exchange for Kade Bragg.

Wagaman had been designated for assignment earlier this week and is now on the move to a new club. The 28-year-old slashed .250/.296/.378 with nine home runs across 140 games for the Marlins this season and is capable of handling the corner infield and outfield spots. Wagaman sported a .283/.321/.462 batting line against lefties in 2025, so much of his playing time in Minnesota could come versus southpaws.

Wagaman was designated for assignment by the Marlins on Monday, Kevin Barral of FishonFirst.com reports.

Wagaman is the roster casualty following the addition of Esteury Ruiz from the Dodgers. Wagaman slashed .250/.296/.378 with nine home runs and four steals in 514 plate appearances for the Marlins in 2025. He has some intriguing offensive traits, including strong bat speed and solid swing decisions, but Wagaman's lack of notable power (.128 ISO) in his age-27 season while playing at the bottom of the defensive spectrum made him expendable.

Mervis signed a minor-league contract with the Nationals on Wednesday, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

Mervis, who turns 28 shortly after Opening Day, has a career .165/.238/.322 slash line with 10 home runs, a 7.7 percent walk rate and a 34.5 percent strikeout rate in 261 MLB plate appearances over the past three seasons. He has been worth -1.5 fWAR over that span, in part because he is also a negative defender at first base. Mervis is a native of Washington D.C. and will be competing with players like Jose Tena, Warming Bernabel and Yohandy Morales for opportunities this year if injuries strike the big club.

The Pirates signed O'Hearn to a two-year, $29 million contract Tuesday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

He'll have the opportunity to stretch the total guarantee to $30 million if he reaches $500,000 in incentives each year of the deal. O'Hearn has slashed .277/.343/.445 over the last three regular seasons between the Orioles and Padres and made his first All-Star team in 2025. The left-handed hitter reversed a career trend and hit better versus lefties (.832 OPS) than righties (.795 OPS) in 2025, so he could be an everyday player in Pittsburgh. With Spencer Horwitz manning first base, O'Hearn will likely see most of his playing time at designated hitter.

Casas (knee) could begin the season at Triple-A Worcester following Boston's acquisition of Willson Contreras (shoulder), Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Casas is working his way back from surgery to repair a ruptured left patellar tendon and could be ready to go Opening Day. However, with Contreras added to the mix, the Red Sox could choose to proceed cautiously with Casas, who has minor-league options remaining. A trade of an outfielder (likely Jarren Duran) could allow both Contreras and Casas to play regularly between first base and designated hitter, though Masataka Yoshida also looms as a DH option. A clearer plan for Casas should be revealed during spring training.

Elko (knee) agreed to a minor-league contract with the White Sox on Sunday, Jack Ankony of SI.com reports.

The 26-year-old hit the opening market in November after Chicago elected not to tender him a contract for 2026, but he's now back with the organization on a minor-league deal. Elko underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee after the season, so he'll be unavailable for at least the first few months of the 2026 campaign.

The Giants signed Kennedy to a minor-league contract Dec. 15.

Kennedy spent a little time in the majors with three different teams in 2025, going just 2-for-29 at the plate. The 27-year-old will likely begin the 2026 season at Triple-A Sacramento, where he'll give the Giants some experienced infield depth.

Chavis signed a minor-league contract with the Reds on Wednesday that includes an invitation to big-league spring training, Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com reports.

Chavis spent the entirety of 2025 with the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate, slashing .291/.350/.547 with 13 homers, 45 RBI and 45 runs scored across 283 plate appearances. The 30-year-old infielder will get a chance to compete for a roster spot during spring camp, but he'll most likely return to the minors to begin the '26 campaign.

The Athletics acquired McNeil (shoulder) and cash considerations from the Mets on Monday in exchange for Yordan Rodriguez, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

McNeil finished the 2025 season with a .243/.335/.411 batting line and 12 home runs over 462 plate appearances, which was his best offensive season since he made the All-Star team and won the National League batting title in 2022. He underwent thoracic outlet surgery after this past season but is expected to be ready for spring training. Slated to turn 34 just after Opening Day, McNeil will take over as the Athletics' starting second baseman and will get a boost with a move from Citi Field to Sutter Health Park.

Vargas signed a minor-league contract with the Diamondbacks on Friday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Vargas spent most of his time at Triple-A Reno this past season but still managed to appear in 38 games for the D-backs, during which he slashed .270/.292/.383 with 19 RBI and 12 runs scored. He'll officially return to the organization to begin the 2026 campaign, although he's expected to remain an organizational depth piece.

The Pirates acquired Lowe, Jake Mangum and Mason Montgomery from the Rays on Friday in a three-team trade that sent Mike Burrows to the Astros and Jacob Melton and Anderson Brito to Tampa Bay, Chandler Rome and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic report.

The Rays picked up Lowe's $11.5 million option for 2026 last month but will now ship him to another team. Lowe slashed .256/.307/.477 with 31 home runs over 134 games with the Rays during the 2025 season. The 31-year-old will give the Pirates some much-needed thump to their lineup and also take over at a position of need in second base.

Donovan said Tuesday that he is "full go" in his offseason workouts following Oct. 7 abdominal surgery, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Donovan played through an injury to his abdominal wall for much of the second half before getting shut down late in the year and then having surgery. His offseason workouts are no longer restricted and he will arrive at spring training 100 percent. What team Donovan reports to in February remains to be seen, as he's widely expected to be traded this offseason. The Giants and Mariners reportedly are leading a pack of interested teams to land the super utility player.

The Rays acquired Malloy from the Tigers on Tuesday in exchange for cash considerations.

Malloy had been designated for assignment and is now on the move to a new organization. The right-handed-hitting Malloy has slashed only .209/.311/.346 in parts of two seasons at the major-league level, but he's hit .250/.397/.423 versus left-handed pitching. Malloy will compete for an Opening Day roster spot with the Rays but does have minor-league options remaining.

DeJong agreed Sunday with the Yankees on a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to spring training, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

DeJong latches on with New York for his age-32 season after spending the 2025 campaign with the Nationals. The veteran infielder played in just 57 games due to a nose and eye injury that stemmed from being hit in the face by a pitch. He finished the season with a .228/269/.373 slash line to go with six home runs, 23 RBI, 18 runs scored and four stolen bases across 208 plate appearances. The Yankees already have ample infield depth, but DeJong will get the chance to compete for a utility role in spring training. His salary in the major leagues would be $1 million, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

Arcia signed a minor-league contract with the Twins on Saturday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Arcia endured his worst season in the big leagues last year, slashing .202/.238/.291 with 13 RBI and 13 runs scored across 214 plate appearances between Atlanta and Colorado. The 31-year-old will have a chance to bounce back in the Twins' farm system, but he likely won't act as more than bench depth if he makes it back to the majors in 2026.

The Twins designated Fitzgerald for assignment Friday.

The transaction clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Eric Wagaman, who was acquired via trade. Fitzgerald reached the majors for the first time in 2025 shortly before turning 31, finishing with a .196/.302/.457 batting line with four home runs in 24 games for the Twins. He's a versatile defender, which could mean there will be interest in Fitzgerald on waivers.

The Angels and Rendon (hip) have agreed to a contract buyout that will end his tenure with the club, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

The $38 million Rendon is owed in his final year under contract will be deferred 3-to-5 years, though it's unclear exactly what the structure of the buyout will be. Rendon -- who is recovering from hip surgery -- will not officially retire but will officially remain on the Angels' roster in 2026, although he's not expected to play and will likely spend the season on the 60-day IL. The 35-year-old slashed .242/.348/.369 and never played more than 58 games during any of his five seasons with the Angels.

Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said over the weekend that Mayo could play some third base and/or be tried at the corner outfield positions in 2026, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Mayo came up through the minors primarily as a third baseman, but he didn't play an inning there from June on this past season. The 24-year-old has never played the outfield in pro ball. Mayo's long-term defensive home is almost surely first base, but the Orioles are overcrowded there with Pete Alonso, Samuel Basallo and Ryan Mountcastle also around. The best thing for Mayo's fantasy prospects in 2026 would be a trade to a team where he can play regularly, but for now the Orioles are keeping their options open with where he might fit onto the major-league roster.

Mayer (wrist) is expected to be ready for Opening Day, Lauren Campbell of MassLive.com reports.

Mayer is recovering from right wrist arthroscopy performed in August that ended his season after 44 games. He potentially could have played in the postseason had Boston extended its run, and Mayer is expected to be available for spring training. Depending on roster additions, the 23-year-old infielder could end up playing second base, shortstop or third base. He mainly played at the hot corner in his big-league debut, but a downturn in shortstop Trevor Story's defense (minus-9 OAA) in 2025 could allow Mayer to return to his natural position, which would allow Story to shift to second

Matthews is still viewed as a second baseman long term, but he'll also play in the outfield in 2026, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

"He's going to get some run in the outfield, but second base is still going to be his main position," general manager Dana Brown said. "We project he'll turn the corner with the bat and get maybe some run in the outfield a little bit, as well." Matthews is situated as a backup option at shortstop and second base, and he would need an injury to Jeremy Pena or Jose Altuve to see significant work in the middle infield in 2026. The Astros probably aren't done making moves this offseason either and could add more outfield options, but Brown and manager Joe Espada were complimentary about Matthews' potential in the short term and long term. Matthews is a great athlete with plus speed and above-average raw power. He slashed .260/.371/.458 with 17 home runs, 41 steals and a 27.9 percent strikeout rate in 112 games in the Pacific Coast League. A .167 BABIP and 42.6 percent strikeout rate led to a .167 batting average and .222 on-base percentage in the majors, but he showed off his tools with four home runs and one steal in 13 games.

Young is expected to see the majority of playing time at second base for the Mariners in 2026 even if the team acquires a second baseman from outside the organization, Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic report.

The Mariners remain very high on Young even after he had just a .607 OPS in 257 plate appearances during his rookie season. Young is just 22, but the Mariners appear committed to giving him some leash in the majors in 2026. It seemingly makes a trade for Ketel Marte unlikely, and if Brendan Donovan is acquired, he would be in line to see the bulk of his reps at a position other than second base.

The Pirates designated Cheng for assignment Friday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

The Pirates needed to clear some roster space after bringing in three players via a three-team trade with Houston and Tampa Bay on Friday, and Cheng will end up as one of the casualties. The 24-year-old infielder made his MLB debut near the beginning of last season, going 0-for-7 with three strikeouts before being sent back to the minors. He didn't fare well at the plate in Triple-A either, slashing .209/.310/.271 with 36 RBI, 37 runs scored and 18 steals across 398 plate appearances at Indianapolis.

Vasquez (undisclosed) signed a minor-league contact with the Orioles on Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Vasquez hit .256/.297/.359 with two homers and six steals over 44 contests at Double-A Montgomery in the Rays organization before missing the final three months with an undisclosed injury. It's unclear what his current health status is, but the infielder will be part of big-league spring training with the Orioles.

The Rangers signed Velazquez to a minor-league contract Dec. 8.

Velazquez spent all of this past season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the Yankees organization, slashing .242/.304/.345 with five homers and 25 steals. A career .189/.244/.293 hitter over parts of six big-league seasons, Velazquez will give the Rangers some experienced infield depth at Triple-A Round Rock.

The Giants designated Dean for assignment Tuesday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Dean arrived in San Francisco in November via waiver claim, but he'll now depart the 40-man roster to make room for Tyler Mahle. Dean slashed .289/.378/.431 and stole 27 bases across 347 plate appearances with the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate in 2025, and he's likely to work as minor-league depth again in 2026.

Keirsey signed a minor-league contract with Atlanta on Dec. 18.

Keirsey has found a new home with Atlanta after being non-tendered by the Twins and electing free agency in November. The outfielder appeared in 74 matchups with Minnesota during the 2025 season, struggling to a .107 average with two home runs, six RBI, 10 stolen bases on 13 attempts and 11 runs scored.

The Orioles claimed Noel off waivers from the Guardians on Monday.

Noel will be reunited with manager Craig Albernaz, who was the bench coach in Cleveland the previous two seasons. The 24-year-old Noel has slashed only .193/.242/.401 with a 32.8 percent strikeout rate and 4.8 percent walk rate in 351 regular-season plate appearances in the majors, but he has popped 19 home runs over that time. Noel does not have minor-league options remaining.

The Nationals claimed Wiemer off waivers from the Giants on Monday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

It's the third organization Wiemer has been in since November and fourth since August. The 26-year-old slashed .236/.279/.436 with a 2:23 BB:K over 27 contests for the Marlins in 2025. Wiemer is out of minor-league options, so he should have a good chance to make the Nationals' Opening Day roster in a reserve role.

Fraizer confirmed Friday via his personal Instagram account that he agreed to a minor-league contract with the Red Sox.

Fraizer joins an organization with an outfield logjam in the majors but which lacks depth in the minors. The 27-year-old batted .305/.361/.452 with three home runs and 14 stolen bases across 62 games for Triple-A Indianapolis in the Pirates organization in 2025.

The White Sox signed Kelenic to a minor-league contract Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Kelenic's 2025 season was his worst one yet, as he slashed only .167/.231/.300 in 24 games for Atlanta and just .213/.286/.309 across 95 contests with Triple-A Gwinnett. The former top prospect is still just 26, and he's heading to an organization with a clear opening in right field. Still, the odds are long that he will crack the Opening Day roster and make an impact with the big club.

The Cardinals designated Kent for assignment Tuesday.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Justin Bruihl, who was acquired via trade. Kent was a waiver claim of the Cardinals in December and will now go through the waivers process again. The righty reliever posted a 4.58 ERA and 16:8 K:BB over 17.2 innings for the Guardians in 2025.

The Red Sox and Crawford (wrist) avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2.75 million contract Tuesday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Crawford will receive the same salary in 2026 after he missed the entire 2025 season due to a knee injury and then right wrist surgery. The hurler is expected to be ready in time for Opening Day, though it's possible he's slow-played at the beginning of spring training. Assuming health, Crawford is set to compete for a spot in Boston's rotation.

The Tigers signed File to a minor-league contract Monday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

File spent most of the 2025 season at Double-A Arkansas in the Mariners organization, posting a 4.74 ERA and 98:35 K:BB over 125.1 frames. The 29-year-old has previously been on the Brewers' 40-man roster but has yet to make his major-league debut.

The Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball signed Howard to a contract Tuesday, Yakyu Cosmopolitan reports.

It will be the second straight year in Japan for Howard, who pitched for the Rakuten Eagles in 2025, posting a 2.22 ERA and 36:11 K:BB over 48.2 frames during an injury-shortened campaign. The 29-year-old holds a career 7.00 ERA over 47 appearances (32 starts) across parts of five major-league seasons.

The Giants signed Mahle to a one-year contract Wednesday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Shoulder issues limited Mahle to 16 starts and 86.2 innings in 2025 with the Rangers, but he was able to collect a 2.18 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 66:29 K:BB. The 31-year-old right-hander has not reached 20 starts in the majors since 2022 and his strikeout rate the last two seasons sits at just 18.9 percent, but he is a worthwhile roll of the dice on a one-year deal and will benefit from spacious Oracle Park as his new home.

Eflin (back) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Jan. 6, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

It will be his first time throwing off a mound since he underwent a lumbar microdiscectomy surgery in August. Eflin -- who re-signed with the Orioles on Sunday -- has dealt with back issues off-and-on throughout his career and said he felt immediate relief after the operation. His goal is to be ready for Opening Day, but more will be known about his timetable once he's ramped up his throwing. Eflin posted a 5.93 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 50:13 K:BB across 71.1 innings for Baltimore during an injury-shortened 2025 season.

Wilson is considering retirement, Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic report.

The 38-year-old would consider returning only if he receives what he deems a fair contract for a World Series contender. Wilson is coming off a quality 2025 campaign with the Red Sox, having collected a 3.35 ERA and 57:20 K:BB over 48.1 innings. Boston is reportedly interested in re-signing the veteran lefty.

Roa signed a minor-league contract with the Astros on Dec. 20.

Roa made his MLB debut with the Marlins in 2025, throwing three scoreless innings while striking out three batters and walking three. Most of his time was spent in Triple-A, where he posted a 2.83 ERA and 1.10 WHIP across 60.1 frames. The 26-year-old righty is likely to report to Triple-A Sugar Land to begin the 2026 campaign, though he could join the Astros' bullpen at some point if he continues to thrive in the minors.

The Cardinals acquired Bruihl from the Guardians on Tuesday in exchange for cash considerations.

Bruihl has bounced around from the Blue Jays to the Guardians and now to the Cardinals since mid-December. The left-handed reliever holds a career 4.72 ERA and 69:32 K:BB over 89.2 frames covering parts of five major-league seasons. Bruihl does not have minor-league options remaining, so he's a good bet to make the Opening Day roster if he's still with St. Louis in spring training.

The Orioles designated Soriano for assignment Monday.

The transaction frees a spot on the 40-man roster for waiver claim Jhonkensy Noel. Soriano himself was a waiver claim of the Orioles earlier this offseason, and he'll go through the waivers process again. The 26-year-old holds a 5.95 ERA and 117:55 K:BB in 118 innings across parts of three seasons in the big leagues.

The Tigers signed Effross to a minor-league contract Monday that includes an invitation to spring training, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Effross has had a difficult time staying healthy the last few years and has yielded 12 runs over just 14 innings over the last two seasons at the major-league level. The 32-year-old spent much of the 2025 campaign at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the Yankees organization, posting a 6.37 ERA and 23:10 K:BB over 29.2 frames.

The Tigers re-signed Darnell (hip) to a minor-league contract Monday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Darnell was claimed off waivers and then non-tendered by the Tigers in November, but he will return to the organization on a minor-league pact. The righty reliever underwent hip surgery in September and it's unclear when he might be ready to pitch in games.

The Kiwoom Heroes of the Korea Baseball Organization signed Brooks to a one-year, $700,000 contract Tuesday, Yoo Jee-ho of Yonhap News Agency reports.

He can earn an additional $150,000 in incentives. Brooks has hit just .136/.208/.212 in 37 games at the big-league level and will now try his luck overseas.

The Twins signed Bell to a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2027 on Monday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

It's the first major-league free-agent signing this offseason for the Twins. Bell should see most of the playing time at first base in Minnesota but is also an option for starts at designated hitter. The 33-year-old slashed .237/.325/.417 with 22 home runs across 140 games this past season for the Nationals.

The Phillies re-signed Schwarber to a five-year, $150 million contract Tuesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Schwarber had a robust market, but it always seemed inevitable that he would return to Philadelphia. A five-year deal for a designated hitter heading into his age-33 season is risky on paper, but Schwarber is coming off his best season, having posted a .928 OPS with 56 home runs and 132 RBI during the regular season. He will be the Phillies' full-time DH again in 2026.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Monday that he would like Alvarez (ankle) to "spend most of his season" at designated hitter, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Alvarez started 32 games at DH and 15 in left field during his injury-shortened 2025 campaign, and Houston wants to limit his time in the field in hopes that it will help keep him healthy. While it makes sense for the Astros to do everything they can to keep Alvarez's bat in the lineup, it makes for a difficult lineup construction for Espada, especially when it comes to where Isaac Paredes (hamstring) slots in. Alvarez's 2025 season ended prematurely due to a severe left ankle sprain, but general manager Dana Brown said Monday that the slugger will be ready to go for the start of spring training.

Astros general manager Dana Brown said Monday that Alvarez (ankle) will be "full go" for the start of spring training, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Alvarez went down with a severe left ankle sprain late in the regular season. Brown said nearly a month ago that Alvarez had resumed jogging at roughly 70 percent intensity, and while it's unclear how much, if at all, the slugger has progressed with his running since then, Alvarez is not expected to be limited at the start of spring training. Additionally, manager Joe Espada added that his preference is for Alvarez to spend most of his time at designated hitter in 2026, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. The 28-year-old will remain an injury risk heading into the 2026 campaign, however, after being limited to only 48 contests in 2025, mostly due to a fracture in his right hand.

Campusano signed a one-year, $900,000 contract with the Padres on Friday.

Campusano went 0-for-21 with six walks and 11 strikeouts in the majors during the 2025 regular season, but he continued to show promise in the minors, finishing with a .334/.438/.586 slash line over 466 plate appearances at Triple-A El Paso. The 27-year-old owns a .666 OPS through 178 games in his big-league career but will have a chance to win a spot on San Diego's Opening Day roster this spring.