MLB News
Tom Murphy Not Guaranteed To Be Primary Backup Catcher
According to Andrew Baggarly and Grant Brisbee of The Athletic, San Francisco Giants catcher Tom Murphy is not guaranteed to open the season as the backup catcher. While Baggarly and Brisbee noted his contract would suggest he has a firm grasp on that role, the team will instead opt to have an open competition during spring training on who will be Patrick Bailey's backup. Max Stassi and Sam Huff will likely compete alongside Murphy for that position. Last season, Murphy was limited to just 13 contests due to a knee injury. During this small stint, Murphy posted a .117/.211/.235 line. However, during the 2023 season, Murphy posted a strong .290/.335/.538 slash line across 47 contests. He hit 12 doubles and eight home runs. Even if Murphy can bounce back from his injury, he should not be targeted in any formats as he will not see consistent starting opportunities.
6 hours ago
Shota Imanaga Will Pitch In Tokyo Series
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga will start one of the games in the Tokyo series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Manager Craig Counsell said, "Yes, Shota's going to pitch in Japan. I think that's mandated. I don't think I have a choice." Fantasy managers should expect Justin Steele to get the starting nod in the other game of the series. Imanaga made his MLB debut last season and looked quite comfortable, posting a 2.91 ERA with a 1.02 WHIP. He struck out 174 batters across 173 1/3 innings. Imanaga showed elite command of his pitches as he posted a near-perfect four percent walk rate. However, Imanaga generated ground balls at a low 37.2 percent rate, which could cause him some regression for the 2025 season. However, given his elite command, he is a great target when looking to improve your WHIP ratio. He will have a difficult task facing a potent Dodgers lineup in this series, but he should be started in all formats.
6 hours ago
Eloy Jimenez Fighting For Bench Role During Spring Training
According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, designated hitter Eloy Jimenez will have to earn a spot on the bench during spring training. Topkin noted that the newly acquired slugger will likely fight for one of the final bench spots alongside second base prospect Curtis Mead. Jimenez inked a minor-league deal with Tampa Bay earlier in the season. Last season, Jimenez played in 98 games at the major league level, spending time with both the White Sox and Orioles. He posted a .238/.289/.336 slash line with six home runs and three stolen bases. This was a steep decline from the .272/.317/.441 line and the 18 long balls he posted during the 2023 campaign. Despite the drop in production, Jimenez still generated a 49.0 percent hard-hit rate, which placed him in the 90th percentile. Fantasy managers in deeper AL-only formats should monitor his progression during spring training, as he could be a viable target for power if he makes the Opening Day roster.
7 hours ago
Curtis Mead Will Have To Earn Spot On Opening Day Roster
According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, second base prospect Curtis Mead will be fighting for one of the final spots on the Opening Day roster during spring training. Mead has been given brief looks in the majors over the past two seasons but has yet to find consistent success. Last summer, across 38 games, Mead posted a .238/.282/.287 slash line with three doubles and one home run. During his rookie season in 2023, Mead posted a .253/.326/.349 line across 24 contests. He generated a weak 36.6 percent hard-hit rate and a 4.3 percent barrel rate, placing him well below the average marks. However, at Triple-A, the 24-year-old posted a strong .288/.359/.481 line with 19 doubles and 13 home runs across 91 games. Mead will compete alongside newly acquired designated hitter Eloy Jimenez for one of the final spots. If he does make the roster, he could be worth a look in deeper AL-only formats for power upside.
7 hours ago
Kike Hernandez Returning To Los Angeles
According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, infielder/outfielder Kike Hernandez is returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers on a one-year contract. The 33-year-old will likely return to a super-utility role for the 2025 campaign. Last summer, Hernandez posted a .229/.281/.373 slash line across 126 contests. He tallied 12 home runs with 16 doubles. He saw starts at first base, third base, shortstop, and the outfield. Under the hood, he generated a low .285 xwOBA but showed a strong eye at the plate with an above-average 19.6 percent strikeout. He also posted a solid 22.9 percent whiff rate. Fantasy managers should expect Hernandez to operate as the primary backup at several positions. He is only worth targeting in deeper NL-only formats as he is not expected to have a starting role on Opening Day.
7 hours ago
Jon Berti Could Be Backup First Baseman In Chicago
According to Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, Chicago Cubs infielder Jon Berti could be the team's primary backup first baseman during the 2025 season. The team signed Berti to a one-year contract worth $2 million earlier in the offseason. Last season, Berti logged just 25 starts with the Yankees as he battled a calf injury. During this small stint, he posted a .273/.342/.318 line with five stolen bases. During the 2023 season, Berti logged 133 games with the Miami Marlins and held a .294/.344/.405 slash line. He swiped 16 bags and added 16 doubles. Berti stole a career-high 41 bases during the 2022 season. With the Cubs trading Cody Bellinger to the Yankees, Berti could contend for the No. 2 role at first base behind Michael Busch. Fantasy managers in NL-only formats should monitor his progress during spring training as he could find a path to occasional starts in the infield.
23 hours ago
Hunter Goodman Will Have Limited Role To Start The Season
According to Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post, Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman is not expected to have an everyday role in the starting lineup to open the season. Saunders noted that the 25-year-old backstop will not start behind the plate more than twice a week. After appearing in just 23 games during his rookie season in 2023, Goodman logged 70 starts last summer and posted a .190/.228/.417 line. He launched 13 home runs with nine doubles. He posted a stellar 12.8 percent barrel rate. However, he struck out at a hefty 28.6 percent rate and drew walks at a low 3.6 percent rate. Fantasy managers should monitor his development during spring training. He has also logged starts at first base and could see a handful of opportunities there as well. When not catching, fantasy managers should expect Drew Romo or Jacob Stalling to be behind the dish.
23 hours ago
Chase Dollander Could Skip Triple-A
According to Kyle Newman of The Denver Post, Colorado Rockies starting pitching prospect Chase Dollander could skip Triple-A if he impresses at spring training. The former ninth overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft performed very well in his first professional season and could be nearing his MLB debut. Last summer, Dollander began the season at High-A, where he logged 70 innings with a 2.83 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. He struck out 111 batters and served up 28 free passes. The Tennessee product was then moved up to Double-A, where he took another step forward with a 2.25 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. He struck out 58 batters in 48 innings and allowed 19 walks. MLB Pipeline ranks him as the second-best prospect in Colorado's system and the 58th overall in the sport. If he performs well at spring training, he could make the Opening Day rotation.
23 hours ago
Jhony Brito Could Be Deployed Out Of The Rotation
According to MLB.com, San Diego Padres right-handed pitcher Jhony Brito (elbow) could be an option for the rotation when healthy. Brito suffered an elbow sprain at the end of the 2024 season but did not need surgery during the offseason. Fantasy managers should monitor his status during spring training as he will likely compete for a spot in the rotation with Joe Musgrove (elbow) sidelined for the entire season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Brito will likely compete for a spot in the rotation alongside Matt Waldron and Randy Vazquez. Last season, the 26-year-old posted a 4.12 ERA with a 1.35 WHIP. He struck out 29 batters across 43 2/3 innings. He showed strong command of his pitches by posting a 5.4 percent walk rate. If Brito earns a spot in the rotation, he is worth a look in deeper NL-only formats.
Yesterday
Padres Sign Gavin Sheets To A Minor-League Contract
According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, the San Diego Padres signed first baseman/outfielder Gavin Sheets to a minor-league contract that includes an invite to spring training. Sheets has spent his entire professional career with the Chicago White Sox. Last season, Sheets posted a .233/.303/.357 line with 24 doubles, 10 home runs, and tallied 45 RBI across 139 contests. He struck out at a modest 21.2 percent rate and drew walks at a slightly above-average 8.6 percent rate. He also generated a solid .251 xBA. This was a nice improvement compared to the .203/.267/.331 line he held across 113 contests during the 2023 campaign. Fantasy managers should expect the Wake Forest product to compete for a spot on the MLB roster during spring training.
Yesterday
Trevor Richards Invited To Spring Training
According to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com, the Chicago Cubs are inviting right-handed pitcher Trevor Richards to spring training. The 31-year-old inked a minor-league deal with the Cubs earlier in the offseason and has officially received his invite to the big-league camp. Last season, Richards logged 65 1/3 innings with the Minnesota Twins. He was typically deployed out of the bullpen but did make two starts. He posted a 4.55 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP. He struck out batters at a modest 22.4 percent rate and struggled to command his pitches as he posted a hefty 12.4 percent walk rate. However, he did generate a strong 3.62 xERA, which suggests he could see some positive regression with the Cubs. Fantasy managers should expect Richards to compete for a bullpen job during spring training and carry minimal fantasy value.
Yesterday
Matt Manning Has Unclear Role Heading Into Spring Training
According to Jason Beck of MLB.com, Detroit Tigers right-handed pitcher Matt Manning has an unclear role heading into spring training. Beck noted that while Manning has typically been deployed as a starter, he may have to shift to a bullpen role to have a spot on the MLB roster. Currently, Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, Reese Olson, and Alex Cobb all have a spot in the rotation which leaves just one spot during spring training. Top prospect Jackson Jobe has been viewed as the "favorite" to land it, but Kenta Maeda, Casey Mize, and Manning could stake their claim for that spot. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring Manning's progression during spring training, as it will likely clarify his role at the start of the season. Last summer, he logged only 27 2/3 innings in the majors and posted a high 4.88 ERA with a 1.55 WHIP.
Yesterday
Keider Montero Could Operate In Swing Role
According to Jason Beck of MLB.com, Detroit Tigers right-handed pitcher Keider Montero could be deployed out of the rotation and the bullpen during the 2025 season. Beck noted that while Montero will report to camp as a starter, but he may find a role in the bullpen, given the recent signing of Jack Flaherty. With Flaherty, Tarik Skubal, Reese Olson, and Alex Cobb penciled into the rotation, that leaves just one spot for Montero and several other arms, such as top prospect Jackson Jobe, Matt Manning, Casey Mize, and Kenta Maeda. Last season, Montero posted a 4.76 ERA with a 1.33 WHIP across 98 1/3 innings. He struck out 77 batters and held a modest 7.7 percent walk rate. Under the hood, he generated a poor 5.24 xERA, which suggests he may face some regression this season. Montero should only be targeted in deeper AL-only formats if given a spot start during the season.
Yesterday
Joe Musgrove Could Resume Throwing Midseason
According to MLB.com, San Diego Padres starting pitcher Joe Musgrove (elbow) plans to ramp up using plyometric balls during spring training but is not expected to resume throwing until midseason. The 32-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery in October and is expected to remain sidelined during the entire 2025 season. However, seeing him begin his recovery process during spring training is promising. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he should be a full-go for the 2026 season. Last summer, the 32-year-old posted a 3.88 ERA with a 1.17 WHIP across 99 2/3 innings. He struck out 101 batters and showed strong command of his pitches with a 5.6 percent walk rate. However, he generated a poor 4.34 xERA, which suggests he will likely face some regression when he returns to the mound. Fantasy managers should expect Dylan Cease, Yu Darvish, and Michael King to lead the rotation in 2025, with Randy Vasquez and Matt Waldron serving as the fourth and fifth options.
Yesterday
Tanner Scott To See Most Of The Save Opportunities
According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Tanner Scott is expected to see most of the save opportunities early in the season. Earlier in the offseason, the Dodgers signed Scott to a four-year, $72 million contract. However, the team also brought in Kirby Yates, who was one of the most dominant ninth-inning arms last season for the Texas Rangers. Given this update, fantasy managers should expect Scott to carry the most fantasy value in the bullpen early in the season. However, given how deep the Dodgers bullpen is, Scott may not be given a long leash if he struggles. Fantasy managers should expect Yates, Blake Treinen, Alex Vesia, and Michael Kopech (forearm) to be in the mix for save opportunities if Scott struggles. Last season, the southpaw posted a stellar 1.75 ERA with a 1.13 WHIP. He struck out batters at a strong 28.6 percent rate and generated an excellent 27.5 percent hard-hit rate.
Yesterday
Kevin Kiermaier Shifts To Front-Office Role With Toronto
According to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, former outfielder Kevin Kiermaier is joining the Toronto Blue Jays front office as a special assistant. The 34-year-old retired after the 2024 season and will now begin his post-playing career in a management position. Matheson noted that Kiermaier will work with the Toronto outfielders during spring training. Kiermaier spent most of his career with Tampa Bay before moving to Toronto. Last season, he joined the Dodgers during the stretch run and was able to win his first World Series before retiring. Across his 12-year MLB career, Kiermaier posted a .246/.304/.402 line with 95 home runs and 132 stolen bases. He was always known for his elite defense in center field, as he captured four gold gloves at that position. He also won the Platinum Glove Award during the 2015 season.
Yesterday
Cam Collier, Sal Stewart Invited To Spring Training
According to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic, the Cincinnati Reds are inviting third base prospects Cam Collier and Sal Stewart to spring training. Among these two infielders, top pitching prospect Chase Burns will also receive an invite. Collier is ranked as the No. 5 prospect in the system on MLB.com. Collier was selected with the 18th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft. The Chipola College product spent the entire 2024 season at the High-A level and held his own as he posted a .248/.355/.443 line with 21 doubles and 20 home runs. He tallied 74 RBI and held a 66:127 BB:K ratio. Stewart is considered to be the No. 4 ranked prospect in the system on MLB.com. Stewart joined the Reds in the 2022 MLB Draft. Stewart also spent all of last season with High-A Dayton and posted a strong .279/.391/.454 line with 23 doubles, eight long balls, and 10 stolen bases. Fantasy managers should expect both infielders to open the season at Double-A.
Yesterday
Zach DeLoach Sent Outright To Triple-A
According to MiLB.com, the Chicago White Sox have outrighted outfielder Zach DeLoach to Triple-A Charlotte. DeLoach made his MLB debut last summer. Across 22 contests with the White Sox, the 26-year-old posted a .209/.293/.328 slash line with five doubles and one home run. He drew walks at a solid 10.7 percent rate but generated power at a weak 32.6 percent hard-hit rate. In 97 contests at Triple-A last season, DeLoach posted a solid .287/.375/.410 slash line with 22 doubles and six home runs. He swiped 20 bags and held a 48:107 BB:K ratio. This was right in line with the .286/.487/.481 line he held during his first look at Triple-A during the 2023 campaign. Fantasy managers should expect DeLoach to open the season at Triple-A and potentially receive another opportunity in the majors.
Yesterday
Robert Suarez Viewed As "Most Probable" Trade Piece In San Diego
According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, Padres relief pitcher Robert Suarez is viewed as the "most probable" trade piece on the roster. Acee noted that according to several sources, Michael King is "essentially off the trade block," and Dylan Cease is "likely to stay." However, Suarez remains on the trade block as the Padres apparently like the back end of their bullpen and could find a favorable return for the reliever. Last season, Suarez enjoyed a breakout season as he tallied 36 saves (third-most in the National League) with a 2.77 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. He tallied 59 strikeouts across 65 innings of work. If the Padres were to find a trade partner for Suarez, fantasy managers should expect Jason Adam and Jeremiah Estrada to see most of the save opportunities.
Yesterday
Houston Increases Initial Offer To Alex Bregman
According to Ari Alexander of KPRC2, the Houston Astros have increased their initial offer to free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. However, Alexander noted that this improved offer is "unlikely" to get the job done. The Astros have shown significant interest in re-signing Bregman even after trading for third baseman Isaac Paredes. If Bregman were to return to Houston, Jose Altuve would move to left field, opening up the keystone for Paredes. In addition, the Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays have also shown significant interest in signing Bregman. Last season, Breman played his ninth campaign as a Houston Astro. He posted a .260/.315/.453 line with 30 doubles and 26 home runs. He showed an elite eye at the plate, striking out at a stellar 13.6 percent rate. Fantasy managers should view Bregman as a high-floor third baseman heading into the 2025 season.
Yesterday
Tom Murphy
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Giants
