MLB Player News

Dalbec was added to the Red Sox's 60-man player pool.

Dalbec was eclipsed by Tristan Casas as Boston's top power prospect, but he's the closest to the majors. It's unlikely we'll see him on the active 30-man roster to start the season, as the Red Sox are set at the infield corners, but Dalbec's big bat could make its debut at some point.

Bohm will be part of the Phillies' 60-man roster.

Bohm isn't on the 40-man roster and may not break camp to begin the season, but the addition of the universal DH in the National League certainly helps his chances of making his MLB debut in 2020. While Jay Bruce is penciled in as the team's main DH, Bohm could see some looks down the road against left-handed pitching, though it's worth noting he posted just a .720 OPS against southpaws at the Double-A level last season.

Kirilloff was included in Minnesota's 60-man player pool ahead of summer camp before the 2020 season begins, MLB.com reports.

Kirilloff hit .429 with two home runs and a 3:1 K:BB in 22 plate appearances in big-league spring training as the top prospect showed he can make an impact as soon as 2020. He's likely to begin the season at Minnesota's alternate training site, but could be called up to the major league roster if there's an injury at first base or DH.

Wade was included in Minnesota's 60-man player pool ahead of summer camp before the 2020 season begins, MLB.com reports.

Wade was optioned to Triple-A Rochester before spring training was shut down due to the pandemic. He was battling Jake Cave and Willians Astudillo for a final roster spot before he was sent down. With major league rosters expanding to 30 players for the first two weeks of the 60-game season, Wade appears likely to win a reserve outfielder role.

Chicago manager David Ross said he plans on batting Rizzo second behind Kris Bryant this season, Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

The Cubs will get the benefit of a DH during this abbreviated season, but Ross plans on batting his corner infielders 1-2, likely followed by shortstop Javier Baez and then possibly catcher Willson Contreras. Rizzo primarily batted third in 2019 while also getting time in the cleanup and leadoff spots. Previous manager Joe Maddon was known to freely move players around the batting order and the diamond, but it remains to be seen if Ross will be more consistent with his lineups.

Arias will be part of the Padres' 60-man summer camp.

Like the majority of the Padres' top prospects, Arias was included in the player pool for developmental purposes rather than to help the big-league club win in 2020. He is a great defensive shortstop and has impressive power for his age (20), but he could stand to improve his plate discipline (4.9 percent walk rate, 25 percent strikeout rate at High-A) before reaching the majors.

The White Sox announced Monday that Vaughn will be included as part of the team's 60-man roster pool.

With the 2020 minor-league season expected to be cancelled, Vaughn, one of the White Sox's top prospects, will join the big club for its summer training camp that begins Friday. Though Vaughn will be available to play during Chicago's 60-game regular-season slate, he'll most likely see most of his reps in simulated games while Jose Abreu and Edwin Encarnacion handle regular duties at first base and designated hitter for the big club. After being selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 first-year player draft, Vaughn appeared in 55 games between three different affiliates in his first pro campaign, slashing .278/.384/.449 with six home runs and 17 doubles.

Pratto will be a part of the Royals' 60-man player pool this season, Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes reports.

Like several other high-profile Royals position player prospects, Pratto had a dreadful 2019 season, hitting .191 with a 34.7 percent strikeout rate at High-A. As a top-15 pick in 2017, Pratto will be given plenty of chances to bounce back, but he is obviously not ready to face MLB pitching.

Higgins will be a part of the Cubs' 60-man player pool this season.

Higgins was one of four catchers added to the group that will train at Wrigley Field, joining Willson Contreras, Victor Caratini and Josh Phegley. Those other three figure to be ahead of Higgins on the depth chart, but the 27-year-old will be available in case a need arises.

Dixon will be a part of the Tigers' 60-man player pool this season.

Dixon was not a member of the 40-man roster, but after slugging a team-high 15 home runs last season, it appeared likely that he'd earn a spot on the expanded roster. The 28-year-old will give the Tigers a veteran option off their bench.