MLB Player News

Walton could make the Opening Day roster with Nick Madrigal (shoulder) set to begin the season on the 60-day IL, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The Mets need a backup shortstop behind Francisco Lindor, and Walton is the best defensive option the team has in camp for the job. The 30-year-old has received 205 big-league plate appearances over five seasons split between the Mariners and Giants but managed just a .532 OPS, although his minor-league offensive numbers do offer some hope he could contribute with his bat as well -- Walton slashed .303/.377/.438 over 99 games for Triple-A Sacramento in 2024. The Mets would need to find room on the 40-man roster for Walton if they want to bring him north, and if Brett Baty proves in camp that he can play an adequate shortstop, he might get the first chance to fill the team's open bench spot.

Bazzana walked twice and hit a three-run home run in Tuesday's Cactus League game against Milwaukee.

Bazzana entered in the sixth inning to play second base. The 22-year-old's notoriously discerning eye was on display in his first two plate appearances when he worked walks. He then jumped on the first pitch he saw in the bottom the ninth inning, going deep over the wall in right field. He's not expected to win the Guardians' open job at second base to start the season, but Bazzana and his 70 hit tool could reach the majors in 2025.

Brujan went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks.

Brujan connected for his first home run of the spring in the fifth inning and also split time in the field at second base and shortstop. The 27-year-old was shipped to Chicago from Miami in December, and he figures to serve in a bench role with the Cubs, giving him a limited fantasy ceiling for the time being.

Kim could open the year in the minors as he continues to make swing adjustments, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Kim has drawn rave reviews for his infield defense, but he was a light-hitting player even in the KBO, where his career high in homers was 11. Given the Dodgers have a bevy of strong options, they can afford to ease Kim into things against Triple-A pitching if they think he will be overmatched at the plate in the majors. Tommy Edman's versatility could allow him to play second or shortstop alongside Mookie Betts while Andy Pages potentially takes on a prominent role in the outfield.

Black (back) hit off a tee Tuesday and is hoping to make his Cactus League debut next week, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Black tweaked his back last week and has been dealing with some stiffness. The first baseman got into 18 games with the Brewers last season, slashing .204/.316/.245 with a pair of doubles, two RBI and three stolen bases across 57 regular-season plate appearances. Black is considered a long shot to make Milwaukee's Opening Day roster barring injury.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Tuesday that Altuve will make his Grapefruit League debut in left field later this week, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Altuve's workouts so far in camp have focused on left field, and that's the position he'll man in his first game this spring. As long as he proves to be adequate defensively, it seems as though Houston plans to play him there often, if not on a full-time basis. Altuve has never played the outfield either at the major- or minor-league level.

White Sox manager Will Venable said Monday that he views Vargas as the team's primary option at third base, James Fegan of Sox Machine reports.

Vargas is working out a bit at first base this spring, too, and he has plenty of past experience at second base and in left field. However, it sounds like he will focus on the hot corner in 2025. Vargas has managed just a .175/.273/.312 batting line at the major-league level and slashed just .104/.217/.170 in 42 games with the White Sox last season after being acquired via trade. However, he turned just 25 this offseason and is a former top prospect, so expect the White Sox to give him plenty of leash to see if he can hit his stride.

Moore will get looks at both second base and third base during spring training, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Moore was already expected to compete for an Opening Day roster spot as a second baseman, but he could increase his chances of breaking camp with the big club if he can prove himself capable of handling the hot corner. Though the Angels signed Yoan Moncada on Feb. 6 to fill a need at third base in the wake of Anthony Rendon's potentially season-ending hip surgery, the team hasn't yet committed to a specific starter either there or at second base. Luis Rengifo is also a candidate to start at either position, and Tim Anderson has spent some time at the keystone this spring as well.

Wetherholt went 2-for-3 with a three-run home run Sunday in Grapefruit League action versus the Astros.

Making his spring training debut, Wetherholt had a bloop single in the fourth inning and then in the fifth drilled an opposite-field, three-run homer off righty A.J. Blubaugh. The No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 First-Year Player Draft, Wetherholt slashed .295/.405/.400 in 29 games with Single-A Palm Beach in his pro debut last year. The 22-year-old will likely begin the 2025 season either at High-A Peoria or Double-A Springfield.

Black has been held out of Cactus League play due to minor back stiffness, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

It shouldn't be a long-term issue, but it's not clear when Black might be ready to play in games. Black already seemed unlikely to win a spot on the Opening Day roster, and any delay seemingly decreases his odds.