MLB Player News

Joseph seems to be on the outside of the 25-man roster looking in heading into spring training, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

This ominous outlook certainly isn't due to lack of production. Although his average and OPS dipped a bit last season, Joseph bashed 43 homers and 42 doubles over the past two seasons, helping him to drive in 116 runs in that span. The biggest reasons for his roster spot being in question are the emergence of Rhys Hoskins and the signing of Carlos Santana. At this point, it seems like Joseph is the third option at first base, and the only other position he played in his career is catcher (not counting his one-game stint as a third baseman in the minors). General manager Matt Klentak commented that he respects what the 26-year-old has done the past two seasons and that he's currently considered a part of the active roster. However, he noted that Joseph will have to earn his spot during spring training "just like everybody else," which could make things difficult if he struggles during Grapefruit League action.

Wade has been invited to join the Twins' big-league camp for spring training, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

The 24-year-old reached Double-A Chattanooga last year, hitting for a strong .292/.397/.408 slash line. The invitation will allow the Twins' major-league staff to work with Wade this spring, though he's likely still at least a year away from contending for a big-league roster spot.

Cabrera figures to see consistent playing time at second base after the Mets signed third baseman Todd Frazier, Matt Ehalt of The Bergen Record reports.

Cabrera was formerly in the mix to play third base during the 2018 campaign, however, his role quickly changed after the Mets signed Frazier on Monday night. With third base solidified, Cabrera will be used at second or off the bench. The 32-year-old batted .280 with 14 home runs and 59 RBI a season ago, and will look to replicate those numbers in the upcoming year.

Bour will make $3.4 million in 2018 after winning his arbitration case, Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reports.

The Marlins came in at $3 million, but will be required to pay a little more for Bour's services during this upcoming season. In 2017, the first baseman slashed .289/.366/.536 with career bests in home runs (25), RBI (83) and hits (109) while playing in 108 games. The biggest concern for the 29-year-old will be getting opportunities to drive in baserunners for a fully fledged rebuilding organization in 2018.

Hiura's elbow is completely healthy, and he'll be good to go for spring training, Adam McCalvy of MLB.comreports.

Hiura received a platelet-rich plasma injection for his elbow during the offseason, which helped him avoid surgery and return to health. Hiura will appear in his first major-league spring training camp this year, meaning he will get to see some live big-league pitching. Expect the 21-year-old second baseman to continue his journey through the minor leagues during the 2018 campaign.

According to manager Buck Showalter, the Orioles will extend a spring training invitation to Mountcastle, Jon Meoli of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Mountcastle spent the last six weeks of the 2017 season with Double-A Bowie and went on to hit .222/.239/.366 with three home runs and 15 RBI in 39 games. Although he had a tough time during his first showing at the Double-A level, the 20-year-old tore through the Carolina League in High-A and should settle in and display his potential at the onset of the 2018 season when he returns to Bowie.

Shaw (shoulder) received a non-roster invite to the Giants' spring training.

Shaw is one of the top position players in the Giants' depleted farm system. The outfielder will get a big-league look in spring training but is still expected to open the year with Triple-A Sacramento, according to manager Bruce Bochy. He's a candidate to make his major-league debut sometime during 2018, especially if he puts together a strong spring training performance.

White (quadriceps) will start the 2018 season at either Low-A Clinton or High-A Modesto, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

White appeared in just 14 games for short-season Everett in 2017, hitting .277/.345/.532 before a quadriceps injury cut his season short in July. He's expected to be healthy heading into the 2018 campaign, where he'll report to a full-season league for the first time in his professional career as he continues to work his way through the Mariners' minor-league system.

Court came to terms on a minor-league deal with the Cubs which includes an invitation to spring training

Court has yet to appear in a major-league game entering his age-29 season, and spent the 2017 season at the Triple-A level within the Red Sox's system. During 106 games with the team, he slashed .263/.347/.410 with 10 home runs and 44 RBI. He will provide added depth at the first base position for Chicago this upcoming season.

Wilkins agreed to a minor-league deal with Minnesota on Thursday, Brandon Warne of The Athletic reports.

Wilkins joined the club last summer and appeared in 61 games for Double-A Chattanooga, slashing .254/.358/.474 with 12 home runs and 44 RBI. He may slide right back into his role with the Lookouts or return to the Triple-A level, where he's spent a majority of the past few years. In total, the 29-year-old has played in 43 big-league outings -- including 24 at-bats with the Brewers in 2016 -- but is unlikely to serve as much more than organizational depth moving forward.