MLB Player News

Bogaerts' power will come, according to Red Sox hitting coach Chili Davis, but the coach doesn't want the shortstop applying any undue pressure on himself to hit more home runs, CSN New England reports.

Davis is relieved to see Bogaerts taking the same approach as he did in 2015 when the shortstop was third in MLB with 196 hits. The breakthroughs Davis observed last season -- Bogaerts' confidence with two strikes; learning to handle fastballs in; laying off breaking balls out of the zone; and a reduction in his strike out rate -- are more important than going after home runs. The takeaway here is don't expect a big jump from the seven homers Bogaerts hit in 2015. He could eventually become a 20-homer guy, but that won't happen in 2016.

Tejada primarily worked at third base Sunday in Mets camp, Adam Rubin of ESPN.com reports.

Tejada saw 18 starts at third in 2015 after an entire career spent in the middle infield. With Asdrubal Cabrera now occupying shortstop and Wilmer Flores still around, the hot corner might be Tejada's best shot at semi-regular playing time, considering Flores hasn't played more than one game at third base since 2010.

Correa is slated to bat third in manager A.J. Hinch's lineup, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

This is confirming what was already highly probable, but there is some question of whether the Houston lineup will go Jose Altuve, George Springer, Correa to start, or if Hinch will break them up with a left-handed hitter. Whatever is decided, it appears Correa's spot in the lineup will not be affected. The 20-year-old occupied the three-hole nearly everyday in the second half of 2015.

Baez worked out in center field during outfield drills Friday, the Cubs' official site reports.

The Cubs have talked a lot already this spring about Baez being a utility player who can play all over the field, including even first base and center, two positions he's never played in the minors (he played one inning at first base with the Cubs last year). He can certainly help his chances of staying with the team if he can play anywhere, but at-bats are going to be difficult to come by with the Cubs seemingly overflowing at many positions.

Baez will continue to work in center field following the addition of Dexter Fowler and is considered the primary backup to Anthony Rizzo at first base, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Baez's development into a super utility player is unaffected by Fowler's signing as the Cubs are working on maximizing his versatility. Baez will have the opportunity to see playing time at first base, second base, third base, shortstop, and center field throughout the course of the 2016 season, likely leading to more starts and improved fantasy value.

Seager will be playing shortstop exclusively this season, the Dodgers' official site reports.

This isn't exactly a huge surprise, but it's good to get the confirmation early. Seager will be the starting shortstop and Justin Turner will slot in as the everyday third baseman. The 6'4" Seager may shift to third eventually, but it won't be happening this year.

Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale says Ahmed will compete to play short this season, the Arizona Republic reports.

Ahmed played 134 games and collected 459 plate appearances last season, but his grip on a full-time role loosened with the team's recent acquisition of Jean Segura. Ahmed hit just .226 with an anemic .275 on-base percentage in 2015, so Segura figures to be an offensive upgrade, though Ahmed is considered to be the better defensive player.

Anderson should begin the 2016 season at Triple-A Charlotte, but general manager Rick Hahn said Tuesday he would not be surprised to see Anderson make an appearance in the major leagues, the Chicago Tribune reports.

The White Sox's current strategy is to advance Anderson one level each year. Seeing as how he excelled at Double-A last season, Triple-A is the next logical step for 2016. Jimmy Rollins' arrival, and Tyler Saladino's competence, means there is no reason to rush Anderson to the majors to start the year, but there could be mounting pressure to recall him if he hits well in Charlotte.

With Jose Reyes placed on paid administrative leave Tuesday, Story appears in line to see significant reps at shortstop in the early going of spring training.

Reyes' status remains up in the air, as the leave merely buys time for the Commissioner's Office to decide on a suspension in relation to Reyes' offseason domestic violence arrest. However, with Reyes away from the team and the start of Cactus League action nearing, it looks like Story could see the bulk of the work at short, at least to begin the spring slate. Story posted an .863 OPS with 20 homers and 22 steals in 130 games between Double-A and Triple-A last season, earning a spot on the Rockies' 40-man roster. The other shortstop options behind Reyes and Story include Cristhian Adames, Daniel Descalso, and Rafael Ynoa.

Walters (shoulder) will work exclusively in the outfield in spring training, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Walters has been all over the field in his brief big league career, receiving a start in five different positions and as a DH, but it sounds as though manager Terry Francona would like the 26-year-old to have a bit more of a defined role. The switch-hitter had offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum, and though Francona indicated Walters would have no restrictions in the spring, it's unclear if he'll be ready for the start of the season.