MLB Player News

Moore could be the Angels' Opening Day second baseman, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Blum notes that the Angels were ready to promote Moore last September before the 22-year-old suffered a left knee injury. Moore returned to action at Double-A Rocket City before the end of their season, so he entered the offseason healthy. The No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 First-Year Player Draft, Moore slashed .347/.400/.584 with six home runs across 25 contests for High-A Inland Empire and Rocket City in his pro debut. The Angels are always aggressive with their top prospects and have a potential opening at the keystone, so it's not terribly surprising to hear Moore could break camp with the big club if he has a good showing in spring training.

Astros general manager Dana Brown said Tuesday that Altuve could get some reps in left field in addition to second base this season, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Brown added the caveat that Altuve playing left field might only happen if the team makes another roster addition. It's clear he's referring to the possibility of re-signing Alex Bregman, which would result in Isaac Paredes shifting to second base and Altuve playing left field, a position he's never manned before. Altuve said recently at the team's FanFest event that he would be willing to move to left field to accommodate the return of Bregman.

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.

The Mariners signed Lopez to a minor-league contract Jan. 14.

Lopez got into 27 games with the Angels in 2024, posting a .629 OPS. The 32-year-old is likely to begin the 2025 campaign at Triple-A Tacoma, where he'll give the Mariners some utility depth.

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.

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.

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.

The Reds re-signed Jordan to a minor-league contract Jan. 9.

Jordan reached the majors for the first time in 2024 with the Reds, going 1-for-10 at the plate during a brief stint. The 29-year-old will provide some utility depth at Triple-A Louisville.

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.

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.