MLB News
Michael Conforto Inks Contract With Los Angeles
According to Mark Feinsand of the MLB Network, the Los Angeles Dodgers have signed free-agent outfielder Michael Conforto to a one-year, $17 million contract. The veteran outfielder enjoyed a solid campaign with the Giants last season from a power perspective, holding a .237/.309/.450 slash line with 20 home runs. This was his highest home run total since the 2019 season. Under the hood, the 31-year-old generated a strong .479 xSLG, 11.8% barrel rate, and 46.0% hard-hit rate, all well above the average marks. However, Conforto did carry a hefty 24.2% strikeout rate and a modest 8.6% walk rate. Moving to the Dodgers, fantasy managers should expect Conforto to see an uptick in his counting stats, especially in RBI. Fantasy managers should monitor his status during spring training, as he could be given an everyday role in the starting nine.
1 hour ago
Oliver Ortega Inks Minor-League Contract With The Mets
According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, the New York Mets have signed right-handed pitcher Oliver Ortega to a minor-league contract. Ortega missed the entire 2024 campaign due to an elbow operation. Before this, Ortega spent the 2023 campaign with the Twins and the 2021 and 2022 campaigns with the Angels. In Minnesota, the 28-year-old logged only 14 2/3 innings at the big league level and held a 4.30 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. During the 2022 campaign, Ortega posted a career-high 34 innings and held a 3.71 ERA and 1.47 WHIP. Through 72 1/3 career innings at Triple-A, Ortega carried a 3.61 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Ortega to operate as a low-leverage relief option if he can make the Opening Day Roster.
2 hours ago
Hunter Stratton Returning To Pittsburgh On Minor-League Deal
According to Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, the Pirates have signed relief pitcher Hunter Stratton to a minor-league contract. Stratton spent all of last summer in Steele City but underwent surgery in his left knee in August. Stratton was facing a seven-to-ten-month recovery window at the time of the operation. Through 37 2/3 innings of relief, Stratton held a 3.58 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP. He tallied one save while showing great command with a stellar 4.4% walk rate. He also generated a solid 3.29 xERA and a 31.3% hard-hit rate. He was typically deployed in the eighth inning as and tallied five holds. Fantasy managers should monitor his progression during Spring Training as he could face an uphill battle to be ready for Opening Day, given his tight recovery window.
2 hours ago
Detroit Expressing Interest In Jack Flaherty
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Detroit Tigers have expressed interest in reuniting with free-agent starting pitcher Jack Flaherty. Flaherty opened the 2024 season with the Tigers but was eventually traded at the deadline to the Los Angeles Dodgers and played a crucial role in helping them win the World Series. However, the Tigers made an incredible run down the stretch and reached the postseason after selling at the trade deadline. Given their late-season success, the Tigers are interested in improving their roster to compete again in 2025. The 29-year-old enjoyed a nice bounce-back campaign last season, holding a 3.17 ERA and 1.07 WHIP across 162 frames. These were his best numbers since the 2021 season. Even though the Tigers have one of the best starting pitchers in baseball leading their rotation in Tarik Skubal, Flaherty would be a strong No. 2 and put them in a good position to compete in the AL Central.
2 hours ago
Garrett Crochet Could Be Targeted By Baltimore
According to Phil Rogers of Forbes.com, Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet could be a potential trade target for the Baltimore Orioles with them signing outfielder Tyler O'Neill. With O'Neill added to the roster, the Orioles may decide to flip one of their young outfielders for Crochet in a larger package. With Ryan O'Hearn and potential top prospect Coby Mayo seeing time at the DH spot, Heston Kjerstad, Cedric Mullins, and Colton Cowser could all be potential options for the Orioles to trade to acquire Crochet. With Corbin Burnes on the free agent market, the Orioles will need to find a high-end pitching option to fill that void to compete this summer. Crochet showcased his elite potential last summer, logging a career-high 146 innings and posting a 3.58 ERA and stellar 1.07 WHIP. Crochet will likely be viewed as a top-20 starting pitcher in drafts, given his elite 35.5% K rate.
2 hours ago
Austin Nola Headed To Colorado
According to Mark Feinsand of the MLB Network, free-agent catcher Austin Nola and the Colorado Rockies have agreed to a non-roster invite to spring training. Nola spent last season in the Kansas City Royals organization but did not appear in a major league game. He spent most of his summer with Triple-A and held a .174/.260/.298 line and hit just five home runs. In 2023, he logged 52 games in San Diego and held an underwhelming .146/.260/.192 line with just three doubles and one home run. That season, he generated a poor .262 xSLG and .266 xwOBA. Fantasy managers should monitor his progress during Spring Training as he may be able to capture the No.2 catching role. However, Nola should remain off all fantasy radars for now given his struggles in Triple-A last season.
2 hours ago
Red Sox Intend To Pursue Teoscar Hernandez
According to Mark Feinsand of the MLB Network, the Boston Red Sox intend to pursue free-agent outfielder Teoscar Hernandez if they do not sign Juan Soto. Feinsand noted that Boston is believed to have more interest in Hernandez than in another free-agent outfielder, Anthony Santander. In addition, Feinsand also stated the Blue Jays are in the mix for Hernandez but may prefer Santander. While Hernandez has hinted he prefers to stay with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a sizeable contract offer from Boston may change his mind. Last season in Los Angeles, Hernandez posted a solid .272/.339/.501 slash line with 33 home runs and 12 stolen bases. Under the hood, he generated a stellar 14.9% barrel rate and has continued to establish himself as one of baseball's best pure power hitters. The 32-year-old will be a popular pick in drafts this season simply off his power but may see a drop in RBI opportunities if he leaves the Dodgers.
2 hours ago
Mets Sign Edward Olivares To Minor-League Deal
The New York Mets have signed free-agent outfielder Edward Olivares to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring camp. The 28-year-old played the first half of last season for the Pirates before being optioned to Triple-A in July. He hit .263 with 12 home runs in 2023 for the Royals over 107 games, and while he hit .344 with three home runs over the first nine games in 2024, the right-handed hitter was unable to maintain that momentum over the course of the season. For his career, the Venezuelan has shown some better pop against left-handed pitching, with a .440 SLG and .199 ISO against them compared to a .389 SLG and .128 ISO versus righties, so he could fit into a platoon role were he able to make it back to the majors.
11 hours ago
Orioles Sign Catcher Gary Sanchez For One Year
The Baltimore Orioles have signed free-agent catcher Gary Sanchez to a one-year, $8.5 million deal. Sanchez will back up frontline catcher Adley Rutschman, but could also DH if need be. The 32-year-old played for Milwaukee last season, slashing .220/.307/.392, including 11 home runs, with a .307 wOBA and 96 wRC+ in 280 plate appearances. The veteran backstop still has plenty of pop in his bat, registering a 10.5% barrel rate last season and a 15.4% rate with 19 home runs in 240 at-bats just two seasons ago in 2023. Coming to Baltimore brings him back to the AL East, the division in which he played in for his first several seasons up through 2021 as a member of the New York Yankees. Unless the Dominican gets regular at-bats, however, he won't be all that relevant for fantasy purposes.
12 hours ago
Nathan Eovaldi Remains Linked To Texas
According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News the Texas Rangers remain in contact with free-agent starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi. Earlier this offseason, the Rangers expressed interest in bringing back Eovaldi, and this report suggests that this possibility is still in play. The 34-year-old has been with the Rangers for the past two seasons and was a crucial part of their rotation during the 2023 World Series run. This past summer, the right-hander posted a 3.80 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP across 170 2/3 innings of work. Eovaldi generated an excellent 48.9% ground-ball rate and 32.2% chase rate, both well above the average marks. In addition, he also showcased great command with a 6.0% walk rate. With the Rangers lacking depth in their rotation, Eovaldi would be a welcome return for the 2025 season.
Yesterday
Andrew Kittredge Could Be A Fit For Arizona
According to Alex D'Agostino of Sports Illustrated, free-agent relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge could be a good fit for the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 34-year-old operated as the go-to setup man for Ryan Helsley in St. Louis last season. Across 70 2/3 innings of work, the veteran right-hander posted a 2.80 ERA and 1.13 WHIP and tallied 37 holds. He held a modest 23.3% strikeout rate and showed great command with a 7.0% walk rate. In addition, he generated a 45.5% ground-ball rate and a 27.8% whiff rate, which was also slightly above the average marks. With Arizona lacking a proven ninth-inning option, Kittredge could provide a veteran presence in the bullpen and may eventually find himself in a ninth-inning role. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should monitor where he signs in free agency, as he could be a solid target for saves if he becomes a true closer.
Yesterday
Devin Williams Still In Trade Conversations
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Devin Williams is still in trade conversations. With Williams projected to earn $7.7 million in his final year of arbitration before becoming a free agent, the Brewers may opt to move off the superstar closer due to their minimal payroll flexibility. With Clay Holmes agreeing to a $38 million contract with the New York Mets, Williams could be in store for a massive payday, given his elite production throughout his career. The 30-year-old missed the first half of the season due to back fractures but returned to his typical ninth-inning role in the second half and posted a 1.25 ERA and 0.97 WHIP with 14 saves. Under the hood, he generated a near-perfect .143 xBA with a 43.2% K rate. Even with the possibility of a trade, fantasy managers should view Williams as a top relief pitcher in all formats heading into the 2025 campaign.
Yesterday
Justin Turner Could Be Solid Fit For The Rangers
According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, free-agent first baseman Justin Turner could be a good fit for the Texas Rangers. With the Rangers looking to improve their production against southpaws, Turner could fit that bill. Last season facing southpaws, Turner posted a .252/.355/.403 slash line with nine doubles, three home runs, and a 17:25 BB:K. While Nathaniel Lowe will likely operate as the No. 1 first baseman in 2025, Turner would provide a depth option at the position and could also see time on the strong side of a platoon at the DH spot. In addition to his solid bat, Turner showcased great on-base skills last season, boasting a 10.9% walk rate and 17.6% strikeout rate. Fantasy managers in points leagues and formats that score on-base percentage should consider Turner as a deeper value target in drafts.
Yesterday
Tyler O'Neill Headed To Baltimore
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Baltimore Orioles have signed free-agent outfielder Tyler O'Neill to a three-year, $49.5 million contract. The deal includes an opt-out after the 2025 campaign. After playing in under 100 games in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons, O'Neill got himself back on track this past summer in Boston. Across 113 games, the 29-year-old held a .241/.336/.511 slash line with 31 home runs and four stolen bases. This was his best power output since his 2021 breakout campaign. Under the hood, O'Neill boasted a stellar 17.3% barrel rate and 48.8% hard-hit, which were among the highest marks in the sport. However, he carried a hefty 33.6% strikeout rate, which placed him in the second percentile among qualified hitters. While his home run total will likely drop playing in a more pitcher-friendly ballpark, fantasy managers should expect O'Neill to have prime RBI opportunities batting in a deep Baltimore lineup.
Yesterday
Willy Adames Inks Seven-Year Contract With San Francisco
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the San Francisco Giants have signed free agent shortstop Willy Adames to a seven-year contract worth $182 million. This is the largest contract in their team's history and the third-largest guaranteed contract earned by a Dominican-born player. The 29-year-old enjoyed an excellent campaign last season with Milwaukee as he posted a strong .251/.331/.462 line with 32 home runs and 21 stolen bases. He added a career-high 121 RBI and 33 doubles. Under the hood, Adames generated an excellent 12.0% barrel rate with a .461 xSLG which was both significantly above the average marks. In addition, he posted a 10.2% walk rate, which placed him in the top 80th percentile among hitters. Fantasy managers should expect the power-hitting shortstop to bat in the heart of the San Francisco lineup, which should provide him with ample RBI opportunities. Given his ability to contribute to all five standard categories, fantasy managers should see him as a high-end shortstop entering the 2025 campaign.
Yesterday
Padres Re-Sign Mason McCoy To Minor-League Deal
The San Diego Padres re-signed infielder Mason McCoy to a minor-league deal on Friday that includes a non-roster invite to big-league spring training, according to sources. McCoy was non-tendered by the Padres in November but will now return to the organization and will get a chance to compete for an Opening Day roster spot in spring training. The 29-year-old got a short run as the Padres' starting shortstop late in the season when Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder) was injured, but he was a short-term stopgap at the position and hit just .204 (10-for-49) with no homers, three RBI, seven runs scored and 19 strikeouts in his 57 plate appearances over 19 games. McCoy has played in just 25 big-league games since debuting in 2023 with Toronto and has a .200/.273/.240 slash line with a .513 OPS. He'll represent infield depth for the Friars again in 2025 and is off the fantasy radar.
Yesterday
Adrian Houser Signs With Rangers
Free-agent right-hander Adrian Houser signed a minor-league deal with the Texas Rangers on Saturday. Houser will head to the American League after spending the 2024 campaign with the New York Mets. Houser appeared in 23 games (seven starts) for the Mets but wasn't very effective on the mound, going 1-5 with a career-worst 5.84 ERA (4.93 FIP), a 1.53 WHIP, his first career save and a 45:32 K:BB in his 69 1/3 innings pitched before he was cut in late July. The 31-year-old veteran latched on with the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs after that but didn't make it back to the majors in the second half of the season. The former second-round pick by the Houston Astros in 2011 wasn't much better in seven starts in the minors, posting a 6.37 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in 35 1/3 frames. Houser will most likely open the 2025 season at Triple-A Round Rock as pitching depth for Texas.
Yesterday
Cardinals Have Limited Options For Nolan Arenado Trade
ESPN's Buster Olney writes that the St. Louis Cardinals are working from a limited list of options of third baseman Nolan Arenado's preferred teams as they consider their trade possibilities for the future Hall of Famer. The Cardinals are shifting their plans this offseason with an eye more toward the future while playing most of their youngsters in 2025, so the 33-year-old Arenado is being shopped this winter. Even though he's still one of the best defensive third basemen in the game, Arenado is willing to shift to first base in 2025 to create more roster flexibility for a contending team that might be interesting in acquiring him. Some teams that could make sense for Arenado include the Red Sox, Dodgers, Astros, Yankees, Mariners and Blue Jays. Offensively, Arenado has been on the decline since he came to St. Louis, and he had just 16 homers in 2024. In addition, he had career-worst marks in average exit velocity (86.3 mph), hard-hit rate (31.6%) and barrel rate (3.2%).
Yesterday
Dansby Swanson Undergoes Core Surgery
The Chicago Cubs announced on Saturday that shortstop Dansby Swanson (core) had successful surgery on his core in early October with Dr. Bill Meyer. Swanson isn't expected to miss any time as the result of his offseason surgery and should be ready to go for the start of spring training in mid-February. The 30-year-old wasn't quite as good in his second year in Chicago as he was the previous two seasons when he was an All-Star, as he slashed .242/.312/.390 with a .701 OPS, 16 home runs, 66 RBI, a career-high 19 stolen bases and 82 runs scored in 593 trips to the plate and 149 games. If not for a late-season surge, Swanson would have had a terrible 2024, as he hit just .219/.291/.346 with nine homers in his first 99 games. Despite his resurgence from a poor start, Swanson's career-high 49.9% ground-ball rate doesn't pound to a rebound in the power department going forward.
Yesterday
Thairo Estrada Could Make Sense For Rockies To Fill 2B Need
The Colorado Rockies are in the market for a second baseman this winter, and according to a source, one name to monitor is free-agent infielder Thairo Estrada. After moving on from Brendan Rodgers finally, the Rockies signed Kyle Farmer already this offseason, but he projects better as a utility infielder than an everyday starter at the keystone. Prospect Adael Amador isn't quite ready, so Colorado is looking for more of a stop-gap option. In addition to Estrada, free-agent options include Gleyber Torres, Ha-Seong Kim, Jorge Polanco, Jose Iglesias, Adam Frazier and Cavan Biggio. Estrada, 28, had 14 homers and 20-plus steals in two straight years with the Giants in 2022 and 2023 but slumped to a .217/.247/.343 line in 2024 and being sent to the minors. He could be a nice bounce-back candidate, especially in Colorado, and Estrada has a strong glove at second base.
Yesterday
Michael Conforto
• LF
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Dodgers
