MLB News
Gleyber Torres Headed To Detroit On One-Year Deal
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, free-agent second baseman Gleyber Torres has agreed to a one-year contract worth $15 million with the Detroit Tigers. Last season with the Yankees, Torres posted a career-low .257/.33/.378 slash line with just 15 home runs and four stolen bases. He tallied 26 doubles and 63 RBI. Under the hood, he generated a poor .307 xwOBA, 2.40 xBA, and a .368 xSLG, which were all below the 40th percentile among qualified hitters. However, he showed a solid eye at the plate with a 9.8% walk rate and a 20.5% strikeout rate, both of which were above the average marks. Fantasy managers should expect Torres to spend most of his time at the keystone in Detroit, which will move Colt Keith to the hot corner or even first base. This may make it difficult for young infielders Jace Jung or Trey Sweeney to find consistent playing time as well.
3 hours ago
Drew VerHagen Headed To Japan
Free-agent relief pitcher Drew VerHagen has re-signed with the Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan. The 34-year-old posted a 3.09 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 82/22 K/BB ratio across 20 appearances with the Ham Fighters last season. After testing the market, VerHagen has decided to head back to Japan for at least one more season. He last pitched in the MLB with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2023. VerHagen posted a 3.98 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 60/26 K/BB ratio in 60 appearances with the Cards that season. It's uncertain if he plans to return to the big leagues after another year overseas.
4 hours ago
Diego Castillo Signs Deal With Rockies
The Colorado Rockies have signed relief pitcher Diego Castillo to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. This isn't a blockbuster move, but Castillo has been an under-the-radar pitcher throughout his career. He didn't see much action in the MLB last season as he posted a 2.70 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, and 6/8 K/BB ratio in seven appearances with the Minnesota Twins. The 30-year-old has a 3.20 ERA across seven big league seasons and has 35 saves across his career. He has a decent shot at making the big league bullpen considering the Rockies don't have many lock-down options in their pen right now.
4 hours ago
Pete Alonso Not Close On A Deal With Mets
Free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso remains in contract talks with his former club, but there appears to be a sizable gap in terms of a deal. The rumor is that the New York Mets offer is around three years and $90 million. However, Alonso is reportedly looking for a deal that is around $200 million, which means the two sides probably aren't too close. The most likely scenario is Alonso ending up back with the Mets considering most of the other big-name first basemen have already signed. Christian Walker, Paul Goldschmidt, and Carlos Santana have all signed within the last week or so, which leaves Alonso as the biggest name left at the cold corner. Alonso has been an All-Star the last three seasons with 34 home runs or more in each of the last four seasons. The 30-year-old is well deserving of a long term deal as he's one of the top hitters at his position.
5 hours ago
Andrew Chafin Drawing Interest From Yankees
Free-agent relief pitcher Andrew Chafin is reportedly drawing interest from the New York Yankees. The 34-year-old became a free agent this winter after the Texas Rangers declined his $6.5 million option for the 2025 campaign. Last season, Chafin posted a 3.51 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 70/31 K/BB ratio across 62 appearances with the Detroit Tigers and Rangers. The veteran southpaw has been a capable and trustworthy option for years now. The Yankees desperately need a reliable left-handed reliever, so the addition of Chafin would make sense for this roster. This bullpen already features Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, and Mark Leiter Jr., so Chafin's chances of getting regular saves is unlikely in the Bronx. That being said, Chafin wouldn't have ideal fantasy value there, but is a good fit for the team.
5 hours ago
Gleyber Torres Turns Down Deal From Nationals
Free-agent second baseman Gleyber Torres has reportedly declined an offer from the Washington Nationals because he doesn't want to play third base. Possibly, Torres is just giving an excuse because he didn't want to join the 71-win Nationals club. However, there have been reports in the past about Torres not wanting to move away from second base. The 28-year-old was once the top prospect in a trade to the New York Yankees that landed the Chicago Cubs reliever Aroldis Chapman for their 2016 World Series run. Since then, Torres has put together a few All-Star seasons and has been a serviceable player over the last seven seasons. Last season, Torres hit .257/.330/.378 with 15 home runs and 63 RBI in 154 games in the Bronx. He should be able to get a multi-year deal this offseason, but his inability to move positions could hurt his market value.
5 hours ago
Yankees Unlikely To Target Alex Bregman
According to Jack Curry of the YES Network, the Yankees are unlikely to target free agent third baseman Alex Bregman. According to Curry on an episode of Yankees Hot Stove, "That's not a road the Yankees are going down." Curry noted that the Yankees do not value his bat at his current price tag playing in Yankee Stadium as his swing would not play to its highest ability. Last summer, the 30-year-old held a strong .260/.315/.453 slash line with 26 home runs and three stolen bases. He generated hard contact at an underwhelming 40.5% hard-hit rate and a poor 6.4% barrel rate. However, he showed a great eye at the plate, boasting a 13.6% K rate and a 12.8% whiff rate. Given that the Yankees have already brought in large contracts this summer, such as Max Fried and Cody Bellinger, they may opt to take a cheaper route at the hot corner and for a bat that will play better in Yankee Stadium.
17 hours ago
Nolan Arenado Is "Not A Fit" For Yankees
According to Jack Curry of the YES Network, St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado is "not a fit" for what the Yankees are trying to do. Curry reported this on Yankees Hot Stove on the YES Network. Curry noted that while the Yankees may attempt to move starting pitcher Marcus Stroman to shed payroll, they are not trying to swap him for Arenado. While the 33-year-old has remained an elite defender throughout his career, his hitting metrics have dropped. Last summer, Arenado hit just 16 home runs and held a .394 SLG. He generated a poor .356 xSLG and a .296 xwOBA, both well below the average marks. While the Yankees may still be in the market for a third baseman, it looks like Arenado does not fit their current plan. Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Oswaldo Cabrera are current candidates to be the Opening Day third baseman.
17 hours ago
Mets Had Interest In Joc Pederson
According to Justin Tasch of the New York Post, the New York Mets had interest in designated hitter Joc Pederson before he signed a two-year contract with the Texas Rangers. Last summer, Pederson performed very well being deployed on the strong side of a platoon with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Pederson posted a .275/.393/.515 slash line with 23 home runs. He generated a strong .378 xwOBA and a 12.8% barrel rate, which were both among the top marks of qualified hitters. He also showed a great eye at the plate with a 12.2% walk rate and a slightly below-average 23.4% K rate. While the Mets could not get a deal done, this suggests that they are still actively looking for a power bat to operate as their designated hitter. Currently, Starling Marte or Jeff McNeil would be the team's DH, but that will likely change by Spring Training. If the Mets do target a power bat, he would have high RBI upside batting behind Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor.
17 hours ago
Erick Fedde, Steven Matz Gaining Interest On Trade Market
According to Mark Feinsand, Bryan Hoch, and John Denton of MLB.com, St. Louis Cardinals starting pitchers Erick Fedde and Steven Matz are gaining interest on the trade market from several clubs such as the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians. With the Cardinals looking to reshape their roster and shed payroll, moving these options could allow their younger starting pitchers to have more opportunities during the 2025 season. Fedde opened the 2024 season in Chicago but was dealt to the Cardinals at the trade deadline. Across 177 1/3 frames, the 31-year-old posted a 3.30 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. Matz has battled injuries over the past two seasons and pitched only 44 1/3 frames last summer and posted a 5.08 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP. If the Cardinals were to move one of these arms, this could create a path for their top pitching prospects, Tink Hence and Quinn Mathews, to spend most of the 2025 summer in the big leagues.
18 hours ago
Ryan Helsley Drawing Interest From Arizona And Toronto
According to Mark Feinsand, Bryan Hoch, and John Denton of MLB.com, St. Louis Cardinals right-handed pitcher Ryan Helsley is drawing interest from several clubs, including the Toronto Blue Jays and the Arizona Diamondbacks. The three insiders noted that the Cardinals are looking for a "reset" in 2025, and moving one of their top players could allow them to acquire a top prospect. Last season, the right-hander tallied the most saves in the major leagues (49) and pitched to the tune of a 2.04 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP. Across 66 1/3 innings, Helsley generated a stellar 2.72 xERA with a 36.1% whiff rate and 29.7% K rate. Helsley should be viewed as a top relief pitcher heading into the 2025 season, as he would be the go-to ninth-inning option wherever he calls home next summer.
18 hours ago
Arizona Could Target David Robertson
According to Jake Oliver of Sports Illustrated, right-handed pitcher David Robertson could be a potential target for the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks have expressed interest in adding a reliable high-leverage option and given Robertson's experience, he could fit that bill. Last summer across 72 innings with the Texas Rangers, the 39-year-old held a strong 3.00 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. He struck 99 batters with a 9.4% walk rate. Robertson was deployed as the set-up man behind Kirby Yates. Under the hood, he generated a strong 3.19 xERA and 5.5% barrel rate which were both above the average marks of qualified pitchers. If the Diamondbacks do not pursue Robertson, they could look internally for their ninth-inning arm such as Justin Martinez or A.J. Puk.
2 days ago
Raymond Burgos Signs Minor-League Deal With Giants
According to MLB.com, left-handed pitcher Raymond Burgos is returning to San Francisco on a minor league contract. Burgos spent most of the 2024 season in the minor leagues but did make one appearance in the majors. Across his lone inning, Burgos allowed one run and three hits. However, across 26 2/3 innings at the Triple-A level, Burgos performed very well boasting a stellar 1.69 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP. He struck out 27 batters and served up just five free passes. In a similar 21 1/3 innings of work at Triple-A in 2023, Burgos held a much higher 5.48 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. Given his excellent production at Triple-A last season, Burgos could find himself in a permanent role in the big leagues next summer if he has a successful Spring Training.
2 days ago
Enyel De Los Santos Inks Minor-League Deal With Atlanta
According to MLB.com, right-handed pitcher Enyel De Los Santos has signed a minor-league deal with the Atlanta Braves. De Los Santos spent the 2024 campaign with the San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, and Chicago White Sox. Across 64 innings, the 29-year-old held a 5.20 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP. Under the hood, he generated a strong 29.3% whiff rate but allowed hard contact at a hefty 42.3% hard-hit rate. In 2023, De Los Santos posted a 3.29 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect De Los Santos to serve as a low-leverage relief option in the Atlanta bullpen if he can make the Opening Day roster.
2 days ago
Jovani Moran Acquired By Boston
According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive, the Boston Red Sox have acquired left-handed pitcher Jovani Moran from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for catcher Mickey Gasper. The 27-year-old missed the entire 2024 campaign due to Tommy John surgery. Across 42 1/3 innings in 2023, the southpaw held a 5.31 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP. He struck out 48 batters. During this stint he generated a strong 3.69 xERA and a .211 xBA. In 2022, Moran posted a stellar 2.21 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP in a similar 40 1/3 inning sample size. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should monitor his progress during Spring Training as he may earn a spot in the Boston bullpen when healthy.
2 days ago
Mickey Gasper Traded To Minnesota
According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive, the Boston Red Sox have traded catcher Mickey Gasper to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for left-handed pitcher Jovani Moran. Gasper made his major league debut in Boston last summer. Across a small 14-game stint, the backstop went 0-for-18 at the plate with a 4:8 BB:K ratio. Across 48 games at the Triple-A level, the 29-year-old held a strong .367/.471/.592 line with 14 doubles, eight home runs and a 30:20 BB:K ratio. Earlier in the summer at Double-A, Gasper posted a .282/.403/.458 line with four home runs. With Ryan Jeffers and Christian Vazquez currently on the major league roster, Gasper will likely open the 2025 campaign at the Triple-A level but would be the first name called if one of them were to miss time.
2 days ago
Jose Cuas Designated For Assignment
The Philadelphia Phillies designated right-hander Jose Cuas for assignment on Monday to make room for recently-signed right-hander Joe Ross on the 40-man roster. Cuas, a 30-year-old Dominican hurler, had an ugly 7.71 ERA (7.02 FIP) and 1.78 WHIP with 17 strikeouts and 10 walks in only 16 1/3 relief innings thrown in 2024 with the Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays. He was claimed off waivers by the Phillies in September but may soon be looking for another organization unless he's claimed off waivers again. Cuas was originally an 11th-round selection by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2015 out of the University of Maryland. He made his major-league debut in 2022 with the Kansas City Royals and holds a career 4.37 ERA, a 1.59 WHIP and two saves in three seasons in the majors over 119 1/3 innings pitched.
2 days ago
Phillies Add Guillo Zuniga On Minor-League Deal
The Philadelphia Phillies signed free-agent right-handed reliever Guillo Zuniga to a minor-league deal earlier this month. Zuniga will head to the Phillies for the 2025 campaign after appearing in 15 games out of the Los Angeles Angels' bullpen in 2025. In his 17 2/3 innings pitched this past season at the major-league level, Zuniga allowed 10 earned runs on 16 hits (five home runs) while walking eight and striking out 12 in 17 2/3 innings. He debuted with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2023 but only tossed two innings in relief. The 26-year-old hasn't been very healthy the last two seasons, either, and he'll be a long shot to have a significant role out of the Phillies' bullpen at the big-league level next year. Zuniga is most likely to open the 2025 regular season pitching back on the farm for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He's nowhere near the fantasy radar.
2 days ago
Rangers Sign Shawn Armstrong
The Texas Rangers signed right-handed relief pitcher Shawn Armstrong to an undisclosed one-year deal on Monday and designated pitcher Sam Huff for assignment in a corresponding move. Armstrong pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays, St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs in 2024 and went a combined 3-3 with a 4.86 ERA (3.57 FIP), a 1.53 WHIP, one save, 66 strikeouts and 25 walks in 66 2/3 innings over a career-high 57 appearances (seven starts). The 34-year-old former 18th-round pick by the Cleveland Guardians in 2011 out of East Carolina University debuted in the big leagues with Cleveland in 2015 and holds a career 4.15 ERA and 1.32 WHIP with eight saves in 347 1/3 total innings pitched. With Texas in 2025, he should operate in a middle-relief role, where he won't have any real fantasy value to speak of.
2 days ago
Phillies Sign Nabil Crismatt To Minor-League Deal
The Philadelphia Phillies signed free-agent right-handed reliever Nabil Crismatt to a minor-league deal earlier this month. Crismatt will head to the National League East after spending the 2024 campaign pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He only made five appearances out of the bullpen for the eventual World Series champions, though, and allowed three runs (two earned) while walking none and striking out six in seven innings of work. The 30-year-old also had an unsavory 5.81 ERA with 75 strikeouts and 28 walks in 79 innings at three different minor-league levels. Crismatt will most likely open the 2025 season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley and will serve as relief depth for the Phillies. He has a career 3.71 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 177 innings in his five big-league seasons dating back to 2020.
2 days ago
Gleyber Torres
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Tigers
