MLB Player News

The Braves are planning for Riley to begin the upcoming season as their everyday third baseman, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

After spending much of his debut season in 2019 in left field, Riley served as the primary replacement for the departed Josh Donaldson at third base in 2020, appearing at the position in 46 of his 51 games. Though Riley's defensive work left much to be desired, the Braves aren't yet willing to abandon hope of him improving enough to stick at the position long term. Because of their commitment to Riley at third base, Morosi suggests the Braves' main focus this winter will be in adding another left fielder now that both Marcell Ozuna and Adam Duvall are free agents.

Duffy joined the Cubs on a minor-league deal Monday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Duffy will make $1 million plus incentives if he cracks the big-league roster. The veteran infielder owns a respectable .282/.338/.380 career slash line, good for a technically above-average 101 wRC+. He's been good enough for at least a bench role for most of his career, though he couldn't crack the Yankees' active roster at any point last season and hit a modest .252/.343/.327 for the Rays in 2019.

Agent Scott Boras said Chapman (hip) received clearance for increased activity and and should be ready for the start of spring training, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The 27-year-old underwent surgery to address a torn right hip labrum in mid-September and was given a four-month recovery, and it appears he's progressing as planned. Chapman had a .232/.276/.353 slash line with 10 home runs, nine doubles and 25 RBI in 37 games last season and is poised to start at the hot corner again for the A's in 2021.

Kieboom is the favorite to be the Nationals' starting third baseman, though he'll have to earn his opportunities, according to manager Dave Martinez, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Kieboom came with plenty of promise as a prospect and is still just 23 years old, but he's yet to come close to delivering on that promise so far. In 44 games over the past two seasons, he's hitting just .181/.309/.232, a line that wouldn't play anywhere and certainly not at an important offensive position like third base. The Nationals hope his talent will finally shine through this time around, but they presumably want to get back to their winning ways following a poor showing in 2020 and won't have much patience with him if his struggles remain significant at the start of the upcoming season.

Asuaje signed a minor-league contract with the Dodgers on Friday, Alanna Rizzo of Spectrum SportsNet LA reports.

Asuaje was released by the Cubs in May and failed to land with another organization during the 2020 season. However, he'll join the Dodgers heading into 2021, and he'll serve as a non-roster invitee during spring training. The 29-year-old spent the entire 2019 season with Triple-A Reno, slashing .239/.339/.403 with five home runs and 29 RBI, and he's likely to serve as organizational depth next year.

Urshela underwent surgery Friday to remove a bone chip from his right elbow.

Urshela wasn't initially expected to require surgery during the offseason, but he elected to undergo a procedure Friday that went smoothly. He's expected to need three months to recover from surgery, so he could be ready to participate in the majority of spring training if he doesn't encounter any setbacks.

Peterson was non-tendered by the Brewers on Wednesday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Peterson served as a bench player for the Brewers in 2020 and had the best offensive season of his career, posting a .749 OPS and 25 percent walk rate in 61 plate appearances. The 30-year-old has seen major-league action with four different teams over the past four years, and he could add another team to that list in 2021 now that he's a free agent.

Farmer agreed to a one-year deal with the Reds on Wednesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

He was non-tendered by the Reds and then just minutes later it was announced that the two sides had already agreed on a new deal. Farmer doesn't do much damage at the plate, but he can play almost every position on the field, and it's that defensive versatility that appealed to the Reds.

Farmer was non-tendered by the Reds on Wednesday.

A jack of all trades but master of none, Farmer saw time at five different positions last year for Cincinnati, but he logged a wRC+ under 77 for the fourth straight season. He will attempt to catch on elsewhere as a super utility player.

Maton was added to the Phillies' 40-man roster Friday, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic reports.

Maton continued his development at the Phillies' alternate training site in 2020, and he'll now be protected from the Rule 5 draft as part of the 40-man roster. The 23-year-old advanced to Double-A Reading late in 2019, but he struggled a bit, hitting .210 with two home runs and 14 strikeouts over 62 at-bats.