All articles tagged with #center fielder
The Chicago Cubs are finalizing a long-term contract extension with Pete Crow-Armstrong, cementing him as a franchise cornerstone after a breakout 2025 season in which he became an All-Star, earned a Gold Glove, and posted 31 homers, 95 RBIs and 35 stolen bases, while showcasing elite defense; at 24, he is set to anchor Chicago’s lineup for years to come as the team builds around him and its star talents.
The St. Louis Cardinals have promoted rookie Victor Scott II to starting center fielder after Dylan Carlson sustained a shoulder injury during a game against the Cubs. Carlson will open the regular season on the injured list, joining Tommy Edman and Lars Nootbaar. Scott, a top prospect, impressed during spring training and will make his major league debut despite not having played above the Class AA level. The Cardinals are optimistic about his potential impact, and he is set to replace Carlson in the lineup.
Rookie outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela has secured a spot on the Red Sox' Opening Day roster as the starting center fielder, with manager Alex Cora praising his athleticism and versatility. Rafaela's performance in spring training, including improved plate discipline and elite speed, has earned him the position, while the team considers options for the remaining roster spot.
Jackson Merrill's impressive performance during spring training has earned him a spot on the Padres' Opening Day roster and a starting role as the center fielder. The 20-year-old prospect, who had never played center field until recently, showcased his skills both offensively and defensively, solidifying his place on the team. His standout performance includes hitting an opposite-field home run off an All-Star pitcher, demonstrating his readiness for the big leagues.
The San Francisco Giants have signed Korean outfielder Jung Hoo Lee to a six-year, $113 million contract, with plans for him to be their everyday center fielder starting in 2024. While there are questions about how his bat will translate from the KBO to the major leagues, the Giants believe in Lee's elite bat-to-ball skills and his ability to make contact. Lee's impressive strikeout totals and his ability to find outfield grass have impressed the Giants' front office. The addition of Lee allows the Giants to shift Mike Yastrzemski to right field, with veterans Michael Conforto and Mitch Haniger splitting time in left field and at designated hitter.
The Philadelphia Phillies are calling up center field prospect Johan Rojas from Double-A Reading to fill in for the injured Cristian Pache. Rojas, known for his elite defense and speed, will primarily start against left-handed pitchers and serve as a late-inning defensive replacement. While still developing, Rojas is having a strong season at the plate, hitting .306/.361/.484. The Phillies view his promotion as temporary, providing him with exposure to better pitching while filling a suitable role. Rojas' exceptional defensive skills have garnered attention, with teammates and coaches praising his abilities.
Miami Marlins center fielder Jonathan Davis was carted off the field with an apparent right knee injury after attempting a diving catch during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Davis briefly had the ball in his glove but lost possession as he rolled on the warning track. The 31-year-old Davis, who was acquired from Detroit in May, was expected to fill in for the injured Jazz Chisholm Jr. in center field.
Miami Marlins center fielder Jonathan Davis was carted off the field with an apparent right knee injury after attempting a diving catch during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Davis, who had been filling in for injured starter Jazz Chisholm Jr., briefly had the ball in his glove but lost possession as he rolled on the warning track. The extent of Davis' injury and his return timetable are currently unknown.
New York Yankees center fielder Harrison Bader left Monday's game against the Seattle Mariners with hamstring tightness. Bader had been performing well since joining the MLB squad, but his injury comes on the eve of Giancarlo Stanton's rehab assignment. The Yankees have stated that they do not believe the injury is too serious, but Bader will undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the damage.
The New York Yankees have designated center fielder Aaron Hicks for assignment, ending an eight-year relationship. Hicks was among the best center fielders in the game before declining into a player without a role. The deterioration of the relationship between the player and the club appeared to lead to an inevitable sub rosa dismissal. The seven-year term of his contract, built to lower the CBT hit of the deal, ultimately drove the Yankees to this decision.
The New York Yankees have designated Aaron Hicks for assignment and traded for Greg Allen. Hicks, who is owed nearly $30 million over the next three seasons, is likely to become a free agent. Hicks had been struggling for the past three seasons and was no longer trusted by the team. Despite being a lightning rod for the fan base, his teammates never alienated him throughout his struggles. Hicks was clearly struggling with the reality that he was no longer the player he once was, and it was clear that he wasn't going to find it in New York.
San Francisco Giants' center fielder Mike Yastrzemski injured his hamstring while trying to catch a bloop hit in the eighth inning of their game against the San Diego Padres, which resulted in a 6-4 loss for the Giants. Yaz felt a pop in his hamstring and is likely to miss some time. The Giants will have to find a replacement for him, with options including Brett Wisely, Cal Stevenson, or Austin Slater. Yaz has been hitting .292/.333/.521 with quality defense.
Red Sox center fielder Adam Duvall has been diagnosed with a distal radius fracture in his left wrist and will be placed on the 10-day injured list, with the expectation that he’ll miss several weeks of action. Duvall will not require surgery, but his absence will be a blow to the Red Sox, as he has been one of the hottest bats in all of baseball, opening the season with a .455/.514/1.030 batting line and four home runs in 37 trips to the plate.
Despite missing key relievers and a short outing from their starting pitcher, the Houston Astros managed to beat the Chicago White Sox 6-4 thanks to a gritty performance from their bullpen and timely hitting. Center fielder Chas McCormick made his first start of the season and contributed with a hit, two walks, and an RBI. The Astros' left-handed sluggers Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker also benefited from the restrictions to defensive shifts, with 10 of the team's 11 hits being singles through defensive holes.
The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired center fielder Cristian Pache from the Oakland Athletics for minor-league reliever Billy Sullivan. Pache, a former top prospect, is known for his above-average defensive ability and will provide the Phillies with a right-handed hitting option in center field. He will be on the opening day roster alongside left-handed hitting Brandon Marsh. Pache was added to the Phillies' 40-man roster, and Rhys Hoskins was placed on the 60-day injured list to make room.