MLB News
Leody Taveras, Rangers Avoid Arbitration
Outfielder Leody Taveras and the Texas Rangers avoided salary arbitration on Thursday by settling on a one-year, $4.75 million deal. Taveras had a pretty disappointing 2024 campaign in his fifth year with the Rangers, slashing .229/.289/.352 with a below-average .641 OPS, 12 home runs, 44 RBI and 59 runs scored in a career-high 151 games, but he did manage a career-best 23 stolen bases. The 26-year-old switch-hitting Dominican outfielder also reached double-digit home runs for the second straight season, but Taveras could face more competition for everyday playing time and is in danger of becoming Texas' fourth outfielder unless he improves more offensively in 2025. Helping his cause is that he's solid defensively and can run. The health of Evan Carter could have a big impact on how much playing time Taveras sees next season.
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A.J. Puk And Diamondbacks Avoid Arbitration
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, left-handed relief pitcher A.J. Puk and the Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to a one-year, $2.95 million contract to avoid salary arbitration. Puk began the 2024 campaign in the Miami Marlins rotation but struggled as he posted a 9.22 ERA and a 2.63 WHIP across four starts. He was then placed on the injured list with a shoulder injury and was moved back to the bullpen when he returned. Puk returned to form in the bullpen and was eventually shipped to Arizona to help them down the stretch. Across 57 2/3 innings of relief, the southpaw posted a stellar 1.72 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP. He struck out batters at a strong 29.9% rate and generated an impressive 2.72 xERA and a .197 xBA, which were both within the 90th percentile among qualified pitchers. Fantasy managers should expect Puk to compete for save opportunities with Justin Martinez in the Arizona bullpen in 2025.
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Tarik Skubal, Tigers Avoid Arbitration
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Detroit Tigers and starting pitcher Tarik Skubal settled on a one-year contract with $10.15 million to avoid arbitration. Skubal was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball last season en route to winning the American League Cy Young Award. Across 192 innings, which was a career-high, the southpaw posted a 2.39 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP with an 18-4 record. He generated a stellar 2.72 xERA and .208 xBA. He generated strikeouts at an elite 30.3% rate and whiffs at a 31.9% rate. He also limited hard contact at a solid 33.9% hard-hit rate. Fantasy managers should view Skubal as one of the top pitchers in baseball heading into the 2025 campaign. Given his elite strikeout ability and ability to limit hard contact, he is worthy of being viewed as the SP1 in all formats.
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Michael Kopech, Dodgers Avoid Salary Arbitration
Right-handed reliever Michael Kopech and the Los Angeles Dodgers avoided salary arbitration on Thursday by agreeing to a one-year, $5.2 million deal for 2025. Kopech began last season as the closer for the Chicago White Sox and struggled with a 4.74 ERA and 1.35 WHIP with nine saves, 59 strikeouts and 24 walks in 43 2/3 innings before he was traded to the Dodgers at the trade deadline. The hard-throwing 28-year-old turned things around when he got to LA and helped the team win the World Series in the fall. In his 24 appearances out of the bullpen for the Blue in the regular season, Kopech had a pristine 1.13 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, six saves, 29 strikeouts and 10 walks in 24 innings. With his full-time move to a relief role in 2024, Kopech's velocity predictably went up and he induced whiffs 34% of the time on his heater. Walks can be an issue, but he'll once again be in the mix for saves in 2025 on the best team in baseball.
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Brandon Marsh And Phillies Avoid Arbitration
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Philadelphia Phillies and outfielder Brandon Marsh have settled on a $3 million contract to avoid arbitration. The 27-year-old operated as an everyday outfielder for the Phillies in 2024 and should be expected to retain that role in 2025. Last season, Marsh held a .249/.328/.419 slash line with 16 home runs and 19 stolen bases. His 60 RBI matched a career-high. Under the hood, he generated a strong 47.4% hard-hit and 10.0% barrel rates, placing him in the 83rd and 68th percentile, respectively. While he posted a hefty 32.4% K rate, he was still able to draw walks at a solid 10.5% mark, which was above average. Given his ability to hit for power and swipe double-digit bags, Marsh remains a viable target in deeper five-outfielder leagues as long as he continues to have an everyday spot in the starting nine.
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Astros, Isaac Paredes Settle To Avoid Arbitration
The Houston Astros and third baseman Isaac Paredes avoided salary arbitration on Thursday by agreeing to a one-year, $6.625 million deal, according to a source. Paredes is heading into his first year in Houston in 2025 after the Astros acquired him from the Chicago Cubs this offseason in the blockbuster trade involving All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker. With the Astros choosing not to re-sign Alex Bregman and after signing Christian Walker to play first base, Paredes should be locked in as Houston's everyday third baseman this year. The 25-year-old right-handed slugger struggled in the second half of 2024 with the Cubbies after he was traded by the Tampa Bay Rays, but he'll have an excellent chance to bounce back in Houston as a pull-happy righty with the short porch in left field at Minute Maid Park. Paredes is getting a $3.225 million raise from last year.
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Dylan Cease And Padres Avoid Arbitration
Right-hander Dylan Cease and the San Diego Padres avoided salary arbitration on Thursday by agreeing to a one-year, $13.75 million deal. The figure represents a raise of nearly $6 million in what is Cease's final year of arbitration. In his first year in San Diego after the Padres acquired him in a trade from the Chicago White Sox before the 2024 season, the 29-year-old had a strong campaign with a 3.47 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 224 strikeouts and 65 walks in 189 1/3 innings. Cease threw a no-hitter against the Washington Nationals and was the team's ace for a large portion of the year. His 29.4% strikeout rate was fifth-best among qualified pitchers, and he paired it with a career-low 8.5% walk rate. Cease will enter his second year with the Friars as their ace, but with just one more year left on his deal, he could become a popular trade candidate during the summer, depending on SD's place in the standings.
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Logan Gilbert, Mariners Avoid Arbitration
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Seattle Mariners and starting pitcher Logan Gilbert have settled on a $7.625 million contract to avoid salary arbitration. Gilbert is coming off the best season of his career, posting a 3.23 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP. His 208 2/3 innings of work led the major leagues. He showcased elite command with a 4.6% walk rate. He generated strikeouts at a strong 27.4% K rate and whiffs at a solid 31.7% rate. He also generated a 3.14 xERA, placing him in the 87th percentile among qualified hitters. Gilbert has been one of the most reliable workhorse pitchers in the sport, making at least 32 starts each of the past three seasons. Fantasy managers should draft Gilbert with confidence as he carries one of the highest floors among starting pitchers. In addition, he should significantly improve your WHIP ratio, given his elite control.
0 hour ago
Twins Acquire Diego Cartaya From Dodgers
The Minnesota Twins acquired catcher Diego Cartaya from the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday in exchange for minor-league right-hander Jose Vasquez. Cartaya was once one of the Dodgers' top catching prospects, but he has struggled at the plate the last two seasons in the minors and slashed .221/.323/.363 with a .686 OPS, 11 home runs, 52 RBI and 113 strikeouts in 400 trips to the plate over 95 games with Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City in 2024. The move to trade the 23-year-old comes after the Dodgers dropped the Venezuelan backstop from their 40-man roster recently. With minor-league options still remaining, expect Cartaya to begin the 2025 campaign at Triple-A St. Paul with his new organization as minor-league depth behind Ryan Jeffers and Christian Vazquez at the major-league level.
1 hour ago
Mariners, Tigers Are Options For Nolan Arenado
MLB Network's Jon Morosi reports that the Seattle Mariners and Detroit Tigers are options for third baseman Nolan Arenado if the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox can't reach an agreement on a trade package. After nixing a potential trade from the Cardinals to the Houston Astros earlier this offseason, Moroso also reports that Arenado has been more "open-minded" about waiving his full no-trade clause to more teams in the last 24 hours. In addition to Arenado, both the Red Sox and Tigers have been mentioned as suitors for free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, who remains on the open market. The 33-year-old Arenado has seen his offensive numbers dip in recent seasons, but he's still a well above-average defender at the hot corner. He's apparently open to moving across the diamond to first base, but that's unlikely to happen if he is traded to either Boston or Detroit.
1 hour ago
Brandon Lowe Not On The Trade Block
According to Andy Martino of SNY, the Tampa Bay Rays are not actively shopping infielder Brandon Lowe. Martino noted that with the Rays needing offensive help, they would instead hold on to Lowe as he carries high power upside. Lowe has hit at least 20 home runs in each of the past two seasons. Last summer, the 30-year-old posted a .244/.311/.473 line with 19 doubles, 21 long balls, and five stolen bases. Under the hood, he posted a strong .346 xwOBA, .485 xSLG, and a 12.4% barrel rate, which were all significantly above the average marks. In addition, playing in a spring training stadium for their home games could increase Lowe's power output. However, if the Rays fall out of playoff contention, he could then be placed on the trade block. For now, fantasy managers should expect Lowe to operate as the clear No.1 second baseman in Tampa Bay.
6 hours ago
Boston Checking In On Phil Maton
According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Boston Red Sox have checked in on free-agent relief pitcher Phil Maton. Cotillo notes that Boston has expressed interest in several of the top remaining relief pitchers on the market. Maton opened the 2024 season in Tampa Bay but was eventually shipped to the Mets for their playoff push. Over 64 total frames, the right-hander held a 3.66 ERA and 1.11 WHIP. He generated an impressive 33.1% hard-hit rate and a 47.1% ground-ball rate, which were both significantly above the average marks. He was typically deployed as a set-up man with both clubs, as he tallied 18 holds. If Boston were to sign him to a contract, fantasy managers should expect him to have a similar role operating as the eighth-inning option in front of closer Aroldis Chapman.
6 hours ago
Garrett Crochet, Boston Discussing Long-Term Deal
According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Boston Red Sox and starting pitcher Garrett Crochet have begun discussing a long-term extension. Crochet was dealt to the Boston Red Sox earlier this offseason in exchange for prospects Kyle Teel, Braden Montgomery, Chase Meidroth, and Wikelman Gonzalez. Cotillo notes that a one-year extension remains the priority to avoid arbitration before Tuesday's deadline. However, with the Red Sox moving several top prospects to acquire the southpaw, they remain focused on keeping him in Boston for the foreseeable future. Last season, Crochet was given the opportunity to start and exceeded all expectations. Across a career-high 146 innings, the 25-year-old held a 3.58 ERA and a 1,07 WHIP. He stuck out batters at an elite 35.1% rate. Given his incredible strikeout upside, he should be viewed as a high-end SP2 in all formats this season.
6 hours ago
Brock Burke, Angels Avoid Arbitration
According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, the Los Angeles Angels and left-handed pitcher Brock Burke have agreed to a one-year, $1.15 million contract to avoid salary arbitration. Burke opened the 2024 season with the Texas Rangers but was eventually moved to Los Angeles during the second half. Across 34 total innings last season, the southpaw posted a 5.82 ERA and a 1.56 WHIP. He struck out 41 batters and generated a solid 3.49 xERA. However, he struggled with his command and served up walks at a high 10.4% rate. In 2023, Burke posted a 4.37 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP across 59 2/3 innings. Fantasy managers should expect Burke to open the season with a low-leverage role in the Los Angeles bullpen. However, he could eventually earn a high-leverage role if he can turn the corner.
6 hours ago
Pavin Smith Settles At $1.5 Million To Avoid Arbitration
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman/outfielder Pavin Smith and the team have settled on a $1.5 million contract to avoid salary arbitration. The 28-year-old performed well over his 60-game stint in the majors last summer. Smith held a .270/.348/.547 slash line with 11 doubles, nine home runs, 36 RBI, and one stolen base. He generated a strong .395 xwOBA, .529 xSLG, and a 14.7% barrel rate. He also held a solid 19.6% strikeout rate and an 11.4% walk rate. Fantasy managers should expect the Virginia product to be the primary designated hitter against right-handed pitching this season with Joc Pederson now in Texas. Smith will be worth targeting in deeper formats, as he hit right-handed pitching very well last summer and would carry solid upside, even in a platoon role.
6 hours ago
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.
15 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.
19 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.
19 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.
20 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.
20 hours ago
Leody Taveras
• CF
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Rangers
