MLB Player News

Kieboom is the favorite to be the Nationals' starting third baseman, though he'll have to earn his opportunities, according to manager Dave Martinez, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Kieboom came with plenty of promise as a prospect and is still just 23 years old, but he's yet to come close to delivering on that promise so far. In 44 games over the past two seasons, he's hitting just .181/.309/.232, a line that wouldn't play anywhere and certainly not at an important offensive position like third base. The Nationals hope his talent will finally shine through this time around, but they presumably want to get back to their winning ways following a poor showing in 2020 and won't have much patience with him if his struggles remain significant at the start of the upcoming season.

Asuaje signed a minor-league contract with the Dodgers on Friday, Alanna Rizzo of Spectrum SportsNet LA reports.

Asuaje was released by the Cubs in May and failed to land with another organization during the 2020 season. However, he'll join the Dodgers heading into 2021, and he'll serve as a non-roster invitee during spring training. The 29-year-old spent the entire 2019 season with Triple-A Reno, slashing .239/.339/.403 with five home runs and 29 RBI, and he's likely to serve as organizational depth next year.

Urshela underwent surgery Friday to remove a bone chip from his right elbow.

Urshela wasn't initially expected to require surgery during the offseason, but he elected to undergo a procedure Friday that went smoothly. He's expected to need three months to recover from surgery, so he could be ready to participate in the majority of spring training if he doesn't encounter any setbacks.

Peterson was non-tendered by the Brewers on Wednesday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Peterson served as a bench player for the Brewers in 2020 and had the best offensive season of his career, posting a .749 OPS and 25 percent walk rate in 61 plate appearances. The 30-year-old has seen major-league action with four different teams over the past four years, and he could add another team to that list in 2021 now that he's a free agent.

Farmer agreed to a one-year deal with the Reds on Wednesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

He was non-tendered by the Reds and then just minutes later it was announced that the two sides had already agreed on a new deal. Farmer doesn't do much damage at the plate, but he can play almost every position on the field, and it's that defensive versatility that appealed to the Reds.

Farmer was non-tendered by the Reds on Wednesday.

A jack of all trades but master of none, Farmer saw time at five different positions last year for Cincinnati, but he logged a wRC+ under 77 for the fourth straight season. He will attempt to catch on elsewhere as a super utility player.

Maton was added to the Phillies' 40-man roster Friday, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic reports.

Maton continued his development at the Phillies' alternate training site in 2020, and he'll now be protected from the Rule 5 draft as part of the 40-man roster. The 23-year-old advanced to Double-A Reading late in 2019, but he struggled a bit, hitting .210 with two home runs and 14 strikeouts over 62 at-bats.

Castro's contract was selected by the Pirates on Friday.

Castro is best known for posting some pretty elite exit velocity readings in the lower levels by middle infielder standards. He hit 14 home runs in 61 games at Low-A in 2019 as a 20-year-old, which is quite the feat, but he fell flat after a promotion to High-A. Castro will likely open the year at High-A or Double-A and could reach the majors in 2022.

Peraza was added to the Yankees' 40-man roster Friday.

Peraza wasn't part of the Yankees' 60-man roster during the 2020 season, but he'll be protected from the upcoming Rule 5 draft. He slashed .268/.343/.328 with 13 RBI and 17 stolen bases with Low-A Charleston in 2019.

Walls' contract was purchased by the Rays on Friday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Walls is a classic Rays player, as he is known for his control of the strike zone and ability to play multiple infield positions. He has not played above Double-A, but after a summer at the alternate training site, he is presumably poised to make his MLB debut sometime in 2021.