MLB Player News

Manager Brian Snitker told reporters Freeman could bat third this season, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Freeman split time between the second and third spot in the Braves' lineup last season, hitting third on 32 occasions and second 26 times. Looking ahead to the 2021 campaign, Snitker reasoned that with currently no designated hitter in the National League, slotting Freeman into the three hole would allow him more RBI chances.

Solano lost his arbitration case to the Giants on Thursday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Solano had filed for a $3.9 salary for 2021, but he'll have to settle for a one-year, $3.25 million deal after the arbiter's ruling. The 33-year-old should have to compete for playing time in the middle infield in 2021 after the Giants signed Tommy La Stella during the offseason.

General manager Rick Hahn said Wednesday that Vaughn is "very much in the mix" to make the Opening Day roster, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Vaughn is one of the organization's top prospects, and he was invited to major-league spring training ahead of the 2021 season. The 22-year-old has appeared in just 55 minor-league games, slashing .278/.384/.449 with six home runs and 36 RBI. Hahn has said he's a viable option at designated hitter in 2021 and there wouldn't have been much doubt regarding Vaughn's major-league readiness if there had been a minor-league season in 2020, offering optimism he could make the club to begin the 2021 campaign.

Diaz reportedly worked on his agility this offseason after experiencing a power drain and struggling some with his defense in 2020, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The 29-year-old's .307 average and .428 on-base percentage were essentially above reproach, but his anemic .386 slugging percentage was largely the byproduct of Diaz lacing just five extra-base hits (three doubles, two home runs) across 138 plate appearances. A hamstring injury also plagued Diaz throughout all of September, and he was limited to just one start at third base when he returned for the postseason because of concerns about his range. The fruits of Diaz's offseason labor will have a chance to reveal themselves during spring training, when his primary spot in the infield should be determined.

Cron signed with Colorado as a non-roster invitee Monday.

There may be no better way for a fringy player to suddenly become fantasy-relevant than by taking up residence at Coors Field. Cron will have to prove his health in camp, as knee surgery limited him to just 13 games last season. If he does that, he has a good chance to carve out a significant role, with Josh Fuentes and Greg Bird currently lined up as his top competition at first base. Cron has looked like at least a low-end regular throughout most of his seven big-league seasons, hitting .257/.312/.464 (110 wRC+) overall.

Cabrera signed a one-year, $1.75 million contract with the Diamondbacks on Friday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Cabrera saw a decrease in playing time at the end of the 2020 season with the Nationals, but he'll now join the Diamondbacks on a one-year deal. The 35-year-old slashed .242/.305/.447 with eight home runs and 31 RBI over 52 games last year and could see playing time at the infield corners in 2021.

Vaughn received an invitation to major-league camp Thursday.

Vaughn is still just 22 years old and has a mere 55 professional games under his belt, but he's an advanced hitter whose big-league debut may not be far off. Under ordinary circumstances, he probably would have spent last year in the upper minors and could have even pushed for a call-up with some strong performances, but the canceled minor-league season robbed him of that opportunity. While he may not be given serious consideration for an Opening Day spot, he could be with the team fairly early in the season if he looks good in camp and in the minors.

Casas received an invitation to Boston's major-league spring training Tuesday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The 21-year-old joined the Red Sox's 60-player pool in mid-August and spent the rest of the season at the alternate training site, so he was still able to put in some developmental work in 2020. Casas spent most of 2019 at Low-A before making a late-season jump to High-A, so he likely has some work to do before reaching the majors.

Torkelson was invited to Detroit's major-league spring training camp Saturday.

The top pick in the 2020 draft is both very talented and very advanced, though he probably won't be given serious consideration for an Opening Day roster spot, as the canceled minor-league season last year robbed him of the chance to make his professional debut. While his defensive home remains uncertain, his bat is strong enough that he could debut as soon as this summer, despite his inexperience.

Brewers president of baseball operations David Stearns confirmed Friday that Hiura will be the team's starting first baseman for 2021, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

The team officially announced the signing of Kolten Wong on Friday, so it's not much of a surprise to see Stearns also provide the plans for Hiura's shift away from second base. The 24-year-old's defense at the keystone has always been a concern, especially his throwing ability, and the addition of Wong -- a two-time Gold Glove winner -- brings a significant defensive upgrade to the middle infield for Milwaukee. Hiura had a .938 OPS as a rookie in 2019, but he struggled during 2020 with 34.6 percent strikeout rate and a .707 OPS. He should have every opportunity to get back on track in 2021.