MLB Player News

General manager Neal Huntington suggested last week that Frazier would open the 2019 campaign as the Pirates' everyday second baseman, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports. "We feel good about Adam Frazier getting a chance to play second base on a regular basis and letting him go play one position," Huntington said.

With the Pirates declining Josh Harrison's 2019 team option, the path is finally clear for Frazier to seize control of a regular gig after being deployed mostly in a utility role during parts of three seasons in the big leagues. Despite the somewhat sporadic at-bats, Frazier has been an above-average contributor at the dish during his time in the majors, slashing .280/.345/.422 (106 wRC+). Frazier won't offer much power, but if he can claim a spot near the top of the order, he could be a sneaky source of runs and steals. It's the batting-average category where he'll supply the bulk of his value, however, especially coming off a season in which the MLB mean dipped to its lowest mark (.248) since 1972.

Fontana signed a minor-league contract with the Rangers on Wednesday, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.

Fontana spent most of the 2018 campaign with Triple-A Salt Lake, hitting .234/.397/.414 in 45 games. He also saw some brief action with the Angels, though he hit just .091/.167/.364 in 12 plate appearances. Fontana figures to serve as organizational infield depth for the Rangers.

Urias may move over to shortstop following the Padres' signing of Ian Kinsler on Friday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Urias was expected to start the 2019 season as the club's starting second baseman, but his role is a little muddled now that Kinsler is on the team. Urias was groomed at both middle infield spots during his time in the Padres' minor leagues, though Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic added that the team still views him at the keystone while envisioning Kinsler at third base. Either way, he should be penciled into an everyday role unless the club elects to keep him in Triple-A for the start of the season to gain an extra year of control.

Dubon (knee) has progressed to hitting off a tee, according to his personal Twitter account.

Dubon continues to slowly work his way back from surgery that he underwent in May to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. While the 24-year-old is expected to be fully healthy by spring training, he'll open the season with Triple-A San Antonio. Dubon could make his major-league debut in 2019 if he picks up where he left off prior to suffering his injury (.343/.348/.574 with four homers and six stolen bases in 27 games at Triple-A in 2018).

Urias (hamstring) is projected to open the 2019 season as the Padres' starting second baseman, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Urias made his big-league debut as a 21-year-old in 2018, hitting .208/.264/.354 in 53 plate appearances before suffering a season-ending hamstring strain in mid-September. While he is still working his way back from the issue, Urias is expected to be fully healed heading into spring training, where he'll have the inside track on an everyday gig. The Padres could still choose to hold the youngster back to gain an extra year of control, as they're expected to do with fellow prospect Fernando Tatis. If Urias does break camp with the big club, he could feature as the leadoff hitter given his projection to hit for a solid average (career .306 average in the minors).

McNeil is likely to be featured as a utility player for the Mets in 2019, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

McNeil was previously penciled in as the Mets' starter at second base, but the acquisition of Robinson Cano from the Mariners in early December alters that significantly. According to DiComo, the team has discussed the 26-year-old as an option at all four infield positions in addition to left field. McNeil may not start the season as an everyday starter, but with Dominic Smith, Todd Frazier, Amed Rosario and Cano currently rounding out the Mets' infield, there should still be ample opportunities to accrue at-bats.

Marte could be the Diamondbacks' center fielder next season, Jack Magruder of The Sports Xchange reports.

Marte reportedly volunteered to be the team's center fielder last season when A.J. Pollock was injured. He started a pair of games in center for the Mariners back in 2015 but has been strictly an infielder since then. If he does wind up playing a number of games in the outfield, the added positional flexibility he'd pick up in most formats would provide a boost to his fantasy value.

Dubon (knee) will start the 2019 season at Triple-A San Antonio, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Dubon underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL back in May, and although he should be healthy for spring training, general manager David Stearns stated that Dubon won't get a shot at earning a spot on the roster for Opening Day. However, the 24-year-old second baseman could certainly make his major-league debut sometime during the 2019 campaign.

Motter, who had been playing with Toros Del Este in the Dominican Winter League, relayed Thursday via his personal Twitter account that he left the club and returned to the United States to undergo facial surgery.

Motter didn't offer specifics regarding an official diagnosis of his injury, but it sounds like he could be dealing with a fracture after he was hit by a pitch. The surgery will more than likely carry a multi-week recovery timetable, but Motter shouldn't face any restrictions by the time hitters report to spring training. The utility man is still looking to find a new home after being released by the Twins in late August.

The Blue Jays declined to tender a contract to Solarte for the 2019 season.

Solarte will hit the open market after spending the past year in Toronto. It became clear that the team wanted to go in another direction when his club option was also declined following the conclusion of the season. The infielder finished the year hitting just .226 with a .655 OPS and 54 RBI in 122 games.