Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward has won his arbitration case with the team, securing a $4.8 million salary for 2024, which is $500,ooo more than the team initially filed for him. The 30-year-old had another productive season in 2023, posting a 107 wRC+ with a .253 batting average and 14 home runs. This marked the third consecutive year where Ward achieved at least a 100 wRC+, solidifying his status as one of the team's better offensive producers. Ward is expected to continue in the outfield alongside Mike Trout and Mickey Moniak, and he should be ready for Opening Day after undergoing surgery in August for multiple facial fractures sustained from being hit in the face by a pitch.

Houston Astros utility man Mauricio Dubon won his arbitration case, securing a $3.5 million salary for the upcoming season, compared to the $3 million the team filed for. The 29-year-old posted a 97 wRC+ in 2023, batting .278 and playing in 132 games. After featuring at seven different positions in 2023, the team sees him as an invaluable asset, offering tremendous lineup flexibility, especially during playoff time. Despite the presence of Jose Altuve, Chas McCormick, Kyle Tucker, and Jake Meyers, Dubon's role as a super-utility man is expected to remain unchanged, ensuring his frequent appearances across various positions in the lineup.

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Austin Hays won his arbitration hearing against the team and is set to make $6.3 million in 2024. After posting a 112 wRC+ in 2023 with a .275 batting average, Hays' camp felt he should get more than the $5.85 million the team filed for. The 28-year-old played 144 games last year, integral to the team's AL East title. Alongside Cedric Mullins and Anthony Santander, Hays helps the Orioles field a productive outfield. However, prospects Heston Kjerstad and Colton Cowser loom, potentially impacting his playing time later. Hays won't be an unrestricted free agent until 2026, and it will be intriguing to see how the team manages the outfield until then.

Free-agent left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw (shoulder) has agreed to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers for yet another season with the team, pending a physical, according to Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman. The 35-year-old continues to be a vital part of the team's rotation despite his age, as he posted a 2.46 ERA in 2023 with 1.06 walks and hits per inning pitched in 131 2/3 innings. The Dodgers' massive offseason wouldn't be complete without bringing back one of their legends. Kershaw had surgery on his left shoulder in November and won't be ready to pitch until at least the second half of 2024, but when he's ready, he's expected to join a starting rotation that now includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow.

The Texas Ranger announced Monday that they signed free-agent relief pitcher Chasen Shreve to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training. The 33-year-old lefty posted a 4.63 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 23.3% strikeout rate with 12 holds in 44 2/3 innings pitched in 2023 with the Tigers and Reds. While he owns a respectable 3.97 ERA over his 10-season career, he will need to prove that he can still pitch to that level to potentially break camp with the defending World Series champions.