MLB Player News

Madrigal will compete for the starting second base job in spring training but still needs development, Scott Merkin of the White Sox's official site reports.

"He's viable, but he's got a few more things to prove," said White Sox general manager Rick Hahn. "When we go through trying to be as objective as possible thinking about where he is developmentally, he hasn't necessarily answered all the questions we have for him at the minor leagues." Despite that assessment, Hahn said the team will evaluate all their second base candidates -- Madrigal, Leury Garcia and Danny Mendick -- and make a decision in late March. "I don't think we have him, by any means, written in pen as the Opening Day second baseman at this point. But could he change our minds? Yeah," added the GM. The 22-year-old Madrigal, Chicago's third-ranked prospect, hit well at three minor-league stops in 2019, including a 29-game stint at Triple-A Charlotte (.331/.398/.424). If he doesn't break camp with the White Sox, it's a good bet he'll eventually be called up to assume the starting job at second.

Candelario is expected to compete with Dawel Lugo for the starting job at third base, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Candelario broke camp as the Tigers' starting third baseman last season, though he spent most of the year shuttling between the majors and minors due to his struggles with the big club (.203/.306/.337 slash line in 386 plate appearances). Unless Candelario shows a marked improvement against big-league pitching, he seems more likely to open the season as a reserve option at the corner infield spots.

Madrigal will join the White Sox's big-league camp this spring, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Madrigal has experienced success at every minor league level the past two seasons, finishing his sophomore campaign by hitting .331/.398/.424 with 12 RBI in 118 at-bats for Triple-A Charlotte. The 22-year-old prospect will spend a few weeks with the big-league coaching staff before likely returning to the minors prior to making his major-league debut at some point.

Donaldson signed a four-year contract with the Twins on Tuesday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN.com, the deal is worth $92 million guaranteed and includes a fifth-year option that would push the value over $100 million, placing the 2015 American League MVP into a Twins lineup that already led the league in home runs last season. Donaldson had an impressive year himself in 2019 with the Braves, posting a .259/.379/.521 slash line with 37 home runs and 94 RBI in 155 games. Miguel Sano started 90 games at third base last season and just signed a three-year, $30 million extension with Minnesota last week, but he figures to be shifted to first base while Donaldson takes over at the hot corner.

Rivera signed with the Rangers as a non-roster invitee Friday.

Rivera hit a poor .183/.258/.217 in 34 games for the Marlins last season. That translates to a 33 wRC+, though that's actually stronger than his career 28 wRC+ over parts of five seasons.

Urshela agreed to a one-year, $2.475 million deal with the Yankees on Friday, avoiding arbitration, freelance baseball writer Robert Murray reports.

His breakout 2019 season came at a good time, just before his first offseason as an arbitration-eligible player. He will go through the process three more times before hitting the open market after the 2023 season.

Asche signed a minor-league contract with the Twins on Thursday.

Asche has not appeared in the majors since 2017, when he played in 19 games with the White Sox. The 29-year-old struggled in limited action at the Double-A level last season, recording a .655 OPS with one home run and 28 strikeouts over 23 games. Given Asche's past experience in the big leagues, it wouldn't be surprising if he's a non-roster invitee during spring training.

Maggi signed a minor-league contract with the Twins on Thursday.

Maggi spent last season in the Twins' organization, where he hit .258/.384/.405 with 10 home runs, 46 RBI and nine stolen bases while playing for Triple-A Rochester. The 30-year-old has yet to appear in the majors, but he will likely be a non-roster invitee during spring training.

Rendon signed a seven-year, $245 million contract with the Angels on Wednesday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

The 29-year-old is fresh off a World Series victory with the Nationals and is now set to receive $35 million per year from the Angels. Rendon finished third in National League MVP voting behind Cody Bellinger and Christian Yelich in 2019, as he put forth the best numbers of his career with a .319/.412/.598 slash line, 44 doubles, 34 home runs and 126 RBI in 146 games. Rendon will take over at the hot corner for the Halos in Joe Maddon's first season as the club's manager.

Wisdom signed a one-year contract with the Mariners on Wednesday.

Wisdom struggled in his nine major-league games last season, but he found some success with Triple-A Nashville, hitting .240/.332/.513 with 31 home runs and 74 RBI. The 28-year-old could find some playing time at first base in 2020, but he'll have to improve on his limited major-league production before becoming a viable fantasy asset in most formats.