MLB News
Drew Thorpe Expected To Be Ready For Spring Training
According to Scott Merkin of MLB.com, Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Drew Thorpe is expected to be ready for Spring Training. Thorpe underwent a shoulder operation late in the season to remove a bone spur but is progressing at the typical rate and should be a full-go for Spring Training. This is a great sign for the young starting pitcher, who likely has a good chance to make the Opening Day Roster. Thorpe opened the campaign by getting his second look at Double-A and performed quite well, boasting a 1.35 ERA and 0.87 WHIP across 60 innings of work. Thorpe then got a small taste of the big leagues and held a 5.48 ERA and 1.26 WHIP across 44 1/3 frames. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should monitor his progress during Spring Training, as he could be worth a look as a late flier in drafts this offseason.
0 hour ago
Jonathan Loaisiga Signs One-Year Contract With Yankees
According to Jorge Castillo of ESPN, the New York Yankees have signed relief pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga to a one-year contract. This deal includes a team option in 2026. The 30-year-old was only able to log four innings of relief before suffering a torn UCL, which cut his season short. The right-hander held a modest 3.06 ERA and 4.17 ERA during 2023 and 2022, which was a stark drop compared to the stellar 2.17 ERA he posted during his 2021 breakout campaign. During this season, Loaisiga held a strong 1.02 WHIP with a 16:69 BB:K ratio across 70 2/3 innings of work. While he has battled the injury bug over the past few seasons he could be worth a look in deeper formats that score holds as he will likely operate as a high-leverage relief option during the 2025 campaign. However, given his recovery window, he may not be ready in time for Spring Training.
0 hour ago
Jacob Webb, Rangers Agree To One-Year Contract
Free-agent relief pitcher Jacob Webb and the Texas Rangers agreed to an undisclosed one-year deal on Wednesday, according to a source familiar with the deal. Webb will head to the American League West in 2025 after going 2-5 with a 3.02 ERA (3.52 FIP), a 1.18 WHIP, two saves, a career-high 58 strikeouts and 27 walks in 56 2/3 relief innings out of the Baltimore Orioles' bullpen in 2024. He became a free agent this offseason after the O's non-tendered him in November. The 25-year-old was originally an 18th-round selection by the Atlanta Braves in the 2014 MLB draft. Webb made his major-league debut in 2019 with the Braves and spent three seasons in Atlanta before playing for the O's and Los Angeles Angels in 2023. In five big-league seasons, he has a decent 2.98 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with six saves and a 23.5% strikeout rate.
5 hours ago
White Sox Acquire Chase Meidroth, Wikelman Gonzalez From Boston
The Chicago White Sox acquired infield prospect Chase Meidroth and pitching prospect Wikelman Gonzalez from the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday as part of the package for left-hander Garrett Crochet, according to sources. Catcher Kyle Teel and outfielder Braden Montgomery are also heading to Chicago. Meidroth (No. 11) and Gonzalez (No. 14) weren't the headliners in this trade for the White Sox but could still end up with significant roles with the big-league team in due time. Meidroth has experience at shortstop, second and third base and hit an impressive .293/.437/.401 with seven homers and 13 steals in 122 games for Triple-A Worcester in 2024. The 23-year-old is close to major-league ready, and his most immediate path to playing time might be at second. Gonzalez, a 22-year-old right-hander, needs more seasoning after posting a 4.73 ERA with 92 K's and 46 walks in 83 2/3 innings for Double-A Portland this past season.
5 hours ago
White Sox Land Catching Prospect Kyle Teel
The Chicago White Sox acquired catching prospect Kyle Teel from the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday as part of a package for left-hander Garrett Crochet, according to sources. The White Sox also landed outfielder Braden Montgomery, infielder Chase Meidroth and right-hander Wikelman Gonzalez. Teel, ranked by MLB Pipeline as Boston's No. 4 prospect, was a first-round pick in 2023 out of Virginia. In his first professional season, the 22-year-old backstop hit a combined .288/.386/.433 with 13 home runs and 12 stolen bases in 112 games for Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester, rising quickly through Boston's farm system. The White Sox also have prospect Edgar Quero at the position, but Teel has more upside from the left side in his bat and could force his way onto the major-league roster as early as 2025. Teel should already be rostered in dynasty/keeper leagues.
5 hours ago
Red Sox Acquiring Garrett Crochet From White Sox
The Boston Red Sox are acquiring left-hander Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday in exchange for catcher Kyle Teel, outfielder Braden Montgomery, infielder Chase Meidroth and right-hander Wikelman Gonzalez, according to sources. Crochet is an excellent consolation prize for the Red Sox after they saw the division-rival New York Yankees sign lefty Max Fried on Tuesday. The 25-year-old Crochet is not only an ascending young arm, but he's projected to make around $3 million next season and is under team control for 2026 also. Crochet was one of the best starters in baseball in the first half of 2024 in his move to a starting role in 2024, although he stumbled down the stretch and had his innings limited. He finished with a 3.58 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 209:33 K:BB in 32 starts. Although moving to the AL East won't be easy, Crochet's fantasy value improves with the move out of Chicago.
5 hours ago
Giants, Phillies Interested In Kyle Tucker
In addition to the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs, the New York Post's Joel Sherman lists the San Francisco Giants and Philadelphia Phillies as teams interested in trading for Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker this offseason. The soon-to-be 28-year-old left-handed slugger will be a free agent after the 2025 season and could command a contract worth up to $500 million on the open market, so the Astros are willing to see if they can get something in return before potentially losing him next offseason. Houston is prioritizing major-league-ready corner infielders and starting pitchers if they were to trade Tucker away. Keep in mind the Astros are bracing to also lose free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. After the signing of lefty Max Fried, the Yankees could be more motivated to trade starters Marcus Stroman, Nestor Cortes or even Luis Gil.
6 hours ago
Astros Targeting Seiya Suzuki, Isaac Paredes In Potential Kyle Tucker Trade
The Houston Astros are targeting Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki and infielder Isaac Paredes in a possible trade for outfielder Kyle Tucker, according to sources briefed on the team's talks. The two teams have exchanged a variety of names in discussions, and any package for Tucker would also likely included prospects. Houston is also interested in third baseman Cam Smith, who was a first-rounder earlier this year. A source says the Cubs are highly unlikely to trade Suzuki and would prefer to unload Cody Bellinger's contract this offseason in a separate trade. Tucker is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season, so the Astros could be wanting to get something in return if they feel they won't be able to re-sign him. After Juan Soto's huge deal, Tucker, one of the best hitters in baseball, could command a deal of at least $400 to $500 million. The Yankees are another team pursuing a trade for Tucker.
6 hours ago
Orioles Interested In Acquiring Dylan Cease
The Baltimore Orioles are in the market for pitching help as it seems less and less likely that free-agent right-hander Corbin Burnes will be returning to the team in 2025, so the O's are reportedly interested in acquiring the Padres' Dylan Cease. The 28-year-old is set to become a free agent in 2026 and the Padres may be willing to trade him if they think they won't be able to re-sign him after next season. The righty finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting last season and was the AL runner-up in 2022. The former sixth-round draft pick threw a no-hitter for San Diego last season and remarkably allowed just one hit on five other occasions where he pitched at least six innings. The six-year veteran will be a strong fantasy option in 2025 drafts regardless of where he ends up.
8 hours ago
Reds Interested In Luis Robert Jr.
The Cincinnati Reds have "checked in on" outfielder Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox in an effort to upgrade their outfield, both on defense and on offense. The Reds have already shored up their rotation by trading for right-hander Brady Singer last month but would like to fill the void left on offense with the departure of Jonathan India. The team has Matt McLain set to return from injury, so they are looking to the outfield, and Robert fits the bill. It would be costly, as the Reds would have to pay his $15 million salary, but the 27-year-old is a former All-Star and Gold Glove award winner. The right-handed hitter has played more than 100 games in a season just once since debuting in 2020. In 2024, the Cuban played 100 games on the nose after a hip-flexor strain caused him to miss about two months. He finished with a .224/.278/.379 slash line with 14 home runs but was able to set a new career high in stolen bases with 23 despite the lengthy absence. If he's able to stay healthy for a full season, he could be a strong multi-category contributor for fantasy in 2025.
8 hours ago
White Sox Expected To Select Shane Smith In Rule 5 Draft
The Rule 5 Draft will take place Wednesday at 2 p.m. EST, and the Chicago White Sox have the first pick after finishing last season with the worst record in baseball. The team is reportedly set to pick pitcher Shane Smith from the Brewers' organization. The 24-year-old spent most of his time last season at Double-A, pitching to a 3.08 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and a strong 22.6% K-BB% over 87 2/3 innings (27 appearances, 16 starts). The righty tossed six-and-two-thirds innings of relief at Triple-A as well, allowing two earned runs with a 3:7 BB:K. With the selection, Smith will be put on Chicago's 40-man roster. Last season, 10 players were selected in the Rule 5 Draft, with six of those players sticking on the roster for the entire season.
8 hours ago
Nolan Arenado Would Green Light Trades To Six Teams
St. Louis Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak recently acknowledged that the team was interested in trading third baseman Nolan Arenado, but with Arenado's full no-trade clause in his contract, the 10-tim Gold Glover would have to approve of any trade. The 33-year-old already has said he would be willing to switch to first base if needed, but now the veteran has reportedly whittled down the list of teams he would rubber-stamp a trade to down to six -- the Dodgers, Padres, Angels, Phillies, Mets, and Red Sox. Perhaps the Phillies and Red Sox make the most sense on that list, but only time will tell. The eight-time All-Star can still play terrific defense, but his offensive numbers have been heading south in St. Louis over the last couple of years. Last season, he hit just 16 home runs and posted a 102 wRC+, both the lowest outputs since his rookie season in 2013 (excluding 2020). If there is some optimism on the offensive side of things, the likely future Hall of Famer's contact rate was near a career-high (84.4%), and his strikeout rate fell two percentage points over the prior season to a well-below-average 14.5%, so he can still put the bat on the ball.
9 hours ago
Guardians Acquire Luis L. Ortiz From Pirates
The Cleveland Guardians acquired pitchers Luis L. Ortiz, Josh Hartle and Michael Kennedy from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday night in exchange for infielder Spencer Horwitz, according to sources. Ortiz is the biggest name in the swap for the Guardians as they look to add pitching depth to their system. The 25-year-old Dominican right-hander had his best year in the big leagues in his third year with Pittsburgh in 2024, going 7-6 with a 3.32 ERA (4.25 FIP), 1.11 WHIP, a career-high 107 strikeouts and 42 walks in 135 2/3 innings over 37 appearances (15 starts). Even though the Guardians re-signed Shane Bieber already this offseason, Ortiz could be primed for a spot near the back end of Cleveland's starting rotation to open the 2025 regular season. Ortiz was slightly better as a starter in 2024 but had a strikeout rate under 20%, limiting his overall upside as a matchup-based streamer in deeper leagues.
18 hours ago
Marlins Land Echedry Vargas In Trade With Texas
The Miami Marlins are acquiring shortstop/second base prospect Echedry Vargas, shortstop Max Acosta and left-hander Brayan Mendoza from the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night in exchange for third baseman/first baseman Jake Burger, according to a source. The Marlins continue their full-on rebuild this offseason. The top name in the deal coming back to Miami is Vargas, who was ranked as the Rangers' No. 17 prospect on MLB Pipeline. Vargas is only 19 years old, so he's unlikely to be a realistic option for a big-league promotion for at least a couple years. The Dominican infielder spent all of 2024 at Single-A Down East, slashing .276/.321/.454 with a .775 OPS, 14 homers, 48 RBI, 29 steals and 65 runs in 97 games. Vargas has surprising power for a 5-foot-11, 170-pounder but may need to cut his swing down as he advances up the minors. For now, he's just one to watch in dynasty/keeper formats.
18 hours ago
Rangers Acquire Jake Burger From Marlins
The Texas Rangers are acquiring third baseman/first baseman Jake Burger from the Miami Marlins on Tuesday night in exchange for third baseman Echedry Vargas, shortstop Max Acosta and left-hander Brayan Mendoza, according to a source. The move to add Burger adds thump to Texas' lineup after he hit 29 home runs and drove in 76 for the Marlins in 2024. He hit a career-high 34 long balls with the Chicago White Sox and Marlins in 2023 while also posting a nice .828 OPS. The former first-round selection by the White Sox in 2017 out of Missouri State University will move to a much better situation for his fantasy prospects in Texas and will be surrounded by much better hitters. Between third base, first base and designated hitter, Burger should play regularly and give fantasy managers a solid power floor with around a .250 average.
18 hours ago
Nick Sandlin Traded To Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays acquired right-hander Nick Sandlin and second baseman Andres Gimenez from the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday in exchange for outfielder Nick Mitchell and infielder Spencer Horwitz, who was later flipped to the Pittsburgh Pirates for three pitchers. Sandlin, 27, has posted a decent 3.27 ERA (4.41 FIP), a 1.15 WHIP, one save and a 223:92 K:BB in 195 1/3 innings over 209 appearances (one start) in his first four years in the big leagues, all with the Guardians. For the second straight season in 2024, the reliever had a 3.75 ERA while also sporting a 1.27 WHIP, a career-high 68 strikeouts and 27 walks in 57 2/3 frames. The former second-round selection by Cleveland in the 2018 draft out of the University of Mississippi will serve in a middle-relief role for the Jays in 2025 and won't carry much fantasy value.
20 hours ago
Twins Haven't Made Decision On Royce Lewis' Position Yet
Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said at the MLB winter meetings on Tuesday that the club hasn't decided yet if third baseman Royce Lewis will shift from the hot corner to second base in 2025. Baldelli also said that Lewis has been taking ground balls at the keystone this offseason just in case, and the skipper is confident that Lewis has the skill set to be able to make a successful transition to second if the team asks him to do so. The 25-year-old made one start at second in 2024 but could play regularly there in 2025, depending on what the rest of Minnesota's roster looks like come spring training. The former first overall pick has some of the best pop from the right side in baseball, but he's already torn his ACL twice and hasn't played more than 82 games in his first three seasons in MLB. Lewis is a risk/reward power bat that could become a lot more attractive if he gains second base eligibility.
20 hours ago
Spencer Horwitz Flipped To Pirates
The Cleveland Guardians traded second baseman/first baseman Spencer Horwitz to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday night in exchange for pitchers Luis L. Ortiz, Josh Hartle and Michael Kennedy, according to sources. The Guardians traded second baseman Andres Gimenez to the Toronto Blue Jays earlier in the day for Horwitz before flipping him to Pittsburgh. Horwitz's best path to playing time in Pittsburgh will likely come at first base, but given his lackluster defensive skills and his struggles against left-handed pitching, the 27-year-old could quickly become a platoon player in his new digs in 2025. The former 24th-round pick of the Blue Jays in 2019 out of Radford has hit a combined .264/.355/.428 with a .783 OPS, 13 home runs and 47 RBI in his two big-league seasons over 112 games. The move from Toronto to Pittsburgh is less than ideal for fantasy purposes.
20 hours ago
Gleyber Torres Drawing Interest From Angels, Blue Jays
Free-agent infielder Gleyber Torres is drawing interest on the open market from the Los Angeles Angels and Toronto Blue Jays, among other teams. The Blue Jays just swung a trade to land second baseman Andres Gimenez from the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday, so that likely puts them out of the running for Torres' services. A move to the Angels wouldn't be as sexy from a fantasy perspective, but he'd be the team's starting second baseman and would be paired with middle-infield partner Zach Neto at the 6. An addition of Torres in Anaheim would also allow the Halos to use Luis Rengifo as a super-utility player in the infield and outfield. The Venezuelan infielder was an All-Star his first two years in the league in 2018 and 2019 with the New York Yankees. His power took a big dip in his walk year in 2024, and it's uncertain if it can return, especially outside of Yankee Stadium.
23 hours ago
Nathan Eovaldi Reunites With Rangers On Three-Year Deal
Free-agent right-hander Nathan Eovaldi and the Texas Rangers are reuniting after agreeing on a three-year, $75 million deal on Tuesday, according to sources. Eovaldi was considered at the top of the middle tier of free-agent arms this winter, and the Rangers will have him back for another three seasons. The 34-year-old veteran landed on the open market after declining a $20 million player option for the 2025 season. The two-time All-Star went 12-8 in 2024 with a 3.80 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 166 strikeouts and 42 walks in 170 2/3 innings over his 29 starts. He's posted a 3.72 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 298:89 K:BB in 54 regular-season starts for Texas over the last two years. Injuries have been an issue for Eovaldi in the past, but he stayed healthy for the most part last year and delivered a nice 23.9% strikeout rate. He lacks big strikeout upside and doesn't throw as hard as he did early in his career, but Eovaldi gives fantasy managers a solid floor as a mid-rotation arm.
23 hours ago
Drew Thorpe
• SP
•
White Sox
