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 | 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 | 15:47 | White Sox Claim Brandon Eisert Off Waivers From Rays | Brandon Eisert | RP | Blue Jays | Free Agent |
The Chicago White Sox claimed left-hander Brandon Eisert off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday and designated right-hander Steven Wilson for assignment in a corresponding move to make room for Eisert on the 40-man roster. The White Sox will be the third team for Eisert since the beginning of the year after also briefly being with the Toronto Blue Jays. The 27-year-old southpaw will have a better shot to make the big-league roster in Chicago, but nevertheless he won't be on the fantasy radar by any means. The former 18th-round pick by the Blue Jays in 2019 out of Oregon State University made his major-league debut in Toronto in 2024 but only threw 6 2/3 relief innings, allowing three earned runs while walking four and striking out only two. Eisert represents left-handed relief depth for the rebuilding White Sox. |
Source: Chicago White Sox | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Feb 7 | 15:42 | Cardinals Sign Nick Anderson To Minor-League Deal | Nick Anderson | RP | Royals | Free Agent |
The St. Louis Cardinals announced on Friday that they signed free-agent right-hander Nick Anderson to a minor-league contract with a non-roster invite to major-league spring training. The 34-year-old veteran reliever has appeared in 165 games over five MLB seasons since debuting with the Miami Marlins in 2019. In his time in the majors, he has put up a nice 3.18 ERA with a 31.6 percent strikeout rate in 158 1/3 relief innings. Anderson pitched for the Kansas City Royals in 2024, going 3-1 with a 4.04 ERA (5.07 FIP), a 1.40 WHIP, one save, 29 strikeouts and 15 walks in 35 2/3 innings. He hasn't been a big strikeout guy since his first full season with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2020, when he struck out 44.8% of the hitters he faced. In comparison, he had a weak 19% strikeout rate for KC last year. Anderson could provide veteran relief depth for the Red Birds, but he should remain off the fantasy radar for now. |
Source: Cardinals Player Development | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Feb 7 | 14:57 | Nationals Agree With Colin Poche On Minor-League Deal | Colin Poche | RP | Rays | Free Agent |
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 | Blue Jays | Free Agent |
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 | 14:23 | Yariel Rodriguez To Compete For Fifth Rotation Spot | Yariel Rodríguez | SP | Blue Jays | Free Agent |
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Source: Sportsnet.ca - Arden Zwelling | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Feb 7 | 14:03 | Luis Rengifo Wins Arbitration Case Against Angels | Luis Rengifo | 2B | Angels | Free Agent |
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 | 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 | 08:23 | Cubs Not Expected To Extend Kyle Tucker During The Season | Kyle Tucker | RF | Astros | Free Agent |
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 | 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 | Red Sox | Free Agent |
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 | 19:34 | Michael Helman Traded To St. Louis | Michael Helman | 2B | Twins | Free Agent |
The Minnesota Twins have traded outfielder Michael Helman to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for cash considerations. Helman made his MLB debut with the Twins last season. Across a small nine-game stint, the 28-year-old held a .300/.300/.500 line with three doubles and three strikeouts. In 72 games with Triple-A St. Paul, Helman posted a .271/.350/.487 line with 18 doubles, 14 home runs, and 12 stolen bases. He held a 29:76 BB:K ratio and added 47 RBI. This production was right in line with his career .264/.339/.461 line he has held across 195 contests at the Triple-A level. Fantasy managers should expect the Texas A&M product to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster during spring training. However, given his lack of MLB experience, the Cardinals may opt to have him open the campaign at the Triple-A level. |
Source: Minnesota Twins | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Feb 6 | 19:25 | Yoan Moncada Signs One-Year Deal With Halos | Yoán Moncada | 3B | White Sox | Free Agent |
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 | 16:25 | Brooks Baldwin An Option At Shortstop For White Sox | Brooks Baldwin | 3B | White Sox | Free Agent |
In addition to prospect Colson Montgomery, Chicago White Sox general manager Chris Getz mentioned Brooks Baldwin, Chase Meidroth and Josh Rojas as options to play shortstop in 2025. Baldwin made his big-league debut in 2024 for the Pale Hose and went 24-for-114 (.211) with two homers, eight RBI and four steals in only 33 games. The 24-year-old also has plenty of experience at second base and could be used in the outfield in a pinch. Rojas has played 44 career games at the 6, 282 at third base and 150 at the keystone. Baldwin hit .330 with eight homers and 17 steals in 82 games at Double-A and Triple-A last year before being called up to Chicago. In addition to suffering a wrist injury, he looked overmatched at the plate in his first taste of the Show. He could open the year as the team's starting shortstop, but he'd just be keeping the spot warm for Montgomery. |
Source: MLB.com - Scott Merkin | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Feb 6 | 14:43 | Giants Acquire Osleivis Basabe From Rays | Osleivis Basabe | SS | Rays | Free Agent |
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 | 09:20 | Tommy Pham Signs One-Year Deal With Pittsburgh | Tommy Pham | LF | Royals | 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 |
Thu Feb 6 | 08:52 | Jonny DeLuca Expected To Start In Center Field | Jonny DeLuca | CF/RF | Rays | Free Agent |
According to Adam Berry of MLB.com, Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Jonny DeLuca is expected to begin the season as the team's starting center fielder. Last summer, Jose Siri was the everyday center fielder in Tampa Bay, but he was traded to the New York Mets during the offseason. As a result, DeLuca stands at the top of the depth chart and is expected to open the season as the top option. Across 107 games in Tampa Bay last summer, the Oregon product held a .217/.278/.331 line with 12 doubles, six home runs, and 16 stolen bases. While he did not generate elite hitting metrics, he was a top defender with speed. He placed in the 93rd percentile in outs above average and the 98th percentile in sprint speed. Richie Palacios will likely open the season as the No. 2 option behind DeLuca. If DeLuca has a successful spring training, he could be worth a look in deeper category formats as he has flashed elite speed. |
Source: Adam Berry | RotoBaller.com |