Avisail Garcia Not Expected To Play During The 2025 Season: According to Francys Romero, outfielder Avisail Garcia (back) is not expected to play during the 2025 season. Garcia is recovering from back surgery he underwent in the offseason to repair a fracture and disc issues in his lower back. Romero noted that the 33-year-old is targeting a return to action during winter ball in Venezuela. Last season, Garcia appeared in 18 games for the Miami Marlins. The outfielder posted a .240/.255/.380 line with one double and two home runs. He struck out at a hefty 25.5 percent rate. He was then released from the team in June. During the 2023 season, he held a lower .185/.241/.315 line with just three long balls across 37 contests. Fantasy managers should not expect Garcia to carry much fantasy value if he can return to action for the 2026 season. - as of Thu, 06 Feb 2025 20:14:02
Yunior Marte Signs Contract Overseas: According to Francys Romero, right-handed pitcher Yunior Marte signed a contract worth $1.25 million with the Chunichi Dragons of the NPB. This contract contains incentives worth up to $200,000. Marte initially signed a contract with the Seattle Mariners earlier in the offseason but will opt to play overseas instead. The Dragons paid the Seattle Mariners the release fee for Marte. Marte logged 26 innings with the Philadelphia Phillies last season. Across this stint, Marte posted a 6.92 ERA with a 1.88 WHIP. He struck out 23 batters and allowed 15 walks. In 2023, Marte held a 5.03 ERA with a 1.63 WHIP across 39 1/3 innings of work. - as of Thu, 06 Feb 2025 20:05:03
Lou Trivino Signs Minor-League Deal With San Francisco: According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, right-handed pitcher Lou Trivino signed a minor-league deal with the San Francisco Giants. This deal includes an invitation to spring training. Trivino underwent Tommy John surgery in May of 2023. He was given a brief look at the minor leagues late last season but could not return to the majors. Trivino logged six innings of work at the Triple-A level and allowed five earned runs with a 4:6 BB:K ratio. He made his last appearance in the majors during the 2022 season, where he split time with the Athletics and Yankees. Across 53 2/3 innings, Trivino held a 4.53 ERA with a 1.64 WHIP. He struck out 67 batters and tallied 11 saves. He generated a strong 52.3 percent ground-ball rate. Fantasy managers should expect Trivino to compete for a spot in the San Francisco bullpen during spring training. - as of Thu, 06 Feb 2025 19:57:01
Colton Gordon Could Push For Early Season Debut: According to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, Houston Astros pitching prospect Colton Gordon could push for an early-season debut. McTaggart noted that with Luis Garcia (elbow), Christian Javier (elbow), and Lance McCullers Jr. (forearm) all expected to be sideline past Opening Day, Gordon could find his way on the Opening Day roster. While Gordon may not earn a spot in the rotation, as Hayden Wesneski is expected to earn the No. 5 spot, Gordon could still find a role as a long reliever. The No. 12 ranked prospect in the Houston system on MLB.com held a 3.94 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP across 123 1/3 innings at the Triple-level last season. He struck out 124 batters and served up 39 free passes. This was a nice improvement compared to the 4.63 ERA and a 1.74 WHIP he held during his Triple-A debut in 2023. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should monitor the southpaw's progression during spring training, as he could see occasional starts during the first half of the season. - as of Thu, 06 Feb 2025 19:46:02
Michael Helman Traded To St. Louis: The Minnesota Twins have traded outfielder Michael Helman to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for cash considerations. Helman made his MLB debut with the Twins last season. Across a small nine-game stint, the 28-year-old held a .300/.300/.500 line with three doubles and three strikeouts. In 72 games with Triple-A St. Paul, Helman posted a .271/.350/.487 line with 18 doubles, 14 home runs, and 12 stolen bases. He held a 29:76 BB:K ratio and added 47 RBI. This production was right in line with his career .264/.339/.461 line he has held across 195 contests at the Triple-A level. Fantasy managers should expect the Texas A&M product to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster during spring training. However, given his lack of MLB experience, the Cardinals may opt to have him open the campaign at the Triple-A level. - as of Thu, 06 Feb 2025 19:34:09
Yoan Moncada Signs One-Year Deal With Halos: According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Los Angeles Angels have signed third baseman Yoan Moncada to a one-year contract worth $5 million. Earlier in the offseason, the White Sox declined Moncada's club option, which sent him to the free-agent market. Moncada was limited to just 12 games last season due to an adductor strain. Across this small stint, the infielder held a .275/.356/.400 slash line with three doubles. He held a 5:11 BB:K ratio. During the 2023 season, the 29-year-old appeared in just 92 games and posted a .260/.305/.425 line with 20 doubles and 11 long balls. While the switch-hitter has battled injuries throughout the past three seasons, he could find his footing with a new club. Fantasy managers should expect Moncada to compete for starts at the hot corner alongside Anthony Rendon. - as of Thu, 06 Feb 2025 19:25:03
MLB Owners To Discuss Push For Salary Cap: The Athletic's Evan Drellich reports that Major League Baseball owners will discuss whether to pursue a salary cap at this week's meetings in Florida. According to people briefed on the talks, opinions among owners are mixed, but time remains to discuss the topic, as the collective bargaining agreement doesn't expire until after the 2026 season. Most owners would likely support a salary cap to ensure cost control, but other owners may be deterred by a lengthy work stoppage that would be expected in order to achieve one. Revenue disparity between small- and large-market teams remains a big talking point. In addition to talks about a potential salary cap in the future in the sport, commissioner Rob Manfred is focused on changing TV distribution and altering revenue sharing. Even without a salary cap, Manfred could pursue changes in revenue sharing among MLB clubs. - as of Thu, 06 Feb 2025 16:34:22
Brooks Baldwin An Option At Shortstop For White Sox: In addition to prospect Colson Montgomery, Chicago White Sox general manager Chris Getz mentioned Brooks Baldwin, Chase Meidroth and Josh Rojas as options to play shortstop in 2025. Baldwin made his big-league debut in 2024 for the Pale Hose and went 24-for-114 (.211) with two homers, eight RBI and four steals in only 33 games. The 24-year-old also has plenty of experience at second base and could be used in the outfield in a pinch. Rojas has played 44 career games at the 6, 282 at third base and 150 at the keystone. Baldwin hit .330 with eight homers and 17 steals in 82 games at Double-A and Triple-A last year before being called up to Chicago. In addition to suffering a wrist injury, he looked overmatched at the plate in his first taste of the Show. He could open the year as the team's starting shortstop, but he'd just be keeping the spot warm for Montgomery. - as of Thu, 06 Feb 2025 16:25:03
Cam Smith Expected To Get Plenty Of Run In Grapefruit League: Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said that he will give the team's young players a long look in spring training, which means infielder Cam Smith, who was acquired from the Cubs in the trade that sent outfielder Kyle Tucker to Chicago this offseason, should get plenty of run in Grapefruit League action in spring training. Smith, who is the team's top prospect per MLB Pipeline, hit .313/.396/.609 for Single-A Myrtle Beach, High-A South Bend and Double-A Tennessee last year, could make his MLB debut at some point in 2025. The 21-year-old was a first-round selection just last year and was a quick riser in the Cubs' farm system, although it might be too much to expect him to be on Houston's Opening Day roster out of spring training. Smith's timeline will be expedited to the big leagues if the Astros don't re-sign Alex Bregman. - as of Thu, 06 Feb 2025 16:14:02
Jacob Melton Has Opportunity To Make Impact For Astros: MLB.com's Brian McTaggart mentions outfielders Jacob Melton and Zach Dezenzo as having real opportunities to make an impact at the major-league level in 2025 for the Houston Astros. Per MLB Pipeline, Melton is the club's No. 2 prospect, while Dezenzo checks in at No. 6. Melton could push to make the team out of spring training, while Dezenzo will compete to make the team this spring, primarily as a left fielder. The 24-year-old Melton made it up to Triple-A Sugar Land in 2024 and hit a combined .253/.310/.426 with 15 homers, 54 RBI and 30 stolen bases combined at Sugar Land and Double-A Corpus Christi in 105 total games. He has intriguing power/speed skills and could become a fantasy asset sooner than later, but Dezenzo has a much better shot at playing time early in the year after making his MLB debut in 2024 and playing in 19 games. - as of Thu, 06 Feb 2025 16:07:02
Hayden Wesneski Penciled In As No. 5 Starter: Houston Astros pitchers Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, Ronel Blanco and Spencer Arrighetti -- each of whom made at least 28 starts in 2024 -- are locked into the starting rotation. Right-hander Hayden Wesneski, who was acquired from the Chicago Cubs this offseason in the deal that sent outfielder Kyle Tucker to Chicago, is penciled in as the No. 5 starter, according to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart. With Luis Garcia, Cristian Javier and Lance McCullers Jr. all rehabbing injuries, prospect Colton Gordon and Ryan Gusto will also compete for a rotation spot this spring. The 27-year-old Wesneski has only 22 starts in 68 MLB outings over the last three years with the Cubs. He's posted a 4.21 ERA and 14.8 K-BB% of his 109 innings as a starter, though. He should open up his first year in Houston in a starting role, but it may not last for long. - as of Thu, 06 Feb 2025 15:03:02
Orioles Invite Samuel Basallo To Spring Training: The Baltimore Orioles announced on Thursday that catching prospect Samuel Basallo will be a non-roster invite at major-league spring training this year. Per MLB Pipeline, Basallo is the No. 13 prospect in all of baseball for the 2025 season. In addition to Basallo, outfield prospects Enrique Bradfield and Dylan Beavers will be at spring training. If Basallo, 20, sticks with the O's long term, he's likely going to have to move to first base or designated hitter with Adley Rutschman blocking him at catcher. The 6-foot-4, 180-pound Dominican backstop is considered the top catching prospect in all of baseball. He slashed .278/.341/.449 with a .790 OPS, 19 homers, 65 RBI and 10 stolen bases in 127 games for Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk in 2024. The left-handed hitter has power to all fields and limits his strikeouts. Basallo is projected to make his MLB debut at some point later this year. - as of Thu, 06 Feb 2025 14:55:03
Giants Acquire Osleivis Basabe From Rays: The San Francisco Giants acquired infielder Osleivis Basabe from the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday in exchange for cash considerations, according to the Tampa Bay Times' Marc Topkin. Basabe had been designated for assignment by the Rays earlier in the week. Basabe played in only 78 games in the minors in 2024 due to a fractured wrist and hit .248 (65-for-262) with five home runs, 29 RBI and four stolen bases in 66 games with Triple-A Durham. The 24-year-old Venezuelan has hit over .300 in his career in the minors but went 19-for-87 (.218) with a homer and 25 strikeouts in 94 plate appearances in 31 games in 2023 in his major-league debut. Basabe can play multiple positions on the infield and will now head to spring training with the Giants hoping to carve out a utility role on the big-league roster. He will most likely open the year at Triple-A Sacramento. - as of Thu, 06 Feb 2025 14:43:48
Pierce Johnson Will Have Bigger Role In 2025: Atlanta Braves right-handed reliever Pierce Johnson will be relied on even more in 2025 with Joe Jimenez (knee) expected to miss most of the season after having knee surgery last October. Johnson split primary setup duties in Atlanta's bullpen last year with Jimenez, but he should be the primary late-inning setup man in front of closer Raisel Iglesias now. The 33-year-old has a mid-90s fastball but leans heavily on his curveball -- 72 percent of his offerings in 2024 were curves, the highest rate in baseball among pitchers with 10 or more outings. The former first-round pick of the Chicago Cubs went 6-6 last year in his first full season with Atlanta, posting a 3.67 ERA, a 1.29 WHIP, two saves, 67 strikeouts and 25 walks in 56 1/3 innings pitched. Johnson's stock will rise in deep holds leagues. - as of Thu, 06 Feb 2025 14:33:10
Daysbel Hernandez Could Fill Key Setup Role For Atlanta: The Athletic's David O'Brien writes that Atlanta Braves right-hander Daysbel Hernandez will get a chance to fill a key setup role in the bullpen that opened up when Joe Jimenez had knee surgery in October. As a result, Jimenez is expected to be out for most of the 2025 season. The 28-year-old Hernandez mostly pitched at Triple-A Gwinnett last year but had a 2.50 ERA with 26 strikeouts and 10 walks in 18 innings over 16 appearances at the MLB level. He held righty hitters to a .105 average (4-for-38) with 14 strikeouts, so he can definitely be a late-inning weapon for the Braves this year. In addition to those numbers, Hernandez totaled three wins and a hold. Pierce Johnson will likely be the top setup man in front of closer Raisel Iglesias, but Hernandez could be a nice sleeper for fantasy managers in deep leagues that count holds. - as of Thu, 06 Feb 2025 14:27:02
Braves May Lean On Aaron Bummer More In High-Leverage Situations: The Athletic's David O'Brien suggests that the Atlanta Braves will need left-handed reliever Aaron Bummer more in high-leverage situations in 2025 with A.J. Minter gone to the division-rival New York Mets in free agency. Bummer had 69 strikeouts and 18 walks in 55 1/3 innings in his first year with Atlanta in 2024, and his 33.1 percent hard-hit rate was a career-best. However, his .277 opponents' average was almost 40 points higher than in 2023, and his 58.1 percent ground-ball rate was his lowest since his rookie campaign in 2017 with the Chicago White Sox. He's due to make $3.5 million this year after signing a new two-year, $13 million contract with the Braves last November. Overall, Bummer had a 3.58 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in 2024 in 55 1/3 innings pitched. - as of Thu, 06 Feb 2025 14:21:02
Chadwick Tromp Expected To Be Backup Catcher: Atlanta Braves catcher Chadwick Tromp is expected to open the 2025 season as Sean Murphy's backup now that Travis d'Arnaud is with the Angels, which likely means he'll receive a start or two per week. Tromp had a similar role last year when Murphy missed two months with an injury, and again when d'Arnaud missed a little bit of time. He's merely serviceable offensively and is more known for his game-calling skills and solid defense behind the dish. The 29-year-old Aruban catcher has played in just 26 games in the last three seasons in Atlanta and has hit .250 (18-for-72) with no homers, 10 RBI, four runs scored and 24 strikeouts in 74 plate appearances. Tromp could open the year as the Opening Day backup catcher for Atlanta, but top prospect Drake Baldwin could make his MLB debut sooner than later and push Tromp out of the picture. - as of Thu, 06 Feb 2025 14:13:02
Mark Vientos To Stay At Third Base In 2025: New York Mets third baseman Mark Vientos will stick at the hot corner for the Mets in 2025 after the team re-signed first baseman Pete Alonso on Wednesday night. Before the move to reunite with Alonso, Vientos was set to slide across the diamond to serve as New York's primary first baseman. The return of Alonso will now push Luisangel Acuna and Brett Baty either to the bench or to the minors to start the season. Vientos won the third base gig last year with a breakout season in which he slashed .266/.322/.516 with an .837 OPS, 27 home runs, 71 RBI and 58 runs scored in 111 games played. MLB.com's Anthony DiComo has Vientos projected to hit fifth in the batting order behind a strong top of the lineup for the Mets. He should have elite RBI opportunities with the addition of superstar outfielder Juan Soto. RotoBaller has Vientos in the fourth tier of fantasy third baseman as the No. 7 option. - as of Thu, 06 Feb 2025 14:02:03
Tommy Pham Signs One-Year Deal With Pittsburgh: According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, outfielder Tommy Pham signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates worth $4 million. Pham opened the 2024 season with the Chicago White Sox and was eventually shipped to St. Louis and then concluded the season in Kansas City. Across 116 contests, Pham held a .248/.305/.368 line. He tallied 20 doubles, nine home runs, and seven stolen bases. Under the hood, the 36-year-old generated a solid .263 xBA and a .407 xSLG, suggesting he should see some positive regression in 2025. Pham also generated a 42.7 percent hard-hit rate, which was above the average mark. At the plate, Pham held a 7.3 percent walk and a 22.2 percent strikeout rate which were both just below the average marks. Fantasy managers should expect Pham to compete for starts in right field with Nick Yorke as a platoon bat or see time as a designated hitter alongside Andrew McCutchen. - as of Thu, 06 Feb 2025 09:20:03
Jonny DeLuca Expected To Start In Center Field: According to Adam Berry of MLB.com, Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Jonny DeLuca is expected to begin the season as the team's starting center fielder. Last summer, Jose Siri was the everyday center fielder in Tampa Bay, but he was traded to the New York Mets during the offseason. As a result, DeLuca stands at the top of the depth chart and is expected to open the season as the top option. Across 107 games in Tampa Bay last summer, the Oregon product held a .217/.278/.331 line with 12 doubles, six home runs, and 16 stolen bases. While he did not generate elite hitting metrics, he was a top defender with speed. He placed in the 93rd percentile in outs above average and the 98th percentile in sprint speed. Richie Palacios will likely open the season as the No. 2 option behind DeLuca. If DeLuca has a successful spring training, he could be worth a look in deeper category formats as he has flashed elite speed. - as of Thu, 06 Feb 2025 08:52:02