MLB News
Jose Leclerc Agrees With The A's
Free-agent right-hander reliever Jose Leclerc and the Athletics agreed to a one-year, $10 million deal on Friday, according to sources. Leclerc will stay in the American League West after playing the first eight years of his MLB career with the Texas Rangers. The 31-year-old struggled to a 4.32 ERA (3.48 FIP) in 66 2/3 relief innings and only had one save with Texas in 2024, but he did have a strikeout rate over 30 percent, and his 3.48 FIP shows he was a bit unlucky. In addition to generating plenty of swings and misses, Leclerc can be wild on the mound, which makes him a volatile fantasy option as a high-leverage arm. He began last year as the Rangers closer but was quickly demoted after giving up runs in four of his first five appearances. The A's already have Mason Miller locked into their closer role, but Leclerc should be the eighth-inning setup man and could be quite useful in leagues that reward holds.
0 hour ago
Mets Agree With A.J. Minter On Two-Year Deal
The New York Mets agreed with free-agent left-handed reliever A.J. Minter (hip) on a two-year deal worth $22 million on Friday, pending a physical. Minter was moved to the 60-day injured list in August of last year and missed the rest of the 2024 season due to a hip injury. The 31-year-old southpaw was a former second-round selection by the Atlanta Braves in 2015 out of Texas A&M and made his big-league debut with the Braves back in 2017. All eight of his major-league campaigns came in Atlanta and he's posted a 3.28 career ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 36 saves, 422 strikeouts and 123 walks in his 348 2/3 innings pitched. In New York, he'll boost the Mets' bullpen as an experienced left-handed setup arm in high-leverage positions, but he's not going to see many, if any at all, save chances as long as closer Edwin Diaz stays healthy.
3 hours ago
Mets Planning To Shift Mark Vientos To First Base
Now that the New York Mets aren't expecting to re-sign first baseman Pete Alonso, their current plan is to shift Mark Vientos across the diamond from third base to first and have young infielders Luisangel Acuna, Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio (knee) compete for playing time at the hot corner. Vientos broke out in 2024 as the Mets' starting third baseman to the tune of a .266/.322/.516 slash line with 27 home runs in 111 regular-season games. The 25-year-old continued to swing a hot bat in the postseason in October and cleared the fences five more times before the Mets fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series. However, his defense at third wasn't the greatest, so moving him across the diamond should help the team's overall infield defense. The former second-rounder hits the ball hard but also strikeouts out at a high rate, giving him plenty of volatility for an encore in 2025.
4 hours ago
Ronald Acuna Jr. Takes Batting Practice
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) looked good taking batting practice in his home country of Venezuela earlier this week in a video that was posted by a professional baseball academy in Venezuela on Instagram. Acuna suffered a second ACL tear, this time to his left knee, at the end of May of last season and missed the rest of the year. It's good to see the 2023 National League MVP, four-time All-Star, three-time Silver Slugger and 2018 NL Rookie of the Year swinging the bat before this offseason, but there's still a good chance he won't be ready to go for Opening Day in 2025. In 2023, Acuna was the first player in MLB history to hit 40 homers and steal 70 bases. The 27-year-old is an elite ballplayer, but ACL tears to both of his knees in a three-year span brings along plenty of risk for long-term sustainability.
4 hours ago
Blue Jays Acquire Myles Straw From Guardians
The Toronto Blue Jays announced on Friday that they have acquired outfielder Myles Straw, cash and international bonus signing-pool space for the 2025 period from the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. Straw doesn't really move the needle all that much offensively, but he did win a Gold Glove in 2022. Cleveland will cover $3.75 million of the $15.5 million that the 30-year-old is still owed and will send a total of $2 million in bonus-pool money to the Jays. Straw fell on hard times in the big leagues in 2024 and only ended up playing in seven games with the Guardians before being sent to the minors, where he slashed .240/.321/.330 with three homers, 47 RBI and 30 steals in 123 games for Triple-A Columbus. Speed is his main draw (89 thefts in seven big-league seasons), and he'll open the 2025 campaign as outfield depth for Toronto.
4 hours ago
Jarren Duran Avoids Arbitration With Red Sox
Outfielder Jarren Duran and the Boston Red Sox agreed to a one-year, $3.85 million deal on Friday to avoid salary arbitration, according to sources. The deal also includes a team option for $8 million for the 2026 season. The Red Sox initially filed at $3.5 million in arbitration, with Duran asking for $4 million, but the two sides will now avoid going to trial. Depending on where the 28-year-old rising star finishes in the American League MVP voting this year, his club option in 2026 could rise to $12 million. Duran was in the first of four arbitration years and has an extra year of eligibility due to Super 2 status. The former seventh-round pick in 2018 out of Cal State Long Beach built on an impressive 2023 campaign to hit .285/.342/.492 with 21 homers, 75 RBI and 34 steals in 160 games. He led the league in doubles (48) and triples (14) and is RotoBaller's No. 22 overall fantasy player heading into spring training.
4 hours ago
Rays Sign Andrew Wantz To Minor-League Deal
According to MLB.com, the Tampa Bay Rays have signed right-handed pitcher Andrew Wantz to a minor-league deal. The 29-year-old spent most of the season with Triple-A before suffering a season-ending elbow injury. Through 23 1/3 innings with Triple-A Salt Lake, Wants posted a 6.17 ERA and 1.63 WHIP. Through 118 1/3 career innings in the major leagues, Wantz has posted a 3.88 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. He struck out 126 batters over this stretch while operating primarily out of the bullpen. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during spring training as he could contend for a spot on the Opening Day roster. If he were to make the Rays roster, he would likely be deployed as a middle-relief option out of the bullpen.
9 hours ago
MLB Pipeline Names Jac Caglianone As Top First Base Prospect Entering 2025
MLB Pipeline named Kansas City Royals prospect Jac Caglianone as the top first base prospect in the sport. The Royals drafted Caglianone with the sixth-overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Florida. With the Gators, the 21-year-old launched a school record 35 home runs during his final season and led the nation with 33 as a sophomore. Caglianone has also succeeded as a pitcher but is not expected to take the mound in 2025. He earned a brief look at High-A ball last summer. Through his first 29 games, the 21-year-old held a .241/.302/.388 line with nine doubles, two home runs, and two stolen bases. MLB Pipeline notes that Caglianone carries 40+ home run upside with elite contact. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his development, but he is not expected to have value in redraft formats this season. However, Caglianone could see his value in dynasty formats increase significantly if his power production from college begins to transfer to the minor leagues.
10 hours ago
Hunter Stratton Expected To Be Ready For Spring Training
According to Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, right-handed pitcher Hunter Stratton (knee) is expected to be ready for spring training. Stratton underwent a season-ending knee operation to repair a ruptured patella tendon but recently posted a video of himself throwing off a mound on his personal social media. Stratton inked a minor-league deal earlier this offseason with the Pirates, but seeing his current status, he will likely contribute in the major league bullpen through most of the 2025 season. Last summer, the 28-year-old logged 37 2/3 innings to the tune of a 3.58 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP. He showed strong command with a 4.4% walk rate and generated a solid 3.29 xERA, which suggests he could be in store for some positive regression in 2025. He will likely return to a high-leverage role this upcoming season.
10 hours ago
Quinn Mathews Invited To Spring Training
According to the team, St. Louis Cardinals pitching prospect Quinn Mathews is being invited to spring training. Mathews enjoyed a fantastic campaign last summer and is a budding ace in the Cardinals system. The former fourth-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft made his professional debut with Single-A last season. However, the southpaw progressed through the entire pipeline and finished the season by getting a brief taste of Triple-A. The left-handed pitcher looked sharp at Double-A as he held a 2.41 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP with 70 strikeouts across 52 2/3 innings. He struggled in Triple-A, as he allowed 12 runs through 16 frames. However, seeing the 24-year-old progress at that pace in his first professional season is impressive. Earlier this offseason, it was reported that the Cardinals had already begun trade discussions with starting pitchers Erick Fedde and Steven Matz. This could open the door for an early 2025 debut, especially if he can turn the corner at Triple-A.
10 hours ago
Patrick Sandoval Recovering From Internal-Brace Procedure
Boston Red Sox left-hander Patrick Sandoval (elbow) clarified recently that he had an internal-brace procedure, not full Tommy John surgery, on his left throwing elbow in early July of 2024. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said he hoped that Sandoval could join the starting rotation at some point in the second half of the 2025 campaign. The former Angels hurler started his throwing program a few weeks ago and is progressing nicely with spring training around the corner in three-plus weeks. "I'm in a good spot and I feel really good," Sandoval said. The 28-year-old southpaw's 5.08 ERA in 16 starts last year likely had a lot to do with his arm injury, and he was also pretty unlucky with a high .341 batting average on balls in play (BABIP). There's bounce-back potential, but fantasy managers in standard-sized leagues can probably ignore him in drafts since he'll miss at least half the season.
19 hours ago
Alex Bregman Still Seeking Long-Term Contract
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, free agent third baseman Alex Bregman is still seeking a long-term contract on the market. Rosenthal noted that Bregman's agent, Scott Boras, has said that teams are showing interest in offering Bregman a "long-term" deal. The veteran third baseman is one of the top free agents remaining on the open market. Earlier this offseason, he rejected a contract offer from the Houston Astros and opted to test the market. Throughout the offseason, sources have indicated that the Detroit Tigers have emerged as favorites. Last week, it was also reported that the Chicago Cubs have entered conversations with Bregman. Last summer in Houston, Bregman posted a .260/.315/.453 line with 26 home runs. He remains a top target in points leagues, given his elite 13.6% K rate and a top-12 option in standard rotisserie leagues.
22 hours ago
Blue Jays Have No Intention Of Trading Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Toronto Blue Jays have no intention of trading first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Nightengale noted that even if the Blue Jays sign free agent Pete Alonso, Guerrero is expected to remain on the roster. If Alonso inks a deal with Toronto, this would likely shift Guerrero back to the hot corner and would provide insurance at first base if Guerrero were to walk in free agency after the 2025 season. Guerrero and the Blue Jays have begun contract discussions but have been unable to come to an agreement on a long-term deal. Last summer, Guerrero enjoyed an excellent season as he posted a stellar .323/.396/.544 line with 30 home runs and 103 RBI. He generated elite metrics such as a .408 xwOBA, .321 xBA, and a 54.9% hard-hit rate, which were all within the 98th percentile among active hitters. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor this situation, as Alonso would bring another much-needed impact bat to the Toronto starting nine.
22 hours ago
Padres Sign Martin Maldonado To Minor-League Deal
According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic, the San Diego Padres have signed catcher Martin Maldonado to a minor-league deal that contains an invite to spring training. The 38-year-old opened the 2024 season with the White Sox but held a disappointing .119/.174/.230 line through 48 games before being released. Under the hood, he generated a low .222 xwOBA and .288 xSLG. Across 117 games with the Astros during the 2023 season, the backstop held a .191/.258/.348 with 15 home runs. Fantasy managers should monitor his progress during spring training as he could have an outside chance of making the Opening Day roster as the Padres only have two catchers on their current roster, Luis Campusano and Brett Sullivan. Sullivan posted a poor .188 AVG across a small stint in the majors last season, which could open the door for Maldonado to operate as the No.2 option.
22 hours ago
Pete Alonso Declines Three-Year Contract From The Mets
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso rejected a three-year contract from the Mets. Sherman noted that the offer was for around $68-$70 million and was a "last-ditch" effort by the Mets to keep him in Queens. However, the slugger turned the offer down, encouraging the team to pursue other options. Earlier on Thursday, the Mets signed outfielder/designated hitter Jesse Winker to a contract. According to Sherman, the current plan for the Mets is to shift third baseman Mark Vientos to first base and have Ronny Mauricio, Brett Baty, and Luisangel Acuna compete for opportunities at the hot corner. Alonso saw his power production drop slightly last season, as he just 34 home runs, compared to the 46 and 40 he hit during the 2023 and 2022 campaigns, respectively. Sources have suggested that the Toronto Blue Jays have emerged as one of the favorites to sign Alonso.
23 hours ago
Kyle Tucker, Cubs Avoid Arbitration
According to Jesse Rogers of ESPN, Kyle Tucker and the Chicago Cubs agreed to a one-year contract worth $16.5 million to avoid arbitration. Earlier this offseason, both sides were unable to come to an agreement, but both sides were able to sign a contract before spring training. The Cubs traded for the superstar earlier this offseason in exchange for top prospect Cam Smith, infielder Isaac Paredes, and right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski. Tucker battled a shin injury throughout the 2024 season, which limited him to just 78 games of action. However, the 27-year-old performed to his typical level as he posted a stellar .289/.408/.585 line with 23 home runs and 11 stole bases. In 2023, Tucker posted a .284/.369/.517 line with 29 long balls and 30 stolen bases. Tucker should be considered a top outfielder in all formats and a consensus first-round selection.
23 hours ago
Orioles Designate Roansy Contreras For Assignment
The Baltimore Orioles designated right-hander Roansy Contreras for assignment on Thursday to make room on the 40-man roster for infielder Jacob Amaya, who was claimed off waivers from the Chicago White Sox. Contreras was just claimed off waivers by Baltimore last week but quickly finds himself without a team with spring training quickly approaching. The 25-year-old reliever has already been with four different organizations since October after going 2-4 with a 4.35 ERA (5.16 FIP), a 1.38 WHIP, a career-high two saves, 56 strikeouts and 31 walks in 68 1/3 innings over 49 appearances (three starts) with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Angels in 2024. In parts of four seasons at the big-league level, Contreras has a 4.72 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, a weak 19.7% strikeout rate and a 10.1% walk rate in 234 2/3 frames.
Yesterday
Ronny Mauricio Might Not Be Ready For Spring Training
The New York Post's Mike Puma reports that New York Mets infield prospect Ronny Mauricio (knee) continues to rehab his knee but might not be ready for the start of spring training next month. Mets officials are taking things day-to-day with Mauricio, who had a second surgery on his right knee last year. The 23-year-old started doing baseball activities in December, but the Mets aren't going to rush the young infielder, and he's most likely not going to be ready to go for the start of the 2025 campaign. He has promising upside offensively for the Mets and fantasy managers, but the fact that he hasn't played in over a year should raise concerns about his ability to contribute at the big-league level in 2025. When he's ready to go, Mauricio will almost certainly start in the minors this year after he tore his ACL playing winter ball last offseason.
Yesterday
Orioles Claim Jacob Amaya Off Waivers From White Sox
The Baltimore Orioles claimed infielder Jacob Amaya off waivers from the Chicago White Sox on Thursday and designated right-hander Roansy Contreras for assignment in a corresponding move. Amaya gets picked up by another team in the American League after he was recently designated for assignment by the White Sox. In his second year in the big leagues in 2024, Amaya went 12-for-68 (.176) with no homers, three RBI, four runs and 28 strikeouts in 72 plate appearances over just 24 games played with the Houston Astros and White Sox. He played in just one game in Houston. Since he's out of minor-league options, the 26-year-old infielder will be exposed to waivers again if he doesn't make Baltimore's Opening Day roster out of spring training. He made his big-league debut in 2023 with the Miami Marlins but appeared in just four games.
Yesterday
Jesse Winker Re-Signs With Mets
Free-agent outfielder Jesse Winker re-signed with the New York Mets on Thursday on a one-year deal worth $7.5 million. With bonuses, Winker has a chance to make a maximum of $9 million. The 31-year-old veteran left-handed hitter began last season with the Washington Nationals and was acquired by the Mets at the trade deadline. He had a solid year overall, slashing a combined .253/.360/.405 with 14 home runs, 58 RBI, a career-high 14 stolen bases and 63 runs scored in 145 games played. He hit .243/.318/.365 with a .683 OPS, three long balls, 13 RBI and 12 runs scored in 44 regular-season games after joining the Mets. Winker was better in 10 playoff games, sporting a 1.168 OPS and a home run. Winker should see consistent at-bats against right-handers in the outfield and at DH, but he's only hit 20 homers once in eight big-league seasons and probably won't steal double-digit bases in 2025.
Yesterday
José Leclerc
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Athletics
