MLB News
Yency Almonte Headed To Free Agency
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Yency Almonte has cleared waivers and will test free agency according to Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports. The right-hander was only able to log 15 2/3 innings of work before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. In this short stint, Almonte posted a 3.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and a 8:20 BB:K ratio with one save. Under the hood, Almonte boasted stellar metrics with a 3.15 xERA and a .198 xBA. In addition, he generated a strong 29.9% K rate and 30.9% whiff rate. Almonte is worth monitoring during the offseason as he could earn a role as a high-leverage option in 2025 given his ability to generate a high number of strikeouts.
1 hour ago
Ildemaro Vargas Clears Waivers, Testing Free Agency
Washington Nationals infielder Ildemaro Vargas has cleared waivers and has elected to test free agency according to Bobby Blanco. Vargas posted a .246/.295/.316 line with one home run and nine stolen bases across 97 games with the Nationals. He was deployed as a utility option in Washington last season as he logged double-digit starts at second base, third base, and the outfield. He held a stellar 10.2% K rate but struggled to generate hard-contact as he carried a poor 31.9% hard-hit rate and a 1.2% barrel rate. Fantasy managers should expect Vargas to have a similar role in the 2025 campaign if he finds a suitor but should not be on your fantasy radar given his lack of hitting production.
2 hours ago
Joey Meneses To Test Free Agency
According to Washington Nationals insider Bobby Blanco, first baseman/designated hitter Joey Meneses has elected to test free agency. Meneses had the worst season of his three-year MLB career last summer as he posted a poor .231/.291/.302 line with three home runs and two stolen bases. This was a stark contrast to the .275/.321/.401 line he held during the 2023 campaign. The 32-year-old also spent some of last season with Triple-A Rochester and carried a modest .254/.322/.471 line with 14 doubles and nine home runs. Meneses will likely find a new home but is best to leave off your fantasy radar in 2025 given his struggles last season.
2 hours ago
Michael Petersen Claimed By Toronto
The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed right-handed relief pitcher Michael Petersen off of waivers. Petersen spent the 2024 season with both the Miami Marlins and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Across 19 2/3 innings in the big leagues last season, the 30-year-old carried an underwhelming 5.95 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, with a 11:14 BB:K ratio. In Triple-A, Petersen posted a strong 1.64 ERA, 0.76 WHIP, and a stellar 8:44 BB:K ratio. He also tallied ten saves. Even though Peterson struggled in the big leagues last season, he showed significant upside in the top level of the minors. Fantasy managers should monitor his progression during Spring Training as he could eventually earn a high-leverage in the Toronto bullpen.
2 hours ago
Emmanuel Ramirez DFA'd By Toronto
The Toronto Blue Jays have released right-handed relief pitcher Emmanuel Ramirez. Ramirez spent most of the 2024 season with the Miami Marlins and held a poor 6.97 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP across 20 2/3 innings. He struck out 21 batters. In Triple-A Jacksonville the 30-year-old posted a 3.76 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP across 40 2/3 innings of work. Then, in September he was claimed by Toronto and spent the final month of the season pitching for Triple-A Buffalo. Across a small 4 1/3 inning stint, he allowed four earned runs. Given his inconsistencies in the major leagues, fantasy managers should not expect Ramirez to have any fantasy value during the 2025 campaign.
2 hours ago
Genesis Cabrera Clears Waivers, Testing Free Agency
Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Genesis Cabrera has cleared waivers and will test free agency this offseason. Cabrera logged 62 2/3 innings in the Toronto bullpen last season with a 3.59 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, and a 29:50 BB:K ratio. He tallied two saves and 13 holds while operating typically as the go-to eighth option in Toronto. Under the hood, he held a slightly above-average 43.7% ground ball rate and a 7.4% barrel rate. Given his ability to provide stable production in a set-up role, fantasy managers should monitor where he signs in the offseason as he could be another reliable source to provide holds in the 2025 campaign.
2 hours ago
Xavier Isaac Performing Well During Arizona Fall League
Tampa Bay Rays first base prospect Xavier Isaac has posted an impressive .286/.403/.554 slash line through 15 games at the Arizona Fall League. He has hit three home runs and six doubles. This is a great sign for the 20-year-old as he enjoyed a fantastic campaign at High-A last season. Across 71 games with High-A Bowling, Isaac carried a .287/.381/.535 line with 17 doubles and 15 long balls. The No.2 prospect in Tampa Bay then earned a brief taste of Double-A during the final month of the summer but struggled as he posted a .211/.346/.349 line. Isaac remains one of the top prospects in baseball and should spend most of the 2025 campaign in the upper levels of the minor leagues.
11 hours ago
Nick Martinez Expected To Accept Qualifying Offer
Free-agent right-handed pitcher Nick Martinez is expected to accept the Cincinnati Reds' qualifying offer worth $21.05 million, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. This past summer, Martinez logged a career-high 142 1/3 innings and is now expected to return to Cincinnati. Last summer, the right-hander held a strong 3.10 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and a 18:116 BB:K. The 34-year-old posted a stellar 3.2% walk rate, 5.1% barrel rate, and a 30.5% hard-hit rate, which were among the highest marks among qualified pitchers last season. Seeing Martinez show great command as a starter makes him an intriguing option later in drafts this offseason, especially if you are looking to boost your team's WHIP ratio.
11 hours ago
Red Sox Still Considering Garrett Whitlock's Role For 2025
The Boston Red Sox are still undecided regarding right-handed pitcher Garrett Whitlock's (elbow) role for the 2025 campaign, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive. Smith reported that the team plans to define his role soon. Last season, Whitlock logged only four starts before suffering a season-ending injury that resulted in an internal-brace surgery. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to what the Red Sox do during the offseason, as it will likely provide clarity on Whitlock's role heading into spring training. During four starts last season, the right-hander carried a strong 1.96 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. For now, Whitlock should not be on your fantasy radar heading into the offseason.
11 hours ago
Cade Horton Set For Shoulder Exam
Chicago Cubs starting pitching prospect Cade Horton (shoulder) is set to undergo a shoulder exam later this month, according to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune. If the 23-year-old passes the exam, he could then begin a throwing program. The No. 3 prospect in the Chicago system was sidelined since late May last season with a shoulder strain. Before the injury, Horton held a stellar 1.10 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP in Double-A Tennessee. He then earned a brief taste of Triple-A ball and posted a 7.50 ERA and a 1.56 WHIP before sustaining the injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression during the offseason, as the former seventh overall selection will likely earn an opportunity in the majors later in the summer.
11 hours ago
Rockies Claim Jimmy Herget Off Waivers
The Colorado Rockies have claimed right-handed pitcher Jimmy Herget off waivers. Herget was placed on waivers earlier this offseason by the Chicago Cubs. The reliever logged only 12 1/3 innings in the majors last season with the Atlanta Braves and held a 4.38 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. During the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Herget pitched for the Los Angeles Angels. He struggled in 2023 with a 4.66 ERA but enjoyed an excellent 2022 campaign as he posted a 2.48 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and a 15:63 BB:K ratio across 69 innings of work. Despite his poor output this summer, he held a 2.81 xERA which suggests he could be due for some positive regression during the 2025 campaign. For now, fantasy managers should expect the 31-year-old to operate in the Colorado bullpen but could eventually mix in for save opportunities if he performs well.
Yesterday
Yankees, Mets Set To Discuss Contract Negotiations With Juan Soto In California
Both New York Mets and Yankees owners Steve Cohen and Hal Steinbrenner, respectively, are expected to fly to California to meet with top free-agent outfielder Juan Soto, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Cohen is set to meet with the 26-year-old and his agent, Scott Boras, sometime next week. Steinbrenner was not given an exact date but was assured he would have the opportunity to meet with the superstar. In his debut season in the Bronx, Soto posted a stellar .288/.419/.569 slash line with 41 home runs, 109 RBI and seven stolen bases. Soto showed an incredible eye at the plate with an 18.1% walk rate and an 18.3% chase rate, which placed him in the 100th and 98th percentiles, respectively, among qualified hitters. Both owners are expected to remain at the forefront of the bidding war for Soto the entire offseason.
Yesterday
Nolan Arenado Could Be On The Trade Block
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado could be on the trade block, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Arenado is currently under a $74 million dollar contract for the next three seasons. However, after missing the postseason in each of the past two seasons, the Cardinals could be interested in moving off his contract. This past summer, the third baseman saw his power production drop to his second-lowest marks through a full 162-game season. He hit just 16 round-trippers, his lowest since his rookie campaign in 2013. In addition, he held a .272/.325/.394 slash line and swiped two bases. Under the hood, he posted a poor 31.6% hard-hit rate, which was evident in his drop in power. Fantasy managers should still view Arenado as a reliable third baseman for batting-average production but not for power in 2025.
Yesterday
Zach Neto Undergoes Shoulder Surgery, Could Miss Start Of 2025
Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (shoulder) underwent shoulder surgery earlier this week, according to Sam Blum of The Athletic. Blum noted that the young infielder sustained the injury during the final week of the regular season and could potentially be in danger of missing the start of the 2025 campaign. The former first-round pick enjoyed an impressive sophomore campaign, as he posted a solid .249/.318/.443 slash line with 23 home runs and 30 stolen bases. Under the hood, he posted a modest 8.4% barrel rate and a slightly below-average 38.8% hard-hit rate. When healthy, fantasy managers should expect Neto to operate as the starting shortstop in Los Angeles. If Neto were to miss time at the start of the season, utility man Luis Rengifo or Scott Kingery would likely get the most opportunities at shortstop.
Yesterday
Red Sox Unlikely To Deal Top Prospects For Garrett Crochet
The Boston Red Sox are unlikely to deal their top prospects in a trade for Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet, according to Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam of the Fenway Rundown Podcast. McAdam emphasized that the Red Sox are not interested in discussing any packages including outfielder Roman Anthony and potentially another member of the Big 4, which includes backstop Kyle Teel, shortstop Marcelo Mayer, and infielder/outfielder Kristian Campbell. However, McAdam noted that the Red Sox remain very interested in talks surrounding Crochet but would prefer to keep at least two of their top four prospects. Crochet was one of the top pitchers in fantasy baseball last season and held a strong 3.58 ERA, and a 1.07 WHIP with a stellar 35.1% strikeout rate across a career-high 146 innings of work.
Yesterday
White Sox Sign Justin Dunn To Minor-League Deal
The Chicago White Sox announced on Friday that they have signed former New York Mets first-round pic, right-hander Justin Dunn, to a minor-league deal. Dunn will receive a non-roster invite to major-league spring training. A right-shoulder injury kept Dunn from pitching at all during the 2024 season, and he hasn't appeared in the big leagues since 2022, when he allowed 21 earned runs while walking 17 and striking out 21 in seven starts (31 innings) with the Cincinnati Reds. The 29-year-old threw only 3 1/3 innings while rehabbing his shoulder injury in 2023. The White Sox are taking a chance on the former first-rounder with a high draft pedigree, but he's posted a 4.44 ERA (6.23 FIP) and 1.41 WHIP in 133 2/3 big-league innings over 32 starts with a 113:86 K:BB since debuting with the Seattle Mariners in 2019. Dunn is going to need to show better command of his pitches.
Yesterday
Tyrone Taylor Has Hernia And Elbow Surgery, Expected To Miss Two Months
New York Mets outfielder Tyrone Taylor (hernia) underwent an umbilical hernia surgery on Oct. 30 with Dr. Venkata Evani in Phoenix, Ariz., and also had surgery to have a loose body removed from his right elbow on Thursday with Dr. James Carr in New York. Taylor is expected to miss around two months after the two surgeries. While Taylor should be ready for the start of spring training in February, he'll spend much of his offseason rehabbing two different injuries. Depending on what the Mets do in the offseason on the trade and free-agent markets, the 30-year-old veteran could be in line to start in center field for the team to open the 2025 season. The former second-rounder by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2012 hit .248/.299/.401 with a career-worst .701 OPS, seven homers, 35 RBI, 11 steals and 47 runs in 130 regular-season games in his first year with the Mets in 2024.
Yesterday
Elehuris Montero Heading To Japan
Free-agent corner infielder Elehuris Montero is signing a one-year deal for $850,000 ($400,000 signing bonus) with the Hiroshima Carp of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. Montero will head overseas to play in Japan and perhaps boost his value in the big leagues down the road after hitting a weak .205/.267/.304 with a career-low .571 OPS, only four home runs, 28 RBI, 20 walks and 56 strikeouts in 247 plate appearances over 67 games in his third year in the Show. The 26-year-old Dominican posted a .228/.277/.387 slash line, .665 OPS, 21 home runs, 87 RBI and 84 runs scored in 205 games for the Colorado Rockies in three seasons after debuting as an undrafted free agent in 2022. In addition to struggling at the plate in his three years in the big leagues, Montero was moved to first base full time after struggling with his glove at the hot corner.
Yesterday
Mason Miller To Stay In The Bullpen
Athletics general manager David Forst said this week that right-handed closer Mason Miller will remain in a relief role for the team next year and they are "not talking about moving him back into a starting role." Miller, a third-round pick in 2021 out of Gardner-Webb University, came up through the minors as a starter. When the A's decided to initially use him out of the bullpen when he advanced to the majors, they kept open the idea of returning him to a starting role down the road. It looks like that won't be happening now, and you can't blame the A's after the 26-year-old flamethrower developed into one of the most dominant closers in the game in 2024. In just his second year in the big leagues, Miller made his first All-Star team by posting a 2.49 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, his first 28 career saves, 104 strikeouts and 21 walks in 65 innings. Despite being on the A's, Miller is an elite fantasy closer heading into 2025.
Yesterday
Shohei Ohtani's Shoulder Surgery Could Delay His Pitching
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (shoulder) is expected to be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season in Tokyo next March as a designated hitter after undergoing surgery on the labrum in his left shoulder after he partially dislocated it during the World Series, but it will add complications to his offseason throwing program and will probably push back his timeline to join the starting rotation. Ohtani did not pitch at all in 2024 in his first year with the Blue after having Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in 2023. General manager Brandon Gomes said Ohtani's left-shoulder surgery isn't expected to have any "big-picture" impact on his ability to pitch in 2025. Entering October, he was close to facing live hitters for the first time since September of 2023, but the team decided to delay the rest of his throwing progression until the offseason.
Yesterday
Yency Almonte
• RP
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Cubs
