MLB Player News

Turner agreed to a one-year, $21 million contract with the Dodgers on Tuesday to avoid arbitration, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

The 28-year-old was acquired from the Nationals ahead of the 2021 trade deadline and is in his final year of arbitration eligibility before hitting free agency. Turner played second base for the Dodgers last year but is back at shortstop for 2022 due to the departure of Corey Seager, who signed with the Rangers.

Williams was designated for assignment on Tuesday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Williams had a memorable moment last season, hitting a walkoff homer in his first career start. His overall performance wasn't particularly impressive, however, as he hit .245/.315/.316 with a zero percent barrel rate in 108 trips to the plate. His defensive versatility and youth could nonetheless make him interesting enough for another team to claim off waivers. The move clears a roster spot for the newly-signed Nick Castellanos.

Crawford and the Mariners avoided arbitration Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year, $4.85 million contract, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Crawford will more than double his salary in his second year of arbitration eligibility. While his profile is still driven by his defense, he's coming off a year in which he produced an above-average batting line for the first time, as his .273/.338/.376 triple slash was good for a 103 wRC+.

Adames agreed to a one-year, $4.6 million deal with the Brewers on Tuesday to avoid arbitration, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

It's a solid payday for Adames in his first year of arbitration eligibility. He's slated to start at shortstop for the Brewers this year after hitting .285/.366/.521 with 20 homers, 61 runs and 58 RBI in 99 games after being acquired from the Rays last May.

Diaz signed a one-year, $4.45 million contract with the Astros on Tuesday, avoiding arbitration, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The agreement means Diaz will avoid arbitration in his final year of eligibility. The utility infielder is coming off a season in which he hit .259/.317/.405 in 84 games, good for a 99 wRC+.

DeJong is ahead of Edmundo Sosa for the starting shortstop job, John Denton of MLB.com

Manager Oli Marmol entered spring with the mindset that the starting gig at shortstop was Dejong's to lose. So far, DeJong is 1-for-5 with a run scored in three games in spring training, though Marmol has been satisfied with his hitting process if not the results. Both DeJong and Sosa are right-handed hitters, so it's unlikely this develops into a platoon, though the latter could also challenge Tommy Edman for playing time at second base.

Despite his hot start this spring, Cruz may still open the year at Triple-A, according to the Associated Press. "There's still development to be had there," manager Derek Shelton said. "Oneil is going to have an impact on our club this year at some point. When that is, I don't think any of us know."

Cruz has already hit two impressive home runs in spring training and he has zero strikeouts or walks through two games. According to the report, both Shelton and general manager Ben Cherington have said they want Cruz to get experience playing the outfield, and it would make more sense for him to get those reps at Triple-A. For his part, Cruz is adamant that he's a shortstop. "I feel like I've demonstrated a lot," Cruz said, "but I guess I've just got to continue demonstrating." Kevin Newman and Cole Tucker are the other competitors for the starting spot at shortstop. While the team is pumping the brakes on the idea of Cruz breaking camp in the majors, he could probably force its hand if he continues to dominate at the plate.

Barrero underwent surgery Tuesday to repair the hook of his hamate bone in his left hand, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Barrero could have had the chance to push for a starting role to open the season, but he'll now be on the injured list until at least early May. Kyle Farmer looks to be safe at shortstop in Barrero's absence.

Mondesi agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract with Kansas City on Monday, avoiding arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Mondesi struggled to stay healthy a season ago, and with his contract now in order, he can focus on his play. It's already been reported early in camp that he's in line for the starting job at shortstop, though the Royals may also elect to give him looks around the infield given his versatility. It'll also be worth keeping an eye on whether Kansas City plans to grant Mondesi regular rest, given his past injuries.

Smith (ankle) will start at shortstop and bat eighth Monday in the Rangers' Cactus League game against the Guardians.

Texas scratched Smith from its lineup for Sunday's game against the Brewers while he contended with a sore ankle, but the extra day off was apparently all the infield prospect needed to move past the issue. Smith, who was one of several farmhands the Rangers acquired last summer in the deal that sent Joey Gallo to the Yankees, slashed .294/.425/.431 with three home runs and seven stolen bases across 127 plate appearances at Double-A Frisco following his arrival from New York.