SNY's Andy Martino said Tuesday that the New York Mets could consider signing free-agent starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (shoulder), although nothing is close to being finalized between the two sides. The 30-year-old, who underwent right shoulder surgery in 2023, may not pitch at all in 2024 but is likely looking for a two-year deal. Woodruff has been a high-end starter throughout his career when healthy and went 5-1 in 11 starts and 67 innings pitched in 2023 with a 2.28 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, and 29.2% strikeout rate. Woodruff has spent his entire seven-year career with the Brewers, coinciding with Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns' time as the Brewers' general manager.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Aaron Hicks said it's been communicated to him that he will be an everyday player in his first year with the club. Hicks said he expects to play all three outfield spots and designated hitter occasionally. Ideally, he'd see most of his playing time at DH due to the fact that Hicks has had a hard time staying on the field in his career due to injuries. The 34-year-old veteran played all three outfield spots in 2023 with the Yankees and Orioles and is primarily a center fielder, but that will be Mike Trout's job if he's healthy. Hicks will most likely bounce around positions in Anaheim as more of a platoon player against left-handed pitchers, whom he hit .349/.446/.524 against last year. Hicks has only one season with over 20 home runs and has played in 100-plus games just three times in his 11-year big-league career.

Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (hernia) underwent surgery on Tuesday for a sports hernia. The Rangers are hopeful he'll be ready for Opening Day. Seager's injury first occurred in the playoffs and the initial thought was rest was the best remedy, but the injury didn't improve, making surgery the best option over managing during the season. General manager Chris Young said the team has minimal concern and are unlikely to look for an infielder the rest of the offseason. It's something to keep an eye on during spring training, but it shouldn't really affect the 29-year-old World Series MVP's fantasy stock this spring. Seager had a career-best .327 average in 2023 in his second year with the Rangers while also hitting 33 home runs and driving in 96 despite missing time with hamstring and thumb injuries. Despite his hernia surgery, Seager is an elite fantasy shortstop.

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco will be back in a courtroom on Feb. 8, according to court officials in the Dominican Republic, this time to be present as a judge interviews the teenage girl at the center of the sexual-abuse probe that has indefinitely put Franco's baseball career on hold. Franco is accused of physical and sexual abuse and commercial sexual exploitation of a minor. According to prosecutors, Franco paid the girl's mother thousands of dollars in cash and other gifts in exchange for the mother's consent to engage in a sexual relationship with her daughter. At the time of the alleged relationship, Franco was 21 and the girl was 14. Another judge will decide whether Franco will face a trial, a process that could stretch into the summer. It's looking increasingly likely that Franco won't play at all in 2024, and his MLB career could be done entirely.

The Arizona Diamondbacks designated right-hander Collin Snider for assignment on Tuesday to make room on the 40-man roster for recently signed outfielder/designated hitter Joc Pederson. The D-backs picked Snider up off waivers from the Kansas City Royals last month, but the 28-year-old could be on the move again. He made his major-league debut in 2022 with the Royals and has a 5.93 ERA (5.03 FIP), 1.68 WHIP, one save, 28 walks and 33 strikeouts in 54 2/3 innings over 62 appearances (one start) in his two big-league seasons. In 20 1/3 innings pitched in 2023, Snider allowed 12 runs (11 earned) on 24 hits (three homers allowed) while walking 13 and striking out 11. He'll operate as organizational relief depth with whatever team he's with heading into spring training in 2024.