MLB News

Bligh Madris • 1B • Tigers

Cardinals Sign Bligh Madris to Minor-League Deal

The St. Louis Cardinals signed free-agent first baseman Bligh Madris to a minor-league deal on Wednesday, according to Chase Ford of MiLB Central. Madris has 247 extra-base hits and 403 RBI in his minor-league career. The 29-year-old was taken in the ninth round in 2017 out of Colorado Mesa University by the Pittsburgh Pirates, and he made his big-league debut with the Bucs in 2022, going 20-for-113 (.177) at the plate with a homer, seven RBI, 10 runs, two steals, 10 walks, and 31 strikeouts in 39 games and 123 plate appearances. Madris played in 12 games with the Houston Astros in 2023 and hit a career-high .269 (18-for-67) with a homer and five RBI in 21 games with the Detroit Tigers in 2024. He hit .232/.320/.384 with five homers in 50 games with Triple-A Toledo in 2025. Expect Madris to open the 2026 campaign at Triple-A Memphis.

7 hours ago

Mickey Gasper • 2B • Red Sox

Red Sox Claim Mickey Gasper Off Waivers From Nationals

The Boston Red Sox announced on Wednesday that they claimed catcher/infielder Mickey Gasper off waivers from the Washington Nationals. Gasper will return to the team with which he made his major-league debut in 2024, although he appeared in just 13 games and was hitless with eight strikeouts in 23 plate appearances. The 30-year-old appeared in 45 games last season with the Minnesota Twins and slashed just .158/.257/.232 with a .488 OPS, two home runs, 11 RBI, 15 runs scored, and two steals in 110 plate appearances. In addition to catcher, Gasper can play first base, second base, and the outfield. He has minor-league options remaining, so he will most likely open the 2026 campaign at Triple-A Worcester as catching depth behind Carlos Narvaez and Connor Wong.

8 hours ago

Yanquiel Fernández • RF • Yankees

Yankees Claim Yanquiel Fernandez Off Waivers From Rockies

The New York Yankees claimed outfielder Yanquiel Fernandez off waivers from the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday, sources told Francys Romero. Fernandez was designated for assignment by the Rockies last week. The 23-year-old Cuban outfielder made his major-league debut with Colorado in 2025 and hit .225/.265/.348 with a .613 OPS, four home runs, 11 RBI, 13 runs scored, eight walks, and 44 strikeouts in 52 games and 147 plate appearances. While Fernandez will begin the 2026 campaign in the minors, he'll be an intriguing name to watch if he eventually makes his way to the Bronx because of his raw power from the left side of the plate. Fernandez has hit .279/.336/.478 with an .813 OPS, 77 home runs, and 338 RBI in 469 games over five minor-league seasons in the Rockies' system.

8 hours ago

Michael Fulmer • RP • Giants

Michael Fulmer Signs Minor-League Deal With Giants

The San Francisco Giants signed free-agent right-hander Michael Fulmer to a minor-league deal with a non-roster invitation to major-league spring training, according to the team. The 32-year-old veteran and former American League Rookie of the Year back in 2016 with the Detroit Tigers only appeared in three games (all in relief) in 2025 with the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs, throwing 5 2/3 innings. In 66 1/3 innings in the minors, he had a 3.39 ERA with 86 strikeouts and 29 walks. Fulmer has eight years of big-league experience with four different teams and has appeared in 265 games (90 starts), but he'll merely be competing for a spot in San Fran's Opening Day bullpen this spring. If Fulmer makes the major-league roster in 2026, he will most likely work in a long-relief/mop-up role for the Gigantes.

9 hours ago

Grant Taylor • RP • White Sox

Grant Taylor to Transition Back to Starting Role in 2027?

Chicago White Sox right-hander Grant Taylor has a goal of reaching 100 innings pitched in 2026 in his second big-league season, and MLB.com's Scott Merkin suggests that the 23-year-old could be an option to start again in 2027. "Having got through last year, adding [Seranthony] Dom nguez, being able to slot guys in different areas, we are going to have more freedom to use Grant to win games, as opposed to fulfill some innings limit," manager Will Venable said. The addition of Seranthony Dominguez to the bullpen should free Taylor up to work multiple innings more out of the bullpen this year after he threw 36 2/3 frames in his first taste of MLB in 2025. Taylor had 37 pitches at 100 mph or faster, and he topped out at 102.2 mph on June 22. He had 54 strikeouts but an ERA of 4.91. The 23-year-old threw a career-high 63 1/3 innings last year between the minors and majors. Although high-leverage opportunities could come, most of Taylor's work this year is expected to come in long relief. Taylor's strikeout upside is obvious, but durability is a concern.

9 hours ago

Framber Valdez • SP

Pirates Emerging as Suitor for Framber Valdez

The Pittsburgh Pirates have emerged as one of the most aggressive teams to pursue free-agent left-hander Framber Valdez, people briefed on the matter told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The 32-year-old is the biggest name left on the open market this offseason, and adding him would enhance the Pirates' biggest strength -- their starting rotation, which is led by National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes. The Pirates' new pitching coach, Bill Murphy, worked with Valdez as both a minor-league and major-league coach with the Houston Astros. In addition to the Pirates, the Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays, Atlanta Braves, and San Diego Padres have been linked to Valdez this offseason. The 32-year-old southpaw would give the Bucs not only another strong arm but plenty of experience and durability, as he's just one of five pitchers to throw at least 900 innings in the last four seasons.

9 hours ago

Tayler Scott • RP • Braves

Tayler Scott Signs Minor-League Deal With Braves

The Atlanta Braves announced on Wednesday that they signed free-agent right-hander Tayler Scott to a minor-league deal with a non-roster invitation to spring training, according to Grant McAuley of 929 The Game. Scott, 33, split the 2025 season with the Houston Astros and Arizona Diamondbacks, posting a rough 7.90 ERA (6.32 FIP), 1.90 WHIP, 24 strikeouts, and 18 walks in 27 1/3 innings out of the bullpen. The South African native has a career 5.51 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, and 21.2% strikeout rate in five major-league seasons with eight different teams. Scott will compete for an Opening Day bullpen spot for the Braves in spring training, but he's most likely going to begin at Triple-A Gwinnett. He was originally a fifth-round selection by the Chicago Cubs in 2011 out of high school.

9 hours ago

Max Clark • CF • Tigers

Max Clark Receives Invite to Big-League Camp

The Detroit Tigers invited outfield prospect Max Clark to major-league spring training this year, according to the Detroit Free Press' Evan Petzold. Clark, who is considered the No. 10 overall prospect in baseball this year, hit a combined .271/.403/.432 with an .835 OPS, 14 home runs, 67 RBI, 85 runs scored, and 19 stolen bases in 111 games with High-A West Michigan and Double-A Erie last year. The left-handed-hitting former third overall pick in 2023 has plus tools with his bat, legs, arm, and glove. Power from the left side might be his biggest weakness, but he figures to develop more of it as his 6-foot, 205-pound frame matures. Clark had a 135 wRC+ AND 16.7% strikeout rate at Double-A, so he figures to open the 2026 season at Triple-A Toledo. If Clark picks up where he left off in the minors in 2026, it may not be long before he's starting in center field in Motown at the major-league level.

9 hours ago

Kevin McGonigle • SS • Tigers

Tigers Invite Shortstop Prospect Kevin McGonigle to Spring Training

The Detroit Tigers have invited shortstop prospect Kevin McGonigle to big-league spring training this year, according to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Per MLB Pipeline, McGonigle is the No. 2 prospect in all of baseball entering the 2026 season, behind only the Pirates' Konnor Griffin. The 21-year-old is an advanced hitter for his age and slashed an impressive .305/.408/.583 with 19 home runs and 10 stolen bases in 88 games over three minor-league levels last season. In addition to being able to play the 6, he'll be an option at second and third base for the Tigers at the next level. However, McGonigle is expected to stick at short for now, which is the biggest need in Detroit. The left-handed hitter might need some time to mature and develop his power and speed, but there's no question he's already among the best pure hitting prospects in baseball.

9 hours ago

Marcell Ozuna • DH

Pirates Showing Interest in Marcell Ozuna

The Pittsburgh Pirates have interest in signing free-agent outfielder/designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic. The Pirates' lineup has enough versatility to accommodate a player like Ozuna, who at 35 years old profiles mostly as a DH at this point in his career. However, a potential addition of Ozuna could affect the playing time for Jake Mangum and Spencer Horwitz, who are projected to play left field and first base, respectively. Ryan O'Hearn would likely split time between 1B and left field if Ozuna were signed. Ozuna, a three-time All-Star, would give the Bucs more thump in the middle of their lineup. The right-handed Dominican slugger clubbed a career-high 31 homers in 2024 with Atlanta, but he dropped off significantly last year with a .232/.355/.400 slash line and only 21 dingers in 145 games. He's a declining power bat that might see less playing time if he lands in Pittsburgh.

10 hours ago

Brandon Drury • 2B • Royals

Royals Sign Brandon Drury to Minor-League Deal

The Kansas City Royals announced on Wednesday that they have signed free-agent veteran infielder Brandon Drury to a minor-league deal with an invitation to major-league spring training. Drury will compete for a roster spot this spring with the Royals after hitting a miserable .169/.242/.228 with a .469 OPS, four home runs, 15 RBI, 28 runs scored, 27 walks, and 81 strikeouts in 97 games (360 plate appearances) with the Los Angeles Angels in 2024. He didn't appear at all in the big leagues in 2025. In 53 games in the minors with the Angels and Chicago White Sox last year, he hit .214/.338/.323. The 10-year veteran has a career .245/.297/.421 slash line with a .717 OPS, and 109 home runs with seven different teams. Even if Drury sticks around in KC in 2026, he'll be a long shot for any kind of fantasy value.

10 hours ago

Rhett Lowder • SP • Reds

Rhett Lowder Could be Mid-Rotation Starter For Reds in 2026

If healthy, The Athletic's Keith Law thinks that Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitching prospect Rhett Lowder (forearm, oblique) could be a mid-rotation starter in 2026. The 23-year-old former seventh overall pick in 2023 out of Wake Forest began the 2025 season on the injured list with a forearm injury and then strained an oblique muscle during his rehab, which kept him out all year. However, during a stint in the Arizona Fall League, Lowder was back in the 93-95 mph range on his sinker and four-seam fastball while also displaying a plus changeup and a sharper slider that missed plenty of bats. He threw his slider more than any other pitch. Lowder will have to compete for a rotation spot this spring, but even if he doesn't win one out of camp, he'll be a name to watch given his pedigree. With four plus offerings, Lowder can keep hitters off balance.

10 hours ago

Gunnar Henderson • SS • Orioles

Gunnar Henderson Works on Speed in Offseason

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson worked at Tinsley Performance in the offseason to try to increase his speed going into the 2026 season, according to Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. Henderson has increased his stolen base totals in each of his four seasons in the big leagues, culminating with a career-high 30 thefts in 154 games in 2025. Even though he stole 30 bags, he ranked only in the 79th percentile in sprint speed, so he worked to get faster. At the plate last year, Henderson regressed, slashing .274/.349/.438 with a career-low .787 OPS, only 17 home runs, 68 RBI, and 85 runs scored in 651 plate appearances, although he battled through a shoulder impingement for a good chunk of the season. The 24-year-old's current ADP suggests he won't come at much of a discount, with many fantasy managers expecting a bounce-back year with better health. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 4 fantasy shortstop.

10 hours ago

Ramón Urías • 3B

Red Sox Have "Lukewarm" Interest in Ramon Urias

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.

13 hours ago

Josiah Gray • SP • Nationals

Josiah Gray Could Earn Opening Day Start

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.

13 hours ago

Luis García Jr. • 2B • Nationals

Luis Garcia Jr. a Candidate to Play First Base?

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.

14 hours ago

Jakob Marsee • CF • Marlins

Marlins Have Approached Jakob Marsee About Contract Extension

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.

14 hours ago

Jordan Leasure • RP • White Sox

Jordan Leasure was Almost Traded to Red Sox

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.

14 hours ago

Freddy Peralta • SP • Mets |

Carson Benge • RF • Mets

Carson Benge was Not Considered in Trade With Brewers

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.

14 hours ago

Mick Abel • SP • Twins

Can Mick Abel Take the Next Step in the Major Leagues?

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.

15 hours ago

MLB News

LEGEND