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  • Marcelo Mayer SS | BOS

    Red Sox's Marcelo Mayer: Should be ready for Opening Day

    Mayer (wrist) is expected to be ready for Opening Day, Lauren Campbell of MassLive.com reports.

    Mayer is recovering from right wrist arthroscopy performed in August that ended his season after 44 games. He potentially could have played in the postseason had Boston extended its run, and Mayer is expected to be available for spring training. Depending on roster additions, the 23-year-old infielder could end up playing second base, shortstop or third base. He mainly played at the hot corner in his big-league debut, but a downturn in shortstop Trevor Story's defense (minus-9 OAA) in 2025 could allow Mayer to return to his natural position, which would allow Story to shift to second

  • Brice Matthews SS | HOU

    Astros' Brice Matthews: To play some outfield in 2026

    Matthews is still viewed as a second baseman long term, but he'll also play in the outfield in 2026, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

    "He's going to get some run in the outfield, but second base is still going to be his main position," general manager Dana Brown said. "We project he'll turn the corner with the bat and get maybe some run in the outfield a little bit, as well." Matthews is situated as a backup option at shortstop and second base, and he would need an injury to Jeremy Pena or Jose Altuve to see significant work in the middle infield in 2026. The Astros probably aren't done making moves this offseason either and could add more outfield options, but Brown and manager Joe Espada were complimentary about Matthews' potential in the short term and long term. Matthews is a great athlete with plus speed and above-average raw power. He slashed .260/.371/.458 with 17 home runs, 41 steals and a 27.9 percent strikeout rate in 112 games in the Pacific Coast League. A .167 BABIP and 42.6 percent strikeout rate led to a .167 batting average and .222 on-base percentage in the majors, but he showed off his tools with four home runs and one steal in 13 games.

  • Cole Young SS | SEA

    Mariners' Cole Young: Won't be blocked by outside add

    Young is expected to see the majority of playing time at second base for the Mariners in 2026 even if the team acquires a second baseman from outside the organization, Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic report.

    The Mariners remain very high on Young even after he had just a .607 OPS in 257 plate appearances during his rookie season. Young is just 22, but the Mariners appear committed to giving him some leash in the majors in 2026. It seemingly makes a trade for Ketel Marte unlikely, and if Brendan Donovan is acquired, he would be in line to see the bulk of his reps at a position other than second base.

  • Orioles' Willy Vasquez: Inks NRI deal with Baltimore

    Vasquez (undisclosed) signed a minor-league contact with the Orioles on Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

    Vasquez hit .256/.297/.359 with two homers and six steals over 44 contests at Double-A Montgomery in the Rays organization before missing the final three months with an undisclosed injury. It's unclear what his current health status is, but the infielder will be part of big-league spring training with the Orioles.

  • Rangers' Andrew Velazquez: Gets MiLB deal from Rangers

    The Rangers signed Velazquez to a minor-league contract Dec. 8.

    Velazquez spent all of this past season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the Yankees organization, slashing .242/.304/.345 with five homers and 25 steals. A career .189/.244/.293 hitter over parts of six big-league seasons, Velazquez will give the Rangers some experienced infield depth at Triple-A Round Rock.

  • Vaughn Grissom SS | LAA

    Angels' Vaughn Grissom: Traded to Angels

    The Angels acquired Grissom from the Red Sox on Tuesday in exchange for Isaiah Jackson, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

    Grissom had a forgettable tenure in Boston after being sent there from Atlanta in the Chris Sale trade. He slashed only .190/.246/.219 with zero home runs over 31 games during the 2024 season before spending all of 2025 at Triple-A Worcester, where he slashed .270/.342/.441 with 13 home runs. Grissom -- who will turn just 25 in January -- is out of minor-league options and will get a fresh start with the Angels. Most of Grissom's experience has come in the middle infield, but he's also handled third base, first base and left field.

  • Anthony Volpe SS | NYY

    Yankees' Anthony Volpe: Won't be ready in April

    The Yankees do not expect Volpe (shoulder) to be ready for his season debut before the end of April, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

    Volpe underwent surgery in mid-October to repair a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder. He is expected to be cleared to hit by February but will not be allowed to dive on the shoulder until around April. It's possible Volpe will be ready to go by early May, but a clearer picture of his timetable should be available at a later date. Jose Caballero is in line to serve as the Yankees' primary shortstop until Volpe is ready.

  • Michael Arroyo SS | SEA

    Mariners' Michael Arroyo: Moving to left field

    Arroyo will begin transitioning from second base to left field this month during the Columbian Winter League, Adam Jude of the Seattle Times reports.

    Arroyo played second base exclusively in 2025 between High-A Everett and Double-A Arkansas, slashing .262/.401/.433 with 17 homers and 12 steals between the two stops. He has never played the outfield before, but with the Mariners' infield depth, the organization has elected to move the 21-year-old to left field. Arroyo could push to debut at some point during the 2026 season.

  • Cole Young SS | SEA

    Mariners' Cole Young: Leading candidate for second base

    Young is the leading candidate to start at second base for the Mariners next season, Adam Jude of the Seattle Times reports.

    Young's playing time tapered off for the Mariners down the stretch of the regular season and he did not play during the playoffs. However, Seattle remains high on the 22-year-old's potential despite a .211/.302/.305 batting line in 77 games this season. The Mariners could acquire a second baseman from outside the organization, but if they don't, the left-handed-hitting Young is the top candidate to start at least against righties. Leo Rivas and Ryan Bliss (knee) will also be in the mix.

  • Vinny Capra SS | CHW

    Red Sox's Vinny Capra: Signs MiLB deal with Red Sox

    The Red Sox signed Capra to a minor-league contract Wednesday.

    Capra managed just a .125/.157/.177 batting line across 47 contests for the Brewers and White Sox in 2025. The 29-year-old offers plenty of defensive versatility and will give Boston some useful depth at Triple-A Worcester.

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