MLB Player News

Kemp is likely to operate in a platoon role at second base again in 2020, potentially in tandem with returning veteran Jed Lowrie (knee), Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Kemp was deployed in such an arrangement with the since-departed Tommy La Stella last season, logging 43 games at the keystone. The light-hitting veteran is a career .988 fielder at second base and has just 15 career home runs in 862 plate appearances, but he brings a solid speed component to the Athletics lineup and is a highly reliable contact hitter that can also be utilized in the outfield.

Castro will compete with the likes of Akil Baddoo and potentially Isaac Paredes for a roster spot out of spring training, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Castro's role depends on how new manager A.J. Hinch decides to construct the roster. If Baddoo makes the team as a fifth outfielder, Castro could get squeezed. Paredes is also an option to play third base if Jeimer Candelario shifts over to first, which would further cloud the picture for Castro. The 27-year-old did impress with a .347/.407/.429 line in 22 games last season, so that should help his cause, and he has the versatility to play multiple positions in the infield and outfield.

Chavis has to prove he's made adjustments this spring if he's to open the season on the big-league roster, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Chavis has potential, but he hasn't fully tapped into it over his first 137 major-league games, hitting a modest .241/.304/.424. Contact has been his biggest problem, as he's struck out in 32.8 percent of his plate appearances. Chavis still has options remaining, so the Red Sox may ask him to sort things out in the minors if he fails to demonstrate improvements in camp.

Short arrived in camp Saturday and participated in fielding drills, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Short, Jeimer Candelario and Miguel Cabrera were among the handful of position players to arrive early with full-squad workouts not scheduled to begin until Monday. Short came to the Tigers last August in the deal that sent Cameron Maybin to the Cubs. The 25-year-old will likely begin the year at Triple-A Toledo, but he could get called up at some point due to his defensive versatility in the infield.

Arraez, who struggled with left knee tendinitis last season, says a weightlifting program has his knees feeling "way better than last year" at this point, Betsy Helfland of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Knee and ankle issues limited Arraez to 32 games last season, so improved health is a good sign as spring training begins. Arraez will move to a utility role this season with the Twins signing Andrelton Simmons to play shortstop and moving Jorge Polanco to second base. Arraez essentially takes over the utility role of Marwin Gonzalez, who left via free agency. Gonzalez played in 53 of 70 games last season and 114 of 162 in 2019, so Arraez could still get several starts a week as the Twins looked to give regulars an off day most days. Arraez will likely get most of his playing time at second base, left field and third base.

Jackson earned an invitation to major-league spring training Thursday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Jackson will get the chance to work out with the Angels' big-league coaching staff, but he's highly unlikely to be auditioning for a roster spot. He has the skills necessary to one day be a power-hitting infielder and could even stick at shortstop, but he's a very long way from making good on that potential, as he's yet to play above the rookie-ball level.

Andrus was traded from the Rangers to the Athletics on Saturday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports. The Athletics also received catcher Aramis Garcia and cash considerations from the Rangers while Texas picked up Khris Davis, catcher Jonah Heim and minor league right-handed pitcher Dane Acker in the deal.

Andrus was rumored to be an option at third base for Texas in 2021, but he'll instead be dealt to Oakland. While he won't take over for Matt Chapman at the hot corner for the Athletics, he should return to his natural shortstop role during his first season with the team. The 32-year-old dealt with back issues during the abbreviated 2020 season and posted a career-worst .582 OPS with three home runs, seven RBI and three stolen bases over 32 games.

Texas general manager Chris Young told MLB Network Radio that he expects Andrus to potentially become the starter at third base, Kennedi Landry of the Rangers' official site reports.

The Rangers' infield will take on a new look in 2021. The keystone combination of Andrus and Rougned Odor are expected to start the season as utility infielders. Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who won a Gold Glove at third base in 2020, is moving one spot left to start at shortstop, leaving a competition at the hot corner. Enter Andrus, Texas' starting shortstop for the last 12 seasons, who struggled with a lower-back strain in 2020, appearing in 29 games in the shortened season and hitting .194/.252/.330. Nick Solak could challenge Andrus at third base, but he could also be the replacement for Odor. Prospects Josh Jung and Sherten Apostel are also in the mix at third.

Angels general manager Perry Minasian said Wednesday that Barreto (shoulder) appears on track to be ready for the start of spring training, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Los Angeles acquired Barreto in a trade with the Athletics on Aug. 28, but he ended up appearing in only six games for his new club before requiring season-ending left shoulder surgery. The 24-year-old has seemingly progressed well in his recovery this offseason, putting him in line to enter the spring with few restrictions, if any. Barreto will likely be competing in camp with a slew of players for a utility role on the Opening Day roster.

Jones was traded from the Angels to the Orioles on Monday in exchange for Alex Cobb, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Jones made his big-league debut at the end of last season, grabbing three hits in seven trips to the plate. The 23-year-old could probably use some more time in the minors, however, as he's yet to appear in a Triple-A game and hit a modest .234/.308/.324 over a full season at Double-A Mobile in 2019. When he does eventually arrive in the majors for good, he projects as much more of a role player than a star, as he's a good athlete but doesn't have any above-average tools other than his speed.