MLB Player News

Joseph seems to be on the outside of the 25-man roster looking in heading into spring training, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

This ominous outlook certainly isn't due to lack of production. Although his average and OPS dipped a bit last season, Joseph bashed 43 homers and 42 doubles over the past two seasons, helping him to drive in 116 runs in that span. The biggest reasons for his roster spot being in question are the emergence of Rhys Hoskins and the signing of Carlos Santana. At this point, it seems like Joseph is the third option at first base, and the only other position he played in his career is catcher (not counting his one-game stint as a third baseman in the minors). General manager Matt Klentak commented that he respects what the 26-year-old has done the past two seasons and that he's currently considered a part of the active roster. However, he noted that Joseph will have to earn his spot during spring training "just like everybody else," which could make things difficult if he struggles during Grapefruit League action.

Cabrera figures to see consistent playing time at second base after the Mets signed third baseman Todd Frazier, Matt Ehalt of The Bergen Record reports.

Cabrera was formerly in the mix to play third base during the 2018 campaign, however, his role quickly changed after the Mets signed Frazier on Monday night. With third base solidified, Cabrera will be used at second or off the bench. The 32-year-old batted .280 with 14 home runs and 59 RBI a season ago, and will look to replicate those numbers in the upcoming year.

Bour will make $3.4 million in 2018 after winning his arbitration case, Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reports.

The Marlins came in at $3 million, but will be required to pay a little more for Bour's services during this upcoming season. In 2017, the first baseman slashed .289/.366/.536 with career bests in home runs (25), RBI (83) and hits (109) while playing in 108 games. The biggest concern for the 29-year-old will be getting opportunities to drive in baserunners for a fully fledged rebuilding organization in 2018.

Hiura's elbow is completely healthy, and he'll be good to go for spring training, Adam McCalvy of MLB.comreports.

Hiura received a platelet-rich plasma injection for his elbow during the offseason, which helped him avoid surgery and return to health. Hiura will appear in his first major-league spring training camp this year, meaning he will get to see some live big-league pitching. Expect the 21-year-old second baseman to continue his journey through the minor leagues during the 2018 campaign.

Shaw (shoulder) received a non-roster invite to the Giants' spring training.

Shaw is one of the top position players in the Giants' depleted farm system. The outfielder will get a big-league look in spring training but is still expected to open the year with Triple-A Sacramento, according to manager Bruce Bochy. He's a candidate to make his major-league debut sometime during 2018, especially if he puts together a strong spring training performance.

Court came to terms on a minor-league deal with the Cubs which includes an invitation to spring training

Court has yet to appear in a major-league game entering his age-29 season, and spent the 2017 season at the Triple-A level within the Red Sox's system. During 106 games with the team, he slashed .263/.347/.410 with 10 home runs and 44 RBI. He will provide added depth at the first base position for Chicago this upcoming season.

Hiura has been invited to the Brewers' major-league camp this spring.

Hiura appeared in 27 games for Low-A Wisconsin after being drafted by Milwaukee with the ninth overall pick of the 2017 first-year player draft in June. He slashed .333/.374/.476 with 15 RBI and 13 extra-base hits during those contests with the Timber Rattlers and will get the chance to go up against major-league pitching this spring. Hiura should continue to make his way through the minor leagues this year, and could reach the majors as soon as 2019.

Solano signed a minor-league contract with the Dodgers on Friday that includes an invitation to spring training, Chris Cotillo of SB Nation reports.

Solano spent the entirety of the 2017 season with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the Yankees' system, slashing .282/.329/.391 with four home runs and 48 RBI. The second baseman will provide extra organizational depth up the middle for Los Angeles.

Voit has been taking reps at the corner-outfield spots throughout the offseason, Ben Frederickson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Voit has been training locally at Maryville University and indicated that he's been gaining experience with reading balls off the bat and perfecting his routes while tracking flyballs. Though Voit said he doesn't envision a permanent position change from first base, he acknowledged that having familiarity with the corner outfield -- in addition to his ability to play catcher on an emergency basis -- could help his case for earning an Opening Day roster spot with St. Louis. The 26-year-old, who posted a .736 OPS across 124 plate appearances with the Cardinals in 2017, is expected to enter spring training second on the depth chart at first base behind Jose Martinez.

Flores agreed to a one-year, $3.4 million deal with the Mets on Friday, avoiding arbitration, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

He receives a raise over the $2.2 million he made last year in his first year of arbitration. Flores figures to play almost every day this season, likely seeing time at second base, third base and first base. He hit .271 with 18 home runs in 362 plate appearances last season, and could be poised for a breakout campaign.