Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco will likely not be allowed to enter the United States while facing accusations of sexual abuse of a minor, an aggravated felony in his native Dominican Republic, according to two immigration attorneys who have worked with major-league teams and players. Based on this, Franco's presence at spring training and his availability for at least the start of the 2024 season appear to be in doubt, even before MLB considers any action amid their separate investigation. "Barring a full exoneration in this case, where it comes out that this was all made up, I don't see him very likely coming back anytime soon, if ever," said Javad Khazaeli, a former prosecutor for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The 22-year-old will most likely open the 2024 season on the restricted list and could have to forfeit the remaining $174 million left on his 11-year, $182 million he signed in November of 2021.

MLB's 2024 MLB Pipeline Poll, which asks front-office executives from all 30 organizations for their opinions on prospects, named San Diego Padres starting pitcher Dylan Lesko as the breakout prospect of 2024. The 20-year-old righty was the team's first-round pick in 2022, but he did not pitch competitively until June 2023 because he had Tommy John surgery in April of his senior year of high school. Known for his changeup, Lesko is the team's fourth-ranked prospect. He managed a 4.50 ERA with 43 strikeouts and 19 walks in 28 innings pitched last season across A ball. Given his pedigree and the fact that he was returning from injury, it seems as though front offices think he can hit the ground running in 2024, making him a name to track in dynasty leagues.

MLB's 2024 MLB Pipeline Poll, which asks front-office executives from all 30 organizations for their opinions on prospects, named Seattle Mariners middle infielder Colt Emerson as the most underrated prospect. The 2023 first-round pick slashed .302/.436/.444 in 79 plate appearances with Single-A Modesto as a 17-year-old. While he is not in MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospects at this time, he does slot in as the team's fourth-ranked prospect and is known for his advanced bat-to-ball skills. While he may not have an impact on the Mariners for a few seasons, he appears to be a name for dynasty managers to keep on their radar.

The Tampa Bay Rays signed free-agent catcher Rob Brantly to a minor-league deal on Monday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training. Rene Pinto is currently the only catcher on Tampa's 40-man roster, so Brantly should have a chance to earn the backup catching gig in spring training. The 34-year-old veteran left-handed hitter was with the Toronto Blue Jays this past season but never appeared in the big leagues. Instead, he hit .271/.390/.361 with a home run and 16 RBI in 46 games at Triple-A Buffalo before he was cut in July. Brantly has eight years of major-league service with five different teams and has a career .225/.287/.326 slash line with only seven home runs and 37 RBI in 134 games played over 456 plate appearances.

The Miami Marlins re-signed outfielder Jonathan Davis to a minor-league deal on Monday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training. Davis will return to South Beach to provide outfield depth for the Fish. The 31-year-old right-handed hitter appeared in only 34 games for Miami in 2023 and hit .244 (22-for-90) with two home runs and 10 RBI before needing season-ending surgery for a torn meniscus in his knee. In six seasons in the big leagues with four different teams, Davis has a career .198/.295/.276 slash line with only six home runs, 30 RBI and 19 stolen bases in 205 games over 454 trips to the plate. There's a good chance that Davis will open the 2024 season at Triple-A Jacksonville. He won't be anywhere near the fantasy radar.