MLB

Miranda isn’t expected to resume throwing until January, but the positive news here is that he managed to avoid a more serious surgical procedure on his right shoulder back in mid-September, and merely underwent a cleanup procedure. There’s optimism he’ll be a full-go for the outset of spring training.

Buxton progressing in his recovery from arthroscopic right knee surgery back in October and is apparently penciled in as Minnesota’s primary center fielder entering spring training. The 29-year-old was limited to designated hitter-only this past season due to ongoing right knee issues and hasn’t played in the outfield since August 2022. He’s coming off a disappointing 2023 campaign at the plate, finishing with just 17 homers and nine steals across 347 plate appearances, but the hope is that he’s put the chronic knee issues to bed, and will stay relatively healthy next season.

Garcia is targeting a midseason return during the upcoming 2024 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery back in May. The 26-year-old right-hander was a reliable fantasy contributor in previous years, but the rather nebulous return timetable makes it difficult to stash him in shallow mixed leagues heading into next season.

McCullers Jr. is working towards a mid-2024 return after undergoing surgery back in June to repair the flexor tendon in his right forearm and also remove a bone spur in his elbow. Astros general manager Dana Brown expressed optimism last month that he’ll be ready to pitch at some point next summer, but fantasy managers should remain cautiously optimistic after the injury-plagued righty missed the entire 2023 campaign due to injury.

Bochy added that Langford, who was selected fourth overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, will enter spring training with a chance to compete for a spot on the defending World Series champions season-opening roster. The 22-year-old top prospect wrapped up this past season with a five-game stint at Triple-A Round Rock after tearing the cover off the ball at three lower rungs in Texas’ minor league system. It’s possible he’ll require some additional seasoning in the upper minors, but there’s a chance he’s starting alongside Adolis García and Evan Carter when the Rangers take the field on Opening Day. Langford’s prospect pedigree and raw talent figure to generate enough helium that he’ll wind up next spring as a mid-round selection in fantasy drafts.

Hearn takes his talents overseas to Japan where he’ll have an opportunity to re-establish his long-term value. The 29-year-old southpaw bounced around this past season, spending time with the Rangers, Braves and Royals before hitting free agency. He’s made 101 appearances (25 starts) in the majors dating back to 2019.

Yajure was removed from San Francisco’s 40-man roster last offseason and wound up posting a lackluster 6.07 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 80/38 K/BB ratio across 75 2/3 innings (22 appearances, 19 starts) across three minor league levels. He’s made 19 appearances (four starts) in the big leagues dating back to 2020. The 25-year-old righty will aim to rebuild his long-term value overseas.

Fernández heads overseas for 2024 after spending all of last season in the minor leagues between the Blue Jays and Nationals. The 26-year-old righty has made 50 career relief appearances in the big leagues since 2019.

Hanifee, 25, made his big league debut with the Tigers during the 2023 season, posting a 5.40 ERA, 1.60 WHIP and a 3/0 K/BB ratio across his five innings of work. He’ll need a strong showing in Grapefruit League action to crack the team’s Opening Day bullpen.

The 28-year-old hurler really struggled in his time at the big league level in 2023 — posting an 8.31 ERA, 2.00 WHIP and a 12/7 K/BB ratio over 13 innings between the Diamondbacks and Padres. He’ll add bullpen depth from the left side for the Dodgers.