Taylor Rogers Heading to Cubs: The Chicago Cubs have acquired left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday. Well, Rogers had a great run in Pittsburgh that lasted basically one day. The veteran left-hander was acquired by Pittsburgh in the Ke'Bryan Hayes trade with the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday. A day later, Rogers is headed to the North Side of Chicago in exchange for outfielder Ivan Brethowr. Rogers holds a 2.45 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, and a 34/19 K/BB ratio across 40 appearances this season. He figures to pitch in a high-leverage role for Chicago, but is unlikely to have fantasy value due to lack of save chances. - as of Thu, 31 Jul 2025 19:10:05
Nestor Cortes Traded to Padres: The San Diego Padres acquired left-hander Nestor Cortes (elbow) from the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday, a source told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal. It's unclear what the Padres sent the Brewers in return. It's unclear how much Cortes will be able to provide for the Padres this year, considering he's started just two games and is currently on the 60-day injured list with a left-elbow flexor strain. However, the 30-year-old veteran southpaw could be ready to return to the big leagues in August and give the Padres more length in either their starting rotation or as a long-relief arm out of their bullpen. For fantasy purposes, it's unlikely that Cortes is going to provide much in the final two months of the season, even if he returns in August. He also struggled in his two starts with Milwaukee, allowing eight earned runs, five homers and seven walks in eight innings. - as of Thu, 31 Jul 2025 19:06:48
Mike Yastrzemski Acquired by Royals: San Francisco Giants outfielder Mike Yastrzemski was traded to the Kansas City Royals on Thursday. The return for the Giants wasn't announced, but it's unlikely to be huge considering Yastrzemski is on an expiring deal. This season, Yastrzemski is slashing .231/.330/.355 with eight home runs and 28 RBI with six steals in 96 games with the Giants. He figures to play against right-handed pitching while Jac Caglianone (hamstring) remains sidelined. Yastrzemski is unlikely to see much of a change in fantasy value. - as of Thu, 31 Jul 2025 18:59:01
Louis Varland, Ty France Traded to Blue Jays: Minnesota Twins reliever Louis Varland and infielder Ty France were traded to the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday. In exchange, the Twins will receive outfielder Alan Roden and left-hander Kendry Rojas. This isn't a blockbuster move, but the Jays will bulk up their depth for a postseason run. This season, France is slashing .251/.320/.357 with six home runs and 44 RBI in 101 games this season. His value will likely take a dip considering he'll probably play a part-time role in Toronto. As for Varland, he has a 2.02 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and a 47/13 K/BB ratio across 49 innings this season. He'll probably pitch in high-leverage situations, but unlikely to see consistent save chances. Both Roden and Rojas figure to continue playing in the minor leagues with their switch to Minnesota. - as of Thu, 31 Jul 2025 18:52:01
Adrian Houser Moved to Rays: Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Adrian Houser was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday. In exchange, the South Siders will receive corner infielder Curtis Mead from the Rays. Houser had an outstanding run for the White Sox during his short stint with the team. He posted a 2.10 ERA and 1.22 WHIP across 11 starts. The Rays bulk up their starting rotation with Shane McClanahan (triceps) nearing his return. Mead is a former top prospect that should get a real chance to play on the rebuilding White Sox. This looks like a smart move by both sides, but probably means Taj Bradley remains in the minors. - as of Thu, 31 Jul 2025 18:43:01
Dustin May Headed to Boston: Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Dustin May was traded to the Boston Red Sox on Thursday. In exchange, the Dodgers will receive 2024 first-round pick James Tibbs III who was acquired in the Rafael Devers deal. May posted a 4.85 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and a 97/43 K/BB ratio across 19 appearances with the Dodgers this season. The team planned to shift him to the bullpen before trading him. It's uncertain if the Red Sox will use him as a starter or reliever. If he heads to the bullpen, May will see his fantasy value take a significant hit. Fantasy managers should stay tuned to see what the Red Sox plans are for him. - as of Thu, 31 Jul 2025 18:36:01
Brewers Acquire Shelby Miller: The Milwaukee Brewers have acquired right-hander Shelby Miller from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Miller is currently on the 15-day injured list with a forearm injury. However, the right-hander recently began participating in bullpen sessions, suggesting he is nearing a return. Before his injury, Miller was enjoying a productive campaign in the desert. Through 36 1/3 innings of work, Miller has posted an impressive 1.98 ERA with a strong 0.96 WHIP. Miller has also seen occasional save opportunities as well, with both A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez on the injured list. Under the hood, he has generated a 77th percentile xERA with a strong 30.9% K rate. In Milwaukee, fantasy managers should expect Miller to operate as a top setup man alongside Abner Uribe. Trevor Megill should continue to see the bulk of the save opportunities. - as of Thu, 31 Jul 2025 18:34:08
Jose Caballero Shipped to the Bronx: The New York Yankees are acquiring infielder Jose Caballero from the Tampa Bay Rays. The 28-year-old infielder has seen time at numerous positions while in Tampa Bay and will likely operate in a multi-positional depth role with the Yankees. This season, Caballero has appeared in 86 games and posted a .226/.328/.312 slash line with 12 doubles, one triple, two home runs, and an impressive 34 stolen bases. His stolen base total is the most in the American League. While the 28-year-old carries a low .294 xwOBA, .223 xBA, and a .320 xSLG, he sits in the 84th percentile in Range, which could earn him playing time. For now, fantasy managers should consider him as a one-category option for stolen bases in deeper standard leagues. Anthony Volpe should continue to see most of the starts at shortstop for the time being. - as of Thu, 31 Jul 2025 18:29:01
Bailey Falter Traded to Royals: Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bailey Falter was traded to the Kansas City Royals on Thursday. This isn't a blockbuster move, but Falter does add solid depth to the Royals rotation. The southpaw currently holds a 3.73 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and a 70/39 K/BB ratio across 22 starts this season. Falter has been hot recently, allowing one earned run in each of his last two starts. He figures to be a back-end starter and a low-end streaming option with his shift to the American League. In exchange, the Pirates received reliever Evan Sisk from Kansas City. - as of Thu, 31 Jul 2025 18:28:01
Charlie Morton Headed to Detroit: The Detroit Tigers are acquiring right-handed pitcher Charlie Morton from the Baltimore Orioles. After a rough start to the season, the 41-year-old has been a reliable starting pitcher over the past few months. In his first 31 2/3 innings this season, Morton posted a 9.38 ERA and a 2.08 WHIP and was even demoted to a long relief role. However, over his next 69 2/3 innings of work, Morton would post a solid 3.62 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. During this stretch, Morton struck out 73 hitters and allowed only 26 walks. However, the 41-year-old sits below the average marks in xERA and xBA, which suggests he could face some regression during the final weeks of the campaign. Fantasy managers should expect Morton to slot in as the No. 5 option in the Detroit rotation, which will likely push Troy Melton to the bullpen or back to Triple-A. - as of Thu, 31 Jul 2025 18:22:51
Yankees Acquire Camilo Doval: The New York Yankees are acquiring relief pitcher Camilo Doval from the San Francisco Giants. The 28-year-old has enjoyed an impressive bounce-back season through the first half of 2025. After struggling through most of 2024, holding a hefty 4.88 ERA and a 1.58 WHIP, the right-hander turned in a strong 3.09 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP through 46 2/3 innings this season. The 28-year-old has tallied 15 saves and struck out 50 batters. While he has struggled with his command (12.6% walk rate), Doval has generated a strong 3.49 xERA, .226 xBA, 6.1% barrel rate, and a 52.2% ground-ball rate, all of which are above the average marks. However, with the Yankees already having Devin Williams on their roster and recently acquiring Pittsburgh right-hander David Bednar, Doval will likely only see time as a setup man, which will significantly decrease his upside in standard leagues. However, Doval should remain a solid option in holds leagues, pitching on a competing Yankees team. - as of Thu, 31 Jul 2025 18:16:50
Griffin Jax Traded to Tampa Bay: The Tampa Bay Rays are acquiring Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Griffin Jax. Jax has spent his entire professional career with the Twins. Jax has typically been deployed in a high-leverage role but has primarily been a setup man for hard-throwing right-hander Jhoan Duran. This season, Jax has posted a 4.50 ERA with a 1.28 WIHP. However, he has flashed immense strike upside, posting an elite 36.4% K rate with a 38.8% whiff rate. Under the hood, Jax carries an impressive 3.11 xERA, which suggests he has gotten a bit unlucky throughout the first half. Last season, Jax was one of the most dominant relievers in the sport, holding a 2.03 ERA with a stellar 0.87 WHIP. In Tampa Bay, fantasy managers should expect Jax to likely operate as the setup man for Pete Fairbanks. However, Jax could occasionally earn save opportunities down the stretch. - as of Thu, 31 Jul 2025 18:12:07
Miguel Andujar Going to Cincinnati: The Cincinnati Reds are acquiring third baseman/outfielder Miguel Andujar from the Athletics, per Ari Alexander of KPRC2. Full details aren't available yet. Andujar has slashed .298/.329/.436 with six homers, 27 RBI, and 22 runs scored in 231 plate appearances this season. The right-handed Andujar has done the majority of his damage against lefties, whom he has victimized for a .422/.458/.578 line over a small sample of 48 trips to the plate. Andujar will improve the Reds' depth, but this isn't a high-impact move for fantasy managers. - as of Thu, 31 Jul 2025 17:58:41
Willi Castro Joining Cubs: The Chicago Cubs are acquiring utility player Willi Castro from the Minnesota Twins for prospects, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. The switch-hitting Castro is capable of lining up all over the diamond, including third base, where Matt Shaw has provided below-average production. Castro, on the other hand, is enjoying his third straight respectable offensive season. The 28-year-old has hit .245/.335/.407 with 10 homers, 27 RBI, 48 runs scored, and nine stolen bases in 344 trips to the plate in 2025. The soon-to-be free agent could now benefit by joining one of the best offenses in baseball. - as of Thu, 31 Jul 2025 17:52:01
Rangers to Acquire Merrill Kelly: The Texas Rangers are swinging a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks for right-hander Merrill Kelly, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. Left-hander Kohl Drake and righty David Hagaman are among the players going to Arizona, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The Rangers are getting one of the best starters on the market in Kelly, who is putting together yet another strong season in his age-36 campaign. Kelly has made 22 starts and gone 9-6 with a stingy 3.22 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and 121 strikeouts against 38 walks in 128 2/3 innings. Kelly will improve the top of the Rangers' rotation behind Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi, but it's not known who will fall out of the starting five as a result of his acquisition. The team could bump Kumar Rocker out, which would leave Jack Leiter and Patrick Corbin behind the deGrom-Eovaldi-Kelly trio. - as of Thu, 31 Jul 2025 17:42:42
Texas Lands Danny Coulombe: The Texas Rangers have acquired left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe from the Minnesota Twins for lefty Garrett Horn. Coulombe has pitched to an effective 3.28 ERA over 304 2/3 career innings, but he has taken it to another level this year. Across 31 innings in 2025, the 35-year-old has put up a microscopic 1.16 ERA with a 0.97 WHIP, 31:9 K:BB, eight holds, and two saves. Coulombe could occasionally pick up some saves in Texas, which has used multiple relievers to close out games this year. Robert Garcia leads the team with just nine saves. - as of Thu, 31 Jul 2025 17:30:05
Twins Acquire James Outman: The Minnesota Twins announced that they have acquired outfielder James Outman from the Los Angeles Dodgers for right-hander Brock Stewart. Outman seemingly had a breakout season in 2023 with a .248/.353/.437 line and 23 homers, 70 RBI, 86 runs scored, and 16 stolen bases over 567 plate appearances. However, Outman's stock has fallen dramatically since then. He has appeared in 75 games over the past season and a half, including 22 this year, and hit a disastrous .137/.245/.269 with six homers and 15 RBI in 200 trips to the plate. While the 28-year-old has spent most of the season at the Triple-A level, he could get an opportunity in Minnesota with Harrison Bader going to Philadelphia and Byron Buxton (rib) on the 10-day injured list. - as of Thu, 31 Jul 2025 17:26:01
Ryan Gusto Going to Miami: The Miami Marlins have acquired right-hander Ryan Gusto from the Houston Astros for outfielder Jesus Sanchez, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. Gusto, an 11th-round pick in 2019, reached the majors for the first time this year and ate up a significant number of innings for the Astros before the trade. The 26-year-old has racked up 86 frames over 24 appearances (14 starts) and gone 7-4 with a 4.92 ERA, a 1.43 WHIP, and 87:28 K:BB. He's a candidate to join the Marlins' rotation, but that could depend on whether they trade any of their current starters before the deadline. - as of Thu, 31 Jul 2025 17:16:51
Ramon Laureano Heading to San Diego: The San Diego Padres are acquiring outfielder Ramon Laureano and first baseman Ryan O'Hearn from the Baltimore Orioles, Jeff Passan of ESPN reports. The Orioles are expected to receive multiple prospects in return. San Diego has started eight different players in left field this season. Gavin Sheets has gotten most of the playing time, but he could shift to a bench role with Laureano on his way to town. The 31-year-old Laureano has been a solid option since he debuted in 2018, but this may go down as his best offensive season yet. Across 290 plate appearances, Laureano has slashed .290/.355/.529 with 15 homers, 46 RBI, 45 runs scored, and four stolen bases. The right-handed Laureano has typically had more success versus lefty pitchers, though that hasn't been the case this year. While he has logged a productive .801 OPS against southpaws, Laureano has pulverized righties for a .930 mark. Laureano's .373 xwOBA is right in line with his .377 wOBA, so he doesn't look likely to fade down the stretch with his new team. - as of Thu, 31 Jul 2025 17:10:02
Padres Acquire Ryan O'Hearn From Orioles: The San Diego Padres are finalizing a deal to acquire first baseman Ryan O'Hearn and outfielder Ramon Laureano from the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday, sources tell Jeff Passan of ESPN. It's unclear what the Padres sent back to the O's at the deadline. The 32-year-old O'Hearn will be a defensive upgrade over Luis Arraez at first base and could also be utilized in the DH spot in San Diego. He mostly only plays against right-handed pitchers, but the first-time All-Star will certainly be an offensive upgrade for the Padres as they seek to get into the postseason this fall. O'Hearn has had a career year, slashing .283/.374/.463 with an .837 OPS, 13 homers, 43 RBI and 45 runs scored in 94 games. He also has a .294 xBA, which supports his 2025 breakout in his eighth year in the league. If anything, the move to SD might be a slight fantasy downgrade for O'Hearn. - as of Thu, 31 Jul 2025 16:52:50