MLB Player News

Edman, who led off in Sunday's Grapefruit League opener against the Nationals, has the skill set to potentially handle the role on a regular basis during the season, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports.

The versatile Edman is a switch hitter who possesses excellent speed and had 19- and 27-stolen-base tallies during two stops in his minor-league career. Edman also regularly posted contact rates above 80.0 percent before making his big-league debut in 2019, and he's generated figures of 81.3 percent and 76.5 percent in his first two seasons in the majors. Working out of the top of the order Sunday, Edman singled and scored on a wild pitch in the first inning, and he's likely to get consistent opportunities to prove he's a fit for the leadoff role during Grapefruit League games.

Ahmed said he jammed his shoulder toward the end of summer training camp last year, which impacted him at the plate and in the field, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Ahmed said the injury was never serious enough to prevent him from playing, but a nagging pain caused him to alter his throws and may have contributed to a 2-for-31 slump to start the season. The two-time Gold Glove winner's fielding percentage dropped from .979 to .963 as did his DRS (from 17 to 4). Ahmed has improved at the plate since his early years and had a career-high 19 home runs and .753 OPS in 2019.

Baez, who could become a free agent after the 2021 season, said he is open to a contract extension during spring training, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Coming off of a subpar 2020 performance, Baez and the Cubs avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $11.65 million contract in January. However, the 28-year-old said "I don't want to play for another team," and noted he is open to extension talks during spring training. The Cubs have decisions to make on a number of core players, including Baez, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Willson Contreras, and it's possible they go for a rebuild and let some of those pieces move on. Either way, Baez will be looking to restore his value with a bounceback 2021 campaign.

Edman is still projected to serve as the Cardinals' primary second baseman this season but is prepared to put in time at other positions again if necessary, Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Edman has been a true jack of all trades for the Cardinals over his first two seasons, logging 37 appearances at second base, 86 at third base, 13 at shortstop and 34 in the outfield, the majority in right field. With long-time second baseman Kolten Wong signing with the Brewers during the offseason, Edman appears to be a natural fit at the keystone, but Matt Carpenter's presence could factor into that equation. Manager Mike Shildt would like to keep Carpenter's bat in the lineup if the veteran distinguishes himself during spring training, and with the acquisition of Nolan Arenado, the latter's old third base spot is spoken for. Edman may therefore split some time at second with Carpenter, but he could shift to other positions when Shildt wants to keep both hitters in the lineup. Although the majority of his spring training reps have come at second thus far, he's also already put in some work tracking flyballs in the outfield.

Franco is no longer dealing with the shoulder issue that hindered him in winter ball and feels good to begin spring training, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

Franco was diagnosed with biceps inflammation and shoulder soreness following an injury while playing winter ball, but he wasn't dealing with any structural damage or long-term issues. The Rays should continue to monitor his status early in spring training to prevent any further issues as he resumes baseball activities, but he should have a fairly normal spring as long as he doesn't encounter any setbacks. The league's top prospect will have his preparedness closely monitored while serving as a non-roster invitee during spring training, but he could be on track to make his major-league debut at some point in 2021.

Berti is not considered part of the competition for the Marlins' starting second base job, Andre C. Fernandez of The Miami Herald reports.

Prospects Jazz Chisholm and Isan Diaz are fighting for that spot, with the loser of the battle expected to begin the season at Triple-A Jacksonville, while Berti slots in as the backup in either case. With both younger players unproven, however, it wouldn't be a surprise if neither can hold onto the job, giving Berti a path to plenty of playing time at the keystone in addition to his utility duties elsewhere on the diamond. The 31-year-old has taken advantage of his opportunities in Miami the last two seasons, posting a .269/.362/.388 slash line with 26 steals in 31 attempts over 436 plate appearances while seeing action around the diamond everywhere except first base and catcher.

Garcia spent the offseason bulking up and working on his swing, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Garcia is expected to begin the season back in the minors after being rushed in 2020, but the Reds didn't improve with a full-time major league offseason, opening the door for him to make the team, even if it's just a small chance. "We just have to be really thoughtful about doing what's best for Jose," manager David Bell said. "Obviously our goal is to win as a team. We'll have to see how it plays out. It wouldn't surprise me if he started in the minor leagues, and it wouldn't surprise me if he ended up being a big part of our major league team this year."

White Sox manager Tony LaRussa said Wednesday that Anderson will serve as the club's leadoff hitter this season, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Even with Chicago bringing in a new skipper for 2021, Anderson was fully expected to retain his leadoff role after slashing .322/.357/.529 over 221 plate appearances last season. For the second straight year, Anderson greatly outperformed his expected batting average (.293), but even if regression finally rears its head in 2021, the 27-year-old should remain a major asset in that category. His power/speed combination and placement atop one of the majors' strongest lineups further burnishes his fantasy value.

Crawford showed up to the Mariners' first day of full-squad workouts Tuesday sporting about 10 additional pounds of muscle, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

The 26-year-old made significant improvements in both batting average (.255, up from .226) and on-base percentage (.336, up from .313) last season compared to 2019, but he knocked only two balls out of the park in 232 plate appearances. Crawford has never hit more than the seven home runs he managed in 2019 as far as the major-league level is concerned, but he did rack up 15 round trippers back in 2017 at Triple-A Lehigh Valley while still in the Phillies organization. Crawford's focus on adding strength this offseason undoubtedly was largely centered on improving his overall production at the plate as he looks to get his offense closer to the level of his Gold Glove defense at shortstop.

Arcia will work at third base "a substantial amount" during spring training, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Arcia is most likely to see playing time at shortstop this season, but Luis Arcia should also get increased reps at the position during spring training. As a result, manager Craig Counsell said that the team will move Orlando around during camp, and he could see plenty of time at the hot corner. The 26-year-old slashed .260/.317/.416 with five home runs and 20 RBI over 59 games in 2020.