MLB News
Yankees Have Checked In On Jorge Polanco
According to Mark W. Sanchez of the New York Post, the New York Yankees have checked in on free agent infielder Jorge Polanco. The Yankees have been searching for an infielder following the departure of Gleyber Torres. While they could opt to have an internal option replace Torres, Polanco has the ability to play both second and third base, which could provide the Yankees with great lineup flexibility. Polanco played through a knee injury last season in Seattle and underwent surgery in October, but is expected to be ready for spring training. Last summer, he posted a .213/.296/.355 line with 16 home runs and four stolen bases. However, in 2023, Polanco held a strong .255/.335/.454 line with 18 doubles and 14 home runs. If Polanco were to sign with the Yankees, he would likely cover second or third base with Jazz Chisholm Jr. covering the other.
6 hours ago
Pirates Showing Interest In Randal Grichuk
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Pittsburgh Pirates are showing interest in free agent outfielder Randal Grichuk. The Pirates have been in the market for an outfielder all offseason and have been reported to have shown interest in Alex Verdugo. The 33-year-old is coming off one of best seasons of his 11-year MLB career where he posted a strong .291/.348/.528 slash line with 12 home runs with 20 doubles in Arizona. However, he was only able to log 106 games as he was in a strict platoon role. Under the hood, he generated a stellar .359 xwOBA, 47.6% hard-hit rate, and an 11.0% barrel rate. If Grichuk were to sign with the Pirates, he would likely have an everyday role in right field, which could impact his production as he has usually struggled to hit right-handed pitching. Currently, Nick Yorke is slated to be the starting right fielder in Pittsburgh.
6 hours ago
Zack Short Inks Minor-League Deal With Houston
According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, the Houston Astros have signed infielder Zack Short to a minor league deal that includes an invite to spring training. Short logged 42 games in the major leagues last summer with three different clubs. He held an overall .129/.282/.171 with three doubles and two stolen bases. He posted an impressive 15.9% walk rate but generated a poor .271 xwOBA. Across 29 games at Triple-A last season, the infielder posted a .216/.316/.273 line with three doubles and a 19:27 BB:K ratio. Fantasy managers should expect Short to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster but will likely spend most of the 2025 season at Triple-A, given his lack of offensive production in the major leagues.
6 hours ago
Grae Kessinger Traded To Arizona
According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, the Houston Astros have traded infielder Grae Kessinger to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Matthew Linskey. Kessinger was removed from the 40-man roster earlier this offseason when the Astros acquired first baseman Christian Walker. Across 49 major leagues during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Kessinger held a .131/.243/.213 with just two doubles and one home run. He held a strong 12.0% walk rate but an underwhelming .226 xwOBA. However, across 121 career games at the Triple-A level, the Ole Miss product carried a .271/.363/.407 line with 23 doubles and 12 home runs. Kessinger will likely open the campaign at Triple-A Reno given his struggles in the majors.
6 hours ago
Mets Meet With Tanner Scott
According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, the New York Mets have met with free-agent relief pitcher Tanner Scott. Scott is viewed as one of the top remaining relief pitchers available on the open market. Sammon noted that according to a source, the Mets are looking to continue to bolster their current bullpen. Even though they already have an elite closer in Edwin Diaz, Scott would provide the Mets with a stellar 1-2 punch. Last season, the southpaw posted an excellent 1.75 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP across 72 innings of work. He struck out batters at a solid 28.6% rate and generated an elite 27.5% hard-hit rate and a 4.7% barrel rate. If Scott were to ink a contract with the Mets, fantasy managers should view him as an elite option for holds, as he would likely be deployed as the go-to option in the eighth inning.
19 hours ago
Boston Showing Interest In A.J. Minter
According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Boston Red Sox have had multiple discussions with left-handed relief pitcher A.J. Minter. Minter has spent his entire eight-year MLB career with the Atlanta Braves. Last season, the southpaw logged 34 1/3 innings with a 2.62 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP. Minter was deployed as an eighth inning reliever as a set-up man for closer Raisel Iglesias. Minter posted a strong 26.1% K rate and generated hard contact at a solid 33.3% rate. However, he had his season cut short after undergoing season-ending hip surgery in August. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his recovery process during Spring Training as he may miss time early. With the Boston Red Sox acquiring Aroldis Chapman earlier this offseason, fantasy managers should expect Minter to return to a set-up role if he were to come to an agreement with the Red Sox.
19 hours ago
Matt McLain Could See Time In The Outfield
According to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain could see time in the outfield in 2025. Earlier this week, the Cincinnati Reds traded for second baseman Gavin Lux which complicates their infield depth chart. While Lux could eventually move to the hot corner, McLain has begun to see time in the outfielder during the Arizona Fall League which suggests the team could deploy McLain in a super utility role in 2025. After a promising rookie campaign in 2023, McLain missed the entire 2024 season due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder. In his rookie season, the 25-year-old posted a strong .290/.357/.507 line with 23 doubles, 16 home runs, and 14 stolen bases. Under the hood, he generated a solid 10.8% barrel rate and a .332 xwOBA. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor where McLain plays in 2025 as he could carry high value in all fantasy formats having multiple positional eligibility with the ability to produce in all five standard categories.
19 hours ago
Noelvi Marte Could Open 2025 Season In The Minors
According to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati Reds third baseman Noelvi Marte could open the 2025 season in the minor leagues. After acquiring Gavin Lux from the Los Angeles Dodgers, Marte could be without a permanent spot in the lineup. The 23-year-old missed the first 80 games of the 2024 season due to a performance enhancing drug suspension and struggled in his return. Across 66 games, the infielder held an underwhelming .210/.248/.301 line with just four home runs and nine stolen bases. However, in his short 35-game stint in the majors in 2023, Marte showcased high upside with a .316/.366/.456 line and three home runs and six stolen bases. Wittenmyer noted that his performance in Spring Training will be crucial in determine his role during the start of the season. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his performance as he could continue to fall on draft boards if his struggles continue to linger.
19 hours ago
Justin Verlander Signs One-Year Contract With San Francisco
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the San Francisco Giants have signed free agent starting pitcher Justin Verlander to a one-year contract pending physical. The 41-year-old had a disappointing season last season with the Astros as he posted a 5.48 ERA and a 1.38 across 90 1/3 innings of work. The right-hander opened the season on the injured list with a shoulder injury and then missed time due to a neck injury. However, during 2022 and 2023, Verlander held a cumulative 2.45 ERA and 0.98 WHIP and was the AL Cy Young winner in 2022. Last season, the veteran saw his K rate drop to a low 18.7% rate but he continued to suppress hard contact as he generated a strong 32.5% hard-hit rate and a 6.9% barrel rate. Fantasy managers should expect Verlander to have a spot in the starting rotation throughout the 2025 campaign and is worth a look in deeper formats as he hopes to bounce back from an injury riddled 2024.
19 hours ago
Rays Working On Finalizing Extension With Drew Rasmussen
The Tampa Bay Rays are working to finalize a multi-year contract extension for right-hander Drew Rasmussen as he plans to return to a starting role in 2025. If the deal is finalized, Rasmussen will get a $500,000 signing bonus, a $2 million salary in 2025, $5.5 million in 2026 and an $8 million option for the 2027 season. His option includes escalator clauses based on health and innings pitched. The incentives make a lot of sense, as the 29-year-old has already had three elbow surgeries in his pitching career. Rasmussen has showed flashes as both a starter and reliever for Tampa, although his whiff rates have been much more impressive as a reliever. In five big-league seasons, Rasmussen has a sharp 2.95 ERA and 1.09 WHIP while striking out 301 and walking 82 in 310 2/3 innings over 99 outings (50 starts). Rasmussen is a big injury risk but is also worth a late-round flier as he transitions back to a starting role.
Yesterday
Brandon Woodruff Hopes To Be Ready By Opening Day
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Brandon Woodruff (shoulder) is throwing bullpens twice a week in Mississippi as part of his normal offseason progression. His arm is feeling great and he's hoping to be ready to go for Opening Day in 2025, although there is no official timeline for his return following right-shoulder surgery. Having Woodruff ready for Opening Day would be big news for Milwaukee's starting rotation after he went 46-26 with a 3.10 ERA over parts of seven seasons with the team from 2017-23, with two All-Star appearances and a top-five finish in National League Cy Young voting in 2021. The 31-year-old had surgery in October of 2023 to fix the anterior capsule in his right shoulder. It's positive news he's in a normal offseason progression, but we should have a better idea on his timetable once he starts facing live hitters. Woodruff has been a fantasy ace in the past, but it remains to be seen if he can return to that form in 2025 while potentially dealing with workload restrictions after missing all of 2024.
Yesterday
Yankees Actively Shopping Marcus Stroman
According to USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale, the New York Yankees are actively trying to trade right-hander Marcus Stroman to clear his $18 million salary. The Yankees have signed left-hander Max Fried and first-baseman Paul Goldschmidt and traded for outfielder Cody Bellinger and closer Devin Williams, but they are now seeking a left-handed reliever and an infielder. In addition to shopping Stroman, they've had talks with lefty reliever Andrew Chafin and infielder Brendan Rodgers. The 33-year-old Stroman was inconsistent in his first year in the Bronx in 2024 and finished with a 4.31 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 113:60 K:BB over 154 2/3 innings pitched. With declining velocity, his strikeout rate slipped to a career-worst 16.7%. Stroman's 4.87 xERA shows he was fortunate to be as good as he was. If he cannot induce more ground balls, the veteran hurler could struggle even more in 2024, in the Bronx or elsewhere.
Yesterday
White Sox Agree On Minor-League Deal With Bobby Dalbec
The Chicago White Sox agreed to a minor-league deal with a non-roster invitation to major-league spring training on Tuesday with free-agent infielder Bobby Dalbec, according to the White Sox. Dalbec was originally a fourth-round pick by the Boston Red Sox in 2016 out of the University of Arizona. The 29-year-old right-handed power bat hit a career-high 25 home runs and drove in 78 runs in 133 games for Boston in his second year with the team, but he could never recapture that form and hit a combined 14 long balls in the last three seasons. In the last two years, Dalbec only appeared in 58 games at the big-league level and slashed .159/.234/.235 with a terrible .469 OPS, two home runs, nine RBI and 71 strikeouts in 146 plate appearances. He should have more of an opportunity to contribute at the major-league level with the Pale Hose, but he'll still be off the fantasy radar in 2025 fantasy drafts.
Yesterday
Blue Jays Interested In Carlos Estevez
The Toronto Blue Jays are among a half dozen teams that are interested in free-agent closer Carlos Estevez, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman. After letting former closer Jordan Romano walk into free agency after an injury-plagued season in 2024, the Jays could be looking to replace him with Estevez at the back of their bullpen. The Jays need to do something to help improve their team this offseason after a disappointing finish last year. The 32-year-old Estevez began last year with the Los Angeles Angels before being acquired at the trade deadline by the Philadelphia Phillies. He was a first-time All-Star in 2023 with the Halos and had a combined 2.45 ERA (3.24 FIP), 26 saves, a 0.91 WHIP and 50:12 K:BB in 55 relief innings in 2024. Estevez didn't see as many save chances with the Phils, but his improved walk rate is a good sign going forward. Depending on where he lands, he could have a shot to top 30 saves for the second time in his career.
Yesterday
Blue Jays, Cubs, Mariners Interested In Yoan Moncada
According to Francys Romero, the Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, and Seattle Mariners have continued to show interest in free agent third baseman Yoan Moncada. Romero noted that the third base market continues to wait as Alex Bregman's new contract will likely reset the market. The 29-year-old played in only 12 games last season due to an adductor strain. Moncada has been prone to injuries over the past few seasons and has only logged at least 140 games in a single season once since 2021. In his small stint last season, Moncada held a .275/.356/.400 line. In 2021 (his last full season), the infielder posted a .265/.375/.412 line with a stellar 13.6% walk rate and .353 xwOBA. If Moncada were to ink a contract with one of these clubs, he would likely be given an opportunity to earn a starting role during Spring Training. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should monitor his status during Spring Training as he carries solid upside in OBP leagues given his high walk rate.
Yesterday
Pirates Showing Interest In Alex Verdugo
According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, the Pittsburgh Pirates have shown interest in free-agent outfielder Alex Verdugo. While Murray did not indicate how strong the interest was, Verdugo would likely have an everyday role in right field if he joins the Pirates. Last season with the Yankees, the 28-year-old had a disappointing performance, as he held a .233/.291/.356 slash line, which was the lowest of his career. He hit 13 home runs and swiped two bags. While he did not hit the ball hard, he continued to show a great eye at the plate with a 15.0% strikeout rate and 15.5% whiff rate, which were both significantly above the average marks. He has also been an excellent defender throughout most of his career. Currently, Nick Yorke is slated to be the starting right fielder in the Steel City.
Yesterday
Roansy Contreras Designated For Assignment
According to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Reds have designated right-handed pitcher Roansy Contreras for assignment. This transaction opened a roster spot for Gavin Lux who was acquired via a trade on Monday evening. Contreras was claimed by the Reds earlier this offseason but will now be placed waivers once again. Contreras logged 68 1/3 innings in the majors with Pittsburgh and Los Angeles last season. In this stint, he posted a 4.35 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. Under the hood he generated a poor 9.7% barrel rate and a 43.5% hard-hit rate with an underwhelming 18.8% K rate. The 25-year-old would likely open the 2025 season at Triple-A, if he is not claimed by another club.
Yesterday
Matt Festa Designated For Assignment
According to the team, the Texas Rangers have designated right-handed pitcher Matt Festa for assignment. This transaction opened a spot on the roster for right-handed pitcher Chris Martin, who the Rangers acquired on Monday evening. Last season, Festa spent time in both the major and minor leagues. In 23 2/3 innings in the big leagues, Festa held a 5.70 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. He struck out batters at a modest 24.0% rate and generated a solid 34.3% hard-hit rate. Across 40 innings at Triple-A, the 31-year-old posted a solid 2.70 ERA and 1.20 WHIP with 48 punchouts. If Festa can find a new club, he would likely open the season in Triple-A given his struggles in the majors last summer.
Yesterday
Brent Rooker Signs Five-Year Extension
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Athletics have signed designated hitter Brent Rooker to a five-year contract extension worth $60 million. The contract includes a sixth-year vesting option at $22 million which could be further increased. This new extension will now pay Rooker $30 million over the next three seasons which would have been his arbitration years. Earlier this offseason, both sides were showing interest in an extension and were able to get it done. Since joining the Athletics in 2023, Rooker has turned his career around. In 2023, he launched 30 home runs with a .246/.329/.488 line. Last summer, he continued to improve as he launched a career-best 39 home runs with 11 stolen bases and a .293/.365/.562 line. Under the hood, he generated a stellar .380 xwOBA and .557 xSLG. Despite being a utility only player on most platforms, he remains a top target for power in all fantasy formats.
Yesterday
Red Sox Emerge As Strong Candidate To Land Nolan Arenado
According to a source, the Boston Red Sox have emerged as a strong candidate to land third baseman Nolan Arenado in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals this offseason. It comes as Boston could be close to abandoning their efforts for free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, who could command a deal worth $200 million on the open market. Arenado is owed $74 million over the next three years and has a full no-trade clause, but he's informed the Cardinals he's willing to waive it to go to Fenway Park, a place that could help him get some of his power back. Arenado already blocked a potential trade to the Houston Astros this winter. Boston shortstop Trevor Story, who played with Arenado from 2016-20 in Colorado, has been selling Arenado on Boston in recent weeks. If a deal is to happen, St. Louis might need to eat more money than they'd like while also potentially getting first baseman Triston Casas in return.
Yesterday
