Fri Feb 7 | 08:44 | Mets Make An Offer To Jose Iglesias | Jose Iglesias | 3B/SS | Tigers | Free Agent |
According to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, the New York Mets have offered a one-year contract to infielder Jose Iglesias. Ragazzo noted that nothing appears "close" for the time being. Earlier in the offseason, the Mets signed second baseman Nick Madrigal to operate in a depth role, but the team is still interested in reuniting with Iglesias. Last season, Iglesias enjoyed a career season with the Mets as he posted a .337/.381/.448 slash line with 16 doubles and six stolen bases. He hit four long balls and added a triple. He struggled to generate power but showed an elite eye at the plate with a stellar 13.4 percent strikeout rate. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Iglesias leading up to spring training. If he does return to Queens, he will likely serve as a depth option in the infield. |
Source: Pat Ragazzo | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Feb 7 | 08:32 | Yasmani Grandal Drawing Interest On Open Market | Yasmani Grandal | C | Padres | Free Agent |
According to Francys Romero, catcher Yasmani Grandal is drawing interest from at least three teams on the open market. The 36-year-old has 13 years of MLB experience and would likely be deployed as a depth catcher in an organization. Last season, the switch-hitter logged 72 games with the Pittsburgh Pirates. During this stint, Grandal posted a .228/.304/.400 line. He tallied 10 doubles, nine home runs, and a 24:46 BB:K ratio. He was graded as an excellent defender and placed in the 86th percentile in framing. In addition, Grandal generated a strong 91.1 mph average exit velocity, a 9.8 percent barrel, and a 42.8 percent hard-hit rate. He also drew walks at a 9.9 percent rate. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status leading up to spring training as he could find a role as a No. 2 backstop. |
Source: Francys Romero | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Feb 6 | 20:14 | Avisail Garcia Not Expected To Play During The 2025 Season | Avisaíl García | CF/RF | White Sox | Free Agent |
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. |
Source: Francys Romero | RotoBaller.com |
Wed Feb 5 | 14:12 | Christian Yelich Not Expected To Be 100% For Start Of Spring Training | Christian Yelich | CF/LF | Marlins | Free Agent |
Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy said that he doesn't think outfielder Christian Yelich (back) will be 100 percent at the start of spring training. Murphy added that he thinks Yelich will be ahead of right-hander Brandon Woodruff (shoulder) as far as being game-ready this spring. It's no surprise for the 33-year-old Yelich after he underwent a microdiscectomy procedure on his back last August to fix a herniated disc in his lower back. The Brewers will understandably take things slow with Yelich in camp, but the good news is that barring any setbacks with his back, he's expected to be ready to roll by Opening Day at the end of March. Injury risk with Yelich for fantasy managers is very clear, but it should be more reassuring that he was excellent before his back shut him down in 2024, as he hit .315/.406/.504 with 11 home runs and 21 steals in 73 games played. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 26 fantasy outfielder. |
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak | RotoBaller.com |
Wed Feb 5 | 08:28 | Rob Brantly Headed To Miami On Minor-League Deal | Rob Brantly | C | Marlins | Free Agent |
According to Christine De Nicola of MLB.com, the Miami Marlins have signed catcher Rob Brantly to a minor-league deal that includes an invite to spring training. Brantly spent the entire 2024 season in the Rays organization. He also spent time with the Marlins during the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Last season, he appeared in just three MLB games and tallied one hit with two strikeouts. Across 52 games with Triple-A Durham, Brantly held a .250/.316/.394 slash line with six doubles, five home runs, and a 12:35 BB:K ratio. In 138 career games at the MLB level, the backstop has posted a mere .222/.284/.322 slash line. In 743 games at Triple-A, he has held a higher .266/.324/.390 line. Fantasy managers should expect Brantly to open at the at Triple-A, given his lack of recent MLB experience. |
Source: Christine De Nicola | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Feb 4 | 22:22 | Cubs Acquire Ryan Brasier From Dodgers | Ryan Brasier | SP | Angels | Free Agent |
ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that the Chicago Cubs acquired right-handed reliever Ryan Brasier from the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations, per sources. The Dodgers designated the 37-year-old veteran for assignment last week after they recently signed relievers Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates. It's a nice pickup for the Cubs, who also recently acquired reliever Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros. Brasier may not be the favorite for saves in Chicago, but he should at least handle high-leverage setup innings, making him a sleeper for holds in fantasy leagues. In 29 appearances (four starts) for the Dodgers last year, Brasier held a 3.54 ERA and 0.96 WHIP with 25 K's and five walks in 28 innings. He missed significant time with a calf injury. Brasier has never been a big strikeout guy (career 8.9 K/9), so his fantasy upside won't be significant. |
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Feb 4 | 18:18 | Red Sox Discussing Nolan Arenado Trade | Nolan Arenado | 3B | Rockies | Free Agent |
According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals have had recent communication about third baseman Nolan Arenado, per a source. If the trade talks move forward between the two teams, it could have immediate implications for free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman's market. Cardinals executive Chaim Bloom has close knowledge of Boston's prospects after previously serving as their general manager. If the BoSox were to trade for Arenado, it would likely mean Rafael Devers would move across the diamond to first base. The 33-year-old Arenado, who has declined offensively the last several seasons in St. Louis, already blocked a potential trade to the Houston Astros this offseason, but he's reportedly willing to waive his no-trade clause to go to Beantown. Arenado's power, exit velocity and fly balls were down considerably in 2024, but perhaps he can bounce back with a change of scenery. |
Source: MLB Network - Jon Morosi | RotoBaller.com |
Mon Feb 3 | 14:05 | Carlos Carrasco Signs Minor-League Deal With Yankees | Carlos Carrasco | SP | Indians | Free Agent |
Free-agent right-hander Carlos Carrasco signed a minor-league deal with the New York Yankees on Monday. Carrasco went 3-10 with a bloated 5.64 ERA (4.93 FIP) in 103 2/3 innings over 21 starts for the Cleveland Guardians last season and will turn 38 in March. The deal that Carrasco signed includes an invitation to major-league spring training. The 37-year-old was booted from Cleveland's 40-man roster in September, making him a free agent. Given how much he has fallen off in recent years, he figures to open the 2025 campaign at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to provide the Yankees with starting-pitching depth. The veteran Venezuelan hurler pitched for the New York Mets from 2021-23 and had a 5.21 ERA (4.55), a 1.46 WHIP and 268:97 K:BB in 295 2/3 innings over 61 starts. |
Source: YES Network - Jack Curry | RotoBaller.com |
Sun Feb 2 | 15:34 | Xander Bogaerts Playing Shortstop In 2025 | Xander Bogaerts | SS | Red Sox | Free Agent |
According to AJ Cassavell of MLB.com, San Diego Padres infielder Xander Bogaerts is expected to play shortstop during the 2025 season. Last season, Bogaerts logged 85 starts at the keystone and only 20 at shortstop. However, the 32-year-old is expected to return to his primary position this upcoming season. Across 111 contests last season, Bogaerts posted a .267/.307/.381 line with 15 doubles, 11 home runs, and 13 stolen bases. Under the hood, he generated a solid .262 xBA but struggled to generate power as he posted a poor 33.2 percent hard-hit rate. With Bogaerts returning to shortstop, fantasy managers should expect Jake Cronenworth to cover the keystone. Earlier this offseason, the Padres lost infielder Ha-Seong Kim to the Tampa Bay Rays. Even though Bogaerts will spend most of his time at shortstop, he carries extra fantasy value in 2025, given that he still holds second-base eligibility on most formats. |
Source: AJ Cassavell | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Feb 1 | 08:54 | Cardinals Unable To Find Trade Partner For Nolan Arenado | Nolan Arenado | 3B | Rockies | Free Agent |
According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, the St. Louis Cardinals are not progressing in trade discussions with third baseman Nolan Arenado. Throughout the offseason, the Cardinals have been looking to clear salary, and Arenado's name has been on the trade block. The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees have been reported to have shown interest but have been unable to complete a deal. While the team may eventually find a suitor, for now, fantasy managers should expect Arenado to operate as the top third baseman in St. Louis. Last season, the 33-year-old held a .272/.325./394 slash line with 16 home runs and two stolen bases. He showed a strong eye at the plate with a 14.5% K rate but struggled to generate power as he posted a poor 31.6 percent hard-hit rate. If Arenado were to be moved, Brendan Donovan would see most of the starts at the hot corner. |
Source: Jon Morosi | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Jan 31 | 20:36 | Mets Showing Interest In Ryan Brasier | Ryan Brasier | SP | Angels | Free Agent |
According to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, the New York Mets have shown interest in Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Ryan Brasier. Earlier this week, Brasier was designated for assignment to open a spot on the roster for Kirby Yates. However, Brasier was very effective last season. Across 28 innings, the 37-year-old posted a 3.54 ERA with a strong 0.96 WHIP. He struck out 25 batters and posted a strong 4.5 percent walk rate. Under the hood, he generated a 45.0 percent ground-ball and 7.5 percent barrel rates. Across 59 2/3 innings during the 2023 campaign, the Weatherford College product held a 3.02 ERA with a 1.02 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Brasier to draw significant interest on the trade market. He will likely operate as a middle-reliever on a competing team in 2025. |
Source: Pat Ragazzo | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Jan 31 | 00:50 | Dodgers Designate Ryan Brasier For Assignment | Ryan Brasier | SP | Angels | Free Agent |
The Los Angeles Dodgers designated right-handed reliever Ryan Brasier for assignment on Thursday, according to sources. The move was made to open up a spot on the 40-man roster for recently-signed reliever Kirby Yates. The Dodgers now will have a few days to try to find a trade partner before he's subject to waivers. There could be a market for the 37-year-old veteran relief man after he posted a 3.54 ERA and 0.96 WHIP with 25 strikeouts and only five walks out of the Dodgers bullpen in 28 innings pitched last season. Even if the Dodgers do not find a trade partner, there's a good chance another team looking for additional bullpen depth will claim him off waivers. Brasier wasn't going to see much high-leverage work in L.A.'s stacked bullpen, but he could with another squad in 2025. He missed valuable time in 2024 with a calf injury but should be healthy for spring training. |
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Jan 30 | 08:24 | Cubs Expressing Interest In Jose Iglesias, Jorge Polanco | Jose Iglesias | 3B/SS | Tigers | Free Agent |
| | | Jorge Polanco | SS | Twins | Free Agent |
According to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, the Chicago Cubs have been interested in acquiring another veteran infielder and have been linked to Jose Iglesias and Jorge Polanco. While the team agreed to a contract with infielder Jon Berti earlier this week, the team is still targeting another option as Nico Hoerner (elbow) could be in danger of missing Opening Day. Iglesias enjoyed a career season with the Mets at age 35, posting a .337/.381/.448 line. Polanco played through a knee injury last season but underwent surgery in October and is expected to be a full go for spring training. Across 118 contests with Seattle last summer, Polanco held an underwhelming .213/.296/.355 line. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Hoerner's status during spring training as the Cubs may continue to target one of these options for a short-term solution. |
Source: Bruce Levine | RotoBaller.com |
Wed Jan 29 | 14:25 | Ryan Pressly To Compete For Ninth-Inning Role In Chicago | Ryan Pressly | RP/SP | Twins | Free Agent |
The Chicago Tribune's Meghan Montemurro reports that veteran right-hander reliever Ryan Pressly was told he will close some games his new team, the Chicago Cubs, in 2025. Pressly also added that he will head into spring training in February competing for the ninth-inning role after Porter Hodge filled in admirably in the closer role in 2024. Pressly thinks both he and Hodge will be a "pretty dynamic duo" at the back end of the Cubs' bullpen. The 36-year-old Pressly should probably be considered the favorite for saves in Chicago just because of his experience factor, but he should be considered a low-end fantasy closer after showing clear signs of decline the last several years in Houston. He did pick up 25 holds as a setup man for the Astros in 2024, but his strikeout and walk rates and velocity have been trending down, and he'll be an injury risk as well. |
Source: Chicago Tribune - Meghan Montemurro | RotoBaller.com |
Mon Jan 27 | 19:14 | Jesse Chavez Inks Minor-League Deal With Texas | Jesse Chavez | RP | Athletics | Free Agent |
According to the team, the Texas Rangers have signed right-handed pitcher Jesse Chavez to a minor-league deal that includes an invite to spring training. The 41-year-old spent the entire 2024 campaign with the Atlanta Braves and posted a solid 3.13 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP across 63 1/3 innings of relief. He struck out 55 batters and showed strong command with a 7.2% walk rate. He was able to limit hard contact at an above-average 35.4% hard-hit rate and 6.3% barrel rate, which is a promising sign for his stock heading into 2025. However, he generated whiffs at a poor 17.0% rate, which placed him in the second percentile among qualified pitchers. In 2023, Chavez posted an impressive 1.56 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP across 34 2/3 innings of work. Chavez will compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster during spring training. |
Source: Texas Rangers | RotoBaller.com |
Sun Jan 26 | 19:30 | Ryan Pressly Traded To Cubs After Waiving No-Trade Clause | Ryan Pressly | RP/SP | Twins | Free Agent |
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Chicago Cubs have acquired Houston Astros relief pitcher Ryan Pressly in exchange for right-handed pitcher Juan Bello. The Astros will also be covering some of Pressly's salary. Earlier this week, several teams attempted to acquire the former closer, but Pressly did not waive his no-trade clause. However, Pressly agreed to the deal to send him to the Northside. Seeing that Pressly waived his no-trade clause suggests the Cubs will likely give him ninth-inning duties to open the campaign. In addition, this transaction does open the door for Alex Bregman to return to Houston. Last season, Pressly operated primarily as a setup man for Josh Hader. Across 56 1/3 innings of work, the 36-year-old posted a 3.49 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP. He struck out 58 batters and tallied 25 holds. Fantasy managers should expect Pressly to see most of the save opportunities with Porter Hodge reverting to the setup role. |
Source: Jeff Passan | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Jan 24 | 21:07 | Tigers Will Not Acquire Ryan Pressly | Ryan Pressly | RP/SP | Twins | Free Agent |
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Detroit Tigers will not acquire Houston Astros relief pitcher Ryan Pressly. Nightengale noted that Pressly could either waive his trade clause to be the Chicago Cubs' closer or remain in Houston in a setup role. However, the Tigers are out of the running. The Tigers have been active in the relief pitcher market and have been linked to other options, such as Carlos Estevez. Last season, Pressly held a 3.49 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP across 56 2/3 innings. He struck out 58 batters and tallied 25 holds, operating as the go-to option in the eighth inning. Last season, Jason Foley saw most of the save opportunities as he tallied 28 saves with a 3.15 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. He is currently slated to return to that role, with Tyler Holton operating as the No.2 option. |
Source: Bob Nightengale | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Jan 24 | 14:22 | Ryan Pressly Doesn't Want To Go To East Or West Coast | Ryan Pressly | RP/SP | Twins | Free Agent |
The New York Post's Jon Heyman reports that Houston Astros right-handed reliever Ryan Pressly, who is being shopped by the Astros this offseason, has a full no-trade clause and has told the team that he does not want to go to the East or West coast. It means that he wouldn't approve a trade to the Toronto Blue Jays, one of the team's reportedly pursuing him. Pressly has not committed either way to the Chicago Cubs, who were reportedly close to acquiring him on Thursday. The 36-year-old is scheduled to make $14 million in 2024 and showed obviously signs of decline while both his strikeout and walk rates went the wrong way, so the Astros are more than likely going to have to eat some salary in order to work out a trade. Although Pressly isn't getting any younger, a trade to Chicago would almost certainly make him the Cubs' primary closer in 2025. |
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Jan 24 | 08:15 | Cubs, David Robertson Discussing Potential Reunion | David Robertson | RP | Yankees | Free Agent |
According to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, the Chicago Cubs and relief pitcher David Robertson have discussed a potential reunion. The 39-year-old spent time with the Cubs during the 2022 campaign. During this 40 1/3 inning stint, Robertson posted a 2.23 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP with 14 saves. Last summer, Robertson spent the entire season with the Texas Rangers and operated as the top setup man for Kirby Yates. Across 72 innings, the right-hander held a 3.00 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. He tallied an impressive 35 holds with a strong 33.6% K rate. However, he struggled with his command as he held a high 9.4% walk rate. Levine noted that the Cubs were also interested in Paul Sewald before he signed with Cleveland. Robertson would likely have a high-leverage role in the Chicago bullpen and could even compete for save opportunities with Porter Hodge. |
Source: Bruce Levine | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Jan 23 | 19:21 | Cubs Close To Acquiring Ryan Pressly | Ryan Pressly | RP/SP | Twins | Free Agent |
USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale reports that the Chicago Cubs are on the verge of acquiring right-handed reliever Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros. It would be the second trade the two clubs have pulled off this offseason, with the Cubs landing All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Astros in exchange for infielders Isaac Paredes and Cam Smith. As things currently stand, Porter Hodge is the favorite to open the 2025 season a the Cubs' primary closer, so it's no surprise the team has been actively looking to improve the back end of their bullpen. If Chicago does acquire Pressly, he'd immediately become the favorite for closer duties on the north side. The 36-year-old was a setup man in Houston in 2024 after Josh Hader arrived, and he had 25 holds (12th-most in baseball). Although Pressly's walk and strikeout rates declined, his fantasy stock would be boosted as a closer again if he joins the Cubs. |
Source: USA TODAY Sports - Bob Nightengale | RotoBaller.com |