MLB Player News

O'Hearn will get reps in the corner outfield spots in spring training, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

O'Hearn still figures to see most of his time at first base or designated hitter to begin the year. The 30-year-old had success in a strong-side platoon role last season, slashing .289/.322/.480 over 368 plate appearances across a career-high 112 games. Adding the outfield to his skill set gives the Orioles more roster flexibility, but he probably won't play much there barring injuries to other players.

Kirilloff (shoulder) is scheduled to take live batting practice Monday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Kirilloff had surgery in October to repair the labrum in his right shoulder but appears to be all systems go at the start of spring training. The 26-year-old tentatively projects to see most of his starts in the designated hitter spot this season, although some action at first base and the outfield is also likely, assuming his health holds up.

Guzman has yet to report to Orioles camp due to visa issues, Danielle Allentuck of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

The first baseman-turned-pitcher joined Baltimore on a minor-league deal in January and is attending big-league camp as a non-roster invitee. Guzman, who missed most of the 2023 season while recovering from a forearm strain, appears to be fully healthy after he made two relief appearances in the Dominican Winter League.

Voit signed a minor-league contract with the Mets on Monday that includes an invitation to spring training, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Voit finished the 2023 season with the Mets' Triple-A Syracuse affiliate, posting a 1.058 OPS with 14 home runs through 37 games. He's likely headed back to Syracuse to begin the 2024 campaign, providing a depth option at designated hitter if Mark Vientos flops or needs to play more third base. Voit had just a .549 OPS in 74 plate appearances for the Brewers last season.

Diaz is fully healthy entering spring training after battling a groin injury for most of the 2023 season, Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Diaz suffered the initial injury in mid-May and went on to miss small chunks of time for the rest of the season with an assortment of lower-body injuries. He focused on agility work this offseason to avoid similar issues in 2024 while increasing his first-step quickness. It's also worth noting that Diaz played through the pain effectively, as he posted an excellent .406 wOBA with a .193 ISO across 259 plate appearances in the second half.

Horwitz could be battling the recently signed Daniel Vogelbach for a spot on the Blue Jays' bench.

The 26-year-old Horwitz was expected to be the main backup at first base and DH, offering a left-handed option behind Vladimir Guerrero and Justin Turner, but that's exactly the role Vogelbach has filled during his career. Horwitz offers more contact that the veteran and slashed .337/.450/.495 for Triple-A Buffalo last season with 10 homers in 107 games, but Vogelbach's career .814 OPS against right-handed pitching and power upside would give the Jays' bench an element it currently lacks. Given the duo's limited defensive flexibility, it seems highly unlikely both would make the 26-man roster.

Choi signed a minor-league contract with the Mets on Saturday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Choi slashed .163/.239/.385 with 13 RBI across 117 major-league plate appearances with the Pirates and Padres last season -- his worst numbers at the plate since 2016. Now with New York, Choi's best chance at making the Opening Day roster is as the team's designated hitter, but he will have to earn it with a strong showing in the Grapefruit League.

Hiura signed a contract with the Tigers on Friday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

The 27-year-old will be in camp as a non-roster invitee and earn $2 million if he makes the MLB roster, per Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Hiura last played in the majors in 2022 and hit 14 homers in 80 games with Milwaukee, but he also had a 41.7 percent strikeout rate and has struggled to make consistent contact in the majors.

Dalbec is taking reps in the outfield Friday, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

Defense has never been a strength for Dalbec, but becoming a viable option in the corner outfield would increase his value as a utility player. The 28-year-old tallied just 53 plate appearances with the Red Sox last season, seeing most of his action at first base, but he was a force offensively at Triple-A Worcester with 33 home runs, 17 steals and a .938 OPS.

Flores is not expected to begin 2024 with a set position, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

It's a familiar refrain for Flores, who was a utility player at times in 2023 and still slashed .284/.355/.509 with a career-high 23 home runs and 60 RBI over 126 games. He'll likely have an easier time finding a spot against left-handed pitchers, but manager Bob Melvin notes his splits are acceptable against right-handers. The addition of Jorge Soler likely takes designated hitter away from the places Flores will see time, but he can fill in at a variety of infield positions.