MLB News
Andrew Painter Earns AFL Pitcher Of The Year Honors
Philadelphia Phillies pitching prospect Andrew Painter won Pitcher of the Year honors for his performance during the Arizona Fall League. The 21-year-old threw 15 2/3 innings (six starts) during the fall campaign, posting a 2.30 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and a 4:18 BB:K. He was one of the top pitching prospects when he was drafted 13th overall in 2021, but elbow problems and eventually Tommy John surgery caused him to miss significant time, having last pitched in 2022 prior to the fall season. It certainly looks like he's back to full health and could be a solid fantasy contributor in the not-too-distant future. Per MLB.com's top prospect list, the tall righty is expected to make his MLB debut in 2025.
2 hours ago
Phillies Sign Nicholas Padilla To Minor-League Deal
The Philadelphia Phillies have signed pitcher Nicholas Padilla to a minor league contract. The 27-year-old was selected in the 13th round of the 2015 draft and made his big league debut in 2022. In 2024, the righty spent his time in the Chicago White Sox organization, pitching 30 2/3 innings at Triple-A with a 3.23 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. While his strikeout stuff is good, recording a 29.4% K% last season, he struggled with command, walking batters at a 12.7% rate. In four major league appearances totaling six-and-a-third innings, he's allowed four earned runs on 11 hits and a 3:7 BB:K. Padilla will provide bullpen depth, although he'll probably start 2025 at Triple-A. For now, the hurler is off the fantasy radar.
3 hours ago
Jac Caglianone With Three-Hit Game In AFL Championship
Kansas City Royals first base prospect Jac Caglianone made a good final impression in the Arizona Fall League, going 3-for-4 with a walk and a run scored in the AFL championship game, although his team -- the Surprise Saguaros -- came up short on the losing end of a 3-2 final score. All in all, it was a solid showing for the 21-year-old, posting a final line of .236-5-21-14-2 in 21 AFL regular season games. The 2024 first-round draft pick played 29 games at High-A this year and could start next season at Double-A. Assuming he lives up to his draft-day profile, there's a good chance we'll see him in the big leagues by 2026.
4 hours ago
Josue Briceno Wins AFL MVP After Triple-Crown Campaign
Detroit Tigers catching prospect Josue Briceno took home the Arizona Fall League's Joe Black MVP Award after he led the circuit in all three Triple Crown categories: batting average (.433), on-base percentage (.509), and HR (10). But it wasn't just those stats, the 20-year-old also led in hits (39), RBI (27), and OPS (1.376). The Venezuelan missed more than three months with a PCL sprain in his right knee which forced the backstop to work as a first baseman and designated hitter in the AFL. It's unclear which level of the minors he will start at next season after playing at Single-A in his limited action in 2024, but this type of performance could propel him to the bigs sooner than expected, although that is still likely a couple of years away.
5 hours ago
Nick Martinez Signs Qualifying Offer With Reds
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Martinez accepted the team's qualifying offer of $21.05 million, returning to the team for a second season. Martinez made a handful of starts in the first month of the season in 2024, but worked almost exclusively out of the bullpen until August when he returned to the rotation. The 34-year-old had stronger numbers overall in 53 1/3 IP as a reliever (1.86 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, 19.6 K-BB%) than in 89 IP as a starter (3.84 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 15.8% K-BB%), however, as a starter in September the righty went 4-1 with a 0.83 ERA, 0.67 WHIP, and a 21.8% K-BB% which led to being named MLB's N.L. Pitcher of the Month. Fantasy managers should take note in the spring as to whether or not the Reds plan to use him as a starter again as he could be a potential late-round value if he were able to take that momentum into 2025.
5 hours ago
Luis Severino Likely To Decline Qualifying Offer From Mets
Free-agent starting pitcher Luis Severino is expected to decline the qualifying offer that the New York Mets extended to him. The qualifying offer was for one year, however, Severino is seeking a multi-year deal, looking to capitalize on the relative success of his 2024 campaign. The 30-year-old made 31 starts and pitched 182 innings, both of which were the most since 2018, posting a 3.91 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. The former 2x All-Star has until Tuesday to accept the offer, but if he does not and another team signs him, then the Mets would get draft pick compensation.
6 hours ago
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).
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
2 days 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.
2 days ago
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.
2 days ago
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.
2 days ago
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 days 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 days 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 days ago
Andrew Painter
• SP
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Phillies
