Chicago White Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi (hand) said he was hindered by a hand injury in 2023 and focused on getting stronger this winter. "Added a little bit of weight. I think this was one of my best offseasons, as far as working out and getting stronger. We'll see how it translates, hopefully it does. Time will tell," Benintendi said. The 29-year-old left-handed hitter had surgery on his right hamate bone, which ended his 2023 season prematurely. It could help explain why he hit just .262/.326/.356 with only five home runs, 45 RBI, 13 stolen bases and 72 runs scored in 562 at-bats in his first year in the Windy City. Due to lack of better options, he's the leading candidate to hit leadoff for the Pale Hose in 2024, too, so with better healthy, perhaps Benintendi will be a candidate for a decent bounce-back this year.

Catcher Francisco Alvarez is close to signing a long-term contract extension with the New York Mets on Tuesday, according to a source. Alvarez is the team's catcher of the future. The 22-year-old Venezuelan backstop played in five games in 2022 and was called up in early April last year and stayed with the team the rest of the season. He hit .209/.284/.437 with 25 home runs, 12 doubles, 63 RBI and 51 runs scored in 423 plate appearances over 123 games played. Alvarez strikes out a lot and doesn't walk much, but his power abilities alone at the weak catching position make him very attractive in fantasy. The 22-year-old should also be an asset in the RBI category in a Mets lineup that should be stronger in 2024. Any extension with Alvarez will likely buy out the five years before he becomes a free agent.

Cincinnati Reds infielder Matt McLain (oblique) tweaked his oblique in the area where he had last year's injury, although an MRI exam was clear. He'll be sidelined for five to seven days, but it "shouldn't" keep him from being ready for the season opener, according to manager David Bell. However, the next five to seven days will give the team a better idea of where McLain stands. It's not a good sign for the 24-year-old, even if there's still time before Opening Day. If he isn't ready for the first game of the regular season, Jonathan India would be the obvious candidate to start at the keystone for the Reds. McLain broke out in his rookie year in 2023 and earned the primary gig at second over India, although his season was cut short by his oblique injury late last year.

Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro said Monday that, while the team values the multi-position skill of several of their players, third baseman/shortstop Maikel Garcia will start the season at third base. This is not that surprising, as the 23-year-old spent the majority of his rookie season at the hot corner. Garcia slashed .272/.323/.358 in his first season with four home runs, 59 runs scored, 50 RBI, and 23 stolen bases in 515 plate appearances. Garcia offers little power in a position that usually can offer it pretty late, but he does offer a good batting average and plenty of speed. His ability to play different positions may help ensure consistent playing time, which could end up making him a worthwhile late-round pick in rotisserie leagues.

Korean media reported Monday that free-agent starting pitcher Hyun Jin Ryu signed a contract with his former KBO team, the Hanwha Eagles. The team has not confirmed the deal's finalization. The 36-year-old lefty played with the team from 2006 through 2012, earning Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year awards in 2006. His big-league experience with the Dodgers and Blue Jays offered some solid fantasy seasons from 2013 through 2023. However, numerous injuries limited him to just 79 innings pitched over the last two seasons. At this point, Ryu can be crossed off the list of potential late-round fantasy options.