MLB Player News

Torkelson is likely to serve as the Tigers' everyday first baseman in 2023, manager A.J. Hinch intimated to Jason Beck of MLB.com Thursday.

It's difficult to envision anyone else but Torkelson at first base when looking at Detroit's roster, especially since Miguel Cabrera is now viewed as a designated hitter. Still, it's nice to hear Hinch hint that Torkelson will be given plenty of leash. The former No. 1 overall pick struggled as a rookie in 2022, posting a lowly .604 OPS with eight home runs over 110 games. He wasn't great after a demotion to Triple-A Toledo, either, with a .738 OPS. However, Torkelson is just 23 years and has plenty of pedigree, offering hope he could figure things out in 2023.

Kirilloff (wrist) has been able to take full swings in offseason workouts and is expected to be ready for the start of spring training, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

The 2016 first-round draft pick and former top prospect has shown flashes of being a productive regular with the bat, but he hasn't been able to stay healthy amid continued wrist issues. His 2022 season ended in July due to a ligament tear in his right wrist that required season-ending surgery. It's the same wrist issue that has plagued him the past two seasons. He decided to have ulnar shortening surgery, which he hopes will provide a more permanent fix. The Twins will likely ease him into action in spring training. His minor-league pedigree and 2021 underlying numbers (12.8 Barrel%, 43.9 HardHit%) suggest he can be an impact hitter, If healthy.

Guerrero signed a one-year, $14.5 million contract with the Blue Jays on Friday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

The deal means Guerrero and the Blue Jays will avoid arbitration. He finished the 2022 season with 32 home runs, 97 RBI, and a career-high eight stolen bases across 160 games. The 23-year-old also hit .274 from the plate. He again proved durable, as he has missed just three games over the previous two seasons.

Lowe avoided arbitration by signing a one-year, $4.05 million contract with the Rangers on Friday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Lowe had a career year in 2022, slashing .302/.358/.492 over 645 plate appearances while hitting 27 home runs and driving in 76 RBI. He started all but nine games as the Rangers' first baseman, with his ability to handle same-side pitching -- he posted a .920 OPS against lefties in 2022 -- making him even more of a reliable fantasy option.

France and the Mariners agreed on a one-year, $4.1 million contract Friday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

France and the team won't have to go through the arbitration process anymore after they struck a deal Friday. The 28-year-old produced a .274/.338/.436 slash line with a career-high 20 homers and 83 RBI over 551 at-bats in 140 games with the Mariners in 2022. Hitting in the heart of a productive Seattle lineup, France will continue to have significant fantasy value in 2023.

Naylor signed a one-year, $3.35 million contract with the Guardians on Friday to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Naylor popped a career-high 20 home runs and posted a .771 OPS in 2022 to earn a raise. He can't hit lefties at all and figures to be on the bench against them most days in 2023, but Naylor does enough damage versus righties to produce mixed-league value in deeper leagues.

O'Hearn cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

O'Hearn was designated for assignment by the Orioles late last week after being acquired from the Royals, but he'll remain in the organization this time around. The 29-year-old will likely have a chance to compete for a major-league roster spot with th Orioles during spring training.

Beaty signed a minor-league contract with the Royals on Tuesday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Beaty will be invited to major-league spring training. The 29-year-old had a dreadful showing in 2022, batting .093/.170/.163 over 47 plate appearances with the Padres. Beaty had some useful stretches during his time with the Dodgers, though, and would seem to have a decent shot to crack the Royals' Opening Day roster as a part-time corner outfielder and infielder.

O'Hearn was designated for assignment by the Orioles on Thursday.

O'Hearn was acquired by the Orioles earlier this week after being DFA'd by the Royals, and he's now been booted off another 40-man roster. The 29-year-old appeared in 67 games last season and had a .239/.290/.321 slash line with one homer and 16 RBI. Lewin Diaz was claimed off waivers in a corresponding move.

O'Hearn was acquired by the Orioles from the Royals on Tuesday in exchange for cash considerations.

The O's are apparently hopeful that O'Hearn -- who hasn't had an OPS higher than .650 over the last four seasons -- can help them at first base and designated hitter against right-handed pitching. The 29-year-old will make $1.4 million in 2023 and is eligible for arbitration again in 2024.