Reds Sign Will Banfield and Hagen Danner to Minor-League Deals: The Cincinnati Reds have signed free-agent catcher Will Banfield and right-hander Hagen Danner to minor-league deals, according to the Reds' X account. Banfield appeared in just seven games for Cincinnati last year, slashing .100/.100/.100 with one hit in 10 plate appearances. In the minors, the 26-year-old from Georgia has slashed .224/.276/.366 with 63 home runs across 2,428 plate appearances in seven seasons. The Reds already have three catchers on their major-league roster in Tyler Stephenson, Jose Trevino, and Ben Rortvedt, and none of them can be optioned to the minors. While Banfield is unlikely to make the Opening Day roster, he provides glove-first depth at catcher in the event of an injury. Danner, a 27-year-old right-hander, has faced only one hitter in the majors during a brief stint with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2023. Across five minor-league seasons, he has posted a 3.86 ERA with 189 strikeouts in 170 1/3 innings. While it is unlikely that either player will make the major-league roster out of spring training, even if they did, neither would be relevant in fantasy for 2026. - as of Tue, 13 Jan 2026 21:12:42
Mets, Blue Jays Engaged in Bidding War for Kyle Tucker: The New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays are engaged in an active bidding war for free-agent outfielder Kyle Tucker. According to ESPN's Jesse Rogers, the Mets have offered Tucker a short-term deal believed to be worth roughly $50 million per season. Meanwhile, sources told ESPN that the Blue Jays have countered with a long-term contract carrying a lower average annual value. Tucker is the most prominent free agent still on the market, and he is hoping to land a contract that will carry him through the remainder of his career. Last season with the Chicago Cubs, the 28-year-old slashed .266/.377/.464 with 22 home runs, 25 doubles, and 25 stolen bases while striking out only 14.7% of the time across 597 plate appearances. However, the primary concern surrounding Tucker is durability. He missed time last season with a fractured finger and finished the year while managing a calf injury. In 2024, he also fractured his shin after fouling a ball off his leg. While there is no doubt about his talent, evaluators have raised questions about how well he will age, citing slower bat speed, declining sprint speed, and diminishing outfield range. Even with those concerns, Tucker remains one of the most valuable players in baseball. From a fantasy perspective, he projects as a top-20 overall pick in most formats, with the upside of a first-round bat. Wherever he lands, Tucker should remain a cornerstone player for years to come. - as of Tue, 13 Jan 2026 20:29:28
J.J. Wetherholt to Compete for Starting Job in Spring Training: On Tuesday afternoon, the St. Louis Cardinals traded veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado to the Arizona Diamondbacks, and according to The Athletic's Katie Woo, this move opens the door for top prospect J.J. Wetherholt to compete for a starting job in spring training. Last season, Wetherholt saw extensive time at third base with Triple-A Memphis, potentially foreshadowing his role once he reaches the major leagues. The 23-year-old is still developing his power, but for now, he profiles as a contact hitter with strong plate discipline. Between Double-A and Triple-A in 2025, Wetherholt slashed .306/.421/.510, collecting 56 doubles, 17 home runs, and 23 stolen bases while walking nearly as often as he struck out. His advanced approach and athleticism give him a strong chance to contribute immediately if he breaks camp with the big-league club. If Wetherholt does earn a spot on the Opening Day roster, he projects for up to 15 home runs with 20 or more stolen bases and a .265 batting average. With this news, he should be drafted in all formats. - as of Tue, 13 Jan 2026 20:09:27
Yankees Add Rotation Depth, Acquire Ryan Weathers in Four-Player Deal: The New York Yankees have acquired left-hander Ryan Weathers from the Miami Marlins in exchange for minor-league outfielders Dillon Lewis and Brendan Jones, along with infielders Dylan Jasso and Juan Matheus, according to Jack Curry of YES Network. Weathers is coming off a season in which he pitched just 38 1/3 innings, posting a 3.99 ERA (3.95 xERA), 1.28 WHIP, and a 22.3% strikeout rate. The 26-year-old has struggled to stay on the field, as this year was cut short by forearm and lat injuries. For his career, Weathers owns a 4.93 ERA with 235 strikeouts across 281 innings, reflecting both his raw ability and ongoing inconsistency. He brings above-average stuff and solid command, but durability remains the biggest question mark. Weathers joins a Yankees rotation that currently features Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, and Luis Gil, with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt all expected to return from the injured list at some point in the summer. If Weathers hopes to carve out a long-term role in the rotation, he'll need to prove he can stay healthy. For fantasy, expect his 438.26 ADP to climb quickly. - as of Tue, 13 Jan 2026 20:03:38
Christian Walker's Trade Market "Almost Non-Existent": Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker seems to be in an overcrowded situation in Houston, but according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, there isn't much interest in him on the open market. The Astros have Carlos Correa back in the mix, most likely at 3B, with Yordan Alvarez locked in as DH for most of next season. That leaves Isaac Parades without an everyday spot unless he moves to 1B, or he could be moved in a trade. Parades would likely get more in return, but it makes more sense for the Astros to try to move Walker. The veteran has two years, $40 million left on his contract, and could end up being moved in a salary dump if the Astros can find a taker. While he did have 27 homers last year, he only hit .238 with a .310 wOBA in 154 games. Walker's market doesn't seem to be heating up, though, so the Astros may have to get creative to solve their infield logjam. - as of Tue, 13 Jan 2026 10:30:40
Boston Views Willson Contreras as the Cleanup Hitter: Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora views first baseman Willson Contreras as the cleanup hitter for the 2026 season, according to Christopher Smith of Mass Live. If Contreras does indeed become the BoSox's cleanup hitter this year after being acquired in a trade from the St. Louis Cardinals, the 33-year-old former catcher will have plenty of RBI opportunities, even if the team was unable to re-sign third baseman Alex Bregman. Outfielder Jarren Duran, shortstop Trevor Story, and outfielder Roman Anthony should hit in the top three spots to help set the table for Contreras. The three-time All-Star had an OPS under .800 for the first time in four seasons in 2025, but he also produced career highs in RBI (80), doubles (31), and runs scored (70) with more playing time (135 games) at first base. There will be plenty of RBI opportunities in the cleanup spot, but Contreras is more of an average fantasy first baseman without a high-end power profile. - as of Tue, 13 Jan 2026 10:18:35