MLB Player News

Madrigal may not open the season with the White Sox, but general manager Rick Hahn envisions the second baseman making his MLB debut in 2020, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

That's the same position Madrigal was in during spring training; he was expected to open at Triple-A Charlotte then join the White Sox later in the season. "He certainly is a consideration for breaking with us and if not immediately then certainly helping us at some point over the course of this summer," Hahn said. Madrigal would initially serve as the backup at second base to Leury Garcia.

Madrigal might be part of the White Sox's roster when MLB resumes its season, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Before the coronavirus pandemic wiped out the first four months of the season, the plan was for Madrigal to open at Triple-A Charlotte and be up with the big club by now, possibly as the everyday second baseman. Without a minor-league season in place, it may be best for Madrigal's development to open the season with the White Sox and eventually ascend to the starting job.

Paredes will probably get 400-500 at-bats at the Triple-A level before making his MLB debut, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Paredes would have likely made his MLB debut at some point this season if there was a normal schedule, but with play currently delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, it's unclear how soon he'll be able to log those Triple-A at-bats. The 21-year-old has never appeared above Double-A, so it makes sense that the Tigers want to get him some extended time at Triple-A before pushing him to the majors. Paredes may now have to wait until 2021 for his big league debut.

Chapman could reach the next level of his development as a hitter by more consistently laying off high or outside pitches, Owen Pointdexter of Forbes reports.

Pointdexter breaks down what the already impressive third baseman could do to further improve, and better pitch selection is one area he identifies as likely critical to Chapman becoming an even more consistent hitter. It's noted Chapman's teammate Mark Canha focused on not swinging at offerings outside the zone last season and posted a breakout year, and that a similar approach by the 26-year-old could lead to both more power and a higher on-base percentage. Chapman has traditionally done only modest damage on high or outside pitches in his career.

Jung spent the offseason working on pulling the ball, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Jung, who spent a week in the rookie-level Arizona League before jumping to Low-A Hickory for 40 games in 2019, made more than 500 plate appearances between Texas Tech and pro ball last year. Playing that much helped Jung and the organization recognize areas of focus for this past offseason. "He invested a ton of time on his own and with our hitting coaches learning how to properly pull the ball and continue his growth as a multi-dimensional hitter," said Rangers assistant general manager for player development Mike Daly. The team feels he can unlock more power by pulling the ball more, a crucial step for the 22-year-old after he hit only two homers in 44 games during his pro debut.

Paredes was optioned to Triple-A Toledo in March.

The move was officially made March 10. He went 0-for-5 in three spring games for Detroit. Paredes would have likely made his MLB debut at some point this season if there were a full 162 games, but a shortened season could delay his big-league debut until 2021.

Candelario and fellow third baseman Dawel Lugo could both make the Tigers' Opening Day roster if teams get to keep more than 26 players, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

It is expected that teams will be able to start the year with as many as 30 players. This could allow both Candelario and Lugo to make the final cut, when previously it was thought that one of the two might get waived, as both are out of options. Candelario was thought to be leading the battle for the starting third base job, but a few extra roster spots would likely remove any doubt about him having a role on the team.

Urshela will be the Yankees' regular third baseman when the 2020 season commences, Pete Caldera of NorthJersey.com reports.

Urshela was a non-roster invitee to spring training last season and started the campaign in the minors. One year later, he is projected to have his name penciled into the potent Yankees lineup on a near-everyday basis due to an out-of-nowhere 2019 showing in which he slashed .314/.355/.534 and flashed impressive glovework. Per Caldera, Urshela's growth can be in part attributed to mechanical adjustments that have resulted in a compacted swing. Though he hit a modest .233/.361/.367 in Grapefruit League play, Urshela should have plenty of opportunity to prove that last season was not a fluke when the 2020 campaign gets underway.

Walls hit just .105 (2-for-19) with one RBI, three walks and two runs over 13 Grapefruit League games before spring training was suspended.

Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports Walls remains one of the organization's top prospects, but he clearly still has a ways to go before his bat is up to the task of holding its own against big-league arms. Walls began 2019 at High-A Charlotte before finishing the campaign at Double-A Montgomery, slashing a solid .270/.346/.479 at the latter stop. It's likely he kicks off 2020 with a return to the Biscuits before potentially bumping up to Triple-A Durham if his performance warrants it.

Ramirez hit .320 with two home runs and seven RBI in nine games during spring training.

Ramirez went 8-for-25 with a pair of home runs and seven RBI, good enough for a .320/.370/.640 slash line. The 27-year-old is on track to open the 2020 campaign as Cleveland's starting third baseman when play resumes. Ramirez hit .255 with 23 homers, 83 RBI and 24 stolen bases in 129 contests a year ago.