MLB News
Diamondbacks Shopping Jordan Montgomery, Others
USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale reports that the Arizona Diamondbacks are shopping left-handed starter Jordan Montgomery and are also listening to offers on outfielders Jake McCarthy and Alek Thomas this offseason. It was a rough season for Montgomery in 2024 after not making his debut with the Snakes until April 19 due to injury. Coming off a World Series title with the Texas Rangers the previous fall, the 31-year-old southpaw finished with an 8-7 record, bloated 6.23 ERA (4.48 FIP), 1.65 WHIP, 83 strikeouts and 44 walks in 117 innings over his 25 appearances (21 starts). Montgomery exercised his $22.5 million player option to stick around in the desert in 2025, but the D-backs are looking for ways to get out of that. McCarthy, meanwhile, hit a career-best .285 with eight homers, a career-high 56 RBI and 25 steals in a career-high 142 games in his fourth MLB season.
2 hours ago
Brewers Plan To Hang Onto Devin Williams For Now
The Milwaukee Brewers plan to keep closer Devin Williams until at least the All-Star break in the summer of 2025 before re-evaluating whether to keep him or trade him. The Brewers declined Williams' $10 million club option for next season but remains with Milwaukee as he heads into his final year of arbitration eligibility. A back injury kept the 30-year-old right-handed reliever out for the entire first half of 2024, but when he returned in late July, he was one of the best ninth-inning men in the league. Williams had a 1.25 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 14 saves, 38 strikeouts and 11 walks in 21 2/3 innings pitched during the regular season. As long as he stays with the Brew Crew, he should be considered an elite closing option for fantasy managers. Whether Milwaukee trades him next summer will depend on where they stand record-wise and Williams' trade market.
2 hours ago
Blue Jays Could Make Aggressive Play For Anthony Santander
USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale reports that the Toronto Blue Jays badly covet free-agent outfielder Anthony Santander and could overpay to get him. Toronto has been the American League's most underachieving team in recent years and haven't won a playoff game since 2016. They are heading into a critical 2025 season with president Mark Shapiro in the final year of his contract and with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette in their final seasons before reaching free agency. They would have to dramatically outbid the New York Mets for outfielder Juan Soto, and the same can probably be said for free-agent pitchers Corbin Burnes and Max Fried. Santander, who had a career year in 2024 with the Baltimore Orioles with 44 long balls and 102 RBI, would remain highly coveted in fantasy with a move to Toronto to stay in the AL East.
2 hours ago
Phillies, White Sox Have Discussed Alec Bohm, Garrett Crochet
The Philadelphia Phillies have spoken about third baseman Alec Bohm and outfield prospect Justin Crawford in extensive trade talks with the Chicago White Sox for left-handed starter Garrett Crochet, but the White Sox are worried about Bohm's second-half struggles in 2024 (.681 OPS with only four homers). If Philly is able to unload Bohm, they are expected to go after free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, who is considered a good fit. Another option would be to sign shortstop Willy Adames and move him to the hot corner. Adding Crochet to a starting rotation that already includes Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suarez and Cristopher Sanchez would give the Phillies one of the best rotations in all of baseball. The Phillies are intent on shaking up their lineup as well while also looking to get younger, with their best and highest-paid players in their 30s.
2 hours ago
Cubs Focusing On Mid-Market Players, Trying To Unload Cody Bellinger
Despite being a cash cow in one of the largest markets in baseball, the Chicago Cubs are focusing on mid-market players this offseason and are probably out on outfielder Juan Soto and starting pitchers Corbin Burnes, Max Fried and Blake Snell. However, their plans could change if they are able to unload the bloated contract of first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger. They've been offering Bellinger to everyone, but so far, nobody has expressed much interest. Bellinger hit .266 with 18 home runs, 78 RBI and a .751 OPS in 2024 and is owed $27.5 million in 2025, $1.5 million more than Bryce Harper. He's guaranteed a minimum of $32.5 million through 2025 and $52.5 million if he stays through 2026. "Come on," one general manager said, "who's going to touch that contract? The risk is just too great for the production."
2 hours ago
Mets The Clear-Cut Favorites To Land Juan Soto
MLB executives believe that the New York Mets are the clear-cut favorites to sign free-agent outfielder Juan Soto, simply because nobody thinks anyone will outbid owner Steve Cohen, possibly before the winter meetings end in early December. The Mets, Yankees, Blue Jays and Red Sox are the only serious suitors for Soto. The Phillies haven't had a single conversation with agent Scott Boras to date. ESPN's Buster Olney reports that teams involved with Soto will start forwarding him offers this week, according to sources. The 26-year-old generational talent is expected to sign a deal for 10-plus years and potentially over $600 million after posting a career-high 41 home runs and a league-leading 128 runs scored in his first year with the Yankees in 2024 while helping them advance to the World Series. It's believed that Soto would prefer to stay on the East coast as well.
3 hours ago
Yusei Kikuchi Signs Three-Year Deal With Angels
Free-agent left-hander Yusei Kikuchi signed a three-year, $63 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. The Angels continue to be the most aggressive team early in free agency this offseason. Kikuchi gives the Halos a much-needed addition to their starting rotation for 2025 and beyond. The 33-year-old veteran southpaw went a combined 9-10 with a 4.05 ERA (3.46 FIP), a 1.20 WHIP and 206:44 K:BB in 175 2/3 innings over 32 starts with the Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros in 2024. He was much better down the stretch in Houston after being acquired at the trade deadline, going 5-1 with a 2.70 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in 10 starts. The Japanese hurler had a career-best 31.8% strikeout rate and career-low 5.9% walk rate to help his cause and will look to continue that success in 2025 in his new digs in southern California.
3 hours ago
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.
21 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.
21 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.
21 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.
21 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.
21 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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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
Jordan Montgomery
• SP
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Diamondbacks
