Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein told reporters that they're unsure on whether or not Nico Hoerner will open the 2020 season with the Cubs.

Advice: "We haven’t figured that out yet," Epstein said. "I think you can make strong arguments on both sides, whether he should be part of the club on Opening Day or (get) a little bit more seasoning." He also mentions that the decision will be made in part by what the team will do in the offseason. Horner, 22, is the top prospect in the Cubs' system, and he held his own in 82 plate appearances with Chicago; slashing .282/.305/.436 with three homers. He's also shown the ability to help at multiple positions, and he could help in the outfield as well as the middle infield. The long-term future is very bright, but Hoerner is a very risky proposition for 2020 in redraft leagues even if he begins the year in Chicago. Rotoworld.com 32 minutes ago

White Sox hurler Ryan Burr resumed throwing on Monday.

Advice: The right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery in June. While he's making steady progress in his recovery, he's expected to miss the majority of the 2019 season and can be ignored in redraft leagues. Rotoworld.com Yesterday, 2:13 pm

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Astros have signed Yuli Gurriel to a one-year, $8.3 million contract.

Advice: He can also earn an additional $250,000 in award bonuses and has the right to declare free agency after the season. Gurriel could have gone to arbitration had he not agreed to the guaranteed deal. The 35-year-old had a big year at the plate in 2019, batting .298/.343/.541 with 31 home runs and 104 RBI. Rotoworld.com Yesterday, 11:23 am

Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports that Jorge Soler has changed his representation -- switching to Casey Close of Excel Sports Management after previously being represented by ACES.

Advice: The timing on this change is notable, as Soler has the ability to opt out of the $4 million that he's guaranteed for 2020 and into the arbitration process this winter -- which he is expected to do. In turn, it sounds like the Royals could be interested in discussing a long-term contract extension with Soler, who is under team control through 2021. The 27-year-old is coming off a breakout season where he slashed .265/.354/.569 with a franchise-record 48 home runs and 117 RBI. Rotoworld.com Saturday, 7:18 pm

Braves reliever Jacob Webb (elbow) is expected to be ready to go for the beginning of spring training.

Advice: Webb suffered a right elbow impingement late in the season and missed the Braves' stretch run and the playoffs. The rookie had a fantastic campaign, notching a sterling 1.39 ERA in 36 relief appearances. On the other hand his peripherals were not so shiny -- he had a 4.30 FIP and a 5.15 xFIP. He is likely to be a solid middle reliever for the Braves again in 2020. Rotoworld.com Saturday, 10:43 am

Rays prospect RHP Brent Honeywell (elbow) is expected to begin a throwing program in January.

Advice: Honeywell was an elite prospect on the verge of the majors when he tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow late in the 2017 season. He underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the entire 2018 season. He got back on a mound in late May of 2019 and then fractured his throwing elbow in a bullpen session mere days later. He had surgery to repair the fracture in June and missed the rest of the 2019 season. Honeywell now faces the daunting task of returning after suffering two major elbow injuries, so his prospect status is a total mystery until he proves himself healthy once again. Honeywell was a supplemental second-round pick in the 2014 draft and quickly climbed top prospect charts after making his debut. He has made 78 minor league starts in his career, compiling a 31-19 record and 2.88 ERA across five levels, topping out at Triple-A in 2017. It is possible he could make his major league debut late in the 2020 season, although 2021 seems more likely. Rotoworld.com Saturday, 7:57 am

While the Yankees aren't expected to pursue Didi Gregorius aggressively this offseason, general manager Brian Cashman is remaining in contact with his agent Jim Murray.

Advice: Gregorius has already stated that his preference would be to remain in New York. The Yankees are prioritizing starting pitching this winter though, and seem fully comfortable entering the season with Gleyber Torres at shortstop and DJ LeMahieu at second base, with either Gio Urshela or Miguel Andujar covering the hot corner and Luke Voit or Greg Bird at first base. If Gregorius can't find a favorable landing spot on the open market, he could wind up back in New York at a discount late in the free agent season. Rotoworld.com Friday, 3:32 pm

Fernando Tatis Jr. (back) is slated to resume baseball activities in December.

Advice: Tatis Jr.'s rookie campaign ended in mid-August when he suffered a stress reaction in his lower back on a swing, but his rehab looks to be on track. The talented youngster should be on a normal schedule at the start of spring training, provided that he can continue to progress without any setbacks. Rotoworld.com Friday, 10:28 am

Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Jose Peraza is considered a non-tender candidate for the Reds.

Advice: After showing some progress at the plate in 2018, Peraza backslid in 2019 to a .239/.285/.346 batting line. The Reds value his versatility, but he's due another raise in arbitration and general manager Nick Krall noted when speaking of Peraza that "you want to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck." Rotoworld.com Friday, 7:50 am

Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports that the Phillies "are quietly trying to hammer out" a contract extension with J.T. Realmuto.

Advice: Realmuto is projected to make a bit over $10 million in his final year of arbitration before hitting the free agent market next winter. Salisbury expects any long-term deal for the catcher to be for 4-5 years and $20+ million per season and for the extension not to kick in until 2021 so the Phillies can maintain some payroll flexibility for this offseason. A long-term contract for Realmuto isn't close to being done, but it sounds like both sides are eager to work something out eventually. Rotoworld.com Friday, 7:29 am