MLB News
Ben Brown To Have Injured Neck Scanned This Month
Chicago Cubs pitcher Ben Brown (neck) is expected to have a scan on his neck in the coming weeks, and if he gets the all-clear, then the 25-year-old could resume throwing without restriction. If the youngster is cleared then the expectation is that he'll be ready to compete for a rotation spot in spring training. The former 33rd-round draft pick showed well in his MLB debut last season, posting a 3.58 ERA (3.11 FIP), 1.08 WHIP, and a 64:19 K:BB in 55 1/3 innings over his first 15 big-league appearances (eight starts), including a seven-inning outing on May 28 in which he allowed no hits, two walks, and struck out 10. With his 28.8% strikeout rate, the righty is worth keeping an eye on, as he'd at least have value in NL-Only leagues were he to win a rotation spot.
Nov 7
Austin Hedges Re-Signs With Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians have re-signed veteran backup catcher Austin Hedges to a one-year contract. Hedges played 66 games for Cleveland last season, posting a .152-2-15-12-2 line in 146 PA. While the offensive statistics don't jump off the page, the 32-year-old is said to be a clubhouse leader and mentor to young starting catcher Bo Naylor. That's certainly a good thing for the Guardians, however, it doesn't move the needle for fantasy. Even if something were to happen to Naylor, as a career .186 hitter over 12 major league seasons, the former second-round draft pick would likely be best left on the waiver wire.
Nov 7
Astros Having Discussions About Trading Ryan Pressly
The Houston Astros have had internal discussions related to potentially trading reliever Ryan Pressly. The 35-year-old was moved to a setup role in 2024 once the Astros acquired closer Josh Hader. Pressly had saved 90 games for Houston from 2021-23, posting a 2.94 ERA. 0.98 WHIP, and 25.4% K-BB%. In the setup role in 2024, however, the righty posted a 3.49 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 16.4% K-BB%. With Hader and other capable arms at the back end of the bullpen, the team could let Pressly go and get prospects in return, although with the veteran's full no-trade clause, the pitcher would have to be on board with any proposed destination. It's worth monitoring for fantasy in the event he lands in a good spot with the opportunity to close.
Nov 7
Mookie Betts To Play Infield For The Dodgers In 2025
Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes stated Wednesday that the team will play Mookie Betts on the infield in 2025. The 32-year-old played mostly outfield for the Dodgers in 2021 and 2022, but started on the infield in almost half of his games played in 2023. In 2024, the veteran started on the infield in 73 of the 116 (63%) games he played, split between shortstop (61) and second base (12). It is important to note, but he'll be a top tier fantasy producer regardless of position, however, it could come to the detriment of Gavin Lux and others who played the middle infield for the reigning World Series champs in the second half of the season.
Nov 7
Willy Adames Projected To Sign Seven-Year, $189 Million Deal In Free Agency
ESPN's Kiley McDaniel is projecting free-agent shortstop Willy Adames to secure a seven-year deal worth around $189 million (27 million average annual value) in free agency this offseason. Adames helped his cause in a walk year in 2024 with the Milwaukee Brewers by slashing .251/.331/.462 with a .794 OPS and career-highs in home runs (32), RBI (112), stolen bases (21) and runs scored (93) in 688 plate appearances and 161 games during the regular season. He's a year and a half younger than fellow free agent Alex Bregman and is also better defensively and as a power hitter. Helping Adames' cause to land a lucrative long-term deal this winter is the fact that there wasn't a real everyday shortstop available on the open market last offseason. Plenty of teams will be interested in Adames, especially since he's flexible and could be moved to third base.
Nov 6
Corbin Burnes Projected To Land Seven-Year, $225 Million Deal
ESPN's Kiley McDaniel projects free-agent right-hander Corbin Burnes to land a seven-year, $225 million deal ($32.1 million average annual value) on the open market this winter. The 30-year-old veteran is easily the top free-agent pitcher in this year's class with plenty of MLB experience. Interested teams will have to guarantee him at least five years. Burnes has been durable (28 to 33 starts in each of the last four seasons), is an elite strike-thrower, and has a strong strikeout rate with improving velocity. He is widely expected to top $200 million, with Stephen Strasburg's $245 million deal before the 2020 season likely as agent Scott Boras' goal. If Burnes doesn't re-sign with the Baltimore Orioles, they'll receive draft-pick compensation after extending him the $21.05 million qualifying offer on Monday. He's been an All-Star each of the last four seasons.
Nov 6
Juan Soto Projected To Sign For 13 Years, $611 Million
ESPN's Kiley McDaniels projects free-agent outfielder Juan Soto to sign a 13-year, $611 million ($47 million average annual value) this winter as a generational free agent at the top of this year's free-agent class. Soto's contract will be the biggest that agent Scott Boras has ever negotiated. McDaniel writes that he wouldn't be surprised if Soto gets a heavily deferred contract that totals more than $700 million in nominal value. Obviously, not many teams will be able to afford the left-handed slugger, and it will likely come down to how aggressive the New York Yankees and New York Mets want to get this offseason. The 26-year-old Dominican had a fantastic first year in pinstripes with the Yankees, slashing .288/.419/.569 with a .989 OPS, career-high 41 home runs, 109 RBI and a league-high 128 runs during the regular season, so the Yankees would surely love to bring him back.
Nov 6
Royce Lewis Might See More Time At Second Base
Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis could see more time at the keystone next year. Lewis started one game at second in 2024, but more playing time there in 2025 could allow infielder Jose Miranda to spend more time at the hot corner if the Twins add a regular first baseman to replace free agent Carlos Santana. "Some of that will depend on the personnel we acquire, don't acquire and how that all shakes out," president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said of Lewis at second base. "We want him to stay open-minded to that and we'll have that conversation." The former first overall pick in 2017 probably makes more sense from a defensive standpoint at second because of his poor throwing accuracy. Offensively, Lewis is one of the better young power bats in the game, although he's been extremely injury-prone in his first three MLB seasons.
Nov 6
Alex Bregman Has Bone Chip Removed From Elbow
Agent Scott Boras said free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman (elbow) had a bone chip removed from his right elbow recently and should resume swinging a bat in a few weeks. Bregman is expected to be fine for the start of spring training in February. The 30-year-old veteran missed time later in the regular season due to elbow issues but played through it before the club was eliminated by the Detroit Tigers in the wild-card round of the playoffs. The injury shouldn't negatively affect Bregman's free-agent market this offseason. While the Astros have had talks with him about a return, nothing is guaranteed. The two-time All-Star hit .260/.315/.453 with a career-worst .768 OPS, 26 home runs, 75 RBI, three stolen bases and 79 runs scored in 145 games in his nine season in Houston in 2024. Leaving the Astros' powerful lineup would likely be a negative for Bregman's fantasy value in 2025.
Nov 6
Angels Sign Kyle Hendricks
The Los Angeles Angels signed free-agent veteran right-hander Kyle Hendricks to a one-year deal worth around $3 million on Wednesday. The pitching-hungry Angels scoop up an aging pitcher near the end of his career and hope he can eat up some innings for them in 2025. The 34-year-old soft-tossing righty really struggled in his 11th and final season with the Chicago Cubs this past season, going 4-12 with a career-worst 5.92 ERA (4.98 FIP) with a 1.45 WHIP and 87:43 K:BB in 130 2/3 innings pitched over 29 appearances (24 starts). Because Hendricks pitches to contact and rarely misses bats, he's not going to be on many fantasy managers' radars outside of deep AL-only leagues. The Angels will be hoping he can bounce back to more of his 2023 numbers, when he posted a 3.74 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 24 starts.
Nov 6
Jazz Chisholm Jr. Could Be Moved Back To Second Base
New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman mentioned prospect Caleb Durbin and the possibility that the team will add a third baseman and move infielder/outfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base next season. Current second baseman Gleyber Torres is a free agent this winter, and although the Yankees aren't opposed to bringing him back, he could very well leave the Bronx, opening up a glaring hole at the keystone. After being acquired from the Miami Marlins at the trade deadline at the end of July, Chisholm hit .273 (48-for-176) with 11 home runs, 23 RBI and 18 stolen bases for the Bombers while playing a solid third base defensively. The 26-year-old power/speed threat already has eligibility at outfield and third base, so adding second base eligibility in 2025 would be even nicer for fantasy managers.
Nov 6
Astros Have Had "Productive" Talks With Alex Bregman
Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown said he's had "productive" talks with Scott Boras, the agent representing free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. It's unclear if the Astros have made a formal offer to Bregman to try and re-sign him, but Brown added it's "our biggest priority at third base, without a doubt. We'd love to have Alex Bregman back. It's our biggest priority." The Astros extended a $21.05 million qualifying offer to Bregman on Monday, which he's fully expected to decline. It means that Houston will receive draft-pick compensation if Bregman signs with another team in free agency. The 30-year-old two-time All-Star remained productive in 2024, hitting .260/.315/.453 with a .768 OPS, 26 homers, 75 RBI, three steals and 79 runs scored in 145 regular-season games. Leaving Houston for another team could ultimately hurt Bregman's fantasy upside in 2025.
Nov 6
Pirates Claim Trey Cabbage Off Waivers
The Pittsburgh Pirates have claimed outfielder Trey Cabbage off waivers, according to Ari Alexander of KPRC2. The 27-year-old appeared in only 47 games at the major league level in the Space City last season and held an underwhelming .209/.253/.337 slash line with just one home run and one stolen base. However, in Triple-A, he posted a solid .243/.351/.474 line with 13 home runs, 43 RBI, and 22 stolen bases. Fantasy managers should expect Cabbage to compete for the spot on the Opening Day Roster. However, he will face an uphill battle as he has not enjoyed consistent success in the big leagues.
Nov 6
Rangers Decline 2025 Option On Andrew Chafin
The Texas Rangers have declined their 2025 club option on left-handed pitcher Andrew Chafin. The 34-year-old opened the 2024 campaign in Detroit but was eventually shipped to Texas before the trade deadline. Across 56 1/3 innings of work, Chafin held a 3.51 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, and a 31:70 BB:K ratio. The southpaw generated whiffs at an elite 34.5% mark, which was evident in his excellent 28.5% K rate. However, he struggled to control his pitches as he carried a hefty 12.6% walk rate. Given his ability to generate swings and misses, fantasy managers should expect Chafin to have a high-leverage role in 2025. He could eventually become a target in leagues that score holds if he is pitching on a competing club.
Nov 5
Camilo Doval Generating Interest
San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Camilo Doval is generating interest in the trade market, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. Slusser said, "The talent remains undeniable, and a few teams would consider him for a closer role." Doval entered the 2024 campaign as the bona fide ninth-inning option in the Bay Area but eventually ceded those duties to Ryan Walker later in the season after blowing five saves and holding a 4.70 ERA through the start of August. This past summer, Walker posted a stellar 1.91 ERA and 0.85 WHIP. In 2023, Doval held a strong 2.93 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP with 39 saves across 67 2/3 innings of work. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor this situation during the offseason, as Walker may open the campaign as the top option for saves.
Nov 5
Shohei Ohtani Undergoes Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (shoulder) underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to repair a labrum tear, according to the team. Ohtani is expected to be ready in time for Spring Training. The superstar suffered this injury due to a dislocated shoulder during the World Series. However, he was able to play through it en route to winning his first championship. Fantasy managers should monitor his progression leading up to Spring Training in case he faces a setback. Operating as a pure hitter in 2024, Ohtani established the 50-50 club with an impressive .310/.390/.646 slash line. The 30-year-old will likely be a consensus top selection this year in drafts as he is expected to return to the mound, providing elite fantasy production both as a pitcher and a hitter.
Nov 5
Ronald Acuna Jr., Spencer Strider Not Expected To Be Ready By Opening Day
According to David O'Brien of The Athletic, Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) and starting pitcher Spencer Strider (elbow) are not expected to be ready by Opening Day. General manager Alex Anthopoulos said, "We're planning on not having them on the Opening Day roster. How soon after that, we'll see how that goes. And as we get closer and get into spring training, we'll probably be able to update." Fantasy managers should continue monitoring their progress during the offseason and Spring Training; they could potentially sit out significantly during the 2025 season. Acuna suffered a torn ACL in his left knee last May, while Spencer Strider underwent an internal brace procedure in April. During the 2023 season, Acuna captured the NL MVP by hitting a stellar .337/.416/.596 line with 41 home runs and 733 stolen bases. In the same season, Strider finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting with a 3.86 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 281 punchouts across 186 2/3 innings of work. When healthy, both players are elite fantasy assets and would have been consensus first-round selections in all fantasy formats.
Nov 5
Bo Bichette Not On The Trade Block
According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette is not on the trade block. General manager Ross Atkins said it is an "easy no" when discussing potential trade inquiries surrounding the 26-year-old. Bichette had a disappointing 2024 season as he posted a career-worst .225/.277/.322 slash line with just four home runs, 31 RBI, and five stolen bases. The former second-round selection played in just 81 games this season due to numerous injuries. His metrics were not encouraging as he held a poor 4.4% barrel rate and .378 xSLG. However, given his past production, fantasy managers should expect Bichette to be in a good position to bounce back in the 2025 campaign.
Nov 5
A's Planning To Keep Brent Rooker
The Athletics plan to keep outfielder Brent Rooker this offseason despite speculation that he might be moved. "We're going to keep Rooker," general manager David Forst said. Rooker is one of the team's best bargaining chips, but they are going to hang onto him after posting a second straight strong season in 2024 with a .293/.365/.562 slash line and .927 OPS to go along with career-highs in home runs (39), RBI (112), stolen bases (11) and runs scored (82) in 614 plate appearances and 145 games played. The 30-year-old underwent surgery on his right forearm in early October for an injury he had played through for much of the year. The good news is that Rooker is expected to be fully healthy for spring training in 2025 and will be a popular outfield target in fantasy despite playing for the lowly A's.
Nov 5
Diamondbacks Decline Scott McGough's Option
The Arizona Diamondbacks declined the $4 million option for the 2025 season on right-handed reliever Scott McGough over the weekend. McGough hits the open market this winter after receiving a $750,000 buyout. McGough took a step back for the D-backs in 2024 in his second year with the team and went 1-3 with a 7.44 ERA (6.04 FIP), a 1.68 WHIP and 25:21 K:BB in 32 2/3 innings pitched in 26 appearances (two starts) for the Snakes. The 35-year-old was constantly being shipped back and forth between the minors and majors this year after spending all of the 2023 campaign in Arizona. He'll now look to latch on as relief depth with another club this offseason. In his two years in the desert, McGough posted a 5.59 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with nine saves, 111 strikeouts and 51 walks in 103 innings over 89 appearances (three starts).
Nov 5
