MLB Player News

Arenado will suit up for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

The MVP candidate will join a star-studded roster that also features Alex Bregman and Matt Carpenter to man the hot corner for the US. Arenado stuffed the stat sheet last season with 41 home runs, 133 RBI and 116 runs, and he'll look to build upon that staggering performance in 2017.

Peterson is expected to begin the season as the Braves starting second baseman.

He didn't do much with his 350 at-bats last year, and with top prospect Ozzie Albies knocking on the door, Peterson's hold on the starting job at the keystone may only last until Albies clears the Super-2 deadline in May, which makes him a risky fantasy investment even as a late-round pick. Long-term, Peterson may have to transition to a utility role to keep his spot on the 25-man roster.

Reynolds will compete for a bench role with the Mets this spring.

He made his regular season debut for the team last year, but his .225/.266/.416 slash line and 35.4 percent strikeout rate in 89 at-bats were eyesores. Reynolds could win a utility role this spring, but with Jose Reyes and Wilmer Flores locked into similar roles and Ty Kelly seemingly having jumped him on the organizational depth chart, Reynolds will more likely head back to Triple-A Las Vegas to begin the season.

McMahon received an invite to big league camp for spring training.

McMahon started 2016 off very poorly, resulting in a .242 average over 534 plate appearances with Double-A Hartford, though he did manage to get things going towards the end of the season. Perhaps his most significant problem was going down on strikes, which he did 30.1 percent of the time over the course of the season. The 22-year-old isn't really a candidate for a spot on the major league roster, but spring training will provide a good opportunity to get a look at McMahon against some tough competition.

Astudillo signed a minor league contract with the Diamondbacks on Friday, Matt Eddy of Baseball America reports.

The 25-year-old will fill a depth need within the organization -- he's not a contender for a significant major league role. Astudillo hit .267/.293/.332 with the Braves' Double-A Mississippi affiliate last season while playing mostly behind the plate. He also made eight appearances at first base and two in right field.

Rendon and the Nationals avoided arbitration Friday with a one-year, $5.8 million deal, Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reports.

Rendon bounced back from a disappointing 2015 season with a solid .270/.348/.450 line and 20 home runs in 2016. He'll get a $3 million raise for that uptick, but the best could be yet to come for the 26-year-old.

Arenado agreed to a two-year, $29.5 million deal with the Rockies on Friday, avoiding arbitration, FanRag Sports' Jon Heyman reports.

He will receive $11.75 million in 2017 and $17.75 million in 2018 and will have one more arbitration-eligible year in 2019 before becoming a free agent after the 2019 season. Arenado was never in danger of leaving Colorado, so his long-term fantasy value does not change as a result of this two-year deal. He enters the year as a clear first-round fantasy talent.

Asche was designated for assignment by the Phillies on Friday.

Asche's stock fell after yet another disappointing season at the major league level, as his .213/.284/.350 slash line led to him being usurped of a regular role in the big leagues. The 26-year-old was expected to be non-tendered anyway, so it seems his time in the organization is nearing its close. One thing he does have going for him is defensive versatility, as he has experience in the corner outfield spots and at the hot corner, although this will likely only put his ceiling to that of a major league reserve.

Sosa was added to the Cardinals' 40-man roster Friday.

The 20-year-old shortstop won't be an option for the major league team anytime soon -- he just advanced to the High-A level late in 2016 -- but he had to be added to the 40-man roster for Rule 5 protection. Sosa has hit at a nice clip in the minors but doesn't pack much power, and at 5-foot-11, he doesn't project to add a whole lot in time.

Noriega signed a minor league contract with the Brewers on Monday.

Noriega's bat has been shaky at best during his tenure in the minor leagues, so he'll likely just act as organizational depth for Milwaukee.