The Oakland Athletics don't have a true established option at third base entering spring training, which could lead to somewhat of a competition in camp. Jordan Diaz and newcomer Abraham Toro figure to have the edge entering spring training, with Toro's switch-hitting ability creating the possibility for a platoon situation. Another name to watch is prospect Brett Harris, who is considered close to major-league-ready after reaching Triple-A Las Vegas in 2023. Diaz, 23, wasn't anything special on offense or defense for the A's last year hitting .221 with 10 homers and 27 RBI in 90 games. Toro, 27, only played nine big-league games with the Brewers last year. Harris, 25, might have the most upside given his contact-oriented approach and solid plate discipline, but the A's third base picture will be one to avoid in mixed fantasy leagues.

Houston Astros right-handers Luis Garcia (elbow) and Lance McCullers Jr. (forearm) are on track to return to the active roster in the second half of the 2024 season, according to general manager Dana Brown. Garcia is recovering from Tommy John surgery last May after allowing 12 earned runs with 10 walks and 31 strikeouts in 27 innings over six starts last year. The 27-year-old misses plenty of bats and could still be worth stashing as a late-round flier in deep-mixed fantasy leagues this spring. McCullers missed all of 2023 after having surgery to fix a torn flexor tendon in June. The 30-year-old remains intriguing in fantasy, but keep in mind he hasn't pitched since the World Series in 2022. Fantasy managers will want to temper expectations for both Garcia and McCullers once they return in the second half.

The Washington Nationals signed free-agent outfielder Jesse Winker to a minor-league deal with an invitation to major-league spring training on Monday, according to a source. Winker will give the Nationals an experienced left-handed bat for their outfield mix this spring after he slashed a disappointing .199/.320/.247 with just one home runs, 23 RBI and 16 runs scored in 61 games played with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2023. Injuries played a part, but the 30-year-old veteran wasn't much better the previous year with the Seattle Mariners, when he went 100-for-456 (.219) with 14 long balls, 53 RBI and 51 runs scored in a career-high 136 games. Between the outfield and designated hitter, Winker could see decent playing time for the rebuilding Nats, but aside from some modest power, he won't have a terrible amount of fantasy upside in NL-only affairs.

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said that reliever Kyle Crick (calf) could miss all of spring training due to a calf strain. As such, it's unlikely that Crick will make the team's Opening Day roster out of spring training. The 31-year-old right-hander opted out of his minor-league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays last spring and didn't pitch at all for an organization in 2023. In 14 appearances out of the Chicago White Sox's bullpen in 2022, he allowed seven earned runs on 10 hits while walking 11 and striking out 19 in 15 2/3 innings pitched. Crick won't be on the fantasy radar at all this year and holds a career 3.56 ERA (4.16 FIP), a 1.32 WHIP, two saves, 109 walks and 201 strikeouts in 187 1/3 innings over 194 relief appearances in six major-league seasons with the White Sox, San Francisco Giants and Pittsburgh Pirates.

San Diego Padres right-hander Alek Jacob (elbow) doesn't have any lingering health issues headed into spring training with pitchers and catchers reporting to camp this week, according to manager Mike Shildt. Jacob finished last season on the 60-day injured list due to a flexor strain in his right elbow but should be ready for the start of the 2024 campaign, barring any setbacks this spring. The 25-year-old made his major-league debut last year with three relief innings and didn't allow a hit or a run while walking one and striking out five. Jacob should eventually be back in San Diego, but it's likely that he'll open the regular season in the minor leagues to continue his development.