MLB News
Josh Bell Returning To Washington
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Washington Nationals are signing free agent first baseman Josh Bell to a one-year contract worth $6 million. Bell opened the 2024 campaign with the Miami Marlins before being acquired by the Arizona Diamondbacks later in the season. Across 145 total games, the switch-hitter held a .249/.319/.405 line with 19 home runs, 23 doubles, and a 51:210 BB:K ratio. Under the hood, the veteran generated a below-average .310 xwOBA and modest 40.1% hard-hit rate. Bell spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons in D.C. and held an impressive .301/.384/.493 line in 2022. While the Nationals acquired first baseman Nate Lowe earlier this week from Texas, Bell should be penciled into the DH spot on a daily basis. If he can see his power numbers climb, he could be worth a look in deeper NL-only formats.
11 hours ago
Toronto Showed Interest In Gleyber Torres
According to Sports Illustrated, the Toronto Blue Jays expressed interest in second baseman Gleyber Torres before he signed a contract with the Detroit Tigers. Earlier this offseason, the Blue Jays acquired second baseman Andres Gimenez from the Cleveland Guardians but were also interested in adding further depth to their infield. Instead, Torres ended up signing a one-year deal with the Tigers. While the source did not confirm, it can be expected that the Blue Jays were interested in targeting Torres before trading for Gimenez as they both are primary second baseman. The Blue Jays have been linked to several free agents all offseason including the top players on the market such as Max Fried and Juan Soto but have fallen short in the bidding. Torres is expected to start at the keystone every day in Detroit in 2025 while the Toronto infield currently consists of Ernie Clement, Bo Bichette, Gimenez, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
12 hours ago
Freddy Tarnok Agrees To Contract With Miami
According to Aram Leighton of Just Baseball Media, the Miami Marlins have signed right-handed pitcher Freddy Tarnok to a contract that includes an invite to Spring Training. The 26-year-old has logged only 15 1/3 career inning in the major leagues. Across this small stint, he has held a 4.70 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. Through 92 1/3 innings at the Triple-A level, the right-hander held a 4.68 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP with a 48:94 BB:K ratio. The former third-round pick split time with the bullpen and the rotation through the minor leagues but was deployed primarily as a reliever in the majors. Tarnok will compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster but will face an uphill battle given his lack of experience and success in the major leagues.
12 hours ago
Giants Have Pete Alonso "On Their Radar"
According to a source, the San Francisco Giants have free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso "on their radar." Earlier this offseason, the Giants made a big splash by signing shortstop Willy Adames to the largest contract in their franchise history. The team was also heavily linked to starting pitcher Corbin Burnes but fell short in the bidding to their division foe in the Arizona Diamondbacks. After losing out on Burnes, the Giants may pivot that money to acquire another elite bat for their lineup. Last season, Alonso had a down year to his standards, hitting 34 home runs. During the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Alonso went deep at least 40 times in each campaign. In addition, he held a .270/.329/.459 slash line with a strong .343 xwOBA. If the Giants are unable to acquire Alonso, LaMonte Wade Jr. would be penciled in as the Opening Day starter at first base.
12 hours ago
Vidal Brujan Acquired By Chicago
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Chicago Cubs are acquiring infielder Vidal Brujan from the Miami Marlins in exchange for first baseman Matt Mervis. Brujan began his big league career with the Tampa Bay Rays before moving to Miami last summer. Across a hefty 227 games at the Triple-A level, the infielder held a strong .272/.357/.451 line with 243 total hits and 89 stolen bases. However, the 26-year-old was never able to see that production translate to the major leagues as he posted a poor .189/.261/.270 slash line across 201 games at the major leagues. He swiped only 14 bags and hit five long balls. Brujan could compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster but will likely spend most of the summer at Triple-A, given his struggles in the majors.
13 hours ago
Matt Mervis Traded To Miami
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Miami Marlins are acquiring first baseman Matt Mervis from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for infielder Vidal Brujan. The 26-year-old was a former top prospect in the Chicago system but was never able to put it together in the majors. However, in the minor leagues, the first baseman showcased high upside at times. Across 241 games at the Triple-A level, Mervis posted a .269/.371/.511 slash line with 52 home runs, 54 doubles, and a 130:244 BB:K. However, in the majors, the infielder held an underwhelming .155/.222/.259 line. He tallied just three hits across 36 contests. Mervis should contend for a spot on the Marlins Opening Day roster but will likely open the 2025 campaign at the Triple-A level.
13 hours ago
Nolan Hoffman Inks Minor-League Contract With Texas
The Texas Rangers have signed right-handed pitcher Nolan Hoffman to a minor-league contract that has an invite to Spring Training. After being drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 2018 MLB Draft, Hoffman has gone on to spend the past three seasons in the Baltimore Orioles system. Last summer, Hoffman logged a career-high 58.0 innings at Triple-A and held a 3.88 ERA and a 1.74 WHIP. Despite the high ratios, he flashes strong strikeout upside, tallying 77 across these 58 frames. He was deployed exclusively as a reliever last summer and did earn two saves. Hoffman will compete for a spot in the Texas bullpen but should expected to open the 2025 campaign at Triple-A.
Yesterday
Alan Trejo Heading To Texas On Minor-League Contract
The Texas Rangers have signed second baseman/shortstop Alan Trejo to a minor-league contract that contains an invite to Spring Training. Trejo has spent the first four seasons of his major league career with the Colorado Rockies. Last summer, Trejo held a .143/.182/.143 line with no extra-base hits across 28 games in the major leagues. He sits with a cumulative .228/.276/.334 line through 174 games in the majors. Trejo would also post a .265/.346/.408 line across 59 games at Triple-A last summer. While the infielder has yet to put it together in the majors, he has shown solid upside in the minor leagues. He is worth monitoring in deeper AL-only formats as he could contend for a spot on the Opening Day roster.
Yesterday
Jax Biggers Signs Minor-League Deal With Texas
Second baseman Jax Biggers has signed a minor-league contract with the Texas Rangers that includes an invite to Spring Training. The 27-year-old has spent his entire career playing in the Rangers organization. Last summer he spent the entire season at the Triple-A level and held a solid .275/.390/.382 line with 22 doubles, three home runs, 12 stolen bases, and a 71:87 BB:K ratio. This was a nice improvement compared to the .269/.380/.359 line he posted across 253 career games at the Double-A level. Even though he has not reached the major league level, given his strong contact skills at Triple-A, he could contend for a spot on the Opening Day Roster if he has a successful Spring Training.
Yesterday
Chris Martin Linked To Texas
According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, the Texas Rangers have interest in free-agent relief pitcher Chris Martin. Last season in Boston, the 38-year-old held a 3.45 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP across 44 1/3 innings of relief. He struck out batters a solid 27.8% rate and showed elite command with a near-perfect 1.7% walk rate. He also generated an above-average 3.41 xERA and 35.0% hard-hit rate. Martin spent time with Texas earlier in his career during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. If Martin were to sign with Texas, he would likely be deployed as a late-inning reliever. Currently, the Rangers do not have a top ninth-inning option but have expressed interest in re-signing Kirby Yates. If they do not, Martin could mix in for save opportunities if they come to a contract agreement.
Yesterday
Detroit Continuing To Show Interest In Alex Bregman
According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit Tigers remain active in pursuing free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. However, Petzold noted that both sides still have mutual interest despite a "gap in perceived value." Earlier this week, the Tigers signed second baseman Gleyber Torres to a one-year contract. However, even after that deal, the Tigers remain active in improving their lineup. If Bregman were to come to an agreement with Detroit, he would have an everyday role at the hot corner, which would likely move Matt Vierling to either the outfield or to the designated-hitter spot. Last summer, Bregman held a .260/.315/.453 slash line with 26 home runs and three stolen bases. Bregman will remain a popular target in points leagues in 2025 given his stellar 13.6% strikeout rate and a low-end top-12 option in category leagues.
Yesterday
Jordan Montgomery Could Still Be Traded
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery could still be traded. Feinsand reported this following their signing of Corbin Burnes to a massive six-year contract. Montgomery's name has been on the trade throughout the offseason but has yet to find a suitor. The 32-year-old southpaw exercised his team option earlier this offseason but could still be moved. Last summer in the desert, the left-handed arm held a poor 6.23 ERA and a 1.65 WHIP. With Corbin Burnes joining the rotation, Montgomery will face an uphill battle to earn a spot as a permanent starter as Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Brandon Pfaadt, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Ryne Nelson are all vying for the final four spots. As a result, the Diamondbacks may look to move Montgomery to improve elsewhere. Montgomery carries high-risk heading into the 2025 season given the poor 5.18 xERA he generated last season.
Yesterday
Corbin Burnes Had Sizeable Contracts From Other Suitors
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, right-handed pitcher Corbin Burnes turned down more money per year from other suitors when he signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks earlier on Saturday. Heyman mentions that the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays offered Burnes larger contracts than Arizona. However, Burnes opted to sign with the Diamondbacks due to a lower state tax and family arrangements. The 30-year-old pitcher ended up agreeing to a six-year deal worth $210 million with the Diamondbacks that includes an opt out after two seasons. Last summer in Baltimore, Burnes posted a strong 2.92 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP across 194 1/3 innings of work. Despite seeing his strikeout production drop, Burnes remains a high-end starting pitcher heading into 2025 given his stable ratios and ability to make over 30 starts each season.
Yesterday
Mets Made Offer To Teoscar Hernandez
Before outfielder Teoscar Hernandez re-signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers for three years and $66 million this week, the New York Mets offered him a two-year contract, according to a source. The move would have been a big addition for the Mets after they already landed superstar outfielder Juan Soto, and it likely would have meant a move back to center field for Brandon Nimmo. For fantasy purposes, the 32-year-old Hernandez staying in Hollywood in the middle of a stacked Dodgers lineup is probably for the best. It was pretty much expected all along for Hernandez to stay in LA after helping the team win the World Series in his first year with the organization. Hernandez hit .272/.339/.501 with a career-high 33 home runs, 99 RBI, 12 steals and 84 runs scored in 2024. His strong batted-ball metrics suggest he should have another strong season in 2025 in one of the best situations in baseball.
Yesterday
Padres Re-Sign Logan Gillaspie To Minor-League Deal
The San Diego Padres have signed right-hander Logan Gillaspie to a minor-league deal. Gillaspie will return to the Friars after appearing nine times in relief for the team in 2024, allowing nine earned runs on 15 hits (two home runs) while walking none and striking out seven in only 11 1/3 innings pitched. The 27-year-old also appeared in 44 games out of the bullpen for Triple-A El Paso and went 4-2 with a 3.77 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, seven saves, 42 strikeouts and 19 walks in 45 1/3 innings pitched. Gillaspie made his major-league debut with the Baltimore Orioles in 2022 and also pitched for them in 2023. He has a 5.02 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 25:8 K:BB in his 37 2/3 relief innings in his three years in the majors. Gillaspie will most likely start the 2025 season back at El Paso and serve as additional relief depth. He's nowhere near the fantasy radar.
Yesterday
Corbin Burnes Inks Six-Year Deal With Arizona
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, right-handed pitcher Corbin Burnes has signed a six-year $210 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks have recently begun to make some noise on the market, trading for first baseman Josh Naylor a week ago and are now signing the top pitcher on the market. Last summer in Baltimore, the 30-year-old posted a 2.92 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP across 194 1/3 innings of work en route to finishing fifth in AL Cy Young voting. Under the hood he generated a stellar 31.6% hard-hit rate and a 48.8% ground-ball rate. Before going to Baltimore, Burnes spent the first six seasons of his career in Milwaukee where he won the 2021 NL Cy Young. Even though he strikeout production has slowly declined over his career, Burnes has remained a workhorse as he has logged over 190 innings in each of the past three seasons. The right-hander will now sit as the ace of the Arizona rotation and will be one of the first starting pitchers taken in fantasy drafts this offseason.
2 days ago
Coco Montes Signs Minor League Deal With Tampa Bay
According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, infielder Coco Montes has signed a minor league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. Montes logged 64 games at the Triple-A level in the Rockies organization and held an impressive .335/.414/.551 line with 16 doubles, nine home runs, and a 37:54 BB:K ratio. Montes also spent some time last season playing in Japan. He made his major league debut during the 2023 season where he appeared in just 18 games with the Rockies and posted a .184/.244/.316 line. Even though he has never been given a full look in the majors, he sits with an overall .305/.388/.532 line across 282 games at the Triple-A level. If Montes has a successful Spring Training he could contend for a spot on the Opening Day Roster.
2 days ago
Tim Hill Linked To The Yankees
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees are looking to add left-handed pitchers to their bullpen and have been linked to Tim Hill,among others. Hill finished the 2024 campaign in the Bronx after starting the season with the Chicago White Sox. Across 67 innings of relief last summer, the southpaw held a 3.36 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP. However, he was very effective across his 44-inning stint in the Bronx, where he posted a 2.05 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP. The 34-year-old has struggled to generate strikeouts and posted a poor 12.9% strikeout rate and 10.7% walk rate over the past two summers. However, he generated a 1.7% barrel rate and a 68.1% ground-ball rate, which placed him in the 100th percentile in both statistics last season. If Hill were to reunite with the Yankees, he would likely operate as a middle-relief option and see minimal save situations, if any at all.
2 days ago
Teoscar Hernandez Returning To Los Angeles On Three-Year Deal
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, free-agent outfielder Teoscar Hernandez is returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers on a three-year contract worth $66 million. Throughout the offseason, the 32-year-old expressed interest in a reunion, and now both sides have agreed to a deal. In his first season as a Dodger, Hernandez spent most of his time in left field and posted a strong .272/.339/.501 slash line with 33 home runs and 12 stolen bases. He tallied an impressive 99 RBI batting in a deep lineup. Under the hood, the slugger boasted a .486 xSLG and 14.9% barrel rate, which were among the top marks in the sport. During their World Series run, Hernandez held a .250/.352/.417 line across 16 playoff games. Fantasy managers should expect Hernandez to continue to bat in the top half of an elite lineup, which should provide him ample RBI opportunities throughout the 2025 season.
2 days ago
Masataka Yoshida On The Trade Market
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Boston Red Sox attempted to move designated hitter Masataka Yoshida in a deal that would have brought right-handed pitcher Luis Castillo to Boston. Feinsand reported that the Mariners were looking to acquire first baseman Triston Casas in exchange for Castillo, but rejected the deal as the Red Sox attempted to put Yoshida in the package as well. The 31-year-old carries a hefty contract worth $55.8 million but Seattle was unwilling to take on the payroll. Feinsand noted that once this deal fell through, Boston pivoted to Walker Buehler. Yoshida has been deployed as a pure DH given his defensive struggles and held a .280/.349/.415 line with ten home runs and two stolen bases last summer. If Yoshida remains on the Red Sox, fantasy managers should expect him to see most starts at the DH spot.
2 days ago
