MLB Player News
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Nick Yorke 2B | PIT
Pirates' Nick Yorke: Defensive concerns in outfield
Yorke will have to prove he can handle right field defensively to earn the starting role to begin the regular season, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.
The Pirates have an unresolved playing time situation in right field with Billy Cook and Joshua Palacios the other two primary options in addition to Yorke. Yorke could have the best bat after posting a 127 wRC+ at Triple-A last season, though he's played only four games in right field and 41 total in the outfield during his time as a pro. He's certainly in contention for regular at-bats in right field, but his ability with the glove will be key to monitor during spring training.
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Nicky Lopez 3B | COL
Cubs' Nicky Lopez: Signs minor-league deal with Cubs
Lopez and the Cubs agreed on a minor-league contract Sunday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.
Lopez spent the 2024 campaign with the White Sox, batting .241 with one home run, 21 RBI, 40 runs scored and five stolen bases over 398 at-bats in 124 games. The infielder will presumably receive an invitation to major-league spring training in the coming weeks, though that is not confirmed. If Lopez is able to crack the Cubs' 26-man roster this season, he'll earn $1.5 million.
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Luisangel Acuna 2B | CHW
Mets' Luisangel Acuna: Might have significant role
Manager Carlos Mendoza said last weekend during the Mets' fan festival that he expects Acuna to have a "huge role" for the club this season, Peter Sblendorio of the New York Daily News reports. "Luisangel will get his," Mendoza said. "He's taking groundballs at third base, so he's part of that mix. He showed us he can play at this level, and he will continue to get opportunities."
Even if he doesn't wind up winning a starting job in spring training, Acuna could break camp as one of the Mets' primary utility players and get reps at third base, second base and center field. The 22-year-old made a splash in his big-league debut last year, posting a .966 OPS in 40 plate appearances with three homers, but his .258/.299/.355 slash line in 587 PAs for Triple-A Syracuse offers a better glimpse at his likely production in an expanded MLB role. Acuna's primary fantasy appeal would come on the basepaths -- in 145 games across the two levels in 2024, he swiped 40 bags in 55 attempts.
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Adam Frazier 2B | LAA
Pirates' Adam Frazier: Back to Pittsburgh on one-year deal
The Pirates signed Frazier to a one-year, $1.525 million contract Tuesday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.
Frazier's first five-and-a-half seasons in the majors were with the Pirates before he made stops with the Padres, Mariners, Orioles and Royals. The 33-year-old slashed only .202/.282/.294 this past season in Kansas City and has managed just a .632 OPS over the last three seasons. Frazier had thumb surgery in October but should be ready to roll for spring training. He'll likely serve in a utility role in Pittsburgh this season.
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Xavier Edwards 2B | MIA
Marlins' Xavier Edwards: Shoulder feeling much better
Edwards said earlier this month of his right shoulder that it's the "best it's felt in years" since he began a new throwing program this offseason, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.
Edwards first suffered a right shoulder impingement back in 2022 and had resigned himself to having to throw through discomfort. However, after working with Marlins director of catching Maxx Garrett on a new throwing program, Edwards said "it's not bothering me to throw at all" anymore. The shoulder issue didn't seem to impact Edwards at the plate in 2024, as he slashed .328/.397/.423 with one homer and 31 stolen bases in 70 games for the Marlins. However, being free and easy in all phases of his game can only help the 25-year-old's prospects heading into 2025.
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Nico Hoerner 2B | CHC
Cubs' Nico Hoerner: Opening Day status uncertain
Hoerner (elbow) has not resumed throwing or hitting, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.
Hoerner spoke at the Cubs' offseason fan event and disclosed that he dealt with the flexor tendon injury throughout the 2024 season. While the issue should be repaired heading into 2025, his status is unclear to begin the campaign. Hoerner will also have roughly 10 fewer days to recover because the Cubs will open the season in Japan on March 18 against the Dodgers before returning stateside to play at Arizona on March 27.
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Luisangel Acuna 2B | CHW
Mets' Luisangel Acuna: Will get look at third base
Acuna is expected to compete for the Mets' third-base job during spring training, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.
Assuming Pete Alonso moves on -- which is the expectation -- Mark Vientos will slide to first base, creating an opening at third. Acuna has never played the hot corner in pro ball, but he's a capable defender at shortstop and second base and the Mets evidently feel he can handle the switch. Slated to turn 23 in March, Acuna slashed .308/.325/.641 in 14 regular-season games for the Mets in 2024, although that was after he managed a .258/.299/.355 line at Triple-A Syracuse. The Mets would probably prefer to give him more seasoning at Syracuse, but Acuna will get a chance to compete with Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio (knee) for reps at third base with the big club.
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Ronny Mauricio 2B | NYM
Mets' Ronny Mauricio: Spring status still uncertain
The Mets are not yet sure whether Mauricio (knee) will be ready for the start of spring training, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.
Mauricio began baseball activities in December as he works his way back from a second right knee surgery. While his rehab seems to be coming along OK, the Mets aren't sure how Mauricio's knee will respond as he continues to ramp things up, so they're taking things day by day with the young infielder. If healthy, he'll compete for the Mets' third base job. However, given his long layoff -- he last played in the Dominican Winter League more than a year ago -- Mauricio seems likely to begin the 2025 season in the minors even if he's not limited in spring training.
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Keston Hiura 2B | LAD
Rockies' Keston Hiura: Receives NRI from Colorado
The Rockies signed Hiura to a minor-league contract Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.
Hiura, 28, went 4-for-27 during his brief time with the Angels last season and sported a .943 OPS with 26 homers at the Triple-A level in 2024. It's conceivable that the former top prospect wins an Opening Day roster spot, but Hiura will more likely begin the year at Triple-A Albuquerque.