MLB Player News

Madrigal was invited to the White Sox's big-league camp Tuesday.

Madrigal, the fourth overall pick in 2018, didn't disappoint in his first taste of professional ball, hitting a combined .303/.353/.348 with eight stolen bases and a 5:7 K:BB in 179 plate appearances across stops in the AZL, Sally League and Carolina League. The 21-year-old figures to open the 2019 campaign at Double-A, though he should be on the fast track to the majors.

Reynolds was outrighted to Triple-A Fresno on Thursday, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Reynolds will head to Triple-A after passing through waivers untouched. Over parts of three major-league seasons (240 plate appearances), the 28-year-old owns a lackluster .223/.295/.340 slash line. Look for him to serve as organizational depth in 2019.

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

Maggi toiled at Triple-A for a second consecutive season, hitting a respectable .272/.333/.345 with 11 stolen bases in 64 games with Columbus. He served a 50-game suspension at the beginning of the year after testing positive for Amphetamine. The utility man, who turns 30 in March, figures to offer organizational depth for the Twins in 2019.

The White Sox claim they have not moved off a seven-year offer to Machado, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

That claim was backed up by Bob Nightengale of USA Today, who reported the White Sox's original offer to Machado nearly two weeks ago. An ESPN.com report circulated Monday that the offer was bumped up to eight years, with a separate report from Z101 Digital indicating the value to be at $250 million. To recap, Chicago is standing by its original seven-year offer and has not divulged the salary involved.

Machado has received an eight-year offer from the White Sox, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. The deal is reported to be worth $250 million, per Hector Gomez of Z101 Digital.

The White Sox reportedly made a long-term offer to Machado at the beginning of January, and it's unclear if that offer was for eight years or if they've increased it to eight years. In any event, the term of the contract indicates the seriousness of Chicago's pursuit of Machaco, who would fill a large hole on the left side of the infield. Machado's camp is also engaged with the Phillies, who remain in the hunt for Bryce Harper.

Reynolds was designated for assignment Sunday, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

The Nationals needed a 40-man roster spot for new addition Brian Dozier, and Reynolds wound up being the roster casualty. The 28-year-old spent little time in the big leagues last season and only holds a .635 OPS in 240 career major-league plate appearances, but he played every position besides pitcher and catcher in the minors. He figures to act as an organizational depth piece moving forward.

Bregman's recovery from elbow surgery is expected to limit him for the start of spring training, but the infielder should be ready to play before Opening Day against the Rays on March 28, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Bregman approached the Astros a couple of weeks ago about discomfort in his right elbow. An exploratory procedure discovered loose bodies, leading Bregman and the club to decide on an operation to remove the debris. If there's any delay, the Astros can use Aledmys Diaz or Yuli Gurriel as a replacement at third base until Bregman is ready to play. Bregman is confident he'll be ready to go for the start of the regular season.

Rendon agreed to a one-year, $18.8 million contract with Washington on Friday, avoiding arbitration, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Rendon put together yet another solid year at the dish in 2018, hitting .308 with 24 homers and 92 RBI in 136 ballgames. He's belted 20 or more home runs and driven in 85 or more RBI in each of his previous three seasons, and he should have a good chance to do so again in 2019.

Duffy signed a one-year, $2.675 million contract with the Rays on Friday to avoid arbitration, Robert Murray of The Athletic reports.

Duffy played in 132 games last season and slahed .294/.361/.366 but hit only four home runs, and featured an abysmal .071 ISO. The 27-year-old saw all of his time in the field at third base, and his limited power severely hampers the fantasy appeal of his solid average and on-base numbers.

LeMahieu has agreed to a two-year, $24 million deal with the Yankees, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

According to Jack Curry of YES Network, the Yankees plan to use LeMahieu as a super-utility player, deploying him at second base, first base and third base. One way for him to get significant playing time would be if Troy Tulowitzki struggles or gets hurt before Didi Gregorius (Tommy John surgery) returns around the All-Star break, which would force Gleyber Torres to move to shortstop and open up everyday work at the keystone. Another potential opportunity booster would be if the Yankees can find a trade partner for Miguel Andujar, in which case LeMahieu could get the bulk of the work at the hot corner. He has slashed just .265/.319/.410 (93 wRC+) away from Coors Field over the past two seasons. While he could see a slight power boost in the cozy confines of Yankee Stadium, that's not LeMahieu's game (53.8 career GB%). If the Yankees let Gregorius and Tulowitzki walk in free agency after the season, LeMahieu would likely slot in as the everyday second baseman with Torres moving to shortstop for 2020. This signing likely means the Yankees won't be signing Manny Machado.