Free-agent right-handers Noah Syndergaard and Michael Lorenzen threw bullpen sessions for around 16 MLB teams in California on Tuesday, according to sources. Both players were impressive, with Syndergaard consistently sitting at 93-95 mph. Syndergaard, 31, had a rough 6.50 ERA in 88 2/3 innings with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Guardians in 2023 and is a candidate to receive a one-year, prove-it deal. He's drawing interest from the Pittsburgh Pirates, among others. Lorenzen, 32, had a 3.58 ERA in 105 2/3 innings with the Detroit Tigers last year and threw a no-hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies after being traded to the National League, but he had a 5.51 ERA in 11 games (seven starts) for the Phils and was moved to the bullpen late in the season.

Newly signed right-handed reliever Robert Stephenson said that he doesn't expect to fill in for closing duties in 2024, but he will if necessary. Meanwhile, general manager Perry Minasian noted that right-hander Carlos Estevez is the closer on paper, but the final decision will be made by manager Ron Washington. Estevez made his first All-Star team in 2023 with the Halos and had a career-high 31 saves in 62 1/3 relief innings, but he had an ERA approaching 4.00 and had a 6.59 ERA in the second half. The 31-year-old will probably open the 2024 regular season as the Halos' primary ninth-inning arm, but Washington could have him on a short leash early on, especially if his struggles from the second half of last year resurface. And on another Angels team that probably won't be a contender, Estevez will have shaky fantasy value at the closer position.

Free-agent left-hander James Paxton and the Los Angeles Dodgers officially agreed to a one-year, $11 million deal on Tuesday that includes a $1 million Opening Day roster bonus and another $1 million in performance-based incentives. The oft-injured 35-year-old Canadian hurler went 7-5 with a 4.50 ERA (4.68 FIP) and 1.31 WHIP with 33 walks and 101 strikeouts in 2023 for the Boston Red Sox in 19 starts, his first year pitching in the big leagues since 2021. He was sharp in the first half before posting an ERA near 7.00 in the second half while dealing with a knee injury. Paxton should be healthy in spring training and will have more fantasy upside with the move to LA if he makes the team's starting rotation, but he's also a huge health risk, having thrown only 117 2/3 innings since 2020.

Third baseman Adrian Beltre, catcher Joe Mauer and power-hitting first baseman Todd Helton were elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Tuesday, with both Beltre and Mauer getting in on their first ballot. Helton was elected on his sixth try. Beltre had 95.1% of the votes, Helton at 79.7%, and Mauer at 76.1%. Closer Billy Wagner (73.8%) fell just five votes shy and will have his last chance in 2025. Slugger Gary Sheffield (63.9%) didn't get the required support in his 10th and final ballot. Beltre is a member of the 400-homer club and was one of the best defensive third basemen of all time. Helton played his entire 17-year career with the Rockies and was a five-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger. Mauer was arguably the best catcher of his generation after being taken as the No. 1 overall pick in 2001. He was a six-time All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger and three-time batting champion.

Free-agent corner infielder/designated hitter Miguel Sano and the Los Angeles Angels agreed to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training on Tuesday, according to sources. Sano is currently playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic after not playing last summer. The Halos are taking a low-cost flier on a 30-year-old right-handed power bat as they seek more offense heading into the 2024 season. Sano played in only 20 games in his last season in the bigs in 2022 with the Minnesota Twins, battled knee injuries and went 5-for-60 (.083) with one homer and three RBI. If he's healthy, Sano will compete for at-bats in the designated hitter role vacated when two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani signed with the crosstown-rival Los Angeles Dodgers. Sano reached the 30-homer mark in both 2019 and 2021, but expecting him to return to that level is probably a pipe dream.