News for Free Agent Players - 2022 Park Slope Rotisserie League

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Thu Feb 614:21Braves May Lean On Aaron Bummer More In High-Leverage SituationsAaron BummerRPWhite SoxFree Agent
The Athletic's David O'Brien suggests that the Atlanta Braves will need left-handed reliever Aaron Bummer more in high-leverage situations in 2025 with A.J. Minter gone to the division-rival New York Mets in free agency. Bummer had 69 strikeouts and 18 walks in 55 1/3 innings in his first year with Atlanta in 2024, and his 33.1 percent hard-hit rate was a career-best. However, his .277 opponents' average was almost 40 points higher than in 2023, and his 58.1 percent ground-ball rate was his lowest since his rookie campaign in 2017 with the Chicago White Sox. He's due to make $3.5 million this year after signing a new two-year, $13 million contract with the Braves last November. Overall, Bummer had a 3.58 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in 2024 in 55 1/3 innings pitched.
Source: The Athletic - David O'BrienRotoBaller.com
Thu Feb 608:15Kyle Stowers, Griffin Conine Competing For Left Field JobGriffin ConineRFMarlinsFree Agent
Kyle StowersCFOriolesFree Agent
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Miami Marlins outfielder Kyle Stowers and Griffin Conine will compete for the left-field job during spring training. Jackson noted that the team is hopeful Stowers can "recapture some of the promise he showed with the Orioles." Before being traded to Miami, the outfielder held a strong .306 AVG. However, once he joined the Marlins, Stowers saw his AVG drop to .186 and held a poor .262 OBP. He also hit just two home runs across 50 games. Despite the drop in production, Stowers still generated a 51.3 percent hard-hit rate, which is a positive sign. Conine made his MLB debut last season and had a .268/.326/.451 line across 30 contests. He tallied four doubles and three home runs with 12 RBI. Both outfielders will only have value in deeper formats as they have yet to have much extended success at the MLB level.
Source: Barry JacksonRotoBaller.com
Wed Feb 519:56Dane Myers, Derek Hill Competing For Center Field JobDerek HillCFTigersFree Agent
Dane MyersSPTigersFree Agent
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Miami Marlins outfielder Dane Myers and Derek Hill are set to compete for the starting center field job during spring training. Jackson also noted that Victor Mesa Jr. could also be in the mix. Last season, Myers held a .263/.333/.442 line with six doubles and two home runs across 44 games in the majors. He generated a strong 47.5 percent hard-hit and 11.5 percent barrel rates. However, he held a hefty 33.3 percent strikeout rate. Hill spent time with the Rangers and Giants before moving to Miami to end his campaign. He posted a .234/.259/.402 line with seven home runs and six stolen bases. He showed elite speed as he placed in the 95th percentile but held an underwhelming .294 xwOBA. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their progress during spring training as the eventual starter could have value in deeper NL-only formats.
Source: Barry JacksonRotoBaller.com
Wed Feb 519:30Jonah Bride Entering Spring Training As Starting First BasemanJonah Bride2B/3BAthleticsFree Agent
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Miami Marlins first baseman Jonah Bride is entering spring training as the "frontrunner" to open the season as the starting first baseman. Jackson noted that former top prospect Matt Mervis and Deyvison De Los Santos will compete alongside Bride for the job, but given his strong play with the Marlins last season, Bride is the clear top option. Last season, across 71 contests in Miami, Bride posted a .276/.357/.461 line with 10 doubles, 11 home runs, and a 30:55 BB:K ratio. He drew walks at an elite 11 percent rate and held a strong 20.2 percent strikeout rate. Across 75 games with Triple-A Jacksonville, the 29-year-old posted a .267/.409/.454 line with 11 long balls. If Bride has a successful spring training, he could be worth a look in deeper NL-only formats.
Source: Barry JacksonRotoBaller.com
Wed Feb 516:35Calvin Faucher The Favorite To Be Marlins Closer?Calvin FaucherRP/SPRaysFree Agent
The Miami Herald's Barry Jackson writes that Miami Marlins right-hander Calvin Faucher could be the favorite to close games to open the 2025 season, although right-hander Jesus Tinoco could also be in the mix. Neither pitcher should be very high on fantasy managers' radars during draft season when scrounging for saves. The 29-year-old Faucher closed out last year with a shoulder injury but went 6-for-8 in his save opportunities and finished with a 3.19 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 53 2/3 innings. It was Tinoco who closed out the final month of the season as Miami's preferred option for saves, and he went 3-for-4 in those opportunities. Faucher sported an untidy 11.1% walk rate but did strike out hitters 26.8% of the time. Fantasy managers that are desperate for saves in deeper leagues should target Faucher before Tinoco.
Source: Miami Herald - Barry JacksonRotoBaller.com
Wed Feb 508:37Vince Velasquez Sings Minor-League Deal With ClevelandVince VelasquezRP/SPWhite SoxFree Agent
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, right-handed pitcher Vince Velasquez signed a minor-league deal with the Cleveland Guardians. The contract is pending a physical, and he will be given an invite to spring training. Velasquez did not pitch last season due to undergoing UCL surgery but should be expected to be cleared for spring training. In 2023, the 32-year-old held a 3.86 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP across 37 1/3 innings. He struck out 31 batters and held a modest 8.6 percent walk rate. During the 2022 season, he logged 75 1/3 innings with the Chicago White Sox and posted a 4.78 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during spring training, as he could earn a role as a long reliever on the MLB roster.
Source: Jon HeymanRotoBaller.com
Wed Feb 508:28Rob Brantly Headed To Miami On Minor-League DealRob BrantlyCYankeesFree 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 NicolaRotoBaller.com
Tue Feb 423:19Cubs Designate Rob Zastryzny For AssignmentRob ZastryznyRPAngelsFree Agent
The Chicago Cubs designated left-hander Rob Zastryzny for assignment on Tuesday to make room on the 40-man roster for right-handed reliever Ryan Brasier, who was acquired in a trade from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Zastryzny appeared in nine games (three starts) for the Milwaukee Brewers last year and allowed only one earned run on four hits while walking one and striking out five in 7 2/3 innings pitched. The 32-year-old Canadian southpaw has a career 4.30 ERA (3.72 FIP) and a 1.48 WHIP with a 54:31 K:BB in 67 career innings at the big-league level over six seasons. His 2024 campaign came to a premature end due to left-elbow tendonitis, but he should be ready to go for the start of spring training next week. Zastryzny could attract interest on waivers around the league as relief depth with spring training right around the corner.
Source: Watch Marquee - Andy MartinezRotoBaller.com
Tue Feb 422:22Cubs Acquire Ryan Brasier From DodgersRyan BrasierRPRed SoxFree 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 PassanRotoBaller.com
Tue Feb 414:03Danny Coulombe, Twins Agree To One-Year DealDanny CoulombeRPTwinsFree Agent
Free-agent left-hander Danny Coulombe agreed to a one-year, $3 million deal on Tuesday with the Minnesota Twins, according to a source. The deal also includes incentives. Despite missing a good chunk of the 2024 campaign with the Baltimore Orioles due to bone chips that required surgery, Coulombe had a strong 2.12 ERA (2.83 FIP), a 0.67 WHIP, one save, 32 strikeouts and only five walks in 29 2/3 relief innings for the O's last season. In his two years in Baltimore, the 35-year-old veteran southpaw reliever held a sharp 2.56 ERA (2.83 FIP), a 0.95 WHIP, three saves and a 90:17 K:BB in 81 frames. Coulombe will bring a lefty presence as a late-inning setup man to a strong bullpen that already includes Griffin Jax, Cole Sands and Brock Stewart in front of lights-out closer Jhoan Duran.
Source: MLB.com - Mark FeinsandRotoBaller.com
Tue Feb 408:52Kolby Allard Signs Minor-League Contract With ClevelandKolby AllardRP/SPRangersFree Agent
According to the team, the Cleveland Guardians have signed left-handed pitcher Kolby Allard to a minor-league deal that includes an invite to spring training. The 27-year-old logged 27 innings with the Phillies last season and held a 5.00 ERA with a 1.56 WHIP. He struck out just 19.7 percent of the batters he faced. He showed solid command as he posted a 6.8 percent walk rate. In 82 innings of work with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, the southpaw held a 5.38 ERA with a 1.61 WHIP. Across 272 career innings in the majors, Allard has posted a 5.99 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Allard to compete for a depth spot in the Cleveland rotation or bullpen, but he will likely open the season at the Triple-A level, given his struggles in the majors last season.
Source: Cleveland GuardiansRotoBaller.com
Mon Feb 321:17Tigers Haven't Given Up On Spencer TorkelsonSpencer Torkelson1BTigersFree Agent
The Detroit Tigers say they haven't given up on first baseman Spencer Torkelson despite trade speculation and the fact that he's posted a disappointing .693 career OPS in 1,469 MLB plate appearances. The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen writes that Torkelson's path to a roster spot in 2025 as a right-handed first baseman/designated hitter is difficult, and it might take an injury for him to have a shot. At the very least, he'll be competing with Justyn-Henry Malloy in spring training. Stavenhagen thinks the Tigers would rather have Torkelson around at Triple-A Toledo as an insurance policy than trade him away for nothing. The 25-year-old former first overall pick has a tougher path to playing time in Motown this year after the Tigers signed second baseman Gleyber Torres, which will push Colt Keith to first base. Torkelson had a .669 OPS last year and was demoted to the minors.
Source: The Athletic - Cody StavenhagenRotoBaller.com
Mon Feb 320:02Matt Brash Targeting Late-April ReturnMatt BrashRP/SPMarinersFree Agent
According to Shannon Drayer of SeattleSports.com, Mariners relief pitcher Matt Brash (elbow) is targeting to return during the third week of April. However, Brash is supposed to be ready for spring training. The 26-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery last May but is not expected to miss much of the 2024 season. While he will likely open the season on the injured list, fantasy managers should monitor his progress during spring training. In 2023, Brash posted a 3.06 ERA with a 1.33 WHIP. He struck out 107 batters across 70 2/3 innings of work. He generated a stellar 38.3 percent whiff rate and a strong 34.3 percent hard-hit rate. He operated primarily as the setup man for Andres Munoz as he tallied 25 holds. When healthy, fantasy managers should expect him to return to that role, and he is a strong target for leagues that score holds, given his elite strikeout upside.
Source: Shannon DrayerRotoBaller.com
Mon Feb 316:12Jonathan Aranda In Line For Regular DH WorkJonathan Aranda2BRaysFree Agent
MLB.com's Adam Berry writes that Tampa Bay Rays infielder Jonathan Aranda is in line for regular work as the team's designated hitter in 2025 and as the left-handed complement to first baseman Yandy Diaz. Aranda was expected to have a big opportunity as a regular in 2024, but a late-spring injury kept him from contributing at the major-league level until September. Aranda had an impressive .836 OPS and 139 wRC+ with five home runs in 24 games. He also ranked 19th in barrel rate (15.0%) and was tied for 25th in expected wOBA (.375) among 183 players with at least 75 plate appearances in September. At the very least, the 26-year-old should be Tampa's go-to DH against right-handed pitching, setting him up as a potential breakout player in 2025 at a solid value in fantasy drafts.
Source: MLB.com - Adam BerryRotoBaller.com
Mon Feb 314:10Rays Acquire Alex Faedo From TigersAlex FaedoSPTigersFree Agent
ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that the Tampa Bay Rays acquired right-hander Alex Faedo from the Detroit Tigers on Monday in exchange for minor-league catcher Enderson Delgado and cash considerations, according to sources. The Tigers designated Faedo for assignment after signing right-handed reliever Tommy Kahnle last week. Faedo was decent for the Tigers in his third big-league season in 2024, sporting a career-low 3.61 ERA (4.91 FIP) and 1.34 WHIP with 55 strikeouts and 28 walks in 57 1/3 innings pitched over only 37 appearances (six starts). Because the 29-year-old is out of minor-league options, if he's not on Tampa's major-league roster this year, he'll be subject to the waiver process again. The former 18th overall pick in 2017 out of the University of Florida hasn't lived up to his draft stock and has struggled as a starter, but he has a 3.44 ERA as a reliever and could be in line for some high-leverage bullpen work for the Rays.
Source: ESPN.comRotoBaller.com
Mon Feb 308:40Jason Foley May Not Be The Defined CloserJason FoleyRP/SPTigersFree Agent
According to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic, the Detroit Tigers may opt to use a combination of relief pitchers to navigate the late innings "regardless of who gets the save." Last week, the Tigers signed relief pitcher Tommy Kahnle to a one-year contract. Last season, Kahnle posted a solid 2.11 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP across 42 2/3 innings with the New York Yankees. He operated primarily as a setup man as he tallied 16 holds and one save. Throughout his career, he has only tallied eight saves. Last season, Jason Foley led the team in saves with 28 but did begin to lose some opportunities to Tyler Holton late in the season. Foley posted a 3.15 ERA with a 1.18 WHIP across 60 innings. Holton tallied six saves after the All-Star break and held a stellar 0.83 ERA and a 0.65 WHIP over these 43 1/3 innings. While Foley will open camp as the likely favorite to earn save opportunities, he may be given a short leash given the depth in Detroit rotation.
Source: Cody StavenhagenRotoBaller.com
Mon Feb 308:29Casey Mize, Matt Manning Could Shift To Bullpen RoleMatt ManningSPTigersFree Agent
Casey MizeSPTigersFree Agent
According to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic, Detroit Tigers starting pitchers Casey Mize and Matt Manning could shift to bullpen roles during the 2025 season. While both pitchers will report to camp as starters, they could have an uphill battle to earn a spot in the Opening Day rotation. On Sunday evening, the team signed Jack Flaherty to a two-year contract. In addition, Stevenhagen noted that the team would like their top prospect, Jackson Jobe, to begin the season in the rotation. However, if he struggles during spring training, that could open up the final spot for Mize or Manning. Last season, Mize logged 102 1/3 innings in the majors and held a 4.49 ERA with a 1.47 WHIP. He struck out just 17.3 percent of the batters he faced. Manning logged only 27 2/3 innings in the big leagues as he spent most of his summer in Triple-A. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Jobe's development, as it will likely provide clarity to the back end of the Detroit rotation.
Source: Cody StavenhagenRotoBaller.com
Sat Feb 115:22Jhonkensy Noel, Will Brennan Competing For Role In Right FieldJhonkensy Noel3BGuardiansFree Agent
Will BrennanCFGuardiansTeam Lorin
According to Mandy Bell of MLB.com, the Cleveland Guardians will likely have a rotating door in right field to start the 2025 season. Bell noted that Jhonkensy Noel and Will Brennan would likely operate in a platoon role to begin the season as they did throughout most of the second half of the 2024 season. Across 64 games, Noel posted a .218/.288/.486 slash line with 13 home runs. Under the hood, Noel flashed upside power as he generated a 14.5 percent barrel rate. However, he held a hefty 31.8 percent strikeout rate. Brennan held a .264/.309/.388 slash line across 114 games with just eight home runs and four stolen bases. Unlike Noel, Brennan showed a strong eye at the plate with a 13.6 percent strikeout rate but struggled to generate much power as he posted a 4.6 percent barrel rate. Fantasy managers should only target Noel and Brennan in deeper formats, as their upside will be limited due to sharing playing time.
Source: Mandy BellRotoBaller.com
Sat Feb 115:13Will Benson Reworks His SwingWill BensonRFGuardiansFree Agent
According to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic, Cincinnati Reds outfielder Will Benson has reworked his swing during the offseason. Rosecrans noted that the 26-year-old had done this to give him a better opportunity to earn a role in a crowded outfield. Last season, Benson took a significant step back as he held a .187/.275/.376 slash line with 19 doubles, 14 home runs, and 16 stolen bases. In 2023, Benson posted a strong .275/.365/.489 line with 11 home runs and 19 stolen bases. In 2024, Benson generated a 40.1 percent hard-hit rate and a hefty 39.7 percent strikeout rate, both worse than his 2023 production. During the offseason, the Reds added Austin Hays to their outfield and have expressed interest in moving Matt McLain to center field. In addition, the Reds also have Spencer Steer, TJ Friedl, and Jake Fraley in their outfield. As a result, Benson will need to perform very well in spring training to open the season with a starting role.
Source: C. Trent RosecransRotoBaller.com
Sat Feb 108:45Orioles Designate Emmanuel Rivera For AssignmentEmmanuel Rivera3BRoyalsFree Agent
According to Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com, the Baltimore Orioles have designated infielder Emmanuel Rivera for assignment. This transaction opened a roster spot for shortstop Luis Vazquez, who the team acquired from the Chicago Cubs earlier on Friday. Rivera spent most of the 2024 campaign with the Miami Marlins and finished the season with the Orioles. Across 124 total games, Rivera posted a .238/.312/.343 line. However, over his 27-game stint in Baltimore, the 28-year-old was quite productive as he posted a .313/.370/.578 slash line with three doubles and four home runs. During the 2023 season, Rivera held a .261/.314/.358 line. Fantasy managers should expect Rivera to draw interest as a depth infielder on waivers.
Source: Roch KubatkoRotoBaller.com
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