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2026 Transactions: Yankees & Nationals Trade, Spring Cuts

Originally posted on New Baseball Media | Last updated Mar 23, 2026 2:14 AM ET

We’re down to the home stretch of 2026 Spring Training. With the Dodgers back in Los Angeles, the reigning World Champions are finishing up their Opening Day roster, and it won’t include Hyeseong Kim. The Yankees, meanwhile, flipped former Dodgers prospect Jorbit Vivas to the Nationals.

Dodgers option Kim

The Dodgers optioned infielder Hyeseong Kim to Triple-A Oklahoma City. That opens the door for infielder Alex Freeland to make the team’s roster.

Freeland, one of the Dodgers’ best prospects, slashed only .114/.305/.227 over 14 contests in the Cactus League. However, he walked 13 times (11.1% Chase%), leading the team in that category. It’s not a shock to see that, as Freeland was one of the most patient & disciplined hitters in Triple-A last season.

Kim hit .407 and made two errors in Grapefruit League action.

White Sox sign McGuire

The White Sox announced that catcher Reese McGuire was signed and assigned to the team’s Major League roster.

McGuire gives the Sox four catchers on the MLB roster. However, that will change, as Kyle Teel is expected to start the year on the IL.

Yanks trade Vivas for Linan

The Yankees traded infielder Jorbit Vivas to the Nationals for 21-year-old pitching prospect Sean Paul Liñan.

Vivas, now 25 years of age, had a good, yet unspectacular year in Triple-A. The second baseman slashed .270/.389/.364 over 100 games, as he walked 64 times but didn’t hit for much pop. That’s been a theme throughout his pro career.

The trade cleared a 40-man roster spot for the Yankees.

Liñan, acquired by the Nationals for Alex Call last season, was one of the more interesting, yet higher-risk pitchers in the Washington farm system. As we noted in our Dodgers’ farm recap, Liñan missed a lot of bats, which explained why he struck out 106 batters over 77.1 IP.

Very good changeup, one with a lot of downward action and separated off the fastball by about 10 MPH. However, he doesn’t have an overpowering fastball, as Liñan’s fastball sits in the low-90s.

Rule 5 pick returned

The Phillies returned pitcher Zach McCambley to the Marlins on the 21st, part of what was a lengthy dance of moves made by the team.

McCambley had a 1.23 ERA over the spring but that didn’t tell the whole story. The reliever walked six over 7.1 IP.

Additionally, the Phillies announced additional moves. Aside from the six-year extension handed out to Cristopher Sanchez, Philadelphia signed Tim Mayza and Dylan Moore to Major League deals (both were on MiLB deals). Chase Shugart was optioned, while Bryan De La Cruz and Lou Trivino were reassigned to the Minors.

The Blue Jays, meanwhile, face a decision on Angel Bastardo.

Bastardo, along with Jorge Alcala and Yariel Rodriguez, won’t make the team, per manager John Schneider. His rights still belong to the Red Sox, even though he was a 2024 Rule 5 pick. Bastardo missed all of 2025 due to injury.