News for Free Agent Players - 2010 Ezra Stiles Rotisserie Association

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Wed Mar 2709:56Freddie Freeman Finishes Spring With Fourth HomerFreddie Freeman1BBravesFree Agent
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman finished Spring Training with a 1-for-4 performance against the Los Angeles Angels. Freeman's lone hit was a solo home run. For the spring, the veteran finishes with four homers, 16 RBI and a .282 average. Although he is another year older, Freeman remains as consistent as they come. One of the safest picks this season, Freeman should once again put-up big power numbers with a healthy batting average. He remains as safe of a pick as there is entering 2024 and should have even more RBI opportunities with Shohei Ohtani joining Mookie Betts as the two batters in front of Freeman this season.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Tue Feb 2712:41Craig Kimbrel Expects To Make Spring Debut ThursdayCraig KimbrelRPBravesFree Agent
Baltimore Orioles closer Craig Kimbrel (quadriceps) threw a live batting practice session on Monday at camp and said he felt great. Kimbrel expects to make his Grapefruit League debut on Thursday. Kimbrel dealt with quadriceps soreness over the weekend and was shut down for a few days as a precaution. The 35-year-old veteran reliever is feeling good again now, though, and has plenty of time to get himself right before Opening Day at the end of March. Kimbrel joined the Orioles in the offseason on a one-year deal to serve as the team's closer in 2024 with Felix Bautista (elbow) out for the year. He led the Phillies with 23 saves in 2023 and had a 3.26 ERA and 1.04 WHIP with 94 strikeouts in 69 innings. Injuries are a concern, but as long as he's healthy, he should receive plenty of save opportunities in Baltimore.
Source: MASN Sports - Roch KubatkoRotoBaller.com
Sun Feb 2518:17Freddie Freeman Homers, Collects Two RBI In Spring Training DebutFreddie Freeman1BBravesFree Agent
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman went 1-for-2 with a homer, sacrifice fly, two RBI and a run scored in Friday's 4-1 Cactus League win over the Padres. Freeman was batting in his usual second spot in the order and picking right where he left off last season. He ambushed the first pitch he saw from Padres right-handed starter Jhony Brito, sending it over the left-centerfield wall for his first home run of the spring. In his third at-bat, the perennial All-Star nearly had another HR when he sent the first pitch he saw to the warning track in right-center, but it resulted in a sac fly instead, driving in his second run of the game. As one would expect, Freeman hasn't missed a beat, and after hitting .331-29-102-131-23 last season, the veteran appears primed for another strong campaign. Now projected to hit in front of last year's AL MVP, Shohei Ohtani, his run totals could see a bump, and he had 12 more SB than any first baseman in 2023. Going around eighth overall, the 34-year-old is a fine foundational piece and multi-category contributor for any 2024 fantasy baseball team.
Source: ESPNRotoBaller.com
Sun Feb 2512:06Craig Kimbrel Dealing With Quadriceps TightnessCraig KimbrelRPBravesFree Agent
Baltimore Orioles closer Craig Kimbrel (quadriceps) said he cut his live batting practice session in camp on Saturday shorty by around five pitches because he felt some tightness in his lower body. However, Kimbrel isn't concerned after getting treatment from trainers. He's scheduled to throw again on Monday. Manager Brandon Hyde later said Kimbrel was dealing with quadriceps soreness. While it doesn't appear to be a serious injury, it's something to watch for the 35-year-old right-hander as we get close to Opening Day in late March. If healthy, Kimbrel, who is the active MLB leader in saves, will operate as Baltimore's full-time closer with Felix Bautista (elbow) out for the whole year.
Source: MLB.com - Jake RillRotoBaller.com
Tue Jan 3012:03Justin Turner Inks One-Year Deal With Blue JaysJustin Turner2BMetsFree Agent
Free-agent infielder/designated hitter Justin Turner signed a one-year deal with a $13 million base salary on Tuesday with the Toronto Blue Jays, according to a source. The deal includes $1.5 million in roster and performance bonuses for the 2024 season. While Turner can play both third and first base, he's primarily expected to serve as Toronto's primary designated hitter as he heads into his age-40 season. After whiffing on some other big bats in free agency, Turner will provide excellent clubhouse leadership and some extra pop from the right side of the plate. He had a career-high 96 RBI for the Boston Red Sox in 2023 while also slashing .276/.345/.455 with 23 home runs. Staying in the American League East and moving to another hitter-friendly ballpark should help his cause as a corner infield option with good on-base skills and some modest power.
Source: MLB Network - Jon MorosiRotoBaller.com
Mon Jan 2919:12Plenty Of Concerns About Justin TurnerJustin Turner2BMetsFree Agent
Free-agent infielder/designated hitter Justin Turner slashed a strong .276/.345/.455 with the Boston Red Sox in 2023 and is widely regarded as a great clubhouse presence. However, evaluators think most of Turner's playing time needs to be at DH, which is how he was used in Boston. He had 98 games at DH, 41 at first base, 10 at second base and seven at third. Turner's hard-hit rate of 38.7% in 2023 was his lowest mark since 2018, a season in which he hit .312. It's never really been a strength of his, though, as his highest hard-hit rate was 44% in 2020. The 39-year-old had a career-high 96 RBI in a career-high 626 plate appearances and also came one short of his career-high in runs scored with the Red Sox, but his age and playing-time concerns (he's still a free agent) are big concerns for his fantasy profile as a corner infield option in deep-mixed leagues.
Source: ESPN - Buster OlneyRotoBaller.com
Mon Jan 2912:33Justin Turner Decision Likely To Be Made This WeekJustin Turner2BMetsFree Agent
Free-agent infielder/designated hitter Justin Turner is expected to make a decision on free agency this week regarding where he will be playing in 2024. The 39-year-old slashed .276/.345/.455 with 23 home runs in 146 games played, posting a 114 wRC+ last year with the Boston Red Sox. Turner has maintained a wRC+ of at least 114 every season since 2014, showcasing his ability to remain a productive hitter despite his age. The Giants, Mets, Blue Jays, and Cubs are all seeking to add an impact corner outfielder, and Turner is likely to land with one of those teams after spending 2023 with the Red Sox and the previous nine seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Source: Jon MorosiRotoBaller.com
Sun Jan 2812:31Charlie Morton Healthy Heading Into 2024 SeasonCharlie MortonSPPiratesFree Agent
Atlanta Braves right-hander Charlie Morton (finger) said that his finger is fine and that he's fully healthy heading into the 2024 season. The Braves were a bit uncertain about bringing back Morton for his age-40 season, but they still went ahead and picked up his $20 million option for 2024 this offseason. Morton had a career-worst 11.6 percent walk rate in his third year with Atlanta in 2023, but he still managed to strike out 183 batters and had a decent 3.64 ERA (3.87 FIP) and 1.43 WHIP in 163 1/3 total innings over his 30 starts. Morton might have just one season left in him, but he makes for a solid middle-of-the-rotation arm for the Braves and carries more fantasy appeal while being backed by one of the best offenses in the league. He's been reliable, making at least 30 starts in each season since 2018, excluding the shortened 2020 campaign.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Justin ToscanoRotoBaller.com
Sun Jan 2812:01Adam Ottavino Re-Signs With MetsAdam OttavinoRP/SPCardinalsFree Agent
Free-agent relief pitcher Adam Ottavino and the New York Mets agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million deal, pending a physical, on Saturday. Ottavino became a free agent this offseason after declining a $6.75 million player option, with $4 million of it being deferred. The 38-year-old veteran will return on a cheaper deal and will return in a high-leverage role as a setup man ahead of closer Edwin Diaz, who missed all of 2023 due to a knee injury. Ottavino had a 3.21 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 62 strikeouts and a career-high 12 saves in 61 2/3 relief innings in Queens last season. His velocity dipped in 2023, though, and opponents squared him up much more often, meaning he might not be as effective in 2024 if that trend continues. Ottavino also won't be in line for nearly as many save chances as long as Diaz is healthy.
Source: New York Post - Joel ShermanRotoBaller.com
Tue Jan 2300:25Mets Interested In Adam Ottavino ReunionAdam OttavinoRP/SPCardinalsFree Agent
The New York Mets have reportedly considered free-agent relief pitcher Adam Ottavino as an option to bolster their bullpen this offseason. The 38-year-old veteran pitched well for the Mets last season, going 1-7 with 12 saves and 12 holds along with a 3.21 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 23.8% strikeout rate in 61 2/3 innings pitched. Ottavino's fantasy relevance would most likely come in saves-plus-holds leagues wherever he ends up, although he likely would not see as many save opportunities if he rejoined the Mets, as Edwin Diaz will be returning from a right patellar tendon repair.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Sat Dec 16 202320:07Justin Turner In Talks Of Going To MetsJustin Turner2BMetsFree Agent
Free agent infielder Justin Turner and the New York Mets are engaged in talks on a potential reunion. The 39-year-old produced a .276/.345/.455 slash line with 23 homers and 96 RBI in 146 games for the Boston Red Sox. These talks come on the heels of losing third baseman Ronny Mauricio to an ACL tear. Turner hasn't shown much in the way of falling off because of age. He could be of use in a starting or part-time role. The veteran played for the Mets between 2011-2013. 2012 was the last time Turner posted an OPS+ under 100. His 96 RBI last season was a career-high. Keep in mind Turner's standing going into Spring Training to see where to draft him.
Source: Mike PumaRotoBaller.com
Wed Dec 13 202314:50Dodgers Superstars Attend Meeting With Yoshinobu YamamotoFreddie Freeman1BBravesFree Agent
Mookie BettsFree Agent
Shohei OhtaniFree Agent
A trio of Los Angeles Dodgers superstars attended a meeting with free-agent pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Tuesday at Dodger Stadium, as Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts all were part of the discussion. Of course, Ohtani's presence is the key, as he is a countryman of Yamamoto's and a teammate of his in March's World Baseball Classic championship with Team Japan. The right-hander and Ohtani have dominated the rumor mill this offseason, and there are reportedly plenty of clubs pursuing Yamamoto's services on the open market. A two-time NPB MVP, Yamamoto, 25, worked to a dominant 1.21 ERA across 23 outings with the Orix Buffaloes last season.
Source: Fabian ArdayaRotoBaller.com
Wed Dec 6 202316:01Craig Kimbrel, Orioles Agree To One-Year DealCraig KimbrelRPBravesFree Agent
Free-agent right-handed reliever Craig Kimbrel and the Baltimore Orioles agreed to a one-year, $13 million deal on Wednesday, according to sources. The contract includes a $13 million club option for the 2025 season. Talks between the two sides began to heat up on Tuesday night, and the O's have now secured the 35-year-old closer at the Winter Meetings. He had a nice 3.26 ERA with 94 strikeouts and 23 saves during the regular season in 2023 for the Philadelphia Phillies. Kimbrel, a nine-time All-Star, has 417 career saves in 14 big-league seasons with seven different teams. With Felix Bautista (elbow) out for all of the 2024 season, it seems likely that Kimbrel is going to serve as Baltimore's primary closer, which will make him a high-end fantasy closing target in spring drafts.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff PassanRotoBaller.com
Wed Dec 6 202300:55Orioles "Seriously Engaged" With Craig KimbrelCraig KimbrelRPBravesFree Agent
The Baltimore Orioles have been "seriously engaged" with free-agent relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel, MLB Network's Joel Sherman reported Tuesday. The O's will be without their All-Star closer Felix Bautista (elbow) in 2024 while he recovers from Tommy John surgery. While the team does have several late-inning relievers, a player with Kimbrel's career numbers could help shut things down at the end of games. The 35-year-old veteran had a mixed 2023 season with the Phillies, converting 23 of 28 save opportunities in the regular season with a 3.26 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 33.8% strikeout rate. However, he posted a bloated 6.00 ERA in seven postseason appearances.
Source: Joel Sherman - Twitter.comRotoBaller.com
Sun Nov 12 202320:20Diamondbacks Showing Interest In Justin TurnerJustin Turner2BMetsFree Agent
The Arizona Diamondbacks are looking to upgrade at the third base position this offseason. The organization is reportedly expressing interest in veteran third baseman Justin Turner. The 38-year-old is coming off a surprisingly strong season with the Boston Red Sox in 2023. Turner slashed .276/.345/.455 with 23 homers and a career-high 96 RBI in 626 plate appearances. The D-Backs don't have many options at third base with Evan Longoria and Emmanuel Rivera being their primary options at the hot corner last season. Turner should have multiple suitors this offseason, but the D-Backs certainly appear to be a good fit on paper.
Source: Bob NightengaleRotoBaller.com
Mon Nov 6 202318:35Diamondbacks Decline Mark Melancon's 2024 OptionMark MelanconRPAstrosFree Agent
The Arizona Diamondbacks declined their $5 million mutual option for the 2024 season on right-hander Mark Melancon (shoulder) over the weekend. Instead, Arizona will give Melancon a $2 million buyout as he hits the open market this offseason. The move was entirely expected, as the 38-year-old right-handed veteran reliever missed all of 2023 due to a right-shoulder strain. Melancon is a four-time All-Star and has 262 career saves in 14 seasons in the big leagues, but he's nearing the end of his career and wasn't very effective in 2022 with a 4.66 ERA (4.20 FIP) and 1.50 WHIP with 18 saves, 21 walks and only 35 strikeouts in 56 innings over 62 appearances out of Arizona's bullpen. The soft-tosser isn't going to have a robust market as a late-inning reliever heading into his age-39 season in 2024.
Source: MLB.com - Steve GilbertRotoBaller.com
Mon Nov 6 202318:02Braves Exercise Charlie Morton's 2024 OptionCharlie MortonSPPiratesFree Agent
The Atlanta Braves exercised right-hander Charlie Morton's $20 million option for the 2024 season on Monday. Morton will turn 40 years old next week, but he had a 3.64 ERA (3.87 FIP) and 1.43 WHIP with 83 walks and 183 strikeouts in 163 1/3 innings over 30 starts for Atlanta in 2023 and has a 3.77 ERA with 604 strikeouts in 521 innings over the last three seasons with the Braves, including two 14-win campaigns. Morton could be playing in his final big-league season in 2024, and there were some signs of regression, as expected, last year. He had a bloated 11.6 percent walk rate. However, he was able to keep the ball in the park for the most park and had a strong 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings. Injuries will be a concern, but Morton will continue to have fantasy appeal in fantasy leagues because of strikeout ability and the fact that he pitches for one of the best teams in baseball.
Source: The Athletic - David O'BrienRotoBaller.com
Mon Nov 6 202314:24Adam Ottavino Declines Player Option For 2024Adam OttavinoRP/SPCardinalsFree Agent
Former New York Mets reliever Adam Ottavino has declined his $6.75 million player option with the club for the 2024 season and will become a free agent. The reliever will be in search of a new multi-year deal on the open market as $4 million of his $6.75 player option was to be deferred. The 37-year-old should garner significant interest on the open market as he is coming off his second straight excellent season with the Mets. Ottavino worked to a healthy 3.21 ERA across 66 appearances in 2023, just one season after tossing a sterling 2.06 ERA across another 66 appearances with the Mets. A veteran of 664 career big-league appearances, the right-hander owns a 3.42 ERA across 13 seasons spent with the Cardinals, Rockies, Yankees, Red Sox, and Mets.
Source: Joel ShermanRotoBaller.com
Fri Nov 3 202318:52Justin Turner, Corey Kluber Become Free AgentsCorey KluberFree Agent
Justin Turner2BMetsFree Agent
As expected, the Boston Red Sox declined their 2024 option on right-hander Corey Kluber (shoulder) on Friday, while third baseman/designated hitter Justin Turner declined his $13.4 million 2024 option. Both players are now free agents. Turner will receive a $6.7 million buyout. Turner is nearing 40 years of age (he's 38), but he didn't lack for production in his lone season in Beantown in 2023, hitting 23 home runs and driving in a career-high 96 runs. Fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting him to match that in 2024, but he will certainly have suitors. Kluber, 37, had a 7.04 ERA and 1.66 WHIP in 55 innings over 15 games (nine starts) in his first and only year in Boston before being shut down for good in mid-September with a shoulder injury. He should be ready for the start of 2024, but the two-time Cy Young winner doesn't appear to have much left and could be ticketed for a full-time relief role wherever he lands.
Source: The Boston Globe - Pete AbrahamRotoBaller.com
Sat Oct 21 202314:01Craig Kimbrel Takes Another Loss In Game 4 DefeatCraig KimbrelRPBravesFree Agent
Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel took the loss in Game 4 of the NLCS on Friday when he surrendered three earned runs on three hits with one strikeout over just 2/3 of an inning in a 6-5 defeat at the hands of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Kimbrel entered the game in the bottom of the eighth inning and was tasked with protecting a 5-3 Phillies lead. Things got off to a rough start as he allowed a double to Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to lead off the inning. He then got Evan Longoria to line out before serving up the game-tying home run to Alek Thomas. He struck out Geraldo Perdomo next but then allowed a single to Ketel Marte and hit Corbin Carroll with a pitch before being replaced by Jose Alvarado. Marte would come around to score to give the D-Backs a one-run lead and that would be enough to win the ball game. Kimbrel was near-perfect over his first four appearances this postseason, recording three saves in three chances. However, he's been shaky over the last two contests, allowing four earned runs and taking two losses in the process. Overall, he has a 7.20 ERA, 2.00 WHIP, and a 3:4 K/BB ratio over five innings pitched this postseason. Kimbrel and the Phillies will look to take back the series lead on Saturday at Citizen's Bank Park.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
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