The Opener Contracts DFA Limbo Rodrigue

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Activity in the baseball world could pick up this week as the holiday season nears its end. A few things to keep an eye on with the beginning of 2024: 1. Unofficial contracts A few free agent signings have yet to be made official. Thats not uncommon for late-December agreements, as holiday plans can lead some players or teams to hold off on physicals that will put the finishing touch on a contract. The Pirates have yet to announce their $8MM deal with left-hander from two weeks back, while the White Sox havent finalized their $4MM signing of catcher . Starters (Red Sox), (Reds) and (Angels) agreed to deals in the last few days that havent been made official. Pittsburgh, Chicago, Cincinnati and Los Angeles all have 40-man rosters that are at capacity, so theyll need to make corresponding trades or DFA once those acquisitions are announced. 2. DFA resolutions On the other side of the equation, a handful of players have awaited resolution on their status. Teams typically have a week to trade or waive someone they had designated for a signment. That clock is paused between Christmas and New Years, Khyri Thomas Jersey leaving a few players with an unusually long stay in DFA limbo. , who was DFA by the Royals on December 19, has spent the past two weeks with that uncertainty. (Marlins), (Tigers) and (Diamondbacks) should all receive clarity on their status by the end of this week. More recent DFAs like (Dodgers), (Reds) and and (both White Sox) may also be traded or placed on waivers in the next couple days. 3. Rodrguez Nearing Decision? Cuban right-hander is one of the more intriguing entrants on this years pitching market. The 26-year-old dominated while working out of the bullpen for NPBs Chunichi Dragons in 2022. He didnt pitch after last years World Baseball Cla sic while awaiting an MLB opportunity, which will come this winter. Teams are divided on Rodrguezs future as a starting pitcher, but he has a high-octane arsenal that should land him a notable multi-year pact as an upside play. ESPNs Enrique Rojas reported on Friday that Rodrguez was close to making a decision, the Blue Jays had emerged as his top suitor. Will there be an agreement by the end of the week? Trae Young Jersey