MLB News

Carlos Estévez  • RP

Reds Talking With Carlos Estevez

According to USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale, the Cincinnati Reds are engaged in talks with free-agent closer Carlos Estevez, who has saved 57 games the last two seasons with the Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia Phillies. Estevez was a first-time All-Star in 2023 and had a career-high 31 saves that year before combining for 26 saves with the Halos and Phillies in 2024. The Phillies acquired him from the Angels at the trade deadline last summer, and he had a combined 2.45 ERA (3.24 FIP), a 0.91 WHIP and a 50:12 K:BB in his 55 relief innings. In addition to the Reds, the Red Sox, Cubs, Blue Jays, Phillies and Yankees have been linked to the 32-year-old Dominican this offseason. He's one of the top high-leverage relief arms left on the open market, but he could share closing duties with Alexis Diaz if he were to land in Cincinnati.
2 hours ago   
Jon Berti  • 3B  •  Cubs

Jon Berti Heading To Chicago

Free-agent infielder Jon Berti and the Chicago Cubs agreed to one-year, $2 million deal on Wednesday, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. The deal includes $1.3 million in incentives. Berti will head to the National League Central and the north side of Chicago after spending last year with the New York Yankees, where he played in only 25 games due to a calf injury. In 74 trips to the plate, he hit .273 (18-for-66) with a homer, six RBI and five stolen bases in the Bronx. The 35-year-old could see decent playing time at third base for the Cubbies in 2025 after they traded Isaac Paredes to the Houston Astros this winter in exchange for All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker. Still, third base prospect Matt Shaw should be up in the big leagues sooner than later, and Berti doesn't have much fantasy outside of his positional versatility and speed -- he stole a league-high 41 bases just two seasons ago in Miami.
2 hours ago   
Michael Kopech  • RP  •  Dodgers

Michael Kopech's Forearm Injury May Be Overblown

Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said on Wednesday that reports of a forearm injury for right-handed reliever Michael Kopech (forearm) have been overblown. Like many of the team's other pitchers during their World Series run last October, Kopech was "grinding" through a forearm issue. "I don't think there's anything of concern at this point," Gomes said. A report surfaced last week that indicated there was a chance the hard-throwing right-hander might have to miss the first month of the 2025 regular season due to right-forearm inflammation. It's something to watch for the 28-year-old with spring training right around the corner, but our guess is the Blue will take it easy on him in camp, especially since he won't need many innings to get ready for the season in a full-time relief role. L.A. signed lefty Tanner Scott and righty Kirby Yates as insurance. When healthy, Kopech has one of the most dominant fastballs in the game, and he should be a great source of K's and holds when healthy.
2 hours ago   
Riley Pint  • RP  •  Guardians

Guardians Sign Riley Pint To Minor-League Deal

The Cleveland Guardians announced on Wednesday that they signed free-agent right-hander Riley Pint to a minor-league deal. Pint is a former first-round pick (fourth overall) by the Colorado Rockies in 2016 but has only appeared in five major-league games in relief since making his MLB debut in 2023. In 3 2/3 innings pitched for the Rockies, he allowed nine earned runs on six hits (two homers) while walking eight and striking out seven. Control has been the biggest issue for the 27-year-old, but the Guardians will be hoping they can figure something out with Pint as he comes to spring training this year in minor-league camp. In eight seasons in the minors, Pint has posted a 5.30 ERA and 1.70 WHIP with a save, 376 strikeouts and 262 walks in 311 innings over 193 appearances (40 starts). He will most likely start the 2025 campaign at Triple-A Columbus.
3 hours ago   
Ryan Brasier  • RP  •  Dodgers

Dodgers Seeking Trade Partner For Ryan Brasier

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Los Angeles Dodgers are shopping right-handed pitcher Ryan Brasier. Nightengale noted that the Dodgers need to clear space off their 40-man roster for several new additions. On Tuesday, Nightengale reported that the Dodgers had reached a tentative agreement with right-handed pitcher Kirby Yates. Last season, Brasier was deployed typically out of the bullpen but did make four starts. Across 28 innings, the 37-year-old held a 3.54 ERA and a strong 0.96 WHIP. He showed elite command with a 4.5% walk rate but struggled to generate strikeouts as he posted a modest 22.7% K rate. During the playoffs, he allowed five earned across nine innings of work. If the Dodgers find a trade partner for Brasier, he would likely operate as a middle-relief option with his new club.
4 hours ago   
Pedro Avila  • RP

Pedro Avila Designated For Assignment

According to the team, the Cleveland Guardians have designated right-handed pitcher Pedro Avila for assignment. This transaction opened a roster spot for Paul Sewald, who the team signed to a one-year $6 million contract earlier on Wednesday. Last season, Avila was deployed out of the Cleveland bullpen. Across 82 2/3 innings of work, the 28-year-old posted a 3.81 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. He struck out 82 batters but carried a high 10.2% walk rate. He also generated a 4.62 xERA and .261 xBA, which suggests that he could see some regression during the 2025 campaign. However, he did limit hard contact well with a strong 5.2% barrel rate. The 28-year-old will likely find a suitor and compete for a spot in a bullpen during spring training.
4 hours ago   
Reese McGuire  • C  •  Cubs

Cubs Sign Reese McGuire To Minor-League Contract

According to Aram Leighton of Just BB Media, the Chicago Cubs have signed catcher Reese McGuire to a minor-league deal. McGuire has spent the past two seasons with the Boston Red Sox. Last summer, the 29-year-old made 53 appearances in the majors and held a .209/.280/.295 line. He hit three home runs and swiped three bags with a 13:39 BB:K ratio. However, in 2023, McGuire held a .267/.310/.358 slash line. Across 184 games at the Triple-A level, the backstop has posted a .229/.307/.334 line. Fantasy managers should monitor his status during spring training, but he will likely open the 2025 season with Triple-A Iowa, given that the Cubs already have Miguel Amaya and Carson Kelly on the major league roster.
4 hours ago   
Tyler Matzek  • RP

Tyler Matzek Will Throw For Scouts On Thursday

According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, left-handed pitcher Tyler Matzek (elbow) will throw for scouts on Thursday in Irvine, California. Matzek logged only ten innings of work last season before suffering a season-ending elbow injury. While the southpaw has struggled over the past few seasons, he was a dominant part of the Atlanta bullpen during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. During these two years, Matzek held a 2.64 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP across 92 innings. During Atlanta's 2021 World Series run, Matzek was a key part of the "nightshift" bullpen during the playoffs. Across 15 2/3 innings, Matzek posted a stellar 1.72 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and a 4:24 BB:K ratio during the postseason. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status before spring training, as he may earn a contract if he is past this elbow injury.
4 hours ago   
Paul Sewald  • RP  •  Guardians

Guardians Sign Paul Sewald On Wednesday

The Cleveland Guardians announced on Wednesday that they signed free-agent right-handed reliever Paul Sewald to an undisclosed major-league contract for the 2025 season. The deal includes a mutual option for 2026. It was a rough 2024 season for Sewald in his final year with the Arizona Diamondbacks, as he missed time due to injury and also lost his job as the closer. The 34-year-old veteran finished with a 4.31 ERA (3.95 FIP) and a 1.13 WHIP with 16 saves, a 26.1% strikeout rate and a 6.1% walk rate in 39 2/3 relief innings. He got a late start due to an oblique injury and saved 11 straight saves while being unhittable before everything fell apart. Although Sewald won't be the closer in Cleveland with Emmanuel Clase locked into that role, he did have 81 saves the last four years and should be worth a look in holds leagues as a setup man for the Guardians in 2025. UPDATE: Sewald will make $7 million, and his 2026 option will be worth $10 million.
8 hours ago   
Christian Bethancourt  • C  •  Blue Jays  |  Richard Lovelady  • RP  •  Blue Jays

Blue Jays Sign Christian Bethancourt, Richard Lovelady To Minors Deals

The Toronto Blue Jays signed free-agent catcher Christian Bethancourt and left-hander Richard Lovelady to minor-league deals with invites to major-league spring training on Wednesday. Bethancourt will compete with Tyler Heineman in camp for the right to serve as Alejandro Kirk's primary backup in 2025. Meanwhile, Lovelady has had success against lefty hitters in his career and will give the Blue Jays more left-handed depth for their bullpen. Bethancourt, 33, broke into the big leagues back in 2013 with the Atlanta Braves and will be on his seventh MLB team. In 62 games with the Miami Marlins and Chicago Cubs last year, he hit .209 with five home runs and 22 RBI in 147 plate appearances. Lovelady, 29, has held lefties to a .232/.312/.342 line in his five years in the majors. He had a 4.46 ERA and 1.31 WHIP with two saves in 34 1/3 frames with the Cubs and Rays in 2024.
9 hours ago   
Lou Trivino  • RP

Lou Trivino Works Out For Teams This Week

Free-agent right-handed reliever Lou Trivino (elbow, shoulder) threw a bullpen session in Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday in front of scouts and got his sinker up to 94 mph. Trivino is already drawing interest from several teams, and the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Cleveland Guardians, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Royals were among the teams in attendance and came away impressed, according to a source. The 33-year-old veteran was working to return from Tommy John surgery in 2024 before his rehab was shut down in September due to a shoulder injury. Trivino has not pitched in the big leagues since the 2022 campaign but could be a useful high-leverage setup man somewhere in 2025 if he proves he's past his arm issues. In five big-league seasons, he has a 3.86 ERA and 1.34 WHIP with 37 saves in 284 2/3 innings pitched.
9 hours ago   
Pablo López  • SP  •  Twins

Pablo Lopez Named Twins Opening Day Starter

Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said that right-hander Pablo Lopez will get the nod for the team on Opening Day in 2025 on March 27 at the St. Louis Cardinals. Lopez, who was a first-time All-Star in his first year in Minnesota in 2023, went 15-10 for the Twins last year with a 4.08 ERA (3.65 FIP) and a 1.19 WHIP with 198 strikeouts and 41 walks in 32 starts. On the surface, he took a step back in 2024 and struggled with allowing home runs, but he pitched better down the stretch and posted a career-high 15 wins. The 28-year-old Venezuelan hurler has been durable in his career and has a pretty decent 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings over 889 1/3 career innings over seven major-league seasons. Lopez is by no means a fantasy ace, but he should have a pretty safe floor as an SP2 for fantasy managers to target in upcoming drafts.
9 hours ago   
Taylor Walls  • SS  •  Rays

Taylor Walls, Rays Avoid Arbitration

The Tampa Bay Rays and infielder Taylor Walls avoided salary arbitration on Wednesday by agreeing to a one-year, $1.35 million deal. The contract includes a $2.45 million option for the 2026 season with a $50,000 buyout. The 28-year-old middle infield will return to Tampa this year to provide infield insurance for the Rays. His glove is the most attractive thing about him, leaving very little fantasy upside for those in deep AL-only leagues in 2025. The former third-round selection in 2017 out of Florida State hit just .183/.282/.248 with a career-worst .529 OPS, one home run, 14 RBI, 16 stolen bases and 27 runs scored in 84 games in his fourth major-league season in 2024. In his four big-league campaigns, Walls has slashed a mere .188/.288/.293 with 18 home runs, 98 RBI and 52 stolen bases in 379 career games. If he's forced into regular playing time, the Rays will be in trouble.
9 hours ago   
Tim Anderson  • SS  •  Angels

Tim Anderson Signs Minor-League Deal With Angels

Former All-Star shortstop Tim Anderson signed a minor-league deal with the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. Anderson will look to return to the big leagues alongside manager and infield guru Ron Washington in Anaheim in 2025. The 31-year-old made the All-Star team in back-to-back seasons with the Chicago White So in 2021 and 2022 and also won an American League batting title back in 2019, but he's tanked the last two years offensively and ended up being released by the Miami Marlins in 2024 after hitting just .214/.237/.226 with no homers in 65 games. Anderson will have a better shot at making the Angels' Opening Day roster out of spring training since starting shortstop Zach Neto (shoulder) may not be ready to go, but until further notice, Anderson won't be anywhere near the fantasy radar for those in mixed leagues in 2025.
9 hours ago   
Kristian Campbell  • SS  •  Red Sox

Kristian Campbell Will Compete For Starting Job At Second Base

According to Ian Browne of MLB.com, Boston Red Sox prospect Kristian Campbell will be in the mix to compete for the starting second base job at spring training. Browne noted that Vaughn Grissom will likely be the other option. Grissom was given the starting job last summer but battled numerous injuries and logged only 31 games all season. He posted a disappointing .190/.246/.219 line. Campbell was recently tabbed as MLB Pipeline's top second base prospect entering the 2025 season. Last summer, Campbell spent most of his time at Double-A, where he held an impressive .362/.463/.582 line with eight home runs and 17 stole bases across 56 games. He was given a brief look at Triple-A and continued to perform as he posted a .286/.412/.486 line through 19 games. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their progress during spring training, but Campbell is worth a look as a late flier in early drafts, as he could run away with the starting job, given his development last summer.
15 hours ago   
John Means  • SP

John Means Not Expected To Sign Soon

According to Roch Kubatko of MASNSports, free-agent pitcher John Means (elbow) is not expected to sign a contract for the 2025 season anytime soon. The left-hander underwent his second Tommy John surgery last June, and according to Kubatko, the industry perception is that Means will not find a suitor until much later in the offseason. Kubatko noted that the Orioles have not closed the door on a potential reunion. Last summer, the southpaw logged just 20 2/3 innings before being shut down. However, he was quite productive, posting a 2.61 ERA and a 0.87 WHIP. He struck out 16 batters but showed elite command with a near-perfect 2.6% walk rate. In 2023, Means also logged just 23 frames and held a similar 2.66 ERA and a 0.72 WHIP. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his progress, but he will likely not return to the mound until late in the 2025 season.
15 hours ago   
Alex Bregman  • 3B

Alex Bregman Remains At Standstill With Detroit

According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit Tigers and free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman remain at a standstill in contract negotiations. The Tigers have been viewed as one of the favorites to land the Gold Glover throughout most of the offseason but have been unable to reach a final agreement. Bregman is reportedly still eyeing a long-term deal. However, seeing that both sides still have "mutual interest" suggests they could eventually work out a deal. Bregman has also been targeted by the Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays, among others. Last summer in Houston, Bregman posted a .260/.315/.453 slash line with 26 home runs. He has always shown an elite eye at the plate, boasting a career 13.6% strikeout rate. Bregman would provide a much-needed veteran presence to a young Detroit infield.
15 hours ago   
Jurickson Profar  • LF  |  Pete Alonso  • 1B

Blue Jays Remain Interested In Pete Alonso And Jurickson Profar

According to Mark Feinsand of the MLB Network, the Toronto Blue Jays are still targeting top bats on the market, including first baseman Pete Alonso and outfielder Jurickson Profar. Earlier this week, the Blue Jays signed outfielder Anthony Santander to a hefty five-year $92 million contract. However, given that the team was willing to spend on Juan Soto, Feinsand believes the team remains at the top of free-agent discussions. Pete Alonso has been linked to Toronto throughout most of the winter, and given that the Mets have begun to pivot in another direction, Toronto may be the favorite. Profar has had several suitors, including the Braves, but Toronto is reportedly looking to improve their outfield further. Alonso would bring another high-upside power bat to their lineup, while Profar will bring 20+ HR upside with elite on-base skills.
15 hours ago   
Samuel Basallo  • C  •  Orioles

Baltimore Not Considering A Trade For Samuel Basallo

According to Roch Kubatko of MASNSports, the Baltimore Orioles are not considering a trade for their top-catching prospect, Samuel Basallo. Basallo was recently tabbed as the sport's top-catching prospect on MLB Pipeline and is one of the budding stars in the Baltimore system. However, the Orioles already have a franchise backstop in Adley Rutschman but still view Basallo as untouchable. Last summer, the 20-year-old spent most of the season with Double-A Bowie and held a .289/.355/.465 line with 22 doubles and 16 home runs. He then earned a late-season promotion to Triple-A, where he took a slight step back with a .222/.267/.370 line. Across these 21 games, he hit just three home runs. However, Basallo has begun to see starts at first base and will likely spend most of his time there when he reaches the major leagues. He should have a good opportunity to debut later this summer.
15 hours ago   
Samad Taylor  • 2B  •  Mariners

Samad Taylor Clears Waivers, Outrighted To Triple-A

Seattle Mariners infielder/outfielder Samad Taylor cleared waivers and was outrighted off the 40-man roster to Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday. Taylor was recently designated for assignment but will remain in Seattle's organization for now. The 26-year-old former 10th-round draft pick by the Cleveland Guardians in 2016 only played in three games with the M's in 2024 and went 2-for-5 with a strikeout and two runs scored. He debut in the majors in 2023 with the Kansas City Royals and saw action in 31 games. In his time with Tacoma last year, Taylor slashed .262/.352/.380 with a .732 OPS, 11 home runs, 75 RBI, a career-high 50 stolen bases and 93 runs scored in 599 trips to the plate over 136 games played. Speed is what stands out with Taylor, but if he makes it back to the big leagues in Seattle in 2025, it will be as a utility man off the bench.
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