MLB News
Andrew Velazquez Signs Minors Deal With Yankees
Free-agent infielder Andrew Velazquez signed a minor-league deal that includes an invitation to major-league spring training with the New York Yankees on Friday. Velazquez, who was born in the Bronx, will return to the Yankees after playing for them in 2021, when he hit .224 (15-for-68) with a homer, six RBI and four stolen bases in only 28 games at the major-league level. The 30-year-old switch-hitter was originally a seventh-round pick by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2012. Velazquez made his big-league debut in 2018 with the Tampa Bay Rays and has played for five teams over his six major-league seasons. He has hit just .189/.244/.293 with 12 homers, 40 RBI and 40 stolen bases in 275 games played in the majors. Velazquez will provide infield depth for the Yanks in 2025 after posting a .692 OPS with 16 homers and 33 steals at Triple-A Gwinnett in 2024.
4 hours ago
Alek Manoah Hopes To Return In August
According to Mike Wilner of the Toronto Star, Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Alek Manoah (elbow) hopes to return to the mound in August. The 26-year-old underwent a modified internal-brace procedure in his right elbow last June. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the first half of the campaign, as Manoah will likely begin facing live hitters sometime in June and embark on a rehab assignment in July. Last season across a small 24 1/3-inning stint with Toronto, Manoah held a 3.70 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP. While he struggled during the 2023 season and posted a career-worst 5.87 ERA and a 1.74 WHIP, he held a strong 2.24 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP during the 2022 campaign. If Manoah can return to the mound and not face any setbacks during his recovery process, he could be a valuable fantasy asset during the second half of the 2025 campaign.
21 hours ago
Diego Cartaya Designated For Assignment
According to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Dodgers are designating catching prospect Diego Cartaya for assignment to open a roster spot for infielder Hye-seong Kim. Cartaya was a former top catching prospect but has never lived up to his prospect pedigree. Before the transaction, MLB Pipeline ranked Cartaya as the 16th-best prospect in the Dodger system. In 2023, the backstop held a mere .189/.278/.379 slash line across 93 games at Double-A. Last season across both Double-A and Triple-A, Cartaya posted a .221/.323/.363 slash line with just 11 home runs and a 47:113 BB:K. Cartaya may draw interest from another suitor but will likely need more time at Triple-A in 2025 before making his major-league debut.
22 hours ago
Rene Pinto Designated For Assignment
According to Danielle Allentuck of the Baltimore Banner, the Baltimore Orioles designated catcher Rene Pinto for assignment to clear a roster spot for the newly-acquired right-handed pitcher Charlie Morton. Pinto was signed by the Orioles earlier this offseason but no longer has a spot on the roster with Gary Sanchez serving as the No.2 catcher behind Adley Rutschman. Pinto has spent his entire professional career with the Tampa Bay Rays. Last summer, across 19 games in the majors, Pinto held a .214/.292/.429 line with three doubles and two home runs. Across 53 games with Triple-A Durham, the 28-year-old posted a .191/.257/.373 slash line with 11 long balls and a 16:84 BB:K ratio. Pinto will likely spend most of the 2025 season in Triple-A if he find a suitor, given his lack of success in the majors.
22 hours ago
Charlie Morton Signs One-Year Deal With Baltimore
Free-agent starting pitcher Charlie Morton signed a one-year, $15 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles on Friday evening. The 41-year-old spent the past four seasons with the Atlanta Braves. Last season, the right-hander held a 4.19 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP across 165 1/3 innings. Morton made at least 30 starts in each season during his four-year tenure with the Braves. Under the hood, Morton generated a modest 23.8% strikeout rate with a below-average 4.49 xERA last season. This was a decline from the 25.6% K rate he held during the 2023 campaign. After losing Corbin Burnes to the Arizona Diamondbacks, Morton should have a permanent role in the Baltimore rotation throughout the 2025 season. However, given his declining metrics, he should only be targeted in deeper 15-plus team formats or AL-only leagues.
22 hours ago
Brewers Designate Tyler Jay For Assignment
The Milwaukee Brewers designated left-hander Tyler Jay for assignment on Thursday to make room on the 40-man roster for the recently required right-hander Grant Anderson. Jay made his major-league debut in 2024 but only appeared in relief in five games for the New York Mets and Brewers, allowing five runs (four earned) on nine hits while walking six and striking out six in 7 2/3 innings pitched. The 30-year-old southpaw went 5-1 with a 3.02 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, three saves, 49 strikeouts and 12 walks in 56 2/3 innings combined at Triple-A Syracuse and Triple-A Nashville on the farm. Jay was originally drafted sixth overall by the Minnesota Twins in 2015 out of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. If Jay clears waivers, he could return to the Brewers in a minor-league role to begin the 2025 season.
Yesterday
Red Sox Want To Keep Ceddanne Rafaela In The Outfield "As Much As Possible"
Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said that the plan is to keep infielder/outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela in center field in 2025 "as much as possible." Rafaela really stepped up for the Red Sox in 2024 and provided plenty of defensive versatility, mainly in center field and shortstop. The 24-year-old started 72 games in center field, 71 at shortstop and four at second base in his first full season in the big leagues. His elite athleticism allows him to play pretty much anywhere on the diamond, but the BoSox would like to keep him focused on center field this year to hopefully make him more productive offensively. There was a need for Rafaela at the 6 in 2024 when Trevor Story was injured earlier in the year. Rafaela must improve his hard-hit metrics and plate discipline to take the next step as a hitter, but his elite athleticism should give hope to fantasy managers.
Yesterday
Vaughn Grissom The Favorite For 2B Job In Boston In 2025
MassLive.com's Sean McAdam writes that Boston Red Sox infielder Vaughn Grissom is the "nominal favorite" to open next season as the team's starting second baseman. Grissom's first year with Boston in 2024 was highly disappointing, as he entered spring training with a shot to see most of the playing time at the keystone before multiple injuries set him back. The 23-year-old former Atlanta Braves middle infielder eventually lost the job to David Hamilton and hit just .190/.246/.219 in just 31 games at the big-league level. However, Grissom looked good to end the year at Triple-A Worcester and appears to be fully healthy with spring training just around the corner. Grissom has looked great in the minor leagues but has yet to put it together at the major-league level in small stints. If he's healthy in 2025, though, and secures the 2B job, he has potential for double-digit homers and steals for fantasy managers.
Yesterday
Grant Anderson Traded To Brewers
The Texas Rangers have traded relief pitcher Grant Anderson to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Mason Molina. The 27-year-old was designated for assignment by the Rangers earlier in the week. It didn't take the Rangers long to find Anderson a new home. Anderson made it to the MLB last season, but struggled to the tune of a 8.10 ERA, 1.61 WHIP, and 29/10 K/BB ratio. He figures to get a chance to prove himself during spring training. As for Molina, he's a 21-year-old former seventh-round pick that made his professional debut last season. He only pitched in two games in Single-A ball, so it'll be a few years before the Rangers see the results of this trade.
Yesterday
Alex Bregman Likely To Sign With Tigers Or Blue Jays
Free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman remains unsigned mid-way through the winter, but that might change soon. The Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays were reportedly the frontrunners to land Bregman this offseason. Both teams are also viewed as the frontrunners to land outfielder Anthony Santander. The Tigers already have a decent core and added Gleyber Torres. The Blue Jays might take one more shot at competing before possibly heading towards a rebuild if things go south. That being said, both teams seem to make sense on paper for Bregman. The superstar slugger is reportedly seeking $200 million after turning down $156 million from the Houston Astros earlier this offseason.
Yesterday
Jack Flaherty Unlikely To Sign With Orioles
Free-agent starting pitcher Jack Flaherty is reportedly unlikely to sign with the Baltimore Orioles. There were reports that the O's were interested in a reunion, but it seems that Flaherty might feel differently. Flaherty struggled during his stint with the O's during the 2023 season. He posted a 6.75 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, and 42/12 K/BB across nine games with the O's. He pitched much better once he left Baltimore. It sounds like the Toronto Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers, and Los Angeles Dodgers are all in the mix for Flaherty. The right-hander might not find a new home until Roki Sasaki signs with an organization.
Yesterday
Jeff Hoffman Seeking Nearly $40 Million
Free-agent pitcher Jeff Hoffman is reportedly seeking a deal in the range that fellow reliever Clay Holmes signed earlier this offseason. Holmes signed with the New York Mets on a three-year deal worth $38 million. Hoffman is hopeful to get a similar deal after posting back-to-back solid seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies. Holmes signed with the Mets in hopes of transitioning to the starting rotation. It's possibly that Hoffman wants to make a similar move considering he began his career as a starting pitcher with the Colorado Rockies. There doesn't seem to be a ton of interest in Hoffman right now, but they'll likely change once Roki Sasaki signs somewhere.
Yesterday
Mets Unlikely To Pursue Alex Bregman
According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, the New York Mets are unlikely to pursue free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. Sammon said that the Mets do not view Bregman as a long-term option, and he is currently looking for a long-term contract on the open market. While he did not rule out a potential signing, he views it as very unlikely. Throughout the offseason, the Detroit Tigers have been viewed as "favorites" to land Bregman, in addition to the Boston Red Sox, among other clubs. As a result, this suggests that the Mets view Mark Vientos as their starting third baseman heading into the 2025 campaign. Last summer, the 25-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign by hitting 27 home runs with a .266/.322/.516 slash line. Vientos was very effective in the postseason as well, posting a stellar .327/.367/.636 line.
Yesterday
Giants Could Be Losing Interest On Pete Alonso
According to Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic, the San Francisco Giants could be losing interest on free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso. While Alonso was initially linked to the Giants earlier in free agency, it seems the Giants may opt to go in a different direction. Baggarly notes that since the Giants already sacrificed two draft picks after acquiring shortstop Willy Adames earlier this offseason, they will likely not entertain a contract with Alonso due to the fact they would have to sacrifice additional picks to acquire him. Instead, the Giants would rather target an infielder to create a more "athletic, and dynamic scoring environment." While Alonso lacks speed, he would bring an elite power bat to their starting nine, as he's hit at least 34 home runs in each full season of his career. This would leave LaMonte Wade Jr. as their current first baseman. Last summer, Wade posted a solid .260/.380/.381 slash line with an excellent 15.5% walk rate.
Yesterday
Angels "Looking At" Pete Alonso
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Los Angeles Angels are "looking at" free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso. Heyman noted that he does believe owner Arte Moreno is trying to get another impact bat in the lineup. If Alonso were to sign with the Halos, first baseman Nolan Schanuel would move to the outfield. However, Heyman said that free-agent outfielder Anthony Santander "is probably more likely" to sign in Los Angeles than Alonso. Alonso would provide some much-needed power to the Angels lineup that also brought in designated hitter Jorge Soler earlier this offseason. Last summer in Queens, Alonso held a .240/.329/.459 slash line with 34 home runs. Under the hood, he generated a strong .343 xwOBA, 13.2% barrel rate, and a 46.4% hard-hit rate. Alonso has also been in contract discussions with the New York Mets throughout the offseason.
Yesterday
Kody Clemens Could Be Put On The Trade Block
According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Philadelphia Phillies could seek a trade partner for infielder Kody Clemens. According to Gelb, the Phillies have several infield left-handed bats which could make it difficult for Clemens to make the roster. Gelb further noted that if Clemens has a successful camp he could be put on the trade block. This means that Weston Wilson and Buddy Kennedy would have a more favorable chance to break the Opening Day roster. Last summer, Clemens held a .219/.258/.447 line with five home runs and nine doubles across 44 games. The 28-year-old holds a career .200/.246/.373 line across three major league seasons. Even if Clemens does make the Opening Day roster, he should not be on your fantasy radar given his lack of stable success in the majors.
Yesterday
Guardians Sign Luis Frias To Minor-League Deal
The Cleveland Guardians signed free-agent right-hander Luis Frias to a minor-league deal on Thursday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training camp. Frias will join Cleveland this year after spending time with both the Arizona Diamondbacks and Toronto Blue Jays in 2024. In only 9 2/3 innings pitched in 11 appearances in relief, Frias allowed a whopping 16 runs (15 earned) on 19 hits (two homers) while walking seven and striking out 12. However, the 26-year-old Dominican did post a 1.35 ERA during the Diamondbacks' run to the World Series in the fall of 2023. Most of his struggles in 2024 could be attributed to a right-shoulder injury that he dealt with. Frias could bounce back with Cleveland in 2025 if he stays healthy and could be a decent source of strikeouts in deep holds leagues.
2 days ago
Mike Ford Signs Minors Deal With Twins
Free-agent designated hitter/first baseman Mike Ford signed a minor-league deal with the Minnesota Twins on Thursday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training, according to a source. Ford will try to win a roster spot with the Twins out of spring training in 2025 after hitting .150 (9-for-60) with a homer, four RBI and two runs scored in only 17 games played for the Cincinnati Reds this past season. The 32-year-old veteran left-handed hitter finished last year in Japan while playing for the Yokohama DeNA Baystars. Ford made his major-league debut with the New York Yankees back in 2019 and has a career .205/.298/.402 slash line with a .700 OPS, 37 home runs and 89 RBI in 781 plate appearances over 251 games in six seasons. The Twins have an opening at first base for 2025, but at best, Ford will likely be a bench bat for Minnesota.
2 days ago
Royals Re-Sign Austin Cox To Minor-League Deal
The Kansas City Royals announced on Thursday that they re-signed left-hander Austin Cox to a minor-league deal. Cox will return to the Royals after he went 3-1 with a 3.86 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 65 strikeouts and 40 walks in 60 2/3 innings over 42 appearances (five starts) for Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha in the minors in 2024. The 27-year-old southpaw was drafted by the Royals in the fifth round back in 2018 out of Mercer University. He made his major-league debut with Kansas City in 2023 and made 24 appearances (three starts), finishing with a 4.54 ERA (3.73 FIP), a 1.26 WHIP, his first career save and a 33:17 K:BB in 35 2/3 innings pitched. Cox is most likely to open the 2025 campaign back at Omaha while giving the Royals some left-handed pitching depth out of the bullpen.
2 days ago
Moises Gomez Signs Minor-League Deal With The Padres
According to the transaction log on MLB.com, former power-hitting prospect Moises Gomez has agreed to a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres. Gomez was released by the Cardinals at the end of July after a rough season in Triple-A. He hit only .194 with three home runs in 45 minor league games in 2024, but he has shown signs of turning things around in winter ball. In Venezuela, he is hitting .273/.396/.613 with 15 home runs in 48 games this winter. Earlier in his career, the right-handed hitter had 39 minor league homers in 2022 and 30 homers in 2023. In his previous work at Triple-A, he has shown plenty of power but also posted a very high strikeout rate. It's unclear if his new deal will include an invite to Spring Training, but if he can rediscover his power stroke, he could be a prospect to monitor since he's still just 26 years old.
2 days ago
Andrew Velazquez
• SS
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Yankees
