MLB Player News

Abrams could be named to the taxi squad under the current MLB proposal for a 2020 season, but he is unlikely to see big-league playing time during the campaign, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports.

Per Lin, "a couple of staffers have suggested that if any A-ball player could make the jump in an emergency, Abrams might lead the list." However, the prospect's lack of experience -- he has played in only 34 professional games -- makes such a scenario unlikely. Abrams' service-time clock must also be taken into consideration as the 19-year-old was slated to open the season in Low-A ball, making a sudden jump to the majors contrary to the Padres' interests.

Bichette has been able to stay in shape in part by doing drills and working out with his father, four-time All-Star outfielder Dante Bichette, Gregor Chisholm of The Toronto Star reports.

"Most of the time he's throwing me (batting practice), but every once in a while he actually pitches to me, so we'll get the Little League field distance and he'll throw it as hard as he can to try and get me out. That's when it gets a little bit intense and a little bit competitive," Bichette said about the workouts with his pop. The 22-year-old figures to be ready to go right away once spring training resumes.

Abrams has been playing catch, practicing hitting and performing various workouts during the suspension of play, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports.

The Padres' top prospect has been staying at home in Georgia during MLB's hiatus, but that hasn't stopped him from working on his skills on an everyday basis. Abrams was expected to open the 2020 campaign with Low-A Fort Wayne, though it remains to be seen when -- or if -- a minor-league season will get underway this year.

Franco's chances of making his big-league debut during the 2020 season will likely be dampened if there is no minor-league season, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

The elite prospect's chances of seeing big-league action in 2020 even if the season would have unfolded as planned may have been relatively remote, considering he's yet to take an at-bat above the High-A level. Despite the fact Franco is unquestionably on the fast track to the majors, the Rays would ideally like to get him more seasoning, leading Toribio to surmise an outright cancellation of the minor-league season would further depress the odds of the 19-year-old making his debut in a truncated year. However, he adds the disclaimer that the organization's view could change if the Rays find themselves in contention and conclude that Franco -- whose stellar .318/.390/.506 line at Low-A Bowling Green last season qualifies as the least impressive overall of his three professional stops to date -- could significantly improve the team's offensive firepower.

Edman hit .237 (9-for-38) with a double, a home run, six RBI, two walks and eight runs across 12 Grapefruit League games before spring training was suspended.

The versatile 24-year-old is set for ample playing time at various positions whenever the 2020 season does kick off, and he received plenty of opportunities to tune up before play was paused. Edman proved to be a legitimate multi-category fantasy asset during his first taste of the big leagues in 2019 by displaying above-average pop (35 extra-base hits) and speed (15 stolen bases in 16 attempts) while also boasting a modest strikeout rate (17.5 percent). Edman could see time at up to five different positions again during the coming campaign, with his role potentially set to be further fleshed out in any ramp-up period prior to the start of the regular season.

Baez posted a .429/.500/.786 slash line with three home runs in 11 Cactus League games before play was suspended.

The electric 27-year-old wasted no time getting into a groove this spring, though it's unclear when he or any other MLB players will be able to take the field again due to the coronavirus pandemic. When play is able to resume, Baez should quickly return to posting elite numbers for the Cubs.

Volpe has been taking part in hitting and defensive drills at his home in New Jersey during MLB's hiatus, Sam Dykstra of MiLB.com reports.

Volpe, the Yankees' first-round draft choice last season, spent much of March in self-quarantine after two fellow minor leaguers tested positive for COVID-19 in spring camp. He has since taken to hitting into a net and lifting weights at his home, as well as working on his defensive mechanics with what he describes as "a ton of drills...that take up literally no space." The 19-year-old will look to bounce back from a difficult first season in rookie ball during which he batted .219 and came down with a bout of mononucleosis that ended his campaign early.

Mateo's chances of garnering a spot on the Opening Day roster are uncertain following his spring training battle with Vimael Machin for a backup job at second base, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

When spring training was suspended, Franklin Barreto and Tony Kemp were projected to platoon at second base, with Mateo and Machin seemingly battling for what could have been the 26th and final spot on the roster. The 24-year-old Mateo was outpaced by Machin at the plate during Cactus League play, with the latter's .333 average markedly better than Mateo's .231 figure. Gallegos notes Mateo is a more "electric" player than Machin because of his lightning speed -- which manifested itself this spring in the form of four steals -- and is also out of minor-league options. Machin counters with the ability to play all four infield positions and is a Rule 5 draft pick, so he would return to his original organization (the Cubs) if he doesn't stick with the Athletics. Ultimately, even though Machin arguably had a leg up in their battle when play was paused, Mateo could well be the beneficiary of a possible expansion of rosters beyond 26 players that's been discussed as one of the contingency plans for a delayed regular season.

DeJong, who hit .464 (13-for-28) before spring training was suspended, proved himself worthy of manning the No. 4 spot in the order this coming season with his Grapefruit League performance, Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

DeJong's aforementioned impressive batting average was largely comprised of a double, four home runs, eight RBI, two walks and seven runs, certainly lending credence to the notion he's ramping up for a big season. Hummel notes that DeJong has now been working closely with hitting coach Jeff Albert for a full year, a relationship that appears to be paying dividends after the shortstop hit just .233 in 2019, including .193 with men in scoring position. Resurgent seasons from both DeJong and No. 3 hitter Paul Goldschmidt would give the Cardinals one of the more formidable 1-2 punches in the majors at those critical spots in the order.

Marcano impressed in the California League playoffs last season and is likely to begin the 2020 campaign at that level, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Marcano was relatively quiet in Low-A ball last season, slashing .270/.323/.337 with 15 stolen bases in 31 attempts. However, he hit .370/.414/.444 with a pair of walks in seven games after being promoted to High-A Lake Elsinore for the playoffs, improving his odds of opening 2020 with the Storm. The 20-year-old is unlikely to hit for much power, but his ability to make contact bodes well for his success as a hitter. However, he'll need to improve upon last year's 48 percent theft rate to show that he is capable of taking advantage of his plus speed on the basepaths.