Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said Thursday that Shaw could be used some in the outfield this season, Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

If the Cubs hang on to Nico Hoerner rather than trade him following the signing of Alex Bregman, Shaw's best shot at regular playing time would be in a super utility role. All 114 starts for Shaw with the Cubs in 2025 came at third base, but the 24-year-old also has significant experience at second base and shortstop, and he played the outfield some in college and in summer ball. It's also possible the Cubs use Shaw as a trade chip in order to supplement their roster elsewhere.

The Rockies designated Blalock for assignment Thursday, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

The club needed to free up a spot on its 40-man roster for the addition of Michael Lorenzen, whose signing was officially announced Thursday. Blalock has been dreadful in the big leagues to this point, posting an 8.16 ERA and 47:43 K:BB over 89.1 innings in parts of two seasons. Perhaps another team believes it can coax more out of him outside Colorado, but it's likely he will clear waivers.

Hernandez signed with the Giants on Thursday for $5 million, Ben Badler of Baseball America reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez, a 5-foot-10, 180-pound shortstop from Venezuela, has a legitimate track record of performing in games. At 15, he hit .346 across 104 at-bats against much older competition in the Venezuelan Major League. His hit tool seems like a safe bet, along with 20-plus homer power in time. There are differing reports about Hernandez's foot speed, as Pipeline grades him as plus runner while Baseball America reports Hernandez is a fringe-average runner. Both outlets agree Hernandez should be able to stick at shortstop. He'll likely follow the path of org. mate Josuar Gonzalez last year and head to the Dominican Summer League for his pro debut.

The Orioles signed Huff to a minor-league contract Thursday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Huff appeared in 20 games for the Giants last season, posting a .598 OPS with a pair of home runs and a 43.1 percent strikeout rate. The 28-year-old will provide some experienced catching depth for the Orioles at Triple-A Norfolk.

Alexander is expected to shift to a utility role following the Diamondbacks' acquisition of third baseman Nolan Arenado, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alexander finished up the 2025 season as Arizona's primary third baseman after Eugenio Suarez was traded to the Mariners at the trade deadline. Until the Arenado news, Alexander was the nominal starter at the hot corner. He now moves back into a utility role, which will include opportunities in the outfield. The Diamondbacks will be without left fielder Lourdes Gurriel (knee) for much of the first half of 2026 and will want a right-handed complement to Alek Thomas in center field. The team may also deploy him in a rotation at DH. That's in addition to Alexander's ability to back up at three infield positions. His main competition for playing time will be Jordan Lawlar, although general manager Mike Hazen believes both will be able to impact the club "in a number of different ways."

The Blue Jays signed Lantigua to a minor-league contract Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training.

EDGE Analysis

Lantigua spent the first seven seasons in pro ball with the Blue Jays before slashing .230/.356/.330 with seven homers, 17 steals and a 77:73 BB:K over 125 games at Triple-A Lehigh Valley in the Phillies organization in 2025. The 27-year-old is now back in his original organization and is likely ticketed for Triple-A Buffalo to begin the 2026 campaign.

The Red Sox signed Suarez to a five-year, $130 million contract Wednesday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

EDGE Analysis

After watching Alex Bregman walk out the door, the Red Sox have pivoted to further bolstering their rotation with Suarez. The left-hander has never thrown more than 157.1 innings in a regular season, but Suarez boasts a 3.25 ERA over 143 regular-season appearances since the beginning of the 2021 campaign. Suarez also has an excellent postseason track record, having collected a 1.48 ERA and 44:13 K:BB across 42.2 frames.

The Twins designated Gasper for assignment Wednesday, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Vidal Brujan, who was claimed off waivers. Gasper slashed only .158/.257/.232 over 45 contests with the Twins in 2025, but his ability to play catcher, first base, second base and left field could attract the interest of clubs via the waivers process.

The Twins claimed Brujan off waivers from Atlanta on Wednesday, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Brujan has yet to show much of anything offensively at the major-league level, slashing .199/.267/.276 across parts of five seasons. He is able to play all over the diamond, giving the Twins defensive versatility off the bench.

The Orioles outrighted Noel to Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Noel was booted off the Orioles' 40-man roster last week shortly after being claimed off waivers. He passed through waivers this time around and will remain in the organization. Noel has slashed .193/.242/.401 with 19 home runs over 351 regular-season plate appearances at the major-league level.