MLB News
Red Sox Focusing On Max Fried
With the Los Angeles Dodgers signing left-hander Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million deal on Tuesday night, USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale reports that the Boston Red Sox are now focusing on free-agent lefty Max Fried to upgrade their starting rotation this offseason. In addition to Fried, the BoSox are reportedly upping their efforts to land free-agent superstar outfielder Juan Soto, so Boston appears to be quite serious about opening up their wallet this winter. Fried, who has been an All-Star for the Atlanta Braves in two of the last three seasons, bounced back health-wise in 2024 to go 11-10 with a 3.25 ERA (3.33 FIP), a 1.16 WHIP and 166:57 K:BB in 174 1/3 innings over 29 regular-season starts. Fried isn't a huge strikeout guy and relies more on inducing ground balls, so a move to a bad defensive team in the Red Sox in the tough AL East might not be the best landing spot for fantasy purposes.
1 hour ago
Blake Snell, Dodgers Agree On Five-Year, $182 Million Deal
Free-agent left-hander Blake Snell will stay in the National League West after agreeing to a five-year, $182 million deal on Tuesday night with the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to sources. The deal is pending a physical. It's the first nine-figure deal of the MLB offseason, with the World Series-champion Dodgers locking down the two-time Cy Young winner. The 31-year-old southpaw signed with the San Francisco Giants at the end of spring training and had a rough start to the 2024 campaign while not being 100% healthy, but he eventually bounced back when he was fully healthy and went 5-3 with a 3.12 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 145 strikeouts and 44 walks in 104 innings over his 20 starts. Snell can be wild -- career 10.9% walk rate -- but his career 30.2% strikeout rate pretty much offsets it to make him a fantasy ace who will be in another good situation in LA while joining a strong starting rotation that will include Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in 2025.
2 hours ago
Red Sox Stepping Up Their Efforts For Juan Soto
According to sources, the Boston Red Sox are stepping up their efforts to land free-agent superstar outfielder Juan Soto and are trying to sell him on his fit in Beantown. Boston's best hitters in franchise history have mostly been left-handers, and Soto is coming off his best full season in his first year with the division-rival New York Yankees. However, his road OPS was 57 points higher than in the Bronx. Defensively, if Boston were to pry him away from their bitter rivals, Soto would likely shift from right field to left field at Fenway Park. The 26-year-old Dominican is expected to sign a deal worth more than 10 years and possibly more than $600 million. Spending that kind of money would be a major shift from the Red Sox's strategy in recent seasons, but perhaps they're fed up with just one playoff appearance in the last six seasons, including three last-place finishes in the AL East.
4 hours ago
Yasiel Puig Heads To Korea
The Kiwoom Heroes of the Korean Baseball Organization announced on Monday that they officially signed former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig to a $1 million deal. The club also added Ruben Cardenas for $450,000 ($150,000 in incentives) and pitcher Kenny Rosenberg ($700,000 with $100,000 in incentives). The 33-year-old Puig will leave his winter league team in Venezuela as a result. He has not played in the big leagues since 2019, when he hit .267 with 24 home runs and 84 RBI in 149 games with the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians. The Cuban star hit .279 with 108 homers and 331 RBI in six seasons with the Dodgers, finishing second in National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2013. Puig played in 126 games with Kiwoom in 2022 and hit .277 with 21 homers and 73 RBI. Multiple sexual-assault allegations and illegal sports-betting allegations effectively ended his tenure in MLB.
11 hours ago
Guardians Re-Sign George Valera
The Cleveland Guardians re-signed outfielder George Valera (knee) to a minor-league deal on Monday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training next year. Valera was non-tendered by the team last Friday but quickly has rejoined the organization. The 24-year-old underwent surgery on his right knee in September and therefore will probably be unavailable for the start of spring training and the start of next season. In all likelihood, he will be assigned to Triple-A Columbus in 2025 when he's fully recovered from his knee surgery. Valera spent the entire 2024 season at Columbus, slashing .248/.337/.452 with a .789 OPS, 17 home runs, 50 RBI, six stolen bases and 51 runs scored in 90 games and 374 trips to the plate. He sports a .243/.358/.452 career slash line with 80 homers and 273 RBI in his six minor-league seasons.
11 hours ago
Nolan Arenado Willing To Move To First Base
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado is willing to play first base or less third base to create roster flexibility for a potential new team as the Cardinals contemplate trading him this offseason, according to league sources briefed on the situation. A few teams have expressed interest in Arenado, and talks are likely to intensify with the annual winter meetings approaching in early December. There is growing sense in the industry that the 33-year-old eight-time All-Star will be moved. Arenado has not demanded a trade but was open to the idea when approached by president of baseball operations John Mozeliak as the team shifts its focus to developing their young players in 2025. Arenado will turn 34 in April and has shown signs of offensive decline the last two seasons. However, his defense remains superior. Per sources, Arenado will only waive his full no-trade clause to play for a contender.
11 hours ago
Evan Carter Swinging A Bat, Expected To Be Ready For Spring Training
Texas Rangers outfielder Evan Carter (back) has resumed swinging a bat this offseason, according to the team, and is expected to be ready for the start of spring training in mid-February without restrictions. It's excellent news for Carter, who was limited to only 45 games in 2024 due to back issues. The 22-year-old youngster eventually needed an ablation procedure in October to remove tissue from his back, but apparently he's recovered nicely and should be ready for Opening Day in 2025, barring a setback. The former second-round pick in 2020 burst onto the scene in 2023 and hit .306 (19-for-62) with five homers and 12 RBI in 23 regular-season games and was a lineup mainstay during the club's World Series run that fall. He went 27-for-144 (.188) with five homers and 15 RBI in 45 games in 2024 before being shut down. Carter is going to need to improve against lefties in 2025 to keep a regular role.
12 hours ago
Josh Jung Expected To Be Ready For Spring Training
Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung (wrist) is expected to be ready for spring training in mid-February without restrictions, according to the team. Jung missed the vast majority of the 2024 season with another injury, this time a right-wrist injury that required a second surgery in early October. The Rangers are hoping he can return to the All-Star form he had in 2023 after fracturing his wrist early this season. The 26-year-old right-handed slugger batted .266 (127-for-478) with 23 home runs and 70 RBI in his first full season in the majors in 2023 but only appeared in 46 games this year, batting .264/.298/.421 with a .719 OPS, seven home runs and 16 RBI in 188 plate appearances. In addition to his wrist issues this year, Jung missed around six weeks with a thumb injury in 2023 and has played in just 168 of 324 possible regular-season games the last two years. He's a risk/reward fantasy asset.
12 hours ago
Adolis Garcia Resumes Running
Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia (knee) has resumed running this offseason and is expected to be ready to go for the start of spring training in mid-February, barring any setbacks. Garcia didn't require surgery on his left knee, but his 2024 campaign ended early due to a sprained patellar tendon. The 31-year-old Cuban outfielder made his second All-Star team in 2023 and then led the Rangers to their first-ever World Series title by setting career-highs in home runs (39), RBI (107) and runs scored (108) in 148 regular-season games. Garcia took a big step back in 2024, slashing .224/.284/.400 with a below-average .684 OPS, 25 homers, 85 RBI, 11 steals, 68 runs scored and 177 strikeouts in 637 plate appearances over 154 games played. It's good news that he should be fully recovered from his knee injury heading into the 2025 season as he looks to bounce back as a high-end power bat for fantasy managers.
12 hours ago
Corey Seager Nearing Full Baseball Activities
Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (hernia) is nearing full baseball activities this offseason. Seager needed surgery for a sports hernia in September but is now close to being cleared for all baseball activities. Barring a setback once he begins ramping up, the 30-year-old two-time World Series MVP should be ready to go without restrictions for the start of spring training in the middle of February. The five-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year reached the 30-homer mark for the third straight season in Texas in 2024, and although he wasn't quite as good as he was the previous season when he guided the Rangers to their first World Series title in franchise history, he still hit a strong .278/.353/.512 with an .864 OPS, 30 homers, 74 RBI and 68 runs scored in 123 games played. When healthy, Seager is among the high-end fantasy options at short, but he's also an injury risk.
12 hours ago
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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."
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
2 days 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.
2 days 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.
2 days ago
