Fri Feb 7 | 14:16 | Andrew Nardi To Be Behind To Start Spring Training | Andrew Nardi | RP | Marlins | Free Agent |
Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said that left-hander Andrew Nardi (undisclosed) will be a little behind heading into spring training after something flared up on him this offseason. Nardi was forced to miss the last five weeks of the regular season in 2024 due to a left-elbow injury, so it's most likely related to that injury, but we'll provide a more concrete update on the specific nature of his setback when more news comes out. The 26-year-old southpaw made 59 relief appearances for the Fish last year in his third big-league season, posting a 5.07 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 70 strikeouts and 18 walks in 49 2/3 innings pitched. Nardi should have a better shot at some save chances this year at the back end of the bullpen, although Calvin Faucher and Jesus Tinoco should be considered the favorites right now. His 33.3% strikeout rate from last year makes him at least worth watching in holds leagues if he's healthy. |
Source: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Feb 7 | 10:45 | Angels Sign Carter Kieboom | Carter Kieboom | 3B | Nationals | Free Agent |
The Los Angeles Angels signed former Washington Nationals top prospect Carter Kieboom to a minor-league deal that includes a non-roster invite to major-league spring training. The 27-year-old was a former 28th overall pick by the Nats in 2016, and he made his big-league debut in 2019. Kieboom ended up being a big bust for the Nationals, only hitting .199/.297/.301 with 12 home runs, 42 RBI and 138 strikeouts in 508 plate appearances over 133 games across four years. He only appeared in 27 games for the Nationals in 2023 and spent all of last year at Triple-A Rochester. Because of the struggles of Anthony Rendon, another former National, the Angels are opening up competition at third base this spring. Kieboom should be involved in that competition, but the expectation is that Luis Rengifo will have the leg up for playing time at the hot corner. |
Source: SI.com - Maren Angus-Coombs | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Feb 6 | 20:05 | Yunior Marte Signs Contract Overseas | Yunior Marte | RP/SP | Giants | Free Agent |
According to Francys Romero, right-handed pitcher Yunior Marte signed a contract worth $1.25 million with the Chunichi Dragons of the NPB. This contract contains incentives worth up to $200,000. Marte initially signed a contract with the Seattle Mariners earlier in the offseason but will opt to play overseas instead. The Dragons paid the Seattle Mariners the release fee for Marte. Marte logged 26 innings with the Philadelphia Phillies last season. Across this stint, Marte posted a 6.92 ERA with a 1.88 WHIP. He struck out 23 batters and allowed 15 walks. In 2023, Marte held a 5.03 ERA with a 1.63 WHIP across 39 1/3 innings of work. |
Source: Francys Romero | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Feb 6 | 14:13 | Chadwick Tromp Expected To Be Backup Catcher | Chadwick Tromp | C | Braves | Free Agent |
Atlanta Braves catcher Chadwick Tromp is expected to open the 2025 season as Sean Murphy's backup now that Travis d'Arnaud is with the Angels, which likely means he'll receive a start or two per week. Tromp had a similar role last year when Murphy missed two months with an injury, and again when d'Arnaud missed a little bit of time. He's merely serviceable offensively and is more known for his game-calling skills and solid defense behind the dish. The 29-year-old Aruban catcher has played in just 26 games in the last three seasons in Atlanta and has hit .250 (18-for-72) with no homers, 10 RBI, four runs scored and 24 strikeouts in 74 plate appearances. Tromp could open the year as the Opening Day backup catcher for Atlanta, but top prospect Drake Baldwin could make his MLB debut sooner than later and push Tromp out of the picture. |
Source: The Athletic - David O'Brien | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Feb 6 | 14:02 | Mark Vientos To Stay At Third Base In 2025 | Mark Vientos | SS | Mets | Free Agent |
New York Mets third baseman Mark Vientos will stick at the hot corner for the Mets in 2025 after the team re-signed first baseman Pete Alonso on Wednesday night. Before the move to reunite with Alonso, Vientos was set to slide across the diamond to serve as New York's primary first baseman. The return of Alonso will now push Luisangel Acuna and Brett Baty either to the bench or to the minors to start the season. Vientos won the third base gig last year with a breakout season in which he slashed .266/.322/.516 with an .837 OPS, 27 home runs, 71 RBI and 58 runs scored in 111 games played. MLB.com's Anthony DiComo has Vientos projected to hit fifth in the batting order behind a strong top of the lineup for the Mets. He should have elite RBI opportunities with the addition of superstar outfielder Juan Soto. RotoBaller has Vientos in the fourth tier of fantasy third baseman as the No. 7 option. |
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Feb 6 | 09:20 | Tommy Pham Signs One-Year Deal With Pittsburgh | Tommy Pham | LF | Reds | Free Agent |
According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, outfielder Tommy Pham signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates worth $4 million. Pham opened the 2024 season with the Chicago White Sox and was eventually shipped to St. Louis and then concluded the season in Kansas City. Across 116 contests, Pham held a .248/.305/.368 line. He tallied 20 doubles, nine home runs, and seven stolen bases. Under the hood, the 36-year-old generated a solid .263 xBA and a .407 xSLG, suggesting he should see some positive regression in 2025. Pham also generated a 42.7 percent hard-hit rate, which was above the average mark. At the plate, Pham held a 7.3 percent walk and a 22.2 percent strikeout rate which were both just below the average marks. Fantasy managers should expect Pham to compete for starts in right field with Nick Yorke as a platoon bat or see time as a designated hitter alongside Andrew McCutchen. |
Source: Katie Woo | RotoBaller.com |
Wed Feb 5 | 14:07 | Harrison Bader Joins Twins | Harrison Bader | CF | Cardinals | Free Agent |
The New York Post's Jon Heyman reports that free-agent outfielder Harrison Bader has signed with the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday on an undisclosed one-year deal that includes a mutual option for the 2026 season. Bader will essentially head to spring training this year as Minnesota's fourth outfielder but also as a much-needed insurance policy for oft-injured center fielder Byron Buxton. The 30-year-old Bader spent all of 2024 with the New York Mets, slashing .236/.284/.373 with a below-average .657 OPS, 12 home runs, 51 RBI, 17 stolen bases and 57 runs scored in 437 plate appearances over 143 regular-season games. Don't expect him to see as much playing time in Minnesota if Buxton stays healthy, but he'll be a nice option against left-handed pitchers with a career .776 OPS versus southpaws. He has an elite glove and will be a modest power/speed contributor in deeper fantasy formats. |
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman | RotoBaller.com |
Wed Feb 5 | 08:19 | Yolmer Sanchez Inks Minor-League Deal With The Angels | Yolmer Sánchez | 2B | Mets | Free Agent |
According to MLB.com, third baseman Yolmer Sanchez signed a minor-league deal with the Los Angeles Angels that includes an invite to spring training. Sanchez has not appeared in a major-league game since the 2022 campaign. Last summer, the 32-year-old spent his entire season with Triple-A Syracuse. Across 111 contests, Sanchez posted a .226/.346/.393 slash line with 23 doubles, nine home runs, and nine stolen bases. In 2023, Sanchez held a similar .236/.381/.350 line across 117 games with Triple-A Gwinnett. In his eight MLB seasons, the infielder has carried a .243/.299/.305 line. Since he has not appeared in the major leagues since 2022 and has had modest production at the Triple-A level, fantasy managers should expect Sanchez to open the season in the minor leagues. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Feb 4 | 14:09 | Tim Hill Re-Signs With Yankees | Tim Hill | RP | Padres | Free Agent |
Left-handed reliever Tim Hill and the New York Yankees reached an agreement on a one-year, $2.85 million deal on Tuesday that includes a club option for the 2026 season, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. Hill's option will be worth $3 million with a $350,000 buyout. The 34-year-old veteran southpaw began the 2024 season with the Chicago White Sox and struggled to a 5.87 ERA and 2.22 WHIP in 27 relief appearances before joining the Yankees for the second half. Hill was much more effective in the Bronx, posting a 2.05 ERA (3.62 FIP) and 1.02 WHIP with an 18:9 K:BB in 44 innings during the regular season. He allowed only one earned run in 10 appearances in the postseason during New York's World Series run. Hill will be back with the Yanks in 2025 as the team's only lefty specialist in front of new closer Devin Williams. |
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan | RotoBaller.com |
Mon Feb 3 | 22:23 | Gregory Santos Looks Completely Healthy | Gregory Santos | RP/SP | Giants | Free Agent |
According to Seattle Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto, right-handed reliever Gregory Santos (arm) has already reported to the team's spring training facilities in Arizona, has been throwing bullpen sessions, and looks completely healthy. It's great news for Seattle's bullpen after the 25-year-old only managed eight appearances out of the bullpen for the M's in his first year with the team in 2024 due to multiple arm injuries. If he can stay healthy this year, Santos could be Seattle's primary late-inning, high-leverage setup man in front of closer Andres Munoz. The Dominican reliever had a decent 3.39 ERA (2.65 FIP), a 1.29 WHIP, his first five career saves, 66 strikeouts and only 17 walks in 66 1/3 relief innings for the Chicago White Sox in 2023. Because of his health issues the last year-plus, fantasy managers will be staying away, but he could easily become a priority pickup in holds leagues in 2025. |
Source: The Seattle Times - Ryan Divish | RotoBaller.com |
Mon Feb 3 | 22:05 | Miguel Amaya Could Lose Playing Time In 2025 | Miguel Amaya | C | Cubs | Free Agent |
Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya could lose playing time in 2025 after the club added veteran Carson Kelly at the position this offseason to give manager Craig Counsell flexibility to distribute playing time more evenly, as opposed to a traditional starter-backup setup, according to MLB.com. Amaya turns 26 in March and posted a nice .760 OPS in the second half in 2024, but he also hit just .163 with a .463 OPS against left-handed pitching and has room to grow as an everyday catcher. Meanwhile, Kelly hit .302 with an .807 OPS in 49 plate appearances against lefties last year. "Look, Miguel showed at times last year, he deserves and he should be the guy," Counsell said. "And other times he's shown us he needs a break. And so I think Miguel is going to still have the opportunity to be a guy that is a regular contributor." Those expecting Amaya to take the next step in 2025 might want to temper expectations. |
Source: MLB.com - Jordan Bastian and Adam McCalvy | RotoBaller.com |
Mon Feb 3 | 14:59 | White Sox Claim Jacob Amaya Off Waivers From Orioles | Jacob Amaya | SS | Dodgers | Free Agent |
The Chicago White Sox announced on Monday that they claimed infielder Jacob Amaya off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles and designated outfielder Zach DeLoach for assignment in a corresponding move to make room for Amaya on the 40-man roster. Amaya is returning to the White Sox after he was designated for assignment earlier this offseason and claimed by Baltimore. The 26-year-old will once again provide organizational infield depth for the Pale Hose in 2025 and will most likely begin the year at Triple-A Charlotte. The former 11th-round selection of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017 played in 24 games for the White Sox and Houston Astros in 2024 and went 12-for-68 (.176) with no homers, three RBI, a steal, four runs scored and 28 strikeouts in 72 trips to the plate. He's nowhere near the fantasy radar. |
Source: Chicago White Sox | RotoBaller.com |
Sun Feb 2 | 15:45 | Adrian Morejon Reporting To Camp As A Reliever | Adrian Morejon | RP/SP | Padres | Free Agent |
According to AJ Cassavell of MLB.com, left-handed pitcher Adrian Morejon will report to camp as a relief pitcher. Manager Mike Shildt noted that Morejon "has found a really nice niche in the bullpen." Last summer, Morejon operated primarily out of the bullpen and held a 2.83 ERA with a 1.32 WHIP. Across 63 2/3 innings of work, he struck out 71 batters while holding a 7.7 percent walk rate. Under the hood, he generated a stellar 32.4 percent hard-hit rate and a 51.4 percent ground-ball rate, placing him in the 93rd and 86th percentile, respectively. He tallied two saves and was deployed typically in the sixth and seventh innings. Fantasy managers should expect Morejon to operate in a similar role in 2025 as Robert Suarez, Jason Adam, and Jeremiah Estrada are viewed as the high-leverage arms in the bullpen. |
Source: AJ Cassavell | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Feb 1 | 15:04 | Graham Ashcraft Could Be Deployed Out Of The Bullpen | Graham Ashcraft | SP | Reds | Free Agent |
According to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic, the Cincinnati Reds may opt to deploy right-handed pitcher Graham Ashcraft out of the bullpen. Rosecrans noted that the team has always viewed Ashcraft as a reliever since he was drafted in the 2019 MLB Draft. However, throughout his three-year MLB career, the right-hander has only seen opportunities in the starting rotation. If Ashcraft struggles during spring training and is viewed as the No. 6 option in the rotation, the team could then transition him to a relief role. The 26-year-old had the worst season of his career last summer, posting a 5.24 ERA with a 1.50 WHIP. In 2023, the Alabama - Birmingham product posted a 4.76 ERA with a 1.37 WHIP across 145 2/3 innings of work. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the Cincinnati rotation during spring training as if they are all healthy, Ashcraft would likely shift to the bullpen. |
Source: C. Trent Rosecrans | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Feb 1 | 14:53 | Carlos Estevez, Lucas Erceg Could Share Closer Role | Carlos Estévez | RP | Rockies | Free Agent |
| | | Lucas Erceg | 3B | Brewers | Free Agent |
According to Anne Rogers of MLB.com, the Kansas City Royals will not have "defined" bullpen roles at the start of the season. Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro noted that both Carlos Estevez and Lucas Erceg will have opportunities to close at the start of the season. Earlier this week, the Royals signed Estevez to a two-year contract worth $20.2 million. Last season, the 32-year-old tallied 26 saves with a 2.45 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP across 55 innings. Lucas Erceg operated as the closer down the stretch for Kansas City last season and tallied 14 saves with a 3.36 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. The 29-year-old struck out 72 batters across 61 2/3 innings of work. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their progress during spring training. However, it seems the Royals may opt to use the "hot hand" in the ninth inning, which can hinder both of their fantasy outlooks for the upcoming season. |
Source: Anne Rogers | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Jan 31 | 13:14 | Pedro Avila Becomes Free Agent | Pedro Avila | RP/SP | Padres | Free Agent |
Cleveland Guardians right-hander Pedro Avila rejected his outright assignment to the minor leagues on Thursday and elected to become a free agent. Avila was designated for assignment by the Guardians on Jan. 22 but passed through waivers unclaimed. The 28-year-old is now free to sign with any team and should land on his feet somewhere before the start of the 2025 regular season. The Venezuelan hurler made his major-league debut with the San Diego Padres back in 2019. He began last season with the Friars before joining Cleveland. He appeared in a total of 54 games in relief for both teams in 2024 and held a 6-1 record, 3.81 ERA (3.89 FIP), a 1.32 WHIP, his first career save and a 82:36 K:BB in 82 2/3 innings pitched. At worst, Avila should be able to land a minor-league deal somewhere as relief depth. |
Source: GuardsInsider | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Jan 30 | 08:13 | Pedro Avila Sent Outright To Triple-A | Pedro Avila | RP/SP | Padres | Free Agent |
According to MLB.com, the Cleveland Guardians have sent right-handed pitcher Pedro Avila outright to Triple-A Columbus. Avila was designated for assignment last week to open a roster spot for Paul Sewald but cleared waivers. As a result, Avila will open the 2025 season at the Triple-A level. Last season, the 28-year-old logged a career-high 82 2/3 innings at the major league level with both the Padres and Guardians. Across this stint, the relief pitcher posted a 3.81 ERA with a 1.32 WHIP. He tallied one save. Under the hood, he generated a 4.62 xERA and .261 xBA, which suggests he will likely see some regression during the 2025 campaign. Avila could see time in the majors if the Guardians need additional depth in their bullpen later in the season. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Wed Jan 29 | 19:38 | Ian Gibaut Signs Minor-League Deal With Reds | Ian Gibaut | RP/SP | Reds | Free Agent |
According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, right-handed pitcher Ian Gibaut agreed to a minor-league deal with the Cincinnati Reds that contains an invite to spring training. Gibaut was non-tendered by the Reds earlier this offseason but will given an opportunity to crack the Opening Day roster. The 31-year-old logged just two innings of work in the majors last season as he was limited by calf and forearm injuries. In 2023, the Tulane product posted a 3.33 ERA with a 1.28 WHIP across 75 2/3 innings of work. He struck out 69 batters and held an 8.8% walk rate. That season, he generated a solid 6.0% barrel rate and a 31.9% hard-hit rate. Fantasy managers should monitor his progression during spring training, as Gibaut could earn a spot in the bullpen if he performs well. |
Source: Robert Murray | RotoBaller.com |
Wed Jan 29 | 19:09 | Carlos Estevez Signing With Kansas City | Carlos Estévez | RP | Rockies | Free Agent |
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Kansas City Royals are signing free-agent relief pitcher Carlos Estevez. Estevez has been one of the top relief pitchers on the open market during the offseason and had several suitors. However, the Royals were able to get a deal done. Last season, Estevez opened the 2024 campaign with the Los Angeles Angels before being shipped to the Philadelphia Phillies at the deadline. Across 55 innings, the right-hander posted an impressive 2.45 ERA and 0.91 WHIP. He tallied 50 punchouts and 26 saves with a strong 5.7% walk rate. However, the 32-year-old generated a hefty 10.1% barrel rate and 42.3% hard-hit rate, both well below the average marks, suggesting he may see some regression in 2025. Fantasy managers should expect Estevez to compete for save opportunities alongside Lucas Erceg in the Kansas City bullpen. |
Source: Jeff Passan | RotoBaller.com |
Wed Jan 29 | 14:05 | Tommy Kahnle, Tigers Agree To One-Year Deal | Tommy Kahnle | RP | Dodgers | Free Agent |
Free-agent right-handed reliever Tommy Kahnle and the Detroit Tigers agreed to a one-year, $7.75 million deal on Wednesday, pending a physical, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. Kahnle, who features one of the better changeups in baseball, should feature in a middle-relief role for a Tigers bullpen that was surprisingly strong in 2024. The 35-year-old will come with a lengthy injury history, but he was a strength out of the New York Yankees' bullpen the last two seasons, posting a combined 2.38 ERA (3.99 FIP) and 1.13 WHIP with three saves, 94 strikeouts and 38 walks in 83 1/3 innings pitched. While he probably won't really be in the mix for saves in a bullpen that also features Jason Foley, Beau Brieske and Tyler Holton, Kahnle could be useful to fantasy managers in leagues that count holds. He only has eight career saves in 10 MLB seasons. |
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan | RotoBaller.com |