The Toronto Blue Jays have traded infielder Santiago Espinal to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for minor league right-hander Chris McElvain.

Espinal, who was an All-Star in 2022, hit .248 with two home runs and 25 RBI in 88 games last season. He is set to earn $2,725,000 this season.

McElvain, 23, went 5-5 with a 3.75 ERA in 23 games last season, including 19 starts, splitting time between two levels of Class-A.

Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown says that while the front office won't rule out adding a starting pitcher, they're "not actively doing anything" on that front.

Brown made similar comments before Houston's late effort to land Blake Snell, who reached an agreement on a deal with the San Francisco Giants earlier this week.

Chicago White Sox general manager Chris Getz says that a strong spring helped Dylan Cease's value in advance of his trade to the San Diego Padres this week.

"His last outing in Cincinnati was an impressive one," Getz said Thursday. "There was a lot of buzz at that game. Unsurprisingly, teams really stepped up. ... Up until yesterday, we didn't feel like we had a deal on the table that we felt like met the mark, and it finally came together and we moved on it."

Cease, 28, was traded for three prospects and reliever Steven Wilson.

"Last year wasn't Dylan's best year," Getz said. "There was a level of concern that perhaps he wasn't going to get back to who he's been in the past. Other teams' comfort levels were raised when they were able to see it in person."

The Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox have had recent discussions regarding a Dylan Cease trade, according to a report.

With Opening Day approaching, the White Sox seem to be "getting more serious" about dealing the right-hander.

The New York Yankees have made a new offer to the Chicago White Sox for Dylan Cease, according to a report.

The Yankees re-engaged with the White Sox soon after it was announced that Gerrit Cole will undergo an MRI on his right elbow.

New York's proposal is not believed to include prospect Spencer Jones.

The Boston Red Sox are still evaluating the market for depth on the position player side, according to a report.

The club would like to add an infielder to complete for a backup job.