MLB News
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.
1 hour ago
Will Klein Traded To Seattle
According to the team, the Seattle Mariners have acquired right-handed pitcher Will Klein from the Athletics in exchange for international slot money. Klein was designated for assignment on Friday but will now take his talents to Seattle. Before the trade, Klein was ranked as the No.16 best prospect in the A's system. He logged only seven 1/3 innings at the major league level and allowed nine earned runs. Across 78 innings at Triple-A, the former fifth-round selection has posted a 4.62 ERA and a .164 WHIP. He struck out an impressive 92 batters but allowed a hefty 57 walks. Klein will likely compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster but should be expected to spend most of the 2025 at Triple-A to continue his development.
3 hours ago
Ron Marinaccio Designated For Assignment
According to Daryl Van Schouwen of the Sun-Times, the Chicago White Sox have designated right-handed pitcher Ron Marinaccio for assignment. This transaction opened a roster spot for left-handed pitcher Martin Perez, who agreed to a one-year $5 million contract. Marinaccio was claimed by the White Sox last season but never pitched for them. During the 2022 season, Marinaccio was very productive as he posted a career-best 2.05 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP across 44 innings of work. However, during the 2024 campaign, the reliever held a much-higher 3.86 ERA and 1.20 WHIP across 23 1/3 innings. The Delaware product will likely find a suitor before spring training and compete for a bullpen role.
3 hours ago
Jose Quijada, Angels Avoid Arbitration
According to the team, left-handed pitcher Jose Quijada and the Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.75 million to avoid arbitration. This deal also includes a $3.75 million club option for the 2026 season. Quijada missed most of the 2024 campaign recovering from Tommy John surgery he underwent in 2023. However, the southpaw returned late in the season and posted a 3.26 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP across 19 1/3 innings of relief. Throughout this short stint, he generated an impressive 28.6% K rate and .214 xBA, which were both significantly above the average marks. He logged a career-high 40 2/3 innings during the 2022 campaign and posted a 3.98 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Quijada to have a high-leverage role in the Los Angeles bullpen in 2025.
4 hours ago
Donovan Solano Expected To Play Primarily At First Base
According to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com, Seattle Mariners infielder Donovan Solano is expected to spend most of the 2025 season at first base. Solano signed a one-year contract with the Mariners earlier this offseason. Throughout his career, he has been deployed at several positions in the infield, but it appears the Mariners view him primarily as a first baseman. As a result, fantasy managers should expect him to be on the short side of a platoon with Luke Raley throughout most of the season. Last summer with San Diego, the 37-year-old posted a .282/.343/.417 line with 13 doubles and eight home runs. However, he generated poor metrics, which suggest he could be due for some regression during the 2025 season. Solano should only be targeted in deeper AL-only formats, given his lack of power and potential for a limited role.
4 hours ago
Cade Horton On Track For Normal Spring Training
According to Ryan Herrera of JustBaseball.com, Chicago Cubs starting pitching prospect Cade Horton (shoulder) is expected to have a normal spring training. The top arm in the Chicago system was on track to make his major-league debut last summer but was eventually shut down with a shoulder injury in May. Before the injury, Horton held a 1.10 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP at Double-A and got a brief taste of Triple-A. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during spring training, as he may just need a short stint at Triple-A before reaching the major leagues. The former seventh-overall pick has held a career 3.22 ERA and 1.07 WHIP across 122 2/3 innings in the minor leagues. He has struck out 157 batters and served up 40 free passes. He should be viewed as one of the sport's top pitching prospects and will carry value in redraft leagues when promoted.
4 hours ago
Padres Re-Sign Austin Davis To Minor-League Deal
The San Diego Padres re-signed left-hander Austin Davis to a minor-league deal on Monday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training, according to a source. Davis also signed a minor-league deal with the Padres last February and ended up making seven appearances in relief for the Friars in 2024, allowing eight runs (seven earned) on six hits while walking five and striking out six in seven innings pitched. In 47 relief appearances at Triple-A El Paso, Davis had a 3.40 ERA and 1.28 WHIP with 14 saves, 61 strikeouts and 26 walks in 47 2/3 frames. He will most likely start the 2025 campaign back at El Paso as left-handed relief depth for the Padres. The former 12th-round pick of the Philadelphia Phillies in 2014 out of California State Bakersfield has a career 5.77 ERA and 1.54 WHIP in 151 1/3 innings in parts of six major-league seasons.
11 hours ago
Chasen Shreve Signs Minors Deal With Braves
Free-agent left-hander Chasen Shreve signed a minor-league deal with the Atlanta Braves on Monday that includes in invitation to major-league spring training. Shreve will make $1.3 million if he's in the big leagues in 2025. Shreve signed a minor-league deal with the Texas Rangers last February but ended up pitching just one inning in the big leagues last year with the Colorado Rockies. At the Triple-A level with three different organizations (Rockies, Rangers and Yankees), Shreve held a 2.62 ERA and 0.85 WHIP with a save, 35 strikeouts and 12 walks in 34 1/3 innings over 31 appearances out of the bullpen. The 34-year-old veteran southpaw will just be trying to win an Opening Day roster spot this spring as bullpen depth in Atlanta. After debuting in the majors in 2014 with Atlanta, Shreve has a career 3.96 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 357 innings with only two saves.
12 hours ago
Michael Kopech Could Miss First Month Of The Season
USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale reports that the Los Angeles Dodgers have added more bullpen depth with left-hander Tanner Scott and right-hander Kirby Yates in recent days with right-hander Michael Kopech (undisclosed) expected to possibly miss the first month of the regular season. At this time, it's unknown what type of ailment Kopech is dealing with, but the hard-throwing 28-year-old probably won't pitch in spring training. Stay tuned for more details on his injury. If he's not ready for Opening Day, expect Scott to serve as LA's primary closer, with Yates and Evan Phillips working in high-leverage setup roles for the defending World Series champions. Kopech leaned more on his elite fastball in 2024 to excellent results, posting a league-best 34% whiff rate on his four-seamer. He had 15 saves, 10 holds and six wins with LA and the White Sox, but his injury will drop his fantasy appeal heading into the 2025 season.
12 hours ago
Dodgers Agree With Kirby Yates
The Los Angeles Dodgers reached a tentative agreement with free-agent closer Kirby Yates on Tuesday, pending a physical. It comes after the Dodgers just signed left-handed closer Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million deal over the weekend. The Dodgers have fortified their bullpen with two big arms in a matter of days, which makes sense after a report that right-handed reliever Michael Kopech (undisclosed) could miss the first month of the regular season due to an undisclosed injury. Yates, 37, was excellent for the Texas Rangers last season with a 1.17 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 33 saves, 85 strikeouts and only 28 walks in 61 2/3 relief innings. However, he will be hard-pressed to improve on those elite numbers in 2025, especially since he's unlikely to see many save opportunities while residing in the same bullpen as Scott and Kopech. Still, Yates will be highly coveted in holds leagues.
12 hours ago
Kenley Jansen Not Expected To Return To Boston
According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Boston Red Sox are not expected to re-sign free-agent relief pitcher Kenley Jansen. The team remains linked to several of the top relief pitchers, but Jansen will likely not return to Boston. The 37-year-old spent the past two seasons with the Red Sox and held a 3.44 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP across 99 1/3 innings of work. He tallied 56 saves with 114 strikeouts. Cotillo noted that given how his time in Boston ended last season, the door is likely closed on a reunion. During the final weeks, Jansen was placed on the injured list and did not travel with the team. In addition, before the team's final three games, the reliever cleaned out his locker and went home. Jansen spent most of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2010 through 2021. Throughout the offseason, the right-hander has been linked to several teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays.
15 hours ago
Pirates Designate Tristan Gray For Assignment
According to Alex Stumpf of MLB.com, the Pittsburgh Pirates have designated infielder Tristan Gray for assignment. This transaction opened a roster spot for Andrew McCutchen, who was added to the Pittsburgh roster on a one-year contract. Over the past two seasons, Gray has appeared in just 15 games at the major league level. Across this small stint, the Rice product held a .152/.222/.273 line and hit just one extra-base hit. Through 112 games at the Triple-A level last summer, Gray posted a solid .251/.322/.467 line with 25 doubles, 19 home runs, and a 41:121 BB:K ratio. This was very similar to the .235/.312/.485 line he held during the 2023 campaign at the top level of the minor leagues. Gray is expected to spend most of the 2025 season in the minor leagues.
15 hours ago
Reds Sign Alex Young To Minor-League Contract
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Cincinnati Reds have signed left-handed pitcher Alex Young to a minor-league contract that includes an invite to spring training. Young logged just 15 2/3 innings of major league play last season and performed well with a 2.87 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP. Through 32 innings at the Triple-A level, Young posted a strong 2.81 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP. During the 2023 campaign, Young held a 3.86 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP across 53 2/3 innings of work. While Young has begun to turn the corner in the major leagues, he has battled numerous injuries, which has limited his production. Fantasy managers should expect the southpaw to compete for a spot in the Cincinnati bullpen during spring training.
15 hours ago
Ryder Ryan Inks Minor-League Deal With Pittsburgh
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Pittsburgh Pirates have signed right-handed pitcher Ryder Ryan to a minor-league deal that includes an invite to spring training. Ryder logged 20 2/3 innings with the Pirates last season and posted a 5.66 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP. He struck out 17 batters and posted a high 9.7% walk rate. Through 41 innings with Triple-A Indianapolis, Ryan posted a 4.61 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP with a 15:34 BB:K ratio. Across 200 1/3 career frames at the Triple-A level, the North Carolina product holds a 4.31 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Ryan to compete for a spot in the bullpen during spring training but will likely open the campaign at Triple-A given his lack of big league experience and success.
15 hours ago
Nick Anderson Drawing Interest On Free-Agent Market
According to Ari Alexander of KPRC2, right-handed pitcher Nick Anderson is drawing interest from multiple clubs. Alexander noted that Alexander will likely sign a one-year deal. The 34-year-old went to the Baseball Performance Center over the offseason and added a split-change to his arsenal. Last season, Anderson logged 35 2/3 innings with the Kansas Royals. He posted a 4.04 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP with 29 strikeouts before being released in July. During the 2023 season, the right-hander posted a strong 3.06 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP across 35 1/3 innings with the Atlanta Braves. If Anderson were to find a suitor, he would likely have a role as a middle-relief option out of the bullpen and could eventually return to a high-leverage role.
15 hours ago
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday