According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of SportsNet, the Toronto Blue Jays have designated right-handed pitcher Brett de Geus for assignment. This transaction opened a roster spot for right-handed pitcher Jeff Hoffman. De Geus logged 11 1/3 innings at the major league level last season. Across this small stint, he posted a hefty 7.15 ERA and a 1.59 WHIP. De Geus spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons in the minor leagues after making his major league debut in 2021. During his debut season, the right-hander held a similar 7.56 ERA and a 1.74 WHIP. Across 50 career frames at the Triple-A level, the 27-year-old has held a 6.66 ERA and a 1.78 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect him to spend most of the 2025 campaign in Triple-A, given his lack of proven success in the major leagues.

The Detroit Tigers avoided salary arbitration with right-hander Jason Foley on Thursday by agreeing to a one-year, $3.15 million deal. In addition to Foley, Detroit also signed one-year deals for 2025 with infielder/outfielder Matt Vierling ($3.005 million), catcher Jake Rogers ($2.64 million), right-handers Casey Mize ($2.34 million), Will Vest ($1.4 million) and Beau Brieske ($1.025 million), and infielders Zach McKinstry ($1.65 million) and Andy Ibanez ($1.4 million). Foley broke out in 2024 with a career-high 28 saves for the Tigers while also sporting a 3.15 ERA (3.82 FIP), a 1.18 WHIP and a 46:20 K:BB in 60 innings pitched. Although the Tigers are a team on the rise after making the postseason last year, Foley lost the closing job midseason and also during the playoffs, so fantasy managers shouldn't bet on a repeat.

The Baltimore Orioles and right-hander Tyler Wells (elbow) agreed to a one-year, $2.075 million deal on Thursday, avoiding salary arbitration, according to a source. Wells had an internal-brace procedure to fix the UCL in his right elbow in mid-June, which limited him to only three starts in 2024 for the Orioles. Because of the timing of the surgery, the 30-year-old veteran is expected to miss at least the first half of the 2025 campaign. Despite that, he'll receive a $1.96 million raise as an arbitration-eligible player. Fantasy managers in all single-year leagues can avoid wells in drafts this spring. The former 15th-round selection by the Minnesota Twins in 2016 out of California State San Bernardino has a 4.06 career ERA with a 1.04 WHIP, a 271:77 K:BB and five saves in his four years with the O's covering 294 2/3 innings over 95 outings (46 starts).

Right-hander Clarke Schmidt and the New York Yankees agreed to a one-year, $3.6 million deal on Thursday to avoid salary arbitration, according to a source. Schmidt only made 16 regular-season starts for the Yankees in 2024 due to a right-lat injury, but when he was on the mound, he was great, posting a career-best 2.85 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP with 93 punchouts in 85 1/3 innings thrown. For his efforts, he'll receive a $1.57 million raise going into 2025. The Yanks added left-hander Max Fried to their starting rotation this winter, but Schmidt should still be a part of the team's Opening Day rotation. The 28-year-old is by no means a household name, but if he can build on his progress from last year before he got hurt, he could be an excellent value pick in 2025 fantasy drafts. Schmidt does an above-average job at avoiding contact and inducing weak contact.

According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, the Arizona Diamondbacks and first baseman Josh Naylor have agreed to a one-year, $10.9 million contract to avoid salary arbitration. The Diamondbacks acquired Naylor earlier this offseason via a trade with the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for right-handed pitcher Slade Cecconi. Last season in Cleveland, Naylor posted a .243/.320/.456 slash line with 31 home runs and six stolen bases. He also tallied an impressive 108 RBI. This was his second straight campaign tallying at least 97 RBI. He generated a solid .335 xwOBA and a .443 xSLG. With Christian Walker now in Houston, fantasy managers should expect Naylor to operate as the everyday first baseman in Arizona. He should continue to be viewed as an elite option for RBI and will now bat behind Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll.

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the San Diego Padres and right-handed pitcher Michael King did not come to an agreement prior to the deadline. As a result, they will now exchange arbitration figures. King performed very well in his first season as a full-time starter. Despite his slow start in April, the right-hander posted a 2.95 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP across a career-high 173 2/3 innings. He struck out batters at a strong 27.7% rate and generated hard contact at an elite 30.3% clip. He also generated an above-average 3.59 xERA and a .226 xBA. Fantasy managers should expect King to continue to have a role in the starting rotation in 2025. Given his impressive second half, where he posted a strong 2.15 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP, fantasy managers should view King as a high-upside SP2 in all formats.

Right-hander Kutter Crawford and the Boston Red Sox settled on a one-year, $2.75 million deal on Thursday to avoid salary arbitration. In his fourth year with Boston in 2024, Crawford made a career-high 33 starts (183 2/3 innings ) and went 9-16 (most losses in the league) with a 4.36 ERA (4.65 FIP), 1.12 WHIP, 175 strikeouts, 51 walks and a league-high 34 home runs allowed. The 28-year-old was an innings-eater for the Red Sox last year but struggled with a career-high workload. His strikeout percentage (23.1 percent) and hard-hit rate (36.3%) regressed last year with more innings under his belt. The BoSox added left-hander Garrett Crochet and right-hander Walker Buehler to their starting rotation this offseason, so there's no guarantee Crawford will open 2025 in the rotation in Beantown. At worst, though, he could be a valuable swingman for Boston's pitching staff.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, catcher Jose Trevino and the Cincinnati Reds have settled on a one-year, $3.425 million contract to avoid salary arbitration. The Reds acquired Trevino from the New York Yankees in a trade earlier this offseason, which sent right-handed pitcher Fernando Cruz to the Bronx. Trevino should be expected to share catching duties with Tyler Stephenson. Last season, Trevino posted a .215/.288/.354 slash line with just eight home runs. Under the hood, Trevino generated a poor .267 xwOBA, a 5.3% barrel rate, and a 35.1% hard-hit rate. Trevino should only be targeted in deeper NL-only formats, as Stephenson should be expected to see the majority of starts behind the dish and because Trevino carries minimal offensive upside.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, left-handed relief pitcher A.J. Puk and the Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to a one-year, $2.95 million contract to avoid salary arbitration. Puk began the 2024 campaign in the Miami Marlins rotation but struggled as he posted a 9.22 ERA and a 2.63 WHIP across four starts. He was then placed on the injured list with a shoulder injury and was moved back to the bullpen when he returned. Puk returned to form in the bullpen and was eventually shipped to Arizona to help them down the stretch. Across 57 2/3 innings of relief, the southpaw posted a stellar 1.72 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP. He struck out batters at a strong 29.9% rate and generated an impressive 2.72 xERA and a .197 xBA, which were both within the 90th percentile among qualified pitchers. Fantasy managers should expect Puk to compete for save opportunities with Justin Martinez in the Arizona bullpen in 2025.

The Houston Astros and third baseman Isaac Paredes avoided salary arbitration on Thursday by agreeing to a one-year, $6.625 million deal, according to a source. Paredes is heading into his first year in Houston in 2025 after the Astros acquired him from the Chicago Cubs this offseason in the blockbuster trade involving All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker. With the Astros choosing not to re-sign Alex Bregman and after signing Christian Walker to play first base, Paredes should be locked in as Houston's everyday third baseman this year. The 25-year-old right-handed slugger struggled in the second half of 2024 with the Cubbies after he was traded by the Tampa Bay Rays, but he'll have an excellent chance to bounce back in Houston as a pull-happy righty with the short porch in left field at Minute Maid Park. Paredes is getting a $3.225 million raise from last year.

According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Boston Red Sox have checked in on free-agent relief pitcher Phil Maton. Cotillo notes that Boston has expressed interest in several of the top remaining relief pitchers on the market. Maton opened the 2024 season in Tampa Bay but was eventually shipped to the Mets for their playoff push. Over 64 total frames, the right-hander held a 3.66 ERA and 1.11 WHIP. He generated an impressive 33.1% hard-hit rate and a 47.1% ground-ball rate, which were both significantly above the average marks. He was typically deployed as a set-up man with both clubs, as he tallied 18 holds. If Boston were to sign him to a contract, fantasy managers should expect him to have a similar role operating as the eighth-inning option in front of closer Aroldis Chapman.

According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Boston Red Sox and starting pitcher Garrett Crochet have begun discussing a long-term extension. Crochet was dealt to the Boston Red Sox earlier this offseason in exchange for prospects Kyle Teel, Braden Montgomery, Chase Meidroth, and Wikelman Gonzalez. Cotillo notes that a one-year extension remains the priority to avoid arbitration before Tuesday's deadline. However, with the Red Sox moving several top prospects to acquire the southpaw, they remain focused on keeping him in Boston for the foreseeable future. Last season, Crochet was given the opportunity to start and exceeded all expectations. Across a career-high 146 innings, the 25-year-old held a 3.58 ERA and a 1,07 WHIP. He stuck out batters at an elite 35.1% rate. Given his incredible strikeout upside, he should be viewed as a high-end SP2 in all formats this season.

According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, the Los Angeles Angels and left-handed pitcher Brock Burke have agreed to a one-year, $1.15 million contract to avoid salary arbitration. Burke opened the 2024 season with the Texas Rangers but was eventually moved to Los Angeles during the second half. Across 34 total innings last season, the southpaw posted a 5.82 ERA and a 1.56 WHIP. He struck out 41 batters and generated a solid 3.49 xERA. However, he struggled with his command and served up walks at a high 10.4% rate. In 2023, Burke posted a 4.37 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP across 59 2/3 innings. Fantasy managers should expect Burke to open the season with a low-leverage role in the Los Angeles bullpen. However, he could eventually earn a high-leverage role if he can turn the corner.

According to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area, the San Francisco Giants have designated right-handed pitcher Austin Warren for assignment. This transaction opened a roster spot for catcher Sam Huff. Warren spent the first three seasons of his big league career with the Los Angeles Angels and joined San Francisco last summer. Across his brief ten-inning stint with San Francisco, Warren held a 1.69 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP. Over 48 2/3 major league innings, the reliever has posted a 3.14 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. In 23 innings with Triple-A Sacramento last summer, Warren held a 4.70 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. Since Warren has been able to hold his own in the majors, he will likely ink a new contract with a new club before spring training.

According to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area, the San Francisco Giants have claimed catcher Sam Huff off waivers. Huff has spent his entire major league career with the Texas Rangers. Since making his major league debut in 2020, Huff has only appeared in 78 big league games. However, he has shown power potential during this span, hitting ten home runs with a .455 SLG. Last summer at Triple-A, Huff hit for a .246/.310/.416 line with 33 doubles and 13 round-trippers. Across 249 career games with Triple-A Round Rock, Huff launched 54 home runs with a cumulative .265/.343/.489 slash line. Huff is currently the No.3 catcher on the Giants roster and could find a path to making the Opening Day roster as he has flashed high power potential in the top level of the minor leagues.

According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, the Houston Astros have signed infielder Zack Short to a minor league deal that includes an invite to spring training. Short logged 42 games in the major leagues last summer with three different clubs. He held an overall .129/.282/.171 with three doubles and two stolen bases. He posted an impressive 15.9% walk rate but generated a poor .271 xwOBA. Across 29 games at Triple-A last season, the infielder posted a .216/.316/.273 line with three doubles and a 19:27 BB:K ratio. Fantasy managers should expect Short to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster but will likely spend most of the 2025 season at Triple-A, given his lack of offensive production in the major leagues.

According to James Fox of FutureSox, the Chicago White Sox are showing interest in free-agent right-handed pitcher Jakob Junis. The 32-year-old has been deployed as both a reliever and starter throughout his big-league career. Last season, Junis spent time with both the Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds. Across 67 frames, the 32-year-old held a solid 2.69 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP. He showed elite command with a stellar 3.2% walk rate but struggled to generate whiffs as he held an underwhelming 20.2% strikeout rate. In addition, he posted a poor 42.4% hard-hit rate and 38.7% ground-ball rate, which suggests he could be due for some regression during the 2025 campaign. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should continue to monitor his status, as he could be a viable low-end starting pitcher in AL/NL-only formats if he can sign a 2025 contract.

Free-agent infielder Andrew Velazquez signed a minor-league deal that includes an invitation to major-league spring training with the New York Yankees on Friday. Velazquez, who was born in the Bronx, will return to the Yankees after playing for them in 2021, when he hit .224 (15-for-68) with a homer, six RBI and four stolen bases in only 28 games at the major-league level. The 30-year-old switch-hitter was originally a seventh-round pick by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2012. Velazquez made his big-league debut in 2018 with the Tampa Bay Rays and has played for five teams over his six major-league seasons. He has hit just .189/.244/.293 with 12 homers, 40 RBI and 40 stolen bases in 275 games played in the majors. Velazquez will provide infield depth for the Yanks in 2025 after posting a .692 OPS with 16 homers and 33 steals at Triple-A Gwinnett in 2024.

Free-agent designated hitter/first baseman Mike Ford signed a minor-league deal with the Minnesota Twins on Thursday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training, according to a source. Ford will try to win a roster spot with the Twins out of spring training in 2025 after hitting .150 (9-for-60) with a homer, four RBI and two runs scored in only 17 games played for the Cincinnati Reds this past season. The 32-year-old veteran left-handed hitter finished last year in Japan while playing for the Yokohama DeNA Baystars. Ford made his major-league debut with the New York Yankees back in 2019 and has a career .205/.298/.402 slash line with a .700 OPS, 37 home runs and 89 RBI in 781 plate appearances over 251 games in six seasons. The Twins have an opening at first base for 2025, but at best, Ford will likely be a bench bat for Minnesota.

Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Jesus Luzardo (back, elbow), who was acquired from the Miami Marlins this offseason, said he feels 100 percent after missing time with left-elbow tightness and not pitching after June 16 due to a stress reaction in his lower back. 2024 was a tough year for the lefty, but he did have a 3.48 ERA and 328 strikeouts in 279 innings in 2022 and 2023 with Miami. He's optimistic that his back issues are behind him as the 27-year-old southpaw embarks on his first season in Philly. Luzardo had a rough 5.00 ERA and made only 12 starts for the Fish this past season because of his injuries, but if he can stay healthy in 2025, he'll give the Phillies the deepest starting rotation in the sport. However, with only one season with 20 starts in the big leagues, Luzardo remains a pretty big fantasy risk on draft day.