MLB News
Willy Adames Projected To Sign Seven-Year, $189 Million Deal In Free Agency
ESPN's Kiley McDaniel is projecting free-agent shortstop Willy Adames to secure a seven-year deal worth around $189 million (27 million average annual value) in free agency this offseason. Adames helped his cause in a walk year in 2024 with the Milwaukee Brewers by slashing .251/.331/.462 with a .794 OPS and career-highs in home runs (32), RBI (112), stolen bases (21) and runs scored (93) in 688 plate appearances and 161 games during the regular season. He's a year and a half younger than fellow free agent Alex Bregman and is also better defensively and as a power hitter. Helping Adames' cause to land a lucrative long-term deal this winter is the fact that there wasn't a real everyday shortstop available on the open market last offseason. Plenty of teams will be interested in Adames, especially since he's flexible and could be moved to third base.
6 hours ago
Corbin Burnes Projected To Land Seven-Year, $225 Million Deal
ESPN's Kiley McDaniel projects free-agent right-hander Corbin Burnes to land a seven-year, $225 million deal ($32.1 million average annual value) on the open market this winter. The 30-year-old veteran is easily the top free-agent pitcher in this year's class with plenty of MLB experience. Interested teams will have to guarantee him at least five years. Burnes has been durable (28 to 33 starts in each of the last four seasons), is an elite strike-thrower, and has a strong strikeout rate with improving velocity. He is widely expected to top $200 million, with Stephen Strasburg's $245 million deal before the 2020 season likely as agent Scott Boras' goal. If Burnes doesn't re-sign with the Baltimore Orioles, they'll receive draft-pick compensation after extending him the $21.05 million qualifying offer on Monday. He's been an All-Star each of the last four seasons.
6 hours ago
Juan Soto Projected To Sign For 13 Years, $611 Million
ESPN's Kiley McDaniels projects free-agent outfielder Juan Soto to sign a 13-year, $611 million ($47 million average annual value) this winter as a generational free agent at the top of this year's free-agent class. Soto's contract will be the biggest that agent Scott Boras has ever negotiated. McDaniel writes that he wouldn't be surprised if Soto gets a heavily deferred contract that totals more than $700 million in nominal value. Obviously, not many teams will be able to afford the left-handed slugger, and it will likely come down to how aggressive the New York Yankees and New York Mets want to get this offseason. The 26-year-old Dominican had a fantastic first year in pinstripes with the Yankees, slashing .288/.419/.569 with a .989 OPS, career-high 41 home runs, 109 RBI and a league-high 128 runs during the regular season, so the Yankees would surely love to bring him back.
6 hours ago
Royce Lewis Might See More Time At Second Base
Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis could see more time at the keystone next year. Lewis started one game at second in 2024, but more playing time there in 2025 could allow infielder Jose Miranda to spend more time at the hot corner if the Twins add a regular first baseman to replace free agent Carlos Santana. "Some of that will depend on the personnel we acquire, don't acquire and how that all shakes out," president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said of Lewis at second base. "We want him to stay open-minded to that and we'll have that conversation." The former first overall pick in 2017 probably makes more sense from a defensive standpoint at second because of his poor throwing accuracy. Offensively, Lewis is one of the better young power bats in the game, although he's been extremely injury-prone in his first three MLB seasons.
7 hours ago
Alex Bregman Has Bone Chip Removed From Elbow
Agent Scott Boras said free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman (elbow) had a bone chip removed from his right elbow recently and should resume swinging a bat in a few weeks. Bregman is expected to be fine for the start of spring training in February. The 30-year-old veteran missed time later in the regular season due to elbow issues but played through it before the club was eliminated by the Detroit Tigers in the wild-card round of the playoffs. The injury shouldn't negatively affect Bregman's free-agent market this offseason. While the Astros have had talks with him about a return, nothing is guaranteed. The two-time All-Star hit .260/.315/.453 with a career-worst .768 OPS, 26 home runs, 75 RBI, three stolen bases and 79 runs scored in 145 games in his nine season in Houston in 2024. Leaving the Astros' powerful lineup would likely be a negative for Bregman's fantasy value in 2025.
7 hours ago
Angels Sign Kyle Hendricks
The Los Angeles Angels signed free-agent veteran right-hander Kyle Hendricks to a one-year deal worth around $3 million on Wednesday. The pitching-hungry Angels scoop up an aging pitcher near the end of his career and hope he can eat up some innings for them in 2025. The 34-year-old soft-tossing righty really struggled in his 11th and final season with the Chicago Cubs this past season, going 4-12 with a career-worst 5.92 ERA (4.98 FIP) with a 1.45 WHIP and 87:43 K:BB in 130 2/3 innings pitched over 29 appearances (24 starts). Because Hendricks pitches to contact and rarely misses bats, he's not going to be on many fantasy managers' radars outside of deep AL-only leagues. The Angels will be hoping he can bounce back to more of his 2023 numbers, when he posted a 3.74 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 24 starts.
7 hours ago
Jazz Chisholm Jr. Could Be Moved Back To Second Base
New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman mentioned prospect Caleb Durbin and the possibility that the team will add a third baseman and move infielder/outfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base next season. Current second baseman Gleyber Torres is a free agent this winter, and although the Yankees aren't opposed to bringing him back, he could very well leave the Bronx, opening up a glaring hole at the keystone. After being acquired from the Miami Marlins at the trade deadline at the end of July, Chisholm hit .273 (48-for-176) with 11 home runs, 23 RBI and 18 stolen bases for the Bombers while playing a solid third base defensively. The 26-year-old power/speed threat already has eligibility at outfield and third base, so adding second base eligibility in 2025 would be even nicer for fantasy managers.
Yesterday
Astros Have Had "Productive" Talks With Alex Bregman
Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown said he's had "productive" talks with Scott Boras, the agent representing free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. It's unclear if the Astros have made a formal offer to Bregman to try and re-sign him, but Brown added it's "our biggest priority at third base, without a doubt. We'd love to have Alex Bregman back. It's our biggest priority." The Astros extended a $21.05 million qualifying offer to Bregman on Monday, which he's fully expected to decline. It means that Houston will receive draft-pick compensation if Bregman signs with another team in free agency. The 30-year-old two-time All-Star remained productive in 2024, hitting .260/.315/.453 with a .768 OPS, 26 homers, 75 RBI, three steals and 79 runs scored in 145 regular-season games. Leaving Houston for another team could ultimately hurt Bregman's fantasy upside in 2025.
Yesterday
Pirates Claim Trey Cabbage Off Waivers
The Pittsburgh Pirates have claimed outfielder Trey Cabbage off waivers, according to Ari Alexander of KPRC2. The 27-year-old appeared in only 47 games at the major league level in the Space City last season and held an underwhelming .209/.253/.337 slash line with just one home run and one stolen base. However, in Triple-A, he posted a solid .243/.351/.474 line with 13 home runs, 43 RBI, and 22 stolen bases. Fantasy managers should expect Cabbage to compete for the spot on the Opening Day Roster. However, he will face an uphill battle as he has not enjoyed consistent success in the big leagues.
Yesterday
Rangers Decline 2025 Option On Andrew Chafin
The Texas Rangers have declined their 2025 club option on left-handed pitcher Andrew Chafin. The 34-year-old opened the 2024 campaign in Detroit but was eventually shipped to Texas before the trade deadline. Across 56 1/3 innings of work, Chafin held a 3.51 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, and a 31:70 BB:K ratio. The southpaw generated whiffs at an elite 34.5% mark, which was evident in his excellent 28.5% K rate. However, he struggled to control his pitches as he carried a hefty 12.6% walk rate. Given his ability to generate swings and misses, fantasy managers should expect Chafin to have a high-leverage role in 2025. He could eventually become a target in leagues that score holds if he is pitching on a competing club.
Yesterday
Camilo Doval Generating Interest
San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Camilo Doval is generating interest in the trade market, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. Slusser said, "The talent remains undeniable, and a few teams would consider him for a closer role." Doval entered the 2024 campaign as the bona fide ninth-inning option in the Bay Area but eventually ceded those duties to Ryan Walker later in the season after blowing five saves and holding a 4.70 ERA through the start of August. This past summer, Walker posted a stellar 1.91 ERA and 0.85 WHIP. In 2023, Doval held a strong 2.93 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP with 39 saves across 67 2/3 innings of work. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor this situation during the offseason, as Walker may open the campaign as the top option for saves.
Yesterday
Shohei Ohtani Undergoes Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (shoulder) underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to repair a labrum tear, according to the team. Ohtani is expected to be ready in time for Spring Training. The superstar suffered this injury due to a dislocated shoulder during the World Series. However, he was able to play through it en route to winning his first championship. Fantasy managers should monitor his progression leading up to Spring Training in case he faces a setback. Operating as a pure hitter in 2024, Ohtani established the 50-50 club with an impressive .310/.390/.646 slash line. The 30-year-old will likely be a consensus top selection this year in drafts as he is expected to return to the mound, providing elite fantasy production both as a pitcher and a hitter.
Yesterday
Ronald Acuna Jr., Spencer Strider Not Expected To Be Ready By Opening Day
According to David O'Brien of The Athletic, Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) and starting pitcher Spencer Strider (elbow) are not expected to be ready by Opening Day. General manager Alex Anthopoulos said, "We're planning on not having them on the Opening Day roster. How soon after that, we'll see how that goes. And as we get closer and get into spring training, we'll probably be able to update." Fantasy managers should continue monitoring their progress during the offseason and Spring Training; they could potentially sit out significantly during the 2025 season. Acuna suffered a torn ACL in his left knee last May, while Spencer Strider underwent an internal brace procedure in April. During the 2023 season, Acuna captured the NL MVP by hitting a stellar .337/.416/.596 line with 41 home runs and 733 stolen bases. In the same season, Strider finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting with a 3.86 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 281 punchouts across 186 2/3 innings of work. When healthy, both players are elite fantasy assets and would have been consensus first-round selections in all fantasy formats.
Yesterday
Bo Bichette Not On The Trade Block
According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette is not on the trade block. General manager Ross Atkins said it is an "easy no" when discussing potential trade inquiries surrounding the 26-year-old. Bichette had a disappointing 2024 season as he posted a career-worst .225/.277/.322 slash line with just four home runs, 31 RBI, and five stolen bases. The former second-round selection played in just 81 games this season due to numerous injuries. His metrics were not encouraging as he held a poor 4.4% barrel rate and .378 xSLG. However, given his past production, fantasy managers should expect Bichette to be in a good position to bounce back in the 2025 campaign.
Yesterday
A's Planning To Keep Brent Rooker
The Athletics plan to keep outfielder Brent Rooker this offseason despite speculation that he might be moved. "We're going to keep Rooker," general manager David Forst said. Rooker is one of the team's best bargaining chips, but they are going to hang onto him after posting a second straight strong season in 2024 with a .293/.365/.562 slash line and .927 OPS to go along with career-highs in home runs (39), RBI (112), stolen bases (11) and runs scored (82) in 614 plate appearances and 145 games played. The 30-year-old underwent surgery on his right forearm in early October for an injury he had played through for much of the year. The good news is that Rooker is expected to be fully healthy for spring training in 2025 and will be a popular outfield target in fantasy despite playing for the lowly A's.
Yesterday
Diamondbacks Decline Scott McGough's Option
The Arizona Diamondbacks declined the $4 million option for the 2025 season on right-handed reliever Scott McGough over the weekend. McGough hits the open market this winter after receiving a $750,000 buyout. McGough took a step back for the D-backs in 2024 in his second year with the team and went 1-3 with a 7.44 ERA (6.04 FIP), a 1.68 WHIP and 25:21 K:BB in 32 2/3 innings pitched in 26 appearances (two starts) for the Snakes. The 35-year-old was constantly being shipped back and forth between the minors and majors this year after spending all of the 2023 campaign in Arizona. He'll now look to latch on as relief depth with another club this offseason. In his two years in the desert, McGough posted a 5.59 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with nine saves, 111 strikeouts and 51 walks in 103 innings over 89 appearances (three starts).
Yesterday
Tyler Fitzgerald, Marco Luciano Could Move Around In 2025
San Francisco Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey said that the team is looking for a shortstop this offseason. Tyler Fitzgerald impressed at the 6 in his rookie season, but he can also play multiple positions. Meanwhile, the Giants hope that moving infielder Marco Luciano to the outfield will help him unlock his true potential offensively. If Fitzgerald continues to hit like he did this year, the Giants will find a place for him in their everyday lineup. In 96 games after debuting in 10 games in 2023, Fitzgerald hit a strong .280/.334/.497 with an .831 OPS, 15 home runs, 34 RBI, 17 steals and 53 runs scored. Over a full season, that kind of production will be very attractive in all fantasy leagues. Luciano has struggled defensively up the middle and also hit just .211/.259/.303 with no homers and 28 K's in 76 at-bats in 27 games in 2024.
Yesterday
Brett Baty Could See Action In The Outfield
New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns isn't ruling out the possibility that third baseman Brett Baty will see action in the outfield moving forward. The Mets were impressed with how quickly Baty picked up second base in 2024 and could further add to his versatility by playing him in the outfield in 2025. The 24-year-old lost out on the starting gig at the hot corner this year to Mark Vientos, so he'll need to move around more next season if he wants to stick around in the big leagues. Baty did see some time in left field in the minors in 2024, so the outfield won't be completely foreign to him. The former 12th overall pick in 2019 made his MLB debut in 2022 and has so far disappointed in 169 games, slashing .215/.282/.325 with a .607 OPS, 15 homers and 55 RBI. He's likely heading for a platoon role with the Mets in 2025.
Yesterday
Braves Interested In Nathan Eovaldi
According to an industry source, the Atlanta Braves are interested in free-agent right-hander Nathan Eovaldi after he declined his $20 million 2025 option to stay with the Texas Rangers. Eovaldi is now looking for a multi-year contract on the open market that will likely exceed an average annual value of at least $20 million. In 29 starts for Texas in 2024, he had a 3.80 ERA in 170 2/3 innings, and his 23.9 percent strikeout rate was his highest mark since 2021. Eovaldi's postseason ledger -- 9-1 with a 2.85 ERA in 12 starts -- stands out with the Braves potentially looking to replace lefty Max Fried, who is also a free agent. Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez and Spencer Schwellenbach are all locked into rotation spots in 2025, with Spencer Strider returning from right-elbow surgery. In addition to Fried, the Braves are likely to lose veteran Charlie Morton.
Yesterday
Josh Sborz Still Deciding On Course Of Action
Texas Rangers right-handed reliever Josh Sborz (shoulder) has visited with several shoulder expects since the season ended and both he and the team have yet to decide on a path forward, according to president of baseball operations Chris Young. Sborz appeared only 17 times out of Texas' bullpen in 2024 due to his right-shoulder troubles, ultimately culminating with him finishing the year on the injured list. The 30-year-old is likely deciding on whether to go under the knife, which would almost assuredly mean that he won't be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season. The Rangers' bullpen could look quite different next year, with Kirby Yates, David Robertson and Jose Leclerc all being free agents. Sborz had a 3.86 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 17 K's and only four walks in his 16 1/3 relief innings in 2024.
Yesterday
