MLB News

John Means • SP

John Means Suffers Ruptured Achilles

Free-agent left-hander John Means (Achilles) announced on his Instagram account on Thursday that he suffered a ruptured Achilles earlier this week, according to Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. Means also said that he was close to signing with a team before suffering the devastating injury that will almost certainly knock him out for the entire 2026 season. The 32-year-old veteran southpaw had his second Tommy John surgery in June of 2024 and didn't pitch at all in the big leagues in 2025. He was set to be fully recovered by Opening Day before his unfortunate Achilles injury. Means has had terrible injury luck recently and has made only 10 starts since the start of 2022. In 26 2/3 innings during his rehab in the minors with Cleveland this year, Means had a rough 6.41 ERA. Means will now be fighting an uphill battle for a big-league roster spot when he's able to return in 2027.

1 hour ago

Logan Webb • SP • Giants

Logan Webb Will Pitch for Team USA in World Baseball Classic

San Francisco Giants right-handed pitcher Logan Webb announced on Thursday that he will join Team USA in the World Baseball Classic in 2026. Webb enjoyed a strong 2025 campaign, posting a 3.22 ERA (3.58 xERA) with a career-high 20.8 K-BB% and a 1.24 WHIP across 207 innings. The 29-year-old veteran struck out 26.2% of all hitters he faced while maintaining a 53.2% ground-ball rate. Webb joins Tarik Skubal, Paul Skenes, Joe Ryan, Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, and Matthew Boyd in the United States' potential starting rotation.

3 hours ago

Tarik Skubal • SP • Tigers

Tarik Skubal Joins Team USA for World Baseball Classic

Detroit Tigers left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal announced on X Thursday afternoon that he will join Team USA in the World Baseball Classic in 2026. Skubal is coming off another Cy Young season, and now he will demonstrate his dominance on the world stage. Last year, the 29-year-old pitched to a 2.21 ERA (2.72 xERA) with a 32.2 K-BB% and a 0.89 WHIP across a career-high 195 1/3 innings. Skubal joins National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes to create the best 1-2 punch the world has ever seen. Team USA's first game is on March 6 at 8 p.m. EST against Brazil.

3 hours ago

Edwin Díaz • RP • Dodgers

Braves Attempted to Sign Edwin Diaz?

The Atlanta Braves made a five-year proposal to reliever Edwin Diaz before he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in free agency, according to Jorge Castillo of ESPN. Castillo went on to say that none of the financial information was leaked, but the Braves were serious about landing the star closer. Ultimately, Diaz signed with the Dodgers, while the Braves signed Robert Suarez and brought back Raisel Iglesias. Most notably, Iglesias will start as the primary closer in Atlanta, but if he falters, Suarez will be right there to take his job.

3 hours ago

Shawn Armstrong • RP • Guardians

Shawn Armstrong, Guardians Agree to One-Year Deal

The Cleveland Guardians and right-handed reliever Shawn Armstrong have agreed to a one-year, $5.5 million deal with a mutual option. Armstrong was one of the best relievers last season with the Texas Rangers. The 35-year-old righty pitched to a 2.31 ERA (2.96 xERA), 26.1% strikeout rate, and 0.81 WHIP while collecting 12 holds across 74 innings. For 2026, Armstrong is expected to be used in high-leverage situations and could take over the closing role if there is an injury to Cade Smith. For now, Armstrong will be most helpful in leagues that count holds as a category.

3 hours ago

Jorge Alcala • RP • Blue Jays

Jorge Alcala Agress to Minor-League Deal With Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays and free-agent relief pitcher Jorge Alcala have agreed to a minor-league deal, which includes an invite to big-league camp in spring training. Alcala pitched for the Twins, Red Sox, and Cardinals last year, posting a 6.22 ERA (4.54 xERA) with a 12.1 K-BB% and a 1.75 WHIP across 55 innings. If the 30-year-old Dominican right-hander does make the team, he will be nothing more than an extra bullpen arm. At this point, Alcala is not fantasy-relevant.

3 hours ago

Triston McKenzie • SP • Padres

Padres, Triston McKenzie Agree to Minor-League Deal

The San Diego Padres have agreed to a minor-league deal with free-agent right-hander Triston McKenzie. McKenzie will also receive an invite to spring training. The 28-year-old has pitched just 97 innings over the last three seasons due to shoulder and elbow injuries. Last season, McKenzie allowed seven earned runs on seven hits and walked seven batters in 5 2/3 innings before being optioned to the minors. The long-time Guardian is determined to replicate his 2022 form, when he posted a 2.96 ERA (3.54 xERA) with a 25.6% strikeout rate and a 0.95 WHIP across a career-high 191 1/3 innings. Although it's a great story to see him back on the mound, it is unlikely he will make the team out of camp.

3 hours ago

Jhonkensy Noel • RF

Jhonkensy Noel Designated for Assignment

The Cleveland Guardians announced on Wednesday that they designated outfielder Jhonkensy Noel for assignment to make room on the roster for left-hander Justin Bruihl, who was acquired for cash via the Toronto Blue Jays. Noel, 24, gets booted off Cleveland's 40-man roster this offseason after struggling to a .162/.183/.297 slash line in 153 plate appearances over 69 games played in his second year in the majors. He had six home runs, 13 RBI, and 19 runs scored after hitting .218 (39-for-179) with 13 homers, 28 RBI, and 25 runs scored in 67 games in his rookie campaign. Big Christmas is big and powerful at 6-foot-3, 260 pounds, but he has posted an ugly 32.8% strikeout rate and a low 4.8% walk rate in his two seasons in the Show. The high-end power should make it easy for him to latch on with another club going into the 2026 season, but he'll merely be battling for a roster spot in spring training.

Yesterday

Nolan McLean • SP • Mets

Nolan McLean to Pitch for Team USA in World Baseball Classic

New York Mets right-handed pitching prospect Nolan McLean will pitch for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, according to Brian Murphy of MLB.com. Per MLB Pipeline, McLean is the No. 11 prospect in the game heading into next season. The 24-year-old looked the part after making his MLB debut this past season, posting a 2.06 ERA with 57 strikeouts over 48 innings (eight starts). He'll be joining a Team USA rotation that will be headlined by Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes. In addition to McLean, the team announced that Mets right-hander Clay Holmes and Minnesota Twins ace Joe Ryan will pitch for USA in the WBC. The 24-year-old former two-way player has a diverse arsenal and plenty of different ways to generate swings and misses. McLean isn't going to crack the 200-inning mark in his first full year in the big leagues, especially after pitching in the WBC, but he's got one of the highest ceilings of any young arm in the game.

Yesterday

Bo Bichette • SS

Bo Bichette Willing to Make the Move to Second Base

Free-agent shortstop Bo Bichette has been telling interested teams this offseason that he is willing to make the position switch from shortstop to second base, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Bichette hasn't been an excellent defender at the 6, but he showed in the World Series that he can play the keystone just fine after being forced to second base in the postseason due to a knee injury late in the season. Feinsand mentions the San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, and even the Toronto Blue Jays as teams with openings at the keystone. The 2025 season was a major bounce-back campaign for Bichette in his walk year, as he hit .311 with 63 extra-base hits, 94 RBI, 78 runs, 281 total bases, and an .840 OPS in 13 regular-season games for Toronto. Returning to Toronto is probably best for Bichette's fantasy outlook, but even if he departs, he has a high floor as a middle infielder, averaging 20 homers and 10 steals since he became a full-time starter.

Yesterday

Brad Keller • RP • Phillies

Brad Keller Agrees With Phillies on Two-Year Deal

Free-agent right-hander Brad Keller and the Philadelphia Phillies agreed to a two-year, $22 million deal on Wednesday, sources told Jesse Rogers of ESPN. There were reports this offseason that several clubs were interested in moving Keller, who excelled in a relief role in 2025 with the Chicago Cubs, back to the starting rotation. At least to open next season, the Phillies intend to keep the 30-year-old in the bullpen after he had a career-best 2.07 ERA (2.93 FIP), 0.96 WHIP, a career-high three saves, 75 strikeouts, and 22 walks in 69 2/3 innings over 68 appearances (one start) in the regular season for Chicago. With more velocity on his heater, Keller's strikeout rate spiked to a career-high 27.2% this past season, and he should be plenty valuable in holds leagues as the primary setup man in front of closer Jhoan Duran in 2026 in Philly.

Yesterday

Luke Weaver • RP • Mets

Mets Finalizing Two-Year Deal With Luke Weaver

The New York Mets are finalizing a two-year, $22 million deal on Wednesday with free-agent right-handed reliever Luke Weaver, a source told Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. The Mets lost All-Star closer Edwin Diaz in free agency to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but they have gained Weaver and right-hander Devin Williams, who both pitched across town with the New York Yankees in 2025. The 32-year-old Weaver will most likely open the 2026 campaign in Queens as the primary setup man in front of Williams, but he could factor into the ninth inning if Williams struggles like he did in pinstripes. Weaver wasn't at his best in the second half in the Bronx this past season and finished with a 3.62 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, a career-high eight saves, 21 holds, 72 strikeouts, and 20 walks in 64 2/3 innings in relief. With an elite strikeout rate and plenty of holds coming his way with the Mets, Weaver will continue to have plenty of appeal in fantasy as a high-leverage reliever.

Yesterday

Drew Pomeranz • RP • Angels

Drew Pomeranz Agrees to One-Year Deal With Angels

The Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with left-handed reliever Drew Pomeranz. Pomeranz enjoyed a strong 2025 campaign with the Chicago Cubs, posting a 2.17 ERA, 28.1% strikeout rate, and 1.07 WHIP across 57 appearances. The 37-year-old veteran also recorded 14 holds and surrendered the lead just twice all season. For 2026, Pomeranz is expected to serve as a high-leverage lefty and offers limited fantasy value outside of leagues that count holds.

2 days ago

Jordan Romano • RP • Angels

Jordan Romano, Angels Agree on One-Year Deal

Right-handed reliever Jordan Romano has agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday. Romano, 32, struggled in 2025 with the Philadelphia Phillies, posting an 8.23 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 25.1% strikeout rate, and 9.1% walk rate across 42 2/3 innings. He landed on the injured list in late August with inflammation in his right middle finger, an issue that reportedly affected his velocity throughout the season. The two-time All-Star now looks to revive his career in Southern California. With the Angels losing Kenley Jansen to free agency and no clear closer in their bullpen, Romano could quickly move up the depth chart and see save opportunities. For fantasy purposes, Romano is a high-risk, high-reward option, and as of now, it appears he will be the closer in Los Angeles.

2 days ago

Yu Darvish • SP • Padres

Yu Darvish Considering Retirement?

San Diego Padres right-hander Yu Darvish (elbow) may retire after completing rehab from his latest injury, according to Dennis Lin of The Athletic. Over the weekend, Darvish spoke at a charity event and said he is focused on his rehab and is unsure if he will try to pitch again after the process is complete. The 39-year-old veteran underwent surgery in October to repair a flexor tendon and the UCL in his right elbow. Darvish is one of the most decorated Japanese pitchers in MLB history. Over his 13-year career, he has a 3.65 ERA with 2,075 strikeouts across 1,778 innings. Hopefully, we get to see the five-time All-Star pitch again, but if not, he had an amazing career.

2 days ago

Alex Bregman • 3B

Alex Bregman Drawing Interest From Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks have expressed interest in free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, though re-signing him remains the Boston Red Sox's top priority. Bregman, 31, opted out of his three-year deal with Boston after slashing .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs, 62 RBI, and 64 runs scored across 495 plate appearances, good for a 125 wRC+. While he would fit well with either club, Fenway Park is the preferred landing spot for fantasy purposes, as his pull-heavy approach plays perfectly off the Green Monster. For 2026, Bregman profiles as a top-10 third baseman with top-five upside if he lands in the right situation.

2 days ago

Mike Trout • RF • Angels

Angels Open to Mike Trout Playing Center Field in 2026

The Los Angeles Angels may allow outfielder Mike Trout to play center field again in 2026. General manager Perry Minasian said he's keeping his options open, which includes Trout seeing time at all three outfield positions. Trout, 34, appeared in 130 games last season, his highest total since 2019. He served as the designated hitter in 106 games and played right field in just 22, reinforcing the idea that keeping him out of center field is likely the best path to preserving his health. In 2025, Trout slashed .232/.359/.439 with 26 home runs, 64 RBI, and 74 runs scored, good for a 120 wRC+. With a current ADP of 194, the future Hall of Fame slugger offers power upside without requiring a significant draft-day investment.

2 days ago

Chris Martin • RP • Rangers

Rangers Bring Back Chris Martin on One-Year Deal

Free-agent righty reliever Chris Martin has agreed to a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers on Tuesday. Martin, 39, was effective in 2025, posting a 2.98 ERA (3.11 SIERA) and a 24.7% strikeout rate over 42 1/3 innings. He recorded two saves and 13 holds last season and could see a few matchup-based closing chances again in 2026 because the incumbent closer, Robert Garcia, is a lefty. However, the Rangers also recently signed Alexis Diaz, so fantasy managers should take a wait-and-see approach before drafting any of the Rangers' relievers.

2 days ago

Jason Foley • RP • Giants

Giants Add Jason Foley to Their Bullpen on One-Year Deal

The San Francisco Giants announced on Tuesday that they agreed to terms with free-agent right-handed reliever Jason Foley (shoulder) on an undisclosed one-year major-league deal. Foley had arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder and didn't appear at all in the big leagues in 2025 as a result. The 30-year-old veteran comes to San Francisco with a career 3.16 ERA (3.22 FIP), 1.24 WHIP, 35 saves, 150 strikeouts, and 51 walks in 199 2/3 innings over 210 appearances out of the bullpen for the Detroit Tigers in four seasons. Foley won't be on the fantasy radar at all next year, especially since he's not expected to be ready to pitch for the Giants until around the All-Star break in mid-July. He'll be under team control through the 2028 season, though. In his last season in Detroit in 2024, Foley had a 3.15 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with a career-high 28 saves in 69 outings.

2 days ago

Caleb Ferguson • RP • Reds

Reds Agree With Lefty Reliever Caleb Ferguson

Free-agent left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson agreed to an undisclosed one-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday, pending a physical, a source told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Ferguson brings much more real-life value to Cincinnati's bullpen for the 2026 season than he carries fantasy appeal. The 29-year-old southpaw appeared in a career-high 70 games with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Seattle Mariners last season over 65 1/3 innings pitched. He had a combined 3.58 ERA (3.26 FIP) and 1.16 WHIP with 51 strikeouts and 22 walks. Ferguson's strikeout rate dropped to a career-low 18.9% in 2025, but he held left-handed hitters to a weak .184/.261/.204 slash line on the year. He'll continue to be a lefty specialist in 2026 for the Reds and won't carry any real fantasy appeal.

2 days ago

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