On January 14, one of the top starting pitchers came off the market, as Ranger Suarez signed with the Boston Red Sox. But aside from that move, there were other actions. The Twins claimed Vidal Brujan off waivers, while the Blue Jays announced their first batch of non-roster invites for 2026 Spring Training.
Brujan claimed by Twins
The Twins claimed infielder Vidal Brujan off waivers from the Braves. Brujan was DFA’d last week after now-Rays pitcher Ken Waldichuk was claimed by Atlanta.
Brujan, a former top prospect, is a career .199/.267/.276 hitter. The 27-year-old is defensively versatile, as Brujan has seen regular time at second, short, third, and the outfield. The only position he has not played in his MLB career is catcher (he has pitched in four MLB games, as well).
Infielder Mickey Gasper was designated for assignment. The 30-year-old Gasper, acquired in December 2024 from the Red Sox for Jovani Moran, slashed .158/.257/.232 over 45 games for the Twins last season.
Blue Jays invite five to camp
The Blue Jays announced that the team invited five players to Spring Training as non-roster invites. The five are Eloy Jimenez, Rafael Lantigua, Michael Plassmeyer, Carlos Mendoza, and Jorge Alcala.
Jimenez was re-signed by the Blue Jays after he spent time late in the year with Triple-A Buffalo.
Lantigua signed with the team as well after the 27-year-old spent 2025 with the Phillies’ Triple-A team. He was a member of the Toronto organization from 2016 through 2024.
Mendoza hit .287/.394/.409 over 97 games between Double-A and Triple-A in the Tigers’ organization.
Plassmeyer spent 2025 with the Rangers organization. The left-hander spent parts of 2022 and 2023 with the Phillies.
Lastly, Jorge Alcala spent 2025 between the Red Sox and Cardinals. Alcala is a hard-throwing pitcher who accumulated 61 strikeouts over 55 MLB innings last season. However, he struggled to keep the ball in the park. Alcala gave up 13 home runs over those 55 frames.
Other moves
The Orioles sent Jhonkensy Noel outright to Triple-A Norfolk.
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