MLB Player News

The Rays signed Westbrook to a minor-league contract Monday that includes an invitation to spring training, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports.

Westbrook, 29, saw his first major-league action in 2024 with the Red Sox, producing a .584 OPS over 21 contests. He's likely to begin the 2025 campaign at Triple-A Durham, where he'll provide utility depth.

Julien is battling Brooks Lee for the starting second base job this spring with Willi Castro also likely to get time at the position, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. He started at second base in his spring debut Sunday and went 1-for-3.

Julien was thought to be a possible platoon partner at first base earlier in the winter, but Minnesota's signing of Ty France likely limits him to second base for any starting job. Julien's role is in flux as he could win the second base job, platoon at first base (or DH or 2B) or even begin the season in the minors. Julien displayed a mix of exceptional plate discipline and power in 2023 with a .381 OBP and .195 ISO, but he struggled with a .615 OPS last season and spent much of the year in the minors.

Vargas added 20 pounds of muscle during the offseason, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Vargas had considerable prospect pedigree while rising through the Dodgers' system, though he's hit just .204 with 13 home runs across 591 big-league plate appearances. His struggles in 2024 were at least partially blamed on the fact that he lost 12-to-14 pounds during the season, causing him to prioritize adding muscle this offseason. Vargas made his spring debut Saturday against the Cubs and went 0-for-2 with a walk.

Caballero went 0-for-2 with a strikeout in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox.

Caballero didn't have a notable day at the dish, but he did start in right field. While Caballero boasts defensive versatility along the infield, he has only one appearance in the outfield across two seasons in the majors. Per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the Rays are hoping that Caballero proves capable of handling corner outfield duties as a reserve option during the regular season.

Keaschall went 1-for-2 in Minnesota's spring training opener Saturday. He appeared as a pinch hitter and stayed in the game at DH as he isn't able to play in the field due to his recovery from Tommy John surgery last August.

Keaschall has been taking grounders at second base but not throwing once he gets the ball. He could be cleared to begin throwing by the middle of March, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. Keaschall almost surely isn't going to make the Opening Day roster, but he should debut during the 2025 season after slashing .303/.420/.483 with 15 home runs and 23 stolen bases between High-A Cedar Rapids and Double-A Wichita in 2024.

Campbell started at second base and went 0-for-3 in Friday's spring game against Northeastern University.

Campbell was one of several prospects and minors leaguers dotting Boston's lineup in the team's traditional spring kickoff against the Huskies. He's competing for a starting job at second base, but the Alex Bregman acquisition could influence the decision regarding the starter at the keystone. If Bregman plays third base, then Campbell has a real shot; if Rafael Devers stays at third base, then Bregman is expected to start at second base. That latter scenario means Campbell would likely open the season at Triple-A Worcester.

India is starting in left field and batting leadoff Friday versus the Rangers in the Royals' Cactus League opener.

It was known that India would be getting reps in the outfield during camp, but it's interesting that his first start this spring is in left field. India has never played anywhere other than second base at the major-league level, and the keystone could still be his primary position this season. However, India getting starts in left field opens up second base for Michael Massey, who will start at that position Friday.

Dubon is an option to start at second base if Jose Altuve plays in left field, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

The Astros have been coy about their plans for Altuve, though Rome notes that he has only observed Altuve in the outfield early in spring training. Given that, current signs point to him getting at least some time in left field during the regular season, with the goal of Yordan Alvarez being the full-time designated hitter. In turn, playing time will open at second base, with Dubon and Brendan Rodgers seemingly the top candidates to fill the spot. Dubon has served as a utility player for Houston across the last two seasons and would be a candidate to post double-digit homers and steals with more regular at-bats.

Polanco (knee) was spotted taking swings off a pitching machine during Wednesday's full-squad workout, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Polanco is heading into his second season in Seattle after he re-signed with the Mariners in late January on a one-year, $7.75 million deal that includes a $6 million mutual option for 2026. The 31-year-old endured a rough debut season in Seattle, slashing .213/.296/.355 while striking out in a career-worst 29.2 percent of his 469 plate appearances. He was limited to 118 games due to hamstring and knee injuries and needed surgery in October to repair damage to the patellar tendon of his left knee, but reports earlier in the offseason suggested that he would be fully cleared for baseball activities by January. Polanco seems to have recovered as anticipated and isn't operating with any reported restrictions in the first week of camp, but like many veteran players, he may not be immediately rushed into game action when the Mariners open their Cactus League schedule Friday. In addition to easing himself back from the injury, Polanco will also be adjusting to a position change this spring. In an effort to keep him healthier this season, the Mariners will move Polanco to third base after he played exclusively in the field at second base in 2024.

Manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that Altuve will play left field in first Grapefruit League game this spring, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Altuve has seen significant reps in the outfield in the early days of camp and will work with the outfielders exclusively over the next 4-to-5 days. It's becoming clear at this point that the Astros are serious about potentially moving Altuve to left field, although the 34-year-old will have to show he's comfortable out there before the team commits to it. If Altuve does shift to the outfield, Mauricio Dubon looks to be the current favorite to start at second base. Houston also just agreed to a minor-league deal with Brendan Rodgers, who will be a threat to win the second base job.