MLB News
Gavin Lux The Odd-Man Out In 2025?
With Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts expected to move back to the infield and likely at second base next season, infielder Gavin Lux appears to be the odd-man out. Lux will especially be the odd-man out of the Dodgers end up bringing free-agent outfielder Teoscar Hernandez back. If the Dodgers don't decide to trade Lux this offseason, he'll most likely head to the bench if Betts becomes the primary second baseman in 2025. The Dodgers have both veteran Miguel Rojas and Tommy Edman as options to play shortstop. Lux was much better offensively in the second half of the regular season but struggled mightily at the plate in the first half and in the playoffs. The 26-year-old left-handed hitter batted .251/.320/.383 with a below-average .703 OPS, a career-high 10 homers, 50 RBI and five steals in 139 regular-season games after missing all of 2023 due to injury.
3 hours ago
Red Sox Interested In Re-Signing Chris Martin
While the Boston Red Sox have no interest in re-signing closer Kenley Jansen after he skipped the final series of the season to return home early, Boston reportedly is interested in bringing back right-handed reliever Chris Martin. The 38-year-old veteran has a 2.16 ERA in 100 appearances for the BoSox the last two years combined. He is expected to be seeking just a one-year deal because he plans on hanging up his cleats after the 2025 campaign. Martin missed some time this past year due to right-elbow inflammation and finished with a 3-1 record, 3.45 ERA (2.78 FIP), a 1.13 WHIP, two saves, 50 strikeouts and only three walks in 44 1/4 innings out of the bullpen. With Jansen unlikely to return to Beantown, too, there's a chance Martin could be used more in save chances in 2025 if he re-signs with Boston for the final year of his career.
3 hours ago
Garrett Crochet An Offseason Trade Candidate
Chicago White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet is certain to generate plenty of trade interest this offseason after he was one of the most sought after-players at last summer's trade deadline in late July. "Based on conversations I've had with other clubs when we talk about potential trades, Garrett certainly garners a lot of attention," general manager Chris Getz said. Unless the team thinks they can sign the 25-year-old southpaw to an extension, moving him -- he has two years of club control left -- might be the best course of action for the rebuilding White Sox. Outfielder Luis Robert Jr., meanwhile, is less likely to be moved. He was an All-Star in 2023 but struggled this past season with a .224/.278/.379 slash line, 14 home runs, 35 RBI and 23 steals in 100 games.
3 hours ago
Ha-Seong Kim Drawing Plenty Of Buzz At GM Meetings
Free-agent infielder Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder) is generating "lots of interest" in the early days of free agency, according to a source. The San Francisco Giants are reportedly one of the teams focused on signing Kim, while the Milwaukee Brewers have also been connected to the 29-year-old, who finished the year on the injured list with a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Tyler Fitzgerald was impressive for the Giants at shortstop in 2024, but new president of baseball operations Buster Posey said this week that the team prefers to add a shortstop this winter. Skipper Bob Melvin managed Kim in San Diego, and Kim played with outfielder Jung Hoo Lee for Team Korea in the World Baseball Classic. Kim won a Gold Glove in 2023 but came back down to Earth in 2024 while posting 11 homers, 47 RBI, 22 steals and a .700 OPS in 121 games.
3 hours ago
Willy Adames Willing To Play A Different Position
Free-agent shortstop Willy Adames reportedly wants to stay at shortstop but would be willing to move elsewhere if he gets a strong offer on the open market this winter from a contending team, according to league sources. Adames is the top available shortstop in free agency this offseason and one of the top available position players after setting career-highs in home runs (32), RBI (112), stolen bases (21) and runs scored (93) in 161 games in 2024 with the Milwaukee Brewers. ESPN's Kiley McDaniel projects him to find a seven-year deal worth around $189 million in free agency this winter as both a stalwart defensively and offensively at a premier position. If a contending team lands Adames and already has a stud at the 6, he could be moved to either third or second base, which would make him even more attractive in fantasy next year with added positional eligibility.
3 hours ago
Royals Looking For Leadoff Hitter To Set The Table For Bobby Witt Jr.
Among non-leadoff hitters in 2024, Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who hit second for the team, had the most plate appearances (433) with the bases empty. Witt still impressed with 109 RBI, 211 hits, 32 home runs and a .332 batting average, but the Royals are looking to prioritize quality contact and on-base percentage as they look for a new leadoff hitter this offseason. Royals hitters struck out at just a 19.4% clip (third-lowest in baseball) but also had a .306 on-base percentage (19th). Among players that KC might be looking at include Reds infielders Jonathan India and Spencer Steer and free agent Jurickson Profar. If the Royals explore the trade market, league sources suggest they would listen to offers for left-hander Kris Bubic and right-hander Alec Marsh.
3 hours ago
Willson Contreras Will Transition To 1B/DH Role In 2025
St. Louis Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak stated Wednesday that catcher Willson Contreras will be transitioned to a first base/designated hitter role in 2025. The hope is that the move will keep the 32-year-old healthy and allow him to extend the life of his career. The veteran backstop had a solid season for the time he was on the field in 2024, posting a .262-15-36-48-4 line with a .370 wOBA and 140 wRC+, but played in just 84 games due to varying injuries. He's expected to be ready to go for 2025, and the added positional flexibility should give him some additional value in fantasy leagues.
17 hours ago
Ben Brown To Have Injured Neck Scanned This Month
Chicago Cubs pitcher Ben Brown (neck) is expected to have a scan on his neck in the coming weeks, and if he gets the all-clear, then the 25-year-old could resume throwing without restriction. If the youngster is cleared then the expectation is that he'll be ready to compete for a rotation spot in spring training. The former 33rd-round draft pick showed well in his MLB debut last season, posting a 3.58 ERA (3.11 FIP), 1.08 WHIP, and a 64:19 K:BB in 55 1/3 innings over his first 15 big-league appearances (eight starts), including a seven-inning outing on May 28 in which he allowed no hits, two walks, and struck out 10. With his 28.8% strikeout rate, the righty is worth keeping an eye on, as he'd at least have value in NL-Only leagues were he to win a rotation spot.
17 hours ago
Austin Hedges Re-Signs With Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians have re-signed veteran backup catcher Austin Hedges to a one-year contract. Hedges played 66 games for Cleveland last season, posting a .152-2-15-12-2 line in 146 PA. While the offensive statistics don't jump off the page, the 32-year-old is said to be a clubhouse leader and mentor to young starting catcher Bo Naylor. That's certainly a good thing for the Guardians, however, it doesn't move the needle for fantasy. Even if something were to happen to Naylor, as a career .186 hitter over 12 major league seasons, the former second-round draft pick would likely be best left on the waiver wire.
18 hours ago
Astros Having Discussions About Trading Ryan Pressly
The Houston Astros have had internal discussions related to potentially trading reliever Ryan Pressly. The 35-year-old was moved to a setup role in 2024 once the Astros acquired closer Josh Hader. Pressly had saved 90 games for Houston from 2021-23, posting a 2.94 ERA. 0.98 WHIP, and 25.4% K-BB%. In the setup role in 2024, however, the righty posted a 3.49 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 16.4% K-BB%. With Hader and other capable arms at the back end of the bullpen, the team could let Pressly go and get prospects in return, although with the veteran's full no-trade clause, the pitcher would have to be on board with any proposed destination. It's worth monitoring for fantasy in the event he lands in a good spot with the opportunity to close.
19 hours ago
Mookie Betts To Play Infield For The Dodgers In 2025
Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes stated Wednesday that the team will play Mookie Betts on the infield in 2025. The 32-year-old played mostly outfield for the Dodgers in 2021 and 2022, but started on the infield in almost half of his games played in 2023. In 2024, the veteran started on the infield in 73 of the 116 (63%) games he played, split between shortstop (61) and second base (12). It is important to note, but he'll be a top tier fantasy producer regardless of position, however, it could come to the detriment of Gavin Lux and others who played the middle infield for the reigning World Series champs in the second half of the season.
19 hours ago
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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
