Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said Thursday that Shaw could be used some in the outfield this season, Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.

If the Cubs hang on to Nico Hoerner rather than trade him following the signing of Alex Bregman, Shaw's best shot at regular playing time would be in a super utility role. All 114 starts for Shaw with the Cubs in 2025 came at third base, but the 24-year-old also has significant experience at second base and shortstop, and he played the outfield some in college and in summer ball. It's also possible the Cubs use Shaw as a trade chip in order to supplement their roster elsewhere.

Alexander is expected to shift to a utility role following the Diamondbacks' acquisition of third baseman Nolan Arenado, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

Alexander finished up the 2025 season as Arizona's primary third baseman after Eugenio Suarez was traded to the Mariners at the trade deadline. Until the Arenado news, Alexander was the nominal starter at the hot corner. He now moves back into a utility role, which will include opportunities in the outfield. The Diamondbacks will be without left fielder Lourdes Gurriel (knee) for much of the first half of 2026 and will want a right-handed complement to Alek Thomas in center field. The team may also deploy him in a rotation at DH. That's in addition to Alexander's ability to back up at three infield positions. His main competition for playing time will be Jordan Lawlar, although general manager Mike Hazen believes both will be able to impact the club "in a number of different ways."

Lawlar is expected to play center field in addition to reps in the infield during spring training, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

After seeing Lawlar's struggles at third base last season, the Diamondbacks gave him center field reps during the Dominican Winter League but not a ton, according to Gilbert. As such, the organization will give him a serious look there this spring. There's a need in the outfield after Arizona traded Jake McCarthy to Colorado for right-handed pitching prospect Josh Grosz. That move, along with Lourdes Gurriel (knee) possibly missing the first half of the season, leaves the outfield in a state of uncertainty. Corbin Carroll will hold down right field while Alek Thomas is likely to start in center field against righties. Beyond that, Lawlar is in the mix along with Blaze Alexander, Jorge Barrosa, Tim Tawa and possibly top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt.

McLain agreed to a one-year, $2.3 million contract with the Reds on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

McLain missed the entire 2024 season while recovering from shoulder and rib injuries, but he was healthy for the start of last season. He started strong with three home runs and five RBI through the first four games, though that momentum was halted when he landed on the IL briefly due to a hamstring strain. That turned out to be his only stint on the IL in 2025, and he finished the regular season with a .643 OPS, 15 home runs, 50 RBI, 18 stolen bases and 73 runs over 577 plate appearances while appearing in 147 games. With a full season under his belt, McLain is expected to enter the 2026 campaign as the Reds' everyday second baseman.

The Nationals and Abrams avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $4.2 million contract Thursday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

It's a well-earned raise for Abrams, who was in his first year of arbitration eligibility. Abrams put together a .257/.315/.433 batting line with 19 home runs and 31 stolen bases for the Nationals this past season.

The Reds and Lux avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $5.525 million contract Thursday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

Lux had been eligible for salary arbitration for the final time, as he's slated to reach free agency next winter. The 28-year-old hit .269/.350/.374 with five home runs over 140 regular-season games in his first season with the Reds. The left-handed-hitting Lux should play regularly against right-handed pitching in 2026, though he's unlikely to be locked into one position defensively.

The Pirates and Cruz avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.3 million contract Thursday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

It's a nice raise for Cruz, who had been eligible for salary arbitration for the first time. The 27-year-old is coming off a disappointing showing in 2025, having slashed just .200/.298/.378, but he did provide fantasy managers with 20 home runs and 38 stolen bases.

The Marlins acquired Hernandez, Owen Caissie and Edgardo De Leon from the Cubs on Wednesday in exchange for Edward Cabrera, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Hernandez spent the 2025 season at High-A South Bend, slashing .252/.329/.365 with seven home runs and 52 stolen bases. He hasn't reached his potential after being a top international signing in 2021, but Hernandez just turned 22 last month, so he has some time to show progress.

The Pirates designated Cheng for assignment Friday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

The Pirates needed to clear some roster space after bringing in three players via a three-team trade with Houston and Tampa Bay on Friday, and Cheng will end up as one of the casualties. The 24-year-old infielder made his MLB debut near the beginning of last season, going 0-for-7 with three strikeouts before being sent back to the minors. He didn't fare well at the plate in Triple-A either, slashing .209/.310/.271 with 36 RBI, 37 runs scored and 18 steals across 398 plate appearances at Indianapolis.

Kim signed a one-year, $20 million contract with Atlanta on Monday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Kim finished out the 2025 campaign with Atlanta after being claimed off waivers, and he did enough to earn himself another look with the club in 2026. He slashed .253/.316/.368 with three home runs, 12 RBI and 14 runs scored in 24 games down the stretch of the 2025 season after being dumped by the Rays. Kim figures to see the bulk of his playing time at shortstop heading into the upcoming season, though he can also manage at the keystone if necessary. Mauricio Dubon is expected to be deployed as a true utility man following the addition of Kim.