News for All Players - 2014 Going 9 Experts League

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Tue Nov 30 202121:35Yankees Have Interest In Kevin KiermaierKevin KiermaierCF/RFRaysFree Agent
The New York Yankees have expressed some interest in trading for Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier, although the talks haven't been in advanced stages. Kiermaier, who is an excellent defensive center fielder, is owed $12 million in the 2022 season. The 31-year-old also has a $13 million club option with a $2.5 million buyout for the 2023 campaign. Kiermaier is expendable with the Rays having two low-cost center field options in Manuel Margot and Brett Phillips. While Kiermaier's glove is attractive, he's been a league-average hitter and has played more than 129 games in a season just once in his nine-year career. He finished 2021 with a .259/.328/.388 slash line, a .716 OPS, four home runs, 37 RBI, nine stolen bases and 54 runs scored in 390 plate appearances over 122 games played.
Source: The Athletic - Lindsey AdlerRotoBaller.com
Tue Nov 30 202121:27Phillies In Trade Talks For Kevin KiermaierKevin KiermaierCF/RFRaysFree Agent
The Philadelphia Phillies have had trade discussions with the Tampa Bay Rays for outfielder Kevin Kiermaier, according to two leagues sources, and the fit is a logical one. If Kiermaier were traded, the Rays could slide Manuel Margot to center field. Kiermaier is scheduled to make $12 million next season, and he would count for an $8.9 million average annual value for luxury tax purposes. He turns 32 next April, and while he doesn't hit for much power, he remains an elite defender in center field. The Athletic's Matt Gelb lists the A's Ramon Laureano, Arizona's Ketel Marte, Baltimore's Cedric Mullins and Pittsburgh's Bryan Reynolds as other potential trade options as the Phillies look to address their center field need this offseason.
Source: The Athletic - Matt GelbRotoBaller.com
Tue Nov 30 202120:33Rougned Odor Closing In On Major-League Deal With OriolesRougned Odor2B/SSRangersFree Agent
Infielder Rougned Odor is set to join the Baltimore Orioles, as he is reported to be close to an agreement on a one-year major-league contract. Odor spent the first seven years of his career with the Texas Rangers before making 349 plate appearances with the New York Yankees in 2021. He's a career .234/.289/.433 hitter with 161 homers and 62 steals in 960 games. At 27 years old, it isn't out of the question that Odor could once again become a productive regular, but fantasy managers should wait and see before selecting him on draft day.
Source: Dan ConnollyRotoBaller.com
Tue Nov 30 202116:15White Sox Reportedly Re-Sign Leury GarciaLeury García2B/3B/CFWhite SoxFree Agent
The Chicago White Sox are reportedly re-signing Leury Garcia, according to a tweet from MLB Network's Jon Heyman. Per Heyman's tweet, it's a three-year deal for the 30-year-old. In 474 plate appearances last season, Garcia hit .267 with a .335 on-base percentage, five home runs, and six stolen bases. He played all over the field for Tony La Russa's club, starting games at every position besides pitcher, catcher, and first base. He'll likely be a utility option again next season, though speculatively speaking, he could see extended time at second base if the White Sox don't make any additions at the position.
Source: Jon HeymanRotoBaller.com
Tue Nov 30 202116:05Multiple Teams Reportedly Interested in Freddie FreemanFreddie Freeman1BBravesFactory
According to a tweet from MLB Network's Jon Heyman, a handful of teams are reportedly trying to sign free-agent first baseman Freddie Freeman. Heyman notes in his tweet that the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Toronto Blue Jays have all "reached out." Freeman hit .300 with a .393 on-base percentage, 31 home runs, and eight stolen bases in 695 plate appearances last season while leading the Atlanta Braves to a World Series title. He's one of the best free-agent hitters remaining alongside Carlos Correa and Trevor Story.
Source: Jon HeymanRotoBaller.com
Tue Nov 30 202116:03MLB Announces Discipline For Marcell OzunaMarcell OzunaCF/LF/RFMarlinsCJ's Tip-Top Team
According to a tweet from The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, Major League Baseball has announced discipline for Atlanta Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna, citing its domestic-violence policy. Ozuna will receive a 20-game, unpaid suspension. Per Rosenthal, that suspension "includes all 20 regular-season games he served while on administrative leave" in September during the 2021 season. Rosenthal also notes that the outfielder can return immediately at the beginning of next season.
Source: Ken RosenthalRotoBaller.com
Tue Nov 30 202115:34Nationals Re-Sign Andrew Stevenson, Luis AvilanLuis AvilánRPBravesFree Agent
Andrew StevensonFree Agent
The Washington Nationals re-signed outfielder Andrew Stevenson and veteran left-hander Luis Avilan on Monday. Stevenson avoided arbitration and stands to earn a modest raise from his 2021 salary of $579,100. The 27-year-old remains the team's fourth outfielder, but both he and the Nationals will be hoping for more production in 2022 after he slashed .229/.294/.339 with five home runs and 23 RBI over 213 plate appearances last season. He hit just .184 with a .248 on-base percentage in 136 plate appearances as a starter compared to .319 with a .794 OPS and four of his five homers off the bench. Avilan appeared in only four games last year before needing Tommy John surgery on his elbow.
Source: MASN Sports - Mark ZuckermanRotoBaller.com
Tue Nov 30 202115:20Darren O'Day Signs Minor League Deal With BravesDarren O'DayRPOriolesFree Agent
The Atlanta Braves signed right-handed reliever Darren O'Day to a minor league deal on Monday. The 39-year-old side-armer signed a one-year deal with the New York Yankees last winter but pitched in only 10 2/3 innings due to a rotator cuff strain and a season-ending hamstring injury that required surgery. If he's in the majors with the Braves next season, he'll make $1 million. In his 14 big-league seasons, O'Day has a nice 2.53 ERA in 587 1/3 innings pitched. He previously pitched with Atlanta from 2019-20 but pitched only 21 2/3 innings due to injuries, and he hasn't gone over 20 innings pitched in a season since 2017. If O'Day cracks the Opening Day roster, he'll be a relief option against right-handed bats.
Source: MLB Network - Jon HeymanRotoBaller.com
Tue Nov 30 202114:30Pirates Reportedly Sign Roberto PerezRoberto PérezCIndiansFree Agent
According to a tweet from ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Pittsburgh Pirates have signed catcher Roberto Perez to a one-year contract. The 32-year-old hit .149 with a .245 on-base percentage, seven home runs, and a stolen bases in 161 plate appearances for Cleveland last season. He gives Pittsburgh a veteran option behind the plate after the team traded last season's starter, Jacob Stallings, to the Miami Marlins. Fellow catcher Michael Perez was designated for assignment and later outrighted to Triple-A by the Pirates earlier in the offseason.
Source: Jeff PassanRotoBaller.com
Tue Nov 30 202114:25National League Teams Considering Nelson CruzNelson CruzDH/LF/RFOriolesFactory
Many National League teams are pursuing free-agent designated hitter Nelson Cruz with the perception being that there will be a universal DH next year whenever a new Collective Bargaining Agreement is done. The 41-year-old continues to defy Father Time and made his seventh All-Star team while slashing .265/.334/.497 with 32 home runs, 86 RBI and 79 runs scored in 584 plate appearances over 140 games for the Minnesota Twins and Tampa Bay Rays in 2021. Although he did have 13 home runs in 238 plate appearances after being traded to Tampa, Cruz wasn't as productive in 55 games for the Rays, slashing only .226/.283/.442 with a .725 OPS. Staying at DH has kept Cruz healthy and productive late in his career, and he's hit 73 combined HRs in the last two seasons.
Source: MLB Network - Jon HeymanRotoBaller.com
Tue Nov 30 202114:17Phillies In Hot Pursuit Of Corey KnebelCorey KnebelRPRangersFree Agent
The Philadelphia Phillies are in hot pursuit of free-agent reliever Corey Knebel, according to baseball sources. Talks are serious with the 30-year-old, who saved 39 games for the Milwaukee Brewers while being named an All-Star as recently as 2017. If Knebel lands with the Phillies, he'd have a shot at potentially being named the closer heading into 2022. The Phillies have listed a closer as an offseason priority, but they also haven't ruled out filling the spot with more than one arm. Philadelphia has also had talks with free-agent Mychal Givens for a back-end bullpen role. Knebel had Tommy John surgery in 2019 and appeared in 27 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021, posting a 2.45 ERA and 0.97 WHIP while missing three months with a lat strain.
Source: NBC Sports Philadelphia - Jim SalisburyRotoBaller.com
Tue Nov 30 202113:45Cubs Reportedly Sign Yan GomesYan GomesCIndiansStrafford's Old Men
According to a tweet from Sports Grid's Craig Mish, the Chicago Cubs have agreed to a two-year deal with free-agent catcher Yan Gomes. Per Mish, the contract is worth $13 million. Gomes hit .252 with a .301 on-base percentage and 14 home runs in 375 plate appearances last season for the Washington Nationals and Oakland Athletics. He'll give the Cubs another established catching option alongside longtime starter Willson Contreras. Contreras hit .237 with a .340 on-base percentage, 21 home runs, and five stolen bases in 483 plate appearances last season. Even with Gomes reportedly signing, Contreras still looks like the starter if Chicago doesn't trade him, although that's purely speculative.
Source: Craig MishRotoBaller.com
Tue Nov 30 202113:44Kendall Graveman Officially Signs With White SoxKendall GravemanRPBlue JaysFree Agent
The Chicago White Sox and relief pitcher Kendall Graveman officially agreed on a three-year, $24 million deal on Tuesday. Graveman will make $8 million in all three seasons and will also have incentives for awards. The 30-year-old right-hander combined to go 5-1 with a sparkling 1.77 ERA, 61 strikeouts, a .180 opponent's average, 0.98 WHIP, 10 saves and 11 holds in 53 appearances for the Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros in 2021. He was among the American League relief leaders in ERA (third), opponent's OPS (.536), opponent's average (fifth), ground-ball percentage (12th) and WHIP (12th). He also had a 1.64 ERA with two holds and 11 strikeouts for Houston in the playoffs. Graveman will still have fantasy value for his strikeouts and in holds leagues, but he's unlikely to see many save chances with both Liam Hendriks and Craig Kimbrel handling the late innings.
Source: MLB Network - Jon HeymanRotoBaller.com
Tue Nov 30 202113:27Tigers Reportedly Sign Javier BaezJavier Báez2B/SSCubsCJ's Tip-Top Team
According to a tweet from The Detroit Free Press' Evan Petzold, the Detroit Tigers have reportedly agreed to terms with free agent shortstop Javier Baez. Per Petzold, it'll be a six-year, $140 million deal for the 28-year-old. Baez hit .265 with a .319 on-base percentage, 31 home runs, and 18 stolen bases in 547 plate appearances last season while registering a 116 wRC+. After trading for catcher Tucker Barnhart and signing starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez earlier this offseason, shortstop was the Tigers' most pressing need. They now have one in Baez, who should once again be a quality fantasy option next season. The veteran has hit at least 23 home runs and stolen at least 10 bases in each of his last four full seasons.
Source: Evan PetzoldRotoBaller.com
Mon Nov 29 202120:56Kirby Yates Signs Two-Year Deal With AtlantaKirby YatesRPRaysFree Agent
Relief pitcher Kirby Yates is the newest member of the Atlanta Braves, joining the defending champions on a two-year deal worth $8.25 million dollars in guaranteed money. The contract includes a $5.75 million dollar club option for 2024 with a $1.25 million dollar buyout. Yates has been a top fantasy closer in the past, but he's coming off Tommy John surgery and won't be ready to pitch until midway through 2022. He only managed a total of 4 1/3 innings between the 2020 and 2021 seasons. With 57 saves and 400 strikeouts in 291 career games, Yates could challenge for the closer role if he stays on track with his rehab, but that's a significant if.
Source: Jeff PassanRotoBaller.com
Mon Nov 29 202120:49Daniel Hudson Signs Deal With DodgersDaniel HudsonSPDiamondbacksFree Agent
The Los Angeles Dodgers may have seen Max Scherzer and Corey Seager sign with other teams Monday, but they brought back an old friend in relief pitcher Daniel Hudson, who spent 2018 in Dodger blue. The contract is a one-year deal worth $7 million dollars. The 34-year-old Hudson has made 454 career appearances, recording a 3.86 ERA and 1.24 WHIP with 27 saves and 719 strikeouts in 765 innings. He is not expected to act as closer in Los Angeles, though he could play a role as a key setup man if he can limit home runs, as has been a challenge throughout his career. He will only hold value in the deepest holds leagues.
Source: Jeff PassanRotoBaller.com
Mon Nov 29 202120:43Alex Cobb Set To Sign With San Francisco GiantsAlex CobbSPRaysDEWMAN's Team
The San Francisco Giants are finalizing an agreement with starting pitcher Alex Cobb that will bring the 10-year veteran to the team. Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle indicated that the team was making Cobb a priority earlier in the offseason, and now those efforts have paid off. Terms of the deal are not yet known. Cobb had perhaps the best season of his career in 2021, posting a 3.76 ERA and 2.92 FIP with 98 strikeouts in 93 1/3 innings before missing time with injury. He joins a rotation that includes Logan Webb, Anthony DeSclafani, and Alex Wood. Further additions are expected, though they may have to wait until after a new collective bargaining agreement is worked out.
Source: Jon HeymanRotoBaller.com
Mon Nov 29 202120:20Max Scherzer To Join MetsMax ScherzerSPTigersBrasco's Bold Team
Max Scherzer is the newest member of the New York Mets after agreeing to a three-year $130 million dollar contract with an opt-out after the first two seasons. The deal includes a record $43.333 million dollars per season, besting the previous average annual value high of $36 million per year for Gerrit Cole. Scherzer will also receive a full no-trade clause. The Mets will now enter the 2022 season with the best one-two starting pitching punch in the league, as Scherzer joins Jacob deGrom in Queens. Scherzer has led the league in pitching fWAR over the last six seasons at 33.2, and he'll look to build on his 2021 line of a 15-4 record with a 2.46 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, and 236 strikeouts in 179 1/3 innings.
Source: Joel ShermanRotoBaller.com
Mon Nov 29 202116:04Robbie Ray, Mariners Finalizing Five-Year Deal MondayRobbie RayRP/SPTigersFree Agent
Reigning American League Cy Young winner Robbie Ray and the Seattle Mariners are finalizing a five-year, $115 million deal on Monday that includes an opt-out after the third season, according to sources familiar with the deal. Seattle will have to give up a draft pick after the lefty declined Toronto's qualifying offer. Ray will give the M's a legitimate ace atop their starting rotation after coming off a career season in 2021 in which he led the AL in ERA (2.84) and innings (193 1/3) and became the first Jays pitcher to lead the league in strikeouts with 248. He had a league-leading 10 starts with double-digit strikeouts. Ray's career-best 6.9% walk rate was a sharp dropoff from his career 11% walk rate through 2020. The 30-year-old southpaw throws hard and has always generated a bunch of strikeouts, but fantasy managers will be banking on him maintaining the mechanics that led to better control and fewer free passes in 2021.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff PassanRotoBaller.com
Mon Nov 29 202112:22Mets Finalizing A Deal With Max Scherzer MondayMax ScherzerSPTigersBrasco's Bold Team
The New York Mets are finalizing a deal with free-agent right-hander Max Scherzer on Monday that will be for three years and around $130 million, according to a source. The deal isn't quite done yet, but it would be a record for average annual value in the major leagues. Scherzer has spent around half of his 14-year career in the National League East and won two of his three Cy Young awards and a World Series title with the Washington Nationals. The righty is 190-97 in his career with a 3.16 ERA for the Diamondbacks, Tigers, Nationals and Dodgers. At 37 years old, he has shown only small signs of slowing down, and his 2,536 2/3 innings rank fourth among active pitchers. Scherzer and Jacob deGrom will form one of the most feared pitching duos in the league.
Source: MLB Network - Jon HeymanRotoBaller.com
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