Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said on Thursday that he hopes that outfielder/designated hitter Yordan Alvarez can play more in left field in 2024. Alvarez made 40 starts in left field last season but didn't play there much in the second half after returning from an oblique injury. The 26-year-old oft-injured left-handed slugger isn't going to stay healthier with more time spent in the outfield, but the Astros may not have a choice if they're forced to move Chas McCormick to center field if Jake Meyers isn't producing. If Alvarez didn't spend so much time in the training room and missing games due to injuries, there would be a case to be made that he's the best pure hitter in the game for fantasy purposes. He played in 114 games in 2023 due to hand, arm and oblique injuries.

The Miami Marlins signed free-agent left-hander Kent Emanuel to a minor-league deal with an invitation to major-league spring training on Thursday, according to a source. The 31-year-old southpaw hasn't appeared in the big leagues since 2021 with the Houston Astros, when he went 1-0 with a 2.55 ERA (5.49 FIP) and 0.91 WHIP with four walks and 13 strikeouts in 17 2/3 innings, his only major-league experience to date. He will head to spring training this year hoping to win a bullpen role for the Fish, but he'll most likely start the season pitching on the farm at Triple-A Jacksonville. Emanuel can be avoided in all fantasy formats.

Tampa Bay Rays infield prospect Curtis Mead, who is ranked by MLB Pipeline as the team's No. 3 prospect for a reason, has crushed the ball wherever he's played and had a .302/.376/.514 slash line in the minors. However, MLB.com's Adam Berry says it's difficult to envision a consistent path to playing time for Mead as the Rays' roster is currently constructed. Yandy Diaz, Brandon Lowe and Isaac Paredes are set around the infield, and unless the team has another trade in the works, Harold Ramirez seems to be in line for right-handed designated hitter work. "That is one hungry, motivated player. Curtis is driven to be really, really good, and he is going to do everything he can," manager Kevin Cash said. The 23-year-old is a pure hitter and should be stashed in dynasty/keeper leagues in 2024.

Tampa Bay Rays catcher Rene Pinto, who is the only catcher currently on the team's 40-man roster, "is going to get a lot of reps," manager Kevin Cash said. Pinto's pitch-blocking was a concern last year, but he graded out well in other defensive areas. His low on-base percentage and high strikeout rates as a hitter could be further exposed in an expanded role, but some of that could be offset by his power, as he hit 15 homers in 265 plate appearances between Triple-A Durham and the majors in 2023. The Rays are going to need to spell Pinto so that he doesn't break down over a long season, but with strong defense and 20-homer power, Pinto could capitalize on a big opportunity in 2024 for both the Rays and fantasy managers.

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash said the team expects "a much more comfortable version of Taj Bradley" this year. Both Bradley and Ryan Pepiot should have an opportunity to settle into the starting rotation behind Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale and Zack Littell. Bradley made his major-league debut in 2023 and finished with 21 starts, ending up with a 5.59 ERA and 23 home runs allowed in 104 2/3 innings pitched. He'll only be 23 years old this year, though, and his electric fastball averaged 96.1 mph, while his developing changeup produced a 41 percent whiff rate and his curveball was also effective. Expectations were high for Bradley as one of the team's top prospects, so he was more of a disappointment. However, if he can display better command and keep the ball in the yard more in 2024, Bradley could be much more productive.