MLB Player News
-
Luke Keaschall 2B | MIN
Twins' Luke Keaschall: Logs hit in first spring game
Keaschall went 1-for-2 in Minnesota's spring training opener Saturday. He appeared as a pinch hitter and stayed in the game at DH as he isn't able to play in the field due to his recovery from Tommy John surgery last August.
Keaschall has been taking grounders at second base but not throwing once he gets the ball. He could be cleared to begin throwing by the middle of March, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. Keaschall almost surely isn't going to make the Opening Day roster, but he should debut during the 2025 season after slashing .303/.420/.483 with 15 home runs and 23 stolen bases between High-A Cedar Rapids and Double-A Wichita in 2024.
-
Hye Seong Kim 2B | LAD
Dodgers' Hyeseong Kim: Will get looks in CF
Manager Dave Roberts said Saturday that the Dodgers will look to use Kim in center field during spring training in addition to second base and shortstop, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.
Kim has a bit of experience playing in the outfield from his time in Korea, though he was only ever used in the corners. The Dodgers -- eager to add another lefty-hitting option in center field -- believe the 26-year-old's speed will allow him to succeed in the new role, but Kim is still expected to serve primarily as a second baseman once the regular season begins.
-
Connor Norby 2B | MIA
Marlins' Connor Norby: Aiming for 30-homer campaign
Norby believes his can hit 30 homers this season, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.
The 24-year-old spent the offseason refining his swing mechanics to keep his bat in the zone longer, and Norby is confident his natural loud contact will produce plenty of power without him needing to sell out and swing for the fences. "I'm here to prove that I want to be one of the best players in the league, and I think I can do that," Norby said this week. "That's what it's about -- and helping the team win games." Thirty homers may not be an unreasonable goal for Norby, even if loanDepot Park tends to suppress right-handed power. Over 139 games last season split between Triple-A and the majors in the O's and Marlins organizations, he went yard 26 times.
-
Kristian Campbell 2B | BOS
Red Sox's Kristian Campbell: Starts at second Friday
Campbell started at second base and went 0-for-3 in Friday's spring game against Northeastern University.
Campbell was one of several prospects and minors leaguers dotting Boston's lineup in the team's traditional spring kickoff against the Huskies. He's competing for a starting job at second base, but the Alex Bregman acquisition could influence the decision regarding the starter at the keystone. If Bregman plays third base, then Campbell has a real shot; if Rafael Devers stays at third base, then Bregman is expected to start at second base. That latter scenario means Campbell would likely open the season at Triple-A Worcester.
-
Joseph Ortiz 2B | MIL
Brewers' Joey Ortiz: Getting first crack at shortstop
Ortiz will start at shortstop and bat sixth in Saturday's Cactus League opener against the Reds, Sophia Minnaert of Bally Sports Wisconsin reports.
Manager Pat Murphy said to not look into the positional alignment too much, but it's still notable that the 26-year-old is getting the first exhibition start at shortstop following the offseason departure of Willy Adames. Ortiz provided strong defense at third base last season and had a .239/.329/.398 slash line with 11 homers and 11 steals in 142 regular-season games. Brice Turang is also being considered for a shift shift to shortstop, but it may make more sense to keep him at second base since that's where he won the Platinum Glove Award last year.
-
Jonathan India 2B | KC
Royals' Jonathan India: In left field for Cactus opener
India is starting in left field and batting leadoff Friday versus the Rangers in the Royals' Cactus League opener.
It was known that India would be getting reps in the outfield during camp, but it's interesting that his first start this spring is in left field. India has never played anywhere other than second base at the major-league level, and the keystone could still be his primary position this season. However, India getting starts in left field opens up second base for Michael Massey, who will start at that position Friday.
-
Mauricio Dubon 2B | ATL
Astros' Mauricio Dubon: Could get regular looks at 2B
Dubon is an option to start at second base if Jose Altuve plays in left field, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.
The Astros have been coy about their plans for Altuve, though Rome notes that he has only observed Altuve in the outfield early in spring training. Given that, current signs point to him getting at least some time in left field during the regular season, with the goal of Yordan Alvarez being the full-time designated hitter. In turn, playing time will open at second base, with Dubon and Brendan Rodgers seemingly the top candidates to fill the spot. Dubon has served as a utility player for Houston across the last two seasons and would be a candidate to post double-digit homers and steals with more regular at-bats.
-
Luis Arraez 1B | SD
Padres' Luis Arraez: Thumb injury behind him
Arraez said Wednesday that "I feel like I got a new thumb" following surgery in October to repair a torn ligament, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union Tribune reports.
Arraez tore the UCL in his left thumb on a slide on June 25 and played through "a lot" of pain before eventually undergoing offseason surgery. He managed to win his third straight batting title in 2024, although Arraez's .314 average in the regular season was down 21 points and his slugging percentage dropped 53 points from over the previous two years. The 27-year-old could have a mini bounce-back 2025 season, although he is likely to remain largely a one-category specialist.
-
Jorge Polanco 2B | SEA
Mariners' Jorge Polanco: Takes swings in batting practice
Polanco (knee) was spotted taking swings off a pitching machine during Wednesday's full-squad workout, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.
Polanco is heading into his second season in Seattle after he re-signed with the Mariners in late January on a one-year, $7.75 million deal that includes a $6 million mutual option for 2026. The 31-year-old endured a rough debut season in Seattle, slashing .213/.296/.355 while striking out in a career-worst 29.2 percent of his 469 plate appearances. He was limited to 118 games due to hamstring and knee injuries and needed surgery in October to repair damage to the patellar tendon of his left knee, but reports earlier in the offseason suggested that he would be fully cleared for baseball activities by January. Polanco seems to have recovered as anticipated and isn't operating with any reported restrictions in the first week of camp, but like many veteran players, he may not be immediately rushed into game action when the Mariners open their Cactus League schedule Friday. In addition to easing himself back from the injury, Polanco will also be adjusting to a position change this spring. In an effort to keep him healthier this season, the Mariners will move Polanco to third base after he played exclusively in the field at second base in 2024.
-
Adam Frazier 2B | KC
Pirates' Adam Frazier: No restrictions in camp
Frazier (thumb) took live batting practice against Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller during Wednesday's full-squad workout, Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Frazier will begin his second stint in Pittsburgh in 2025 after he signed a one-year, $1.525 million contract with the Pirates in January. He's projected to serve as a utility man for the Pirates, with his playing time likely to be contingent on the health of Pittsburgh's everyday players. During his time with the Royals last season, Frazier produced a career-low .576 OPS and struck out at a career-high 20.1 percent clip over 294 plate appearances.