MLB Player News

Chavis (oblique) said he feels good and is pleased with where his swing is at as he prepares for spring training, Stephen Hewitt of the Boston Herald reports.

Chavis was in town to accept the Red Sox's rookie of the year award from the Boston chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America. In 2019, the 24-year-old infielder split most of his time between second base and first base, two positions without a current full-time starter in place. It's likely he sees time at each position, and he should see an increase in plate appearances in 2020.

Solarte signed a minor-league contract with the Braves on Wednesday as a non-roster invitee, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Solarte finished the 2019 season in Japan after only receiving a minor-league deal with the Marlins. The 32-year-old spent some time in the majors with the Giants at the beginning of the season, hitting .205/.247/.315 with seven RBI over 28 games prior to electing free agency. While Solarte has appeared in the majors in each of his past six seasons, his production has decreased in recent years.

Kemp was traded from the Cubs to the Athletics for minor-leaguer Alfonso Rivas on Monday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Kemp filled a bench role for the Astros and Cubs last season but didn't do much at the plate, hitting .212/.291/.380 in 279 plate appearances. With the ability to play second base and all three outfield positions, Kemp should be a useful bench piece for the always-creative Athletics this season, but he's unlikely to play enough to be much of a fantasy asset or to hit well enough if he does get unexpected time.

Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said Marte (back) may be the everyday center fielder in 2020, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Hazen has actively pursued a center fielder during the offseason without success. "I would imagine that would put Ketel a little bit more squarely in center field, but we still have a ways to go and we still have some opportunities to explore," Hazen said. "But I would say we're probably moving more in that direction by the day." The Diamondbacks will proceed cautiously with Marte, who had a breakout 2019 season but suffered a stress reaction in his back. One theory is that Marte, an infielder by trade, sustained the injury partially due to the extra running involved in playing center field. That, coupled with increased baserunning opportunities -- Marte had a career-high .389 on-base percentage -- are seen as contributing factors. Marte played 96 games in center field last season, and Hazen added the organization has not established a threshold of a number of games it would be comfortable with him playing there this coming season.

Hernandez signed a one-year, $5.9 million contract with the Dodgers on Friday, avoiding arbitration, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Hernandez hit .237 with 17 home runs, 64 RBI and four stolen bases in 130 games a year ago with Los Angeles. He'll be in line for a utility role heading into the 2020 campaign.

India received an invitation to big-league camp from the Reds on Friday.

India isn't too far from the big leagues but likely won't be in consideration for a spot on the Opening Day roster. He's yet to reach Triple-A and has played just 34 games for Double-A Chattanooga, hitting .270/.414/.378.

Frazier agreed to a one-year, $2.8 million contract with the Pirates on Friday, avoiding arbitration, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Frazier put up solid numbers at the dish in 2019, slashing .278/.336/.417 with 10 home runs and 50 RBI over 152 games. He figures to be in line for a similar role in 2020.

Haggerty was claimed off waivers by the Mariners on Friday, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

He was cut loose by the Mets earlier in the week. Haggerty will compete in spring training for a bench role with the rebuilding Mariners. Seattle's 40-man roster is now full.

Semien agreed to a one-year, $13 million deal with the A's on Friday, avoiding arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

This is his third and final year as an arbitration-eligible player before heading to free agency. He will be Oakland's second-highest paid player, behind Khris Davis ($16.75 million in 2020).

Drury signed a one-year, $2.05 million contract with the Blue Jays on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

The 27-year-old had a subpar season at the plate last season as he slashed .218/.262/.380 with 15 home runs over 120 games with the Blue Jays. Although his production in 2019 was discouraging, Drury's defensive versatility allows him to see a fair share of playing time.