MLB News
Red Sox Emerge As Strong Candidate To Land Nolan Arenado
According to a source, the Boston Red Sox have emerged as a strong candidate to land third baseman Nolan Arenado in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals this offseason. It comes as Boston could be close to abandoning their efforts for free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, who could command a deal worth $200 million on the open market. Arenado is owed $74 million over the next three years and has a full no-trade clause, but he's informed the Cardinals he's willing to waive it to go to Fenway Park, a place that could help him get some of his power back. Arenado already blocked a potential trade to the Houston Astros this winter. Boston shortstop Trevor Story, who played with Arenado from 2016-20 in Colorado, has been selling Arenado on Boston in recent weeks. If a deal is to happen, St. Louis might need to eat more money than they'd like while also potentially getting first baseman Triston Casas in return.
2 hours ago
Chris Martin, Rangers Agree On One-Year Deal
Free-agent right-handed reliever Chris Martin and the Texas Rangers agreed to an undisclosed one-year major-league deal on Monday. Martin isn't a sexy signing, but the tall right-hander should be a key acquisition for high-leverage situations near the back of the bullpen in 2025. The 38-year-old veteran spent the past two years with the Boston Red Sox, posting a very strong 2.16 ERA (2.60 FIP) with five saves, a 1.08 WHIP and a 96:11 K:BB in 95 2/3 innings over 100 relief appearances. With Robert Garcia and Jacob Webb being Texas' current top setup arms in their bullpen, there's a realistic chance that Martin could see more save chances in his new digs, depending on what other additions Texas may make to their relief corps before spring training. With a career-best and league-best 1.7% walk rate in 2024 and an opportunity, Martin could be an asset in both saves and holds leagues.
2 hours ago
Anthony Santander Viewed As "Focus" For Toronto
According to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, free-agent outfielder Anthony Santander is viewed as the "focus" for the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays have been connected to several of the top free agents this offseason but have been unable to finalize any deals. Santander would bring some much-needed power to the Toronto lineup. Last season, the 30-year-old switch-hitter launched a career-best 44 long balls. This was his third straight campaign hitting at least 28 home runs. He posted a strong .506 slugging percentage with 25 doubles and 102 RBI. Under the hood, he generated a solid 11.7% barrel rate and .445 xSLG, which were both significantly above the average marks of qualified hitters. If Santander were to sign in Toronto, fantasy managers should expect him to have solid RBI upside batting behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Andres Gimenez.
6 hours ago
Tanner Scott Seeking $20M AAV On Open Market
According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, free agent relief pitcher Tanner Scott is seeking $20 million AAV on the open market. Cotillo noted that while the Red Sox have shown interest, Scott is expected to have multiple big-market clubs in the bidding. In addition, his new contract is expected to reset the relief pitcher market. Last season, Scott opened the campaign with the Miami Marlins and was eventually traded to the San Diego Padres. Across 72 total frames, the southpaw held a stellar 1.75 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP with a 28.6% K rate. He tallied 22 saves but only four with San Diego as he was deployed as the set-up man in front of Robert Suarez. Under the hood, the 30-year-old generated a strong 4.7% barrel rate and a 27.5% hard-hit rate. Given the current contract he is looking for, fantasy managers should expect him to be deployed as the clear ninth-inning option on his new club.
6 hours ago
Luis Arraez No Longer Viewed As Option For The Yankees
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, San Diego Padres infielder Luis Arraez is no longer viewed as a fit for the New York Yankees. Earlier on Monday, Jeff Passan of ESPN reported that both sides were in the process of discussing a deal, but Heyman's report suggests that discussions may have come to standstill. The New York Yankees have been looking to acquire another infielder as they are still unsure where Jazz Chisholm Jr. will play in 2025. If Chisholm returns to second base, they could be interested in seeking a third baseman but if Chisholm were to move to the hot corner, than Arraez could be a potential fit to cover second base. However, reports last week suggest that the Yankees may opt to give the final spot in the infield to someone currently on the roster such as DJ LeMahieu, Oswald Peraza, or Oswaldo Cabrera. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor this situation as Arraez would be a valuable fantasy asset in the Yankees lineup batting leadoff behind Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Last season, Arraez held a stellar .314 AVG with a 4.3% K rate.
6 hours ago
Michael Lorenzen Signs One-Year Deal With Kansas City
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Kansas City Royals are re-signing right-handed pitcher Michael Lorenzen to a one-year deal worth $7 million. Lorenzen spent most of the 2024 season in Texas where he posted a 3.81 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP across 101 2/3 innings of work. However, once he was acquired by Kansas City, the 33-year-old began to turn the corner. Across 28 2/3 inning, Lorenzen held a strong 1.57 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP across six starts (seven appearances). Under the hood he generated a 8.0% barrel rate, 39.4% hard-hit rate and a 41.6% ground ball rate which are all just below the average marks last season. Earlier this offseason, Lorenzen expressed interest in seeing time as a two-way player but this contract suggests the Royals primarily view him as a pitcher. Fantasy managers should expect Lorenzen to have a spot in the Opening Day rotation is worth a look in deeper formats as he does not carry much strikeout upside.
6 hours ago
Gavin Lux Traded To Cincinnati
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Los Angeles Dodgers are trading infielder Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for outfield prospect Mike Sirota and a competitive balance pick. According to a source, that balance pick currently sits at No. 37. After the Dodgers signed Hyeseong Kim to a three-year deal, Gavin Lux did not have a spot in the starting lineup which encouraged several teams to begin acquiring on him. Over the week several teams have expressed interest in the former first rounder but the Reds were able to get a deal complete. Fantasy managers should expect Lux to have a role at the keystone in Cincinnati which will likely move Matt McClain to the outfield. Last season, Lux held a .251/.330/.383 line with ten home runs and five stolen bases. Lux could be worth a look in deeper formats if he bats near the top of the Cincinnati lineup.
6 hours ago
Yankees Talking With Padres About Luis Arraez
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the New York Yankees continue to talk with the San Diego Padres about infielder Luis Arraez. The Yankees have also inquired about Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Gavin Lux to fill their opening at second base. After failing to re-sign superstar outfielder Juan Soto, the Yankees signed left-hander Max Fried, right-hander Jonathan Loaisiga and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and traded for closer Devin Williams, center fielder Cody Bellinger and reliever Fernando Cruz to make their team deeper. None of those additions are guaranteed to be around beyond next season, though, while stars Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole are approaching their mid-30s. New York is clearly in win-now mode. Although Arraez is an elite contact guy, he'd be a liability at second base full time on defense with Goldy already at first and Giancarlo Stanton as the full-time designated hitter.
10 hours ago
Ryan Weathers Loses Weight In Offseason
Miami Marlins left-hander Ryan Weathers, who has been long-tossing for the last few weeks, is 20 pounds lighter this offseason. The 25-year-old has adopted a Keto diet due to his high-insulin resistance. Weathers missed three months in 2024 with a left index-finger strain, but before that he was looking good with a 3.55 ERA in his first 13 starts. The young southpaw returned late in the year to make three starts in September and will be full healthy heading into the 2025 campaign. Following the trade of lefty Jesus Luzardo to the Philadelphia Phillies, Weathers will undoubtedly be counted on in the Marlins starting rotation behind right-hander Sandy Alcantara. Pitching in Miami is not the most attractive circumstances at all, but Weathers has some late-round flier appeal in fantasy going into 2025 after setting career-best strikeout and walk rates in 2024.
11 hours ago
Reds Acquire Owen White From Rangers
The Cincinnati Reds acquired right-hander Owen White from the Texas Rangers on Monday in exchange for cash considerations, according to the Rangers. The move comes after the Rangers recently designated White for assignment and off their 40-man roster. The 25-year-old will now head to the National League went 2-8 with a rough 5.64 ERA and 1.57 WHIP with 87 strikeouts and 48 walks in 99 innings over 29 appearances (15 starts) at Triple-A Round Rock last year while also appearing in only three games in relief at the major-league level. In his three innings for the Rangers, he gave up eight earned runs while walking one and striking out none. White was originally a second-round pick by the Rangers in 2018, so the Reds are taking a chance hoping that he's a late bloomer. He will most likely start the 2025 campaign at Triple-A Louisville.
11 hours ago
Triston Casas Very Much Available Via Trade?
Despite Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow denying that the team was shopping first baseman Triston Casas in trades, there remains a belief in the industry that the Red Sox remain open to trading Casas, potentially for young pitching, according to Mass Live's Chris Cotillo. Among other clubs, Boston has discussed Casas with the Seattle Mariners, who continue to look for more bats. The BoSox have been mentioned as a trade possibility for St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, which would likely shift incumbent third baseman Rafael Devers from third to first. After adding pitchers Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler this offseason, their primary focus is now on adding a right-handed bat. The 24-year-old left-handed hitting Casas has immense power, but he missed almost four months in 2024 with torn cartilage in his ribs and had a strikeout rate over 30% when he returned. Despite the risks, the potential remains that he can be a four-category fantasy contributor.
11 hours ago
Baltimore, Seattle Having Trade Discussions Around Luis Castillo
According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, the Seattle Mariners and Baltimore Orioles have had trade discussions around starting pitcher Luis Castillo. Morosi noted that both teams have had discussions over the recent days and a potential trade would work since the Orioles would be able to take on a majority of Castillo's contract. In addition, the Mariners have been shopping Castillo throughout the offseason in hopes to move his contract to either acquire a top prospect or open up salary to sign one of the current free agents. Morosi noted that a top prospect would likely go back to Seattle in this deal which could allow them to target one of the top remaining free agents such as Pete Alonso. The Mariners have a lot depth at starting pitcher and could move Castillo to either continue to bolster their deep pipeline or use that money to sign a top bat. Alonso would be a great fit especially as the Mariners do not have a high-upside option at first base. In the deal, Baltimore may have to part ways with one their top prospects such as Heston Kjerstad or Coby Mayo. Both have had struggles finding consistent playing time in a deep Baltimore lineup and would benefit well in a full-time role in Seattle. Castillo would be a much-needed addition for Baltimore as they recently lost Corbin Burnes in free agency to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
15 hours ago
Cardinals Continuing To Explore Trades For Steven Matz
According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, the St. Louis Cardinals are continuing to explore a potential trade for left-handed pitcher Steven Matz. Earlier this offseason, it was reported that the southpaw, along with Eric Fedde were drawing interest on the trade market. Woo said that with Sonny Gray and Miles Mikolas having no-trade clauses Matz would likely be moved in order to shed salary, especially if the team cannot find a suitor for Nolan Arenado. Woo noted that the team would prefer to hold Fedde until the trade deadline. Last season, Matz logged just 44 1/3 innings of work with a 5.08 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP. Currently, he sits as the No.5 starter in rotation but if he were to be moved, then top prospect Quinn Mathews or Michael McGreevy would have a chance to open the season in the majors. Mathews held a strong 2.76 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP with 202 punchouts across 143 innings in his first minor league season.
15 hours ago
Ryan Helsley No Longer Being Shopped
According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, the St. Louis Cardinals are no longer actively shopping closer Ryan Helsley. President of baseball operations John Mozeliak said that, "It's something we will always remain open-minded to, but our plan is to have (Helsley) be part of our organization." While Helsley was drawing interest from the Arizona Diamondbacks and Toronto Blue Jays earlier this offseason, it appears the Cardinals would prefer to hold onto their closer for the time being. However, if they fall out of the playoff race early on, they may entertain conversations closer to the trade deadline. Last season, the 30-year-old tallied a career-high 49 saves with a 2.04 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP. Under the hood, he generated a stellar 29.7% K rate and 3.7% barrel rate. Fantasy managers should view Helsley as a high-end closer heading into the 2025 season.
16 hours ago
Cardinals Have Not Had Concrete Conversations Regarding Masyn Winn's Extension
According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, the St. Louis Cardinals have not had "concrete conversations" regarding shortstop Masyn Winn's potential contract extension. Woo noted that since the team's current plan is trying to bolster a youth movement, locking up Winn for the long-term would be a great way to build upon that idea. Earlier this offseason, the Cardinals opted to let first baseman Paul Goldschmidt walk in free agency and the team has had several trade discussions around third baseman Nolan Arenado. After having an underwhelming major league debut in 2023, Winn took a significant step forward in 2024 holding a strong .267/.314/.416 line with 15 home runs and a 11 stolen bases. He showed a strong eye at the plate by only striking out 17.1% of the time. Winn will likely be penciled in as the leadoff hitter in St. Louis and carries a solid power and speed combination and is worth a look later in drafts this offseason.
16 hours ago
Boston The "Preferred" Destination For Nolan Arenado
According to Chris Cotillo of Masslive.com, the Boston Red Sox are viewed as the "preferred" destination for St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado. While the Red Sox may not be as interested in acquiring the third baseman, he has made it clear he would not stand in the way. Arenado has had his name on the trade block throughout the offseason as the Cardinals are attempting to shed salary. He recently turned down a trade that would have sent him to Houston. There have also been reports that the New York Yankees have checked in on Arenado but have seemed to lose interest. While Arenado would be a welcomed asset in Boston, he does complicate the starting lineup as Boston team officials have made it clear that Rafael Devers is the team's third baseman. However, acquiring one of the top defenders in the sport would change their mind. This would likely move Devers to first base which would push Triston Casas to DH. Last summer, Arenado held a .272/.325/.394 line with 16 home runs in St. Louis.
16 hours ago
Cavan Biggio Inks Minor-League Deal With Kansas City
According to the team, the Kansas City Royals have signed infielder Cavan Biggio to a minor league deal. Last season, Biggio spent the 2024 campaign with three clubs and logged 78 total games in the majors. Across this stint, he held a .197/.314/.303 line with five doubles, five home runs, and a 24:72 BB:K ratio. Under the hood, Biggio generated a poor .256 xwOBA with a hefty 32.1% K rate. Biggo performed very well during his first two major league seasons (2019 and 2020) where he held an overall .240/.368/.430 line but has fallen below this mark in each season after. Fantasy managers should monitor Biggio's progress during Spring Training but given his struggles in the major leagues, the 29-year-old will likely spend most of the 2025 season in Triple-A.
16 hours ago
Yankees, Mariners Have Shown Interest In Gavin Lux
According to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners have shown interest in acquiring infielder Gavin Lux. The Yankees will have a hole in their infield at either second or third base, depending where Jazz Chisholm Jr. starts the season. While the Yankees have a few internal options to fill that void, in DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, or Oswald Peraza, Lux would provide some more upside in their lineup and would remain under team control for another two seasons. Ragazzo noted that the Seattle Mariners have also expressed interest in acquiring Lux as they are also in need of another infielder. Lux could find himself at the forefront of trade conversations in the coming weeks as the Dodgers recently brought in infielder Hye-Seong Kim from the KBO on a three-year deal who is expected to have a starting role in 2025. Last season, Lux held a .251/.320/.383 line with ten home runs and five stolen bases.
Yesterday
White Sox Showing Interest In Jakob Junis
According to James Fox of FutureSox, the Chicago White Sox are showing interest in free-agent right-handed pitcher Jakob Junis. The 32-year-old has been deployed as both a reliever and starter throughout his big-league career. Last season, Junis spent time with both the Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds. Across 67 frames, the 32-year-old held a solid 2.69 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP. He showed elite command with a stellar 3.2% walk rate but struggled to generate whiffs as he held an underwhelming 20.2% strikeout rate. In addition, he posted a poor 42.4% hard-hit rate and 38.7% ground-ball rate, which suggests he could be due for some regression during the 2025 campaign. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should continue to monitor his status, as he could be a viable low-end starting pitcher in AL/NL-only formats if he can sign a 2025 contract.
2 days ago
Clayton Kershaw Intends To Pitch In 2025, Expected To Return To Los Angeles
According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, free agent starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw intends to pitch in 2025. Morosi also noted that if Kershaw does return to the mound, he expects him to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 36-year-old was only able to log 30 innings of work last season due to an offseason shoulder surgery and an eventual bone spur in his toe that cut his season short in late August. During his limited stint, the southpaw held a 4.50 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP with an underwhelming 18.0% K rate. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during Spring Training as he will likely ink a one-year deal with the Dodgers if he is able to move past his most recent offseason toe surgery. The future Hall Of Famer is just 32 punchouts away from being the 20th pitcher in MLB history to tally 3,000 strikeouts. If he does return to the mound in 2025, he is worth a look in deeper NL-only formats.
2 days ago