Fri Feb 7 | 15:36 | Xavier Edwards Wants To Steal 60 Bases In 2025 | Xavier Edwards | SS | Marlins | Free Agent |
Miami Marlins shortstop Xavier Edwards said on Friday that his goal in 2025 is to "swipe 60 bags." In only 70 games for the Marlins last year, Edwards went 31-for-35 in stolen bases, so it's certainly possible for him to reach the 60-steal mark if he can stay healthy over the course of a full 162-game season. Overall in his second year in the big leagues in 2024, the 25-year-old infielder hit .328/.397/.423 with an .820 OPS, only one home run, 26 RBI and 39 runs scored to go with his 31 steals. The lack of power from the premium position certainly hurts in fantasy, but Edwards can be useful in category leagues for his contact skills and speed. RotoBaller has him listed in the fifth tier among shortstops at No. 17, just ahead of Boston's Trevor Story. Edwards can also be an asset in on-base-percentage leagues if he continues to take his walks. |
Source: Fish On First - Isaac Azout | RotoBaller.com |
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 | 14:09 | Sandy Alcantara Likely To Be On Innings Limit Early On | Sandy Alcantara | SP | Marlins | Free Agent |
Miami Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara (elbow) told the media that he will let the team handle his innings in the first two months of the 2025 season. But after that, Alcantara said, "I think they gotta let me compete." Alcantara did not pitch at all in 2024 after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, so the expectation all along is that he'd be limited from a workload perspective early on this year as Miami eased him back into the starting rotation. It's unclear exactly what the Marlins' plan for Alcantara is, but the good news for fantasy managers is that the 29-year-old is expected to be ready for Opening Day at the end of March. The two-time All-Star won the National League Cy Young in 2022, so we already know the kind of upside he possesses, but fantasy managers should temper expectations in his first season back. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 46 fantasy starting pitcher in 2025. |
Source: Fish On First - Kevin Barral | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Feb 7 | 08:44 | Mets Make An Offer To Jose Iglesias | Jose Iglesias | 2B/SS | Mets | Free Agent |
According to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, the New York Mets have offered a one-year contract to infielder Jose Iglesias. Ragazzo noted that nothing appears "close" for the time being. Earlier in the offseason, the Mets signed second baseman Nick Madrigal to operate in a depth role, but the team is still interested in reuniting with Iglesias. Last season, Iglesias enjoyed a career season with the Mets as he posted a .337/.381/.448 slash line with 16 doubles and six stolen bases. He hit four long balls and added a triple. He struggled to generate power but showed an elite eye at the plate with a stellar 13.4 percent strikeout rate. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Iglesias leading up to spring training. If he does return to Queens, he will likely serve as a depth option in the infield. |
Source: Pat Ragazzo | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Feb 7 | 08:32 | Yasmani Grandal Drawing Interest On Open Market | Yasmani Grandal | C | Pirates | Free Agent |
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 | 07:54 | Colin Rea Could See Time As A Starter And Reliever | Colin Rea | SP | Brewers | Free Agent |
According to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com, Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Colin Rea could see time in the rotation and the bullpen during the 2025 season. The Cubs signed Rea to a one-year contract worth $4.25 million earlier in the offseason. Bastian noted that Rea offers the Cubs protection as a potential swing-man. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progress during spring training, as he will likely be competing with Javier Assad for the final spot in the rotation. Last season, Rea appeared in 32 games with the Brewers and started in 27 of them. Under Craig Counsell during the 2023 season, Rea appeared in 26 games and started 22 of them. Last summer, he held a 4.29 ERA with a 1.26 WHIP. He showed strong command with a six percent walk rate but generated strikeouts at a poor 18.9 percent rate. The 34-year-old is best left for deeper leagues as he may not have a defined role throughout most of the season. |
Source: Jordan Bastian | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Feb 6 | 20:14 | Avisail Garcia Not Expected To Play During The 2025 Season | Avisaíl García | RF/DH | Marlins | Free Agent |
According to Francys Romero, outfielder Avisail Garcia (back) is not expected to play during the 2025 season. Garcia is recovering from back surgery he underwent in the offseason to repair a fracture and disc issues in his lower back. Romero noted that the 33-year-old is targeting a return to action during winter ball in Venezuela. Last season, Garcia appeared in 18 games for the Miami Marlins. The outfielder posted a .240/.255/.380 line with one double and two home runs. He struck out at a hefty 25.5 percent rate. He was then released from the team in June. During the 2023 season, he held a lower .185/.241/.315 line with just three long balls across 37 contests. Fantasy managers should not expect Garcia to carry much fantasy value if he can return to action for the 2026 season. |
Source: Francys Romero | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Feb 6 | 20:05 | Yunior Marte Signs Contract Overseas | Yunior Marte | RP | Phillies | 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 | 15:03 | Hayden Wesneski Penciled In As No. 5 Starter | Hayden Wesneski | RP/SP | Cubs | Free Agent |
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Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Feb 6 | 14:33 | Pierce Johnson Will Have Bigger Role In 2025 | Pierce Johnson | RP | Braves | Free Agent |
Atlanta Braves right-handed reliever Pierce Johnson will be relied on even more in 2025 with Joe Jimenez (knee) expected to miss most of the season after having knee surgery last October. Johnson split primary setup duties in Atlanta's bullpen last year with Jimenez, but he should be the primary late-inning setup man in front of closer Raisel Iglesias now. The 33-year-old has a mid-90s fastball but leans heavily on his curveball -- 72 percent of his offerings in 2024 were curves, the highest rate in baseball among pitchers with 10 or more outings. The former first-round pick of the Chicago Cubs went 6-6 last year in his first full season with Atlanta, posting a 3.67 ERA, a 1.29 WHIP, two saves, 67 strikeouts and 25 walks in 56 1/3 innings pitched. Johnson's stock will rise in deep holds leagues. |
Source: The Athletic - David O'Brien | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Feb 6 | 14:27 | Daysbel Hernandez Could Fill Key Setup Role For Atlanta | Daysbel Hernández | RP | Braves | Free Agent |
The Athletic's David O'Brien writes that Atlanta Braves right-hander Daysbel Hernandez will get a chance to fill a key setup role in the bullpen that opened up when Joe Jimenez had knee surgery in October. As a result, Jimenez is expected to be out for most of the 2025 season. The 28-year-old Hernandez mostly pitched at Triple-A Gwinnett last year but had a 2.50 ERA with 26 strikeouts and 10 walks in 18 innings over 16 appearances at the MLB level. He held righty hitters to a .105 average (4-for-38) with 14 strikeouts, so he can definitely be a late-inning weapon for the Braves this year. In addition to those numbers, Hernandez totaled three wins and a hold. Pierce Johnson will likely be the top setup man in front of closer Raisel Iglesias, but Hernandez could be a nice sleeper for fantasy managers in deep leagues that count holds. |
Source: The Athletic - David O'Brien | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Feb 6 | 14:21 | Braves May Lean On Aaron Bummer More In High-Leverage Situations | Aaron Bummer | RP | Braves | Free 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'Brien | 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 | 3B/DH | 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 | 08:25 | Allan Winans Designated For Assignment | Allan Winans | SP | Braves | Free Agent |
According to the team, the New York Yankees have designated right-handed pitcher Allan Winans for assignment. This transaction opened a roster spot for right-handed pitcher Owen White, who the team claimed off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds. The Yankees claimed Winans earlier in January, but he will now return to waivers. Last season, Winans logged seven 2/3 innings at the MLB level with the Atlanta Braves. He allowed 13 earned runs and tallied just four punchouts. Across 32 1/3 innings with Atlanta in 2023, Winans held a 5.29 ERA with a 1.39 WHIP. Across 114 2/3 innings with Triple-A Gwinnett last summer, the 29-year-old posted a 3.30 ERA with a 1.17 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Winans to open the season at the Triple-A level, given his lack of MLB success. |
Source: New York Yankees | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Feb 6 | 08:15 | Kyle Stowers, Griffin Conine Competing For Left Field Job | Griffin Conine | RF | Marlins | Free Agent |
| | | Kyle Stowers | RF/DH | Marlins | 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 |
Thu Feb 6 | 07:59 | Victor Mesa Jr. Could Crack Opening Day Roster | Victor Mesa Jr. | CF | Marlins | Free Agent |
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Miami Marlins outfield prospect Victor Mesa Jr. will compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster during spring training. Jackson noted that the prospect will likely compete alongside Derek Hill and Dane Myers for the job in center field. Mesa spent the entire season at the Triple-A level. Across 80 games, the 23-year-old posted a .259/.319/.430 slash line with 13 home runs and five stolen bases. This was a solid improvement compared to the .242/.308/.412 line he carried across 123 games at the Double-A level during the 2023 season. Mesa missed the final two of the season with a back injury but is expected to be a full-go for spring training. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, as he could be worth a look in NL-only formats if he makes an early MLB debut. |
Source: Barry Jackson | RotoBaller.com |
Wed Feb 5 | 22:11 | Pete Alonso Returning To Mets On Two-Year Deal | Pete Alonso | 1B | Mets | Free Agent |
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the New York Mets are re-signing first baseman Pete Alonso to a two-year deal worth $54 million. The contract contains an opt-out after the first season. Alonso has been in discussions with several teams during the offseason but will return to the Mets. The Blue Jays and Angels were among the teams that showed interest. During the offseason, the Mets signed superstar outfield Juan Soto to a record-breaking contract and will now bring back their first baseman as they pursue a championship. Alonso broke out at the MLB level during his first season and led the National League in home runs (53) en route to winning NL Rookie of the Year. This past season, Alonso had a down year by his standards and hit just 34 home runs with a .240/.329/.459 slash line. However, he generated a strong .461 xSLG, 13.2 percent barrel rate, and a 46.4 percent hard-hit rate, which suggests he should be poised to bounce back. Batting behind Francisco Lindor, Soto, and Brandon Nimmo should provide Alonso with elite RBI opportunities all season. He should be viewed as a top first baseman when looking for power and RBI upside. |
Source: Jeff Passan | RotoBaller.com |
Wed Feb 5 | 19:56 | Dane Myers, Derek Hill Competing For Center Field Job | Derek Hill | CF | Marlins | Free Agent |
| | | Dane Myers | CF | Marlins | Free 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 Jackson | RotoBaller.com |
Wed Feb 5 | 19:43 | Agustin Ramirez Could Contend For Starting Job | Agustin Ramirez | C | Marlins | Free Agent |
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Miami Marlins catching prospect Agustin Ramirez will be in the mix for the starting catching job during spring training. Jackson noted that Ramirez may need more development in the minor leagues but could make a case to open the season in the majors, depending on his performance during spring training. Ramirez was acquired by the Marlins during the 2024 season in a trade that sent Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the Bronx. If he were to open the season in the minors, Nick Fortes would slot in as the everyday backstop, with Liam Hicks or Rob Brantly slotting in as the No. 2 option. Ramirez is ranked as the No. 4 prospect in the Miami system on MLB Pipeline. Last summer, the 23-year-old opened the season with Double-A and held a .224/.328/.570 line. He was then moved up to Triple-A, where he posted a .246/.345/.411 slash line. If he can crack the Opening Day roster, he carries sneaky power upside in NL-only formats. |
Source: Barry Jackson | RotoBaller.com |