MLB News

Thomas White • SP • Marlins

Thomas White Could Push for Early MLB Debut?

Miami Marlins top pitching prospect Thomas White could make a case to push for an earlier-than-expected MLB debut. The Miami Marlins have traded two of their current starting pitchers this past week, which will open the door for their budding prospects to compete for a job in spring training. The Marlins shipped Edward Cabrera to the Chicago Cubs in return for top outfield prospect Owen Caissie and then moved left-hander Ryan Weathers to the Yankees in return for several hitting prospects. While Robby Snelling appears to be a favorite to claim one of the openings as he finished this season pitching at a high level with Triple-A, managers should also monitor White, the team's top arm. MLB.com's No. 22-ranked prospect logged 89 2/3 innings last season, spent primarily with High-A and Double-A before earning a brief stint at Triple-A. Through these innings, White held a stellar 2.31 ERA, 1.18 WHIP with a 145:51 K:BB. If White can turn in a dominant spring training, the left-hander could make a case to begin the 2026 season in Miami or join the Marlins relatively early in the first half.

3 hours ago

Carson Benge • RF • Mets

Carson Benge a Name to Closely Monitor in Camp

New York Mets outfield prospect Carson Benge is a name to closely monitor during spring training. As reported by Sam Dykstra of MLB.com, Benge is in the mix to win a starting job in the outfield out of spring training. Following the departure of Brandon Nimmo, Benge could make a strong case in spring training to claim the open role in the outfield. Currently, the Mets are slated to put Tyrone Taylor in center field and Juan Soto in right field. While they have been linked to free agents like Kyle Tucker, as of now, a corner outfield position appears to be open for the taking. Last season, Benge opened the campaign with High-A but was able to end the season with Triple-A. Across 116 total games, the No. 21-ranked prospect in the sport posted a .281/.385/.472 line with an .857 OPS. Managers should closely monitor Benge's production in the spring, as he could be a top late-round target in drafts if he can claim the open role in the outfield.

3 hours ago

Bubba Chandler • SP • Pirates

Bubba Chandler's Stock is Rising Ahead of Spring Training

Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect Bubba Chandler has seen his fantasy stock rise following his strong conclusion to the season, as he appears poised for a breakout campaign in 2026. Chandler made his MLB debut with the Pirates in late August of 2025. Through his first 31 1/3 innings in the big leagues, the right-hander posted a modest 4.01 ERA with a stellar 0.93 WHIP. However, his ERA is significantly inflated due to the nine-run outing on September 7. Removing this one fluke outing, the 23-year-old would have instead carried a dominant 1.57 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and a 28:1 K:BB across 28 2/3 innings in the big leagues. While Chandler struggled at times at Triple-A before his promotion, once he reached Pittsburgh, the top prospect looked like his typical self. Seeing that he showed elite command and above-average strikeout upside, Chandler could enjoy an impressive first full season in the big leagues and is worth viewing as an SP3/SP4 with upside.

3 hours ago

Samuel Basallo • C • Orioles

Samuel Basallo to Begin the Season with Everyday At-Bats?

Baltimore Orioles catching prospect Samuel Basallo could see nearly every day at-bats with the Orioles to open the 2026 season. The top catching prospect in the sport and the overall No. 7-ranked per MLB Pipeline, made his long-awaited MLB debut in August of the 2025 season. Through his first 31 games in Baltimore, Bassalo showed some growing pains, posting a .165/.229/.330 line with a modest .559 OPS. He hit four home runs but carried a 30:6 K:BB. Through 70 games with Triple-A Norfolk, Basallo posted an impressive .270/.377/.589 line with 17 doubles and 23 home runs. During his brief stint with the Orioles last season, Basallo logged 22 games behind the dish with seven at DH and two at first base. With Pete Alonso now on the roster, Basallo will likely only rotate between catcher and DH. Managers should expect Basallo to open the campaign, rotating with Adley Rutschman behind the dish and at DH, given his usage last summer. However, if Basallo sees these struggles continue, he could lose DH at-bats to Tyler O'Neill or Ryan Mountcastle.

3 hours ago

Carter Jensen • C • Royals

Carter Jensen Ticketed for Major Role?

Kansas City Royals catching prospect Carter Jensen made his MLB debut late in the 2025 season and immediately flashed high upside. With the Royals, Jensen posted a .300/.391/.550 line with six doubles, three home runs, and a 12:9 K:BB across a 20-game stint. Under the hood, the No. 1-ranked prospect in the system per MLB.com generated a remarkable .447 xwOBA, .336 xBA, and a .633 xSLG, suggesting he was not only making contact with the ball. but was flashing high raw power. Earlier in 2025, Jensen began the season with Double-A but needed only 68 games to earn the call to Triple-A. Through 43 games with the top level of the Kansas City system, Jensen held a .288/.404/.647 line with 14 home runs. In 2026, Jensen is expected to split the job with Salvador Perez behind the dish and likely shift to the DH spot on his off days from catching. In his brief stint last summer, he logged 10 games behind the dish and nine at DH. If he continues to perform at this level, Jensen has the upside to be an everyday player and carry high-end sleeper appeal at the catching position.

3 hours ago

Sebastian Walcott • SS • Rangers

Sebastian Walcott to Open 2026 Season at Triple-A?

Top Texas Rangers shortstop prospect Sebastian Walcott is expected to make a strong push to join Triple-A at the start of the 2026 regular season. Last summer, the No. 6-ranked prospect in all of baseball (according to MLB Pipeline) spent the entire campaign with Double-A Frisco and was able to hold his own, suggesting he is ready for a promotion. Across 125 contests, the infielder posted a .255/.355/.386 slash line with 19 doubles, 13 home runs, and an eye-catching 32 stolen bases. He held a 108:70 K: BB and scored 71 runs. In 2024, Walcott spent most of his time with High-A and held a similar .261/.342/.443 line before earning a brief five-game taste of Double-A. If the 19-year-old can join Triple-A Round Rock early in the campaign, he could push for a second-half MLB debut. He is worth closely monitoring in all dynasty leagues and deeper redraft leagues, as he could be in the mix to debut in the back half of the regular season.

4 hours ago

Vidal Bruján • 3B • Twins

Twins Claim Vidal Brujan Off Waivers From Braves

The Minnesota Twins have claimed utility man Vidal Brujan off waivers from the Atlanta Braves, designating catcher/utility man Mickey Gasper for assignment as the corresponding move. Brujan, who will turn 28 in February, has already appeared for five different MLB teams across five seasons in the big leagues. Across 94 plate appearances split between the Braves, Chicago Cubs, and Baltimore Orioles in 2025, Brujan posted a .253/.305/.310 slash line with zero home runs, eight RBI, 14 runs scored, and two stolen bases. Brujan's main appeal at this point in his career is defensive versatility, as he spent time at every position other than first base and catcher this past season. If he's able to stick on the Twins roster, Brujan is likely headed for a bench role. Neither Brujan nor Gasper, who has a career .133 batting average across 133 big-league plate appearances, projects to carry much fantasy value in 2026.

13 hours ago

Nico Hoerner • 2B • Cubs

Mariners Interested in Nico Hoerner

Adam Jude of The Seattle Times reports that the Seattle Mariners "remain interested" in acquiring Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner. With the Cubs' recent addition of third baseman Alex Bregman, Chicago could be looking to shuffle pieces around in its infield, and Hoerner will reach free agency at the end of the 2026 season. Across 156 games for the Cubs in 2025, Hoerner posted a .297/.345/.394 slash line with seven home runs, 61 RBI, 89 runs scored, and 29 stolen bases. The 28-year-old is widely considered one of the best defensive second basemen in baseball and has logged at least 640 plate appearances in three straight seasons. Seattle currently has Cole Young penciled in as its opening day second baseman, who posted a .607 OPS across 257 plate appearances in 2025. Jude also reports that the Mariners have strong interest in St. Louis Cardinals utility man Brendan Donovan, so it appears that the team is actively seeking infield upgrades.

13 hours ago

Jarren Duran • LF • Red Sox

Jarren Duran "Remains a Likely Trade Candidate"

The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey reports that "at least one person with the Red Sox suggested this week that there's still an opportunity to trade from the outfield group," and that outfielder Jarren Duran "remains a likely trade candidate." Boston has at least four capable outfielders currently on the roster between Duran, Roman Anthony, Wilyer Abreu, and Ceddanne Rafaela. While the Red Sox could simply prioritize outfield depth and keep all four, the team's needs elsewhere on the roster could necessitate a trade. Across 696 plate appearances with Boston in 2025, Duran posted a .256/.332/.442 slash line with 16 home runs, 84 RBI, 86 runs scored, and 24 stolen bases. He's entering his age-29 season and will remain under team control through 2028. A Duran trade could potentially provide a playing time boost for Abreu, Rafaela, and Red Sox designated hitter Masataka Yoshida.

13 hours ago

Brayan Bello • SP • Red Sox

Red Sox Have "Quietly Shopped" Brayan Bello

The Boston Red Sox "quietly shopped" starting pitcher Brayan Bello earlier in the offseason, per Ken Rosenthal and Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. While Bello remains a member of the Red Sox for the time being, Boston's recent big-money agreement with lefty starter Ranger Suarez could lead to renewed willingness to trade from their starting pitching depth. Across 166 2/3 innings (29 starts) for the Red Sox in 2025, Bello posted an 11-9 record with a 3.35 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 124 strikeouts. Bello, who turns 27 years old in May, is locked up on a team-friendly extension through at least the 2029 season. He would almost certainly generate interest on the trade market, and the presence of young arms such as Connelly Early and Payton Tolle in Boston could lead the team to move Bello in pursuit of a bat.

14 hours ago

Kyle Tucker • RF

Mets Willing to Add Fourth Year for Kyle Tucker?

MLB Network Radio's Jim Duquette said on Wednesday that from what he can tell, it's likely the New York Mets have "gone to a fourth year" for free-agent outfielder Kyle Tucker. Reports surfaced on Tuesday that the Mets were willing to offer Tucker a short-term contract with an average annual value of $50 million, but they might have added a year after it was announced that the Toronto Blue Jays had extended a long-term deal to Tucker. The Los Angeles Dodgers were seen as suitors for Tucker earlier this offseason, but right now, the Mets and Blue Jays are getting into a bidding war, which means he's unlikely to go to the Dodgers. Regardless of where the 28-year-old left-handed-hitting slugger goes, he will most likely be a top-20 position player in fantasy baseball, even considering his durability questions. The Mets would love to add some more middle-of-the-order lineup protection for lefty slugger Juan Soto and shortstop Francisco Lindor after losing Pete Alonso in free agency.

15 hours ago

Ranger Suárez • SP • Red Sox

Ranger Suarez Agrees to Five-Year Deal With Red Sox

Free-agent left-hander Ranger Suarez agreed to a five-year deal worth $130 million with the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports. The Red Sox were bound to make another big move after losing third baseman Alex Bregman in free agency to the Chicago Cubs. Suarez, 30, will now join ace lefty Garrett Crochet at the top of Boston's starting rotation going into the 2026 season. Boston also acquired veteran righty Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals earlier this offseason to boost their starting rotation. Suarez isn't a big strikeout guy (career 22.1% strikeout rate) and has never reached the 200-inning mark in eight big-league seasons. However, the crafty southpaw has been lights-out in the playoffs with a 1.48 ERA in 42 2/3 innings, and he holds a strong 3.38 career ERA with a 1.27 WHIP, 705 K's, and 240 walks in 762 frames. Suarez might have the track record of a high-end starter, but he's a solid, command-driven ground-ball artist.

20 hours ago

Nolan Arenado • 3B • Diamondbacks

Padres Were Interested in Nolan Arenado to Play First Base

The San Diego Padres were the team besides the Arizona Diamondbacks that "mounted the heaviest pursuit" of Nolan Arenado, people briefed on the talks told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The Padres already have Manny Machado entrenched at third base, so the Padres intended for Arenado to play first base. However, the Padres were unwilling to take on as much of Arenado's salary as the D-backs were. Arizona owes Arenado $1 million less than the White Sox gave left-hander Anthony Kay in the final two years of Arenado's contract. The Padres have payroll concerns, so they might have been trying to land Arenado for something close to the minimum salary. The 34-year-old has been on a three-year offensive decline. He had an xwOBA under .300 for the second straight year, and his exit velocity was in the bottom-10th percentile. Arenado is still strong defensively and makes a lot of contact, but moving to first base will make him even less attractive in fantasy.

20 hours ago

Bo Bichette • SS

Phillies Optimistic About Chances to Sign Bo Bichette?

The Philadelphia Phillies met with free-agent infielder Bo Bichette on Monday, and Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports that both sides "emerged with optimism" from the meeting. Across 628 plate appearances for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2025, Bichette slashed .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs, 94 RBI, 78 runs scored, and four stolen bases. He'll turn just 28 years old in March, making him one of the younger big-name free agents on the open market. Bichette has spent the majority of his career playing shortstop, but he's graded out as a poor defender and has expressed an openness to moving off the position with his next team. Philadelphia already has Trea Turner at short, so Bichette would likely take over for either Bryson Stott at second base or Alec Bohm at third base with the Phillies. Multiple other teams, including the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, have been linked to Bichette at different points throughout the offseason. However, Gelb highlights Philadelphia's historical willingness to sign longer-term free agent deals as one reason why the organization may emerge as the winner of the Bichette sweepstakes.

23 hours ago

Paul Goldschmidt • 1B

Paul Goldschmidt "Continues to Loom as a Potential Fit" in Arizona

Free-agent first baseman Paul Goldschmidt "continues to loom as a potential fit" with the Arizona Diamondbacks, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Goldschmidt spent the 2025 season with the New York Yankees, posting a .274/.328/.403 slash line with 10 home runs, 45 RBI, 76 runs scored, and five stolen bases across 534 plate appearances. Entering his age-38 season, Goldschmidt's days as an everyday player are likely behind him. However, he mashed left-handed pitching to a .336/.411/.570 line in 2025, which could make him an ideal platoon partner for Diamondbacks left-handed hitting first baseman Pavin Smith. Goldschmidt also spent the first eight years of his career in Arizona before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, so a homecoming could be a nice story for both player and team.

23 hours ago

Ranger Suárez • SP • Red Sox

Ranger Suarez has Fans in the Red Sox Organization

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that some members of the Boston Red Sox organization are "high on free-agent left-hander Ranger Suarez," and speculates that signing Suarez could be one way for Boston to pivot after losing third baseman Alex Bregman to the Chicago Cubs in free agency. Across 157 1/3 innings (26 starts) for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2025, Suarez posted a 12-8 record with a 3.20 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 151 strikeouts. He lowered his walk rate to a career-best 5.8% in 2025 and now hits free agency going into his age-30 season. In Boston, Suarez would likely slot in alongside veteran right-hander Sonny Gray as one of the top starting pitching options behind ace of the staff Garrett Crochet. However, Rosenthal also reports that Suarez's market "remains unclear," so it does not appear that a signing is imminent.

23 hours ago

Framber Valdez • SP

Red Sox Interested in Framber Valdez?

Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports that the Boston Red Sox met with starting pitcher Framber Valdez in person at the MLB general managers' meetings in November, and speculates that the team could circle back to Valdez after losing third baseman Alex Bregman to the Chicago Cubs in free agency. Valdez, who is entering his age-32 season, posted a 13-11 record with a 3.66 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 187 strikeouts across 192 innings for the Houston Astros in 2025. The veteran left-hander has made at least 28 starts in four consecutive seasons, posting a 3.21 ERA across 767 2/3 innings pitched in that span. Healey notes that the Red Sox acquired starting pitcher Sonny Gray after meeting with Valdez, so it's possible the team feels it has filled its rotation needs. However, Boston could choose to upgrade its pitching staff with the money it has left over after missing on Bregman.

Yesterday

Robby Snelling • SP • Marlins

Robby Snelling Slated for Early MLB Debut in 2026?

Miami Marlins pitching prospect Robby Snelling appears poised to compete for a starting job in the rotation during spring training. Over the past week, the Marlins have sent two of their starting pitchers, Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers, to competing teams in exchange for top prospects. As a result, Snelling faces even less competition to crack the rotation next month. Last summer, the southpaw was one of the most dominant pitchers at the Triple-A level. While he had a modest start to the season at Double-A, where he posted a 3.61 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP across 72 1/3 innings, he reached a new level with Jacksonville. Through 63 2/3 innings at the top level of the minor leagues, Snelling posted an elite 1.27 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, with an 81:17 K:BB. Snelling is a name to closely monitor in spring training, as he would carry high-end sleeper appeal given the strikeout upside he flashed against the top hitters in the minor leagues if he begins the season in the majors.

Yesterday

Dylan Jasso • 1B • Marlins

Dylan Jasso Traded to Marlins on Tuesday

New York Yankees infield prospect Dylan Jasso was included in the package that sent left-handed starting pitcher Ryan Weathers to the New York Yankees on Tuesday evening. Additionally, Jasso was sent to the Malrins alongside fellow prospects Dillon Lewis, Brendan Jones, and Juan Matheus. Jasso, the No. 23-ranked prospect in the Yankee system ahead of the trade, spent his entire 2025 campaign with Double-A. During his first look with Double-A Somerset, Jasso held his own, posting a .257/.326/.400 line with a .726 OPS. Across 127 games, Jasso hit 13 round-trippers, added 17 doubles, but held a rough 130:42 K:BB. In 2024, Jasso posted a .728 OPS split between Low-A and High-A. Managers should expect Jasso to make a case to begin the 2026 campaign with Triple-A, which could open the door for a second-half MLB debut.

Yesterday

Ryan Weathers • SP • Yankees |

Dillon Lewis • OF • Marlins

Dillon Lewis Sent to Marlins

The New York Yankees have traded outfield prospect Dillon Lewis to the Miami Marlins in the package that brought Ryan Weathers to the Bronx. Additionally, the Yankees sent fellow prospects Brendan Jones, Dylan Jasso, and Juan Matheus to Miami. Lewis was viewed as the No. 16-ranked prospect in the New York pipeline ahead of Tuesday's trade. Lewis joined the Yankees in the 2024 draft in the 13th round out of Queens University of Charlotte. After a small taste of Low-A following the draft in 2024, Lewis received his first full look at professional baseball last season with Low-A and High-A. Across 122 games split between the levels, Lewis held a .237/.321/.445 line with 21 doubles, 22 home runs, and 26 stolen bases. Given that he spent 76 of these games with High-A, Lewis should be in the mix to debut at Double-A early in the 2026 campaign.

Yesterday

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