News for Free Agent Players - 2014 Going 9 Experts League

Show news on or before
Next
Tue Mar 1900:27Caleb Thielbar To Start Season On Injured ListCaleb ThielbarRPTwinsFree Agent
Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Caleb Thielbar (hamstring) will be one of several of the team's pitching staff to start the 2024 season on the injured list, per the Athletic's Aaron Gleeman. Thielbar suffered a strained left hamstring early in camp and, while he progressed to throwing live batting practice last week, it was determined that the 37-year-old won't be ready in time to start the season. Thielbar had a successful 2023 season, earning 14 holds with a 3.23 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 30.0% strikeout rate in 30 2/3 innings pitched. Fantasy managers in saves-plus-holds leagues should look for additional information on a timetable for his return.
Source: Aaron Gleeman - The AthleticRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1820:24Nick Martinez To Open The Year In The RotationNick MartinezRP/SPRangersFree Agent
Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell said that right-hander Nick Martinez (ribs) is locked into a starting rotation spot to begin the year, along with Frankie Montas, Hunter Greene and Graham Ashcraft. The fifth spot is down to Andrew Abbott and Brandon Williamson (shoulder). Martinez has been dealing with a rib issue in camp, but he was able to throw a simulated game over the weekend and should be ready for Opening Day on March 28. The 33-year-old has started 87 of the 198 games that he's appeared in in the big leagues in six seasons, and he's been more effective in his career in a relief role. Moving back to the bullpen is still an option once lefty Nick Lodolo (leg) makes his 2024 debut, which makes Martinez more of an NL-only asset in his first year with the Reds.
Source: The Athletic - C. Trent RosecransRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1819:11Martin Perez Strikes Out Eight BattersMartín PérezSPRangersFree Agent
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Martin Perez continued his impressive spring during Monday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The left-hander struck out eight batters over five innings of work during Monday's victory. It's worth noting that Perez never struck out eight hitters during a single start last season. His velocity was down during this game and he was still extremely effective. Perez has allowed one earned run in 12 innings this season. Perez probably won't be a reliable 12-team fantasy option, but could still be worth a look in deep leagues.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1816:45DJ LeMahieu In Danger Of Missing Opening DayDJ LeMahieu2B/3BRockiesFree Agent
New York Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu (foot) has "a pretty significant bone bruise" on his right foot, according to manager Aaron Boone, and the skipper isn't sure if LeMahieu will have enough time to get ready for Opening Day on March 28 in Houston against the Astros. LeMahieu fouled a ball off his foot in a Grapefruit League game on Saturday, but X-rays came back negative. Still, the 35-year-old veteran, who is projected to be the team's regular third baseman in 2024, may not be ready to go for the start of the 2024 regular season. The season hasn't even started yet and the Yankees are dealing with injuries to Gerrit Cole (elbow), Aaron Judge (abdomen, oblique) and LeMahieu. If LeMahieu opens the year on the injured list, Oswaldo Cabrera should see a boost in playing time at the hot corner.
Source: MLB.com - Bryan HochRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1814:56Anthony DeSclafani To Begin Season On Injured ListAnthony DeSclafaniRP/SPMarlinsFree Agent
Minnesota Twins right-hander Anthony DeSclafani (elbow/forearm) will begin the season on the injured list. He will visit Dr. Keith Meister to evaluate the next steps on his ailing right elbow. The right-hander was shut down by the team early in the spring but has recently thrown bullpen sessions. He has yet to appear in a Cactus League game to this point, however. The veteran was acquired in a trade with the Seattle Mariners this offseason after tossing a 4.88 ERA across 19 outings (18 starts) with the Giants in the 2023 season. He was involved in a deal for Mariners left-hander Robbie Ray before being dealt to Minnesota in a trade that saw Jorge Polanco head to the Mariners.
Source: Bobby NightengaleRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1814:50DJ LeMahieu Still Pretty SoreDJ LeMahieu2B/3BRockiesFree Agent
New York Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu (foot) is "still pretty sore" but is moving around better on Monday, according to manager Aaron Boone. The veteran left Saturday's Grapefruit League game early after fouling a ball off his foot and underwent imaging on the issue afterward. "I definitely think it's going to cost him some days here," Boone added. Likely to serve as the club's leadoff hitter and everyday third baseman, LeMahieu took a step back at the plate last season, hitting .243 with 15 home runs and a .717 OPS across 136 games and 562 trips to the plate. LeMahieu's best fantasy production is behind him but he could be a decent source of runs if he can remain atop the Yankees lineup this season.
Source: Bryan HochRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1813:18Chris Martin May Not Be Ready For Opening DayChris MartinRP/SPRockiesFree Agent
The Boston Globe's Peter Abraham writes that right-hander Chris Martin (groin) may not be ready for Opening Day on March 28. Closer Kenley Jansen (back) was scratched from making his second Grapefruit League appearance on Monday, but the team still believes he has a shot to be ready by Opening Day. The 37-year-old Martin threw a live batting practice session in camp on Saturday, but he's running out of time to get ready for the start of the regular season. He's expected to need four spring training appearances in order to be ready for Opening Day. This is notable because Martin figures to be the BoSox's next man up for save chances if Jansen misses any time due to injury in 2024. Given Jansen's recent string of injuries and his age (36), it's likely he's going to miss time at some point. Josh Winckowski is another name that could see save chances early in the year if both Jansen and Martin aren't 100%.
Source: The Boston Globe - Pete AbrahamRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 1715:22Joey Votto Exits During DebutJoey Votto1BRedsFree Agent
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Joey Votto (ankle) was forced to exit early during Sunday's spring training contest against the Philadelphia Phillies. The veteran slugger launched a solo home run in his first at-bat with his new team. Sadly, Votto didn't last too much longer as he rolled his ankle stepping on a bat in the dugout. The team decided to take a cautious approach and pull Votto from the game. The expectation is that Votto will return to the lineup in a few days.
Source: Keegan MathesonRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 1715:16Tommy Pham Nearing Deal With PadresTommy PhamDHCardinalsFree Agent
The San Diego Padres are close to a deal with free-agent outfielder Tommy Pham, according to Bob Nightengale. The expectation is that it'll be a cheap one-year contract. The Padres could use the help in the outfield as this team does lack depth there. Currently, Jurickson Profar is penciled in as the everyday left fielder. The move to get Pham could give the Padres additional options for platoon type situations. Last season, Pham hit .256/.328/.446 with 16 home runs and 68 RBI in 129 games between the New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks. There probably won't be a ton of fantasy value from Pham, but it depends on his role.
Source: Bob NightengaleRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 1714:54Nick Martinez Throws Simulated GameNick MartinezRP/SPRangersFree Agent
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Martinez (ribs) threw a live batting practice session on Saturday. The right-hander threw three innings of a simulated game as he works his way back to full health. The plan is for Martinez to build his way back up into being a starting pitcher. The 33-year-old could end up turning into a swingman type of role depending on how the rest of the rotation shakes out in Cincinnati. At the moment, Martinez isn't a very appealing option heading into fantasy drafts. However, it sounds like the right-hander is making good progress in his recovery.
Source: Charlie GoldsmithRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 1714:43DJ LeMahieu Avoids Serious InjuryDJ LeMahieu2B/3BRockiesFree Agent
New York Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu (foot) was forced to exit early during Saturday's game. The veteran slugger fouled a ball off his right foot and underwent imaging this weekend. Luckily, the X-rays came back clean which means LeMahieu has avoided serious injury. The team will likely give LeMahieu a few days off for the pain and swelling to stop. The expectation is that LeMahieu will be fine heading into Opening Day.
Source: Erik BolandRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 1712:13Miles Mikolas To Start On Opening DayMiles MikolasRP/SPRangersFree Agent
With St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Sonny Gray (hamstring) not set to be cleared to pitch on Opening Day on March 28 against the Los Angeles Dodgers on the road, right-hander Miles Mikolas has been tabbed as the Opening Day starter for the Red Birds. Not only is Mikolas not much of a mixed-league target in standard 12-team fantasy leagues, but he should be considered a poor DFS option on Opening Day against a strong Dodgers lineup that added Shohei Ohtani in the offseason. The 35-year-old veteran is hoping an improved slider will make him more effective this year after he had a 4.78 ERA and 1.32 WHIP with 39 walks, 137 strikeouts and league-highs in hits allowed (226) and earned runs (107). There's just not much fantasy upside from a pitcher with a career 6.6 strikeouts per nine innings in eight years in the majors.
Source: The Athletic - Katie WooRotoBaller.com
Sat Mar 1615:09Kole Calhoun Hangs Up His CleatsKole CalhounRFAngelsFree Agent
Free-agent outfielder Kole Calhoun has decided to retire from professional baseball. The veteran announced his retirement in a lengthy statement online after a solid 12-year run in the majors. Calhoun began to cement himself in the 2013 season when he hit .282 with eight homers in just 58 games. He went on to become the everyday right fielder for the Angels the following season when he hit .272 with 17 home runs and a .775 OPS across 127 games in the 2013 campaign. He would be an integral part of the Angels' offense for the next five seasons, launching a career-high 33 home runs in the 2019 campaign. All told, the 36-year-old posted a .242 average with 179 long balls and 34 stolen bases across 1,239 appearances in the big leagues.
Source: Jeff FletcherRotoBaller.com
Fri Mar 1517:32Michael A. Taylor Signs With PiratesMichael A. TaylorCF/RFNationalsFree Agent
The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed free-agent outfielder Michael A. Taylor on Friday. The contract is reportedly a one-year deal worth $4 million for the upcoming 2024 season. The 32-year-old is coming off a one-and-done season with the Minnesota Twins. Taylor slashed .220/.278/.442 with a career-high 21 home runs and 51 RBI in 129 games with the Twins. Taylor should be able to find his way into regular at-bats whether it's in the outfield or at designated hitter. The expectation is that his power is going to regress after last season, which makes him barely a deep league option in fantasy formats.
Source: Jeff PassanRotoBaller.com
Fri Mar 1517:24Kevin Gausman Throws Without IssuesKevin GausmanRP/SPOriolesFree Agent
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman (shoulder) was able to throw one inning of live batting practice on Friday. The right-hander threw 23 pitches during this session without any issues. Blue Jays manager John Schneider told reporters that Gausman looked great during the outing. The organization has not given a timetable for his return to the mound. At this point, Gausman is unlikely going to be ready for the beginning of the season. However, this issue doesn't seem to be too serious, so he should be ready relatively early in the regular season.
Source: Hazel MaeRotoBaller.com
Fri Mar 1514:58Pirates, Padres Eyeing Tommy PhamTommy PhamDHCardinalsFree Agent
The San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates are both eyeing free-agent outfielder Tommy Pham. Pham is one of the top names remaining on the open market after he split the 2023 season between the Mets and Diamondbacks. He was productive in doing so, hitting .256 with 16 home runs and 22 stolen bases across 129 games and 481 trips to the plate. Pham has long displayed a quality combination of power and speed, slugging 130 homers and stealing 119 bases across 1,005 big-league contests. Regardless of his landing spot, he is worth a strong look as a mid-round pick in fantasy baseball as he has also been able to use his speed to score plenty of runs in his career while he also sports a healthy 11.6% career walk rate.
Source: Jon Heyman -- New York PostRotoBaller.com
Fri Mar 1514:28Justin Wilson Inks Major-League Deal With RedsJustin WilsonRPPiratesFree Agent
Free-agent reliever Justin Wilson has signed a major-league deal with the Cincinnati Reds after he opted out of his minor-league pact with the Dodgers on Wednesday. The left-hander last saw big-league action with the Reds in the 2022 season, posting a 2.45 ERA in five appearances but was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery that cost him the 2023 campaign, as well. He did appear briefly in the minors with the Brewers last season but the club declined their option on Wilson this winter. The long-time big leaguer has largely been effective in his career, posting a 3.41 ERA and a 25.9% K% across 527 appearances. He certainly won't be in line for saves and likely won't see many hold opportunities, leaving him off the fantasy radar at this point.
Source: Robert MurrayRotoBaller.com
Fri Mar 1513:02Kevin Gausman Looking Unlikely For Opening DayKevin GausmanRP/SPOriolesFree Agent
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman (shoulder) will throw one inning of live batting practice in camp on Friday and build back up from there. It's now looking unlikely that he'll be able to start on Opening Day for the team on March 28. "We just want him to be good, and if that means 30 starts as opposed to 32, we'll be pretty happy with that," manager John Schneider said. The Blue Jays aren't going to push their 33-year-old ace back too soon just so that he can start on Opening Day. Gausman has been dealing with right-shoulder fatigue in spring training, but he's making progress now and should make his 2024 debut in mid-April, barring any setbacks as he builds back up. Both his injury and Alek Manoah's (shoulder) means that both Bowden Francis and Mitch White are likely to open the year in Toronto's rotation.
Source: MLB.com - Keegan MathesonRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 1414:03Adam Duvall Inks One-Year Deal With BravesAdam Duvall1B/3BGiantsFree Agent
Free-agent outfielder Adam Duvall has signed a one-year, $3 million deal to return to the Atlanta Braves. This marks the veteran's third career stint with the Braves after spending parts of four seasons with them from 2018-2021 before returning for 86 games in the 2022 season after being traded to the Marlins in 2021. Most recently, the 35-year-old spent the 2023 season with the Red Sox, hitting .247 with 21 home runs, four stolen bases, and an .834 OPS. His season was slowed by a broken wrist suffered in April as he would appear in just 92 games in the 2023 season. The plan is for Duvall and offseason trade acquisition Jarred Kelenic to platoon in left field for the Braves in the 2024 campaign. He should provide quality power as he has throughout his career but his playing time will be limited, putting a hard cap on his fantasy value.
Source: Mark BowmanRotoBaller.com
Wed Mar 1317:37Jurickson Profar Exits Early During Wednesday's GameJurickson Profar2B/3B/DH/SSRangersFree Agent
San Diego Padres outfielder Jurickson Profar (leg) was forced to exit early during Wednesday's Cactus League matchup against the Oakland Athletics. The veteran slugger came up limping after rounding first base in the fourth inning. He was able to walk off the field under his own power. The expectation is that Profar will undergo further testing and an update will be given following the contest. The 31-year-old was 3-for-3 with a one home run and 4 RBI before exiting the game. The expectation is that Profar is going to be the Opening Day left fielder in San Diego.
Source: Sammy LevittRotoBaller.com
Next