MLB Player News

Casas was invited to Boston's major-league spring training Saturday.

Casas performed well at Double-A Portland in 2021, slashing .284/.395/.484 with 13 homers, 57 runs, 52 RBI and six stolen bases across 77 games. He was rewarded with a promotion to Triple-A Worcester for the final week and a half of the minor-league season, and he'll now get a chance to work with the big-league coaching staff during spring training for a second straight year. The 22-year-old is unlikely to begin the 2022 campaign with the major-league squad but will likely be in the mix to debut at some point this year if he performs well in Worcester.

Torkelson said he's been seeing the ball well during spring drills, and the top prospect could push for an Opening Day roster spot, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Torkelson, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 first-year player draft, made it all the way up to Triple-A in 2021, and he posted a solid .881 OPS across 40 games with Toledo. The Tigers will most likely get Torkelson a little more seasoning in the minors to begin the 2022 season, though the 22-year-old could force the issue if he gets off to a hot start.

Kirilloff (wrist) isn't expected to face any limitations to begin spring training, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Kirilloff underwent surgery on his right wrist in late July, and he was unavailable for the final few months of the 2021 campaign. However, manager Rocco Baldelli said that the 24-year-old looked good swinging a bat after reporting to spring training Friday. Baldelli indicated Kirilloff wouldn't have participated in activities if the team had any remaining medical concerns, so he should be ready to play once the Twins begin spring training games next week.

Torkelson said Saturday in an interview with Evan Petzold of The Detroit Free Press that he's nearly recovered from the sprained ankle he sustained during the Arizona Fall League.

Torkelson's ankle injury resulted in an early end to his stint in the AFL, but he's since remained in the desert to rehab the ankle and take part in offseason workouts at his alma mater, Arizona State. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 first-year player draft looks like he still has a couple minor hurdles to clear in his recovery from the injury, but he's on pace to be a full participant in workouts when the Tigers begin spring training. Expect the slugging corner infielder to open the 2022 campaign at Triple-A Toledo, where he posted an .881 OPS and 13.5 percent walk rate over 177 plate appearances last season following his mid-August promotion from Double-A Erie.

Calhoun signed a contract with the Rangers on Sunday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Calhoun's $9 million team option was declined by the Diamondbacks in early November after he slashed .235/.297/.373 with five homers, 17 runs and 17 RBI across 51 appearances last year. Although he dealt with hamstring issues in 2021, he'll likely be in the mix for a starting role in 2022.

Pratto was added to Kansas City's 40-man roster Friday.

Pratto dominated at Double-A and closed the year by hitting .259/.367/.634 with 21 home runs in 63 games at Triple-A. He is nearing his big-league debut and profiles as the Royals' first baseman of the future.

Clemens had his contract selected by the Tigers on Friday.

The move to the 40-man roster protect Clemens from being selected during the upcoming Rule 5 draft. The 25-year-old spent last season at Triple-A Toledo and hit .247/.312/.778 with 18 homers, 59 RBI and 66 runs in 97 games. He figures to be in big-league camp for spring training.

White (hip) has resumed taking part in baseball activities and is expected to have a normal offseason program, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

The 25-year-old underwent hip surgery in July and was limited to 30 games in 2021, as Ty France took over the everyday role at first base for Seattle. France is now set to open 2022 as the starting first baseman, per Divish, while White will work in left field during the offseason and spring training to try and add some versatility to his game. White had a .599 OPS in 54 games during the shortened campaign in 2020, and his main positive was his defense as he won a Gold Glove, so he'll need to produce more offensively next season to have a chance of sticking around the big-league roster.

President of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said Tuesday the Mariners will begin the 2022 season with France as the team's starting first baseman, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

France is primarily viewed as more of a second baseman by trade, but he offers strong versatility and spent most of his time at first base in 2021 to go along with 19 appearances at the keystone and five at third base. Even though he's not the prototypical power bat at first, the 27-year-old produced at the plate with a .291/.368/.445 slash line, 18 homers, 32 doubles, 73 RBI and 85 runs in 650 plate appearances.

The Astros intend to exercise Gurriel's team option for the 2022 season, Gurriel tweeted from his personal account Thursday.

Gurriel's club option is worth $8 million, an increase of 1.5 million from his 2021 salary. He performed well as the Astros' regular first baseman last season, logging a 134 wRC+ and .363 wOBA while also winning the American League batting title. He projects to return to a full-time role once again, and his contact-heavy approach at the plate could help him maintain steady production despite entering his age-37 campaign.