The Chicago White Sox signed free-agent outfielder Rafael Ortega to a minor-league deal. Ortega spent most of his time in 2023 in the minors with the New York Mets and Texas Rangers but also played in 47 games with the Mets, going 25-for-114 (.219) with a home run, eight RBI and six stolen bases in 136 plate appearances. The 32-year-old could get some run with the rebuilding White Sox in 2024 given their lack of outfield depth, but Ortega can probably be ignored in the vast majority of fantasy leagues. In seven major-league seasons with the Rockies, Angels, Marlins, Braves, Cubs and Mets, he has a .247 career batting average with 22 home runs, 109 RBI, 47 stolen bases and 136 runs scored in 411 games played.

The Atlanta Braves signed Charlie Culberson to a minor-league deal on Friday as a pitcher. The 34-year-old former infielder/outfielder is returning to the Braves after playing in just one game at the major-league level for them in 2023. He also spent three seasons in Atlanta from 2018-20, hitting .265/.314/.454 with 17 home runs and 66 RBI in 230 games played. Culberson has actually thrown 7 1/3 innings in his big-league career in mop-up duty and only allowed one run, so perhaps there's something there. It will be an interesting storyline for the Braves in spring training in 2024, but Culberson will almost certainly begin the year in the minor leagues and will be a long shot to become fantasy relevant, let alone pitch out of the Braves' bullpen.

The San Diego Padres have considered re-signing catcher Gary Sanchez, but there is a big gap in contract talks. Sanchez kept the Padres' offense afloat in the middle of last season and was one of their biggest offensive contributors despite not even starting the year with the club. Despite the strong season for the Friars, the Padres were fully expected to move on from Sanchez heading into 2024, especially after they acquired Kyle Higashioka from the New York Yankees in the blockbuster deal involving outfielder Juan Soto. If he can stay healthy, Luis Campusano has a clear path to regular catching duties this season. Sanchez hit 19 home runs and had a .780 OPS in just 75 games in 2023 but finished the season on the injured list due to a fractured wrist. He'll most likely be looking at a part-time role in 2024 with whichever team signs him.

The Boston Red Sox are reportedly listening on outfielder Masataka Yoshida, but for now a trade isn't seen as especially likely. The Red Sox have also checked in on free-agent outfielder/designated hitter Jorge Soler, but there's suspicion they'll be outbid again, maybe by the rival Toronto Blue Jays. Former Red Sox DH J.D. Martinez and third baseman Justin Turner should be candidates to fill Boston's need for a right-handed hitter, but they could seriously consider a less costly option like Tommy Pham, Randal Grichuk or even Enrique Hernandez. The 30-year-old Yoshida showed great contact skills, but his on-base prowess was lacking and he showed only moderate power. His defense is going to need to improve in the outfield if he's going to remain as an everyday player moving forward.

Although one general manager said the Cleveland Guardians are still talking about star right-hander Shane Bieber, the latest word is that a trade involving Bieber is very unlikely. The Guardians have a shot to win the weak American League Central division in 2024. The 28-year-old had a down season in 2023, mainly due to an elbow injury, going 6-6 with a 3.80 ERA (3.87 FIP) and 1.23 WHIP while walking 34 and striking out 107 in 128 innings over just 21 starts. It's the second time in three years he's missed significant time due to injury, and although Bieber was the Cy Young winner in 2020 and one of the best pitchers in the game in 2022, it's concerning that his strikeout rate (20.1%), hard-hit rate (47.6%) and average exit velocity (91.6 mph) were all career-worsts. Bieber could still bounce back in 2024 with better health, but he could also be in the beginning of his decline.