MLB News

Isaac Paredes  • 3B  •  Astros

Isaac Paredes Shipped To Houston

The Houston Astros acquired infielder Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski and third base prospect Cam Smith from the Chicago Cubs on Friday in exchange for All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, according to sources. This trade certainly gives the Astros a couple fallback options in case they cannot re-sign Alex Bregman this offseason. The 25-year-old Paredes could play either third or first base next year in his first with the Astros. The Mexican infielder took a step back with 19 homers and 80 RBI with the Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays in 2024 after setting career-highs in homers (31) and RBI (98) in 2023 with Tampa to make his first All-Star team. Paredes probably is never going to be a batting-average asset for fantasy mangers, but he's a good bet to bounce back in the power department at Minute Maid Park, especially with his pull-heavy offensive approach from the right side of the plate.
3 hours ago   
Kyle Tucker  • RF  •  Cubs

Cubs Acquire Kyle Tucker From The Astros

The Chicago Cubs have acquired star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros on Friday in exchange for infielder Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski and third base prospect Cam Smith, according to sources. The Cubs and New York Yankees were the most aggressive suitors for Tucker, who is eligible for free agency after the 2025 campaign. With Tucker now in tow, the Cubs will move to trying to offload Cody Bellinger's bloated contract. In addition, Chicago could quickly look to get Tucker signed to a long-term contract extension if they want to keep the three-time All-Star around for more than just one season. The 27-year-old Tucker was limited to only 78 games in 2024 due to a fractured shin, but he still managed 23 homers and 11 stolen bases. From a power/speed perspective alone, Tucker is a first-round fantasy talent, and his move to Chicago shouldn't do anything to change that.
4 hours ago   
Dan Altavilla  • RP  •  White Sox

White Sox Sign Dan Altavilla To Minor-League Deal

The Chicago White Sox announced on Thursday that they signed free-agent right-hander Dan Altavilla to a minor-league deal that includes a non-roster invitation to big-league spring training camp. Altavilla will stay in the American League Central heading into the 2025 campaign after making five appearances (one start) for the Kansas City Royals in 2024 in his first action in the big leagues since appearing in only two games with the San Diego Padres in 2021. In his five outings for the Royals this past season, Altavilla gave up six earned runs on five hits while walking three and striking out five in just 3 2/3 innings of work. The 32-year-old veteran hurler had a 3.51 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 41 innings in the minors at Triple-A Omaha. Altavilla will compete for a bullpen spot with the White Sox in spring training but will most likely start at Triple-A Charlotte.
4 hours ago   
Kyle Tucker  • RF  •  Cubs

Cubs Close To Acquiring Kyle Tucker From The Astros

The Chicago Cubs are close to acquiring All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros on Friday for a package led by infielder Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski and third base prospect Cam Smith, according to sources. The Astros have also been looking closely at prospect Matt Shaw, but it's unclear if he'll be included if this trade goes down. If Chicago is able to land Tucker, one of the best all-around players in the game, they will most likely look to sign him to a long-term contract extension as well, as he's set to become a free agent after the 2025 campaign. Despite missing half of the 2024 season due to a fractured shin, Tucker still managed 23 home runs and 11 stolen bases and walked more than he struck out. The three-time All-Star has an incredibly high fantasy floor and should remain a first-round fantasy asset if he's moved to the Windy City. Stay tuned.
4 hours ago   
Kyle Tucker  • RF  •  Cubs  |  Isaac Paredes  • 3B  •  Astros

Isaac Paredes, Cam Smith Being Discussed In Potential Kyle Tucker Trade

The Chicago Cubs continue to work hard on acquiring All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros, and corner infielder Isaac Paredes and third baseman Cam Smith are the primary names being discussed. In addition to the Cubs, the New York Yankees have been involved with trying to acquire the left-handed-hitting Tucker after they failed to re-sign superstar outfielder Juan Soto. Paredes, 25, was traded from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Cubs in 2024. He wasn't as good with Chicago, hitting .223 with three homers and 25 RBI in 52 games played. There's bounce-back potential for Paredes if he heads to Houston after he hit 31 homers a year ago with Tampa. Smith, 21, is the Cubs' No. 7 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, is quickly rising up prospect ranks after hitting .313/.396/.609 with seven homers in 32 games in the minors in his first pro season after Chicago took him 14th overall in the 2024 draft. UPDATE: Talks between the Astros and Cubs are "gaining momentum."
4 hours ago   
Caleb Durbin  • SS  •  Brewers

Brewers Acquire Caleb Durbin From Yankees

The Milwaukee Brewers acquired second base prospect Caleb Durbin and left-hander Nestor Cortes from the New York Yankees on Friday in exchange for right-handed reliever Devin Williams, according to sources. Durbin was not among the Yankees' top-25 prospects per MLB Pipeline, but his prospect stock has risen dramatically since the end of the 2024 season, mainly because of his impressive production in the Arizona Fall League. The 24-year-old infielder was expected to have a big role for the Yankees in 2025, but now he'll head to the National League Central, where he could also have a big role in the middle infield for the Brew Crew after they just lost Willy Adames to free agency. Durbin doesn't have a ton of power, but his high contract rate makes him a good bet to hit for average in the big leagues. He slashed .287/.396/.471 with 10 homers and 29 steals in 82 games at Triple-A in 2024.
4 hours ago   
Nestor Cortes  • SP  •  Brewers

Nestor Cortes Traded To The Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers acquired left-hander Nestor Cortes and second base prospect Caleb Durbin from the New York Yankees on Friday in exchange for right-handed reliever Devin Williams, according to sources. Cortes became expendable for the Yankees after they signed left-hander Max Fried this week to add to their starting rotation. Cortes dealt with some injuries in 2024 and finished the regular-season on the shelf due to a flexor strain, although he was able to make it back in a relief role during the World Series. When healthy, the 30-year-old veteran southpaw was solid on the mound in pinstripes last season, posting a 3.77 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 162 strikeouts and 39 walks in 174 1/3 innings in his fourth year with the team. Before his injury, he had a 1.58 ERA in his final seven appearances. The health of Cortes' elbow makes him a bit risky, but the move to Milwaukee should guarantee him a rotation spot if he's healthy.
4 hours ago   
Devin Williams  • RP  •  Yankees

Devin Williams Traded To The Yankees

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the New York Yankees have traded for Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Devin Williams. In exchange, the Brewers are acquiring infield prospect Caleb Durbin and starting pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr. Williams has operated as the closer in Milwaukee for the majority of the past three summers. Last season, he missed the opening four months of the campaign due to a back injury but returned to his elite form during the second half. Across 21 2/3 innings of work, the right-hander held a stellar 1.25 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP while tallying 14 saves. Under the hood, he generated an impressive 43.2% K rate and allowed hard contact at an excellent 32.4% rate. In addition, he also boasted a 2.11 xERA and .143 xBA. In 2023, Williams tallied a career-high 36 saves while carrying a 1.53 ERA and 0.92 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Williams to operate as a bona fide ninth-inning option in the Bronx and be in a great position to lead the sport in saves pitching on a competing team. Durbin will likely compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster, following a successful Arizona Fall League showing, while Cortes should have a consistent spot in their rotation.
6 hours ago   
Kyle Bradish  • SP  •  Orioles

Kyle Bradish Begins Throwing Program

According to Danielle Allentuck of the Baltimore Banner, Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Kyle Bradish (elbow) began a throwing program. Bradish underwent Tommy John surgery last June but still faces a long recovery process. Baltimore has noted that they hope Bradish can rejoin the starting rotation sometime in the second half of the 2025 campaign. Across 39 1/3 innings last season, the right-hander posted a solid 2.75 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. During his 2023 breakout campaign, the 28-year-old held a 2.83 ERA and 1.04 WHIP across a career-high 168 2/3 innings. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progress during the first half of the season, and he is a name to keep an eye on as he could be a reliable starting pitcher during the final months of the season.
22 hours ago   
Charlie Morton  • SP

Charlie Morton Unlikely To Return To Atlanta

According to David O'Brien of The Athletic, free-agent starting pitcher Charlie Morton is unlikely to return to Atlanta in 2025. O'Brien noted that the team's interest in the 41-year-old has been "put on the back burner" and that Morton has been open to hearing offers from other clubs. The Braves appear focused on addressing other holes on their roster, especially at corner outfield with Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) facing an uphill battle to be ready for Opening Day. In addition, the Atlanta rotation already has established options such as Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez, and breakout rookie Spencer Schwellenbach. In addition, their ace, Spencer Strider (elbow), will also return to the mound after missing the vast majority of last season due to an internal-brace procedure. Last season, Morton held a poor 4.19 ERA and 1.32 WHIP and should only be viewed as a low-end streaming option in deeper formats if he finds a new home in 2025.
23 hours ago   
Walker Buehler  • SP

Walker Buehler Looking For Multi-Year Deal With Opt-Outs

According to Buster Olney of ESPN, free agent starting pitcher Walker Buehler is looking for a multi-year deal with opt-outs on the market. After having a rocky regular season holding a 5.38 ERA and 1.55 WHIP, Buehler played an integral role during Los Angeles' World Series run, posting a solid 3.60 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP across 15 innings of work. Earlier in his career, the right-hander showed high upside, making two All-Star games and logging a career-high 207 2/3 innings to the tune of a 2.47 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in the 2021 campaign. Olney notes that given his strong finish, the 30-year-old could enjoy a nice bounce-back campaign in 2025, which could set him up for a nice payday in 2026 if his contract includes opt-outs. Olney also stated that the Yankees expressed interest in him before signing Max Fried and that the Red Sox, Tigers, and Giants have also kicked the tires on him.
23 hours ago   
Nolan Arenado  • 3B  •  Cardinals

Nolan Arenado Would Approve Of Trade To The Bronx

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB Network, St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado would approve of a trade to the New York Yankees. While the Yankees were not on Arenado's six-team wish list, a source told Feinsand that the former Gold Glover would approve of a trade to New York. The Yankees have been rumored to be in the market for a third baseman this offseason, including free agent Alex Bregman. Acquiring a new third baseman, would allow Jazz Chisholm Jr. to shift primarily to the keystone. Arenado saw his power production drop last season, posting a career-low .394 SLG and hitting just 16 home runs. However, he did still hold a strong .272 AVG. If Arenado is traded to the Yankees, fantasy managers should expect him to have prime RBI opportunities batting in a competitive lineup.
23 hours ago   
Kirby Yates  • RP

Tigers Showing Interest In Kirby Yates

According to Ari Alexander of KPRC2, the Detroit Tigers have expressed interest in free-agent relief pitcher Kirby Yates. Yates is coming off his best professional campaign after posting a stellar 1.17 ERA and 0.83 WHIP across 61 2/3 innings with the Texas Rangers. He tallied 33 saves (second-highest total of his career) and was named to the American League All-Star team. Under the hood, the 37-year-old generated an impressive 1.86 ERA and .145 xBA, which placed him in the 100th percentile in both categories among qualified pitchers. In addition, he generated strikeouts at an elite 35.9% rate and limited hard hits at a solid 33.1% rate. While he did struggle with his command, posting an 11.8% walk rate, Yates would likely open the season as the primary ninth-inning option if he signs in Detroit with Jason Foley moving to the setup role.
23 hours ago   
Carlos Narvaez  • C  •  Red Sox

Red Sox Acquire Catcher Carlos Narvaez From Yankees

The Boston Red Sox acquired catcher Carlos Narvaez from the New York Yankees on Wednesday in exchange for minor-league right-hander Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz and international bonus-pool space. In a corresponding move to make room on their 40-man roster, Boston designated infielder/outfielder Enmanuel Valdez for assignment. Narvaez, 26, made his major-league debut with the Yankees in 2024 but only saw action in six games, going 3-for-13 with two walks and six strikeouts. The Venezuelan backstop played 96 games for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the minors and slashed .254/.370/.412 with a .782 OPS, 11 home runs, 58 RBI, nine stolen bases and 54 runs scored in 403 plate appearances. Barring another addition at the position by the BoSox this offseason, Narvaez should enter spring training as the favorite for backup duties to Connor Wong in 2025.
Yesterday   
Kyle Wright  • SP  •  Royals

Kyle Wright Hoping To Be Healthy For Next Season

Kansas City Royals right-hander Kyle Wright (shoulder), who missed all of the 2024 season after having right-shoulder surgery, is hoping to be 100 percent healthy for spring training and the 2025 campaign. If he is, he could play a key role for the Royals' pitching staff. Wright touched 90 mph with his fastball in early October. Specifically, the 29-year-old hurler had surgery in October of 2023 to fix a torn capsule in his right shoulder. He won a league-high 21 games and had a 3.19 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in a career-high 30 starts for the Atlanta Braves back in 2022, so fantasy managers shouldn't completely forget about Wright. It remains to be seen if Wright can recapture his form from his breakout season in Atlanta, and he could be a work in progress next year as he works to regain more velocity. For now, Wright will merely be one to watch in KC.
Yesterday   
Adrian Morejon  • RP  •  Padres

Adrian Morejon A Candidate To Join Starting Rotation

The San Diego Padres would love to land Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki this offseason, but if they don't, general manager A.J. Preller mentions left-hander Adrian Morejon as a candidate to move from the bullpen to the starting rotation in 2025. Preller also said that right-handed relievers Bryan Hoeing and Stephen Kolek could be options to join the rotation. It will all depend on what the Padres do in free agency and on the trade market before the start of spring training. Morejon is coming off the best year of his career and pitched his way into a high-leverage bullpen role. He had a 2.83 ERA (2.79 FIP) and a 10.0 K/9 in 60 appearances. Staying healthy has been an issue for the southpaw in his career, though, so a move to a starting role wouldn't help his chances at staying on the field. Hoeing was a part-time starter with the Marlins before he was acquired at last summer's trade deadline.
Yesterday   
Wander Franco  • SS  •  Rays

Wander Franco's Trial Delayed To June 2

The trail of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco for charges of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation against a minor and human trafficking was postponed on Thursday until June 2 of next year after a judge in the Dominican Republic ruled that key witnesses were not located in time to meet the original trial date of Dec. 12. If convicted, Franco could face a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Of the 36 witnesses scheduled to testify in the case, only three were present on Thursday. Although the legal process still has to play out, there remains a pretty good chance that the 23-year-old won't play in major-league baseball ever again. He was placed on indefinite administrative leave on Aug. 22 of 2023 in the midst of his third MLB season, and he was added to the restricted list in July of 2024. In addition to his trial, Franco is under investigation until the case is resolved.
Yesterday   
Francisco Lindor  • SS  •  Mets

Francisco Lindor's Back Injury In The Rearview Mirror

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (back) said that the back issue that caused him to miss some games in September hasn't been a problem during offseason workouts. Lindor will continue to monitor his back, but he looks set for a fully healthy offseason. The 31-year-old was forced to miss over a week due to his nagging back injury in the middle of a postseason run late in September. The Mets eventually clinched a wild-card spot and advanced to the National League Championship Series, where they lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Lindor didn't look hampered by his back in the playoffs, hitting .275 in 13 games played. He should be fully healthy for spring training and the start of the 2025 campaign. Lindor could lose Pete Alonso as lineup protection, but he's already gained Juan Soto, who should drive him in plenty. He was one steal shy of a 30-30 season in 2024 and remains an elite fantasy shortstop.
Yesterday   
Rafael Devers  • 3B  •  Red Sox

Red Sox Prepared To Keep Rafael Devers At Third Base

After previous reports suggested the Boston Red Sox were considering moving Rafael Devers off third base going into next season, president of baseball operations Craig Breslow feels differently. "Rafael Devers is our third baseman and we are really excited about that," Breslow said this week at the MLB winter meetings. Manager Alex Cora has also confirmed that he hasn't had any talks with Devers about changing positions this offseason. The 28-year-old graded out poor defensively at the hot corner in 2024 and also played through nagging injuries to both of his shoulders. Boston would almost certainly move Devers in 2025 if they were to sign free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, but until that happens, it looks like Devers is staying put. Defensive issues aside, the Dominican third baseman is a three-time All-Star and remained one of the most productive third baseman offensively last year.
Yesterday   
Cody Bellinger  • CF  •  Cubs

Yankees Targeting Cody Bellinger

The New York Post's Jon Heyman writes that the New York Yankees are targeting Chicago Cubs outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger in a trade this offseason after failing to re-sign superstar outfielder Juan Soto. In addition to Bellinger, the Yankees could go after Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker or free agents Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso, Christian Walker and Anthony Santander. New York's emphasis for a position player is on third base, first base and outfield. Although the Yankees and Cubs remain far apart on money, they've made a bit of progress during the MLB winter meetings this week. Chicago is asking the Yankees to take on nearly the full $52.5 million Bellinger is due over the next couple years. Bellinger is a former MVP who would bring great defense at first base and would also be an insurance policy in center field in case prospect Jasson Dominguez doesn't work out.
Yesterday   
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