Free-agent catcher Gary Sanchez signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday. Sanchez began last year with the New York Mets but only played in three games with them before eventually being picked up by the San Diego Padres, where he thrived in 72 games, clubbing 19 home runs and driving in 46 runs in 260 plate appearances. However, it also came with a weak .218 batting average (51-for-234). The 31-year-old veteran backstop was particularly effective against left-handed pitching in 2023 and should at least be in play as Milwaukee's designated hitter against southpaws in 2024, in addition to providing the team with a backup catching option to starter William Contreras. Sanchez can provide some pop in two-catcher leagues, but fantasy managers wouldn't be wise to expect a repeat of last year.

The Philadelphia Phillies have claimed right-hander Max Castillo off of waivers from the Boston Red Sox. Outfielder Simon Muzziotti has been designated for assignment in order to clear a 40-man roster spot. Acquired by the Blue Jays from the Royals in a 2022 trade that sent Whit Merrifield to Toronto, Castillo has worked to a career 5.43 ERA and 8.9% K-BB% across 21 outings (six starts) and 59 2/3 innings between the Blue Jays and Royals. He was claimed off waivers by the Red Sox this winter but was designated for assignment by the club on Feb. 2. Muzziotti, 25, has just nine MLB plate appearances under his belt from 2022 and hit .296 with seven homers, 26 stolen bases, and a .762 OPS across 124 games with Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2023, failing to reach the big leagues a season ago.

Free-agent third baseman Gio Urshela has received contract offers from both the Los Angeles Angels and Miami Marlins. It was reported on Tuesday that Urshela was receiving interest from the Yankees, Mets, and Marlins but the Angels, Urshela's 2023 team, seemingly has significant interest in retaining him. The 32-year-old suffered a fractured pelvis last season and was limited to just 62 games. He hit a healthy .299 in that time but his power cratered as he slugged just two homers alongside a .288 xwOBA across 228 trips to the plate. However, Sanchez hit .285 with 13 home runs and 27 doubles with the 2022 Twins, production that led to a 119 wRC+ that grades out 19% superior to the league average. He is being viewed a significant bounce-back option for several clubs. He doesn't generate the type of power fantasy owners should be seeking at third base.

Free-agent right-hander Aaron Sanchez is scheduled to throw a bullpen session for interested teams on Friday in Florida. A 2016 MLB All-Star, Sanchez hasn't appeared in the big leagues since the 2022 season when he worked to a 6.60 ERA across 15 outings (10 starts) between the Washington Nationals and Minnesota Twins. The 31-year-old won the ERA title in his All-Star 2016 season in which he worked to a 3.00 ERA across 30 starts while going a pristine 15-2 with the Blue Jays that season. He finished seventh in AL Cy Young voting that year, as well. He seemed to be back on track with a 3.06 ERA in a seven-start, nine-outing sample with the 2021 Giants before struggling in 2022. He tossed a 5.30 ERA across 18 appearances (16 starts) with Triple-A St. Paul in the Twins organization in 2023.

The Miami Marlins have claimed right-hander Declan Cronin off waivers from the Houston Astros. The 26-year-old has been designated for assignment twice this winter, once by the White Sox to make room for righty Erick Fedde and once again by Houston to clear a spot for closer Josh Hader. Cronin made his big-league debut in the 2023 season with the White Sox, allowing 11 earned runs on three home runs and seven walks against eight strikeouts in 11 innings of work. He fared much better at Triple-A where he posted a 3.83 ERA across 47 outings. Cronin's bread and butter is his ability to keep the ball on the ground as he posted a 55.9% ground-ball rate with the big leagues last season alongside a 54.5% clip at the Triple-A level.