MLB Player News

Senzel went 3-for-3 with a double, run scored and an RBI in Wednesday's spring training win over the White Sox. He also made a nice running catch in center field, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

That's not exactly going to help the Reds pump the brakes on the Nick Senzel hype-train, nor should it. The Reds have insisted so far that they'll take their best 25-man roster on Opening Day without overtly committing to Senzel being there, but unlike other franchises (here's looking at you, Toronto), they also haven't made up any pre-ordained reasons to send their prized prospect down.

Arenado signed an eight-year contract with the Rockies worth $260 million Tuesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

The deal includes an opt-out after three years and will give the third baseman the highest per-year salary among all position players. It's great news for those who own Arenado in dynasty leagues, as he'll get to remain in Coors Field for at least three additional seasons and potentially for the bulk of the rest of his career. The contract overrides the one-year deal Arenado signed earlier in the offseason, so it will take him through the 2026 season, with the opt-out coming after 2021.

Farmer started Monday's spring training game against the Mariners at shortstop, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Farmer is hoping to make the team as a utility player, and the added flexibility for him is needed with the Reds planning on having 13 pitchers most of the season, and the team having Curt Casali as their primary backup catcher option.

Moustakas said he felt comfortable at second base Sunday against the Rangers, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Moustakas admitted that he forgot to cover the base on a throw, but otherwise it was an uneventful debut at his new position. Manager Craig Counsell praised Moustakas, saying it was a good first outing and that he's confident the 30-year-old will only get better as he plays more second base. Travis Shaw is expected to be the primary third baseman, with Hernan Perez serving in a utility role.

Hayes went 2-for-3 with a pair of home runs Sunday, including a walkoff grand slam against the Marlins.

While he's not expected to debut for the Pirates until late 2019 or 2020, Hayes gave Pittsburgh a glimpse of the possibilities to come. He's listed behind Jung Ho Kang and Colin Moran on the depth chart, but his glove is already major-league-ready. Hayes' ability to hit for power is about the only aspect of his game still in question. The 22-year-old slashed .293/.375/.444 with seven homers in 437 at-bats for Double-A Altoona in 2018. He did collect 31 doubles (along with 12 stolen bases), providing hope that the power will eventually show up.

Senzel will make his spring training debut in center field Monday against the Mariners in Peoria (the Mariners' spring training facility), Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

One of the big storylines coming out of the Reds' spring training camp is whether Senzel can handle center field, and this will be our first look at that.

Machado has agreed to play third base for the Padres, Jon Heyman of FancredSports.com reports.

After making only 16 starts at third base a season ago for the Dodgers, Machado will move back to the hot corner for the 2019 campaign and beyond, per Heyman. He spent the majority of 2018 at shortstop, and although he put together quite a highlight reel there, his transition back to third base will work in San Diego's favor, especially if their No. 1 prospect, Fernando Tatis Jr., surfaces in the big leagues in the near future.

Plouffe signed a minor-league contract with the Phillies on Wednesday which includes an invitation to spring training, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.

Plouffe opted to return to Philadelphia after spending the majority of the 2018 season on the team's farm, hitting .230/.347/.460 across 73 games for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The veteran infielder joined the big club briefly over summer but was designated for assignment after appearing in just seven games (going 3-for-12 with a homer). He figures to serve as infield depth again in 2019.

Machado signed with the Padres on Tuesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

The Padres land one of the offseason's biggest prizes, adding a star in his prime to their growing crowd of young talent. Machado will see a clear downgrade in a park after spending the bulk of his career in a very hitter-friendly environment in Baltimore, though his bat is strong enough to keep him an upper-tier fantasy asset. The contract is worth 10 years and $300 million, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, making it the largest free-agent deal in American professional sports history. Machado will be able to opt out after the fifth season of the deal.

McMahon will have a chance to win the starting job at second base during spring training, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Garrett Hampson will also be competing to break camp as the Rockies' primary second baseman, with prospect Brendan Rodgers an option for later in the season. Manager Bud Black has been noncommittal about the decision to this point, and plans to use a committee at second base at least to open up the season. "DJ [LeMahieu] was an everyday player. He was a batting champion, an all-star, a Gold Glover -- it was his position." stated Black. "We don't have that type of player -- yet." Expect McMahon and Hampson to both see plenty of opportunities during spring training.