Fri Feb 7 | 15:59 | Ronny Henriquez Designated For Assignment | Ronny Henriquez | SP | Twins | Free Agent |
The Minnesota Twins designated right-hander Ronny Henriquez for assignment on Friday to make room on the 40-man roster for left-hander Danny Coulombe and outfielder Harrison Bader, who were both signed this week in free agency. Henriquez made his major-league debut with the Twins in 2022 but didn't appear in the big leagues again until last year, posting a 3.26 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP with 15 strikeouts and five walks in only 19 1/3 innings pitched over 16 outings (one start). In his 19 appearances in Minnesota, the 25-year-old Dominican hurler has a solid 2.90 ERA with 24 punchouts and eight walks in 31 innings. Henriquez doesn't have minor-league options remaining, so he could end up clearing waivers and returning to Minnesota as minor-league relief depth. |
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Feb 7 | 15:52 | Tigers Designate Mason Englert For Assignment | Mason Englert | RP/SP | Tigers | Free Agent |
The Detroit Tigers designated right-hander Mason Englert for assignment on Friday in order to make room on the 40-man roster for recently-signed right-handed starter Jack Flaherty. Englert will now be subject to waivers after going 5-3 with a 5.45 ERA (5.41 FIP), a 1.44 WHIP and a 57:22 K:BB in 77 2/3 inning over 43 appearances (two starts) for Detroit in his first two major-league seasons. The 25-year-old was originally a fourth-round selection by the Texas Rangers back in 2018 out of a high school in Texas. He could attract some interest around the league on waivers, but wherever he lands, he'll most likely be ticketed for a spot at Triple-A to begin the 2025 season because of the fact that he has minor-league options remaining. President Scott Harris said he'd love to find a way to keep Englert around, but with interest around the league expected, a trade is a strong possibility. |
Source: MLive - Evan Woodbery | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Feb 7 | 14:57 | Nationals Agree With Colin Poche On Minor-League Deal | Colin Poche | RP | Rays | Buchanalia |
The Washington Nationals agreed on a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training with free-agent left-hander Colin Poche on Friday. Poche heads to the National League East after spending the last three years with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he went 17-7 with a 3.27 ERA (4.16 FIP), 1.13 WHIP, 10 saves, 158 strikeouts and 59 walks in 156 2/3 innings over 174 relief appearances. The 31-year-old southpaw appeared in 43 games out of the bullpen last year and sported a 3.86 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, two saves, 33 strikeouts and 13 walks in 37 1/3 frames. The veteran reliever also had 65 holds over the last three seasons and certainly has enough experience to win an Opening Day spot in Washington's bullpen, especially when considering the lack of proven options they have. Poche could be a sleeper for holds in deeper fantasy formats in D.C. |
Source: MASN Sports - Bobby Blanco | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Feb 7 | 14:49 | Blue Jays Continue To Work On Extension For Vladimir Guerrero Jr. | Vladimir Guerrero Jr. | 1B/DH | Blue Jays | Team Erik |
Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins acknowledged that talks with first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remain ongoing on a potential contract extension with the start of spring training coming next week. Guerrero has reportedly set a self-imposed deadline for contract talks for the start of spring training, and it's been widely reported that he is looking for at least $100 million more than the $340 million deal the Blue Jays reportedly offered earlier this offseason. The implication is that if Toronto doesn't make progress with Guerrero soon, he will leave in free agency after the 2025 season. Contract issues aside, Vladdy Jr. is in his prime offensively and is ranked as RotoBaller's top fantasy first baseman after the four-time All-Star slashed .323/.396/.544 with a .940 OPS, 30 homers and 103 RBI in 159 games last year. |
Source: Toronto Sun - Rob Longley | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Feb 7 | 14:03 | Luis Rengifo Wins Arbitration Case Against Angels | Luis Rengifo | 2B/3B/OF/SS | Angels | Team Sapinski |
Infielder Luis Rengifo won his salary arbitration case against the Los Angeles Angels on Friday, according to a source. Rengifo will earn $5.95 million in 2025 after the Angels had filed at $5.8 million. Rengifo earned at least a super-utility role for the Halos this year after he hit .300 in his sixth season with the team, although he played in only 78 games in 2024 due to a right-wrist injury that required surgery in August. The 27-year-old's best path to playing time might come at third base with the Angels not guaranteeing regular playing time to the struggling Anthony Rendon. Rengifo's best qualities for fantasy managers are his positional versatility, his speed, and his ability to put the ball in play regularly. He had a career-best 24 stolen bases and is eligible at both second and third base in most fantasy leagues. There's an outside chance he'll see some time at shortstop with Zach Neto (shoulder) potentially missing Opening Day. |
Source: MLB.com - Mark Feinsand | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Feb 7 | 11:28 | Jarren Duran Expected To See More Time In Left Field | Jarren Duran | CF/LF/PH | Red Sox | Free Agent |
The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey writes that Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran is expected to see more playing time in left field in 2025 with Ceddanne Rafaela in center field. Rafaela was forced to move to shortstop last year out of necessity when Trevor Story suffered a season-ending shoulder injury early in the season. With Story returning in 2025, Rafaela should spend more time in center field, which will push Duran to left. From a fantasy perspective, it won't change Duran's outlook much, although it could make him a little more attractive in leagues with specific left, center and right field starting lineup spots. Even if the 28-year-old takes a small step back in production in 2025, he'll be one of the better leadoff hitters in baseball. Duran continued to improve his strikeout and walk rates a year ago and also had a career-high barrel rate. He is RotoBaller's No. 10 fantasy outfielder. |
Source: The Athletic - Jen McCaffrey | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Feb 7 | 11:15 | David Hamilton To Compete For Utility Role | David Hamilton | SS | Red Sox | Free Agent |
Boston Red Sox middle infielder David Hamilton (finger) carved out a nice little role off the bench for the BoSox last year against right-handed pitchers, but his season ended early due to a broken index finger. Hamilton is a full-go with spring training right around the corner in 2025 and will be looking to carve out a utility role this year. In addition to being a utility infielder, manager Alex Cora said in January that the 27-year-old could occasionally play in the outfield. Hamilton has only played second base or shortstop in the big leagues, but he did appear in center field eight times in the minors. He has very little power, but Hamilton did finish second on the team in 2024 with 33 stolen bases in 98 games. He's not going to be a regular, but Hamilton's speed could be useful for fantasy managers in AL-only leagues. |
Source: The Athletic - Jen McCaffrey | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Feb 7 | 08:32 | Yasmani Grandal Drawing Interest On Open Market | Yasmani Grandal | C/DH/PH | White Sox | Buchanalia |
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 |
Fri Feb 7 | 08:23 | Cubs Not Expected To Extend Kyle Tucker During The Season | Kyle Tucker | RF | Astros | Ballbusters |
According to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, the Chicago Cubs are not expected to sign outfielder Kyle Tucker to a "mega-extension" during the 2025 season. Mooney noted that while he does believe the team will lay the groundwork for an extension, Tucker will likely enter the free-agent market following the 2025 season. Earlier in the offseason, the Cubs traded third base prospect Cam Smith, infielder Isaac Paredes, and right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski to acquire the superstar outfielder. Last season, Tucker missed time due to a shin injury but was very effective when on the field. Across 78 games, Tucker posted a .289/.408/.585 line with 23 home runs and 11 stolen bases. He generated an elite .400 xwOBA, which suggests he is poised for a bounce-back in 2025. Tucker should have an everyday role in right field and will be the top priority for the Cubs to resign after the season. |
Source: Patrick Mooney | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Feb 7 | 08:13 | Oscar Colas Could Move To First Base | Oscar Colás | CF/RF | White Sox | Free Agent |
According to Francys Romero, the Chicago White Sox are considering moving outfielder Oscar Colas to first base during spring training. This would significantly improve his chances of making the Opening Day roster. Last summer, Colas appeared in just 13 games on the Southside and held a .273/.368/.273 slash line. He tallied nine hits, but none went for extra bases. He drew walks at a solid 10.5 percent rate but held a hefty 26.3 percent strikeout rate. During his debut campaign in 2023, the 26-year-old posted a .216/.257/.314 slash line with nine doubles and five home runs. Across 170 contests at the Triple-A level, Colas has posted a .262/.340/.433 line. Fantasy managers should monitor his progression during spring training, as he could find value in deeper AL-only formats at first base. He will compete for starts alongside Andrew Vaughn and Bobby Dalbec. |
Source: Francys Romero | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Feb 7 | 00:05 | Masataka Yoshida Not Guaranteed To Be Ready For Opening Day | Masataka Yoshida | DH/LF | Red Sox | Buchanalia |
Boston Red Sox outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) said at Fenway Fest last month that he expected to be swinging by late January and throwing by March, but he didn't want to put a timetable on whether he'd be ready for Opening Day, writes The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey. Yoshida had shoulder surgery last October, with the Red Sox revamping his offseason workouts as a result. He still has three years remaining on a five-year deal, but he hasn't been able to stay healthy, and his production has dipped as a result. All but one of the 31-year-old left-handed hitter's games in 2024 came as Boston's DH, slashing .280/.349/.415 with 10 homers, 56 RBI and 45 runs scored in 108 games. You can count on Yoshida to make plenty of contact and hit for average, but question marks around his health, limited positional versatility and lack of pop leave him virtually zero fantasy upside. |
Source: The Athletic - Jen McCaffrey | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Feb 6 | 19:57 | Lou Trivino Signs Minor-League Deal With San Francisco | Lou Trivino | RP | Yankees | Free Agent |
According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, right-handed pitcher Lou Trivino signed a minor-league deal with the San Francisco Giants. This deal includes an invitation to spring training. Trivino underwent Tommy John surgery in May of 2023. He was given a brief look at the minor leagues late last season but could not return to the majors. Trivino logged six innings of work at the Triple-A level and allowed five earned runs with a 4:6 BB:K ratio. He made his last appearance in the majors during the 2022 season, where he split time with the Athletics and Yankees. Across 53 2/3 innings, Trivino held a 4.53 ERA with a 1.64 WHIP. He struck out 67 batters and tallied 11 saves. He generated a strong 52.3 percent ground-ball rate. Fantasy managers should expect Trivino to compete for a spot in the San Francisco bullpen during spring training. |
Source: Robert Murray | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Feb 6 | 19:25 | Yoan Moncada Signs One-Year Deal With Halos | Yoán Moncada | 3B | White Sox | Ballbusters |
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Los Angeles Angels have signed third baseman Yoan Moncada to a one-year contract worth $5 million. Earlier in the offseason, the White Sox declined Moncada's club option, which sent him to the free-agent market. Moncada was limited to just 12 games last season due to an adductor strain. Across this small stint, the infielder held a .275/.356/.400 slash line with three doubles. He held a 5:11 BB:K ratio. During the 2023 season, the 29-year-old appeared in just 92 games and posted a .260/.305/.425 line with 20 doubles and 11 long balls. While the switch-hitter has battled injuries throughout the past three seasons, he could find his footing with a new club. Fantasy managers should expect Moncada to compete for starts at the hot corner alongside Anthony Rendon. |
Source: Jon Heyman | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Feb 6 | 14:43 | Giants Acquire Osleivis Basabe From Rays | Osleivis Basabe | SS | Rays | DoubleHeader |
The San Francisco Giants acquired infielder Osleivis Basabe from the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday in exchange for cash considerations, according to the Tampa Bay Times' Marc Topkin. Basabe had been designated for assignment by the Rays earlier in the week. Basabe played in only 78 games in the minors in 2024 due to a fractured wrist and hit .248 (65-for-262) with five home runs, 29 RBI and four stolen bases in 66 games with Triple-A Durham. The 24-year-old Venezuelan has hit over .300 in his career in the minors but went 19-for-87 (.218) with a homer and 25 strikeouts in 94 plate appearances in 31 games in 2023 in his major-league debut. Basabe can play multiple positions on the infield and will now head to spring training with the Giants hoping to carve out a utility role on the big-league roster. He will most likely open the year at Triple-A Sacramento. |
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Feb 6 | 14:21 | Braves May Lean On Aaron Bummer More In High-Leverage Situations | Aaron Bummer | RP | White Sox | Buchanalia |
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'Brien | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Feb 6 | 08:43 | Jake Rogers, Dillon Dingler Set To Split Catching Duties | Jake Rogers | C | Tigers | Buchanalia |
| | | Dillon Dingler | C | Tigers | Free Agent |
According to Evan Woodbery of MassLive.com, the Detroit Tigers catchers Jake Rogers and Dillon Dingler are expected to split duties during the 2025 season. Rogers spent the entire 2024 season with Detroit and held a .197/.255/.352 line with 16 doubles and 10 home runs. He was graded as an elite defender as he tallied eight blocks above average and was placed in the 91st percentile in framing. Dingler made his MLB debut late in the season and joined the Tigers during their postseason run. Across 27 games, the Ohio State product held a .167/.195/.310 line with one home run. However, at Triple-A, the former second-round selection posted a strong .308/.379/.559 slash line with 15 doubles, 17 long balls, and 52 RBI. While Rogers will likely operate as the No. 1 option, Dingler could be worth a look in deeper AL-only formats as he flashed elite hitting upside at the top level of the minor leagues. If he has a successful spring training, he could even begin to earn a larger share of the starts early into the season. |
Source: Evan Woodbery | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Feb 6 | 08:15 | Kyle Stowers, Griffin Conine Competing For Left Field Job | Griffin Conine | RF | Marlins | Free Agent |
| | | Kyle Stowers | DH/RF | Orioles | Free 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 Jackson | RotoBaller.com |
Wed Feb 5 | 19:30 | Jonah Bride Entering Spring Training As Starting First Baseman | Jonah Bride | 3B | Athletics | Free 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 Jackson | RotoBaller.com |
Wed Feb 5 | 16:35 | Calvin Faucher The Favorite To Be Marlins Closer? | Calvin Faucher | RP/SP | Rays | Free 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 Jackson | RotoBaller.com |
Wed Feb 5 | 16:12 | Yankees Claim Owen White Off Waivers From Reds | Owen White | RP/SP | Rangers | Free Agent |
The New York Yankees claimed right-hander Owen White off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday and designated right-hander Allan Winans for assignment in a corresponding move to make room for White on the 40-man roster. White will head back to the American League after allowing 13 earned runs on 14 hits (three homers) while walking three and striking out four in just seven relief innings with the Texas Rangers the last two seasons. The 25-year-old former second-round selection by Texas in 2018 also struggled at Triple-A Round Rock in 2024 with a 5.64 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in 99 innings pitched on the farm. The former Rangers top prospect will likely begin the 2025 season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre if he sticks with the Yankees beyond spring training. White has a 4.37 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in four minor-league seasons with Texas. |
Source: New York Yankees | RotoBaller.com |