MLB News
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.
13 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.
13 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.
13 hours ago
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.
15 hours ago
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.
19 hours ago
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.
19 hours ago
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.
19 hours ago
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
Blue Jays Continuing Pursuit Of Anthony Santander
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Toronto Blue Jays are continuing their pursuit of free-agent outfielder Anthony Santander. Heyman noted that the team has made progress with their conversations. However, the Blue Jays have had positive discussions with free agents but have fallen short in several bids for the other top options, such as Juan Soto and Roki Sasaki. Heyman also reported that the Blue Jays are also eyeing Pete Alonso and potentially another pitcher. Last season, Santander launched a career-best 44 home runs with a .235/.308/.506 line. Under the hood, he boasted an 11.7% barrel rate and .445 xSLG, which were both significantly above the average marks. If Santander were to sign in Toronto, he would likely see most of his starts as a designated hitter.
Yesterday
Jacob deGrom Feels Good Heading Into Spring Training
According to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com, Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (elbow) "feels really good" after having a typical offseason. deGrom missed most of the 2024 campaign after recovering from his second Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in April of 2023. deGrom returned to the major leagues in September and struck out 14 batters across a short 10-inning stint. The two-time Cy Young winner expressed, "The goal is to go out there and make as many starts as I can to help contribute. Things have been feeling really good," when asked about his current health status. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the 36-year-old's status during spring training, but it appears that the hard-throwing right-hander will be a full-go for the start of the 2025 campaign. Given his career 2.52 ERA and 0.99 WHIP, deGrom carries elite upside despite his injury risk.
Yesterday
Dansby Swanson Expected To Be Ready For Spring Training
According to Josh Frydman of WGN News, Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (core) feels healthy and is expected to be ready for spring training. Swanson underwent surgery for a core injury over the offseason. Swanson noted that it is "Nice to feel like yourself. Feels like a re-set" when asked how he felt. Swanson appeared in 149 games with the Cubs last season and held a .242/.312/.390 and hit 16 home runs, and swiped 19 bags. Under the hood, he generated a .321 xwOBA, .416 xSLG, and a 42.7% hard-hit rate, all of which were slightly above the average marks. During his first season with the Cubs in 2023, Swanson went deep 22 times with a .244 AVG. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status leading up to Opening Day. If healthy, he should be penciled in as the starting shortstop on the Northside all season.
Yesterday
Dylan Campbell Traded To Philadelphia
According to Kiley McDaniel of ESPN, the Los Angeles Dodgers have traded outfielder Dylan Campbell to the Philadelphia Phillies. Campbell was selected out of the 2023 MLB Draft out of Texas. He made his professional debut in 2023 and held a .205/.225/.231 line across ten games at Single-A. In 2024, Campbell spent the entire season at High-A. Through 115 games, Campbell posted a .251/.331/.372 line with 21 doubles, ten home runs, and a 50:110 BB:K ratio. However, Campbell flashed elite speed as he swiped 42 bases. MLB Pipeline currently ranks Campbell as the No. 27 in the Philadelphia system. Dynasty managers should expect the 22-year-old to spend most of the 2025 season at the Double-A level.
Yesterday
Curt Casali Inks Minor-League Deal With Atlanta
According to Aram Leighton of Just BB Media, the Atlanta Braves have signed catcher Curt Casali to a minor-league contract. Casali appeared in 41 games with the San Francisco Giants last summer and held a .194/.293/.250 line with three doubles, one home run, and a 13:22 BB:K ratio. He also spent time with Triple-A Iowa and posted a strong .362/.489/.551 line with seven doubles, two home runs, and a 15:16 BB:K ratio. Across his 11-year major league career, the backstop has held a .218/.313/.369 line, Casali will compete for the No.2 catching job with Chadwick Tromp and prospect Drake Baldwin during spring training.
Yesterday
Nationals Sign Andrew Knizner To Minor-League Contract
According to Andrew Golden of the Washington Post, the Washington Nationals have signed catcher Andrew Knizner to a minor-league contract. He will also be invited to spring training. The 29-year-old made 37 appearances with the Texas Rangers. Through this stint, he held a .167/.182/.211 with just one double, one home run, and a 1:22 BB:K ratio. He then spent the end of the season with Triple-A Reno in the Diamondbacks system and posted a .263/.355/.388 line. Throughout his big league career, the backstop has posted a .210/.279/.317 line across 293 games. Knizer will compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster but will likely open the campaign in the minor leagues, given his struggles in the majors.
Yesterday
Cubs Are Among The Favorites To Land Tanner Scott
According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, the Chicago Cubs are among the favorites to land free-agent relief pitcher Tanner Scott. Scott is one of the top remaining players on the open market. In addition to the Cubs, the Diamondbacks, Blue Jays, and Red Sox have been linked to the southpaw throughout the offseason. Last summer, Scott opened the campaign with the Miami Marlins and tallied 18 saves across 45 2/3 innings. He was then shipped to San Diego at the deadline and was deployed in the set-up role behind Robert Suarez. Overall, the 30-year-old posted a strong 1.75 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP across 72 frames of work. Currently, Porter Hodge is slated to be the ninth-inning option in Chicago. Last summer, he tallied nine saves with a 1.88 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP through 43 innings of work. Scott would be the top ninth-inning option if he were to join the Cubs.
Yesterday
Mariners Sign Shintaro Fujinami To Minor-League Contract
According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Seattle Mariners have signed right-handed pitcher Shintaro Fujinami to a minor-league contract with an invite to spring training. Fujinami made his big league debut with the Oakland Athletics in 2023. In his first season, the right-hander had a 7.18 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP in 79 innings. He struck out 83 batters but struggled with his command, posting a hefty 12.3% walk rate. Last summer, Fujinami spent the entire season in the Mets system. He logged 32 1/3 innings with Triple-A Syracuse and posted a poor 6.68 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP and missed time due to a shoulder injury. Given his struggles in the majors, Fujinami will compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster but will likely open the season in the minor league.
2 days ago
Mets No Longer Targeting Tanner Scott
According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the New York Mets are no longer targeting free-agent relief pitcher Tanner Scott. Puma noted that with the Mets signing A.J. Minter earlier on Friday, the team is no longer pursuing other options for their bullpen. The Mets met with Scott earlier in free agency, and he is still one of the top available options on the open market. Last season, Scott held a 1.75 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP across 72 innings of work. He tallied 22 saves and struck out 84 batters. He generated a stellar 27.5% hard-hit and 4.7% barrel rates, placing him in the 99th and 92nd percentile among qualified pitchers, respectively. He also generated ground balls at a strong 52.0% rate. The 30-year-old will likely be deployed as a ninth-inning option with his new club.
2 days ago
Will Klein Designated For Assignment
According to the team, the Athletics have designated right-handed pitcher Will Klein for assignment. This transaction opened the roster spot for right-handed pitcher Jose Leclerc, who the team signed earlier on Friday. Klein was considered the No.16 best prospect on the team before being designated for assignment. The 25-year-old made his big league debut last summer but struggled as he allowed nine earned runs across his first seven 1/3 frames of work. However, he did strike out seven batters. Across 43 innings at the Triple-A level last summer, Klein posted a 3.77 ERA and a 1.43 WHI. He struck out 43 batters but struggled with his command as he served up 32 walks. If Klein finds a suitor, he will likely open the campaign at the Triple-A level.
2 days ago