MLB News
Jordan Beck Leading Candidate For Right Field Job
Colorado Rockies outfielder Jordan Beck is said to have the inside track for the right field job in 2025 according to manager Bud Black. The former 38th-overall draft pick had a successful minor league career, slashing .284/.380/.509 with 36 home runs and 26 stolen bases in 194 games, but struggled in his major league debut last season. The University of Tennessee product hit .188 with three home runs and a 35.3 percent K% in his 55-game audition while also spending time on the IL with a fractured left hand. On the bright side, he did flash some speed, stealing seven bases in 184 plate appearances. ATC projections don't foresee a big season in store for the 23-year-old, but fantasy managers should keep an eye on him as talented players calling Coors Field home tends to be a good thing for fantasy.
7 hours ago
Kevin Gausman Adds Some Offseason Weight With Eyes On September
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman has put on some weight this offseason, making him appear "sturdier," according to manager John Schneider. Gausman said that adding some weight is typical, knowing that he'll lose some of the added pounds as the season progresses, but intimated that this might be the first time he remains over 200 pounds for the entirety of the campaign. Nevertheless, the 6-foot-2 hurler is expected to fill the ace role again for the Jays in 2025, although he may not be an ace for fantasy any longer. Last season, the righty posted a 3.83 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and a 14.0% K-BB%. Even though he finished strong by recording a 2.22 ERA and 1.04 WHIP over his final nine starts, many of his underlying stats contradicted that outcome, with his K%, BB%, SwStr%, xFIP, and SIERA coming in worse when compared to his first 22 starts, so make sure not to overpay when drafting.
8 hours ago
Hyeseong Kim Impressing Early On In Spring Training
Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Hyeseong Kim is leaving an impression on his teammates early on in camp, showing off the defense that allowed him to win four Golden Glove Awards while playing in the KBO. With the offseason departure of Gavin Lux, it is presumed that Kim will man the keystone for the Dodgers, however, he's also taking reps at third base and center field this spring, adding to his versatility. While he hit over .300 each of the last four seasons for the Kiwoom Heroes, ATC projections foresee just a .265 average with only modest HR, RBI, and R totals, however, he could be a sneaky source of steals if he can stay in the lineup, as ATC calls for 17 thefts in 2025 in just 109 games. He owns both 2B and SS eligibility on Yahoo, adding to his fantasy appeal.
8 hours ago
Rangers To Monitor Evan Carter Throughout The Season
The Dallas Morning News' Evan Grant writes that the Texas Rangers plan to monitor outfielder Evan Carter's (back) health throughout the 2025 season after he appeared in only 45 games in 2024 due to chronic back issues. "It's personal to me and we're going to keep it that way. I can't change it. It's a part of me now, but we've got a plan," Carter said. The 22-year-old left-handed hitter has had back inflammation each of the last two seasons and could be given regular rest days throughout the season. The Rangers' level of concern isn't very high in spring training, but fantasy managers should have plenty of reservations about his long-term health moving forward. Carter looked great in his big-league debut at the end of the 2023 season and while helping Texas win the World Series that fall, but last year was a lost season. In addition to injury concerns, Carter is going to need to figure out lefties to secure a full-time role.
11 hours ago
Nick Pratto To Get Outfield Reps This Spring
Kansas City Royals first baseman Nick Pratto, who is out of minor-league options, will get a lot of repetitions in the outfield during spring training this year, according to MLB.com's Anne Rogers. The Royals want Pratto to increase his versatility in camp since he's out of minor-league options and prove he belongs on the Opening Day roster as a super-utility player. Infielders Jonathan India and Michael Massey are two other Royals infielders that are trying to learn the outfield this spring as well. Pratto, a former 14th overall pick by KC in 2017, has hit just .216/.295/.364 with a .659 OPS, 14 home runs, 55 RBI and 51 runs scored in 144 games in his first two major-league seasons the last two years for the Royals. The 26-year-old figures to be a utility player once again for the Royals if he makes the big-league roster out of spring training, limiting his fantasy appeal to AL-only leagues.
11 hours ago
Cubs Add Chris Flexen On Minor-League Deal
The Chicago Cubs signed free-agent right-hander Chris Flexen to a minor-league deal on Monday that is pending a physical, sources tell The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma. Flexen will stay in Chicago in 2025 after going 3-15 for the White Sox with a 4.95 ERA (4.80 FIP) and 1.52 WHIP with 123 strikeouts and 63 walks over 160 innings in 33 appearances (30 starts) in 2024. He was even worse the prior season with the Seattle Mariners and Colorado Rockies, going a combined 208 with a 6.86 ERA (6.22 FIP) and 1.67 WHIP with 74 strikeouts and 38 walks in 102 1/3 frames over 29 outings (16 starts). The 30-year-old veteran has a career 4.95 ERA and 1.49 WHIP with a well below-average 16.4 percent strikeout rate in his seven MLB seasons. Flexen will enter spring training with the Cubs as pitching depth and should be avoided in all fantasy leagues.
11 hours ago
Geraldo Perdomo, Diamondbacks Agree To Four-Year Extension
Shortstop Geraldo Perdomo and the Arizona Diamondbacks agreed to a four-year, $45 million contract extension on Monday that includes a club option, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. Perdomo's new deal will start in 2026 and buys out up to three years for the 25-year-old. Perdomo gets rewarded after hitting a career-best .273 (92-for-337) with three home runs, 37 RBI, nine stolen bases and 61 runs scored in 98 games for the Snakes in 2024 after he was a first-time All-Star in 2023. He missed over two months after suffering a knee injury in early April but put up solid numbers when healthy. However, fantasy managers may want to expect some regression for Perdomo unless he improves his plate discipline, as his average was propped up by a favorable .317 BABIP in 2024. The extension for Perdomo is bad news for shortstop prospect Jordan Lawlar, who continues to be set back by injuries.
11 hours ago
Colt Keith Making Swing Adjustments
Detroit Tigers second baseman Colt Keith is making swing adjustments. The former fifth-round selection expressed that he could never get the most out of his power during his rookie campaign. He had typically been unable to generate enough momentum forward, which resulted in his lower exit velocity. In addition, this caused the 23-year-old to hit a lot of ground balls to the right side of the field. However, Keith has emphasized modifying his swing, which should help him tap into the power he has flashed in the minor leagues. Over his first season in the majors (138 games), Keith hit just 13 home runs with a .380 SLG. However, across 67 career games at Triple-A, Keith hit 13 home runs with a strong .521 SLG. In addition to his swing adjustments, Keith is expected to shift to first base in 2025, with the Tigers signing second baseman Gleyber Torres. The 23-year-old is an intriguing pick later in drafts as he could take the next step in his progression during his sophomore season.
13 hours ago
Adam Macko Suffers Meniscus Tear In Left Knee
Toronto Blue Jays pitching prospect Adam Macko (knee) suffered a meniscus tear in his left knee. Shi Davidi of SportsNet noted that the 24-year-old felt something during his weekend bullpen session. He is set to have a further evaluation on Wednesday but is looking at a "probable surgery." The 24-year-old spent most of the 2024 campaign at the Double-A level but was given a brief taste of Triple-A. Across 81 1/3 innings at Double-A New Hampshire, the southpaw held a 4.87 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. He tallied 90 punchouts and served up 30 walks. However, during his first three innings at the Triple-A level, Macko allowed three earned runs. When Macko does return to action, fantasy managers should expect him to get his first full look at Triple-A.
13 hours ago
Kyle Bradish Throwing On Flat Ground, Feels Good
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Kyle Bradish (elbow) has been throwing on flat ground, and his elbow "feels good." However, the right-hander still does not have a definite timetable. The 28-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery with an internal brace procedure last June. Bradish noted that he was pitching through pain before the operation but wanted to help his team. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status, as he could return sometime in the second half of the campaign. Before being shut down last summer, Bradish posted a strong 2.75 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP across 39 1/3 innings. Bradish tallied strikeouts at an elite 32.5 percent rate and ground balls at an excellent 56.0 percent rate. While Bradish is sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Dean Kremer to be deployed in the final spot in the starting rotation.
13 hours ago
Yuli Gurriel Finalizing Deal With San Diego
Free-agent first baseman Yuli Gurriel is finalizing a deal with the San Diego Padres. Last season, Gurriel spent most of the campaign with the Gwinnett Stripers but did get a brief look with the Kansas City Royals. Across 18 contests in Kansas City, Gurriel posted a .241/.338/.296 line. He showed an excellent eye at the plate with a 13.8 percent walk rate. In addition, he also generated an above-average .254 xBA. In 75 games at the Triple-A level, the 40-year-old posted a .292/.378/.485 slash line with 18 doubles and 12 long balls. He held an impressive 39:49 BB:K ratio. Gurriel spent the majority of his MLB career with the Houston Astros. Fantasy managers should expect the infielder to compete for a depth role in San Diego. Currently, Luis Arraez is slated to be the team's starting left fielder, but Gurriel could have a good opportunity to win the No. 2 role with a strong spring training.
13 hours ago
Kenta Maeda Could Earn Starting Role
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Kenta Maeda could have a path to opening the season in the starting rotation with Alex Cobb (hip) set to miss a month of action. Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic noted that the team could give the veteran right-hander a look in spring training with the open spot in the rotation. Last season, Maeda appeared in 29 games but only started 17 of them. Across 112 1/3 total frames, the 36-year-old posted a disappointing 6.09 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. However, the right-hander worked on his mechanics during the offseason in hopes of returning to form. During the 2023 campaign, Maeda held a 4.23 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP across a similar 104 1/3 innings of work. Fantasy managers should monitor his progress during spring training as he will likely compete alongside Casey Mize and top prospect Jackson Jobe for a starting role. If he does earn the job, he could be worth a look in deeper AL-only formats.
13 hours ago
Josh Sborz Placed On 60-Day Injured List
Texas Rangers relief pitcher Josh Sborz (shoulder) was placed on the 60-day injured list earlier on Monday. This transaction opened a roster spot for right-handed pitcher Luke Jackson, who the team signed to a one-year contract on Monday. Sborz underwent shoulder surgery earlier in the offseason and is expected to miss the opening months of the 2025 campaign. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status. Last season, Sborz logged just 16 1/3 innings at the major league level as he battled the same shoulder injury. Across this small stint, the 31-year-old held a 3.86 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. He was very effective during their World Series run in 2023, as he posted a near-perfect 0.75 ERA and a 0.67 WHIP with a 4:13 BB:K ratio across 12 frames. When he does return, Sborz should have a high-leverage role in the Texas bullpen.
14 hours ago
White Sox Claim Owen White Off Waivers From Yankees
The Chicago White Sox claimed left-hander Owen White off waivers from the New York Yankees on Monday and placed left-hander Ky Bush (elbow) on the 60-day injured list in a corresponding move to make room for White on the 40-man roster. The White Sox will be the fourth team for White this offseason as he's been passed around on waivers. The 25-year-old debuted in the big leagues with the Texas Rangers in 2023 and allowed eight earned runs on nine hits (one homer) while walking one and striking out none in three relief innings for Texas last year. If he sticks around with the White Sox through spring training, he'll likely just serve as minor-league pitching depth and start the season at Triple-A Charlotte. Bush will miss the entire 2025 season after having Tommy John surgery on his left elbow.
14 hours ago
Emmanuel Rodriguez To Be Delayed With Ankle Sprain
Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez (ankle) sprained his left ankle last week and will be delayed for a week or two from participating in spring training camp. In addition to his ankle injury, the 21-year-old is recovered from surgery he had on his right thumb last November. The Dominican outfielder has had a problem with the injury bug so far in his professional career and has not exceeded 100 games played since joining the organization in 2021. He played in 47 games over four minor-league levels in 2024 and slashed an impressive .280/.459/.567 with a 1.026 OPS, nine home runs, 27 RBI, nine stolen bases and 47 runs scored in 47 games played. If Rodriguez can get past his injuries and reduce his strikeouts, he could be an intriguing power prospect at the big-league level sooner than later. First and foremost, he needs to stay healthy and will almost certainly begin the year in the minors in 2025.
14 hours ago
Bennett Sousa Healthy At Spring Training
Houston Astros left-hander Bennett Sousa (shoulder) said that he's fully recovered from season-ending surgery he had last April for thoracic outlet syndrome. Sousa was able to get back on the mound last September and appears to be full-go at camp this year as he competes for a spot in Houston's Opening Day bullpen. The 29-year-old southpaw had a 4.00 ERA (3.14 FIP) and 0.89 WHIP with 10 strikeouts and two walks in just nine relief innings for the Milwaukee Brewers and Astros in 2023 before having surgery early last season. He's no lock to make the big-league roster out of spring training this year and will likely be hurt by the fact that he has minor-league options remaining. Expect Sousa to open the 2025 regular season with Triple-A Sugar Land.
14 hours ago
Alan Roden Could Make Big Impact For Blue Jays This Year
Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said that outfield prospect Alan Roden has some high expectations in 2025. The 25-year-old former third-round pick of the 2022 MLB draft has been highly touted in the organization among players and executives. "He's just done so much to put himself in a position to move through the system quickly," Atkins said. The 25-year-old had a .319 on-base percentage between Double-A and Triple-A last year and also makes a ton of contact at the plate. He also drove the ball more consistently in 2024 and hit 16 long balls in 125 games in the minors. Roden is unlikely to crack Toronto's Opening Day roster out of spring training, but by the middle of the 2025 season, he should be in the big leagues and could even serve as Toronto's leadoff hitter. In addition to being a quick riser, he could be a future Gold Glover in the outfield for the Jays.
14 hours ago
Seth Martinez Designated For Assignment
The Arizona Diamondbacks designated right-hander Seth Martinez for assignment on Monday to make room for right-handed reliever Kendall Graveman on their 40-man roster. Martinez was claimed off waiver by the Diamondbacks earlier this offseason, but he could be on the move again before the start of the 2025 regular season. The 30-year-old former 17th-round pick by the Athletics in 2016 out of Arizona State University broke into the big leagues in 2021 with the Houston Astros and pitched all four of his big-league seasons with the team. In his four years with Houston, Martinez has a 3.93 ERA (4.24 FIP), a 1.30 WHIP, two saves and a 122:54 K:BB in 137 1/3 relief innings. If he isn't claimed off waivers by another team or traded, he could return to Arizona and accept an assignment to the minors to start the 2025 season.
14 hours ago
Rangers Sign Luke Jackson To One-Year Deal
The Texas Rangers announced on Monday that they signed free-agent right-handed reliever Luke Jackson to an undisclosed one-year deal for the 2025 season. Jackson will now return to Texas after the organization drafted him 45th overall in the first round in 2010. The 33-year-old spent the first two years of his MLB career with the Rangers before joining the Atlanta Braves for the next five seasons. He spent 2024 with the San Francisco Giants and Braves, going 4-3 with a 5.09 ERA (4.24 FIP) and 1.47 WHIP with 59 strikeouts and 26 walks in 53 relief innings. Fantasy managers can ignore Jackson in the vast majority of formats this year, as he'll likely settle in as more of a low-leverage middle reliever for the Rangers. He has a 4.24 career ERA with a 1.45 WHIP, 19 saves, a 24.4% strikeout rate and a 10.0% walk rate in nine seasons in the majors. Eighteen of Jackson's saves came in 2019 with Atlanta.
14 hours ago
Tom Murphy Dealing With Oblique Strain
San Francisco Giants catcher Tom Murphy (oblique) has a mild oblique strain at spring training, according to manager Bob Melvin. The hope is that Murphy can get into a game in seven to 10 days. Murphy underwent an MRI exam recently after the Giants initially reported the 33-year-old veteran backstop was dealing with back spasms over the weekend. It's a setback for Murphy, who played in just 12 games in 2024 with the Giants due to a sprained MCL in his left knee, but he still has plenty of time to get ready for Opening Day in late March. When Murphy is healthy, he'll be the No. 2 catcher in San Fran and split playing time with Patrick Bailey. As long as Bailey remains healthy in 2025, Murphy should be considered a catching option only in two-catcher leagues for his power with the lumber. Murphy has a career .239 batting average and has never hit more than 18 home runs in his nine MLB seasons.
15 hours ago