MLB Player News

Barrero will focus on shortstop in spring training rather than center field, Reds GM Nick Krall told Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer. "He's a shortstop. He's coming in, and we'll evaluate him where he is," Krall said. Barrero will report to camp late due to a flight/family issue, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Barrero played sparingly at shortstop after his promotion to the majors last season, only playing nine of his 23 games there as the Reds rode out most of the stretch run with Kyle Farmer at the position. That dynamic might not be in play in 2022, with the Reds having diminished expectations, at least based on their lack of offseason player activity.

McLain was invited to the Reds' big-league camp Friday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

McLain was selected 17th overall in last year's draft and went on to hit .273/.387/.424 in 29 games for High-A Dayton. While he still has two more levels of the minors to conquer before he pushes for his debut, he'll get the chance to work with the big-league coaching staff for a few weeks this spring.

Luciano is ready to build upon 2021 after feeling fatigued down the stretch last season. He has been preparing for about one month and states "I feel great," according to Maria Guardado of MLB.com.

Luciano felt fatigued during 2021 since that was his first full season in the minors. He worked on his conditioning by adding cardio and shoulder exercises to his routine. Luciano noted that fatigue likely contributed to the struggles, particularly at High-A, where he hit one home run with a .217 batting average, .577 OPS, and a 37.2 K% in 145 plate appearances. Before that, Luciano boasted a .288 batting average, .951 OPS, and 21.6% K% at Low-A. Luciano is working on improving his contact rate in 2022 via an open batting stance.

De La Cruz is getting reps both at shortstop and third base, but the Reds view him primarily as a shortstop. His reps at third base have been a product more of their depth at shortstop in the organization rather than a concern about his 6'5" frame, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

De La Cruz had a breakout season in 2021, rocketing up the top prospect lists and organizational charts. He spent 2018 and 2019 in the Dominican Summer League and wasn't part of the Reds' alternate training site in 2020, nor was he invited to their minor-league spring training last year. However, he blew through the Arizona Complex League team last year, then collected 24 extra-base hits in 50 games at Low-A Daytona last season. He still strikes out way too much (65 Ks in 210 plate appearances), but he was also one of the youngest players in the league and hit for power in a low-power league. His progression this season will be a big story in the Reds' organization.

Strange-Gordon signed a minor-league contract with the Nationals on Saturday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Strange-Gordon bounced between several National League teams in 2021 on minor-league deals, though he never appeared in the majors. He logged 82 plate appearances in 2020, hitting .200/.268/.213 while also stealing three bases as a member of the Mariners. Strange-Gordon could figure into the Nationals' plans in 2022, though they signed Cesar Hernandez earlier in the offseason and have promising prospect Luis Garcia as an option shortstop.

Cordoba signed a minor-league contract with the Reds on Wednesday that includes an invitation to big-league camp.

Cordoba hit .299/.392/.446 in 296 plate appearances at the Double-A level for the Padres in 2021, and he'll join the Reds for spring training to try and earn a spot on the Opening Day roster.

Camargo signed a one-year, $1.4 million deal with the Phillies on Wednesday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Camargo was non-tendered by Atlanta on Tuesday, and he'll remain in the NL East for the next stage of his career. He should fill an infield utility role for Philadelphia after playing in only 15 big-league games last season. Camargo spent most of 2021 at Triple-A, where he hit .326/.401/.557 with 19 homers, 24 doubles, 67 RBI and 70 runs in 436 plate appearances.

Wendle was acquired by the Marlins from the Rays on Tuesday in exchange for minor-league outfielder Kameron Misner, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

A 2021 American League All-Star, Wendle will make his way across Florida after spending the past four seasons in Tampa Bay. He primarily played third base last season but also has plenty of big-league experience at shortstop and second base. The 31-year-old hit .265/.319/.422 with 11 homers, 31 doubles, 54 RBI, 73 runs and eight stolen bases in 136 games last season, and he is arbitration eligible for 2022 and 2023 before becoming a free agent.

Arcia agreed to a two-year, $3 million deal with Atlanta on Tuesday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

The move means Arcia won't have to go through arbitration either this year or the next. It's something of a surprise to see that Atlanta felt it necessary to lock him up through the end of the 2023 season, as he hit .198/.258/.309 in just 89 plate appearances in 2021, but he's evidently viewed as part of the future.

Urena signed a minor-league contract with the Nationals on Sunday.

Urena will move on to the third organization of his career following a stint with Baltimore and two with Toronto. While with the Blue Jays in 2021, Urena spent the entire campaign at Triple-A Buffalo, hitting .272 with nine home runs and two stolen bases across 350 plate appearances.