MLB News

Free-agent right-hander Noah Davis announced on his Instagram account that he signed a minor-league deal with the Boston Red Sox over the weekend. Davis debuted in the big leagues in 2022 for the Colorado Rockies but has appeared in only 18 games (six starts) since then, posting a 7.71 ERA (5.65 FIP) and a 1.95 WHIP with 43 strikeouts and 23 walks in 51 1/3 innings pitched. The 27-year-old was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 11th round out of the University of California at Santa Barbara in 2018. In 19 outings (eight starts) at Triple-A Albuquerque in the minors this past season, he went 2-3 with a 5.77 ERA, a 1.65 WHIP and 72:31 K:BB in 68 2/3 frames. Davis will give the Red Sox some pitching depth as both a starter and reliever heading into spring training in February, but he'll likely open the year at Triple-A Worcester.

Free-agent outfielder/first baseman Wil Myers said last week that his professional playing career is over, even though he doesn't plan on officially retiring. Myers was most notably acquired by the San Diego Padres from the Tampa Bay Rays 10 years ago in a three-team trade that also sent shortstop Trea Turner to the Washington Nationals. The right-handed-hitting outfielder never lived up to the hype, though, after he won American League Rookie of the Year in 2013 with the Rays. He did hit 134 home runs and started an All-Star game while in San Diego. "I had a great career," Myers said. "I loved what I did. I made a lot of great friends. I have no regrets. If you had told me the day I was drafted that this would be your career, I would've taken it in a heartbeat. I loved what I did, and now it's just kind of onto the next chapter of life."

Free-agent outfielder/designated hitter Andrew McCutchen re-signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday on a one-year deal worth $5 million, according to a source. Although McCutchen is clearly past his prime and is basically a full-time DH at this point in his career, the 38-year-old was highly coveted by the Pirates for his leadership skills in the clubhouse. In 448 at-bats over 120 games for Pittsburgh in 2024 in his 16th year in the big leagues, the five-time All-Star and former National League MVP hit .232/.328/.411 with a .739 OPS, 20 home runs, 50 RBI, three steals and 66 runs scored. McCutchen should once again be expected to serve as the team's full-time DH in 2025, and while he still has decent pop for his age, fantasy managers would be foolish to expect another season of 20 homers.

Free-agent designated hitter Eloy Jimenez and the Tampa Bay Rays agreed to a minor-league deal on Monday, according to sources. The 28-year-old played for the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles this past season and is now hoping to rebuild his career with the Rays. The 28-year-old right-handed hitter slashed only .238/.289/.336 with six home runs in 98 total games in 2024 with the White Sox and Orioles and is no lock to make it back to the major-league level, let alone find a significant role in Tampa in 2025. The Dominican outfielder was once a prized prospect in the White Sox system, but injuries have mostly derailed his career -- Jimenez has played in over 100 games at the MLB level just twice, with one of them being his rookie year in 2019, when he hit a career-high 31 homers and drove in 79 runs. He did hit the ball hard last year, but he also was on the injured list twice.

Free-agent right-hander Walker Buehler and the Boston Red Sox agreed to a one-year, $21.05 million deal on Monday, according to sources. The two-time All-Star will head to the American League East after helping the Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series in October. Buehler can make more money in incentives in 2025 as he looks to bounce back from a frustrating 2024 season in which he had a bloated 5.38 ERA over 16 starts for the Dodgers in the regular season in his return from Tommy John surgery. The 30-year-old veteran was a high-end fantasy arm before undergoing elbow surgery. Although he looked much better in the playoffs with the Dodgers, Buehler has thrown only 140 1/3 innings in the last three seasons due to injury. If Buehler can stay healthy and regain some of his fastball velocity, he could be a fantasy bargain in a rebuilt Red Sox rotation.

Starting pitcher Sean Manaea signed a three-year contract worth $75 million to return to the New York Mets. Manaea spent the entirety of the 2024 campaign in Queens. Across 181 2/3 innings, the left-handed pitcher held a 3.47 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. During the second-half of the summer, he held a stellar 0.94 WHIP. Under the hood, he generated a 3.75 xERA and .227 xBA which were both slightly above the average marks of qualified hitters. He also generated strikeouts at a solid 24.9% rate and allowed hard contact at a 37.8% hard-hit rate. However, he did hold a high 8.5% walk rate which placed him in the 41st percentile. Fantasy managers should expect Manaea to operate towards the front half of the Mets starting rotation during the 2025 campaign. The 32-year-old should be viewed as a high-floor investment for fantasy purposes as he should provide a reliable innings count with a solid ERA and a strong WHIP.

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, outfielder/designated hitter Joc Pederson and the Texas Rangers have agreed on a contract, pending a physical. Despite only playing in a strict platoon role in Arizona last summer, Pederson was very effective, posting a strong .275/.393/.515 slash line with 17 doubles, 23 home runs, 64 RBI, and four stolen bases. He hit for a .291 average across 41 plate appearances when facing southpaws. The 32-year-old hit the ball very hard at an impressive 46.2% hard-hit rate and 12.8% barrel rate, which placed him in the 79th and 87th percentiles, respectively. He also generated a .480 xSLG and a .378 xwOBA, which were among the top marks of qualified hitters. Fantasy managers should expect Pederson to have a similar role with Texas, as he will likely operate as the starting designated hitter against right-handed pitching.

The Chicago Cubs have signed catcher Carlos Perez to a minor league deal. This move occurred to add more positional depth within their system as they traded Matt Thaiss to the Chicago White Sox earlier this offseason. Perez last appeared in the major leagues in the 2023 campaign as he spent all of last summer in the minor leagues. Across 112 games with the Las Vegas Aviators, the veteran backstop held a .260/.344/.544 line with 27 doubles, 27 home runs and 77 RBI. He held a 49:80 BB:K ratio. Through five seasons in the major leagues, Perez posted an overall .218/.265/.327 line with 17 home runs. Fantasy managers should expect Perez to open the season with Triple-A Iowa and would only get the call to the big leagues if Miguel Amaya or Carson Kelly were to go on the injured list.

According to Ari Alexander of KPRC2, right-handed pitcher Austin Adams and the Boston Red Sox have agreed to a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training. Last summer, the 33-year-old held a 3.92 ERA and a 1.48 ERA across 41 1/3 innings of work. Adams had his season cut short due to right forearm tendinitis but shout be expected to be ready for Spring Training. Under the hood, Adams generated a strong .208 xBA with a 4.9% barrel rate and a 31.4% hard-hit rate. He struck out batters at a solid 27.7% rate but struggled with his command as he held a 12.0% walk rate. Adams could earn a spot at the back-end of the Boston bullpen if he has a successful Spring Training but will likely not see many save opportunities.

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Texas Rangers have acquired left-handed relief pitcher Robert Garcia from the Washington Nationals in exchange for first baseman Nathaniel Lowe. Garcia made his major league debut with the Miami Marlins in 2023 but was eventually shipped to Washington later that summer. In 32 innings in 2023, the southpaw posted a 3.66 ERA and a 1.19. In 2024, Garcia posted a 4.22 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP across a 59 2/3 inning sample size. However, the 28-year-old generated an impressive 2.53 xERA which suggests he should be due for some significant positive regression with his new ball club. Garcia also generated a stellar 3.1% barrel rate and 30.2% hard-hit rate which placed him in the 98th percentile in both statistics. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on Garcia's usage during Spring Training as he may be in the mix for save opportunities.

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Washington Nationals have acquired first baseman Nathaniel Lowe from the Texas Rangers in exchange for left-handed pitcher Robert Garcia. Lowe has spent the past four seasons of his major league career playing in Texas. Last summer across 140 games, the 29-year-old posted a .265/.361/.401 line with 16 home runs, 16 doubles, 69 RBI, and two stolen bases. He held a stellar 12.6% walk rate which placed him the 97th percentile among qualified hitters. Lowe has hit at least 15+ home runs in each of the past four seasons while having an OBP of at least .357. Fantasy managers should expect Lowe to operate as the everyday first baseman in D.C. This transaction will also open the door for Jake Burger to be the everyday first baseman in Texas, who the Rangers acquired earlier this offseason.

According to Robert Murray of FanSided, the Philadelphia Phillies are acquiring starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo from the Miami Marlins in exchange for infield prospect Starlyn Caba and outfield prospect Emaarion Boyd. The southpaw battled numerous back and elbow injuries last season which limited to a mere 66 2/3 innings pitched. Across this small stint, Luzardo held a 5.00 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. However, across a career-high 178 2/3 innings in 2023, the left-hander posted a strong 3.58 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP. During that season, he struck out 208 batters at a 28.1% rate and held a solid 7.4% walk rate. Fantasy managers should expect Luzardo to slide into a permanent role in the starting rotation which will move Taijuan Walker to the No.6 spot on the depth chart. Even though Luzardo battled numerous injuries in 2024, he carries strong strikeout upside and should be in line to tally double-digit wins pitching on a competing Phillies roster in 2025. Caba was considered the No.4 prospect and Boyd was considered the No.23 prospect in the Philadelphia system according to MLB Pipeline.

Right-handed pitcher Codi Heuer and the Texas Rangers have agreed on a minor league contract that has an invite to Spring Training. Heuer was sidelined throughout the entire 2024 campaign due to an elbow fracture. Heuer began his professional career with the Chicago White Sox but was eventually traded to the Chicago Cubs during the 2021 campaign. Across 91 career innings in the major leagues, the right-hander posted a 3.56 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. He tallied three saves and struck out 81 batters. When in the majors, Heuer posted an impressive 4.5% barrel rate and a solid 36.5% hard-hit rate. While he has battled numerous injuries over the past two seasons, he flashed decent upside when in the majors. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should keep an eye on his progression during Spring Training as he may contend for a spot on the Opening Day Roster.

According to Robert Murray of FanSided, the Cincinnati Reds have signed right-handed pitcher Bryan Shaw to a minor-league contract that has an invite to Spring Training. The 37-year-old has spent 14 seasons in the major leagues and has posted a 3.96 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP. He has struck out 681 batters across 764 1/3 career innings. Last summer, he spent most of his time in Triple-A, and held a 4.14 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. Shaw was a productive relief pitcher under manager Terry Francona during his time in Cleveland and will now reunite with his former skipper in Cincinnati. If Shaw has a successful Spring Training, he may earn a permanent low-leverage role in the Cincinnati bullpen.

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed left-handed pitcher Eric Lauer to a minor league contract that contains an invite to Spring Training. Lauer spent the 2024 campaign with Houston and Pittsburgh. Lauer spent the entire summer at the Triple-A level and held a 5.26 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP across 75 1/3 innings. However, from 2018 through 2023, Lauer spent the majority of his time in the major leagues. The southpaw made his big league debut in San Diego in 2018 and then went on to spent four seasons in Milwaukee. He posted a career-best 3.19 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP with a 7-5 record across 118 2/3 innings during the 2021 season. Fantasy managers in deeper AL-only formats should keep an eye on his status during Spring Training as he may contend for a spot in the back-half of the Toronto rotation.

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed right-handed pitcher Eric Pardinho to a minor league contract that has an invite to Spring Training. Pardinho spent the 2024 campaign in the Toronto system splitting time between Double and Triple-A. Across 26 2/3 innings of relief at the Double-A level, the 23-year-old held a stellar 1.01 ERA and 0.90 WHIP. He tallied one save and struck out an impressive 37 batters across this stint. He then moved up to Triple-A Buffalo where he held a much higher 5.34 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP across a 28 1/3 innings of work. He struck out only 29 batters and served up 18 free passes. Pardinho will likely compete for a spot on the Opening Day Roster but should be expected to open the 2025 campaign at Triple-A given that he struggled at that level last summer.

The New York Mets and left-handed pitcher Anthony Gose have agreed to a minor league contract that has an invite to Spring Training. Gose began his professional career as an outfield prospect with the Toronto Blue Jays but then switched positions and became a pitcher. Last summer in Triple-A, Gose held a solid 3.22 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP across 44 2/3 innings of relief. He tallied ten saves while striking out an impressive 59 batters. However, in the majors he has held a career 4.78 ERA and 1.34 WHIP across a small 32 inning sample size. The 34-year-old has flashed decent strikeout upside but has yet to take the next step in the major leagues. He will likely spend Spring Training competing for a spot in the New York bullpen.

The Chicago White Sox have designated outfielder Corey Julks for assignment. In a corresponding move they acquired left-handed relief pitcher Corey Booser from the Boston Red Sox. Julks began his professional career with the Houston Astros. He made his major league debut in Houston in 2023 and held a .245/.297/.352 line with six home runs and 15 stolen bases across 93 games. Last summer in Chicago, he carried a .214/.275/.306 line with just three home runs and five stolen bases across 66 games. While Julks has yet to put it together in the major leagues, he has flashed upside at the Triple-A level holding a cumulative .267/.360/.491 line with 42 doubles, 40 home runs, and 35 stolen bases across 195 games. If Julks were to find a new home, he would likely compete for a spot on an Opening Day Roster during Spring Training.

According to Mike Mayer of MetsmerizedOnline.com, the New York Mets continue to show interest in free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman and have emerged as a potential landing spot for him. Even after acquiring Juan Soto on a record-breaking contract, the Mets remain very active for the top free agents on the market. Last season in Houston, Bregman posted a .260/.315/.453 slash line with 26 home runs and three stolen bases. He showed an elite eye at the plate, holding a stellar 13.6% strikeout rate and 12.8% whiff rate, which were among the top marks in the sport. If the Mets were to acquire Bregman, this would likely move Mark Vientos to the DH spot or potentially first base. Vientos played an integral role in their postseason run this past fall, as he held a stellar .327/.367/.636 line across 13 playoff games. Given Bregman's strong contact skills and eye at the plate, he should be viewed as a top-12 option in 2025.

The Chicago White Sox have acquired left-handed relief pitcher Cam Booser from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for right-handed pitcher Yhoiker Fajardo. In a corresponding move the White Sox designated outfielder Corey Julks for assignment. Last season in Boston, Booser held a 3.38 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP across 42 2/3 innings of relief. He tallied one save. He generated a solid 36.3% hard-hit rate with an above-average 3.56 xERA. Across 68 1/3 Triple-A frames, Booser carried a 5.14 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Booser to operate primarily out of the bullpen in Chicago and may eventually find a high-leverage role if he has a successful Spring Training as their current bullpen lacks any proven late-inning options.