MLB News
Christian Walker Could Be Ideal Fit For Pirates
The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal suggests that free-agent first baseman Christian Walker, who is from the eastern part of Pennsylvania, could be an ideal fit for the Pittsburgh Pirates, a team looking for upgrades on offense. However, many other teams will be interested in Walker this offseason, including both New York teams if they lose out on superstar free-agent outfielder Juan Soto. The Pirates expect outfielder Bryan Reynolds to play some first base in 2025, but ideally, the Bucs are looking to add a first baseman and a corner outfielder this offseason. The 33-year-old Walker turned down the Arizona Diamondbacks' $21.50 million qualifying offer, so if Pittsburgh signs him, they'll give up draft compensation. Walker has been a model of power consistency in recent seasons, although an oblique injury hampered him down the stretch in 2024. A move to Pittsburgh wouldn't be ideal for fantasy, but he'll still be a decent target at the position once the elite names come off the board.
13 hours ago
Jorge Polanco A Fall-Back Plan For Astros At Third Base
If the Houston Astros are unable to re-sign third baseman Alex Bregman this offseason, free-agent infielder Jorge Polanco is at the top of their list as a contingency plan at the hot corner. Polanco will be looking for a rebound season in 2025 after coming off knee surgery. The veteran switch-hitter had a career-low .651 OPS in 118 games with the Seattle Mariners this past season but also had a .724 OPS with 11 of his 16 long balls on the year in 63 games from July 9 on. If the team loses Bregman and goes cheaper at third base, they could look to upgrade at first base, where they've discussed free-agent first baseman Christian Walker. Polanco is capable of bouncing back and should be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season, but his health is a major question mark, as he's played in 120 games only three times since debuting in 2014.
14 hours ago
Sean Manaea Received Offer From A's
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, before signing Luis Severino, the Athletics made a "big offer" to free-agent starting pitcher Sean Manaea in hopes of bringing him back to his first MLB club. However, given the Athletics agreed on a hefty $67 million contract with Severino, Manaea will likely not return to his first home in 2025. This suggests that Manaea could be in store for a sizeable contract during free agency after posting a strong 3.47 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP in Queens. During the second half of the season, Manaea held a stellar 0.94 WHIP. Under the hood, he boasted an above-average .277 xBA and 24.9% strikeout rate. Manaea is worth monitoring in free agency, as he should be a viable third or fourth starter during the 2025 campaign.
14 hours ago
Bryan Reynolds Expected To See Time At First Base
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds is expected to see time at first base in 2025. While this will likely only be in a part-time role, this is a situation worth monitoring as it could provide Reynolds even more at-bats throughout the season. Rosenthal also noted that given Pittsburgh's offensive struggles last season, they would "ideally" like to add a first baseman and another corner outfielder. Last season, the 29-year-old posted a strong .275/.344/.427 line with 24 home runs and ten stolen bases. Reynolds enjoyed an impressive stretch during June and July when he held a stellar .328/.389/.566 slash line. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor who the Pirates bring in during free agency but should expect Reynolds to continue to serve as a staple in the starting nine in 2025.
15 hours ago
Matt Chapman Open To Moving To Shortstop
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman is open to moving to shortstop if the Giants sign free-agent infielder Ha-Seong Kim. Chapman has spent the vast majority of his professional career playing at the hot corner, as he has logged just four starts at shortstop since 2020. However, given his elite defensive ability, the 31-year-old should not have much trouble adjusting to the 6. Kim declined his mutual option with the San Diego Padres earlier in the offseason and is expected to miss at least the first month of the 2025 campaign due to shoulder surgery he underwent in October. With the Giants losing lefty Blake Snell in free agency to the Los Angeles Dodgers, they do have some salary flexibility, and seeing that Chapman is willing to switch positions could entice several infield free agents to consider signing in San Francisco. Chapman enjoyed a nice bounce-back campaign in 2024, hitting 27 long balls, a nice increase from the 17 he hit in 2023, and could enjoy a boost in his counting stats if San Francisco adds another infielder to their lineup.
15 hours ago
Cody Bellinger's Trade Market Is Heating Up
According to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger's trade market is heating up. Levine notes that since the Cubs have a surplus of outfield bats, this could open the door for the Cubs to shop Bellinger at the Winter Meetings. Currently, on their roster, the Cubs have multiple outfielders who are already established at the major league level, such as Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki, and several young outfield prospects, including Pete Crow-Armstrong, Owen Caissie, and Kevin Alcantara. Crow-Armstrong flashed a high upside late last summer as he posted a stellar .314 AVG in August with five doubles, four home runs, and six stolen bases. Bellinger was still very productive last season, holding a solid .266/.325/.426 slash line. However, with their top outfield prospect, Owen Caissie, knocking on the big league door, the Cubs may use this as an opportunity to trade Bellinger to find a player to improve another position on their roster. If Bellinger is moved out of the Northside, Caissie is a name to keep a close eye on during Spring Training as he could be a high-upside pick in late in drafts.
15 hours ago
Freddie Freeman Undergoes Ankle Surgery, Expected To Be Ready For Spring Training
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (ankle) underwent surgery on his right ankle, according to the team. This procedure will remove loose bodies from the ankle area. Freeman was a crucial part of the Dodgers' World Series run as he was named World Series MVP but played through this ankle injury in the process. However, it is a great sign to see that the 35-year-old should be expected to be ready by Spring Training following the surgery. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during the offseason in case he faces a setback during his recovery. While he did see a slight drop in production this past summer, Freeman still posted a solid 282/.378/.476 line with 22 home runs and nine stole bases. Under the hood, he boasted an impressive .287 xBA and .367 xwOBA, which were both well above the average marks. Freeman should still be viewed as a top option at first base heading into the 2025 season.
15 hours ago
Astros Make Offer To Alex Bregman
The Houston Astros have offered free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman a six-year deal worth around $156 million, according to a source. If Bregman were to take the deal, it would be a club record contract in terms of dollars. However, Bregman is likely to reject it, depending on what other offers he gets, as he's believed to be seeking a deal closer to $200 million. Astros owner Jim Crane said last month that he prefers not to hand out lengthy contract extensions in free agency, which makes it unlikely they will be able to bring Bregman back in 2025 and beyond. The 30-year-old third baseman has been a core player for Houston during their run of two titles in 2017 and 2022. Last year, he hit .260/.315/.453 with 26 homers and 75 RBI while winning a Gold Glove. If Bregman signs elsewhere, free agent Jorge Polanco is at the top of Houston's list to play third base.
20 hours ago
Guardians Open To Trading Josh Naylor, Lane Thomas
The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal writes that the Cleveland Guardians are open to trade offers for first baseman Josh Naylor and outfielder Lane Thomas, both of whom are entering their walk years. Naylor is projected to earn $12 million in salary arbitration, while Thomas is at $8.3 million. Cleveland has concerns in their outfield, but they just landed Thomas in a midseason trade in 2024. Naylor, on the other hand, has emerged as one of the team's most valuable position players while also being a leader in the clubhouse. If Naylor were dealt, Kyle Manzardo would be the obvious replacement for Naylor at first base in Cleveland. The small-market organization has already lost left-hander Matthew Boyd to free agency, and right-handers Shane Bieber and Alex Cobb could be next. Naylor had a career year for the Guards in 2024, but his struggles against left-handed pitching remains an issue.
20 hours ago
Cardinals Looking To Hold Onto Ryan Helsley?
The St. Louis Cardinals are entering a rebuilding stage this offseason, but teams that have talked to the Cardinals have come away with the impression that they will not trade closer Ryan Helsley. "It's something we will always remain open-minded to, but our plan is to have him be part of our organization," president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said. Helsley is entering his age-30 season and is projected to earn $8.5 million in his final year of arbitration eligibility. His value is as high as it will probably ever be after he saved a league-high 49 games in 53 chances in 2024 on his way to winning the award for best closer in the National League. Helsley also had a strong 2.04 ERA in his 66 1/3 frames. The Cardinals are open to trading third baseman Nolan Arenado, but they aren't expected to go for a full teardown. The Cardinals also aren't considering moving Helsley to their starting rotation.
20 hours ago
White Sox Intent On Trading Luis Robert Jr.?
ESPN's Buster Olney writes that the perception of some MLB teams is that the Chicago White Sox are intent on trading outfielder Luis Robert Jr. this offseason, which could be an indication that the White Sox want to cash out on Robert's diminished value now instead of waiting and seeing his value drop even further if he struggles again in the first half of 2025. Robert will make $15 million in 2025 with $20 million club options in 2025 and 2026. "If they really believed he would bounce back, wouldn't you hang onto him until next summer and look for him to rebuild his value?" asked one rival official. More injuries limited the 27-year-old to 100 games in 2024, and he hit just .224/.278/.379 with 14 home runs and a strikeout rate over 30%. It's a big if for Robert staying healthy in 2025, but if he does and the White Sox hold him, he could bounce back nicely and fetch high-end prospects in a trade. It's a big risk.
21 hours ago
Pete Alonso's Market Likely To Take Longer To Develop
ESPN's Jeff Passan writes that free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso's free-agent market this winter is likely to take more time to develop than free-agent shortstop Willy Adames'. However, there's a scenario where Alonso doesn't want to miss out on the big-spending teams and those same clubs don't want to miss out on an impact bat after Juan Soto decides his destination. Alonso isn't a great fit for the same teams that are in the running for Soto. For instance, the Yankees already have enough power with Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Buster Olney suggests the best possible outcome for Alonso would be if Soto signs with a team other than the Mets, because Alonso is worth more to the Mets than any other team. Alonso has been durable and is still a premier power bat, but his offensive numbers dipped again in 2024, and he's now 30 years old. Still, the Polar Bear is a safe bet for 30 homers no matter where he goes.
21 hours ago
Blue Jays Meet With Corbin Burnes
The Toronto Blue Jays reportedly have had an in-person meeting with free-agent right-hander Corbin Burnes. The Blue Jays are also in on free-agent outfielder superstar Juan Soto and are looking to make a big splash in free agency yet again this offseason after another disappointing season that finished without a postseason berth. Burnes, 30, is at the top of the free-agent pitching market and turned down a $21.05 million qualifying offer from the Baltimore Orioles, so any team that signs him will be forced to give up draft picks. In 32 starts in his first and potentially only season in Baltimore, Burnes was outstanding, posting a 2.92 ERA, which was seventh-lowest among qualified starters in 2024. Despite being on the wrong side of 30 and with his strikeout rate dropping slightly, Burnes is going to be paid long term like the fantasy ace that he is.
21 hours ago
A's Sign Luis Severino To Three-Year Deal
The Athletics agreed to a three-year, $67 million deal with free-agent right-hander Luis Severino on Thursday, according to sources. It's the largest guarantee in the franchise's history. Severino had a bounce-back season in 2024 with the New York Mets, posting a 3.91 ERA over 182 innings, and now he'll head west to pitch for the A's, who will play in a minor-league stadium in Sacramento for the next three seasons before their planned move to Las Vegas. Severino will now anchor the A's rotation, but he can opt out of his deal after the second year. The 30-year-old was an All-Star in 2017 and 2018 with the Yankees before missing most of 2019 with a lat strain and all of 2020 due to Tommy John surgery. Severino struck out 161 batters in 2024 with the Mets and had the fourth-hardest average fastball among qualified starters. Durability issues aren't going away, and his ceiling is lower with the A's.
21 hours ago
Zach Dezenzo Standing Out In Winter Ball
Houston Astros corner infield prospect Zach Dezenzo missed time in the beginning of the 2024 season due to a wrist injury but got back on the field in June, playing 22 games at Double-A and only 11 more at Triple-A before earning a promotion to the big leagues in August. The 24-year-old played in 19 games for the Astros, slashing .242/.277/.371 with a pair of home runs in 65 plate appearances. With the Astros having some holes to fill at both first base and third base in 2025, Dezenzo is getting extra reps in the Puerto Rican Winter League to get ready for next spring and is showing well so far. Through 14 games and 61 plate appearances, the former 12th-round draft pick is leading the circuit in batting average, which stands at .380. He hasn't yet hit a home run, but the right-handed hitter has collected three doubles and has walked more than he's struck out (8:7 BB:K). The youngster has some pop in his bat along with some speed, hitting 18 home runs and stealing 22 bags across two levels of the minors in 2023 (410 PA), so if Dezenzo can earn a roster spot come spring, he could be an intriguing fantasy option in 2025.
Yesterday
Mariners Have Had Talks About Alec Bohm
The Seattle Mariners have at least had preliminary talks about acquiring All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm from the Philadelphia Phillies to fill their vacancy at the hot corner. However, Philadelphia's high asking price for Bohm has given Seattle pause. The Phillies have reportedly asked for one of the team's starters -- either Logan Gilbert or George Kirby -- in a package involving Bohm. Bohm hit .280 with 15 home runs and 97 RBI in the best season of his career in 2024, but he hit just .258 with 11 homers and 67 RBI after the first month of the season. For how much hard contact the 28-year-old right-handed slugger made, fantasy managers would have expected more power, with his playing-time volume and surrounding lineup carrying a lot of his value. While there's nothing to suggest the M's will actually trade for Bohm, a move to Seattle would be a downgrade in lineup and for the ballpark factor.
Yesterday
Teoscar Hernandez Expected To Re-Sign With Dodgers
According to sources around the league, they expect free-agent outfielder Teoscar Hernandez to re-sign with the team. "Many people around the league expect Teoscar Hern ndez and the Dodgers to find their way back to each other, and my understanding is the Dodgers and Teoscar are very much engaged and trying to nail the final details of a contract. Things are looking good for Teoscar Hern ndez and the Dodgers to be back together," 570 LA Sports' David Vassegh said. The 32-year-old Dominican veteran had one of the best years of his career and the Dodgers won a World Series championship in his first year in LA in 2024, so a reunion makes tons of sense. He hit a career-high 33 home runs and drove in 99 runs in 589 regular-season at-bats. Hernandez makes up for a high strikeout rate with plenty of hard contact and over-the-fence power and has hit 25-plus homers in five straight seasons.
Yesterday
Yankees Have Been In Contact With Max Fried, Corbin Burnes
While the Yankees are still considered one of the four serious contenders to sign Juan Soto, they have been making alternative plans in the event they are unable to bring back the superstar outfielder. New York has been said to be interested in shortstop Willy Adames, but could also be willing to spend big on pitching, having recently conducted meetings with star pitchers Max Fried and Corbin Burnes. Left-hander Fried earned his second All-Star nomination in 2024, pitching to a 3.25 ERA (3.33 FIP) and 1.16 WHIP with a 15.3% K-BB% in 29 starts. Right-hander Burnes, a Cy Young winner in 2021, made his fourth consecutive All-Star appearance in 2024, posting a 2.92 ERA (3.55 FIP) and a 1.10 WHIP with a 17.0% K-BB% in 32 starts. Either one would fortify a strong rotation that already has former Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole, 2x All-Star Carlos Rodon, and 2024 AL Rookie of the Year winner Luis Gil. Although neither pitcher averaged a strikeout per inning last season, both are capable of doing so and will still be some of the earliest pitchers off the board in 2025 fantasy drafts.
Yesterday
Willy Adames Drawing Interest From The Yankees
Free-agent shortstop Willy Adames is drawing interest from the New York Yankees, who are expected to pursue him in the event they lose out on Juan Soto. While the Yankees are technically set at shortstop with Anthony Volpe, it is anticipated that either Volpe or Adames would have to make the move to another position if a deal gets done, with Volpe likely heading to the keystone to allow Adames to play short, or perhaps having Adames play third to move Jazz Chisholm Jr. elsewhere. Nevertheless, whether it is the Yankees or another team, whoever ends up with Adames will be getting a player who is coming off his highest WAR season to date (4.8) and finished in the top-15 hitters for fantasy last season after the 29-year-old posted a .251-32-112-93-21 line with a .342 wOBA and 119 wRC+. Though the right-handed hitter has cut down on his strikeout rate over the last few seasons, it is still well above-average (25.1%), which probably limits any potential improvement in batting average. But with all that other production while he's in his prime, Adames will cost much more in 2025 fantasy drafts than he did a season ago.
Yesterday
Lance Lynn Drops 20 Pounds
Free-agent veteran right-hander Lance Lynn said that he has lost 20 pounds already since the end of last season, dropping from 280 to 260 pounds. Lynn battled knee issues in 2024 and was limited to 117 1/3 innings, his lowest total over a full season since missing all of 2016 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. The 37-year-old became a free agent when the St. Louis Cardinals declined his $12 million club option for 2025. He's nearing the end of his career, but Lynn ranks sixth in the majors with 2,006 1/3 innings pitched since debuting in 2011. The last time Lynn reached 30 starts and 200 innings was back in 2019, so fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting a sudden breakout for the veteran hurler. Knee issues dating back to 2021 and a lack of strikeout stuff will make Lynn an easy pitcher to avoid in shallow mixed fantasy leagues, regardless of where he's pitching.
Yesterday
