MLB News
Moises Ballesteros Hits A Double, Drives In One In Solar Sox Finale
Chicago Cubs catching prospect Moises Ballesteros put his final stamp on his 2024 Arizona Fall Campaign on Thursday, notching a double and an RBI in a 1-for-4 day at the plate. With the Mesa Solar Sox not playing for the AFL championship, the 21-year-old finishes the fall campaign with a .316/.376/.557 slashline, including five home runs, 16 RBI, and a 10:15 BB:K in 19 games. It's a strong ending after a superb 2024 regular season. Should he continue to swing a hot bat come next spring, it shouldn't be long before he's with the big league club that could use some offense at the position. While his defense is not quite as strong, he could also spend time at DH while he works on the glove, which should put him squarely on both dynasty and redraft radar.
2 hours ago
Ethan Salas Hits Fourth AFL Home Run On Thursday
San Diego Padres catching prospect Ethan Salas went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run on Thursday, his fourth of the Arizona Fall League (AFL) campaign. Salas now has 21 RBI which is tied for third-most in the AFL, but is hitting just .228 and has a 13:27 BB:K over 23 games. Still, the 18-year-old is one of the youngest players in the AFL, competing against older, more seasoned pitchers. The youngster ranks as the Padres' top prospect and 19th in all of baseball but isn't expected to make his debut for a couple of years yet. Nevertheless, he's a strong defender already and has all the tools to make it to the big leagues with the potential to be a star, so fantasy managers should take notice.
2 hours ago
Matt McLain Has Three-Hit, Three-RBI Day For The Desert Dogs
Cincinnati Reds infielder Matt McLain went 3-for-5 with three RBI, a run scored, and stole his first base of the Arizona Fall League on Thursday while manning second base for the Glendale Desert Dogs. The 25-year-old is getting back into the swing of things after missing all of the 2024 regular season due to injury. Through 50 AFL at-bats, McLain is hitting .240 with a pair of doubles and four home runs. When last healthy, the former first-round draft pick put up a .290-16-50-65-14 line in just 89 games in 2023 and could be an under-the-radar value in 2025 fantasy drafts, although it is unclear whether he or former Rookie of the Year Jonathan India will be playing second base for Cincinnati. If McLain were to gain OF eligibility, a position which he's played a little in the AFL, it could make him even more useful for fantasy.
2 hours ago
Jac Caglianone Homers, Collects Three RBI In AFL Action
Kansas City Royals first base prospect Jac Caglianone went 2-for-5 with a double and a home run in Thursday's Arizona Fall League (AFL) game for the Surprise Saguaros, finishing the day with three RBI and two runs scored. The 2024 sixth-overall draft pick has hit four doubles, five home runs, and has the third-most RBI (21) in the circuit, but has also struck out 19 times compared to just eight walks, leading to a .236 BA. Still, it's a solid performance for the 21-year-old who had just 126 professional plate appearances at High-A prior to the AFL campaign. Caglianone is the Royals' top prospect and is ranked 17th overall per MLB.com, but is still a couple of years away from an MLB debut. Dynasty managers will want to keep a close eye on how he performs in his sophomore season to make sure he's on track with lofty expectations.
3 hours ago
Chase DeLauter Doubles Twice In Three-Hit Day In The AFL
Cleveland Guardians outfield prospect Chase DeLauter went 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles, a walk, two RBI, and a run scored on Thursday in the final regular season game of the Arizona Fall League (AFL) for the Surprise Saguaros. The former first-round draft pick is slashing .350/.475/.511 with five doubles, a home run, and a strong 12:6 BB:K in 12 AFL games. The 23-year-old missed most of the 2024 regular season due to complications from a previous foot injury but hit well in his return and is getting some extra reps in the AFL with an 2025 MLB debut likely on the horizon. Fantasy managers should be keeping an eye on his spring performance as the left-handed hitter offers good power and a keen eye that should translate to the majors.
3 hours ago
Red Sox Sign Veteran Reliever Justin Wilson To One-Year Deal
On Thursday, the Boston Red Sox signed relief pitcher Justin Wilson to a one-year deal. The 37-year-old has a career ERA of 3.61, but he missed most of 2022 and all of 2023 after Tommy John surgery and a lat strain derailed him. The results when he returned to pitching in 2024 were not as good, recording a 5.59 ERA along with a 1.46 WHIP and 15.9% HR/FB% in 46 2/3 IP. Other stats like xFIP (3.99) and SIERA (3.41) suggest he pitched better than what his ERA indicates, and in 2025 the lefty will call Fenway Park home, not the Reds' Great American Ball Park which is known to be one of the most hitter-friendly parks in all of baseball. Nevertheless, without a closer role, the veteran is not on the fantasy radar unless you perhaps play in an AL-only league that rewards holds, of which he has 142 in his career.
4 hours ago
Yankees Sign Jordany Ventura To Minor-League Deal
The New York Yankees signed free-agent right-hander Jordany Ventura to a minor-league deal on Thursday and assigned him to Double-A Somerset to begin the 2025 season. The 24-year-old New York Mets prospect pitched for Single-A St. Lucie, High-A Brooklyn and Double-A Binghamton in 2024 in the Mets organization and held a strong 2.96 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with 55 strikeouts and 20 walks in 48 2/3 innings over 22 appearances (four starts). The Dominican hurler debuted in the minors with the Mets in 2018 and has posted a 3.98 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 231:131 K:BB in 219 1/3 innings over his 69 appearances (45 starts) over his five seasons on the farm. Ventura will now pitch for the crosstown Yankees and will hope to make it to Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes/Barre before the end of 2025.
15 hours ago
Jack O'Loughlin Signs Minors Deal With Rockies
Free-agent left-hander Jack O'Loughlin signed a minor-league deal with the Colorado Rockies on Thursday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training. The Australian native made his major-league debut in 2024 with the Athletics but only made four appearances out of the bullpen, giving up five earned runs on 13 hits (one homer) while walking five and striking out six in 9 2/3 innings pitched. The 24-year-old southpaw went 3-5 at Triple-A Las Vegas with a 6.04 ERA, 1.78 WHIP, 80 strikeouts and 34 walks in 73 innings over 32 outings (10 starts) in the minors. The Rockies can always use pitching, so O'Loughlin has a good shot to see time in the big leagues again in 2025, potentially in a swing role between the bullpen and starting rotation. However, O'Loughlin isn't on the fantasy radar and could begin the year at Triple-A Albuquerque.
15 hours ago
Jett Williams Suffers Sprained Ankle In AFL
New York Mets shortstop prospect Jett Williams (ankle) left Thursday's regular-season Arizona Fall League contest after crashing into the outfield fence and is dealing with a right-ankle sprain. Although there is no word on severe it is, team officials are optimistic it won't be a big issue for Williams the rest of the offseason. The club's No. 2 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, hit .225 (18-for-80) with two homers, nine RBI, seven steals and 15 runs scored in the AFL for Scottsdale and should be ready to go for the start of next season in the minors. The 21-year-old had right-wrist surgery in early June and played in only 33 games across three minor-league levels, ultimately reaching Triple-A Syracuse, in 2024. The 5-foot-6 infielder is currently blocked at SS by Francisco Lindor at the MLB level, but the Mets could move him to the outfield in order to make his big-league debut late next season.
15 hours ago
Angels Designate Matt Thaiss For Assignment
Los Angles Angels catcher Matt Thaiss was designated for assignment after the club added veteran catcher Travis d'Arnaud on a one-year deal in free agency earlier this week. If Thaiss isn't picked up off waivers by another club, he'll have the option of returning to the Angels or choosing free agency. The 29-year-old was the 16th overall pick in 2016 out of the University of Virginia, but he never lived up to his draft stock. Thaiss hit only .204/.323/.299 with two home runs, 16 RBI and three stolen bases in 57 games played in 2024 while serving in a backup role behind Logan O'Hoppe. In his six seasons with the Halos, O'Hoppe had a .208/.313/.342 slash line with a weak .655 OPS, 22 homers, 79 RBI and six stolen bases. He'll likely latch on with another team, potentially on a minor-league deal, but Thaiss' ceiling these days is probably as a second-string catcher.
16 hours ago
Scott Kingery Agrees To One-Year Deal With Angels
Infielder Scott Kingery agreed to an undisclosed one-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday, avoiding salary arbitration, according to a source. Kingery was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies on Nov. 1 and will head to spring training in February with the Angels hoping to win an Opening Day roster spot as infield depth with Zach Neto (shoulder) questionable to be ready for the start of the year after undergoing shoulder surgery. The 30-year-old former second-round pick of the Phillies in 2015 out of the University of Arizona will be a long shot to return any fantasy value in 2025, especially with the Angels. He didn't play at all in the big leagues in 2024 and was active for only 16 combined games in Philly in 2021 and 2022.
16 hours ago
Alexander Albertus Undergoes Surgery On His Tibia
The Chicago White Sox announced that infield prospect Alexander Albertus (leg) recently had surgery to reset a fracture in his left tibia. It was announced back in late July that Albertus wouldn't play again after suffering a stress reaction in his left tibia. The injury wasn't considered all that serious, though, and the White Sox are still expecting him to be ready for spring training in February. The 20-year-was acquired in a three-team trade earlier this year that involved the Dodgers and Cardinals. MLB Pipeline has Albertus listed as Chicago's No. 14 prospect. In 51 games with the Dodgers in the Arizona Complex League and at Single-A Rancho Cucamonga before his injury, Albertus hit .298/.420/.409 with an .828 OPS, three homers, 42 RBI and six steals. Because of his injury setback this year, Albertus is unlikely to make his MBL debut in Chicago until 2027.
23 hours ago
Yohel Pozo Signs Minor-League Deal With Braves
The Atlanta Braves signed free-agent catcher Yohel Pozo to a minor-league deal on Wednesday. Pozo will give the Braves additional catching depth entering the 2025 season after they saw Travis d'Arnaud leave for the Los Angeles Angels in free agency earlier this week. Pozo made his major-league debut back in 2021 with the Texas Rangers and hasn't resurfaced in the Show since. In his 21 games played in the big leagues, he's gone 21-for-74 (.284) with a homer, nine RBI and eight runs scored. The 27-year-old Venezuelan backstop has been swinging a hot bat in the minor leagues ever since, including a .324/.335/.538 slash line with an .873 OPS, 15 home runs and 54 RBI at Las Vegas, the Triple-A affiliate for the A's, in 2024. Sean Murphy will be Atlanta's primary catcher in 2025 with Chadwick Tromp likely backing him up.
Yesterday
Braves Add Charles Leblanc On Minor-League Deal
The Atlanta Braves signed free-agent third baseman Charles Leblanc to a minor-league deal on Wednesday. Leblanc will give the Braves additional infield depth entering spring training in February. The 28-year-old Canadian infielder has experience at second base, third base and first base. The former fourth-round selection by the Texas Rangers in 2016 out of the University of Pittsburgh made his major-league debut in 2022 with the Miami Marlins and also saw action in 11 games with the Los Angeles Angels this past season. In his 59 career games at the MLB level, he has hit .254/.330/.412 with a .742 OPS, six home runs, 17 RBI, four stolen bases and 24 runs scored in 197 trips to the plate. Leblanc hit .254 (86-for-339) with 12 long balls, 52 RBI, four steals and 56 runs scored in 98 games with Triple-A Salt Lake in 2024.
Yesterday
Justin Wilson Agrees With Red Sox
Free-agent left-handed reliever Justin Wilson agreed to an undisclosed deal one-year deal with the Boston Red Sox on Thursday, according to sources familiar with the deal. Wilson missed all of 2023 while recovering from Tommy John surgery and returned this past season to make 60 relief appearances for the Cincinnati Reds, posting a career-worst 5.59 ERA (4.73 FIP), two saves, a 1.46 WHIP, 51 strikeouts and 13 walks in 46 2/3 innings pitched. The 37-year-old veteran southpaw will be hoping for better results in 2025 with Boston as another left-handed option out of the bullpen for the BoSox alongside Brennan Bernardino. In Wilson's last full season with the Reds and New York Yankees, he held a 5.29 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 34 relief innings. He will not be on the fantasy radar at all next spring.
Yesterday
Kevin Newman Reaches One-Year Deal With Angels
The Los Angeles Angels stayed busy early this offseason and agreed to an undisclosed one-year deal with free-agent infielder Kevin Newman on Thursday. The deal includes a club option for the 2026 season. Zach Neto is the Angels' starting shortstop, but Newman will provide insurance for the team at the position for the start of next season after Neto underwent offseason shoulder surgery. The 31-year-old veteran won't have much fantasy appeal outside of AL-only leagues, though, even if he's the team's starter at the 6 on Opening Day. In 111 games with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2024, Newman hit .278/.311/.375 with a below-average .686 OPS, only three home runs, 28 RBI, eight stolen bases and 41 runs scored in 311 plate appearances. He has only had double-digit home runs once in his seven MLB seasons, and that came way back in 2019 with the Pirates in his second year in the league.
Yesterday
Adam Oller Heading To Korea
Free-agent pitcher Adam Oller has signed a deal with the KIA Tigers of the Korea Baseball Organization. The details on the contract are unknown, but Oller figures to move straight into the starting rotation for next season. The right-hander has struggled with a 6.54 ERA across 36 games (23 starts) between the Oakland Athletics and Miami Marlins in three MLB seasons. He most recently pitched with the Marlins, but was crushed to the tune of a 5.31 ERA in eight starts. The 30-year-old will get a chance to rebuild his value in Korea.
Yesterday
Yoan Moncada Getting Interest From Multiple Teams
Free-agent infielder Yoan Moncada is reportedly drawing interest from around the league. The former top prospect is a free agent after the Chicago White Sox declined his $25 million option for next season. The oft-injured infielder has been decent with the bat, but Moncada has struggled to stay on the field. Last season, Moncada only managed to play in 12 games with the White Sox. Despite that, Moncada is reportedly drawing interest from the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Seattle Mariners. The 29-year-old is able to play both second and third base, which is always nice to have. He'll likely need to take a short prove-it type of deal after struggling to stay on the field over the last few seasons.
Yesterday
Twins Re-Sign Daniel Duarte
The Minnesota Twins have re-signed right-handed reliever Daniel Duarte (elbow) to a minor-league deal. The Twins re-signed the 27-year-old reliever after removing him from the 40-man roster this offseason. Duarte is currently recovering from revision surgery on his right UCL and is expected to miss most, if not all of the 2025 season. The Mexican hurler only threw four innings of relief in 2024 with Minnesota before being shut down with his elbow injury, and he allowed one earned run while walking one and striking out three. Duarte made his major-league debut in 2022 with the Cincinnati Reds and had a 4.19 ERA (6.16 FIP), a 1.46 WHIP and a 25:23 K:BB in 34 1/3 relief innings in his two seasons with the club. Obviously, Duarte isn't anywhere near the fantasy radar heading into next year.
2 days ago
Astros Add Steven Okert On Minor-League Deal
The Houston Astros have signed free-agent left-hander Steven Okert to a minor-league deal. Okert wasn't very good in 2024 with the Minnesota Twins, but he'll get another opportunity in spring training in 2025 with the Astros. In his 44 appearances (one start) over 35 1/3 innings with the Twins this past season, Okert posted a bloated 5.09 ERA (5.12 FIP), a career-worst 1.50 WHIP, 33 strikeouts and 16 walks while going 3-2. The 33-year-old southpaw will most likely open the campaign at Triple-A Sugar Land but should eventually see some time in the big leagues in Houston. He was originally drafted in the fourth round in 2012 out of Oklahoma by the San Francisco Giants. Okert has a career 4.34 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with only one save, which came last year with the Twins. He's not at all on the fantasy radar heading into 2025.
2 days ago
Moises Ballesteros
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Cubs
