MLB News
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.
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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.
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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.
1 hour 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.
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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.
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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.
5 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.
6 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.
6 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.
6 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.
6 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.
23 hours ago
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.
23 hours ago
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
Padres Sign Niko Goodrum To Minor-League Deal
According to MLB.com, the San Diego Padres have signed second baseman Niko Goodrum to a minor-league deal. Goodrum made only 13 appearances in the major leagues last summer, split between Tampa Bay and Los Angeles. Across this brief stint, the infielder posted a .103/.188/.103 line. Through 60 games at the Triple-A level, the 32-year-old posted a .284/.374/.460 line with eight doubles, seven home runs, and seven stolen bases. Goodrum's most productive seasons in the majors were during 2018 and 2019 where he posted a cumulative .247/.318/.427 line. Fantasy managers should expect the veteran to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster, but he will likely open the summer at the Triple-A level, given his lack of big league production in recent years.
Yesterday
Nico Hoerner Remains Uncertain For Opening Day
According to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (elbow) remains uncertain for Opening Day. Montemurro noted that the second baseman had not started a throwing program yet and did not have an answer regarding his availability for the start of the season when asked. Hoerner was battling a flex tendon injury throughout the 2024 season and underwent surgery to repair this in October. Last season, the 27-year-old made 151 starts and posted a .273/.335/.373 line with seven home runs and 31 stolen bases. He showed a strong eye at the plate with a 10.3% K rate but had minimal power upside as he generated an underwhelming 27.6% hard-hit rate. When healthy, Hoerner will be deployed as the clear top option at the keystone for the Cubs.
Yesterday
Seiya Suzuki Will Be The Primary Designated Hitter In 2025
According to Jesse Rogers of ESPN, Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki will be the team's primary designated hitter during the 2025 season. Earlier in the offseason, the Chicago Cubs acquired star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros, creating a logjam in the team's outfield. However, Suzuki and manager Craig Counsell have agreed that he will spend most of the summer at the DH spot. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Kyle Tucker to operate as the team's starting outfielder throughout most of the season. While Suzuki boasts a potent bat, his defense has been quite underwhelming. Last season, he posted a poor -3 OAA. However, in the batter's box, he held a. 283/.366/.482 line with 21 home runs and 16 stolen bases. Suzuki should have prime RBI opportunities batting behind Tucker and Happ.
2 days ago
Harold Castro Signs Minor-League Deal With Kansas City
According to the team, the Kansas City Royals have signed second baseman Harold Castro to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training. Castro spent the 2024 season in the Mexican Baseball League. During the 2023 campaign, Castro posted a .252/.275/.314 line across 99 games with the Colorado Rockies. He hit just one home run and had 13 doubles. However, from 2019 through 2022, Castro was productive with the Detroit Tigers, posting a cumulative .284/.309/.378. The 31-year-old will compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster but should be expected to open the season at the Triple-A level given his lack of major league success over the past few seasons.
2 days ago
Cardinals Remain Focused On Moving Nolan Arenado
According to Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Cardinals remain focused on finding a trade partner for third baseman Nolan Arenado. Worthy noted that moving the gold glover is priority "1, 2, and 3" for president of baseball operations John Mozeliak. Arenado's name has been around several trade discussions throughout the offseason. The Astros reportedly sent the Cardinals a package, but Arenado vetoed the deal. The New York Yankees have also had discussions about acquiring the third baseman. The Cardinals are trying to clear salaries off their payroll to open opportunities for their younger players to have roles in the 2025 season. Starting pitchers Erick Fedde and Steven Matz have also been on the trade block, according to sources. Last season, Arenado posted a .272/.325/.394 line with 16 home runs but remains an elite defender despite his declining bat.
2 days ago