MLB Player News

McCormick is likely to begin the season as Houston's starting right fielder, but he will be on a short leash, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

McCormick had a very disappointing 2024 season, maintaining only a 66 wRC+ across 267 plate appearances. Due to Houston's lack of offseason additions in the outfield, he's likely to maintain a starting role by default, though he'll need to return to the form he showcased earlier in his career to maintain that status. McTaggart named Taylor Trammell (calf) as a potential playing time winner should McCormick continue to struggle.

Vargas added 20 pounds of muscle during the offseason, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Vargas had considerable prospect pedigree while rising through the Dodgers' system, though he's hit just .204 with 13 home runs across 591 big-league plate appearances. His struggles in 2024 were at least partially blamed on the fact that he lost 12-to-14 pounds during the season, causing him to prioritize adding muscle this offseason. Vargas made his spring debut Saturday against the Cubs and went 0-for-2 with a walk.

Caballero went 0-for-2 with a strikeout in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox.

Caballero didn't have a notable day at the dish, but he did start in right field. While Caballero boasts defensive versatility along the infield, he has only one appearance in the outfield across two seasons in the majors. Per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the Rays are hoping that Caballero proves capable of handling corner outfield duties as a reserve option during the regular season.

Lofton will compete with Cavan Biggio and Harold Castro for a utility role this spring, the Kansas City Star reports. He's 3-for-4 in his first two spring games.

Loftin had a .803 OPS in his first taste of the majors in 19 games in 2023, but he struggled last season with a .518 OPS in 57 games. He still hit .302 with a .857 OPS at Triple-A last season. He can play several positions in the infield and outfield -- he played second base Saturday -- but the Royals may prefer a left-handed hitter in the role (both Castro and Biggio hit lefty). At just age 26 this season, Loftin may have the most upside among the group.

Simpson made two strong defensive plays in center field in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Simpson has elite speed and recorded 104 total stolen bases between High-A and Double-A in 2024. Despite that, Simpson's defensive ability has surprisingly been questionable, though he made two diving plays in center field during Saturday's game. He also has three hits in his first four at-bats while also swiping a bag.

Jansen went 1-for-2 with a solo home run in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox.

Jansen has spent most of his time working with the pitching staff to begin spring training, though he homered in his first at-bat of the exhibition season. He was signed by the Rays this offseason in the hopes of bolstering the offense, and he should have the chance to top his career high of 324 plate appearances if he can remain healthy.

Matthews threw two scoreless innings with two strikeouts and no walks in his first outing of the spring Saturday. He reached 97.4 mph with his fastball and also displayed a refined changeup which he worked to improve in the offseason, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Matthews was a fast-rising prospect last season who rose from High-A to the majors based on his impeccable control and strong strikeout rates but struggled in his first trip to the majors (6.69 ERA). He has an outside shot this spring to win the fifth starter role, but it's more likely he begins the season in Triple-A. He could still have a significant impact in the majors this season with his minuscule walk rate (1.0 BB/9 career in minors), strong strikeout rate (10.2 K/9 career in minors) and velocity.

Keaschall went 1-for-2 in Minnesota's spring training opener Saturday. He appeared as a pinch hitter and stayed in the game at DH as he isn't able to play in the field due to his recovery from Tommy John surgery last August.

Keaschall has been taking grounders at second base but not throwing once he gets the ball. He could be cleared to begin throwing by the middle of March, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. Keaschall almost surely isn't going to make the Opening Day roster, but he should debut during the 2025 season after slashing .303/.420/.483 with 15 home runs and 23 stolen bases between High-A Cedar Rapids and Double-A Wichita in 2024.

Berroa was removed from Saturday's Cactus League game against the Cubs due to right elbow discomfort.

Berroa was only able to get through one-third of an inning before being removed, during which he allowed two earned runs on three hits and a walk. He's slated to undergo further evaluation after the game, at which point more will be known regarding his availability going forward.

Penrod isn't expected to need surgery on his injured left elbow, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Penrod has been dealing with a sore left elbow and got an MRI on Thursday. The results of the test were encouraging, as the lefty reliever doesn't appear to be slated to go under the knife. However, manager Alex Cora said Saturday that Penrod will be "out a while," which could impact his chances of making the Opening Day bullpen.