The Los Angeles Angels have signed outfielder Aaron Hicks to a one-year deal. Since Hicks is still being paid by the Yankees through the 2025 season, the Angels will only pay Hicks the prorated league minimum for any time spent on the big-league roster. The veteran was released by the Yankees after 28 games and a .188 average last season but rebounded in 65 games with the Orioles, hitting .275 with seven home runs and an .806 OPS across 236 plate appearances, also missing some time due to injuries. The 34-year-old is a career .233 hitter with 108 HR, 73 stolen bases, and a solid 12.7% BB% across 963 games with the Twins, Yankees, and Orioles. He will compete for reps in an Angels outfield that includes Mike Trout, Taylor Ward, Micky Moniak, and Jo Adell, among others.

Free-agent infielder/designated hitter Justin Turner is expected to make a decision on free agency this week regarding where he will be playing in 2024. The 39-year-old slashed .276/.345/.455 with 23 home runs in 146 games played, posting a 114 wRC+ last year with the Boston Red Sox. Turner has maintained a wRC+ of at least 114 every season since 2014, showcasing his ability to remain a productive hitter despite his age. The Giants, Mets, Blue Jays, and Cubs are all seeking to add an impact corner outfielder, and Turner is likely to land with one of those teams after spending 2023 with the Red Sox and the previous nine seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa (foot) played with a lot of pain throughout the season after being diagnosed with plantar fasciitis in May. Correa stated that the injury would have kept him out as the pain increased in the summer, but he chose not to go on the injured list with the Twins contending. Finally, in late September, he went on the IL after hearing a pop, and the time off proved beneficial for the postseason. After posting a 96 wRC+ in 2023 -- his lowest ever for a season with more than 100 games -- he dominated in the postseason, hitting .409 with a 184 wRC+ in six games. A healthy Correa would likely mean a return to 130-140 wRC+ production in 100 or more games.

The Seattle Mariners have shown interest in trading for Chicago White Sox pitcher Dylan Cease. The 28-year-old is set to make eight million dollars this year and is poised to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. After excellent 2021 and 2022 seasons, Cease regressed and had an average performance in 2023 with a 4.07 expected ERA and 1.42 walks and hits per inning pitched. The Mariners had one of the best rotations a year ago, led by Luis Castillo, George Kirby, and Logan Gilbert, while youngster Bryan Woo showed flashes. If Cease could return to his old form, he would further bolster one of the league's better rotations.

Texas Rangers right-hander Max Scherzer (back) said he should resume working out again in around three weeks. He has cleared the critical six-week mark after having back surgery without any setbacks. The 39-year-old future Hall of Famer had surgery six weeks ago to fix a herniated disc in his back. Scherzer still has a ways to go and is hoping to make his 2024 season debut around June or July, which will obviously limit his fantasy appeal in spring drafts. He was as inconsistent as ever for his fantasy managers in 2023, going a combined 13-6 with a 3.77 ERA (4.32 FIP) and 1.12 WHIP with 45 walks and 174 strikeouts in 152 2/3 innings (27 starts) for the Rangers and New York Mets. Scherzer's stock has fallen considerably heading into his age-40 season, and his inability to keep the ball in the park last year was also concerning.