MLB Player News

Foscue's defensive work this offseason has been focused mainly on first and third base, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Foscue -- who is a natural second baseman -- plans to receive most of his reps leading into spring training at first base. During his time at Triple-A Round Rock in 2023, Foscue made starts at every infield spot aside from shortstop, in addition to nine starts at designated hitter. The 2020 first-round pick's best chance at extended playing time with the Rangers in 2024 -- barring an injury to one of the team's starters -- likely would be as a utility infielder and/or DH. Foscue slashed .266/.394/.468 with 18 home runs and 14 stolen bases over 122 contests with Round Rock last season.

Caballero is likely to be the Rays' Opening Day shortstop, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Things could always change if the Rays make further additions, of course, but as things stand right now, Caballero appears to be the favorite to man shortstop in the opener. Acquired earlier this month in a trade with the Mariners, Caballero slashed .221/.343/.320 with four homers and 26 stolen bases over 104 contests in 2023. The 27-year-old could just be keeping the seat warm until Junior Caminero is ready.

Torres signed a one-year, $14.2 million contract with the Yankees on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

Torres has seen his power bounce back in the last couple seasons, including a .180 ISO across 672 plate appearances in 2023. He also chipped in 13 stolen bases while hitting .273, giving him a well-rounded profile -- even if he doesn't stand out in one particular area. Torres should start consistently at second base for the Yankees this season.

Espinal agreed to a one-year, $2.725 million deal with the Blue Jays on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The 29-year-old utility player saw 20-plus games at second base and third base last season while playing 16 games at shortstop. His defensive versatility makes him more valuable in real life than in fantasy.

Biggio agreed to a one-year, $4.21 million deal with the Blue Jays on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The 28-year-old utility man has been a pretty steady producer for Toronto, save for a down 2021 season where he was worth -0.2 fWAR. Biggio is eligible at second base, outfield and first base, which is the most appealing aspect of his fantasy profile. He slashed .235/.340/.370 with nine homers and five steals in 338 plate appearances last season.

Lopez agreed to a one-year, $4.3 million deal with the White Sox on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Lopez, who is an excellent defensive infielder, is expected to play somewhat regularly in the middle infield early this season, which will help Chicago's pitching staff even if it doesn't help the offense much. Once Colson Montgomery gets the call, one of Lopez or Paul DeJong will presumably move to a bench role.

The Mariners and Rojas avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.1 million contract Thursday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Rojas was in his second year of arbitration eligibility. The 29-year-old infielder posted a .589 OPS with the Diamondbacks in 2023 before putting up a .721 OPS following a trade to the Mariners. Rojas looks to be at the top of Seattle's second-base depth chart, although he'll have to hold off others.

Chavis signed a minor-league contract with the Mariners on Thursday and received an invitation to big-league spring training, Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com reports.

Chavis elected free agency earlier in the offseason after slashing .242/.281/.341 across 96 plate appearances with Washington last year. He'll compete for a spot on Seattle's bench during spring training.

The Mariners and Urias avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $5 million contract Thursday, Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com reports.

It was his second year of arbitration eligibility. Urias reportedly had been set to be non-tendered by the Red Sox, but the Mariners traded for him, and he's now in line to open the 2024 season as their starting third baseman.

The Angels and Rengifo (biceps) avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $4.4 million contract Thursday, Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com reports.

It's a sizable raise for Rengifo, who was arbitration-eligible for the second time. The 26-year-old posted a career-high .783 OPS with 16 home runs for the Angels in 2023. Rengifo had surgery in September to repair a biceps tendon but should be at or close to 100 percent for camp.