MLB Player News

France projects to get the bulk of playing time at designated hitter this season before eventually transitioning to third base full-time, likely in 2022, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

A trade deadline acquisition from the Padres last summer, France made quite the impression with a .309/.371/.469 line, five doubles, a triple, two home runs and 13 RBI across 89 plate appearances. The Mariners are intent on getting his bat into the lineup on an everyday basis, hence the 26-year-old being ticketed for designated hitter work while Kyle Seager likely plays out his final Mariners season at the hot corner. With Seattle holding a $15 million option on Seager for 2022, France can presumably seal the veteran's fate by continuing to produce at a caliber similar to his late 2020 run during the coming campaign.

Cooper is expected to split playing time at first base with Jesus Aguilar to begin the season, Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald reports.

"In general, we feel like we are going to get both of those guys a lot of at-bats with a combination of first base and outfield," manager Don Mattingly said. "Days off for different guys. We want both of these guys in the lineup as much as possible." The 30-year-old Cooper could also see reps in right field, but the offseason addition of Adam Duvall will likely limit how much time is available for other players in right. As a result, it might take a trade, or the last-minute re-introduction of the DH to the National League, for either Cooper or Aguilar to see anything close to a full-time role, even before considering the potential presence of prospect Lewin Diaz in the mix. Cooper certainly earned a significant role in Miami after posting a .281/.347/.459 slash line in 141 games over the last two seasons.

Freeman has yet to arrive at camp for Atlanta after his wife gave birth to their third child Sunday, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

"Not a big deal at all," manager Brian Snitker said. "Most of the time, he gets hot the first 10 days then gets bored for 10 days and gets it back going. Not worried about him at all. I'll be honest with you, he doesn't need to be here." Freeman, who is heading into the final season of his current contract, is expected to report later this week and will then need a couple days to get through the league's COVID-19 protocols before he'll be able to get on the field, leaving him plenty of time to prepare for the regular season.

Goldschmidt (elbow) was spotted taking part in fielding drills during the Cardinals' workout Tuesday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

As an established veteran, Goldschmidt may be eased into game action during the Grapefruit League slate, but his presence on the field for the start of spring training suggests he's made a full recovery from the offseason procedure he required to remove a bone spur from his right elbow. The 33-year-old doesn't provide much value as a base stealer these days, but he's nonetheless been a rock-solid fantasy option at first base through his first two seasons in St. Louis, and that's unlikely to change in 2021. Expect him to slot in the heart of the order of a Cardinals lineup that could be improved this season after the addition of Nolan Arenado earlier in the winter.

Texas manager Chris Woodward said it's possible that both Lowe and Ronald Guzman make the Opening Day roster, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

When the Rangers acquired Lowe, it was presumed the organization was moving on from Guzman. However, that was before Guzman earned MVP honors in the Dominican Winter League. Woodward said there's a world where both first basemen can break camp with the Rangers, but that would mean both have a strong spring training. In that event, the Rangers could use Lowe at third base, where he's appeared six times for Tampa Bay and another five times while in the minors.

Vaughn took his first batting practice of training camp Monday, Lamond Pope of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Vaughn is the latest White Sox prospect entering spring training with buzz. In 2019 it was Eloy Jimenez and last year Luis Robert was the toast of camp. Both of those players cemented full-time roles in the lineup, and now Vaughn begins his competition for the open designated hitter job. The 2019 third overall draft pick hasn't played above High-A, but decision-makers in the organization feel he's ready to hit MLB pitching.

Arizona general manager expects Cabrera to provide at-bats against left-handers, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

The Diamondbacks added the veteran infielder, who can play third base and second base, to balance a lefty-dominant lineup. The general manager doesn't believe Cabrera's presence will prevent giving playing time to younger infielders, while he'll provide an established clubhouse presence. One obvious role for the 35-year-old is to start at third base against left-handers, with Eduardo Escobar sliding to second and Ketel Marte moving to center field.

Smith missed the Mets' first day of full-squad workouts but is not dealing with any injury, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Several players around the league have faced slight delays while going through intake testing, though the Mets didn't confirm exactly why Smith wasn't available. Manager Luis Rojas said Monday that Smith should arrive by the end of the week, which should give him plenty of time to prepare for the upcoming season.

Tigers manager AJ Hinch said Monday that Torkelson will work exclusively at third base during spring training, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Though significant questions remain as to whether Torkelson has enough range to stick at the hot corner long term, the Tigers will at least give the 2020 No. 1 overall pick the chance to prove he can play the position as he begins his professional career. Torkelson is already close to big-league ready at the plate, and he'll retain plenty of appeal in dynasty formats even if he's ultimately forced to move to first base.

Hoskins (elbow) has been medically cleared to play and expects to be ready for Opening Day, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Hoskins bounced back from a somewhat disappointing 2019 campaign in last year's shortened season, hitting .245/.384/.503. His campaign was cut short after just 41 games, however, as he suffered an elbow injury in mid-September which eventually required Tommy John surgery. That procedure carries a much shorter recovery timeline for hitters than it does for pitchers, but his readiness for Opening Day still appeared in doubt at the time of the procedure. He's evidently found himself on the fast end of the timetable, so he should have plenty of time to get up to speed and play a full regular season, barring setbacks.