MLB News
Mets Sign Travis Swaggerty, Yonny Hernandez To Minor-League Deals
The New York Mets signed free-agent outfielder Travis Swaggerty and infielder Yonny Hernandez to minor-league deals on Wednesday. Swaggerty posted an .800 OPS with seven home runs and 41 RBI in 73 games in Independent baseball last year and appeared in five major-league games with the Pittsburgh Pirates back in 2022. Hernandez debuted in the majors in 2021 with the Texas Rangers before joining the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2022 and the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023. In 221 total MLB plate appearances, he's hit just .190/.286/.222 with no home runs, 10 RBI, 13 steals and 22 runs scored in 69 games. The Venezuelan infielder played in 81 games at Triple-A Nashville in 2024 and hit .241 with two homers, 32 RBI and 13 thefts. Both Swaggerty and Hernandez will likely open up the 2025 campaign at Triple-A Syracuse.
5 hours ago
Giants Designate Austin Warren For Assignment
According to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area, the San Francisco Giants have designated right-handed pitcher Austin Warren for assignment. This transaction opened a roster spot for catcher Sam Huff. Warren spent the first three seasons of his big league career with the Los Angeles Angels and joined San Francisco last summer. Across his brief ten-inning stint with San Francisco, Warren held a 1.69 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP. Over 48 2/3 major league innings, the reliever has posted a 3.14 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. In 23 innings with Triple-A Sacramento last summer, Warren held a 4.70 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. Since Warren has been able to hold his own in the majors, he will likely ink a new contract with a new club before spring training.
9 hours ago
Giants Claim Sam Huff
According to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area, the San Francisco Giants have claimed catcher Sam Huff off waivers. Huff has spent his entire major league career with the Texas Rangers. Since making his major league debut in 2020, Huff has only appeared in 78 big league games. However, he has shown power potential during this span, hitting ten home runs with a .455 SLG. Last summer at Triple-A, Huff hit for a .246/.310/.416 line with 33 doubles and 13 round-trippers. Across 249 career games with Triple-A Round Rock, Huff launched 54 home runs with a cumulative .265/.343/.489 slash line. Huff is currently the No.3 catcher on the Giants roster and could find a path to making the Opening Day roster as he has flashed high power potential in the top level of the minor leagues.
9 hours ago
Jacob Amaya Designated For Assignment
According to LaMond Pope of the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago White Sox have designated infielder Jacob Amaya for assignment. This transaction opened a roster spot for Josh Rojas, who the White Sox signed earlier this week. The White Sox claimed Amaya off waivers late in the 2024 season. He made just 26 appearances on the Southside and held a .179/.222/.191 slash line with one double, one stolen base, and a 4:28 BB:K. Across 76 games at the Triple-A level last season, the former 11th-round selection held a .221/.308/.330 line with 10 doubles, five home runs, and six stolen bases. If Amaya is able to find a new club, he would likely spend most of the 2025 season at the Triple-A level given his struggles in the major leagues.
9 hours ago
Mariners Claim Hagen Danner
According to Scott Mitchell of TSN Sports, the Seattle Mariners have claimed relief pitcher Hagen Danner off of waivers. The 26-year-old made a brief one-inning appearance with Toronto in 2023 and spent the entire 2024 campaign in the minor leagues. Across 34 1/3 innings of relief with Triple-A Buffalo, the right-hander posted a 3.15 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP. He struck out 34 batters while serving up 13 walks. He tallied seven saves. This was similar to the 3.81 ERA and 0.95 WHIP he held across 28 1/3 innings at Triple-A in 2023. Fantasy managers should expect Danner to contend for a spot on the Opening Day roster in Seattle but will likely open the campaign at Triple-A given his lack of big league experience.
10 hours ago
Luis Garcia Avoids Arbitration
According to Ari Alexander of KPRC2, the Houston Astros and starting pitcher Luis Garcia (elbow) have agreed to a one-year, $1.875 million contract to avoid salary arbitration. The 28-year-old has been sidelined since undergoing Tommy John surgery in May of 2023. However, Garcia began throwing earlier in September, suggesting he should be expected to be ready for spring training. Across a small 27-inning stint in 2023, the right-hander held a 4.00 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. However, in 2022, Garcia posted a solid 3.72 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP across 157 1/3 innings of work. During that season, he posted a 24.0% strikeout rate with a 36.3% hard-hit rate and a 7.8% barrel rate. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status leading up to Opening Day, but he should contend for a spot in the rotation if he is healthy.
10 hours ago
Angels Sign Connor Brogdon To Minor-League Deal
The Los Angeles Angels signed free-agent veteran reliever Connor Brogdon to a minor-league deal on Wednesday. Brogdon began the 2024 campaign with the Philadelphia Phillies before being designated for assignment early on. He eventually latched on with the Los Angeles Dodgers but spent the majority of the year on the injured list due to plantar fasciitis in his right foot. The 29-year-old right-hander appeared in only four games at the big-league level in relief and gave up nine runs (eight earned) on five hits (four home runs) while walking six and striking out three in only three innings. It appears that Brogdon is healthy in 2025 and looking to find a way back to the big leagues as a bat-missing, high-leverage reliever. In his five years in the majors, Brogdon does have three saves and a 23.8% strikeout rate.
14 hours ago
Royals Claim Braden Shewmake Off Waivers From White Sox
The Kansas City Royals announced on Wednesday that they claimed infielder Braden Shewmake off waivers from the Chicago White Sox. Shewmake will remain in the American League Central after being taken off the White Sox's 40-man roster this offseason. The 27-year-old will merely serve as organizational infield depth for KC entering the 2025 season, if he's still on the roster by Opening Day. The former 21st overall pick by the Atlanta Braves in 2019 out of Texas A&M hasn't lived up to his draft stock and has gone 8-for-68 (.118) with a homer, four RBI and five stolen bases in the big leagues since debuting with Atlanta in 2023. Shewmake does have a strong glove on the infielder and came up as a shortstop, but he's most likely to open the season at Triple-A Omaha on the farm.
14 hours ago
Nationals Designate Joan Adon For Assignment
The Washington Nationals designated right-hander Joan Adon for assignment on Wednesday to make room on the 40-man roster for recently signed infielder Amed Rosario. Adon gets booted off the team's 40-man roster after giving up eight earned runs while walking four and striking out six in 10 2/3 innings over eight outings (one start) at the major-league level in 2024. He's only thrown 132 1/3 innings in his big-league career with the Nationals since debuting in the majors in 2021 and has a rough 6.66 ERA (5.09 FIP) and 1.69 WHIP while striking out 118 and walking 70 in 35 appearances (26 starts). The 26-year-old finished last season on the shelf with a biceps strain but should be fully healthy for the start of the 2025 campaign. If he clears waivers, it's possible Adon returns to the Nationals and begins next season on the farm.
14 hours ago
Griffin Jax To Remain In Bullpen In 2025
Minnesota Twins right-hander Griffin Jax will remain in the team's bullpen for the upcoming 2025 season, according to general manager Jeremy Zoll. Fourteen of Jax's 18 outings in his rookie season for the Twins in 2021 came in a starting role, but he has not started a game in the big leagues since. Last year in a career-high 72 appearances out of the bullpen, he was excellent, posting a career-best 2.03 ERA (1.94 FIP), a 0.87 WHIP, a career-high 10 saves, a career-high 95 strikeouts and a career-low 15 walks in 71 innings pitched. Although the 30-year-old could again see more save chances in 2025, he'll most likely be more of an asset for fantasy managers in saves leagues as Minnesota's primary eighth-inning setup man. In addition to his 10 saves in 2024, Jax also recorded 24 holds in his breakout season as a high-leverage bullpen arm.
14 hours ago
Martin Perez Agrees To Deal With White Sox
Free-agent left-hander Martin Perez and the Chicago White Sox agreed to an undisclosed deal on Wednesday, pending a physical, according to sources familiar with the deal. The White Sox have most likely given Perez just a one-year deal. The 33-year-old southpaw will head to the American League after pitching for both the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres in 2024, where he went a combined 5-6 with a 4.53 ERA (4.90 FIP), a 1.48 WHIP and a 107:49 K:BB in 135 innings over his 26 starts. Given the rebuilding White Sox's lack of reliable starting option entering the 2025 campaign, the veteran Perez is likely to open the year in the starting rotation, making him a low-upside streaming option in deeper fantasy formats. The Venezuelan hurler is a soft-tosser that won't rack up many strikeouts and won't have much upside at all pitching for the worst team in baseball.
14 hours ago
Braxton Garrett To Miss 2025 Season Following Elbow Surgery
Miami Marlins left-handed starting pitcher Braxton Garrett (elbow) will miss the entire 2025 season after having left-elbow UCL revision surgery that included an internal brace back in December. This is really bad news for an already thin Marlins starting rotation. Ace Sandy Alcantara (elbow) is also recovering from Tommy John surgery. Garrett made only seven starts for the Fish in 2024 after missing several months with a strained left forearm. The 27-year-old southpaw suffered a setback with his left elbow while throwing a bullpen in September, which eventually led to him going under the knife. Garrett had Tommy John surgery back in 2016 shortly after he was drafted as well. The good news is his internal-brace procedure should speed up his recovery, but for a pitcher with his extensive injury history, there's no guarantee he'll be ready for 2026.
15 hours ago
Amed Rosario Signs With Nationals
Free-agent infielder Amed Rosario signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Washington Nationals on Wednesday. At the very least, Rosario should be able to fit in somewhere on the infield in D.C. in 2025 on the weak side of a platoon against left-handed pitchers. The 29-year-old has never been a big power or speed guy, though, so the fantasy value will most likely be limited to NL-only leagues. He appeared with the Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds in 2024 and hit a combined .280/.306/.380 with a below-average .686 OPS, three home runs, 32 RBI, 13 stolen bases and 29 runs scored in 103 games played. Most of Rosario's limited value comes from his ability to put bat to ball while excelling against southpaws. Rosario has hit .298/.337/.460 in his career against left-handed pitchers since debuting with the New York Mets in 2017.
15 hours ago
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.
20 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.
20 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.
20 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.
21 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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
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.
Yesterday
Yonny Hernandez
• 2B
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Brewers
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Travis Swaggerty
• LF
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Dodgers
