MLB Player News

Carroll started in right field and went 0-for-3 in Saturday's spring game against Colorado.

Carroll was part of a contingent of Diamondbacks regulars that made their Cactus League debuts Saturday. He'll land in right or center field, depending on whether Alek Thomas or Jake McCarthy wins a starting spot in the outfield. But where Carroll lands defensively is of less concern than his season-opening slump in 2024 that lingered through the first half (.635 OPS). He eventually turned it around in the second half, posting a .919 OPS and reestablishing the reputation earned in 2023 when Carroll won the NL Rookie of the Year award.

Alexander started at second base and went 0-for-1 with a walk and a run scored in Saturday's spring game against the Rockies.

Alexander made his Cactus League debut and is expected to play multiple infield positions in a quest to claim a utility role on the Opening Day roster. It's the same role Kevin Newman held last season, but he signed with the Angels in the offseason. The questions surrounding Alexander in his first exposure to MLB in 2024 were his defense and the downturn at the plate after a strong April. His primary competition for a roster spot includes Garrett Hampson and Ildemaro Vargas.

Veen went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Saturday's Cactus League win over the Diamondbacks.

Veen's stock has fallen in recent years, in large part due to injuries. He reminded everyone of his ability in the spring opener with a long, loud homer that was estimated at 433 feet, per Patrick Lyons of JustBaseball.com. It still doesn't seem like he's a realistic candidate for the Opening Day roster given that he has just 21 games' worth of experience at the Triple-A level, but the speedy outfielder is now on the Rockies' 40-man roster and figures to debut in the majors at some point in 2025, health permitting.

Soto went 1-for-2 with a solo home run and an additional RBI during Saturday's Grapefruit League opener against the Astros.

The biggest offseason acquisition in franchise history, Soto wasted no time showing Mets fans a taste of what's to come by taking Colton Gordon deep in the first inning. Soto helped the Mets extend their lead in the second frame, grounding into a fielder's choice RBI before reaching home for his second run of the day. Soto was sandwiched in between Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso in the batting order, and Soto figures to bat second for the Mets in 2025 as he did with the Yankees for most of the 2024 regular season.

Huff could make the Opening Day roster as the backup catcher with Tom Murphy sidelined with an oblique injury, The Athletic reports. Huff went 1-for-2 with a walk and home run Saturday in his spring debut.

Huff will compete with Max Stassi for the backup role to Patrick Bailey if Murphy begins the season on the injured list. Huff's performance in the spring training opener can only help his chances.

Lee went 1-for-3 in San Francisco's spring training opener Saturday.

Lee served as the Giants' leadoff hitter in 2024 prior to suffering a season-ending labrum tear in his left shoulder in May, but manager Bob Melvin said prior to spring training that the 26-year-old could be moved to the three hole for 2025, per Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle. Lee operated out of that spot Saturday while LaMonte Wade shifted to the top of the batting order, and Melvin will likely tinker with the lineup throughout camp. Lee appeared in 37 games in 2024 prior to his injury and slashed .262/.310/.331 with two stolen bases, two home runs and eight RBI across 158 plate appearances.

Stewart went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, a double and three RBI in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles.

Stewart is in camp as a non-roster invitee, but his chances of cracking the Opening Day roster will improve if Spencer Horwitz (wrist) remains sidelined. One spring training performance won't seal Stewart's fate, but he did make a good impression by driving in two with a double in the first inning before following that up with a solo home run two frames later.

De La Cruz went 2-for-2 with two solo home runs in Saturday's split-squad game against the Guardians.

Not only did he homer twice, De La Cruz homered from both sides of the plate in his first Cactus League game of 2025. The 23-year-old is coming off an electric sophomore season in which he hit 25 homers with a league-leading 67 steals, and he tweaked his batting stance this winter to help address lingering swing-and-miss concerns. While he brings more batting-average volatility than most in the first-round draftees, the counting-stat upside is undeniable.

Milwaukee signed Canha to a minor-league contract Saturday that includes an invitation to spring training, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Canha went through most of the offseason without garnering interest from a team, but he will get a chance to catch on with the Brewers for the 2025 campaign. He ended the 2024 regular season with the Cardinals after being traded by the Tigers in July, but he suffered a right thumb sprain in late September that resulted in him being placed on the 10-day IL. He finished the 2024 regular season slashing .242/.344/.346 with seven stolen bases, seven home runs and 42 RBI across 462 plate appearances. If he does manage to make the Opening Day roster, the 36-year-old Canha won't likely serve in more than a complementary role behind Jackson Chourio, Garrett Mitchell and Sal Frelick.

Manager Dave Roberts said Saturday that the Dodgers will look to use Kim in center field during spring training in addition to second base and shortstop, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Kim has a bit of experience playing in the outfield from his time in Korea, though he was only ever used in the corners. The Dodgers -- eager to add another lefty-hitting option in center field -- believe the 26-year-old's speed will allow him to succeed in the new role, but Kim is still expected to serve primarily as a second baseman once the regular season begins.