MLB Player News

Alonso has gone 7-for-21 (.333) with three doubles and two home runs over his first nine Grapefruit League appearances.

The slugging first baseman saw his numbers tumble a bit last season in his second MLB campaign, but Alonso still posted a 162-game pace of 45 homers and 99 RBI. His batting average will always be volatile due to his strikeouts, but the 26-year-old's power potential remains elite.

Bell has gone 6-for-21 (.286) with three doubles and a home run over his first nine Grapefruit League appearances this spring.

The former Pirate has also flashed solid plate discipline with a 4:7 BB:K. Bell is coming off a disappointing 2020, but the Nats have the switch hitter set to hit in the heart of the order as their starting first baseman in hopes that he'll be able to rediscover the form that led him to 37 homers, 116 RBI and a .936 OPS in 2019.

Walker went 1-for-2 with a solo home run and two RBI in Monday's spring game against the Mariners.

Walker's hit three homers and knocked in six over eight Cactus League games. He experienced a drop off in 2020 but maintained a hard-hit rate from his breakout 2019 season.

The Dodgers optioned Raley to their minor-league camp Monday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Raley is expected to report to Triple-A Oklahoma City as he begins his second stint in the Los Angeles organization in 2021. The Dodgers -- who previously selected Raley in the seventh round of the 2016 first-year player draft -- reacquired him from the Twins last February, but he didn't get the chance to play in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor-league season.

Cron went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Sunday's spring loss to the Rangers.

After a slow start to spring training, Cron has gotten into a rhythm at the plate over the last few games as he continues to compete for a starting job at first base. Across his past four games, Cron has gone 6-for-12 with two home runs, two doubles, four runs, three RBI and two strikeouts. The 31-year-old remains the favorite to serve as the primary first baseman for the Rockies to begin the season, even though Josh Fuentes has also had a strong spring.

Wade could potentially platoon with Mauricio Dubon in center field this season, Maria Guardado of MLB.com reports.

The Giants have a crowded mix of platoon-caliber options up and down their roster, but Wade has a shot of factoring into that group and may end up with the majority of starts if he does indeed win a platoon job, as he's a left-handed hitter. He'll have to prove he can handle center for that to happen, however, and he might also need to hit better than he's hit through his first 42 big-league games. His 13.3 percent walk rate is strong, especially when combined with a low 15.9 percent strikeout rate, but his overall .211/.336/.347 slash line is nothing to get excited about.

Cronenworth has logged time at first and second base during spring training, and he is expected to spend some time in the outfield as well, according to AJ Cassavell of MLB.com.

Cronenworth emerged as San Diego's primary second baseman last season, but the team's offseason acquisition of Ha-seong Kim is likely to result in a split in playing time at the position between the pair in 2021. As such, Cronenworth could move around more defensively, including logging time in the outfield -- which he has not yet done in his professional career. The 27-year-old is a solid defender and showed his versatility last season by spending time at all four infield positions, so he is a logical candidate to fill a super-utility role for the Padres. Cronenworth is slashing .375/.412/.438 through seven Cactus League games, giving manager Jayce Tingler ample reason to get his bat into the lineup on a near-everyday basis.

Higgins could serve as the Cubs' backup catcher if Austin Romine (knee) remains sidelined into the regular season, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Romine's knee sprain isn't thought to be too serious, but the team hasn't provided any timeline for his return, so Higgins could emerge as the backup to Willson Contreras, though veteran Jose Lobaton is also an option. Manager David Ross referenced Higgins' ability to play multiple infield positions, which could help him earn a roster spot. However, if Romine gets healthy, Higgins will likely start the season with Triple-A Iowa.

Rizzo said he is "very optimistic" about reaching a contract extension with the Cubs during spring training, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

The star first baseman is set to become a free agent next offseason unless he and the Cubs agree on an extension. Rizzo is currently playing on a $16.5 million team option for the 2021 season, and he'll be looking to bounce back after his OPS dipped to .756 during the shortened 2020 season, his lowest mark since 2013.

Smith is expected to play in left field during Friday's spring game against Miami, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Smith had been serving as the designated hitter for the Mets over the past week as the team brought him along slowly to begin spring training. He'll make his first defensive appearance in Friday's matchup since the Mets want to give him ample playing time at his primary position ahead of Opening Day. The 25-year-old has gone just 1-for-11 with a two-run homer and six strikeouts over his first four Grapefruit League games.