According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, the New York Mets have signed right-handed pitcher Oliver Ortega to a minor-league contract. Ortega missed the entire 2024 campaign due to an elbow operation. Before this, Ortega spent the 2023 campaign with the Twins and the 2021 and 2022 campaigns with the Angels. In Minnesota, the 28-year-old logged only 14 2/3 innings at the big league level and held a 4.30 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. During the 2022 campaign, Ortega posted a career-high 34 innings and held a 3.71 ERA and 1.47 WHIP. Through 72 1/3 career innings at Triple-A, Ortega carried a 3.61 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Ortega to operate as a low-leverage relief option if he can make the Opening Day Roster.

According to Phil Rogers of Forbes.com, Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet could be a potential trade target for the Baltimore Orioles with them signing outfielder Tyler O'Neill. With O'Neill added to the roster, the Orioles may decide to flip one of their young outfielders for Crochet in a larger package. With Ryan O'Hearn and potential top prospect Coby Mayo seeing time at the DH spot, Heston Kjerstad, Cedric Mullins, and Colton Cowser could all be potential options for the Orioles to trade to acquire Crochet. With Corbin Burnes on the free agent market, the Orioles will need to find a high-end pitching option to fill that void to compete this summer. Crochet showcased his elite potential last summer, logging a career-high 146 innings and posting a 3.58 ERA and stellar 1.07 WHIP. Crochet will likely be viewed as a top-20 starting pitcher in drafts, given his elite 35.5% K rate.

According to Alex D'Agostino of Sports Illustrated, free-agent relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge could be a good fit for the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 34-year-old operated as the go-to setup man for Ryan Helsley in St. Louis last season. Across 70 2/3 innings of work, the veteran right-hander posted a 2.80 ERA and 1.13 WHIP and tallied 37 holds. He held a modest 23.3% strikeout rate and showed great command with a 7.0% walk rate. In addition, he generated a 45.5% ground-ball rate and a 27.8% whiff rate, which was also slightly above the average marks. With Arizona lacking a proven ninth-inning option, Kittredge could provide a veteran presence in the bullpen and may eventually find himself in a ninth-inning role. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should monitor where he signs in free agency, as he could be a solid target for saves if he becomes a true closer.

The San Diego Padres re-signed infielder Mason McCoy to a minor-league deal on Friday that includes a non-roster invite to big-league spring training, according to sources. McCoy was non-tendered by the Padres in November but will now return to the organization and will get a chance to compete for an Opening Day roster spot in spring training. The 29-year-old got a short run as the Padres' starting shortstop late in the season when Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder) was injured, but he was a short-term stopgap at the position and hit just .204 (10-for-49) with no homers, three RBI, seven runs scored and 19 strikeouts in his 57 plate appearances over 19 games. McCoy has played in just 25 big-league games since debuting in 2023 with Toronto and has a .200/.273/.240 slash line with a .513 OPS. He'll represent infield depth for the Friars again in 2025 and is off the fantasy radar.

The Athletics agreed to a three-year, $67 million deal with free-agent right-hander Luis Severino on Thursday, according to sources. It's the largest guarantee in the franchise's history. Severino had a bounce-back season in 2024 with the New York Mets, posting a 3.91 ERA over 182 innings, and now he'll head west to pitch for the A's, who will play in a minor-league stadium in Sacramento for the next three seasons before their planned move to Las Vegas. Severino will now anchor the A's rotation, but he can opt out of his deal after the second year. The 30-year-old was an All-Star in 2017 and 2018 with the Yankees before missing most of 2019 with a lat strain and all of 2020 due to Tommy John surgery. Severino struck out 161 batters in 2024 with the Mets and had the fourth-hardest average fastball among qualified starters. Durability issues aren't going away, and his ceiling is lower with the A's.

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed infielder Michael Stefanic and pitcher Kevin Gowdy to minor-league deals with invitations to spring training. Stefanic has played his entire professional career in the Angels' organization, having a successful minor league career that has yet to translate to the big league level. The 28-year-old has a career .331/.416/.445 slashline in the minors (1749 ABs), however, that line drops to .232/.317/.275 in the majors (233 ABs). Gowdy has yet to make his major league debut despite being drafted in 2016 after Tommy John surgery and the COVID season delayed his advancement. Over his minor league career, the righty owns a 5.18 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, and 270 strikeouts over 305 2/3 IP. Stefanic and Gowdy both figure to provide the Jays organizational depth for now.

The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds are said to be possible trade partners that are interested in acquiring the services of White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet. Talks of the lefty leaving Chicago swirled around the trade deadline last season, but nothing ever came to fruition. The 25-year-old was an All-Star in 2024, posting a 3.02 ERA and 0.95 WHIP prior to the break (107 1/3 IP), but slowed considerably and had his innings limited in the second half, posting a 5.12 ERA and 1.40 WHIP after the break (38 2/3 IP). The strikeout rate remained elite throughout the season, finishing with a 29.6% K-BB% in 32 starts. Both teams have already made attempts to bolster their rotation this offseason, with the Cubs landing LHP Matthew Boyd from the Guardians and the Reds acquiring RHP Brady Singer from the Royals. Provided he can stay healthy and somewhat dependent on his landing spot, Crochet should be one of the top pitchers for fantasy in 2025.

The Kansas City Royals plan to use left-hander Kris Bubic as a starting pitcher next season, although he'll most likely be on an innings limit of around 140 to 150 in his first full season back from Tommy John surgery. At the top of the rotation, the Royals are set heading into the 2025 campaign with veteran right-handers Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha and lefty Cole Ragans. Kyle Wright (shoulder), Daniel Lynch and Noah Cameron are other options for KC's rotation. If the Royals add another pitcher this offseason, they would most likely be in more of a swing role, and it probably wouldn't come until later in the offseason. The 27-year-old Bubic had TJ surgery in April of 2023 and threw 30 1/3 relief innings late in 2024, finishing with a strong 2.67 ERA and 1.02 WHIP with 39 K's and only five walks. The Royals have an opening in their rotation after trading ... [More]

Free-agent infielder Nick Maton agreed to a minor-league deal with the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training. Maton is a versatile defender and has recorded a .659 OPS in parts of five big-league seasons. The 27-year-old former seventh-round pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2017 was hitless with two strikeouts in five at-bats with the Baltimore Orioles in 2024 and slashed .258/.366/.470 with an .836 OPS, 16 home runs, 57 RBI and 44 runs scored in 91 games with High-A Aberdeen and Triple-A Norfolk in the minors. In 184 games at the big-league level since debuting with Philly in 2021, Maton has hit just .205/.303/.357 with 15 homers and 63 RBI in 514 plate appearances. His greatest asset is his infield versatility, and he could see time in the majors for the rebuilding Pale Hose in 2025.

Free-agent veteran catcher Martin Maldonado has made it clear that he wants to play one more year of professional baseball. Maldonado has never been much of an offensive force in his 14-year major-league career, but he's excellent defensively and knows how to get the most out of a team's pitching staff. However, with age, even his defensive skills have cratered in recent seasons. He spent the entire 2024 campaign with the Chicago White Sox and slashed a pathetic .119/.174/.230 with four home runs, 11 RBI and nine runs scored in only 48 games played before being released in July. The 38-year-old Puerto Rican backstop will most likely have to settle for a minor-league deal this offseason if he wants to keep playing in 2025. If Maldonado signs somewhere, he'll merely be competing for a backup role for playing time.

Free-agent veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd agreed to a two-year, $29 million deal with the Chicago Cubs on Monday. Boyd will make $14.5 million per year plus $1 million in incentives ($500,000 per season). The 33-year-old southpaw was recovering from Tommy John surgery early in 2024 and didn't sign with the Cleveland Guardians until June. When he finally debuted, he was effective on the mound in Cleveland, going 2-2 with a 2.72 ERA (3.29 FIP), a 1.13 WHIP, 46 strikeouts and 13 walks in 39 2/3 frames over his eight starts during the regular season. In the postseason, Boyd was even better, giving up only one run in 12 innings pitched. Although Boyd hasn't made more than 15 regular-season starts in a single season since 2019, he'll give the Cubbies some valuable starting experience for their starting rotation to open the 2025 campaign.

MLB Pipeline named outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez Cleveland's top hitting prospect of the 2024 campaign. Rodriguez, the No.12 ranked prospect in the system on MLB.com, spent most of his season with Triple-A Columbus before getting a brief taste of the big leagues. Through 117 games at Triple-A, the 25-year-old carried a stellar .301/.390/.540 slash line with 18 doubles, 29 home runs, 94 RBI, and eight stolen bases. This was a steady improvement from the .280 AVG and 11 home runs he hit at Triple-A during the 2023 season. In the majors, the former third-round selection posted an underwhelming .129/.325/.161 line through a small 13-game stint. Fantasy managers in deeper five-outfielder leagues should pay attention to his development during Spring Training as he could contend for a spot on the Opening Day Roster.

Free-agent right-hander Brooks Kriske on X earlier this week that he has signed a minor-league deal with his childhood team, the Chicago Cubs. At the Triple-A levels with the Cincinnati Reds and Baltimore Orioles in 2024 for Louisville and Norfolk, respectively, he went a combined 5-0 with a 3.39 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 81 strikeouts and 35 walks in 58 1/3 innings pitched in his 50 appearances out of the bullpen. The 30-year-old former sixth-round selection by the New York Yankees in 2016 out of USC made his big-league debut in the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign. He has only appeared in 20 games in relief since then with the Yankees, Orioles and Kansas City Royals and has been hit around to the tune of a rough 11.22 ERA and 1.85 WHIP while striking out 25 and walking 17 in 21 2/3 frames. Kriske will be trying to win a bullpen role for the Cubbies in spring training in 2025.

Free-agent catcher Max Stassi (hip) agreed to a minor-league deal with the San Francisco Giants earlier this week, according to sources. Stassi hasn't seen action in the big leagues since 2022 with the Los Angeles Angels due to personal issues and after undergoing left-hip surgery in June. In the last two seasons, he's managed to play in just five rehab games in the minors. The 33-year-old veteran backstop declined his option for the 2025 season with the Chicago White Sox to land on the open market before joining the Giants. Health will obviously be a big issue for Stassi as he tries to make a return to the big leagues, and given all the time away the last two years, he figures to begin the 2025 season rehabbing in the minors. In parts of 10 seasons in the big leagues since debuting in 2013 with the Astros, Stassi has a career .212/.295/.361 slash line with 41 homers and 128 RBI in 403 games played.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox are reportedly viewed as the major contenders to try and trade for Chicago White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet this offseason. According to a National League executive, "the team to watch on (Crochet), for sure" is the Orioles. Baltimore was in on lefty Blake Snell before he signed with the Dodgers and could try to re-sign Corbin Burnes, but they've been linked more to Max Fried and Nathan Eovaldi. The O's may be the most likely to get Crochet, as MLB Pipeline has their farm system ranked as No. 3 in baseball. The Red Sox are also loaded with highly touted position-player prospects. Even after signing Snell, the Dodgers are interested in trading for Crochet or signing Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki. The 25-year-old Crochet was one of the best pitchers in baseball in 2024 before slowing down in the second half and having his innings limited.

The Cleveland Guardians re-signed outfielder George Valera (knee) to a minor-league deal on Monday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training next year. Valera was non-tendered by the team last Friday but quickly has rejoined the organization. The 24-year-old underwent surgery on his right knee in September and therefore will probably be unavailable for the start of spring training and the start of next season. In all likelihood, he will be assigned to Triple-A Columbus in 2025 when he's fully recovered from his knee surgery. Valera spent the entire 2024 season at Columbus, slashing .248/.337/.452 with a .789 OPS, 17 home runs, 50 RBI, six stolen bases and 51 runs scored in 90 games and 374 trips to the plate. He sports a .243/.358/.452 career slash line with 80 homers and 273 RBI in his six minor-league seasons.

The Philadelphia Phillies have spoken about third baseman Alec Bohm and outfield prospect Justin Crawford in extensive trade talks with the Chicago White Sox for left-handed starter Garrett Crochet, but the White Sox are worried about Bohm's second-half struggles in 2024 (.681 OPS with only four homers). If Philly is able to unload Bohm, they are expected to go after free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, who is considered a good fit. Another option would be to sign shortstop Willy Adames and move him to the hot corner. Adding Crochet to a starting rotation that already includes Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suarez and ... [More]

The San Diego Padres have non-tendered right-handed pitcher Luis Patino, according to the team. Patino underwent Tommy John surgery last April, which will sideline him for likely the entire first half of the 2025 campaign. In 2023, Patino logged 21 2/3 innings to the tune of a 4.57 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP. Patino has bounced between both the rotation and bullpen throughout his major league career. He logged a career-high in innings (77 1/3) during the 2021 season and held a 4.31 and a 1.27 WHIP during this campaign. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should monitor Patino's progression while he recovers from Tommy John, as he could have a path to operating as a starting pitcher during the second half of the 2025 campaign with his new club.

The San Diego Padres have non-tendered outfielder Bryce Johnson and shortstop Mason McCoy, according to the team. Johnson appeared in 47 games at the major league level last season and posted a .206/.286/.238 line and hit just two extra-base hits. With Triple-A El Paso, Johnson carried a solid .288/.407/.431 line across 74 games. McCoy appeared in only 19 games in the big leagues in 2024 and posted a .204/.278/.245 line. In Triple-A, McCoy held a .260/.329/.382 slash line. While both players have shown potential at the top level of the minors before, they have yet to earn a consistent opportunity in the major leagues. Fantasy managers should expect both players to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster during Spring Training with their new club.

The Tampa Bay Rays have non-tendered left-handed pitcher Richard Lovelady's contract, according to the team. Lovelady opened the 2024 campaign with the Chicago Cubs and eventually moved over to Tampa Bay. Across 34 1/3 cumulative innings in the big leagues, the southpaw held a 4.46 ERA and 1.31 WHIP. He carried a weak 17.7% K rate and a 46.3% hard-hit rate. However, he did generate a strong 51.9% ground ball rate which was significantly above the average marks. Through 22 innings in Triple-A, Lovelady posted a 4.09 ERA and 1.32 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Lovelady to continue to operate as a middle relief option out of the bullpen in 2025 if he can find a potential suitor.