MLB News
Noah Schultz Invited To Spring Training
According to the team, Chicago White Sox starting pitching prospect Noah Schultz is being invited to spring training. The left-handed pitcher is viewed as the top prospect in the White Sox system on MLB Pipeline and the No.16 overall in the sport. The 21-year-old made his professional debut in the 2023 season at the Single-A level and held a strong 1.33 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP across 27 innings of work. Last summer, the southpaw opened the campaign at High-A, where he logged 27 1/3 innings with a 3.95 ERA and 0.91 WHIP. He struck out an impressive 42 batters and allowed just nine free passes. He then earned a promotion to Double-A Birmingham, where he held a stellar 1.48 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP across 61 innings. He continued to flash strikeout upside as he tallied 73 across this stint. Schultz is a name to keep a close eye on, as he could make his major debut in 2025 if he continues this pace.
9 hours ago
Chris Okey Returning To Dodgers On Minor-League Deal
According to MLB.com, catcher Chris Okey is returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers on a minor-league contract. The 30-year-old had two brief stints in the major leagues during the 2022 and 2023 seasons and held a .143/.200/.143 across nine games. Okey spent the entire 2024 season with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Through 45 contests, Okey posted a .236/.282/.327 line with five doubles, two home runs, and a 10:33 BB:K ratio. Across 229 career contests at the Triple-A level, the Clemson product has posted a .242/.306/.363 slash line. Fantasy managers should expect Okey to remain in the minor leagues throughout most of the 2025 season, given his lack of big league experience and production.
9 hours ago
Mets Have Interest In Reunion With Max Scherzer
According to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, the New York Mets are interested in a reunion with free-agent starting pitcher Max Scherzer. Earlier this week, the three-time Cy Young winner threw for interested teams, with the Mets being one of them. Scherzer spent the entire 2022 and most of the 2023 season with the New York Mets before being traded to the Texas Rangers. In 2022, the right-hander logged 145 1/3 innings of work with a 2.29 ERA and 0.91 WHIP. He struck 173 batters and served up just 23 free passes. In 2023, he tossed 107 2/3 innings with a 4.01 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP before being traded to Texas. Scherzer was limited to just 43 innings last season due to numerous injuries but has expressed he has felt healthy all offseason and will see a normal workload during spring training.
10 hours ago
Mets Interested In Acquiring Spencer Torkelson
According to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, the New York Mets have shown interest in trading for Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson. The former No.1 pick in the 2020 MLB Draft had a disappointing campaign last summer and could be without a role in the starting lineup this season. In 2024, Torkelson posted an underwhelming .219/.295/.374 line with just 10 home runs. Earlier this offseason, the Tigers acquired second baseman Gleyber Torres and plan to move Colt Keith to first base. However, in 2023, the Arizona State product flashed some upside as he held a .233/.313/.446 line with 31 home runs. With Torkelson not having a defined role for the upcoming season, it could make him easier to acquire if the Mets are unable to resign Pete Alonso. The Mets might also acquire Torkelson to provide some depth at first base, as Mark Vientos will likely cover that position in the short term, which will leave Brett Baty, Luisangel Acuna, and Ronny Mauricio to share time at the hot corner.
10 hours ago
Pete Alonso Meets With The Angels
According to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, free agent first baseman Pete Alonso met with the Los Angeles Angels earlier this week. Alonso has been linked to several teams during free agency, including the Toronto Blue Jays and even a potential reunion with the Mets. Ragazzo noted that negotiations between Alonso and the Blue Jays are "not close." If Alonso were to sign with Los Angeles, the team would have move to Nolan Schanuel to another position as Jorge Soler will likely be the team's designated hitter throughout most of the season. Last summer, Alonso saw his power production drop as he hit just 34 home runs with a .240/.329/.459 line. In 2023 and 2022, Alonso launched 46 and 40 long balls, respectively. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring this situation, as Alonso would bring a much-needed power bat to his new club.
10 hours ago
Joe La Sorsa Designated For Assignment
According to Mark Zuckerman of MASN, the Washington Nationals have designated left-handed pitcher Joe La Sorsa for assignment. This transaction opened a roster spot for left-handed pitcher Shinnosuke Ogasawara, who the team signed to a two-year contract earlier on Friday. La Sorsa logged 17 2/3 innings for the Nationals last season. He posted a 4.58 ERA with a 1.25 WHIP. He showed strong command with a 6.8% walk rate but struck out batters at a low 18.9% rate. Across 89 2/3 career innings at the Triple-A level, La Sorsa has held a strong 2.91 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. He struggled to generate strikeouts at that level as well as he struck out just 68 batters. Given his lack of major league success, fantasy managers should expect La Sorsa to open the 2025 season at the Triple-A level.
21 hours ago
Tigers Will Not Acquire Ryan Pressly
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Detroit Tigers will not acquire Houston Astros relief pitcher Ryan Pressly. Nightengale noted that Pressly could either waive his trade clause to be the Chicago Cubs' closer or remain in Houston in a setup role. However, the Tigers are out of the running. The Tigers have been active in the relief pitcher market and have been linked to other options, such as Carlos Estevez. Last season, Pressly held a 3.49 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP across 56 2/3 innings. He struck out 58 batters and tallied 25 holds, operating as the go-to option in the eighth inning. Last season, Jason Foley saw most of the save opportunities as he tallied 28 saves with a 3.15 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. He is currently slated to return to that role, with Tyler Holton operating as the No.2 option.
21 hours ago
Drew Thorpe Likely To Miss Start Of Spring Training
According to Scott Merkin of MLB.com, Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Drew Thorpe (elbow) received a cortisone shot in his right elbow due to soreness and will likely miss the start of spring training. The rookie underwent an elbow operation in September to remove a burn spur but appears to have faced a setback in his recovery. Merkin noted that Thorpe is expected to begin playing catch later this week but will start spring training "behind." Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the offseason. Last summer, Thorpe was directly promoted to the major leagues from the Double-A level. Across his first 44 1/3 major league innings, the Cal Poly product posted a 5.48 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. Through 60 innings at Double-A, Thorpe held a stellar 1.35 ERA and a 0.87 WHIP. If he were to miss the start of the season, Bryse Wilson would likely receive starting opportunities.
21 hours ago
Chase Dollander Receives Invite To Spring Training
According to the team, Colorado Rockies starting pitching prospect Chase Dollander has received an invite to spring training. Dollander was selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of Tennessee. The right-hander enjoyed a fantastic professional debut season. He opened the 2024 campaign with High-A Spokane and posted a strong 2.83 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP across 70 innings. During this stint, he struck out 111 batters. He then earned a late-season promotion to Double-A, where he held an impressive 2.25 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP through 48 frames. He struck out 58 batters with just 19 walks. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Dollander's development as he is becoming one of the top pitching prospects in the sport. If he continues this pace, he could have a chance for a late-season debut this summer.
21 hours ago
Padres Acquire Ron Marinaccio From White Sox
The San Diego Padres announced on Friday that they acquired right-hander Ron Marinaccio from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for cash considerations. The New York Yankees designated Marinaccio for assignment earlier this offseason before the White Sox claimed him off waivers. The 29-year-old reliever will now head to the National League West, where he'll hope to win a Opening Day roster spot out of spring training in 2025. The former 19th-round selection by the Yankees in 2017 out of the University of Delaware made his major-league debut in 2022 in the Bronx and has a 3.22 career ERA and 1.19 WHIP with two saves and 137 strikeouts in his 114 2/3 relief innings in the big leagues. Marinaccio had a 3.86 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 25:10 K:BB in 23 1/3 innings in 2024 in New York. He'll merely represent bullpen depth for the Friars in 2025.
Yesterday
Ryan Pressly Doesn't Want To Go To East Or West Coast
The New York Post's Jon Heyman reports that Houston Astros right-handed reliever Ryan Pressly, who is being shopped by the Astros this offseason, has a full no-trade clause and has told the team that he does not want to go to the East or West coast. It means that he wouldn't approve a trade to the Toronto Blue Jays, one of the team's reportedly pursuing him. Pressly has not committed either way to the Chicago Cubs, who were reportedly close to acquiring him on Thursday. The 36-year-old is scheduled to make $14 million in 2024 and showed obviously signs of decline while both his strikeout and walk rates went the wrong way, so the Astros are more than likely going to have to eat some salary in order to work out a trade. Although Pressly isn't getting any younger, a trade to Chicago would almost certainly make him the Cubs' primary closer in 2025.
Yesterday
J.D. Davis Agrees On Minors Deal With Angels
Free-agent infielder J.D. Davis agreed with the Los Angeles Angels on a minor-league deal that includes an invite to major-league spring training on Friday, according to sources. Davis was only able to land a minor-league deal with the Halos after a disappointing 2024 campaign with the Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees. In 46 combined games between the two clubs, he slashed a weak .218/.293/.338 with a .631 OPS, only four home runs, six RBI, 13 runs scored and 39 strikeouts in 157 plate appearances. The 31-year-old veteran right-handed hitter will now hope to impress in spring training and win an Opening Day roster spot as depth for the Angels at both third base and first base behind Anthony Rendon and Nolan Schanuel, respectively. In 2023 with the San Francisco Giants, Davis hit 18 homers and drove in 69 with a .248/.325/.413 slash line in a career-high 144 games.
Yesterday
Ronald Acuna Jr. Expected To Miss First Month Of The Season
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) is expected to miss the first month or so of the 2025 season while recovering from ACL surgery on his left knee, which is the second ACL surgery after he tore his right ACL back in 2021, according to The Athletic's Dennis Lin and David O'Brien. Acuna's recovery is part of the reason the Braves signed outfielder Jurickson Profar to a three-year, $42 million deal on Thursday. Atlanta plans to use Profar in left field and have Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz compete in right field until Acuna returns. When Acuna eventually returns, he'll likely require more days off than usual as the Braves play it cautious with the superstar outfielder. The 27-year-old four-time All-Star and former MVP put up beastly number in 2023, hitting 41 homers, driving in 106 and stealing 73 bases, but his lower-body injuries are piling up and making him a much bigger fantasy risk. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 33 overall player coming off his second ACL tear.
Yesterday
Astros, Cubs Showing Significant Interest In Alex Bregman
The New York Post's Jon Heyman reports that the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs are believed to be showing significant interest in free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, with the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox also still involved. The Astros were believed to have moved earlier this offseason, but they've rekindled interest in bringing him back since he's still available and are even considering moving Isaac Paredes to second base and All-Star Jose Altuve to left field to accommodate a move. Bregman, a two-time All-Star and Gold Glover last year, was a big clubhouse guy in Houston and is still revered by many of their current players, including Altuve. He managed 26 homers, 75 RBI and 79 runs scored while slashing .260/.315/.453 in 145 games in 2024. It's unknown if the Astros are willing to up their previous offer to Bregman of six years and $156 million.
Yesterday
Brandon Eisert Traded To Tampa Bay
The Toronto Blue Jays have traded left-handed pitcher Brandon Eisert to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for cash considerations. The 27-year-old was recently designated for assignment to open a roster spot for Anthony Santander. The Oregon State product made his major league debut with the Blue Jays last summer, allowing three earned runs across a short six 2/3 inning stint. Eisert has spent most of the previous three seasons with Triple-A Buffalo. Across 183 1/3 innings, the 27-year-old has held a 3.83 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP. He struck out an impressive 219 batters and served up 61 free passes. He operated primarily in a relief role but did make 10 starts. Fantasy managers should expect Eisert to compete for a spot on the Tampa Bay Opening Day roster during spring training.
Yesterday
Chris Mazza Will Throw For Teams On Sunday
According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, right-handed pitcher Chris Mazza is scheduled to throw for interested teams on Sunday at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. The 35-year-old has not pitched in the major leagues since the 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery. In 2022, Mazza allowed seven earned runs across five 1/3 innings of work. He posted a career-best 4.61 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP with the Tampa Bay Rays during the 2021 campaign. Across 175 2/3 career innings at the Triple-A level, Mazza has posted a 4.41 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. The Menlo product would likely be given an invite to spring training if his throwing showcase goes well but will face an uphill battle to make an Opening Day roster given the time he has been sidelined.
Yesterday
Josh Winder Signs Minor-League Deal With Arizona
According to the Reno Aces, right-handed pitcher Josh Winder has signed a minor-league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. This deal includes an invitation to spring training. The 28-year-old has spent his entire MLB career with the Minnesota Twins. Last summer, Winder logged nine innings of work in the major leagues and allowed three earned runs while striking out ten batters. During the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Winder carried a 4.51 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP across 101 2/3 innings with the Twins. Through 105 career frames with Triple-A St. Paul, the former seventh-round selection posted a 5.49 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Winder to compete for a bullpen role during spring training, but given his lack of major league experience, he will likely open the season at the Triple-A level.
Yesterday
Cubs, David Robertson Discussing Potential Reunion
According to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, the Chicago Cubs and relief pitcher David Robertson have discussed a potential reunion. The 39-year-old spent time with the Cubs during the 2022 campaign. During this 40 1/3 inning stint, Robertson posted a 2.23 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP with 14 saves. Last summer, Robertson spent the entire season with the Texas Rangers and operated as the top setup man for Kirby Yates. Across 72 innings, the right-hander held a 3.00 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. He tallied an impressive 35 holds with a strong 33.6% K rate. However, he struggled with his command as he held a high 9.4% walk rate. Levine noted that the Cubs were also interested in Paul Sewald before he signed with Cleveland. Robertson would likely have a high-leverage role in the Chicago bullpen and could even compete for save opportunities with Porter Hodge.
Yesterday
Tigers Showing Interest In Carlos Estevez
According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit Tigers are showing interest in free-agent relief pitcher Carlos Estevez. Earlier in the offseason, the Tigers were interested in several relief pitchers, including Kirby Yates. Petzold noted that six other teams, alongside the Tigers, are pursuing Estevez. The Tigers have also been at the forefront of pursuing third baseman Alex Bregman. Last season, Estevez spent time with the Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia Phillies. Across 55 frames, he posted a 2.45 ERA and 0.45 WHIP. While he showed strong command with a 5.7% walk rate, his hefty 42.3% hard-hit and 10.1% barrel rates suggest he may face some regression in 2025. If Estevez were to sign in Detroit, he would be deployed as a high-leverage reliever.
Yesterday
Tanner Scott Will Share Closing Duties
The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya reports that Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said that while left-handed reliever Tanner Scott will see plenty of ninth-inning chances in his first year with the team in 2025, he won't be the team's set closer. We figured as much, especially since the Dodgers also have Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips and Kirby Yates, who are all plenty capable of closing out games. Still, the 30-year-old Scott, who has 54 saves over the last three seasons with the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres, should see the most save opportunities for the Blue, making him the best closer target on this star-studded team for fantasy managers. The Dodgers signed Scott to a four-year, $72 million deal last weekend to further bolster their bullpen. On the best team in baseball, Scott should be considered a low-end No. 2 fantasy closer, at worst.
Yesterday
Noah Schultz
• SP
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White Sox
