MLB Player News

Peterson, the Braves' starter at second base to open 2016, reported to spring training early, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Last season, Peterson took over the starting job at the keystone, but struggled after suffering a partially torn thumb ligament in late May. Prior to suffering the injury, Peterson flashed an ability to get on base (.389 OBP through June 21), which could make him an option to help set the table near the top of the order for the Braves in 2016 along with offseason addition Ender Inciarte. Keep in mind, however, that Peterson isn't sure if the injury is completely healed, but he told reporters that his thumb doesn't hurt the same it did during the second half of last season.

Ramirez will see time in both left field and center field this spring, MLB.com reports.

Ramirez was already expected to serve as Cleveland's primary utility infielder with the departure of Mike Aviles via free agency and being able to handle a couple of outfield positions would only further his usefulness to the Tribe.

Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale says Segura will see time at shortstop and second base this spring, Fox Sports Arizona's Steve Berthiaume reports.

Segura has solely played shortstop in his four big league seasons. He is expected to play almost every day for Arizona, and it would only boost his value if he gained second base eligibility. Segura also might bat second in the order to start the season, which could give him plenty of run-scoring opportunities in front of slugger Paul Goldschmidt.

Asche will get some work at first base this spring, the Phillies' official site reports.

Asche, who hit .245 with 12 home runs in 456 plate appearances last season, is expected to open the year as a reserve. He will see time at third base, left field and potentially at first base as well.

Urshela could start the season in Triple-A following the Indians' signing of Juan Uribe on Friday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Urshela hit just .225/.279/.330 with six home runs and 21 RBI for the Tribe in 2015, so it is makes sense that they would bring in Uribe to try and solidify third base. At the age of 24, Urshela is still young and having the veteran presence of Uribe around could be a positive for his long-term development. If Uribe doesn't perform or suffers an injury, it is likely that Urshela steps in as the starter in his place.

LeMahieu signed a two-year contract with the Rockies worth $7.8 million, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Coming off a minimum salary and arbitration eligible, LeMahieu got a big bump, receiving $3 million in 2016 while receiving $4.8 million in 2017. The All-Star hit .301 with six home runs, 61 RBI and 23 stolen bases in 150 games last season.

Moustakas agreed to a two-year, $14.3 million contract with the Royals on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

An impressive 2015 campaign from the 26-year-old Moustakas earned him a significant pay bump for the final two years of arbitration. After setting career highs in most offensive categories, his place in the batting order remains a bit unclear heading into the 2016 season. He began 2015 batting second in the order, but the mid-season acquisition of Ben Zobrist resulted in Moustakas being pushed down to sixth. With Zobrist no longer in the picture, it wouldn't be surprising he hits near the top again.

Donaldson agreed to a two-year, $29 million contract with the Blue Jays on Monday to avoid arbitration, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet reports.

Donaldson will have a tough task duplicating his numbers from the 2015 season after posting 41 home runs, 123 RBI, and 122 runs in what was easily the best statistical campaign of his five-year career. Nevertheless, he'll be touted as a first-round power hitter under most formats who's played in 158 games during each of his last three seasons.

Segura was traded to the Diamondbacks on Saturday in a five-player deal, ESPN's Keith Law reports.

The move makes sense for Arizona, as they have already made it clear that they are going all in on winning in the short term, and Nick Ahmed was slotted to be their starting shortstop, despite having a career .269 OBP. Segura won't be winning the silver slugger award anytime soon, but he is capable offensively, and is a quality defender at shortstop. This boosts Segura's fantasy value slightly, as he will be hitting in a better lineup. Look for him to steal 20-plus bases for the fourth year in a row, and hit toward the bottom of Arizona's lineup.

If you want an example how quickly perception can change for a young player, look no further than Nationals infielder Anthony Rendon. Coming into the 2015 season, he was viewed as one of the brightest young stars in baseball, coming off a .287 average, 21-homer, 111-run season with 17 stolen bases. He was the kind of all-around stud who, then just 24, would be a future Fantasy first-rounder in no time.

One injury-plagued year later, and Rendon is going 79th overall in FantasyPros.com's average draft position tracker. Rendon is going 60 spots later in drafts than Mookie Betts, whose 2015 breakout (.291, 18 homers, 21 steals) looks an awful lot like what Rendon did the year before. Betts deserves to go ahead of Rendon for good reason this season, but don't forget about Rendon when looking for your second baseman -- he could be a steal in the sixth round or later if that's where he ends up going.