MLB News

According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Boston Red Sox have checked in on infielder Ramon Urias, but currently have "lukewarm" interest in signing him ahead of spring training. The Red Sox have been linked to several infield free agents throughout the winter but have yet to agree to terms with any of them. Earlier in the offseason, they expressed significant interest in resigning Alex Bregman or acquiring Bo Bichette. Additionally, they have been linked to Houston's third baseman, Isaac Paredes, in a potential trade. Urias spent the 2025 season with the Orioles and Astros. Across 112 contests, the 31-year-old held a .241/.292/.384 slash line with 11 home runs and three stolen bases. For now, Marcelo Mayer is projected to begin the season as Boston's primary third baseman.

Washington Nationals right-handed pitcher Josiah Gray could get the starting nod on Opening Day, according to Jessica Camerato of MLB.com. Gray was sidelined for nearly the entire 2025 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024. He returned to the bump late in 2025 in the minor leagues. Across a brief 5 2/3-inning stint, Gray did not allow a run and helda 5:5 K:BB. During his last full season in Washington (2023), Gray logged 159 innings to the tune of a 3.91 ERA with a 1.46 WHIP. He struck out 143 hitters while allowing walks at a 11.5% rate. With MacKenzie Gore now in Texas, Gore figures to compete for the lead role in the rotation alongside Jake Irvin and Cade Cavalli. Given his inconsistent command, Gray is best left for deeper 15+ team formats as a streaming option.

According to Jessica Camerato of MLB.com, the Nationals could explore shifting second baseman Luis Garcia Jr. to first base to begin the season. Last summer, Garcia was given a brief two-game stint at first base and could begin to take on a larger role there, given Washington's current roster. Additionally, the Nationals could turn to Matt Mervis, Andres Chaparro, or prospect Yohandy Morales to begin the campaign as the team's starting first baseman. In 2025, Garcia spent the majority of his time at the keystone and held a .252/.289/.412 slash line with 28 doubles, 16 home runs, and 14 stolen bases. Managers should monitor his usage in spring training, as he could earn more positional eligibility if he were to appear in enough games at first base. If he were to completely shift to first base, Jose Tena and Nasim Nunez would likely earn starts at second base.

The Miami Marlins have approached young outfielder Jakob Marsee on a potential contract extension. Marsee made his MLB debut last summer and looked quite comfortable during his first taste of the major leagues. Through 55 contests, the 24-year-old held a .292/.363/.478 slash line with five long balls and 14 stolen bases. Under the hood, he generated a promising .347 xwOBA and .275 xBA, with a 38.9% LA sweet-spot rate. He also drew walks at an above-average 9.4% rate and struck out at a 20.5% rate. Across 98 games at Triple-A Jacksonville prior to this promotion, Marsee held a .246/.379/.438 line with 14 home runs and 47 stolen bases. Given that the Marlins have already begun pursuing long-term decisions with Marsee, it suggests they view him as a vital piece of the franchise. Managers should expect Marsee to see everyday opportunities in the center field to begin the 2026 campaign. He carries high-end breakout appeal in category formats, given his potential to steal bases at a high rate.

According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Boston Red Sox nearly acquired Chicago White Sox right-handed pitcher Jordan Leasure in a trade. Last week, the Red Sox sent right-handed pitchers Jordan Hicks and David Sandlin to the White Sox in exchange for right-handed prospect Gage Ziehl. However, it appears the Red Sox were also very interested in bolstering their bullpen with Leasure. Last season, Leasure logged 64 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.92 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. He struck out an eye-catching 81 hitters while generating an above-average 3.19 xERA. Managers should expect the 27-year-old to operate as the primary setup man for Seranthony Dominguez on the South Side. While his save opportunities could be limited, he should be given ample opportunities to tally double-digit holds.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, New York Mets outfield prospect Carson Benge was never included in the package that brought right-handed pitcher Freddy Peralta to Queens. This suggests that the Mets view Benge not only as a short-term answer but also as a long-term part of the team's future. Instead, the Mets traded right-handed pitching prospect Brandon Sproat and top infield prospect Jett Williams to Milwaukee. The Mets selected Benge in the opening round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Oklahoma State. Last summer, the 23-year-old posted an impressive .281/.385/.472 slash line with 25 doubles, 15 home runs, and 22 stolen bases across 116 games split between High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A. Given New York's current outfield, Benge appears to be in serious consideration for the starring role in left field.

Minnesota Twins right-handed pitcher Mick Abel has flashed immense upside in the minor leagues but has yet to show much consistency in the major leagues. Abel made his MLB debut with the Phillies in 2025 and logged 25 innings, posting a 5.04 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. He struck out 21 batters and allowed nine walks. He was then moved to Minnesota in the Jhoan Duran trade, but saw his struggles continue. With the Twins, Abel tossed 14 innings (four games) and posted an 8.36 ERA and a 1.79 WHIP. However, at Triple-A, Abel has been nothing short of dominant. Through 98 1/3 combined Triple-A frames last summer with Lehigh Valley and Salt Lake, the former 15th overall pick posted an elite 2.20 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, with a 114:40 K:BB. He is a name to monitor in spring training as he could carve out a spot at the back of the rotation.

Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect Didier Fuentes made his MLB debut last summer but struggled during his first taste. Through 13 innings (four starts) in Atlanta, Fuentes posted a high 13.85 ERA with a 2.23 WHIP. The 20-year-old looked quite overmatched, striking out only 12 hitters and posting a high 8.7% walk rate. However, Fuentes showed solid upside as he progressed through the system and could enjoy a strong bounce-back during his first MLB stint in 2026. Fuentes began the 2025 season in High-A but progressed to Triple-A Gwinnett. He would spend the majority of his season at Triple-A, where he logged 22 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.63 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and a 29:4 K:BB. His season would be cut short by right shoulder inflammation in August. Managers should monitor his development in spring training, as he could be in the mix for an early call-up if Atlanta needs an injury replacement.

Los Angeles Angels right-handed pitching prospect George Klassen is a name to monitor during spring training. Klassen is currently considered the No. 3-ranked prospect in the system on MLB.com. In 2025, the right-hander spent the majority of the year in Double-A Rocket City before earning a brief six-inning stint at Triple-A Salt Lake. Across 102 2/3 innings at Double-A, the former sixth-round selection from the 2023 MLB Draft posted a hefty 5.35 with a 1.48 WHIP. However, over his last 23 innings at Double-A before earning the promotion, Klassen posted a dominant 1.17 ERA with 32 punchouts. At Triple-A, Klassen totaled eight strikeouts across this brief stint, while allowing two runs with one free pass. Given Los Angeles's weak pitching depth, Klassen could be in strong consideration for a promotion early in the season.

New York Yankees right-handed pitcher Cam Schlittler is expected to begin the 2026 season as a key member of the New York rotation. The right-hander reached the major leagues in July and turned in an impressive rookie season. Across his first 73 innings in the Bronx, the right-hander held a 2.96 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP. He struck out 84 batters but struggled to command his pitches, allowing free passes at a high 10.4% rate. He flashed immense upside in the postseason when he logged 14 1/3 innings to the tune of a stellar 1.26 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and a perfect 14:0 K:BB. Schlittler began the 2025 season at Double-A but quickly progressed through the upper levels to join the Yankees in the second half. With Gerrit Cole (elbow) and Carlos Rodon (elbow) still working their way back from injuries, Schlittler is poised to open the season as a lead option in the rotation, behind veteran Max Fried.

Milwaukee Brewers right-handed pitcher Jacob Misiorowski is a top breakout candidate heading into the 2026 season. The hard-throwing right-hander made his MLB debut last summer and showcased his high strikeout upside during his limited stint. Through 66 innings of work, Jacob Misiorowski racked up 87 punchouts but was unable to turn in consistent performances. He would finish his debut season with a modest 4.36 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP. Much of his struggles came in his last 36 2/3 innings, when he posted a high 5.89 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. Under the hood, the former second-round selection generated a strong 3.41 xERA with an elite .202 xBA, suggesting he should see some positive regression in Year 2. Across 81 career innings at Triple-A, Misiorowski has held a dominant 2.22 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP. Given his high-end strikeout upside, the right-hander is an intriguing selection at his current 132.5 ADP on NFBC drafts.

Toronto Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman posted a career-high 33 saves last year, and he should continue to rack up save situations in 2026. Hoffman's first five years in the majors were skewed by ugly results at Coors Park, but he instantly posted better results upon leaving Denver. He spent two years each with the Reds and Phillies in mid-level bullpen roles. Still, prior to 2024, he had not posted more than one save in a single season. His saves total jumped to 10 in 2024 with Philadelphia, and he more than tripled that number in his first campaign north of the border last year. Barring an unforeseen bullpen splash, the Jays appear content with Hoffman in their closer role in 2026, and for good reason. He posted a 3.73 xFIP last year with 11.12 K/9, 3.57 BB/9, and a 39.4% ground ball rate. Meanwhile, three of his four pitches graded out as "above average" in FanGraphs' Stuff+ model. If anything was worth picking apart from Hoffman's profile last year, it would have been his tendency to allow home runs. His home run rate soared to 1.99 HR/9, but a gap of more than one whole point between his FIP and xFIP indicates he may have just been unlucky. We're still expecting big things from Hoffman in 2026. As it stands, he ranks as the #18 relief pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings.

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Dylan Cease is gearing up for his first season north of the border. He spent his first five big-league seasons with the White Sox and each of his last two in San Diego. Availability was a centerpiece of Cease's game, as he has made at least 32 starts and posted at least 3.4 fWAR in each of the last five years. His record dipped a bit last season as he went 8-12, but he still flashed an impressive 3.56 FIP with 11.52 K/9, which was his highest strikeout rate since 2021. Now 30 years old, Cease brings consistency, availability, and a track record of success with him to Toronto, where the Blue Jays are looking to win the American League pennant once again. He should slot into their rotation as the No. 2 starter behind Kevin Gausman and ahead of Shane Bieber. As it stands, Cease is the #21 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings for 2026.

San Francisco Giants first baseman Rafael Devers was the center of many storylines during the 2025 season. Despite dealing with plenty of outside noise and enduring a midseason trade across the country, Devers remained one of the best power hitters in baseball while flashing solid discipline. Across 163 games split between Boston and San Francisco, Devers slashed .252/.372/.479 with 35 home runs, 109 RBI, and 135 wRC+. He also walked at a career-best 15.4% clip. While he posted at least 24 fWAR at the plate for the fourth time in the last seven years, his defense was far less impressive. He was primarily a designated hitter in 2025, but he did make 29 appearances at first base, posting -1 OAA, -1 FRV, and -16.8 fWAR there. Fortunately for fantasy managers, the jolt of the bat impacts his value far more than the glove. His raw power and ability to get on base vault him to #7 in the latest RotoBaller fantasy baseball rankings for first basemen.

Tampa Bay Rays infielder Taylor Walls will likely start at shortstop to open the season, according to Adam Berry of MLB.com. Walls is working his way back from a groin strain that cost him the final two months of the regular season. He played 101 games in 2025, slashing just .220/.280/.319 with a career-low 8.2% walk rate and 22.1% strikeout rate. He contributed just 66 wRC+, which is concerning. However, he made up for his subpar hitting with above-average production in the field. He posted 1 OAA, 1 FRV, and 3.6 fWAR on defense last year, bringing his overall total WAR contribution to 0.3 wins. While Berry reports that Walls should patrol shortstop on Opening Day, it's worth noting that the 29-year-old switch-hitter doesn't have the greatest job security. Former top prospect Carson Williams, who debuted last year, is on the 40-man roster, and the Rays also have middle infield depth in Brett Wisely and Jadher Areinamo.

The Toronto Blue Jays remain interested in signing free agent starting pitcher Framber Valdez, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Valdez remains the top arm on the market with spring training just a couple of weeks away. He posted double-digit wins and at least 22 starts in each of the last five seasons with Houston. He concluded his Astros tenure with an impressive 3.34 xFIP, 8.77 K/9, and 3.19 BB/9 in 2025. All the while, Valdez continued to effectively limit weak contact with just 0.7 HR/9 and a 72.9% ground ball rate. He's expected to fetch a sizable contract in free agency, but the chances of him settling for a shorter-term deal increase with each passing day. Valdez also has the qualifying offer attached to him, which adds a wrinkle to his market. Nevertheless, he is an ace who would offer a major upgrade to every rotation in baseball, including Toronto's. The American League champion's starting rotation is currently headlined by Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, Shane Bieber, and Trey Yesavage.

Catcher Yainer Diaz won his salary arbitration case against the Houston Astros on Tuesday, a source told Francys Romero. Diaz will make $4.5 million in 2026 after the Astros filed at $3 million. In his fourth year in the majors with the Astros in 2025, Diaz slashed .256/.284/.417 with a .701 OPS, 20 home runs, 70 RBI, and 56 runs scored in 143 games and 567 plate appearances. It was the second time that the 27-year-old backstop had 20 homers in his career, but his batting average fell more than 40 points. The free-swinging catcher still makes plenty of contact despite his lack of plate discipline, but fantasy managers certainly expect another high average after he was buoyed by a .338 BABIP in 2024. Diaz's low walk rate makes him a liability in leagues that count on-base percentage. But with plenty of pop at catcher and everyday playing time, Diaz is a low-end No. 1 catching option in fantasy baseball.

Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo had a career-best 3.33 ERA (3.81 FIP), a 1.08 WHIP, and 156:31 K:BB in 156 2/3 innings over 29 outings (career-high 28 starts) in his fourth year in the majors. The 6-foot-6 southpaw made another trip to the injured list due to blister issues, but overall, it was another step forward for the former first-rounder out of TCU. Perhaps the most impressive thing Lodolo did in 2025 was post a 4.8% walk rate, which ranked fourth among starting pitchers with at least 150 innings pitched. Lodolo's strikeout numbers have dropped a tad compared to his first few years in the league, but he still sports a solid 26.2% strikeout rate in his four seasons to go along with a 6.7% walk rate. If Lodolo can keep the ball in the yard more at hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark, a breakout in Year 5 could be coming in 2026. Treat him as a No. 3 starting pitcher with upside in fantasy baseball drafts.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene took a more aggressive approach at the plate in 2025 in his fourth year in the big leagues, which led to career highs in home runs (36) and RBI (111), but also in strikeouts (201). Greene had a career-high 30.7% strikeout rate, although his average only dropped from .262 to .258. The 25-year-old left-handed slugger's OPS also dropped over 20 points, thanks to a career-low 7.1% walk rate. He swung at more pitches and also swung and missed more, but when he did make contact, he did damage with a 17.1% barrel rate. In addition to Greene's 36 homers and 111 RBI, he added a career-high 84 runs scored but stole just two bases. Greene has a total of 14 thefts in his four seasons, so fantasy managers can't count on that as part of his game. If his aggressive approach at the plate continues in 2026, Greene should have a high floor as a power threat and run-producer while maintaining a solid but unspectacular average. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 20 outfielder.

For the second straight season, Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Tre Turner missed time with a hamstring injury, limiting him to 141 games. Turner still managed to win his second batting title (.304 batting average), but he was unable to reach the 20-homer mark (15 dingers) for the first time in a full season since 2019 with the Washington Nationals. In addition to his 15 homers and .304 average, the 32-year-old three-time All-Star had 69 RBI, 94 runs scored, and 36 stolen bases in his third season with the Phillies. Injuries are a concern for Turner, but he proved last year that he still has the sprint speed to swipe 30-plus bags as he nears his mid-30s. And if he manages to stay healthy, the counting stats should be there as the table-setter for a very potent Philly offense. Turner is a borderline top-25 fantasy asset and is the No. 5-ranked fantasy shortstop at RotoBaller going into the 2026 season.