MLB News
Christian Roa Outrighted To Triple-A
The Miami Marlins outrighted right-hander Christian Roa to Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday. Roa is now off the team's 40-man roster this offseason. Roa spent the 2024 season in the minors with the Cincinnati Reds but was claimed off waivers on Nov. 1. The 25-year-old went 4-5 with a 5.55 ERA, 1.75 WHIP, 47 strikeouts and 30 walks in 48 2/3 innings pitched over 23 appearances (four starts) at Triple-A Louisville. He ended the 2024 campaign on the shelf due to a sprained right shoulder. The former second-round selection by the Reds in 2020 out of Texas A&M has yet to reach the big leagues and will most likely start the 2025 campaign with Jacksonville if he makes it through spring training with the club. In his four minor-league seasons, Roa has posted a 4.46 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and a 386:202 K:BB in 318 2/3 innings over 86 appearances (62 starts).
4 hours ago
Diamondbacks Sign Connor Kaiser, Aramis Garcia To Minors Deals
The Arizona Diamondbacks signed infielder Connor Kaiser and catcher Aramis Garcia to minor-league deals on Friday that include invitations to major-league spring training next year. Kaiser spent all of last season at Triple-A Albuquerque in the Colorado Rockies' system, slashing a weak .222/.343/.339 with a .682 OPS, six home runs, 28 RBI and five stolen bases in 90 games. He made his major-league debut with the Rockies in 2023 but played in only three games and was hitless in his four trips to the plate. Garcia hit just .159/.216/.279 with eight home runs, 25 RBI and six steals in 76 games with Triple-A Lehigh Valley in the Philadelphia Phillies' organization. The 31-year-old backstop has more big-league experience than Kaiser, as he's played in 119 games over five seasons with four different teams. Both Kaiser and Garcia are likely to start at Triple-A Reno in 2025.
4 hours ago
Joe Jacques Signs Minor-League Deal With Dodgers
Free-agent left-handed reliever Joe Jacques signed a minor-league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday that includes an invitation to big-league spring training. Jacques pitches in 25 games in the majors with the Boston Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks the last two years, posting a bloated 5.46 ERA (4.90 FIP), a 1.65 WHIP, one save, 22 strikeouts and 11 walks in only 29 2/3 innings pitched over 25 appearances (one start). This past season with Boston and Arizona, he finished with a 9.00 ERA and 2.33 WHIP in just three innings out of the bullpen. He wasn't much better in three minor-league stops between both teams in 2024, sporting a 5.48 ERA and 1.59 WHIP with 41 strikeouts and 21 walks in 42 2/3 frames over 40 outings (one start). The 29-year-old southpaw is likely to start at Triple-A Oklahoma City in 2024 as left-handed relief depth for the World Series champions.
4 hours ago
Brewers Sign Ray Delgado, Jimmy Herron
The Milwaukee Brewers signed infielder Ray Delgado and outfielder Jimmy Herron to minor-league deals on Friday that include non-roster invites to major-league spring training. Delgado had a strong season in 2024 in the Cleveland Guardians organization, slashing .275/.365/.426 with a career-high nine home runs, 44 RBI, 22 steals and 41 runs scored in 93 games for Triple-A Columbus. Herron was no slouch with the Colorado Rockies at Triple-A Albuquerque, slashing .280/.357/.453 with an .810 OPS, 14 home runs, 68 RBI, 16 stolen bases and 60 runs scored in 95 games with the Isotopes. Delgado will give the Brew Crew some extra infield depth going into next year all over the infield, while Herron has the ability to play all three outfield positions.
20 hours ago
Brusdar Graterol Undergoes Shoulder Surgery
Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed reliever Brusdar Graterol (shoulder) underwent right-shoulder surgery on his labrum on Thursday and was operated on by Dr. Neal ElAttrache. Graterol is expected to return to the mound in the second half of the 2025 season as a result. The 26-year-old made a return in the postseason to help the Dodgers win the World Series in October, but he missed the vast majority of the 2024 regular season due to right-shoulder issues. The Venezuelan reliever allowed two earned runs while walking two and striking out seven in 7 1/3 innings of work in just seven appearances in his sixth year in the big leagues. He had his best season in 2023, posting a 1.20 ERA with a career-high seven saves in 67 1/3 frames. Graterol will be off the fantasy radar next spring and won't return to LA until after the All-Star break.
20 hours ago
Orioles Hope To Have Kyle Bradish, Tyler Wells Around Midseason
Baltimore Orioles general manager Mike Elias said the team is expecting both right-handers Kyle Bradish (elbow) and Tyler Wells (elbow) to be ready to return around midseason in 2025. When Bradish underwent Tommy John surgery in mid-June with an internal brace, he was given a 12- to 18-month recovery timetable. The 28-year-old has yet to resume throwing, so it's almost a certainty that he won't make his 2025 debut until after the All-Star break. Wells also had season-ending surgery in mid-June due to UCL revision surgery while also receiving an internal brace. Bradish is the more established starter in Baltimore, while Wells' role is to be determined whenever he's ready to return. Bradish broke out to the tune of a 2.83 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in 30 starts in 2023 and had a 2.75 ERA after eight starts this past season before injuring his elbow.
21 hours ago
Jorge Mateo May Not Be Ready For Spring Training
Baltimore Orioles general manager Mike Elias said that infielder Jorge Mateo (elbow) might not be fully ready for the start of spring training in mid-February but should be ready to play close to a 162-game season in 2025. Mateo had UCL reconstructive surgery on his left (non-throwing) elbow last year, causing him to be shut down for the remainder of the season. It sounds like the 29-year-old Dominican should have close to a full season next year, although his fantasy appeal will be limited in a utility infield role in Baltimore. Speed is the biggest attraction with Mateo, as he had 30-plus stolen bases in both 2022 and 2023. He was able to play in only 68 games in 2024 in his third full season with the team, finishing with a .229/.267/.401 slash line, below-average .668 OPS, five home runs, 18 RBI, 13 stolen bases and 30 runs scored in 208 plate appearances.
21 hours ago
Orioles Optimistic Grayson Rodriguez Will Have A Full Spring Training
Baltimore Orioles general manager Mike Elias is optimistic that right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (lat) will have a normal, full spring training in 2025. Rodriguez's 2024 campaign ended early due to a right-lat issue, but it's no longer a concern. Specifically, the 24-year-old starter missed the final two months of the regular season for the O's, but he resumed throwing off a mound in September and should be full-go for spring training, barring a setback this winter. The former 11th overall pick in 2018 improved in his second big-league season, going 13-4 with a 3.86 ERA (3.66 FIP), a 1.24 WHIP, a career-high 130 strikeouts and only 36 walks in 116 2/3 innings over his 20 starts before injuring his lat. The rising young pitcher should once again be a coveted early-round target as a high-end fantasy starting pitcher now that he shouldn't have any injury question marks going into 2025.
21 hours ago
Dodgers Outright Connor Brogdon To Triple-A
The Los Angeles Dodgers outrighted right-hander Connor Brogdon to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday. Brogdon is now off the team's 40-man roster this offseason after missing most of this past season due to a foot injury. He made four relief appearances with the Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies in the big leagues in 2024, surrendering nine runs (eight earned) while walking six and striking out three in three innings out of the bullpen. The 29-year-old former 10th-round selection by the Phillies in 2017 out of Lewis-Clark State College has a career 3.97 ERA (4.47 FIP), a 1.26 WHIP, three saves and a 146:53 K:BB in 145 innings over 143 appearances (two starts) in his five major-league seasons since debuting with Philadelphia back in the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign.
Yesterday
Cole Irvin Heading To Korea
Free-agent left-hander Cole Irvin is signing with the Doosan Bears of the Korean Baseball Organization on a $1 million deal. The 30-year-old southpaw will head overseas for the 2025 season after going 6-6 with a 5.11 ERA (4.82 FIP) and a 1.45 WHIP with 78 strikeouts and 29 walks in 111 innings over 29 appearances (16 starts) with both the Baltimore Orioles and Minnesota Twins in 2024. He also recorded his second career save. The former fifth-round pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2016 out of Oregon has pitched six seasons in the big leagues with the Phillies, Orioles, Twins and Athletics. In his 593 major-league innings, Irvin has a 4.54 ERA (4.45 FIP), a 1.31 WHIP, two saves and a 434:142 K:BB in 134 outings (93 starts). If he pitches well in Korea, he could be looking to return to the States again in 2026.
Yesterday
Red Sox Have Productive Meeting With Juan Soto
The Boston Red Sox had a "productive" first meeting with free-agent outfielder Juan Soto in southern California on Thursday night, according to a source with knowledge of the sit-down meeting. Team president Sam Kennedy, chairman Tom Werner, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and manager Alex Cora were all in attendance for a meeting that lasted roughly three hours. Soto was said to be impressed by the presentation in which Boston laid out their plans for the future. The Red Sox didn't discuss money or terms with Soto and did not make a formal offer at this early stage of Soto's free-agent process. The 26-year-old superstar could be seeking a deal for longer than 10 years and with a total value potentially exceeding $500 million. He's expected to remain in California through early next week for additional meetings with the Yankees, Blue Jays and Mets, among others, interested in his services.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
Christian Roa
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Marlins
