MLB News
Garrett Whitlock, Lucas Giolito Should Pitch Most Of 2025 Season
Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said on Monday that right-handers Garrett Whitlock (elbow) and Lucas Giolito (elbow) are both currently rehabbing but are expected to pitch most, if not all, of the 2025 season. Giolito had an internal-brace surgery on his arm several months before Whitlock did, so of the two, he has the best shot at being healthy for Opening Day and contributing for fantasy managers. If Whitlock's rehab is dragging, the Red Sox could choose to use him in relief instead, although that would significantly damper his fantasy outlook. Whitlock has had success as both a starter and reliever, and he had an ERA under 2.00 in four starts in 2024 before the injuries set in. Giolito has been throwing for months at this point, and the 30-year-old could force Boston's hand with a six-man starting rotation early in the year if he's fully healthy and ready to go.
3 hours ago
Liam Hendriks On Track For Normal Spring Training
Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said on Monday that veteran right-handed reliever Liam Hendriks (elbow) is on track for a normal spring training in 2025. In addition to having a normal spring, the 35-year-old Australian should be "fully healthy" for the start of the regular season, giving the BoSox an experienced high-leverage reliever at the back of their bullpen. Although Hendriks hasn't been healthy in recent seasons and has also battled cancer, he is a three-time All-Star and has 116 career saves over 13 big-league seasons, so he could be firmly in play for the closer's role to begin the year. Hendriks is recovering from Tommy John surgery and didn't pitch at all last year, though, so he could struggle with efficiency and velocity early on next season. As of right now, his biggest competition for closing duties will come from veteran lefty Aroldis Chapman.
4 hours ago
Masataka Yoshida "Making A Ton Of Progress"
Boston Red Sox outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) is "making a ton of progress" this offseason and should be swinging a bat in spring training, according to chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. Yoshida required surgery to fix a labral tear in his right shoulder in October, but barring a setback in his rehab, the 31-year-old Japanese outfielder should be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season. He's been mostly a disappointment for the Red Sox and still carries $55.8 million left on his deal, which has prompted Boston to discuss him in trade talks this offseason. Yoshida was basically a full-time DH in 2024 -- he played just one game in the outfield. For fantasy purposes, Yoshida has nice contact skills -- he slashed .280/.349/.415 -- but he'll limit you defensively and doesn't hit for much power (just 10 homers).
4 hours ago
Red Sox "Not Shopping" Triston Casas
Despite having talked about him in different trade packages this offseason, Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said on Monday that the team is "not shopping" first baseman Triston Casas. The situation this offseason with Casas probably depends on whether Boston signs or trades for a third baseman such as Alex Bregman or Nolan Arenado, which would in turn move current third baseman Rafael Devers across the diamond to first base. The 24-year-old Casas has some of the best raw power in the game at the first-base position, but the BoSox are looking to add a right-handed bat, which could make him expendable. Casas' 2024 campaign was marred by a left rib-cage injury that kept him out almost four months, and he had a strikeout rate over 30% when he returned. A true breakout could still be coming, but it might have to come elsewhere.
4 hours ago
Rafael Devers Still The Team's Third Baseman
Boston Red Sox chiefs baseball officer Craig Breslow said on Monday that "as of now," Rafael Devers is still the team's starting third baseman. The Red Sox have been very pleased with the work that Devers has put in this offseason. With that said, the club is still open to making the team better any way it can, so it doesn't mean they won't acquire someone like free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, which could move Devers across the diamond to first base or to more of a full-time designated-hitter role. If the 28-year-old were to shift to first base, it would put Triston Casas firmly on the trade block. Another option for the BoSox is to trade for St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado. While Devers remained strong offensively for fantasy managers in 2024, his defensive metrics took a hit at the hot corner, and he also dealt with nagging shoulder injuries as a result of diving for balls at third base.
4 hours ago
Ha-Seong Kim Viewed As "Fallback" Option For Detroit
According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, free-agent infielder Ha-Seong Kim is viewed as a "fallback" option if the Tigers are unable to sign either third baseman Alex Bregman or outfielder Anthony Santander. While the Tigers are reportedly "all-in" on Bregman and have expressed strong interest in Santander, Kim would be a fine "Plan C." Last summer in San Diego, Kim held a .233/.330/.370 slash line with 11 home runs and 22 stolen bases across 121 games. He showed a stellar eye at the plate with a 16.4% strikeout rate and a 12.3% walk rate. Kim underwent shoulder surgery in October and is only expected to miss the first month of the 2025 season. If he were to sign with Detroit, he would likely be given most of starts at shortstop and see occasional opportunities at the hot corner. His signing would limit Trey Sweeney's plate appearances and potentially Jace Jung's as well.
7 hours ago
Tigers "All-In" On Alex Bregman
According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press the Detroit Tigers are "all-in" on free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. Earlier this offseason, is was reported that the Tigers had interest, but this recent report suggests Bregman may be on the top of their list. This past week, the Tigers brought in second baseman Gleyber Torres on a one-year deal. This moved Colt Keith to first base, opening up third base for either Matt Vierling, Jace Jung (wrist) or potentially Bregman. If the Tigers were to come to an agreement with Bregman, Vierling would likely see most of his starts in the outfield in 2025, and it would significantly impact Jung's opportunities. Jung underwent wrist surgery in October but is expected to be a full-go during spring training. Last summer, Bregman hit for a .260/.315/.453 slash line with 26 home runs and would bring much-needed playoff experience to a young roster.
7 hours ago
Blue Jays, Angels Considered "Front-Runners" For Anthony Santander
According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Angels are considered the "frontrunners" for free agent outfielder Anthony Santander. While Petzold mentions the Detroit Tigers are in the running, they are far from the favorites to land him. Last summer the 33 year-old switch-hitter posted a .235/.308/.506 line with 44 home runs and 102 RBI, which were both career-highs. Santander has hit at least 33 home runs in two of his past three seasons and held a SLG percentage of at least .450 in all three of them. In 2024, he generated a strong 11.7% barrel rate and .445 xSLG. With Toronto missing out on many top free agents, Santander would bring a much-needed boost to their lineup. In Los Angeles, Santander would bring another high-power bat to their lineup that also brought in Jorge Soler earlier this offseason.
8 hours ago
Wade Miley Hopes To Pitch In Spring Training
According to Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, free agent starting pitcher Wade Miley (elbow) is hoping to pitch in Spring Training and return to the regular season sometime in May. Miley underwent a UCL operation after making just two starts last season. Earlier this offseason, the Milwaukee Brewers declined his club option but the southpaw is hoping to return with the club before Spring Training. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during his recovery process as he may find a potential suitor for the 2025 campaign if he is able to pitch well during Spring Training. In 2023, Miley logged 120 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.14 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. If he does agree to a major league deal, he should only be reserved for NL/AL-only formats, given his very low strikeout upside.
8 hours ago
Trevor Williams Returning To Washington On Two-Year Deal
According to Stephen J. Nesbitt of The Athletic, the Washington Nationals are signing starting pitcher Trevor Williams to a two-year contract worth $14 million. The 32-year-old was limited to just 66 2/3 innings (13 starts) last summer due to a flex strain but performed very well with a 2.03 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP. He generated a strong 3.17 xERA and a .216 xBA which were both well above the average marks. However, he generated a modest 22.7% K rate and held a poor 22.5% whiff rate. Williams generated hard contact at an excellent 6.6% barrel rate and ground balls at a solid 44.8% rate. In 2023 across 144 1/3 frames he held a 5.55 ERA and a 1.60 WHIP. While injuries limited him last summer, he showed a significant improvement and should be slated to have a spot in the rotation all summer. He is worth a look in deeper NL-only formats.
8 hours ago
Josh Bell Returning To Washington
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Washington Nationals are signing free agent first baseman Josh Bell to a one-year contract worth $6 million. Bell opened the 2024 campaign with the Miami Marlins before being acquired by the Arizona Diamondbacks later in the season. Across 145 total games, the switch-hitter held a .249/.319/.405 line with 19 home runs, 23 doubles, and a 51:210 BB:K ratio. Under the hood, the veteran generated a below-average .310 xwOBA and modest 40.1% hard-hit rate. Bell spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons in D.C. and held an impressive .301/.384/.493 line in 2022. While the Nationals acquired first baseman Nate Lowe earlier this week from Texas, Bell should be penciled into the DH spot on a daily basis. If he can see his power numbers climb, he could be worth a look in deeper NL-only formats.
20 hours ago
Toronto Showed Interest In Gleyber Torres
According to Sports Illustrated, the Toronto Blue Jays expressed interest in second baseman Gleyber Torres before he signed a contract with the Detroit Tigers. Earlier this offseason, the Blue Jays acquired second baseman Andres Gimenez from the Cleveland Guardians but were also interested in adding further depth to their infield. Instead, Torres ended up signing a one-year deal with the Tigers. While the source did not confirm, it can be expected that the Blue Jays were interested in targeting Torres before trading for Gimenez as they both are primary second baseman. The Blue Jays have been linked to several free agents all offseason including the top players on the market such as Max Fried and Juan Soto but have fallen short in the bidding. Torres is expected to start at the keystone every day in Detroit in 2025 while the Toronto infield currently consists of Ernie Clement, Bo Bichette, Gimenez, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
21 hours ago
Freddy Tarnok Agrees To Contract With Miami
According to Aram Leighton of Just Baseball Media, the Miami Marlins have signed right-handed pitcher Freddy Tarnok to a contract that includes an invite to Spring Training. The 26-year-old has logged only 15 1/3 career inning in the major leagues. Across this small stint, he has held a 4.70 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. Through 92 1/3 innings at the Triple-A level, the right-hander held a 4.68 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP with a 48:94 BB:K ratio. The former third-round pick split time with the bullpen and the rotation through the minor leagues but was deployed primarily as a reliever in the majors. Tarnok will compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster but will face an uphill battle given his lack of experience and success in the major leagues.
21 hours ago
Giants Have Pete Alonso "On Their Radar"
According to a source, the San Francisco Giants have free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso "on their radar." Earlier this offseason, the Giants made a big splash by signing shortstop Willy Adames to the largest contract in their franchise history. The team was also heavily linked to starting pitcher Corbin Burnes but fell short in the bidding to their division foe in the Arizona Diamondbacks. After losing out on Burnes, the Giants may pivot that money to acquire another elite bat for their lineup. Last season, Alonso had a down year to his standards, hitting 34 home runs. During the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Alonso went deep at least 40 times in each campaign. In addition, he held a .270/.329/.459 slash line with a strong .343 xwOBA. If the Giants are unable to acquire Alonso, LaMonte Wade Jr. would be penciled in as the Opening Day starter at first base.
21 hours ago
Vidal Brujan Acquired By Chicago
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Chicago Cubs are acquiring infielder Vidal Brujan from the Miami Marlins in exchange for first baseman Matt Mervis. Brujan began his big league career with the Tampa Bay Rays before moving to Miami last summer. Across a hefty 227 games at the Triple-A level, the infielder held a strong .272/.357/.451 line with 243 total hits and 89 stolen bases. However, the 26-year-old was never able to see that production translate to the major leagues as he posted a poor .189/.261/.270 slash line across 201 games at the major leagues. He swiped only 14 bags and hit five long balls. Brujan could compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster but will likely spend most of the summer at Triple-A, given his struggles in the majors.
21 hours ago
Matt Mervis Traded To Miami
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Miami Marlins are acquiring first baseman Matt Mervis from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for infielder Vidal Brujan. The 26-year-old was a former top prospect in the Chicago system but was never able to put it together in the majors. However, in the minor leagues, the first baseman showcased high upside at times. Across 241 games at the Triple-A level, Mervis posted a .269/.371/.511 slash line with 52 home runs, 54 doubles, and a 130:244 BB:K. However, in the majors, the infielder held an underwhelming .155/.222/.259 line. He tallied just three hits across 36 contests. Mervis should contend for a spot on the Marlins Opening Day roster but will likely open the 2025 campaign at the Triple-A level.
21 hours ago
Nolan Hoffman Inks Minor-League Contract With Texas
The Texas Rangers have signed right-handed pitcher Nolan Hoffman to a minor-league contract that has an invite to Spring Training. After being drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 2018 MLB Draft, Hoffman has gone on to spend the past three seasons in the Baltimore Orioles system. Last summer, Hoffman logged a career-high 58.0 innings at Triple-A and held a 3.88 ERA and a 1.74 WHIP. Despite the high ratios, he flashes strong strikeout upside, tallying 77 across these 58 frames. He was deployed exclusively as a reliever last summer and did earn two saves. Hoffman will compete for a spot in the Texas bullpen but should expected to open the 2025 campaign at Triple-A.
Yesterday
Alan Trejo Heading To Texas On Minor-League Contract
The Texas Rangers have signed second baseman/shortstop Alan Trejo to a minor-league contract that contains an invite to Spring Training. Trejo has spent the first four seasons of his major league career with the Colorado Rockies. Last summer, Trejo held a .143/.182/.143 line with no extra-base hits across 28 games in the major leagues. He sits with a cumulative .228/.276/.334 line through 174 games in the majors. Trejo would also post a .265/.346/.408 line across 59 games at Triple-A last summer. While the infielder has yet to put it together in the majors, he has shown solid upside in the minor leagues. He is worth monitoring in deeper AL-only formats as he could contend for a spot on the Opening Day roster.
Yesterday
Jax Biggers Signs Minor-League Deal With Texas
Second baseman Jax Biggers has signed a minor-league contract with the Texas Rangers that includes an invite to Spring Training. The 27-year-old has spent his entire career playing in the Rangers organization. Last summer he spent the entire season at the Triple-A level and held a solid .275/.390/.382 line with 22 doubles, three home runs, 12 stolen bases, and a 71:87 BB:K ratio. This was a nice improvement compared to the .269/.380/.359 line he posted across 253 career games at the Double-A level. Even though he has not reached the major league level, given his strong contact skills at Triple-A, he could contend for a spot on the Opening Day Roster if he has a successful Spring Training.
Yesterday
Chris Martin Linked To Texas
According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, the Texas Rangers have interest in free-agent relief pitcher Chris Martin. Last season in Boston, the 38-year-old held a 3.45 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP across 44 1/3 innings of relief. He struck out batters a solid 27.8% rate and showed elite command with a near-perfect 1.7% walk rate. He also generated an above-average 3.41 xERA and 35.0% hard-hit rate. Martin spent time with Texas earlier in his career during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. If Martin were to sign with Texas, he would likely be deployed as a late-inning reliever. Currently, the Rangers do not have a top ninth-inning option but have expressed interest in re-signing Kirby Yates. If they do not, Martin could mix in for save opportunities if they come to a contract agreement.
Yesterday
Lucas Giolito
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Red Sox
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