MLB News
Luis Patino Headed To Free Agency
The San Diego Padres have non-tendered right-handed pitcher Luis Patino, according to the team. Patino underwent Tommy John surgery last April, which will sideline him for likely the entire first half of the 2025 campaign. In 2023, Patino logged 21 2/3 innings to the tune of a 4.57 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP. Patino has bounced between both the rotation and bullpen throughout his major league career. He logged a career-high in innings (77 1/3) during the 2021 season and held a 4.31 and a 1.27 WHIP during this campaign. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should monitor Patino's progression while he recovers from Tommy John, as he could have a path to operating as a starting pitcher during the second half of the 2025 campaign with his new club.
9 hours ago
Bryce Johnson, Mason McCoy Non-Tendered By San Diego
The San Diego Padres have non-tendered outfielder Bryce Johnson and shortstop Mason McCoy, according to the team. Johnson appeared in 47 games at the major league level last season and posted a .206/.286/.238 line and hit just two extra-base hits. With Triple-A El Paso, Johnson carried a solid .288/.407/.431 line across 74 games. McCoy appeared in only 19 games in the big leagues in 2024 and posted a .204/.278/.245 line. In Triple-A, McCoy held a .260/.329/.382 slash line. While both players have shown potential at the top level of the minors before, they have yet to earn a consistent opportunity in the major leagues. Fantasy managers should expect both players to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster during Spring Training with their new club.
9 hours ago
Keegan Thompson Staying In Chicago
According to Maddie Lee of the Sun Times, right-hander Keegan Thompson and the Chicago Cubs have agreed on a contract to avoid salary arbitration. Thompson battled injuries in 2024 but flashed solid potential when he was on the major-league mound. Across 30 1/3 innings on the Northside, the right-hander posted a strong 2.67 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP with two saves. Thompson generated an excellent 28.3% strikeout rate but struggled with control as he held a rough 14.2% walk rate. With Triple-A Iowa, Thompson posted a 2.96 ERA and a 0.91 ERA in 27 1/3 innings of work. Fantasy managers should monitor Thompson's development during spring training, as he could eventually become a candidate to operate as a high-leverage option given the upside he has flashed at times.
9 hours ago
Richard Lovelady Non-Tendered By Tampa Bay
The Tampa Bay Rays have non-tendered left-handed pitcher Richard Lovelady's contract, according to the team. Lovelady opened the 2024 campaign with the Chicago Cubs and eventually moved over to Tampa Bay. Across 34 1/3 cumulative innings in the big leagues, the southpaw held a 4.46 ERA and 1.31 WHIP. He carried a weak 17.7% K rate and a 46.3% hard-hit rate. However, he did generate a strong 51.9% ground ball rate which was significantly above the average marks. Through 22 innings in Triple-A, Lovelady posted a 4.09 ERA and 1.32 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Lovelady to continue to operate as a middle relief option out of the bullpen in 2025 if he can find a potential suitor.
9 hours ago
Erik Swanson Inks Extension With Toronto
Relief pitcher Erik Swanson and the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed on a one-year contract to avoid arbitration, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. Swanson struggled last season as he posted a rough 5.03 ERA and 1.27 WHIP across 39 1/3 frames. In 2023, Swanson was one of the top options in the Toronto bullpen, and carried a strong 2.97 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. This past summer, Swanson saw his hard-hit rate jump up ten points and barrel rate double compared to his 2023 production. In addition, he saw his K rate drop by six points. Even though he struggled in 2024, fantasy managers in holds leagues should consider targeting Swanson late in drafts this offseason, as he will likely return to his typical eighth-inning role.
9 hours ago
Adbert Alzolay Non-Tendered By Chicago
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Chicago Cubs have non-tendered relief pitcher Adbert Alzolay, which will send him to free agency. Alzolay opened the 2024 season as the Cubs closer but struggled as he posted a 4.67 ERA and 1.44 WHIP and tallied only four saves while blowing five opportunities. He was then optioned to Triple-A Iowa and eventually had to undergo Tommy John surgery. His recovery process will keep him sidelined through all of the 2025 campaign. As a result, fantasy managers in keeper and dynasty formats do not need to hold the 29-year-old on their roster, as he is at least an entire season away from returning to the mound. In addition, given his unstable production as a closer, he may only find a middle-relief role with a potential suitor in 2026.
19 hours ago
Jose Ruiz Staying In Philadelphia
Right-handed pitcher Jose Ruiz and the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a one-year contract to avoid arbitration. Ruiz spent the past season operating out of the bullpen and held a 3.71 ERA and 1.33 WHIP, with a 17:52 BB:K ratio in 51 innings of work. He also tallied one save. Under the hood, the 30-year-old generated a 27.6% whiff rate and 24.0% K rate, which were both slightly above average. However, he struggled to limit hard contact at a 42.2% rate. Fantasy managers in holds leagues should monitor where Ruiz is deployed in 2025 as he could eventually earn a permanent role as a high-leverage option. However, given his lack of experience as a closer, he should not be projected to see any save situations early on.
19 hours ago
Garrett Stubbs Inks One-Year Deal With Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Phillies and catcher Garrett Stubbs have agreed to a one-year contract to avoid arbitration. Stubbs has operated as the No. 2 catcher in Philadelphia over the past three seasons and will likely remain in that role in 2025. During this span, Stubbs posted a .222/.305/.324 line with seven home runs, 39 RBI, and nine stolen bases. Last summer, Stubbs struggled in the batter's box as he held an underwhelming .192 xBA, 9.6% hard-hit rate, and 26.7% K rate. Given this extension, fantasy managers should expect J.T. Realmuto to continue to operate as the workhorse behind the dish and see the vast majority of starts. Stubbs is best left for a high-risk play in favorable matchups in DFS formats in 2025.
19 hours ago
Eli Morgan Reaches Agreement With Cubs
The Chicago Cubs and relief pitcher Eli Morgan have reached a contract agreement to avoid arbitration. Morgan was acquired by the Cubs on Wednesday from the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for outfield prospect Alfonsin Rosario. Last summer in Cleveland, Morgan posted a stellar 1.93 ERA and 0.98 WHIP across 42 innings. Morgan was typically deployed as middle relief but did see several opportunities in the seventh inning in high-leverage relief. Under the hood, the right-hander boated a stellar 2.51 xERA, .200 xBA, 2.5% barrel rate, and 28.1% hard-hit rate, which were all significantly above the average marks. In addition, he showed strong command with a 6.6% walk rate. Fantasy managers should expect Morgan to have a high-leverage role with the upside to earn save opportunities in 2025.
19 hours ago
Atlanta Declines To Tender Huascar Ynoa
The Atlanta Braves are declining to tender right-handed pitcher Huascar Ynoa's contract, which will make him a free agent. The 26-year-old pitcher has spent most of the past two seasons on the injured list as he logged just 29 2/3 during this span and has not returned to the big leagues since the 2022 campaign. Across 122 1/3 innings in Atlanta, Ynoa sometimes showed high-strikeout potential but struggled with an overall 5.22 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. Through 185 innings with Triple-A Gwinnett, Ynoa carried a similar 5.55 ERA and 1.48 WHIP while striking out 199 batters in 185 frames. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should monitor Ynoa's status during the offseason, as he could find a potential suitor willing to take a chance on him, given the swing-and-miss upside he has shown.
19 hours ago
Ramon Laureano Headed To Free Agency
The Atlanta Braves have declined to tender Ramon Laureano's contract, which will make him a free agent. The Braves signed the veteran outfielder to their roster in late May after the Cleveland Guardians released him. Through 67 games in Atlanta, Laureano posted a solid .296/.327/.505 line with 13 doubles, ten home runs, 29 RBI, and five stolen bases. Earlier in the summer with Cleveland, Laureano held a mere .143/.265/.229 line in a 31-game stint. Under the hood, he generated a strong 12.6% barrel rate and an above-average 40.8% hard-hit rate. Given his strong play towards the end of the season, the 30-year-old will likely find a suitor and could be worth a look in deep 5-outfielder leagues if he has a full-time role out of Spring Training.
19 hours ago
Josh Sborz Remaining In Texas
The Texas Rangers and relief pitcher Josh Sborz agreed on a one-year contract to avoid arbitration, according to the team. The 30-year-old battled numerous injuries this past summer and logged only 16 1/3 innings of work. The right-hander had a 3.86 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP during this limited sample size. The relief pitcher is set to miss some time during the start of the 2025 campaign as he is still recovering from his shoulder operation. Sborz was a crucial member of their World Series run in 2023, as he posted a near-perfect 0.75 ERA and a 0.67 WHIP in 12 frames of work. Fantasy managers should expect Sborz to return to his typical high-leverage role in the Texas bullpen in 2025, and he could be a viable option for holds if he can return to form following his recovery.
Yesterday
Sean Reid-Foley Inks Extension With New York
According to SNY, relief pitcher Sean Reid-Foley and the New York Mets have agreed on a one-year deal to avoid arbitration. The 29-year-old logged only 21 2/3 innings in Queens last season as he battled numerous injuries all summer. During this small stint, he posted a strong 1.66 ERA and 1.25 WHIP with a stellar 27.8% K rate. In addition, he boasted a 62.7% ground ball rate and a 1.98 xBA. This past summer, Reid-Foley typically pitched in the seventh and eighth innings, and fantasy managers should expect him to return to that similar role in 2025. With Edwin Diaz expected to see the vast majority of save opportunities, fantasy managers in holds leagues should still consider drafting Reid-Foley as he could become the bona fide set-up man on a competing Mets team.
Yesterday
Brennen Davis Headed To Free Agency
According to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Cubs outfield prospect Brennen Davis will head to free agency as the club did not tender his contract. Davis was originally drafted by the Cubs in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft. After being considered one of the club's top prospects for several seasons, Davis battled numerous injuries and could never find his footing. This past summer, Davis logged only 47 starts with Triple-A before suffering a back fracture. The 25-year-old has flashed upside at times as he posted a strong .252/.367/.474 line at the Double-A level. Fantasy managers in dynasty formats should continue to monitor where Davis signs the offseason, as he could be worth a speculative flier if he can find stable playing time in Triple-A.
Yesterday
Mike Tauchman Non-Tendered By Chicago
According to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Cubs have non-tendered outfielder Mike Tauchman, which will send him to free agency. Tauchman spent the past two seasons operating on the Northside and held a .250/.360/.372 line across his time there. This past summer, the 33-year-old carried a .248 AVG with seven long balls and six stolen bases. Under the hood, he held a stellar 13.4% walk rate and slightly above average .330 xwOBA. Fantasy managers should expect the veteran to find a new home, serving as a fourth outfielder, and have a chance to see starting opportunities in center field. With his departure, fantasy managers should closely monitor the team's No. 2 prospect, Owen Caissie, during Spring Training, as he could have a clear path to a full-time role in 2025.
Yesterday
Tyler Alexander, Colin Poche Non-Tendered By Tampa Bay
According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the Tampa Bay Rays have non-tendered relief pitchers Tyler Alexander and Colin Poche. Alexander operated as both a starter and a reliever last summer and held a 5.10 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP across 107 2/3 innings of work. Under the hood, he carried a poor 4.68 xERA and 32.1% ground ball rate. Poche operated as a high-leverage option out of the bullpen over the past few seasons in Tampa Bay. Last summer, he took a slight step back as he posted a 3.68 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP compared to his stellar 2.23 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP he held in 2023. Fantasy managers should expect Poche to find a new club and continue to operate as a high-leverage option and could eventually mix in for save opportunities depending on his new situation. Alexander will likely find a new home in another bullpen but could see occasional starts.
Yesterday
Patrick Sandoval Headed To Free Agency
The Los Angeles Angels have declined to tender Patrick Sandoval's contract, which will send him to free agency. The 28-year-old has spent his entire six-year MLB career with the Angels and held a cumulative 4.01 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, and a 236:529 BB:K ratio through 536 innings of work. Last summer, the southpaw posted a hefty 5.08 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP through 81 frames. Under the hood, he held a strong 51.% barrel rate and an above-average 36.3% hard-hit rate. However, he struggled to command his pitches as he had a 9.9% walk rate, which was well below the average mark. This past June, Sandoval underwent an internal brace procedure, which will likely sideline him through most of the 2025 campaigns. As a result, fantasy managers should not expect him to carry any fantasy value next summer as he searches for a new club.
Yesterday
Giovanny Gallegos Signing Minors Deal With Dodgers
Former St. Louis Cardinals closer Giovanny Gallegos is signing a minor-league deal with a spring training invite with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday, according to a source. Gallegos hit the free-agent market mid-season after being designated for assignment by the Cardinals before latching on with the Minnesota Twins in early August. The 33-year-old right-handed reliever didn't reach the majors with Minnesota late in the year, though, and finished the 2024 campaign with a career-worst 6.53 ERA (6.36 FIP) while picking up one save with a 1.64 WHIP and 21:10 K:BB in just 20 2/3 innings out of the bullpen in St. Louis. The Mexican pitcher will look to bounce back with the World Series champions. Gallegos has 45 career saves in eight big-league seasons with a decent 3.49 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 29.6% strikeout rate, so he could work his way into a setup role for LA if he can rediscover his form.
Yesterday
Red Sox Re-Sign Bryan Mata To Minor-League Deal
The Boston Red Sox re-signed right-hander Bryan Mata (elbow, lat) to a minor-league deal on Friday, according to a source. Mata was designated for assignment earlier in the week and then non-tendered on Friday, but they quickly reached an agreement to bring him back. The 25-year-old Venezuelan hurler only appeared in 11 games (seven starts) in four different minor-league stops in 2024 due to his elbow and lat injuries. In 22 2/3 innings pitched, Mata had a 4.37 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 20 strikeouts and nine walks in the Florida Complex League and at High-A Greenville, Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester. Mata will now look to put his injuries behind him while competing for a big-league roster spot in spring training in 2025. Most likely, he'll start at Worcester to begin the regular season.
Yesterday
Yankees Non-Tender Jon Berti, Tim Mayza
The New York Yankees non-tendered infielder Jon Berti and left-hander Tim Mayza on Friday, making them both free agents. Berti, 34, stole a league-high 41 bases just two years ago in 2022 with the Miami Marlins, but he was limited to 25 games at the big-league level in 2024 in his first year in the Bronx. In his 74 plate appearances, he hit .273 (18-for-66) with a homer, six RBI and five steals. Berti's speed, on-base abilities and defensive versatility should land him a job somewhere on the open market as a utility man in 2025. Mayza, 32, had a rough start to the year with the Toronto Blue Jays with an ERA over 8.00 in 35 relief appearances, but he was better (4.00 ERA) in 18 relief innings for New York in the second half of the season. He was a successful high-leverage arm for Toronto several years ago and will be looking to bounce back somewhere else in 2025.
Yesterday
