MLB News
Blue Jays Inviting Matt Whatley To Spring Training
According to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, the Toronto Blue Jays are inviting catcher Matt Whatley to spring training as a non-roster invite. Whatley was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the third round of the 2017 MLB Draft but has yet to reach the major leagues. Last season, Whatley held a .199/.294/.319 line with two doubles and five home runs across 50 games with Triple-A Round Rock. This was similar production compared to the .203/.289/.322 line he held across 70 contests at Triple-A Round Rock during the 2023 campaign. The Oral Roberts product posted a .211/.301/.295 line across 107 games at the Double-A level. Given his lack of recent success, Whatley will likely spend the majority of the 2025 season in the minor leagues.
8 hours ago
Blade Tidwell, Dom Hamel Will Compete For 2025 Debut
According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, New York Mets pitching prospects Blade Tidwell and Dom Hamel should compete for a major league debut during the 2025 season. Sammon noted that he expects both of these young arms to be "merit consideration" when the Mets need additional pitching depth later in the season. While both pitchers will have an opportunity to showcase their talents in spring training, they will likely be sent to Triple-A Syracuse to begin the season. Tidwell, the No. 8 ranked prospect in the system, performed very well at Double-A last summer, holding a strong 2.41 ERA with a 1.07 WHIP across 37 1/3 innings. However, during his first look at Triple-A, the Tennessee product took a step back as he posted a 5.93 ERA with a 1.56 WHIP. Similar to Tidwell, Hamel, the No. 15 ranked prospect in the system, struggled once he moved up to Triple-A. Over his first look at Triple-A, Hamel posted a 6.79 ERA with a 1.75 WHIP. Fantasy managers in deeper NL-only formats should monitor their progression at Triple-A, as they could become worthy stash candidates once they find their footing.
8 hours ago
White Sox Designate Steven Wilson For Assignment
According to the team, the Chicago White Sox have designated right-handed pitcher Steven Wilson for assignment. This transaction opened a roster spot for Brandon Eisert, who the team signed on Friday. Wilson logged 34 2/3 with the White Sox last summer and held a 5.71 ERA and a 1.59 WHIP. He generated a strong 31.0 percent hard-hit rate but a poor 26.0 percent ground-ball rate. Wilson also generated strikeouts at a low 20.9 percent rate. During the 2023 season, Wilson posted a 3.91 ERA with a 1.17 WHIP across 53 innings with the San Diego Padres. Across 88 1/3 innings at the Triple-A level, the 30-year-old has held a 3.97 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Wilson to spend most of the 2025 season in the minor leagues.
8 hours ago
Rays Invite Tres Barrera, Connor Seabold To Spring Training
According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the Tampa Bay Rays are inviting catcher Tres Barrera and right-handed pitcher Connor Seabold to spring training as non-roster players. Barrera spent time with the Nationals and Cardinals. Across 57 MLB contests, the backstop posted a .228/.313/.310 slash line with two home runs. In 169 contests at Triple-A, the Texas product posted a .222/.315/.351 line with 19 doubles and 15 long balls. Seabold has spent time with the Boston Red Sox and Colorado Rockies. Through 108 2/3 MLB frames, the right-hander has held an 8.12 ERA with a 1.77 WHIP. However, across 172 innings at Triple-A, the 29-year-old has held a 4.13 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect both players to open the season with Triple-A Durham.
9 hours ago
Brian Navarreto Inks Minor-League Deal With Miami
According to Isaac Azout of the Miami Herald, the Miami Marlins have signed catcher Brian Navarreto to a minor-league contract. Navarreto will not be invited to spring training. Navarreto spent an earlier stint with the Miami Marlins from 2020 through 2021. He appeared in just two MLB games and went 2-for-5 with one strikeout. Last summer, the backstop logged 40 starts with Triple-A Nashville and held a .224/.272/.293 line with five doubles, one home run, and a 10:32 BB:K ratio. Across 194 contests at the Triple-A level, Navarreto posted a .236/.301/.363 line with 23 doubles, 17 long balls, and a 59:150 BB:K ratio. Given his lack of experience in the majors, fantasy managers should expect the former sixth-round pick to spend most of the 2025 season in the minor leagues.
9 hours ago
Dylan Coleman Signs Minor-League Contract With Baltimore
According to Ari Alexander of KPRC2, the Baltimore Orioles have signed right-handed pitcher Dylan Coleman to a minor-league contract. Coleman logged just one inning in the majors last season. He logged a career-high 68 frames during the 2022 season and posted a solid 2.78 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP. Coleman spent most of his 2024 campaign at Triple-A Sugar Land, where he held a 6.50 ERA with a 1.94 WHIP across 36 innings of relief. The 28-year-old tallied one save and struck out 42 batters. However, he struggled to command his pitches as he allowed a hefty 42 free passes. Given his struggles at Triple-A, fantasy managers should expect Coleman to spend most of the 2025 campaign in the minor leagues and not carry any fantasy value.
9 hours ago
Giancarlo Stanton Will Not Play Every Day
According to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton will be given maintenance days throughout the season to ensure he is healthy for the stretch run. General manager Brian Cashman noted that Stanton would not play every day "because he'll get hurt." Stanton has played less than 130 games in each of his previous three seasons due to numerous injuries. Last summer, the slugger logged 114 contests with a .233/.298/.475 line. He launched 27 long balls and tallied 72 RBI. He hit at least 30 home runs in two of his past four seasons and at least 25 in three. However, given his risk for injury, the Yankees will emphasize keeping the 35-year-old healthy for the postseason. During the playoffs, Stanton has been known to take his game to another level as he posted an impressive .273/.339/.709 line with seven home runs in 14 playoff games last season. Fantasy managers should expect Stanton to continue to carry 25+ HR upside but could see his RBI count decrease if he loses plate appearances. Aaron Judge will likely shift to the DH spot when Stanton is given the day off.
14 hours ago
David Fry Targeting May Return
According to Zack Meisel of The Athletic, Cleveland Guardians catcher David Fry (elbow) could return to the batter's box in May or June. Meisel noted that given Fry's recovery process from Tommy John, he will not be able to contribute defensively but should be able to return to the batter's box early into the season. Fry underwent this operation in November. After only operating a rotational piece in 2023, Fry enjoyed a breakout season in 2024, as he held a .263/.356/.448 slash line with 18 doubles and 14 long balls. He swiped four bags and tallied 51 RBI. Fry also saw starts at several positions, including behind the plate, third base, the outfield, and first base. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during spring training. When he does return to the lineup, he will only see time as a designated hitter, which could limit his starts. However, given his production last season, he could be worth a look in deeper formats.
14 hours ago
Ben Brown Could Be Deployed In High-Leverage Situations
According to Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Ben Brown (neck) could be deployed as a high-leverage reliever. Brown was sidelined since June of 2024 due to a neck injury but was cleared to have a normal throwing program during the offseason. However, given that the Cubs rotation has five stable options and recently brought in Colin Rea, Brown could be shifted to a relief role. Mooney and Sharma noted that Brown's fastball could take another step forward if he shifts to a relief role. However, the 25-year-old performed well as a starter during his rookie campaign and could make a case to earn the final spot in the rotation. Across 55 1/3 innings, Brown held a 3.58 ERA with a 1.08 WHIP. He struck out 28.8 percent of the batters he faced. If Brown were to shift to a high-leverage role, he could be a viable target in holds league as he would likely see time in the seventh or eighth innings alongside Porter Hodge.
14 hours ago
Matt Shaw Viewed As The "Favorite" To Land Third Base Job
According to Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, Chicago Cubs third base prospect Matt Shaw is viewed as the "favorite" to land the starting third base job entering spring training. With the team parting ways with Isaac Paredes earlier in the offseason, it appears to be Shaw's job to lose. While the team has been in discussions with third baseman Alex Bregman, fantasy managers should expect Shaw to operate as the starting third baseman for now. Last season, the Maryland product received his first extended look at the upper levels of the minor leagues and did not disappoint. Across 86 games at Double-A, the former first-round selection held a .279/.373/.468 line. Then, in his first 35 contests at Triple-A, Shaw performed even better, holding a .298/.395/.534 line with eight doubles and seven home runs. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Shaw's progression during spring training, as he could see his ADP climb if he continues this production.
15 hours ago
Eury Perez Throwing Bullpens, Remains On Track For Midseason Return
According to Christina De Nicola of MLB.com, Miami Marlins starting pitcher Eury Perez (elbow) has been throwing bullpens and remains on track for a midseason return. The young right-hander says he feels "very good" and is at about "75 percent" regarding his recovery process. The former top prospect underwent Tommy John surgery last April. Perez noted he is throwing a lot of fastballs and has begun mixing in some changeups. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status, but the 21-year-old is on track to make a significant impact during the 2025 campaign. He was unable to pitch at all during the 2024 season but flashed high upside during his debut season in 2023. As a rookie, Perez logged 91 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.15 ERA with a 1.13 WHIP. He struck out 108 batters and generated whiffs at an elite 33.7 percent rate. While sidelined, Adam Mazur and Valente Bellozo will have opportunities to pitch in the rotation.
15 hours ago
Allan Winans Clears Waivers, Sent To Triple-A
According to the team, New York Yankees right-handed pitcher Allan Winans has cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A. However, the team did invite Winans to attend spring training as a non-roster invite. Winans has spent most of his professional career with the Atlanta Braves. Last summer, Winans logged just seven 2/3 innings and allowed 13 earned runs. During the 2023 campaign, Winans held a 5.29 ERA with a 1.39 WHIP across 32 1/3 innings of work. Winans has spent most of the past two seasons with Triple-A Gwinnett. Across 241 innings, the Campbell University product held a solid 3.06 ERA with a 1.12 WHIP. He struck out 213 batters and served up 67 free passes. Fantasy managers should expect Winans to serve as a depth pitching option in the New York system during the 2025 season.
19 hours ago
Alika Williams Outrighted To Triple-A
According to Alex Stumpf of MLB.com, second baseman Alika Williams has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A. The Pirates designated Williams for assignment earlier in the week to make room on the roster for Tim Mayza. Williams logged 37 games in Pittsburgh last season and held a .207/.242/.299 line. He hit four doubles and tallied five RBI. He made his major league debut during the 2023 campaign and held a similar .196/.270/.248 across a 46-game stint. However, the Arizona State product has performed quite well at the Triple-A level. Last summer, the 25-year-old held a solid .311/.284/.396 line across a 41-game stint. In 2023, Williams carried a .305/.384/.531 line through 36 games. Fantasy managers should expect Williams to operate as a depth infielder in the Pirates organization during the 2025 season.
19 hours ago
Cade Marlowe Outrighted To Triple-A
According to the team, Seattle Mariners outfielder Cade Marlowe has been outrighted to Triple-A. Marlowe was designated for assignment earlier this week and will now open the 2025 season at Triple-A Tacoma. Last season, Marlowe appeared in eight contests for the Mariners and held a .250/.333/.250 line. He did not tally an extra-base hit. In 2023, Marlowe made his MLB debut and posted a .229/.330/.420 slash line with three doubles and three home runs. Across 90 contests with Triple-A Tacoma last summer, the 27-year-old posted a .235/.341/.395 slash line, eight doubles, and 13 home runs. Fantasy managers should not expect Marlowe to have any fantasy value early in the season playing at the Triple-A level. However, he will likely get the call to Seattle as a depth option later in the campaign.
19 hours ago
Anthony Rendon Likely Entering Camp In Reserve Role
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon is expected to open camp as the team's No. 2 third baseman. Earlier this week, the Angles signed third baseman Yoan Moncada to a one-year deal, and he is expected to open spring training as the team's top option. Rendon has battled numerous injuries over the past four seasons. During this stretch, Rendon has never appeared in 60 or more games. Last summer, Rendon appeared in just 57 contests and held a poor .218/.307/.267 slash line. He hit 10 doubles and did not tally a long ball. However, he did show a solid eye at the plate, holding a 9.7 percent walk rate and a 14.7 percent strikeout rate. Fantasy managers should monitor his status during spring training but should not target him in any formats, as he will likely face an uphill battle to earn playing time in 2025.
19 hours ago
Yoan Moncada Expected To Start In Los Angeles
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Yoan Moncada is expected to start at the hot corner for the Los Angeles Angels. The veteran third baseman signed a one-year deal with the Angels earlier this week and is expected to open camp as the team's starting third baseman. Anthony Rendon has been viewed as the starting third baseman in Los Angeles but has struggled to remain healthy. Moncada has also battled injuries over the past two seasons but has performed well when on the field. Last season, across 12 contests, the switch-hitter held a .275/.356/.400 slash line. During the 2023 season, Moncada held a similar .260/.305/.425 line across 92 games. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Moncada's status during spring training as he could be a viable corner infielder in deeper formats, given his solid batting average upside.
20 hours ago
Padres Sign Jason Heyward
According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic, the San Diego Padres have signed outfielder Jason Heyward to a contract. Lin noted that Heyward is expected to share time in left field with Connor Joe who the team acquired earlier on Friday evening. Heyward opened the season with the Los Angeles Dodgers but eventually ended his campaign in Houston. Across 87 contests, the veteran posted a .211/.288/.412 slash line with 12 doubles, 10 home runs, and five stolen bases. In 2023, Heyward held a solid .269/.340/.473 slash line with 23 doubles and 15 home runs across 124 contests with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Given his strong defensive metrics, fantasy managers should expect Heyward to be given several opportunities in left field, likely in a platoon role with Connor Joe. However, given his declining bat, he should only be targeted in deeper NL-only formats.
20 hours ago
Carlos Narvaez The Favorite For Backup Catching Duties
The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey writes that Boston Red Sox catcher Carlos Narvaez appears to have the upper hand to win the backup catching role behind starter Connor Wong to begin the 2025 season. Boston acquired Narvaez from the division-rival New York Yankees at the winter meetings. The 26-year-old made his big-league debut last year but played in only six games with the Yankees. The Venezuelan backstop is considered a strong defensive catcher, but he obviously has limited MLB experience. He hit .254/.370/.412 with 58 RBI and nine stolen bases at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last year. In addition to Narvaez, Blake Sabol adds experienced major-league depth at the position and can also play outfield in a pinch. Narvaez isn't going to be on the fantasy radar unless he's forced into regular playing time if Wong gets injured.
Yesterday
Connor Wong Adds Muscle This Offseason
The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey writes that Boston Red Sox Connor Wong looked noticeably stronger at Fenway Fest after he spent the offseason "eating a lot" in order to make himself more durable. Wong hit .327 with an .857 OPS through the end of June last season but tailed off offensively in the second half, both offensively and defensively. The 28-year-old backstop is hoping to take a step forward in his fifth MLB campaign in 2025 and will be working with new catching instructor Park Guinn, in addition to Red Sox legend Jason Varitek. Wong broke out to the tune of a .280/.333/.425 slash line and career-highs in home runs (13) and RBI (52) while adding eight steals in 126 games. The majority of his production was buoyed by a strong BABIP that won't be sustainable in 2025, so fantasy managers shouldn't consider him anything more than a low-end No. 2 catcher.
Yesterday
Nick Sogard Likely To Begin At Triple-A
The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey writes that Boston Red Sox infielder Nick Sogard will be in the mix for a bench role during spring training, but he will likely start the 2025 season at Triple-A Worcester and serve as depth for the Red Sox as an extra bat. Sogard made his major-league debut in 2024 and didn't look overmatched at all, hitting .273 (21-for-77) with no homers, eight RBI, three stolen bases and 13 runs scored in 86 trips to the plate over 31 games played. The former 12th-round pick by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2019 out of Loyola Marymount University saw most of his playing time at second base but also saw some action at shortstop and third base. At best, Sogard will likely be a utility infielder again for Boston at some point in 2025, putting him off the fantasy radar in mixed leagues. In 96 games at Worcester last year, Sogard hit .283 with 13 homers, 59 RBI and 10 stolen bases.
Yesterday