MLB News
Rockies Agree To Minor-League Deal With Keston Hiura
The Colorado Rockies agreed to a minor-league deal with free-agent infielder Keston Hiura on Wednesday that includes an invite to major-league spring training, according to a source. Along with Hiura, the Rockies also signed free-agent outfielder Nick Martini to a minor-league deal. After not appearing the big leagues since 2022 with the Milwaukee Brewers, Hiura resurfaced in 2024 with the Los Angeles Angels late in the year and went 4-for-27 (.148) with no homers and one RBI while striking out 10 times in 10 games played. The landing spot in Colorado is a nice one for the 28-year-old right-handed power bat, but Hiura will face long odds to carve out regular playing time with the Rockies if he returns to the majors in 2025. He resurfaced in Anaheim last year after posting a strong .943 OPS with 26 home runs at Triple-A Salt Lake.
1 hour ago
Red Sox Acquire Blake Sabol From Giants
The Boston Red Sox acquired catcher Blake Sabol from the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday in exchange for international bonus-pool space. In a corresponding move to make room on the 40-man roster for Sabol, the Red Sox designated right-hander Chase Shugart for assignment. Sabol was recently DFA'd by the Giants and will now head to the American League East, where he'll serve as catching depth for the BoSox behind Connor Wong and Carlos Narvaez. The 27-year-old former seventh-round pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2019 out of USC also has experience in the outfield but will likely start the 2025 season at Triple-A Worcester. He made his big-league debut in San Fran in 2023, hitting .235 (73-for-310) with 13 homers and 44 RBI in 110 games but only played in 11 games for the Gigantes this past season. Sabol will be off the fantasy radar in all redraft fantasy leagues.
2 hours ago
Giants Make Contact With Randal Grichuk
The San Francisco Giants recently held talks with free-agent outfielder Randal Grichuk's representatives, according to a source. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand also recently mentioned that the Pittsburgh Pirates are another team interested in signing Grichuk, who is coming off a strong season in which he hit .291/.348/.528 with an .875 OPS, 12 home runs, 46 RBI and 40 runs scored in 279 trips to the plate over 106 games with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 33-year-old veteran is no longer an everyday player at this stage of his career, but he proved in 2024 that he can be a valuable platoon option in the outfield against left-handed pitching. He landed on the open market when he declined his $6 million mutual option for 2025. Grichuk held an impressive .914 OPS against southpaws last year and has an .833 career OPS against lefties.
3 hours ago
Daniel Bard To Throw Off Mound In February
Free-agent right-handed reliever Daniel Bard (elbow) plans to start throwing off a mound in early February and signing with a team in April, with the goal of pitching not long after that. Bard did not make a single appearance in the big leagues in 2024 after having flexor-tendon surgery on his right elbow back in April. Despite the injury, the 39-year-old veteran plans on signing with a team for the 2025 campaign, although it remains to be seen where he'll land or how effective he'll be. In his last season in 2023 with the Colorado Rockies, Bard struggled with efficiency and finished with a 4.56 ERA (6.13 FIP), a 1.70 WHIP, one save, 47 strikeouts and 49 walks in 49 1/3 relief innings. Given the fact he didn't pitch at all last year, Bard will most likely have to settle for a minor-league contract. He'll be a long shot to have much fantasy value in 2025 if he makes it back.
3 hours ago
Ha-Seong Kim Unlikely To Be Ready For Opening Day
MLB Network's Jon Morosi reports that free-agent infielder Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder) is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day after having surgery to fix the labrum in his right shoulder. However, Kim should be game-ready at some point in the first half of the 2025 campaign. It explains why his free-agent market has developed slowly this offseason and why he still remains available. Morosi mentions the Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants as possibilities to sign Kim. San Fran signed Willy Adames to play shortstop but could have an opening if Tyler Fitzgerald doesn't pan out in his first full season. The M's signed Donovan Solano recently, but they could want to add Kim for more infield depth. The 29-year-old will have eligibility at SS, but his mediocre power and injury make him a big question mark in fantasy after he hit just .233 with 11 homers and 47 RBI in 2024. At the very least, Kim will retain value for his speed -- 60 steals in the last two seasons.
3 hours ago
Tampa Bay Interested In Acquiring Harry Ford
According to Adam Jude of the Seattle Times, the Tampa Bay Rays have expressed interest in trading for top catching prospect Harry Ford of the Seattle Mariners. While it is unclear how interested the Rays were in acquiring him, it is worth noting that they are looking to further bolster their pipeline. If the Rays fall out of the playoff picture, they could be interested in resuming conversations, especially if Brandon Lowe or Yandy Diaz are involved in the deal. Last season, Harry Ford spent the entire 2024 campaign at the Double-A level. The 21-year-old posted a .249/.377/.367 line with 26 doubles, seven home runs, and 35 stolen bases. Fantasy managers should monitor Ford's production during spring training as he could push to open the 2025 season at Triple-A, which could open the door for a late-season major league debut.
8 hours ago
Boston Interested In Extending Roman Anthony
According to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe, the Boston Red Sox are interested in extending top prospect Roman Anthony. Speir noted that the team has also expressed interest in extending other top prospects in the system, such as Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell. All three of these prospects are expected to be a key part of the future of the franchise. Anthony is currently ranked as the No.3 prospect in all of baseball on MLB Pipeline. Last summer, he opened the campaign by getting his first full look at Double-A and performed very well with a .269/.367/.489 with 20 doubles, 15 home runs, and 16 stolen bases. He then earned a late-season promotion to Triple-A, where he continued to perform at an elite level with a .344/.463/.519 line with 12 doubles and three home runs across 35 games. If the 20-year-old performs well at Triple-A, he could make a case to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster.
8 hours ago
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Given Contract-Extension Deadline
According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of SportsNet, the Toronto Blue Jays and first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have established February 18 as the deadline for contract extension talks. This is the same day as the team's first full-squad workout. The Blue Jays remain focused on extending their superstar, but this deadline will ensure that contract talks are put on hold once preparation for the 2025 season is underway. Sources have suggested the Blue Jays are more focused on extending Guerrero than shortstop Bo Bichette, who is also set to hit the open market after the 2025 season. Guerrero and the Blue Jays agreed to a $28.5 million deal to avoid arbitration last week. Last summer, the 25-year-old posted a stellar .323/.396/.544 line with 30 home runs and two stolen bases. Given his elite batting average and power production, Guerrero should be viewed as the consensus top first baseman in drafts this offseason.
9 hours ago
Max Scherzer Wants To Remain A Starter
According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, free agent starting pitcher Max Scherzer wants to continue to be deployed out of a starting rotation during the 2025 season. Morosi noted that some sources suggested that clubs viewed Scherzer as a potential closer, but people close to Scherzer made it clear that he intends to remain a starter. The 40-year-old was limited to just 43 1/3 innings of work last season due to numerous injuries to his back, arm, and hamstring. However, earlier this offseason, Scherzer noted that a healthy offseason would set him up well for success in 2025. Morosi did note that "never say never" regarding Scherzer's eventual transition to a bullpen role. For now, fantasy managers should expect him to open the campaign as a starting pitcher if he finds a suitor.
9 hours ago
Robert Stock Returns To Boston On Minor-League Deal
According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Boston Red Sox have signed right-handed pitcher Robert Stock to a minor-league deal that includes an invite to spring training. The 35-year-old made his last big league appearance during the 2021 season and pitched for the Red Sox during the 2020 campaign. Over the past few seasons, he has pitched exclusively in the minor leagues and even spent time in the Mexican Pacific Winter League. He performed quite well in Mexico, with a 1.60 ERA and 78 punchouts over 84 innings. Across 115 career innings at Triple-A, Stock has held a 4.15 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP with 125 strikeouts. Stock posted a career-best 4.79 ERA and a 1.95 WHIP with the Red Sox in 2020. The 35-year-old will compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster but will face an uphill battle given his lack of recent big league experience.
9 hours ago
Bubba Thompson To Play College Football In 2025
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Bubba Thompson has decided to try his hand at football as a walk-on at South Alabama this year. The 26-year-old was an all-state quarterback at McGill-Toolen Catholic School in 2016 but has been playing professional baseball for the last eight seasons. The former first-rounder by the Texas Rangers in 2017 has been in the big leagues the last three years with both the Rangers and Reds, slashing a weak .232/.273/.295 with a .568 OPS, one home run, 13 RBI, 27 stolen bases and 33 runs scored in 109 games played. Because Thompson never enrolled in college, he'll have five full years to play four seasons in college. With the 6-foot-2, 197-pounder's decision to go back to football, it's unlikely that he'll be a candidate to make it back to the big leagues in baseball. In seven minor-league seasons, Thompson hit .263/.321/.417 with 52 homers, 226 RBI and 165 steals in 486 games.
18 hours ago
MLB Pipeline Names Samuel Basallo Top Catching Prospect Entering 2025
MLB Pipeline has tabbed Baltimore Orioles catching prospect Samuel Basallo the best at his position entering the 2025 season. The 20-year-old received his first extended look at Double-A ball last summer and performed at an elite level, posting a .289/.355/.465 line. He hit 22 doubles, 16 home runs, and swiped nine bags. He then earned a late-season promotion to Triple-A Norfolk, holding a modest .222/.267/.370 line across a short 21-game stint. In 2023, he spent most of the summer in the lower levels of the Baltimore pipeline and posted a stellar .313/.402/.551 line. Even though Adley Rutschman blocks Basallo from catching duties, he could still have a path to a 2025 debut, as he did see several starts at first base last summer. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his development during spring training and through the early part of the season, as he will likely open the regular season at Triple-A. A second-half promotion is not out of the question if he performs well with the Norfolk Tide. He is a top asset in dynasty formats but is not worth drafting in standard redraft leagues for the time being.
21 hours ago
Padres Sign J.B. Wendelken To Minor-League Deal
According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, the San Diego Padres have signed right-hander J.B. Wendelken to a minor-league contract. The right-hander spent the past two summers pitching in Japan and performed exceptionally well, holding a strong 1.57 ERA across 95 contests. The 31-year-old last appeared in the major league during the 2022 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Across 29 frames that season, he held a 5.28 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP. Wendelken enjoyed his best major league season in 2020, where he posted an impressive 1.80 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP across 25 relief innings. Fantasy managers should monitor his status during spring training as he could contend for a spot on the Opening Day roster if he can carry his overseas success back to the MLB.
22 hours ago
White Sox Sign Jonathan Heasley To Minor-League Contract
According to the team, the Chicago White Sox have signed right-handed pitcher Jonathan Heasley to a minor-league contract that contains an invite to spring training. Heasley logged just five innings in the majors last season with the Baltimore Orioles. The right-hander allowed ten earned runs and ten hits in this small stint. He logged a career-high 104 innings during the 2022 season with the Kansas City Royals and held a high 5.28 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP over this stretch. He struck out just 70 batters. Through 164 2/3 career innings at the Triple-A level, Heasley posted a 5.47 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP. Given his struggles in the majors, the 27-year-old will likely spend most of the 2025 season in the minor leagues.
22 hours ago
Cubs Having Contract Conversations With Alex Bregman
According to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, the Chicago Cubs have had "casual conversations" with player agent Scott Boras on potentially signing free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman to a short-term contract. Bregman is one of the top remaining bats on the free-agent market and is currently seeking a longer extension. Throughout the offseason, the Detroit Tigers have been viewed as one of the top landing spots for the infielder. However, Bregman has been unable to find the contract he is looking for. According to Levine, the Cubs are not willing to sign Bregman to a large extension but have expressed interest in a short-term deal. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor this situation, as the Cubs could become Bregman's top target if he were to look for a short-term contract. If Bregman were to sign with Chicago, he would have an everyday role at the hot corner, limiting top prospect Matt Shaw's opportunities to make a big-league debut early in the season.
22 hours ago
Joe Kelly Wants To Return To Los Angeles
Free-agent relief pitcher Joe Kelly (shoulder) noted on the Dodgers Beat podcast that he will either return to Los Angeles or retire. His decision will come down to his health, as he is currently recovering from a shoulder injury that cut his 2024 campaign short. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the offseason, as his health will dictate the future of his professional career. The 36-year-old was limited to just 32 innings of work last season and held a 4.78 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP. He struck out 35 batters but posted a high 11.2% walk rate. In 2023, the right-hander had a similar 4.12 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. If Kelly were to move past this injury and return to the Dodgers for the 2025 campaign, he would likely continue to see time as a middle reliever, as he tallied 13 holds last season.
22 hours ago
Nick Raposo Designated For Assignment
According to Shannon Drayer of MyNorthWest.com, the Seattle Mariners designated catcher Nick Raposo for assignment. This transaction opened a roster spot for infielder Miles Mastrobuoni, who the Mariners acquired earlier on Tuesday. The Mariners claimed Raposo off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this offseason. Last summer, the 26-year-old backstop spent the entire season at the Triple-A level. Across 78 contests, Raposo held a .206/.280/.340 line with ten doubles, eight home runs, and a 25:59 BB:K ratio. At the Double-A level, Raposo posted a career .268/.348/.324 line. Given his struggles at the top level of the minor leagues, Raposo will likely spend most of the 2025 campaign in the minor leagues.
22 hours ago
Mariners Acquire Miles Mastrobuoni From Cubs
The Seattle Mariners acquired infielder Miles Mastrobuoni from the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday in exchange for cash considerations, the Cubs announced. The move comes after the Cubs designated Mastrobuoni for assignment last week. The 29-year-old infielder will now head to the American League West and will provide the M's with infield depth heading into the 2025 season. Mastrobuoni, a former 14th-round selection by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2016 out of the University of Nevada, Reno, debuted in the big leagues in 2022 with Tampa but played in only eight games. He hit .221/.282/.268 with a homer, nine RBI, 15 steals and 33 runs scored in 110 games for the Cubbies the last two years as a reserve. He's a serviceable utility infielder but has very little offensive upside, and with minor-league options remaining, there's a good chance he'll open the year at Triple-A Tacoma.
Yesterday
Jorge Alfaro Signs Minors Deal With Brewers
Free-agent catcher Jorge Alfaro signed a minor-league deal with an invite to major-league spring training with the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday, according to sources. Alfaro signed a minor-league deal with the Chicago Cubs last year but was released during spring training. The 31-year-old veteran backstop didn't see action anywhere in the big leagues in 2024 but will head to spring training in 2025 as catching depth for the Brew Crew. The Colombian catcher last appeared in the majors in 2023 with the Colorado Rockies and Boston Red Sox and went 7-for-48 (.146) with a homer and four RBI in just 18 games played. If Alfaro doesn't get cut by Milwaukee this spring, he will likely open the year at Triple-A Nashville as minor-league depth. In parts of eight seasons in the majors with five different teams, Alfaro has a career .253/.302/.393 slash line with 48 homers and 198 RBI in 496 games played.
Yesterday
J.P. France Progressing In Rehab From Shoulder Surgery
Houston Astros right-hander J.P. France (shoulder) underwent surgery on July 1 of last year to fix a torn right shoulder capsule, a procedure that came with a recovery timeline of 12 to 14 months. Monday marked France's final day of throwing at 75 feet, and he will move back to 90 feet on Wednesday. "It's been going good," France said. "I haven't had any setbacks, knock on wood. Every day I throw and there's really no soreness, no pain. Everything's been going good without a hiccup." The former 14th-rounder in 2018 out of Mississippi State had a rough 7.46 ERA in his five starts last year before being sent to the minors and eventually shut down He went 11-6 with a 3.83 ERA in 24 games (23 starts) in 2023, but he'll remain in rehab mode at the team's spring complex in Florida until May, so he will not be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season.
Yesterday
Keston Hiura
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Rockies
