MLB News
Colt Emerson Swinging A Hot Bat In The Arizona Fall League
Seattle Mariners shortstop prospect Colt Emerson has carried a stellar .370/.435/.537 line across 13 games at the Arizona Fall League. He has also tallied nine doubles, ten RBI, and eight stolen bases. He currently holds the highest AVG out of all shortstops participating. This is a great sign for the former first-round pick as he enjoyed a fantastic extended look at Single-A ball last summer. Across 40 games, Emerson posted a .293/.440/.427 line with 12 doubles. He then earned a brief taste of High-A ball but posted a modest .225 AVG. Dynasty managers should continue to follow his progression as he is considered the top prospect in Seattle and No. 27 overall on MLB Pipeline.
Nov 10
Ethan Salas Swipes Two Bags In 2024 Fall Stars Game
San Diego Padres catching prospect Ethan Salas went 1-for-1 with a walk and two stolen bases in the 2024 Fall Stars Game. The backstop was able to swipe second and third base after drawing a lead-off walk in the third inning. At only 18 years old, Salas has been holding his own in the Arizona Fall League as he carried a solid .256/.366/.449 slash line with three home runs, six doubles, 19 RBI, and four stole bases. Last season, the top prospect in San Diego spent the entire campaign with High-A Fort Wayne and faced some growing pains as he posted an overall .206/.288/.311 line with just four home runs in 111 games. Despite his underwhelming performances last summer, Salas remains one of the top catching prospects in the sport and could spend most of the 2025 campaign with Double-A if he continues to progress during the offseason.
Nov 10
Tre' Morgan Stays Hot In 2024 Fall Stars Game
Tampa Bay Rays first base prospect Tre' Morgan went 1-for-2 with two walks and a stolen base during the 2024 Fall Stars Game. Morgan's lone hit went for extra bases. Through 17 games in the Arizona Fall League, the 22-year-old has posted an impressive .347/.405/.528 slash line with eight doubles, 15 RBI, and an 8:8 BB:K. Last season, the No. 10 prospect in the Tampa Bay system opened the season in Single-A but was able to reach Double-A by the final month. Across all three levels, the LSU product carried a stellar .324/408/.483 line with 23 doubles, 10 home runs, 20 stolen bases, and a 48:48 BB:K. Fantasy managers should monitor his progress during spring training, as he may only need another brief look at Double-A before reaching Triple-A later this summer given his current trajectory.
Nov 10
Jac Caglianone Hits A Double, Swipes A Bag In 2024 Fall Stars Game
Kansas City Royals first base prospect Jac Caglianone went 1-for-1 with a double, stolen base, and two walks during the 2024 Fall Stars Game. Caglianone drew a walk in the second frame and then scored on a double by Caleb Durin. Later in the game, Caglianone hit a double to left field and then proceeded to swipe third base. Throughout the Arizona Fall League, the top prospect in the Kansas City system has hit four home runs with a .247/.314/.442 slash line. The 21-year-old was selected with the sixth-overall selection in last year's draft and was only able to spend a brief stint in High-A. During this 29 game sample, the Florida product posted a .241/.302/.388 line with nine doubles and two home runs. Caglianone remains a top prospect to stash in dynasty formats but is likely several seasons away from his major league debut.
Nov 10
Rays Have Interest In Juan Soto
According to Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times, the Rays have interest in free-agent outfielder Juan Soto. Topkin noted that New York Post reporter Jon Heyman broke this news first and described the Rays as a "surprise" and a "mystery entrant" in the Soto sweepstakes. This is quite a surprise, as the Rays typically do not offer large contracts during the free-agency period. However, a superstar like Soto could change their mindset. Last season, Soto enjoyed a fantastic debut campaign in the Bronx and posted a stellar .288/.419/.569 slash line with 41 home runs and 109 RBI. He once again held an incredible 18.1% walk rate and 57.0% hard-hit rate. No matter where Soto plays during the 2025 campaign, fantasy managers should view him as a high-end, first-round selection during draft season.
Nov 10
Joe Ryan Progressing Well
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan (shoulder) is progressing well, according to Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey. Falvey noted that the reports about the right-handed pitcher have been "nothing but positive." Ryan sustained a right teres-major strain in August and was unable to return to the mound before the end of the regular season. Before the injury, the 28-year-old posted a 3.60 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and a 23:147 BB:K in 135 frames of work. Ryan showcased stellar command with a near-perfect 4.3% walk rate. In addition, he was able to generate whiffs at an above-average 26.6% mark and strikeouts at a strong 27.3% rate. If Ryan makes a full recovery in time for spring training, fantasy managers should target him as a great option to boost your team's WHIP.
Nov 10
Yency Almonte Headed To Free Agency
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Yency Almonte has cleared waivers and will test free agency, according to Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports. The right-hander was only able to log 15 2/3 innings of work before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. In the short stint, Almonte posted a 3.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and a 8:20 BB:K with one save. Under the hood, Almonte boasted stellar metrics with a 3.15 xERA and a .198 xBA. In addition, he generated a strong 29.9% strikeout rate and 30.9% whiff rate. Almonte is worth monitoring during the offseason, as he could earn a role as a high-leverage option in 2025 given his ability to generate a high number of strikeouts.
Nov 10
Ildemaro Vargas Clears Waivers, Testing Free Agency
Washington Nationals infielder Ildemaro Vargas has cleared waivers and has elected to test free agency, according to Bobby Blanco. Vargas posted a .246/.295/.316 slash line with one home run and nine stolen bases across 97 games with the Nationals. He was deployed as a utility option in Washington last season and logged double-digit starts at second base, third base, and the outfield. He held a stellar 10.2% strikeout rate but struggled to generate hard contact as he carried a poor 31.9% hard-hit rate and a 1.2% barrel rate. Fantasy managers should expect Vargas to have a similar role in the 2025 campaign if he finds a suitor, but he should not be on your fantasy radar given his lack of hitting production.
Nov 10
Joey Meneses To Test Free Agency
According to Washington Nationals insider Bobby Blanco, first baseman/designated hitter Joey Meneses has elected to test free agency. Meneses had the worst season of his three-year MLB career last summer as he posted a poor .231/.291/.302 line with three home runs and two stolen bases. This was a stark contrast to the .275/.321/.401 line he held during the 2023 campaign. The 32-year-old also spent some of last season with Triple-A Rochester and carried a modest .254/.322/.471 line with 14 doubles and nine home runs. Meneses will likely find a new home but is best to leave off your fantasy radar in 2025 given his struggles last season.
Nov 10
Michael Petersen Claimed By Toronto
The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed right-handed relief pitcher Michael Petersen off of waivers. Petersen spent the 2024 season with both the Miami Marlins and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Across 19 2/3 innings in the big leagues last season, the 30-year-old carried an underwhelming 5.95 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, with a 11:14 BB:K ratio. In Triple-A, Petersen posted a strong 1.64 ERA, 0.76 WHIP, and a stellar 8:44 BB:K ratio. He also tallied ten saves. Even though Peterson struggled in the big leagues last season, he showed significant upside in the top level of the minors. Fantasy managers should monitor his progression during Spring Training as he could eventually earn a high-leverage in the Toronto bullpen.
Nov 10
Emmanuel Ramirez DFA'd By Toronto
The Toronto Blue Jays have released right-handed relief pitcher Emmanuel Ramirez. Ramirez spent most of the 2024 season with the Miami Marlins and held a poor 6.97 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP across 20 2/3 innings. He struck out 21 batters. In Triple-A Jacksonville the 30-year-old posted a 3.76 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP across 40 2/3 innings of work. Then, in September he was claimed by Toronto and spent the final month of the season pitching for Triple-A Buffalo. Across a small 4 1/3 inning stint, he allowed four earned runs. Given his inconsistencies in the major leagues, fantasy managers should not expect Ramirez to have any fantasy value during the 2025 campaign.
Nov 10
Genesis Cabrera Clears Waivers, Testing Free Agency
Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Genesis Cabrera has cleared waivers and will test free agency this offseason. Cabrera logged 62 2/3 innings in the Toronto bullpen last season with a 3.59 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, and a 29:50 BB:K ratio. He tallied two saves and 13 holds while operating typically as the go-to eighth option in Toronto. Under the hood, he held a slightly above-average 43.7% ground ball rate and a 7.4% barrel rate. Given his ability to provide stable production in a set-up role, fantasy managers should monitor where he signs in the offseason as he could be another reliable source to provide holds in the 2025 campaign.
Nov 10
Xavier Isaac Performing Well During Arizona Fall League
Tampa Bay Rays first base prospect Xavier Isaac has posted an impressive .286/.403/.554 slash line through 15 games at the Arizona Fall League. He has hit three home runs and six doubles. This is a great sign for the 20-year-old as he enjoyed a fantastic campaign at High-A last season. Across 71 games with High-A Bowling, Isaac carried a .287/.381/.535 line with 17 doubles and 15 long balls. The No.2 prospect in Tampa Bay then earned a brief taste of Double-A during the final month of the summer but struggled as he posted a .211/.346/.349 line. Isaac remains one of the top prospects in baseball and should spend most of the 2025 campaign in the upper levels of the minor leagues.
Nov 9
Nick Martinez Expected To Accept Qualifying Offer
Free-agent right-handed pitcher Nick Martinez is expected to accept the Cincinnati Reds' qualifying offer worth $21.05 million, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. This past summer, Martinez logged a career-high 142 1/3 innings and is now expected to return to Cincinnati. Last summer, the right-hander held a strong 3.10 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and a 18:116 BB:K. The 34-year-old posted a stellar 3.2% walk rate, 5.1% barrel rate, and a 30.5% hard-hit rate, which were among the highest marks among qualified pitchers last season. Seeing Martinez show great command as a starter makes him an intriguing option later in drafts this offseason, especially if you are looking to boost your team's WHIP ratio.
Nov 9
Red Sox Still Considering Garrett Whitlock's Role For 2025
The Boston Red Sox are still undecided regarding right-handed pitcher Garrett Whitlock's (elbow) role for the 2025 campaign, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive. Smith reported that the team plans to define his role soon. Last season, Whitlock logged only four starts before suffering a season-ending injury that resulted in an internal-brace surgery. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to what the Red Sox do during the offseason, as it will likely provide clarity on Whitlock's role heading into spring training. During four starts last season, the right-hander carried a strong 1.96 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. For now, Whitlock should not be on your fantasy radar heading into the offseason.
Nov 9
Cade Horton Set For Shoulder Exam
Chicago Cubs starting pitching prospect Cade Horton (shoulder) is set to undergo a shoulder exam later this month, according to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune. If the 23-year-old passes the exam, he could then begin a throwing program. The No. 3 prospect in the Chicago system was sidelined since late May last season with a shoulder strain. Before the injury, Horton held a stellar 1.10 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP in Double-A Tennessee. He then earned a brief taste of Triple-A ball and posted a 7.50 ERA and a 1.56 WHIP before sustaining the injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression during the offseason, as the former seventh overall selection will likely earn an opportunity in the majors later in the summer.
Nov 9
Rockies Claim Jimmy Herget Off Waivers
The Colorado Rockies have claimed right-handed pitcher Jimmy Herget off waivers. Herget was placed on waivers earlier this offseason by the Chicago Cubs. The reliever logged only 12 1/3 innings in the majors last season with the Atlanta Braves and held a 4.38 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. During the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Herget pitched for the Los Angeles Angels. He struggled in 2023 with a 4.66 ERA but enjoyed an excellent 2022 campaign as he posted a 2.48 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and a 15:63 BB:K ratio across 69 innings of work. Despite his poor output this summer, he held a 2.81 xERA which suggests he could be due for some positive regression during the 2025 campaign. For now, fantasy managers should expect the 31-year-old to operate in the Colorado bullpen but could eventually mix in for save opportunities if he performs well.
Nov 9
Yankees, Mets Set To Discuss Contract Negotiations With Juan Soto In California
Both New York Mets and Yankees owners Steve Cohen and Hal Steinbrenner, respectively, are expected to fly to California to meet with top free-agent outfielder Juan Soto, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Cohen is set to meet with the 26-year-old and his agent, Scott Boras, sometime next week. Steinbrenner was not given an exact date but was assured he would have the opportunity to meet with the superstar. In his debut season in the Bronx, Soto posted a stellar .288/.419/.569 slash line with 41 home runs, 109 RBI and seven stolen bases. Soto showed an incredible eye at the plate with an 18.1% walk rate and an 18.3% chase rate, which placed him in the 100th and 98th percentiles, respectively, among qualified hitters. Both owners are expected to remain at the forefront of the bidding war for Soto the entire offseason.
Nov 9
Nolan Arenado Could Be On The Trade Block
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado could be on the trade block, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Arenado is currently under a $74 million dollar contract for the next three seasons. However, after missing the postseason in each of the past two seasons, the Cardinals could be interested in moving off his contract. This past summer, the third baseman saw his power production drop to his second-lowest marks through a full 162-game season. He hit just 16 round-trippers, his lowest since his rookie campaign in 2013. In addition, he held a .272/.325/.394 slash line and swiped two bases. Under the hood, he posted a poor 31.6% hard-hit rate, which was evident in his drop in power. Fantasy managers should still view Arenado as a reliable third baseman for batting-average production but not for power in 2025.
Nov 9
Zach Neto Undergoes Shoulder Surgery, Could Miss Start Of 2025
Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (shoulder) underwent shoulder surgery earlier this week, according to Sam Blum of The Athletic. Blum noted that the young infielder sustained the injury during the final week of the regular season and could potentially be in danger of missing the start of the 2025 campaign. The former first-round pick enjoyed an impressive sophomore campaign, as he posted a solid .249/.318/.443 slash line with 23 home runs and 30 stolen bases. Under the hood, he posted a modest 8.4% barrel rate and a slightly below-average 38.8% hard-hit rate. When healthy, fantasy managers should expect Neto to operate as the starting shortstop in Los Angeles. If Neto were to miss time at the start of the season, utility man Luis Rengifo or Scott Kingery would likely get the most opportunities at shortstop.
Nov 9
Colt Emerson
• SS
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Mariners
