MLB Player News

Vaughn focused on adding strength and improving his agility this offseason, Scott Merkinof MLB.com reports.

Vaughn detailed that he worked with bands and focused on improving his footwork while eating better. He played a full season at first base for the first time in 2023, which also helped him post a career-best 615 plate appearances, and his offseason work could further improve his durability. Vaughn has yet to take a significant step forward from a skills perspective and has maintained a near identical line across the last two campaigns.

Loftin is preparing to fill a utility role in 2024, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Loftin has played all around the infield in his minor-league career, so it's not too much of a defensive adjustment. He's also working on the back fields in the corner outfield. Without a defined position, it's tough to see Loftin getting more than a short-side platoon role to begin the year. That said, the versatility will be valuable to help him stick in the majors. He hit .323 with an .803 OPS over 68 plate appearances in his first big-league audition last year. Those numbers, especially fueled by a .392 BABIP, likely won't last over a longer sample, but he can still be a useful bench bat and defender even if he is a little less consistent.

Gallo is currently limited to just hitting as he dealing with a sore quad, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez indicated that the club is being cautious and Gallo could be ready to play defense in games next week. The 30-year-old slugger is expected to handle most of the playing time in left field for the Nats this season, with some first base and designated hitter mixed in.

Cron signed a minor-league contract with the Red Sox on Friday that includes an invitation to spring training, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The Red Sox had been looking for someone to compete with Bobby Dalbec for a role as a right-handed slugger off the bench, and Cron fits the bill. He slashed just .248/.295/.434 with 12 homers in 278 plate appearances last year while battling nagging back issues, so the 34-year-old is not a great bet to be healthy or effective. However, there's no risk in seeing what he might have left in the tank on a minor-league deal. Cron does not figure to be a major threat to Triston Casas' playing time at first base.

Mountcastle (illness) will serve as Baltimore's designated hitter in Friday's spring game against Atlanta, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

The 27-year-old was scratched from Thursday's lineup due to an illness, but he'll rejoin the starting nine just a day later. Mountcastle clubbed 18 homers in 115 games last season but is hitless through six at-bats during spring training.

Montero started at first base and went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run in Thursday's Cactus League game against the Cubs, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Montero has shown intriguing power throughout his minor-league career and has flashed potential across 492 big-league plate appearances. He's gotten off to a strong start this spring, ripping two home runs across 13 plate appearances while striking out only twice. Montero likely has an advantage in the competition for a bench spot on the roster because he is out of minor-league options, though he could also push for at-bats at either first base or designated hitter if he continues to show well this spring.

Dixon announced his retirement on X on Thursday.

Dixon was most recently in the majors in 2023, when he earned 86 plate appearances with the Padres. He holds a career .224/.266/.397 line across 658 big-league plate appearances and also suited up for the Reds and Tigers.

The Diamondbacks announced Thursday that Walker has a right hand contusion after X-rays came back negative, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.

Walker was removed from Thursday's Cactus League game against the Giants after being hit in the hand by a pitch. The first baseman suffered the injury in the fourth inning, but his day may have been finished regardless of the injury. He should be able to make a relatively quick return since he avoided a fracture.

Walker was removed from Thursday's Cactus League game against the Giants after being hit in the hand by a pitch, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Walker was struck by a 92-mph sinker in the fourth inning during his second trip to the plate. It's possible he was going to be done for the day after the plate appearance, anyway, but the Diamondbacks weren't going to take any chances. Walker could be sent for X-rays.

Mountcastle was scratched from the Orioles' lineup ahead of Thursday's Grapefruit League game against Pittsburgh due to an illness, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Mountcastle is expected to return to Baltimore's lineup within the next couple of days as he fights off his illness. The 27-year-old first baseman slashed .270/.328/.452 with 18 homers and 68 RBI last season and has been held hitless through six at-bats so far this spring.