MLB News

The Los Angeles Angels have signed veteran first baseman Trey Mancini to a minor-league contract, according to Ken Rosenthal. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed, but it seems likely that Mancini will be headed to spring training as a non-roster invite. The former eight-round pick hasn't played in the majors since 2023, and he spent the first half of last season with the Diamondbacks' Triple-A affiliate, slashing .308/.373/.522 with 110 wRC+ across 74 games before opting out of his contract. He's been a free agent ever since, and now, he'll presumably head to Angels camp in Arizona with a chance to compete for an Opening Day roster spot. Nolan Schanuel has first base locked down for the Halos, but he's the only first baseman on the 40-man roster. Assuming the Angels choose to carry two first basemen into the regular season, Mancini and Niko Kavadas should compete for the role.

Cincinnati Reds utilityman Tyler Callihan (left forearm) says that he is a "full-go" ahead of spring training next month. Callihan suffered a gruesome left forearm fracture while crashing into the left-field wall in Atlanta last May. He was just four games into his rookie campaign at the time of the injury, and he ended up missing the remainder of the season. After a lengthy recovery, he's looking to compete for a roster spot during camp. When talking about Callihan, president of baseball operations Nick Krall said, "He is going to come in and compete for a spot on the club. That's a testament to him and his rehab and our rehab staff and him just putting in the work." The 25-year-old made three appearances in left field and one at second base prior to his injury, but he also played some first base at Triple-A in 2025 and has experience at third base from early in his minor league career. Across 24 Triple-A games prior to his promotion, he slashed an impressive .303/.410/.528 with a 15.1% walk rate, a 27.4% strikeout rate, and 150 wRC+. He went 1-for-6 with an RBI single over his short sample size in the majors. While Callihan doesn't have any immediate fantasy appeal, there's a path to potential playing time if he makes the Opening Day roster. Dane Myers, Garrett Hampson, Rece Hinds, and Blake Dunn are also in the mix and will compete with Callihan for a roster spot.

Free agent starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano intends to stay in Major League Baseball and is "not considering" a return to Nippon Professional Baseball, according to a television interview translated to English by @gnomotoke on X. Sugano signed his first MLB contract with the Orioles a year ago, and he pitched to a 4.70 xFIP with 6.08 K/9 and 2.06 BB/9 in his debut season. While he remains a free agent, Sugano has reportedly connected with multiple teams and is waiting to receive an offer. 2025 wasn't a great season for Sugano by any means, but the expected metrics look upon him more favorably than the results, suggesting that he could be due for some improvement next season. The 36-year-old right-hander isn't a big swing-and-miss pitcher, so he typically needs to induce weak contact to generate favorable results. That didn't really happen in 2025, as he surrendered an 11.8% barrel rate with 1.89 HR/9. We don't know yet which teams are interested in Sugano, but he's likely looking for a major league deal if he feels compelled to stay stateside rather than return to NPB. He's not a viable fantasy baseball option for the 2026 campaign.

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Joe Musgrove (elbow) is expected to be ready for the start of spring training in February, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Musgrove has been sidelined since October 2024 due to Tommy John surgery, but it sounds like he should be a full-go when the Padres report to Arizona next month. "I feel like I'm in a good position physically [and] mentally for the season," Musgrove said. Acee added that the veteran pitcher was preparing to be available for the NLCS if San Diego qualified, so the extra three months of recovery should only further verify that he's at full health. That's great news for the Padres and fantasy baseball managers. Musgrove projects to be the Padres' No. 3 starter, slotting in behind Michael King and Nick Pivetta. When he was last healthy in 2024, he pitched to a 3.74 xFIP with 9.12 K/9 and 2.08 BB/9 across 19 starts (99.2 innings). He hasn't pitched more than 100 innings since 2022, but the metrics from his last healthy campaign are very encouraging nonetheless. As it stands, Musgrove ranks as the #71 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (shoulder, hernia) does not expect to have any limitations ahead of spring training next month, he said during an appearance on the SportsDay Rangers podcast. Eovaldi suffered a season-ending rotator cuff strain last August, followed by a sports hernia that required surgery in October. However, it sounds like he's nearing full health, and not only will he be a full-go for spring training, but he should be cleared to make the Opening Day rotation. "I've been throwing multiple bullpens, and my arm feels great, body feels great, and I'm ready for the season to get going," he said. That's great news for the Rangers and fantasy baseball managers. Eovaldi pitched to a stellar 1.73 ERA last year, and his 2.80 FIP was also quite impressive despite suggesting he experienced some good luck. He should return to his terrific form this year, looking to maintain his phenomenal 8.93 K/9, 1.45 BB/9, and 50.3% ground ball rate from 2025. He currently projects as the No. 2 starter in an exciting rotation that also features Jacob deGrom and MacKenzie Gore. As it stands, Eovaldi ranks as the #42 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings for 2026.

New York Yankees right-handed pitching prospect Carlos Lagrange is an emerging arm in their system and could debut in the majors in 2026. The 22-year-old spent the 2025 campaign with High-A and Double-A, logging 120 total innings. With High-A, the right-hander posted a 4.10 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP across 41 2/3 innings of work. During this stint, Lagrange struck out 64 batters while allowing just 12 free passes. During his first look at Double-A, Lagrange posted an impressive 3.22 ERA with a slightly higher 1.29 WHIP. He struck out 104 batters through 78 1/3 innings but served up a much higher 50 walks. While Lagrange won't be in a position to break camp with the MLB roster, he could begin the 2026 season with Triple-A, opening the door for a first-half MLB debut.

Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez is a name to closely monitor during spring training as he could crack the Opening Day roster. According to MLB.com, Rodriguez is viewed as the No. 69 overall-ranked prospect in the sport and the No. 4-ranked in the Minnesota system. Rodriguez has battled numerous injuries during his minor league career, but has flashed immense upside when on the field. Last summer, the 22-year-old appeared in only 65 games in the minor leagues. He spent most of the year with Triple-A St. Paul (52 games), where he held a .258/.429/.423 line with seven doubles, six home runs, and nine stolen bases. While Byron Buxton is slated to cover center field, the corner outfield positions could be open for Rodriguez to claim. Managers in deeper five-outfielder leagues should keep a close eye on Rodriguez during spring training.

Baltimore Orioles outfield prospect Enrique Bradfield Jr. is nearing his eventual promotion to join the MLB roster. Bradfield is currently considered the No. 4-ranked prospect in the Orioles system on MLB.com. Bradfield spent most of his 2025 season with Double-A Chesapeake, where he posted a .269/.393/.386 line. While he showed minimal power potential as he hit only two long balls, he flashed elite speed, swiping 26 bags. The former 17th overall pick from the 2023 MLB Draft would then finish his 2026 season with Triple-A Norfolk, where he posted a much lower .179/.226/.286 line with only three extra-base hits across a 15-game stint. However, he would continue to show high-end speed, stealing six bags. While Bradfield won't compete for a spot on the MLB roster given Baltimore's current outfield depth, he is a name to monitor in the first half, as he may be the first name called following an injury.

Chicago White Sox outfield prospect Braden Montgomery could contend for his MLB debut during the second half of the campaign. The team's top prospect, according to MLB.com, made his professional debut at the start of the 2025 season with Low-A. However, the former 12th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft quickly progressed through the Chicago system and finished the campaign with Double-A Birmingham. Across 121 total contests, Montgomery posted a strong .270/.360/.444 slash line with an .804 OPS. He hit 34 doubles, four triples, and added 12 long balls. The Texas A&M product swiped 14 bags as well. Given his quick progression through the lower levels, managers in deeper 12+ team leagues should continue to monitor Montgomery during the first half, as he could put himself in a great position to debut later in the season.

Arizona Diamondbacks infield prospect Tommy Troy is a name to closely monitor during spring training as he could push to break camp with the MLB roster. Troy is considered the No. 5-ranked prospect in the system on MLB.com. The former 12th overall pick from the 2023 MLB Draft began the 2025 season with Double-A but needed only 87 games to make the jump to Triple-A Reno. At Double-A, Troy held a .286/.382/.461 line with a strong .843 OPS. Through his first 38 games with the Reno Aces, Troy continued to perform at a high level, carrying a .295/.381/.429 line with eight doubles, three home runs, and three stolen bases. While Troy has spent most of his time at the keystone, he has experience at other positions in the infield and could operate in a utility role if he has a productive spring training.

According to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic, Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner would be a "perfect fit" for the Boston Red Sox. While the Cubs appear hesitant to move Hoerner in a trade, the Red Sox could offer them a high-end, budding pitcher, which is what they have been seeking on the trade market this offseason. With the Red Sox signing Ranger Suarez earlier this month, they could look to move one of their top emerging arms, Payton Tolle or Connelly Early, in a trade to acquire the second baseman. In 2025, Hoerner posted a strong .297/.345/.394 line with seven home runs and 29 stolen bases. He generated an elite 98th percentile xBA with a 7.6% K%. If Hoerner were to move to Boston, he would see a full-time role at second base, shifting Romy Gonzalez and potentially Kristian Campbell to a utility role.

According to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com, New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty is considered a potential option for the Red Sox. The Red Sox have been actively looking to improve their depth at third base during the offseason. They heavily targeted top infielders Bo Bichette and Alex Bregman in free agency but were unable to get a deal done. While they have also been linked to Houston's third baseman, Isaac Paredes, Baty appears to also be in the mix. With the Mets signing Bichette, reports in New York suggest they may view Baty as a corner outfielder going forward, as their infield is now quite crowded. Last season, Baty took a massive step forward in his development, posting a .254/.313/.435 line with a career-best 13 doubles and 18 home runs. Baty would take on an everyday role in Boston and would carry sneaky sleeper appeal as a corner infielder, given his productive showing last season.

Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Nick Yorke is expected to compete for a utility role during spring training, according to Danny Demilio of Pittsburgh Baseball Now. Yorke made his MLB debut during the 2024 campaign but has yet to earn an extended stint in the big leagues. In 2024, Yorke appeared in only 11 games and saw his role slightly increase last summer, logging 22 games. Across these 33 contests, the former 17th overall pick has held a .226/.272/.340 line with a low .612 OPS. Yorke has hit just three home runs and swiped three bags. However, through 104 games with Triple-A Indianapolis last season, Yorke carried a .287/.348/.406 line with seven home runs and 17 stolen bases, showing his potential to be a five-category contributor. With Brandon Lowe covering the keystone, Yorke will likely compete for a utility role in the infield, serving as a complementary option to third baseman Jared Triolo and shortstop Nick Gonzales. He is worth monitoring in camp for managers in deeper 15+ team formats.

Houston Astros second baseman/third baseman Isaac Paredes remains a top trade candidate for the Boston Red Sox. Houston currently has a logjam in the infield and may not be able to provide Paredes with everyday at-bats. Additionally, the Red Sox have a glaring need at third base and have attempted to fill this role throughout the offseason. They were linked to top free agents Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette, but were unable to reach an agreement. The Red Sox have also been linked to free agent Eugenio Suarez. Paredes missed significant time during his first campaign in Houston but was very productive when on the field, posting a .254/.352/.458 line across 102 games. The infielder went deep 20 times and showed a strong eye at the plate, posting a 17.4% K% with an 11.4% BB%. If Paredes were to move to Boston, managers should expect him to operate as their everyday third baseman, potentially limiting Marcelo Mayer's at-bats.

According to Chris Henrique of The Boston Sports Journal, the Red Sox have received interest in right-handed starting pitcher Brayan Bello. Henrique notes that, given Boston's starting pitching depth, teams have begun to call to acquire Bello. Additionally, the team has started "quietly" gauging his value on the trade market. Bello logged a career-high 166 2/3 innings last season and posted a 3.35 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP. He struck out 124 hitters and showed solid command, allowing walks at an 8.4% rate. However, he posted a rather high 4.48 xERA, suggesting he may regress in 2026. With Ranger Suarez joining the rotation and several budding arms in contention for a lead role like Connelly Early and Payton Tolle, the Red Sox may look to move Bello to improve their starting lineup instead.

Chicago Cubs catching prospect Moises Ballesteros appears poised to take on a larger role in the major leagues this season. Jordan Bastian of MLB.com notes that with outfielder Owen Caissie now in Miami, Ballesteros faces minimal competition for everyday at-bats and should be in a great position to take on a lead role early in the campaign. Last summer, Ballesteros made his MLB debut and had success during his brief 20-game stint, holding a .298/.394/.474 line with two doubles, one triple, and two home runs. He spent most of the season with Triple-A Iowa, where the 22-year-old posted an impressive .316/.385/.473 line with an .858 OPS, 29 doubles, and 13 home runs. Given his projected role as the primary DH, Ballesteros carries sleeper appeal in all 12-team formats heading into 2026.

The Detroit Tigers are "one of many teams" interested in signing free-agent starting pitcher Lucas Giolito, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Giolito impressed in the Red Sox's rotation last year, and he remains on the market with less than one month until spring training. He tossed 145 innings across 26 starts in 2025, posting a 3.41 ERA, 7.51 K/9, and 3.48 BB/9. His 4.59 xFIP suggests he may have gotten lucky at times last season, but the results were enough to keep Giolito entrenched in the No. 2 starter role behind Garrett Crochet. It doesn't sound like a deal is imminent, but if Giolito does land in Detroit, he'll go from pitching behind one AL Cy Young candidate in Crochet to another in Tarik Skubal. He'd also reunite with Tigers starter Jack Flaherty, who was his teammate in high school. Giolito currently ranks as the #123 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings, but that placement will presumably shift a little once we know where he'll be pitching in 2026.

The Chicago Cubs have signed outfielder Dylan Carlson to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, according to Greg Zumach of The Baseball Tribune. Carlson was the Cardinals' first-round pick in 2016 and made his MLB debut with the organization in 2020. He ascended into the role of everyday right fielder and was a finalist for National League Rookie of the Year in 2021. However, his productivity at the plate dipped over time. He was traded to the Rays in 2024 and spent last season in a platoon role with the Baltimore Orioles. Across 83 big-league contests in Birdland, he slashed just .203/.278/.336 with an 8.7% walk rate, a 22.4% strikeout rate, and 74 wRC+. He posted negative fWAR for the second season in a row, forcing him to settle for a minor league contract this offseason. Now back in the NL Central for the first time since 2024, Carlson will look to compete for a 26-man roster spot in camp. It's a relatively crowded position battle, though, especially after the Cubs inked outfielder Chas McCormick to a similar minor league deal last week.

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jared Jones (elbow) has been throwing bullpen sessions twice a week as he continues his rehab program, he told John Perrotto of PiratesRoundtable. Jones experienced UCL discomfort last spring and ultimately underwent an internal brace procedure in May. As a result, he hasn't pitched in a game since his rookie season in 2024. During that campaign, he tossed 121.2 innings across 22 starts with a 3.78 xFIP, 9.76 K/9, and 2.88 BB/9. At just 24 years old, he brings plenty of upside to a young Pirates rotation that also features Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Braxton Ashcraft, and Bubba Chandler. Perrotto said that, although the Pirates don't have an exact timetable for Jones' recovery, a June return seems realistic at the moment. He currently ranks as the #139 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings for 2026.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele (elbow) resumed throwing off a mound last week, according to the team's injury tracker on MLB.com. Steele has been on the injured list since undergoing UCL reconstruction surgery last April, and the only significant update on his status between then and now was an October report that said Steele had resumed throwing. Throwing off a mound is the latest step in his recovery, and Steele recently said that he is either on or ahead of schedule. He might not be ready for Opening Day, but an April return remains a real possibility, especially amid reports that he should face batters during spring training. Steele was the ace of the Cubs' staff when he was fully healthy in 2024, putting together a 2.74 xERA with 9.02 K/9, 2.47 BB/9, and a 44.8% ground ball rate. It's unclear which rotation spot he'll slot into upon his return, as the Cubs' five current projected starters all had sub-3.75 ERAs last year. Despite the crowded pitching staff, Steele's track record puts him in line for a prominent rotation role once he's healthy enough to pitch again. If anything, the Cubs' pitching depth could allow them to be extra cautious and not rush Steele back.