MLB Player News

Red Sox manager Alex Cora "seems to be leaning toward" batting Anthony leadoff against right-handers, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Jarren Duran was Boston's primary leadoff man for most of 2025, but Anthony took over the spot in August and posted a 1.003 OPS in 27 games before an oblique strain ended his season. Anthony is fully healthy now, and while he should remain in the lineup most days against southpaws as well, he'll hit lower in the order when he doesn't have the platoon advantage. Duran is likely to open the season batting third versus righties.

Cole will compete to be the Astros' starting left fielder in spring training, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.

Cole made a good impression in a 15-game stint with Houston late last season, posting an .880 OPS with four home runs and three stolen bases. With Jake Meyers slated to man center field and Jesus Sanchez in right, the Astros' final outfield spot should come down to either Cole or Cam Smith, with the loser likely to open the year in Triple-A.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone indicated Wednesday that Cabrera (ankle) was fully healthy for the start of spring training, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Anthony Volpe (shoulder) was the only position player that Boone said would begin camp behind the others while recovering from an injury, so Cabrera will seemingly be operating without any restrictions this spring after fracturing his left ankle May 12 and undergoing season-ending surgery. Cabrera started 30 of the Yankees' first 41 games last year at third base, but with Ryan McMahon currently sitting atop the depth chart at the hot corner, Cabrera will likely be ticketed for a utility role.

DeLauter will play center field and right field during training camp, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

DeLauter has a chance to be an everyday outfielder and middle-of-the-order bat for the Guardians in 2026, but he'll need to stay healthy. Since being drafted in the first round in 2022, DeLauter has played just 138 regular-season games in the minors due to a variety of injuries. He played just 42 games last season due to core muscle surgery in March and right wrist surgery in July. When healthy, DeLauter has made an impact offensively, posting a .888 OPS during his career in the minors.

Manager John Schneider said Tuesday that Santander will undergo left labral surgery Wednesday and will miss roughly 5-6 months, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Santander was limited to just 54 regular-season games last year while battling injuries in his left shoulder and back. He said earlier in the offseason that he was feeling much better but later suffered a setback in January while ramping up his hitting progression, per Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca. The 31-year-old's recovery timeline leaves room for him to return before the end of the regular season, though that isn't likely to happen until after the All-Star break. With Santander out, the Blue Jays will likely rely on Nathan Lukes and Davis Schneider to start in left field for the first half of the season.

Joe agreed to a minor-league contract with the Mariners on Tuesday that includes an invite to big-league spring training.

Joe split last season between San Diego and Cincinnati, posting a .186/.262/.243 slash line in 42 games before being outrighted off the Reds' 40-man roster in August. The 33-year-old offers some defensive versatility but is likely a longshot to make Seattle's Opening Day roster.

Slater agreed to a minor-league contract with the Tigers on Tuesday that includes an invite to big-league spring training, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Slater split the 2025 campaign between the White Sox and Yankees, and he posted a .216/.270/.372 slash line with five homers in 160 plate appearances during the regular season. The 33-year-old best fits as a short-side platoon player in the outfield, and he could carve out that role in a Detroit outfield that's heavy on left-handed bats.

The Yankees designated Fernandez for assignment Monday, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports.

Fernandez was claimed off waivers from the Rockies earlier this month after he was DFA'd by Colorado in January. The 23-year-old outfielder slashed just .225/.265/.348 with a lofty strikeout rate across his first 147 big-league plate appearances last season.

Duran might not start against left-handed pitchers this season, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com speculates.

The Red Sox haven't been able to trade from their glut of outfielders this offseason and appear motivated to give Wilyer Abreu an opportunity to play every day, which means Duran could get squeezed out of an everyday role. The left-handed-hitting Duran slashed only .211/.260/.340 over 209 regular-season plate appearances against southpaw hurlers in 2025.

The Orioles outrighted Wilson to Triple-A Norfolk on Friday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Wilson passed through waivers unclaimed after being removed from the 40-man roster Sunday. He will remain in the organization and likely net a non-roster invitation to spring training. Wilson hit .198/.282/.369 in 52 regular-season games for the Phillies in 2025.