MLB Player News
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Luis Urias 2B | ATH
Mariners' Luis Urias: In line for third base job
Urias is currently projected as the Mariners' starting third baseman following their trade of Eugenio Suarez, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.
Seattle acquired Urias from Boston last week and he's now at the top of the team's depth chart at third base, although it's possible the Mariners bring someone else in at the position this offseason. Urias had a dreadful 2023, posting just a .636 OPS with three homers in 52 games while spending a chunk of the year in the minors. He looked like a solid regular a couple years ago, though, and is just 26 years of age.
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Luis Guillorme 3B | HOU
Luis Guillorme: Moves into free agency
Guillorme was non-tendered by the Mets on Friday.
Guillorme battled injuries in 2023 and slashed just .224/.288/.327 across 120 plate appearances when healthy. The 29-year-old utility infielder is now officially a free agent.
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Luis Urias 2B | ATH
Mariners' Luis Urias: Traded to Seattle
The Mariners acquired Urias from the Red Sox on Friday in exchange for Isaiah Campbell, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.
Urias was likely going to be non-tendered by the Red Sox ahead of Friday's deadline had this trade not come together. He posted a disappointing .194/.337/.299 batting line over 177 plate appearances this past year between Milwaukee and Boston, but the former top prospect is only 26 years old and could be a platoon option at second base for the Mariners in 2024.
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Vidal Brujan 2B | NYM
Marlins' Vidal Brujan: Traded to Marlins
The Rays traded Brujan to the Marlins alongside Calvin Faucher (biceps) on Friday in exchange for Erick Lara, Andrew Lindsey and a player to be named later or cash.
Brujan struggled during his multiple stints in the majors last season, but he put up a solid .272/.362/.477 slash line across 276 plate appearances in Triple-A. The 25-year-old will give the Marlins an organizational depth piece capable of fielding nearly every position.
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Yonny Hernandez 2B | NYM
Brewers' Yonny Hernandez: Receives NRI from Milwaukee
Hernandez signed a minor-league contract with the Brewers on Friday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.
The deal includes an invitation to spring training, where Hernandez will compete for a utility infielder job. The 25-year-old has shown very little with the bat during his time in the majors to this point, slashing just .190/.286/.222 over 221 plate appearances.
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Nicky Lopez 3B | CHC
White Sox's Nicky Lopez: Brings versatility to Sox
Lopez was traded from Atlanta to the White Sox on Thursday along with Michael Soroka (forearm), Jared Shuster, Braden Shewmake and Riley Gowens in exchange for Aaron Bummer.
Lopez was dealt for the second time in the last five months as Atlanta looks to clear space on its 40-man roster. After handling a full-time role in 2021 and 2022, Lopez served primarily as a bench bat in 2023 and maintained only a .632 OPS. While he's shown stolen base upside in the past, Lopez managed only six steals across 262 plate appearances last season, though he could see an uptick in playing time with his new club given his ability to play across the infield.
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Ronny Mauricio 2B | NYM
Mets' Ronny Mauricio: To see action at 3B in winter ball
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said Wednesday that Mauricio will play some third base in the Dominican Winter League, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.
Mauricio made his major-league debut at second base this past season and that is probably going to be his long-term position in Queens, but the Mets want him to continue building his defensive versatility as he participates in winter ball for the third year in a row. The talented young infielder could maybe step in at the hot corner next season if Brett Baty is unable to take a significant step forward. Mark Vientos is also an option at third, though he profiles as more of a first baseman or DH moving forward.
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Miguel Vargas 2B | CHW
Dodgers' Miguel Vargas: Might play more outfield
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said Wednesday that Vargas could see more action in the outfield moving forward, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Vargas slumped his way out of the second base job in Los Angeles before the midway point of the 2023 season and the Dodgers have grown more comfortable using Mookie Betts at that position, especially against right-handed pitching. Vargas, accordingly, is going to have to find a different avenue to get back to a regular major-league role in 2024. The 23-year-old boasts a .310/.392/.487 career minor-league batting line and remains an important long-term piece for the reigning NL West champs. He made seven starts in left field down the stretch this summer with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
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Jeff McNeil 2B | ATH
Mets' Jeff McNeil: Still expected to avoid surgery
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said Wednesday that McNeil had an encouraging recent checkup on his left elbow, Abbey Mastracco of the New York Daily News reports.
McNeil missed the final weekend of the 2023 regular season after being diagnosed with a partial UCL tear, but the expectation remains that he'll be able to avoid surgery and bring a clean bill of health into 2024. The 31-year-old seems to be responding well to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment.
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Gavin Lux SS | TB
Dodgers' Gavin Lux: On track to be primary shortstop
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said Wednesday that Lux (knee) appears on track to be the team's primary shortstop in 2024, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.
Lux was expected to take over the position in 2023 before he blew out both the ACL and LCL in his right knee during an early spring training game. The 25-year-old began a running program in late July and continues to make steady progress within the recovery process, per Gomes. He should be back to full health when camp opens in February.