2026 Transactions: Giants Option Eldridge, Nationals Demote Gray

Both the Giants and Dodgers sent down one of their prized youngsters on March 19. The same can be said for the Nationals, who optioned pitcher Josiah Gray to the Minors after he missed all of the team’s 2025 season on the IL.

Nationals option three

Julian Fernandez, Robert Hassell III, and Josiah Gray were optioned to Triple-A Rochester by the Nationals.

The most notable name among the three is Gray, who hasn’t pitched in an official game since March 7. He did not pitch all of last season at the MLB level as he was recovering from UCL reconstruction surgery.

Mets send down four

The Mets optioned reliever Joey Gerber and infielder Ronny Mauricio to Triple-A. Pitchers Mike Baumann and Brandon Waddell were reassigned to Minor League camp.

Mauricio, who stuck around last year as a bench player, slashed .313/.389/.531 over 13 games during Spring Training. However, he didn’t have a clear path to playing time in Queens this season.

Eldridge down to Triple-A

First baseman Bryce Eldridge was sent to Triple-A Sacramento, squelching the possibility that he would make the team’s Opening Day roster.

Eldridge, who made his MLB debut late last season, can hit the ball hard, and no one was going to dispute that. He posted a Barrel% over 14% in Cactus League action and picked up six extra-base hits over 19 games. However, he struck out 19 times and had a Whiff% north of 31%.

The former first-round pick was one of three Giants optioned to Sacramento on the 19th. Tyler Fitzgerald and Grant McCray were also optioned to Triple-A.

White Sox return Alberto

The White Sox returned one of their 2025 Rule 5 Draft picks on March 19. Alexander Alberto was sent back to the Rays.

Alberto was one of Chicago’s two picks from the Rule 5 Draft last December. He had a good 2025 in High-A, highlighted by a swing-and-miss rate over 32% with Bowling Green. And, premium velocity, as Alberto hit 100 MPH with his fastball in Cactus League action and throws a hard, 98-99 MPH cutter.

However, he did not have a good camp with the Sox. Alberto conceded 12 hits, although none were considered “barrels,” four walks, and eight earned runs over 6.2 IP.

Other moves

The Brewers optioned pitcher Logan Henderson to Triple-A Nashville.

Pirates infielder Endy Rodriguez was demoted to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Boston optioned infielders Nick Sogard and Tsung-Che Cheng to Triple-A Worcester.

Reliever Ian Hamilton was sent outright to Triple-A Gwinnett by the Braves.

The Yankees optioned reliever Angel Chivilli to Triple-A. Additionally, starting pitcher prospect Carlos Lagrange was reassigned to Minor League camp.

Pitcher Seth Johnson was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Rene Pinto, Paul McIntosh, Bryse Wilson, and Tucker Davidson were reassigned to Minor League camp.

Dodgers pitcher River Ryan was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Infielder Ryan Fitzgerald was reassigned to the Minors by the Dodgers.