MLB News
Josue Briceno Collects Five Hits On Tuesday
A day after hitting his AFL-leading ninth home run, Detroit Tigers first base/catching prospect Josue Briceno stayed hot, going 5-for-5 with a pair of doubles, four RBI, and three runs scored for the Scottsdale Scorpions. You might be looking at the eventual Arizona Fall League MVP as the 20-year-old now leads the circuit -- by a wide margin in some cases -- in hits (36), home runs (9), RBI (26), AVG (.439), SLG (.866), and OPS (1.371). Winning AFL MVP honors could put him in some pretty good company, including the likes of Nolan Arenado (2011), Kris Bryant (2013), Ronald Acuna Jr. (2017), Royce Lewis (2019), and Heston Kjerstad (2022). He's just 20 years old and likely a couple of years away from the majors, but his AFL performance could put him on the fast track.
Nov 13
Moises Ballesteros Collects Two More Hits In The AFL
Chicago Cubs catching prospect Moises Ballesteros kept hitting on Tuesday, going 2-for-3 with a walk for the Mesa Solar Sox. The performance raised his average to .320 in the fall season with a .946 OPS. The successful fall campaign comes on the heels of a breakout 2024 regular season in which the backstop hit his way to a promotion to Triple-A, then continued to hit once he got there. Across both levels, the lefty hitter posted a .289-19-57-78-1 line over 124 games (508 PA). He did so at only the age of 20 and it was the third consecutive season in which he hit double-digit homers against pitching that was much more advanced in age. The Cubs have just Miguel Amaya on the major league roster at the moment after Christian Bethancourt became a free agent this offseason, so Ballesteros figures to at least get a shot to crack the roster next spring. Regardless, he shows no signs of being overmatched at any level so far, so if he can improve his defense then he'll be in a Cubs uniform sooner rather than later, very likely at some point in 2025.
Nov 13
Caleb Durbin Homers, Swipes Two More Bases On Tuesday
New York Yankees infield prospect Caleb Durbin is scorching hot right now, at the plate and on the basepaths, going 3-for-4 with a home run, a walk, four RBI, three runs scored, and two more stolen bases in his latest Arizona Fall League game for the Salt River Rafters on Tuesday. The 24-year-old has his fall batting average up to .318 with a 1.006 OPS, but that's not the most impressive thing; a day after swiping four bags in a game, Durbin stole two more, bringing his stolen base count to an astounding 29 in just 23 games played. After leading the AFL in 2023 in steals with 21, edging out speedy St. Louis Cardinals prospect Victor Scott II who had 18, Durbin will easily earn the stolen base crown in the 2024 AFL campaign with a 17-steal lead over the next closest player. The former 14th-round draft pick has opened eyes, including that of Yankees skipper Aaron Boone, and with an exclamation point on this season, the right-handed hitter looks more and more likely to be on the big league roster come Opening Day.
Nov 13
Thayron Liranzo Homers, Drives In Three In Four-Hit Day
Fresh off winning the Arizona Fall League (AFL) Fall Stars game MVP, Detroit Tigers catching prospect Thayron Liranzo continued that momentum in his first game back with the Scottsdale Scorpions on Tuesday, going 4-for-5 with a solo home run, three RBI, and a run scored. The Tigers acquired Liranzo earlier this season in the Jack Flaherty trade and has impressed with his new club. After a strong showing at High-A West Michigan, the young backstop now owns a .375/.492/.667 slashline over 15 games in the AFL and has shown a patient eye, walking more than he is striking out (11:9 BB:K). With just a couple of games left in the AFL regular season, it appears the 21-year-old has made a strong case to begin next season at Double-A and perhaps make a push toward Triple-A with some continued success. He likely won't be in a Tigers uniform until 2026 or beyond, but a switch-hitting offensive catcher is something dynasty managers would be wise to keep an eye on.
Nov 13
Andrew Painter Strikes Out Six In Latest AFL Start
Philadelphia Phillies pitching prospect Andrew Painter had another strong start in the Arizona Fall League (AFL) on Tuesday, striking out six batters in 2 2/3 innings while allowing just one earned run on two hits and two walks. It brings his AFL ERA to 2.30 with a 0.89 WHIP, .189 average against, and a 4:18 BB:K over 15 2/3 innings. The 21-year-old is the Phillies' top pitching prospect but hasn't pitched during the regular season since finishing the 2022 season at Double-A, missing all of 2023 and 2024 while recovering from elbow problems and ultimately Tommy John surgery. The former first-round draft pick looks good so far and will likely have a shot to make the big-league rotation come spring. However, there would almost certainly be some type of innings limit implemented, which of course would be unfortunate for fantasy. MLB.com's top-prospects list ranks the 6-foot-7 righty as No. 32 overall, offering strong strikeout potential combined with excellent command. He should already be stashed in dynasty formats despite missing so much time.
Nov 13
Shohei Ohtani Among NL Silver Slugger Winners
Major League Baseball announced the 2024 National League Silver Slugger winners on Tuesday on MLB Network. The winners in the NL were Phillies 1B Bryce Harper, Diamondbacks 2B Ketel Marte, Mets SS Francisco Lindor, Padres 3B Manny Machado, Padres OF Jackson Merrill, Dodgers OF Teoscar Hernandez, Padres OF Jurickson Profar, Brewers C William Contreras, Dodgers DH Shohei Ohtani, and Dodgers UTIL Mookie Betts. This is the third time Ohtani has won a Silver Slugger award in his career. The two-way superstar became the first player in MLB history to hit at least 50 homers (54) and steal at least 50 bases (59) in the same season. The tremendous feat will likely also earn the Japanese sensation his third career MVP award (and first in the NL). In addition to all the hardware, Ohtani won his first World Series championship with the Dodgers in October.
Nov 13
Aaron Judge Headlines AL Silver Slugger Winners
Major League Baseball announced the 2024 American League Silver Slugger winners on Tuesday on MLB Network. The winners in the AL were Blue Jays 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Astros 2B Jose Altuve, Royals SS Bobby Witt Jr., Guardians 3B Jose Ramirez, Yankees OF Aaron Judge, Yankees OF Juan Soto, Orioles OF Anthony Santander, Royals catcher Salvador Perez, A's DH Brent Rooker and Rangers UTIL Josh Smith. It's the fourth time that Judge has won an AL Silver Slugger award in his career, this time coming two years after he set a new AL record with 62 home runs. He only had 58 long balls in 2024 but also posted career-highs in on-base percentage (.458) and slugging percentage (.701). The 32-year-old superstar's 1.159 OPS was the best from a qualified AL hitter since Mark McGwire back in 1996 when he was with the A's.
Nov 13
Giants Not Currently Scheduled To Meet With Juan Soto
The San Francisco Giants don't currently have a meeting scheduled with free-agent outfielder Juan Soto, according to team sources. The New York Yankees and New York Mets are considered the favorites to land the generational talent on the open market this year, but they won't be the only clubs in the mix. It was reported earlier on Tuesday that the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox also plan to meet with Soto's team soon, while the Giants could eventually get involved, too. The Los Angeles Dodgers could also be in the mix, but they'd likely need Soto's price to come down. ESPN's Kiley McDaniels projects Soto to land a contract for around 14 years and north of $600 million. The Yankees might have the most incentive to re-sign him after the 26-year-old Dominican led them to the World Series with a .288/.419/.569 slash line with a league-leading 128 runs and a career-high 41 home runs.
Nov 13
Nicky Lopez Elects Free Agency
The Chicago White Sox announced on Tuesday that infielder Nicky Lopez and left-hander Sammy Peralta both cleared waivers and elected free agency instead of accepting their outright assignments to the minor leagues. In his first season with the last-place White Sox in 2024, Lopez was the team's primary second baseman and finished with a .241/.312/.294 slash line, weak .606 OPS, only one home run, 21 RBI, five stolen bases and 40 runs scored in 445 trips to the plate over 124 games played. The 29-year-old will most likely be searching for a minor-league deal on the open market as a utility infielder. In his six big-league seasons since debuting in 2019 with the Kansas City Royals, Lopez has a .248/.312/.314 slash line with only seven homers, 152 RBI and 47 stolen bases in 668 games. Lopez isn't going to be on the fantasy radar in 2025.
Nov 12
Wander Franco Now Facing Weapons Charges
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco will now face charges of illegal use and possession of a firearm after he was arrested in the Dominican Republic countryside during an armed altercation on Sunday, according to public prosecutors. Franco had been held for questioning by police but is expected to be granted his release on Tuesday. A Glock with its magazines and 15 rounds of ammunition but no registration papers were found in Franco's Mercedes-Benz at the time of the altercation. There were no injuries, and the involved parties won't be pressing charges. The use and possession of illegal firearms carries a maximum sentence of three to five years. Franco is currently on indefinite administrative leave from MLB and will stand trial in the DR on Dec. 12 in a separate case involving charges of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation against a minor. He's unlikely to play baseball in the big leagues again.
Nov 12
Travis d'Arnaud Agrees On Two-Year Deal With Angels
Free-agent catcher Travis d'Arnaud and the Los Angeles Angels agreed on a two-year, $12 million deal on Tuesday, according to sources. d'Arnaud hit the free-agent market after the World Series after the Atlanta Braves declined his $8 million team option for the 2025 season. Despite splitting playing time behind the plate the last two years in Atlanta with Sean Murphy, the 35-year-old veteran was serviceable on offense, slashing .232/.295/.418 with a .714 OPS, 26 home runs, 87 RBI and 71 runs scored in 173 games played and 633 plate appearances. d'Arnaud will be returning home to LA and should be expected to serve as the team's backup catcher behind Logan O'Hoppe. He could still be attractive in two-catcher leagues, but the move to Anaheim from Atlanta no doubt is a downgrade fantasy-wise in a much less potent offense.
Nov 12
Enoli Paredes Signs Minors Deal With Braves
Free-agent right-hander Enoli Paredes signed a minor-league deal with the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday that includes an invitation to spring training, according to a source. Paredes pitched well with the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs this past season, posting a 1.66 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with his first career save, 16 strikeouts and 10 walks in 21 2/3 innings over 18 appearances out of the bullpen. It was a nice showing for the 29-year-old reliever after he spent the entire 2023 toiling in the minors. He didn't have a large sample size in 2024, but if Paredes pitches as well as he did in spring training with Atlanta, he'll have a good shot to make the team's Opening Day bullpen. Paredes made his big-league debut in 2020 with the Houston Astros and has a career 4.01 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 53:41 K:BB in 55 appearances in relief covering 54 innings.
Nov 12
Ryan Helsley Won't Move Into Starting Rotation
The St. Louis Cardinals are not considering moving closer Ryan Helsley into their starting rotation for the 2025 season. Helsley was a starting pitcher as a prospect in the minor leagues, but he has yet to make a start at the major-league with the Cardinals in his six years with the team. He made his second All-Star team in 2024 and was outstanding in the ninth-inning role, posting a league-high 49 saves, a 2.04 ERA (2.41 FIP), 1.10 WHIP, 79 strikeouts and 23 walks in 66 1/3 relief innings. The 30-year-old veteran is entering his final year for salary arbitration, so the Cardinals are reportedly considering dealing him this winter. If Helsley sticks with the Red Birds for the 2025 campaign and in the closer's role, the right-handed reliever will be a high-end fantasy closing option yet again.
Nov 12
Tanner Houck Open To Extension With Red Sox
Boston Red Sox right-hander Tanner Houck said he's "always" open to talking a contract extension with the team after setting career-highs of 30 starts, 178 2/3 innings and 154 strikeouts in 2024 while posting a 3.12 ERA -- the best by a Red Sox pitcher with at least 30 starts since Chris Sale in 2018. Houck made his first All-Star appearance and finished on a high note to close out the year. "I'm always open to (extension) conversations. I love Boston. And in the fall, leaves changing, this is what I want. This is right up my alley," Houck said. While the 28-year-old might be open to an extension, the Red Sox might not be prioritizing that with Houck eligible for salary arbitration one final time this offseason while being under team control through 2027. However, it's possible they'll reward him for his strong 2024 campaign sooner than later.
Nov 12
Blue Jays, Red Sox To Meet With Juan Soto
The Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox have free-agent outfielder Juan Soto at the top of their offseason wish lists and are planning to meet with him soon, according to major-league sources. The Blue Jays are serious about adding a star alongside first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. after losing out on Shohei Ohtani last winter. In addition to Soto, the Red Sox figure to be aggressive in the starting pitching market. The two favorites to land Soto are the New York Yankees and New York Mets, who also have meetings scheduled with him. Because of his age (26), Soto is expected to warrant the longest contract in baseball history with an expected guarantee in excess of $600 million. The Los Angeles Dodgers won't chase after Soto, but they could get involved in the unlikely event that his market softens later this offseason.
Nov 12
Caleb Durbin Steals Four More Bases On Monday
Fresh off of a strong showing in the Arizona Fall League (AFL) Fall Stars game, New York Yankees infield prospect Caleb Durbin continued his push to be in pinstripes to start next season, going 1-for-2 and was hit by a pitch twice in Salt River's victory on Monday. Getting on base three times afforded him the opportunity to once again show off his wheels, stealing four bases in the contest and giving him 27 stolen bases in 22 games. Milan Tolentino has the second-most steals in the AFL with 11. On Monday, before Durbin's latest performance, Yankees manager Aaron Boone indicated that he expected Durbin "to play a big, big role for us this upcoming season." That should get fantasy managers' ears perked up, and should Gleyber Torres leave in free agency, there could be an even clearer path to playing time to begin the year.
Nov 12
Denzel Clarke Homers In Three-Hit Day
Athletics outfield prospect Denzel Clarke went 3-for-5 with a solo home run and two runs scored on Monday for Mesa in the Arizona Fall League (AFL). The home run was his second of the fall campaign and he now has his batting average up to .388, good for fourth-highest in the circuit. The 24-year-old has shown off his speed as well, hitting three triples and stealing seven bases in 17 games. Clarke is the Athletics' 10th-ranked prospect according to MLB.com's Top Prospects list. The former fourth-round draft pick is coming off a strong season at Double-A, putting together a .269-13-53-74-36 line in 116 games. A weakness is his strikeout rate, finishing at 29.9% in 2024, but he's shown more patience in the AFL, with a 13:19 BB:K that has buoyed his second-best .506 OBP. He may start next season at Triple-A, but look for him to debut in 2025 should he continue to hit.
Nov 12
Matt McLain Homers Twice In Arizona Fall League Action
Cincinnati Reds infielder Matt McLain smacked a pair of two-run home runs in a 2-for-5 day at the plate for Glendale in the Arizona Fall League (AFL), his third and fourth homers of the fall season. The 25-year-old missed all of the 2024 regular season due to injuries and is in the AFL trying to knock off some of the rust, while even getting some playing time in the outfield, although Monday he was back at the keystone. Through 11 games in the AFL, McLain is hitting just .220, but six of his nine hits have gone for extra bases. The former first-round draft pick offers multi-category production when healthy and could be a nice value pick in 2025 fantasy drafts since he isn't top-of-mind after missing 2024. When last healthy, McLain put up a .290-16-50-65-14 line in just 89 games in 2023.
Nov 12
Charlie Morton Intends To Pitch Again In 2025
Free agent pitcher Charlie Morton has stated that he intends to keep his career going in 2025, it's just not known where yet. The 41-year-old pitched the last four seasons for the Braves, and while he was by no means dominant, he was serviceable and reliable. The veteran made at least 30 starts and pitched at least 163 innings each season for Atlanta during his four-year tenure. In 2024, while his ERA was down a bit, to 4.19 compared to a career ERA of 4.01, both his xFIP (3.99) and SIERA (4.06) were slightly better, so there's reason to believe he's still a capable hurler. The righty still averaged a strikeout per inning and even decreased his BB% by 2.3% over 2023. It is anticipated that he'll sign a short-term (one year) deal with a team that is in a position to win now.
Nov 12
Josue Briceno Extends AFL Home Run Lead On Monday
Detroit Tigers first base/catching prospect Josue Briceno continued his torrid stretch on Monday for the Scottsdale Scorpions, going 2-for-3 with a walk and his ninth home run in 22 games in the Arizona Fall League (AFL). The nine home runs lead all AFL players (second-most is six), but the 20-year-old also leads the circuit in hits (31), batting average (.403), and RBI (22) as well. Briceno missed a lot of time during the regular season due to a PCL sprain, playing in just 40 games for Single-A Lakeland, so he's getting additional reps in the AFL and making the most of it. The 6-foot-4 left-handed hitter ranks ninth among Tigers prospects and has an ETA of 2027 per MLB.com, but with a performance like this, he could certainly move up quickly and make his MLB debut a bit sooner than anticipated. If he wasn't already, he should now be on dynasty managers' radar.
Nov 12
Josue Briceno
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