MLB News
Giants Sign Joey Lucchesi To Minor-League Deal
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the San Francisco Giants have signed left-handed pitcher Joey Lucchesi to a minor-league deal that includes an invite to spring training. The 31-year-old logged just 10 innings in the major leagues last season and spent most of the season with Triple-A Syracuse. Across his small stint with the Mets, the veteran southpaw posted a 5.23 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP. Through 115 innings at the Triple-A level, Lucchesi held a 4.70 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP. He struck out 86 batters but struggled with his command, as he served up 56 walks. While he struggled in 2024, Lucchesi posted a solid 2.89 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP across 46 2/3 innings in the majors in 2023. Fantasy managers should expect him to compete for a long-relief role in the San Francisco bullpen during spring training.
5 hours ago
Dodgers Had Interest In Kirby Yates
According to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Dodgers had interest in free-agent relief pitcher Kirby Yates before signing left-hander Tanner Scott. Harris noted that throughout the offseason, the Dodgers evaluated several of the top relief pitchers, including Yates. However, the team always viewed Scott as the top option. Last season, Scott posted a strong 1.75 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP with 84 strikeouts across 72 innings of work last season. Fantasy managers should expect Scott to be deployed as the top ninth-inning option in Los Angeles, given the four-year $72 million contract he received. Yates enjoyed an impressive campaign in 2024 as he posted a stellar 1.17 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP across 61 innings. He tallied 33 saves and 85 punchouts for the Texas Rangers. Yates now sits as one of, if not the top relief pitcher on the market and will likely be deployed as a closer with his new club.
5 hours ago
Cubs Sign Trevor Richards To Minor-League Deal
According to Aram Leighton of Just BB Media, the Chicago Cubs have signed right-handed pitcher Trevor Richards to a minor-league deal. Richards logged 65 1/3 innings at the major league level across stints with the Toronto Blue Jays and the Minnesota Twins. He posted a 4.55 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP and was deployed primarily out of the bullpen. He struck out batters at a low 22.4% K rate and struggled with his command as he held a hefty 12.6% walk rate. However, he generated a 3.62 xERA and a 2.05 xBA, both above the average marks. During the 2023 season, Richards posted a similar 4.95 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP through 72 2/3 innings. However, that season, he struck out batters at an impressive 33.3% rate. Richards will likely compete for a spot in the bullpen during spring training.
6 hours ago
Pete Alonso Still "In Play" For Toronto
According to Scott Mitchell of TSN Sports, free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso is still "in play" for the Toronto Blue Jays. Earlier on Monday, the Blue Jays signed outfielder Anthony Santander to a five-year deal worth $92.5 million, but the team remains focused on further improving their team. Earlier in the offseason, the Blue Jays were at the forefront of several free-agent discussions, including Juan Soto and Roki Sasaki, but fell short in both bids. However, it appears the Blue Jays are willing to continue to improve their roster in hopes of competing in 2025. If Alonso were to sign with the Blue Jays, this would likely move Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a full-time role at the hot corner. Despite hitting just 34 home runs in 2024, Alonso boasted a stellar 13.2% barrel rate and 46.4% hard-hit rate, which suggests he should be due for some positive regression in 2025. Alonso would bring another high-upside power bat to the heart of the Toronto lineup.
6 hours ago
Brandon Eisert Designated For Assignment
According to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, the Toronto Blue Jays have designated left-handed pitcher Brandon Eisert for assignment. This transaction opened a roster spot for outfielder Anthony Santander, who the team signed to a five-year contract earlier on Monday. Eisert made his major league debut last summer. Across a small six 2/3 inning stint, the southpaw allowed three earned runs with a 4:2 BB:K ratio. Through 53 2/3 innings at Triple-A Buffalo, Eisert posted a 3.86 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP. He struck out 66 batters. This was a slight improvement compared to the 4.17 ERA and the 1.32 WHIP he posted with Triple-A Buffalo during the 2023 season. Given his lack of major league experience and success, Eisert will likely spend most of the 2025 season in the minor leagues.
6 hours ago
Matthew Liberatore Preparing To Be A Starter In 2025
St. Louis Cardinals left-hander Matthew Liberatore, who served as a dependable reliever for the team in 2024, said that he's preparing to be a starter in spring training and for the 2025 regular season. "It's easier to go from five innings to one than one to five," Liberatore said. MLB's John Denton writes that the key for Liberatore will be getting better against right-handed hitters, and that could ultimately determine if the Cardinals are comfortable giving him a starting-rotation spot to begin the regular season. The 25-year-old southpaw and former first-rounder by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018 held a 4.40 ERA and 1.23 WHIP overall with a career-high 76 strikeouts and 28 walks in 86 innings over 60 outings (six starts) for St. Louis last year, but he had an ERA under 4.00 in relief. In his career as a starter, Liberatore holds an ERA just south of 6.00.
11 hours ago
Jordan Walker Working On His Swing This Offseason
Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker has been working with new hitting coach Brant Brown to retool and rediscover his swing this offseason for what he hopes will be a bounce-back season in 2025. Brown discovered that Walker's hands were separating from his body too soon in his swing last year, and his balance was also inconsistent with the wider stance he used. The 22-year-old will now try to be more of a gap-to-gap hitter instead of trying to mostly loft balls over the fences. The former first-round pick struggled to a .201/.253/.366 slash line with a weak .619 OPS in 51 big-league games in 2024, leading to a minor-league demotion. Walker looked better down the stretch, but his strikeout and walk rates regressed. The good news going into 2025 is that the former top prospect should get a longer leash in St. Louis with the Cards prioritizing giving their young players more playing time.
11 hours ago
Masyn Winn Improving His Speed, Wants To Steal 30-40 Bases
MLB.com's John Denton reports that St. Louis Cardinals rising shortstop Masyn Winn has spent the bulk of his offseason training in Jupiter, Fla., to improve his speed and has been working with a track coach again. "I didn't take as many bags as I wanted last year. I want to take 30-to-40 (stolen bases), if possible," Winn said. In his first full season as the starting shortstop in St. Louis, Winn hit .267/.314/.416 with 15 home runs, 57 RBI, 11 stolen bases and 85 runs scored in 637 plate appearances and 150 games. The 22-year-old is one of the faster players in MLB and was a perennial 30-plus-steal guy in the minor leagues, so expecting more thefts moving forward is a good bet as he gets settled into the big leagues. Winn isn't a lock to be the team's leadoff hitter in 2025, but his increase in power was a good sign in the second half last year. As of right now, RotoBaller has Winn ranked as the No. 165 overall fantasy player.
12 hours ago
Astros Leaving The Door Open For Alex Bregman Return
Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said on Monday that the team is open to the possibility of re-signing free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. "Our arms are still open. The door is still open. There's always a chance," Espada said. The Astros are leaving the door open, but it's still unlikely there will be a reunion after the team signed Christian Walker to play first base and acquired third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Chicago Cubs this winter. In the unlikely event that Bregman did re-sign with Houston, the Astros would probably have to move one of Walker or Paredes to a full-time designated-hitter role. The Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers might be the most likely landing spots for the 30-year-old veteran this offseason. The two-time All-Star dealt with injuries down the stretch in 2024 and finished with a .260/.315/.453 slash line, 26 homers, 75 RBI and 79 runs scored in 145 games played.
12 hours ago
Anthony Santander Signs Five-Year Deal With Blue Jays
Free-agent outfielder Anthony Santander agreed to a five-year deal worth at least $92.5 million guaranteed on Monday with the Toronto Blue Jays, according to a source. With an option involved in the deal, Santander has the potential to make $110 million. KPRC's Ari Alexander also reports that there is deferred money in the deal. Santander has an opt-out after the 2027 season that can be voided if a 2030 team option is exercised. It's the first big signing this offseason for Toronto and will give them a rising switch-hitting power bat to pair with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the middle of their lineup. The Venezuelan outfielder was a first-time All-Star in 2024 and hit .235/.308/.506 with an .814 OPS, a career-high 44 home runs and a career-high 102 RBI in 155 games with the Orioles. Although his power will play nicely in Toronto, fantasy managers may want to expect a slight step back in his power numbers in 2025.
12 hours ago
Erick Fedde Not Expected To Be Traded Before Spring Training
According to Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat, the St. Louis Cardinals are not expected to trade starting pitcher Erick Fedde before spring training. President of Baseball Operations, John Mozeliak, noted that while the team would like to continue increasing their financial flexibility, with spring training around the corner, the team would rather hold on to Fedde instead. However, trade talks will likely resume if the Cardinals fall out of playoff contention early in the summer. The 31-year-old opened the 2024 season with the Chicago White Sox before being shipped to St. Louis before the trade deadline. Across 177 1/3 innings, the right-hander posted a 3.30 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. He struck out 154 batters with a 7.2% walk rate. Fantasy managers should expect Fedde to open the season as the No.2 option in the St. Louis rotation.
16 hours ago
Pete Crow-Armstrong Not Expected To Open Season As Leadoff Hitter
According to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, the Chicago Cubs are not expected to utilize young outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong as their leadoff hitter early in the season. Manager Craig Counsell said he is "open-minded" about the decision but will probably not have him open the season in that role. The head skipper also noted that Crow-Armstrong's hesitance to steal bases late in the season is a part of this decision. While Crow-Armstrong began to find his footing in the second half of 2024 as he held a .262/.310/.425 line with ten stolen bases and eight doubles, he swiped only one of those bags in September. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his progress during spring training, as his outlook would be altered if he moved to the bottom half of the lineup. As a result, this would likely make Ian Happ or Nico Hoerner (elbow) the top candidates for the leadoff spot. Given Happ's elite on-base skills, he would have a path to tallying a career-high in runs batting in front of Kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki.
17 hours ago
Max Scherzer Drawing Interest From Toronto
According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of SportsNet, free-agent pitcher Max Scherzer is drawing interest from the Toronto Blue Jays. Nicholson-Smith noted that while Scherzer is already drawing interest from the Blue Jays, adding another top bat from the market, such as Anthony Santander or Pete Alonso, could create an even more appealing destination for the 40-year-old. Last season, Scherzer was limited to just 43 1/3 innings of work due to numerous injuries. The right-hander posted a 3.95 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP through this small stint. He struck out 40 batters and held a strong 5.6% walk rate. He generated hard contact at a solid 34.9% rate and whiffs at a 29.2% rate. The Blue Jays were very interested in adding Roki Sasaki to their starting rotation but fell just short in the bidding. If Scherzer were to join the Blue Jays, this would likely move Yariel Rodriguez to a long-relief role.
17 hours ago
Cubs, Blue Jays Pursuing Carlos Estevez
According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, the Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays are among the teams pursuing free-agent relief pitcher Carlos Estevez. Morosi noted that following the signings of A.J. Minter and Tanner Scott, the relief pitcher market is heating up. Morosi also reported that the Cubs offered Tanner Scott a four-year deal with $66 million, suggesting they remain focused on bolstering their bullpen. Earlier this offseason, the Blue Jays signed Jeff Hoffman to a three-year deal with $33 million. However, after missing out on several top free agents, they are still looking to further improve their team. Last season, Estevez tallied 26 saves with a 2.45 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP pitching for the Angels and Phillies. He generated a solid 3.19 xERA and a .220 xBA which were both above average but allowed hard contact at a hefty 42.3% rate. Estevez would likely be deployed as a high-leverage option where he signs.
17 hours ago
Rangers Sign Chad Wallach To Minor-League Deal
According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, the Texas Rangers have signed catcher Chad Wallach to a minor-league contract that includes an invite to spring training. Wallach did not make an appearance in the majors last season. He spent the entire campaign with Triple-A Salt Lake and posted a .247/.337/.430 line with 15 doubles, 12 home runs, and two stolen bases. During the 2023 campaign, Wallach held a .197/.259/.376 line through 65 games with the Los Angeles Angels. This production was in line with his career .198/.263/.328 line he has held throughout his seven-year major league career. Given his lack of consistent major league production, the 33-year-old backstop will likely open the campaign at the Triple-A level.
17 hours ago
MLB Pipeline Names Kristian Campbell As Top Second Base Prospect Entering 2025
MLB Pipeline named Boston Red Sox prospect Kristian Campbell as the top second base prospect entering the 2025 season. Campbell was selected in the 2023 MLB Draft out of Texas Tech. Campbell was given a brief look at High-A ball in 2023 and held a .267/.400/.422 line across a small 14-game stint. In 2024, the infielder posted a strong .306/.418/.558 line through 40 games at High-A before earning a promotion to Double-A. With the Portland Sea Dogs, Campbell continued to perform as he held a stellar .362/.463/.582 line with 17 doubles, eight home runs, and 17 stolen bases in 56 games. The 22-year-old then finished the campaign with a brief 19-game stint with Triple-A Worcester, where he posted a strong .286 AVG with four home runs. Campbell will likely open the 2025 season at Triple-A but should be in the mix for a big league debut this summer.
Yesterday
Ryan Helsley, Cardinals Not Having Extension Conversations
According to Jeff Jones of BND.com, the St. Louis Cardinals and right-handed pitcher Ryan Helsley are not having contract conversations. Helsley said he was "almost certain" he was going to be traded during the winter due to a lack of contract discussions. The relief pitcher noted, "But you know, at the same time, it's a two-way street, and if only one side wants it, it's not going to work out." Throughout the offseason, the Cardinals have been shopping several top players, including third baseman Nolan Arenado, in hopes to clear salary. In addition, starting pitchers Erick Fedde and Steven Matz have also been around trade discussions. Last season, the 30-year-old was one of the top closers in the sport, as he posted a 2.04 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP with 49 saves across 66 1/3 innings of work. For now, fantasy managers should expect Helsley to operate as the clear ninth-inning option in St. Louis but could find himself on the trade block if they fall out of the playoff picture.
Yesterday
Corey Seager, Evan Carter Expected To Be Ready For Spring Training
According to Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News, Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (hip) and outfielder Evan Carter (back) are expected to be fully healthy heading into spring training. Seager underwent sports hernia surgery during the fall and has been able to perform baseball activities in December. Before cutting his season short, Seager held a strong .278/.353/.512 line with 30 home runs and 21 doubles. Carter was shut down last May due to a back injury. McFarland noted that the young outfielder played through this pain during the early part of the season. His injury hindered his performance as he held an underwhelming .188/.272/.361 line through 46 contests. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status during spring training, but seeing them progress at this stage of the offseason is a great sign. Both players are key components of the Texas lineup as they hope to return to the postseason in 2025.
Yesterday
Tanner Scott Agrees With Dodgers On Four-Year Deal
Free-agent left-handed reliever Tanner Scott and the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a four-year, $72 million deal on Sunday, according to a source. The Dodgers are winning the offseason by a wide margin after also securing Japanese pitching phenom Roki Sasaki on Friday. Scott, 30, was the top closer available in free agency and will now join a Dodgers bullpen that already includes high-leverage right-handers Evan Phillips and Michael Kopech. While Scott could share save chances with Kopech, he should be considered the favorite for most of LA's save opportunities, boosting his fantasy value significantly on the best team in baseball. Scott was a first-time All-Star in 2024 and had a pristine 1.75 ERA and 1.25 WHIP with a career-high 22 saves, 84 strikeouts and 36 walks in 72 regular-season innings with the Marlins and Padres.
Yesterday
Kevin Plawecki Retires From Professional Baseball
Catcher Kevin Plawecki announced his retirement from professional baseball on his personal social media on Saturday. He was then hired by the San Diego Padres as a player development coach, according to Mike Mayer of Metsmerized. The 33-year-old spent most of his big league career with the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox. Through 449 career big league games, the backstop posted a .235/.315/.341 line with 22 home runs. Plawecki spent all of last season with Triple-A El Paso and posted a solid .260/.340/.443 line with 15 doubles, 11 home runs, and a 32:43 BB:K ratio. Plawecki will continue to work in the Padres organization but now on the coaching side of the game.
Yesterday