MLB News

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.

18 hours ago

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.

18 hours ago

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.

18 hours ago

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.

19 hours ago

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.

19 hours ago

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.

Yesterday

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.

Yesterday

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.

Yesterday

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.

Yesterday

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.

Yesterday

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.

Yesterday

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.

Yesterday

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.

Yesterday

Adrian Houser • SP • Giants

Adrian Houser Joins Giants on Two-Year Deal

Free-agent right-hander Adrian Houser and the San Francisco Giants agreed on a two-year, $22 million deal on Tuesday that includes a club option for a third season, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. In addition to Houser, the Gigantes also added right-handed reliever Jason Foley on Tuesday to help shore up their pitching staff. Houser, 32, looked much better this past season, going 8-5 with a 3.31 ERA (3.81 FIP) and 1.28 WHIP with 92 strikeouts and 38 walks in 125 innings over 21 starts with the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays. He was much better in Chicago, posting a nice 2.10 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 47:22 K:BB ratio in his 11 starts. Houser showed better velocity than he did in a rough 2024 season with the New York Mets, in which he had a career-worst 5.84 ERA, but he still had a weak 17.8% strikeout rate. The landing spot in SF is nice, but Houser brings limited fantasy upside with his 18.4% career K rate.

Yesterday

Foster Griffin • SP

Foster Griffin, Nationals Agree on One-Year Deal

Free-agent left-hander Foster Griffin and the Washington Nationals agreed on a one-year, $5.5 million deal on Tuesday, pending a physical, sources familiar with the deal told Robert Murray of FanSided.com. With incentives, Griffin can make up to $6.5 million. The 30-year-old southpaw will make a return to the U.S. after three seasons pitching for the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball. Griffin had a nice 2.57 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with a 25.1% strikeout rate in 315 2/3 innings in Japan the last three seasons, and he'll be competing for a spot in Washington's starting rotation in spring training. He was originally a first-round pick by the Kansas City Royals in 2014. Griffin made his MLB debut in 2020 in KC but only appeared in seven big-league games in two seasons, allowing seven runs (six earned) in eight innings pitched.

2 days ago

Justin Crawford • CF • Phillies

Phillies Planning to Start Justin Crawford in Center Field

With newly signed outfielder Adolis Garcia taking over in right field for the Philadelphia Phillies next season, the team is looking to use prospect Justin Crawford as a center fielder, according to Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer. "We believe so," president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said. "We'd like to have that happen. "If you're going to give Crawford an opportunity, you've got to give it to him. And that's where we are. We're going to give him an opportunity and have him play a lot." Brandon Marsh will likely be the left fielder, at least against right-handed pitchers. The Phillies are unlikely to add another outfielder this offseason. There's plenty to like about the 21-year-old Crawford in fantasy baseball after he hit .334/.411/.452 with seven homers and 46 steals at Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2025. His defense is a work in progress, but for his speed alone in a stacked Philly lineup, Crawford's stock is on the rise. Per MLB Pipeline, Crawford is the Phillies' No. 3 prospect.

2 days ago

Ha-Seong Kim • SS • Braves

Ha-Seong Kim Re-Signs With Braves on Monday

Free-agent infielder Ha-Seong Kim re-signed with the Atlanta Braves on Monday night on a one-year, $20 million deal, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Kim started the 2025 season with the Tampa Bay Rays but didn't make his season debut until July 4 after recovering from shoulder surgery. The 30-year-old South Korean native played in only 24 games with Tampa before being cut, and he finished the year with the Braves. Kim slashed a combined .234/.304/.345 with a .649 OPS, five home runs, 17 RBI, 19 runs scored, and six stolen bases in 191 plate appearances over 48 games played. He hit .253 with three homers and 12 RBI in 24 games in Atlanta, and he figures to see most of the playing time at short for the Braves going into next season. Kim's biggest draw in fantasy baseball is for his speed, as he swiped a combined 60 bases in 2023 and 2024. His reckless playing style makes him injury-prone, which we've seen firsthand the last two years.

2 days ago

Jake Bennett • SP • Red Sox

Pitching Prospect Jake Bennett Heads to Boston

The Boston Red Sox acquired left-handed pitching prospect Jake Bennett from the Washington Nationals on Monday in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Luis Perales, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. Bennett, 25, was drafted by the Nats in the 39th round in 2019. The young southpaw pitched for Single-A Fredericksburg, High-A Wilmington, and Double-A Harrisburg in 2025 in his first year back from Tommy John surgery, going a combined 2-5 with a 2.27 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 64:19 K:BB ratio in 75 1/3 innings over 19 outings (18 starts). Per MLB Pipeline, Bennett immediately becomes the BoSox's No. 7 prospect. The 6-foot-6, 234-pounder is predominantly a sinker/changeup pitcher who has held impressive ground-ball rates in the minors. Bennett also features a low- to mid-90s heater. Bennett might be another full year away from the big leagues, but his combination of size and stuff gives him decent upside at the major-league level.

2 days ago

Luis Perales • SP • Nationals

Nationals Acquire Pitching Prospect Luis Perales From Boston

The Washington Nationals acquired right-handed pitching prospect Luis Perales from the Boston Red Sox on Monday in exchange for left-handed pitching prospect Jake Bennett, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. Perales, 22, has missed most of the past two years while recovering from Tommy John surgery, appearing in only 12 games (10 starts) across the Red Sox's minor-league system. He has a fastball that hits triple digits and is already being considered Washington's No. 5 prospect by MLB Pipeline. The 6-foot-1, 160-pound Venezuelan hurler also has a nasty splitter and features a slider and a cutter as other secondary pitches. Perales has athleticism and elite arm speed, but he's small for a starter, and his durability is a concern. If Perales cannot make it as a starter, the Nats could try him in a high-leverage relief role. His innings will be closely monitored in 2026, and he's probably a long shot to make his MLB debut.

2 days ago

Mark Vientos • 3B • Mets

Mets Open to Trading Mark Vientos

The New York Mets are open to trading infielder/designated hitter Mark Vientos this winter, sources told Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated. Vientos could draw plenty of interest, as he has four years of club control as a pre-arbitration player. He won't be a free agent until after the 2029 season. However, it remains to be seen how many MLB teams would be interested after Vientos regressed to a .233/.289/.413 slash line with a .702 OPS, 97 OPS+, 17 home runs, 61 RBI, and a -0.2 bWAR in 121 games in 2025. The year prior, Vientos broke out with 27 long balls, 71 RBI, an .837 OPS, and 3.0 bWAR in 111 games. Brett Baty is likely to be the starter at third in 2026, and the Mets just signed Jorge Polanco to take over at first base to replace Pete Alonso, who signed with Baltimore in free agency. Vientos was able to drop his strikeout rate to a career-low 24.8% in 2025, but he isn't great defensively and still has a lot to prove.

2 days ago

MLB News

LEGEND