MLB 2022 | Padres interested in Abreu, more players commit to play for Cuba in the WBC, and more

Major League Baseball (MLB) Cuban Players News for the 2022 offseason. A compendium from several MLB sources

Yoenis Céspedes during the 2009 World Baseball Classic. (Photo: MLB)

According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Padres have made free agent first baseman José Abreu "a top priority" this offseason.

This offseason, the Padres are seeking a middle-of-the-order power bat and have openings at first base and designated hitter. A meeting between Abreu and officials was also held in San Diego this month, according to him. After posting a career-low .824 OPS with 15 round-trippers in 157 games last season, the 35-year-old veteran has been one of the most consistent run-producing hitters in baseball since 2014. As a designated hitter, he would make plenty of sense for the Padres.

Yoán Moncada, Luis Robert, Yoenis Céspedes, Roenis Elias, and Onelkis García, to play for Team Cuba in 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Chicago White Sox's third baseman Yoán Moncada and outfielder Luis Robert both have committed to playing for Team Cuba in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Moncada and Robert are two of the most prestigious names announced for the Cuban Baseball Federation for the international competition. Since the additions of Andy Ibáñez (Detroit Tigers), Yoán López (New York Mets), and Yoán Leyva (Naranjeros de Hermosillo), days ago, a number of MLB and Winter League players have committed to play in the tournament for Cuba, including outfielder Yoenis Céspedes, and left handed pitchers Roenis Elias, and Onelkis García, all three actively playing for the Águilas Cibaeñas in the Dominican Winter League. Ibáñez and Céspedes represented Cuba in the 2013 and 2009, respectively, with Céspedes even making the 2009 All-Star team of the tournament. More additions of international stars with no affiliation to the Cuban Baseball Federation are expected in the coming weeks.

Braves non-tendered OF Guillermo Heredia.

The free agent market officially opens up for Heredia now that he has been designated for assignment. Despite seeing sporadic playing time with the Braves, the 31-year-old hit just .158 with three homers and a .562 OPS over 82 plate appearances.