The offseason seems to be winding down, with Framber Valdez being the one marquee free agent remaining, however Chris Towers and I have never stopped updating the Offseason Tracker with all of the strikes that matter for Fantasy Baseball.
Let’s get to it.
Eugenio Suarez indicators with Reds
The huge concern for Suarez was that he’d wind up again in Seattle, the place sure hitters have reported difficulties seeing the ball and the place Suarez himself has now twice failed to carry out up to his regular requirements. That state of affairs appeared more and more possible after the Diamondbacks traded for Nolan Arenado in January. Fortunately, one other of Suarez’s former groups was lurking within the background, and it is essentially the most favorable touchdown spot of all, Cincinnati.
Cincinnati is the place he initially hit a career-high 49 home runs in 2019, so now we have proof of idea. He in fact matched that quantity final 12 months, however Statcast suggests it might have been 54 had he performed each sport in Cincinnati. Remember additionally that he was batting .248 prior to being traded to Seattle final 12 months, so I feel you possibly can count on him to return to a mid-.200s batting common alongside with 35-plus home runs. That makes him the clear No. 6 for me at third base, and contemplating how skinny that place is, I’ve even pushed him into my prime 60 total.
There’s an unlucky trickle-down impact to this signing, although. Sal Stewart, a rookie with important offensive potential, as soon as once more has competitors for at-bats. The elimination of Gavin Lux seemingly freed up DH duties for him, however that is the place Jeff Passan has stated Suarez will primarily play. Stewart has some versatility — having performed all of first, second and third base within the minors — however he could not have a spot to name his personal till one among JJ Bleday, Ke’Bryan Hayes and even Spencer Steer falters. The worth is low sufficient that I’d nonetheless take my probabilities, although.
Luis Arraez indicators with Giants
For a minute there, it appeared like Arraez may need to accept a part-time function someplace, his defensive ineptitude overshadowing his three batting titles. Fortunately, a crew with an actual second base want finally stepped up and gave him the job on a one-year, $12 million deal. He may get to hit leadoff for the Giants, too, seeing as they haven’t got an apparent alternative to accomplish that.
Last 12 months was the primary in 4 that he did not win a batting title, hitting “only” .292, however the transfer to Oracle Park could assist with that. While it is often known as a pitcher-friendly park total, it charges because the sixth-best venue for singles over the previous six years, and singles are Arraez’s specialty. His lack of every little thing else drags down his Fantasy worth, however batting common might be an particularly troublesome class to fill late. He’ll be all of the extra helpful as soon as he qualifies at second base, seeing as he’ll enter 2026 with solely first base eligibility.
Seranthony Dominguez indicators with White Sox
Normally, a Seranthony Dominguez signing would not warrant a point out right here, however with the transfer comes the expectation that he’ll shut, a minimum of if Jeff Passan of ESPN is to be believed. So I suppose we should always discuss it. Dominguez has a checkered historical past as a better, with his profession excessive of 16 saves coming as a rookie in 2018. He would undertaking for greater than that because the White Sox start to take steps again towards respectability, and the two-year deal he signed offers us some hope he will not merely be commerce bait.
But is he actually their most suitable option to shut? He has at all times run excessive strikeout charges, and the introduction of a splitter in 2025 made him much more of a bat-misser whereas giving him an efficient counter towards lefties. He additionally struggled with walks like by no means earlier than, leaving him with a WHIP unbefitting of a better. Grant Taylor, who debuted final 12 months, should still be the White Sox’s nearer in ready, however the Dominguez signing builds in a bit of extra wait time and offers Fantasy Baseballers a thrifty alternative for, hopefully, 20-plus saves. –Scott White
Mackenzie Gore traded to Rangers
Gore appeared like one of many prime “change of scenery” guys within the league, and now he will get simply that. The Rangers have had a variety of success with their pitchers recently, they usually have each the ballpark and supporting forged to get essentially the most out of them, a pleasant change for Gore, who performed within the Twelfth-best hitter’s park in baseball and had one of many worst defenses within the league backing him up the previous few years.
Of course, Gore’s largest impediment has been himself lately. He’ll have these stretches the place he appears like an absolute ace, together with within the first half of final season, however then he’ll inevitably regress, leaving his end-of-season numbers within the sort of place that may scare Fantasy gamers off. But the upside right here is obvious. Gore has a few of the finest stuff in baseball, together with an arsenal the place all 5 of his pitches had an above-average swinging strike fee. He nonetheless wants to discover consistency with his command, however he is in a considerably higher scenario in Texas than he was earlier than, so if he had been ever going to escape, now’s his likelihood. I’m shopping for Gore within the 160 vary of drafts with the hope that Texas will get essentially the most out of him. —Chris Towers
Freddy Peralta traded to Mets
Peralta slides proper into the highest of the Mets rotation with this transfer. He’s not your prototypical, innings-eating ace, however he is sometimes superb when he is on the mound. Peralta, in fact, already prices fairly a bit in Fantasy drafts, with his ADP up to 69.1 in NFBC drafts within the month of January. I feel that is most likely an overpay based mostly on final 12 months’s inflated win complete and unsustainably low ERA (2.70 ERA in contrast to a 3.47 xERA), however that does not imply I feel Peralta is probably going to be a foul choose. Meanwhile, the Brewers’ return of Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat, two consensus top-100 prospects, is probably going to stir Fantasy curiosity as effectively. For a extra full breakdown, try my full-length article. –Chris Towers
Cody Bellinger indicators with Yankees
This was at all times the inevitable end result. The Yankees wanted Cody Bellinger, and Cody Bellinger matches the Yankees higher than he matches with every other crew. The proven fact that the Yankees wanted a 30-year-old Cody Bellinger this badly says so much about their religion in Jasson Dominguez, however that is the truth of the scenario. Bellinger returns to the place the place he had 29 homers, 98 RBI, 89 runs, and 13 steals final season, and whereas I do not suppose we should always count on an actual repeat of that now that he is a 12 months older, I do suppose one thing in that ballpark is affordable. Bellinger is not a plus energy hitter like his Dodgers days, however his pull-heavy swing and robust bat management make him an ideal match for Yankee Stadium. He stays a viable choose within the sixth spherical and must be one of many first 15 or so outfielders off the board in most drafts no matter format.
This provides depth to the Yankees lineup – a lineup, I’ll remind you, that led the majors in runs final season. The Yankees are kind of working it again with final 12 months’s crew, hoping that enhancements from Ben Rice, Anthony Volpe, and Dominguez can overcome the inevitable age-related slides of the remainder of their core. It’s a dangerous wager, however there ought to nonetheless be a possibility for Dominguez to show himself, even when the trail to on a regular basis plate appearances is not clear proper now. He’s blocked by older gamers who’ve missed loads of time over time, plus one-year marvel Trent Grisham, who may flip again right into a pumpkin after his profession 12 months. Which is to say, whereas Dominguez should not be somebody Fantasy gamers draft anticipating a lot from him in 2026, do not be stunned if he emerges as surprisingly related surprisingly rapidly. –Chris Towers
Luis Robert traded to Mets
Robert lastly will get his change of surroundings after enduring back-to-back 100-loss seasons with the White Sox, which had to put on on him psychologically even when he would not admit it. Or perhaps it is only a coincidence that these back-to-back seasons had been by far his worst individually, derailing what as soon as appeared like a first-round trajectory. Another attainable profit from the change of surroundings is that he’ll not be the point of interest for a lineup during which he is possible to bat seventh or eighth, which ought to yield extra hittable pitches for him.
Of course, none of that issues if he is merely gone unsuitable as a hitter, however I do not suppose he has. Though his precise batting common and slugging proportion hardly modified from 2024 to 2025, his anticipated marks (as calculated by Statcast) did, largely as a result of his strikeout fee dropped from 33 to 26 %. Moreover, it was 15 % within the second half when his season turned on a dime, seeing him slash .298/.352/.456 in 31 video games. That run resulted in late August due to a Grade 2 hamstring pressure, however was it an indication of issues to come or just a scorching streak? Robert has commented that he was over-swinging within the first half and likewise not letting the ball journey as deep as a result of he was attempting to pull it extra from home runs. Such is the psychological impact of being the supposed finest participant on a horrible crew.
If nothing else, it is cause to stay longing for a as soon as nice Fantasy asset who’s nonetheless within the prime of his profession. Counteracting that hope, although, is that the White Sox’s return for him was pretty gentle. Luisangel Acuna is essentially the most fascinating of the 2 gamers coming again, although largely as a result of he shares a reputation with his extra well-known older brother, Ronald. He is coming off an eight-homer efficiency within the Venezuelan Winter League, although, and a few previous scouting reviews had projected extra energy for him ultimately. There could also be 15-homer, 30-steal upside right here, and he’ll have a significantly better likelihood of delivering on it with the White Sox (presumably in middle subject) than the Mets. It’s an extended shot, although, judging by his previous energy output in each the majors and minors (a mixed zero home runs in 2025, as an example). –Scott White
Bo Bichette indicators with Mets
The Mets could have panicked following Kyle Tucker’s transfer to the Dodgers as a result of now Bo Bichette, with his defensive query marks and constantly low stroll charges, is making $42 million a 12 months. It’s or solely three years, however nonetheless, this offseason has gone off the rails. He’s an unnatural match, too, with the Mets already having Francisco Lindor and Marcus Semien up the center and Brett Baty poised to take over at third base. Turns out Bichette himself can be enjoying third now, and that half a minimum of is sweet information. Third base is missing in bankable expertise, and Bichette ought to ultimately slot into the highest eight there as in contrast to barely cracking the highest 12 at shortstop.
The transition to Citi Field may very well be fraught, although, given his opposite-field tendencies and the chasm in right-center. Indeed, Statcast estimates that Bichette would have hit 4 fewer home runs (15 vs. 19) enjoying each sport there final 12 months. But a better take a look at his spray chart reveals the overwhelming majority of his home runs going to his pull facet, even when his fly balls usually do not, and the fly balls that do not at the moment are hit in an space with way more floor to cowl. What he loses in home runs, then, he could make up for with much more batting common, and the RBI may spike batting behind Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto. I’m inclined to name this transfer a wash for his Fantasy worth.
As for Baty, he is most likely again to splitting time with Mark Vientos, this time at DH, until the Mets are prepared to strive him in left subject or transfer him in a commerce, which is disappointing on condition that he appeared on the verge of breaking out with a .308 (41 for 133) batting common, seven homers and .866 OPS over the ultimate two months of 2025. His sleeper attraction could also be restricted to deeper league if his present standing holds. –Scott White
J.T. Realmuto indicators with Phillies
The market had been so quiet for Realmuto that I’ll admit I forgot he was even a free agent. Though he was lengthy the gold commonplace at catcher for Fantasy functions, he is extra of an afterthought now, his gradual decline combining with an enormous expertise inflow on the place to rank him exterior of the highest 15. The Phillies clearly nonetheless respect him, inking him to a three-year, $45 million deal, and his return to them makes this evaluation pretty easy. It’s nonetheless a great lineup, and he’ll nonetheless be an everyday a part of it, making him an unusually secure alternative for a second catcher spot, however that is all he figures to be until attrition hits the place arduous. –Scott White
Joshua Lowe traded to Angels, Gavin Lux to Rays
The three-team deal additionally concerned the Reds, if that wasn’t apparent. There had been extra gamers included, however these are the 2 you may know. Lowe hit .292 with 20 homers and 32 steals in 2023 however has been a disappointment within the two years since, albeit with some indirect points holding him again. He nonetheless has the instruments to be of some use in Fantasy and will not have the identical platoon issues that he had with the Rays, so in concept, replenish. But historical past has proven that by the point a former standout trickles down to the Angles, he is about wrung out. I would not say I’m shifting him up with this commerce. Same goes for Lux, who is not ever going to hit for sufficient energy to matter in Fantasy if he could not do it in Cincinnati.
What this commerce does accomplish, although, is take away a few of the litter obstructing extra fascinating gamers corresponding to Sal Stewart and Jacob Melton. Stewart was a breakthrough prospect final 12 months, delivering elite exit velocities to go with his current plate expertise, and made a right away influence when he arrived in September, however supervisor Terry Francona saved discovering boring veterans to play over him, Lux included. With a clearer path to enjoying time, Stewart turns into a late-round goal in all codecs. Melton is a little more speculative, however the Rays clearly like him, having acquired him in one other three-team deal earlier this offseason. He did not present a lot in a stint with the Astros final 12 months, however he has a great batting eye and delivered high quality exit velocities at Triple-A. You’ll need to monitor his progress this spring. –Scott White
Kyle Tucker indicators with Dodgers
Because in fact he does. The marketplace for Tucker had begun to percolate in latest days, with the choice seemingly coming down to whether or not he’d take a shorter deal with a better common annual worth from the Mets or an extended deal with a decrease common annual worth from the Blue Jays. But in swooped the Dodgers with a four-year, $240 million deal that was most likely the very best of each worlds. From a Fantasy perspective, you could not ask for a greater touchdown spot, each due to the place he’ll hit within the lineup and the place he’ll be enjoying his home video games, and he must be a consensus first-rounder in drafts consequently. For a extra full image, try my full-length article. –Scott White
Willi Castro indicators with Rockies
We’re gone the times when any hitter who indicators with the Rockies is remodeled into Fantasy Baseball gold. For as favorable of an setting as Coors Field stays, it not performs just like the floor of the moon, and the supporting forged is atrocious. Still, Castro mattered in Fantasy not so way back, and he should not have a lot hassle getting enjoying time on a depleted Rockies crew. He would not make the sort of swing selections to be of a lot use in batting common, even with the BABIP-boosting results of Coors Field, and his poor exit velocities ought to put him shy of 15 homers. If he will get again to stealing bases like he did in 2023 — and he is quick sufficient to — his triple eligibility may make him a helpful possibility for Rotisserie leagues, however until your league is drafting upward of 400 gamers, he would not want to be one among them. –Scott White
Ranger Suarez indicators with the Red Sox
The Red Sox pivoted from lacking out on Alex Bregman to purchase one other solid-if-unspectacular piece for his or her rotation to the tune of 5 years, $130 million. Suarez is, usually, very, superb, placing up a 3.25 ERA over the previous 5 seasons mixed. That, nevertheless, papers over what generally is a fairly rocky path to his remaining numbers, as Suarez has largely struggled to put collectively wonderful seasons entrance to again, with 2025 serving as a notable exception. He has dealt with some minor, nagging accidents which have derailed hoped-for breakouts, however he is a wonderfully high-quality mid-rotation starter on a crew with each wonderful high-end pitching and depth within the majors and excessive minors.
In reality, I think this deal occurred a minimum of partially to arrange future ones. The Red Sox now have an overabundance of rotation choices, with Johan Oviedo, Kutter Crawford, Patrick Sandoval, Payton Tolle, and Connelly Early now seemingly competing this spring for one rotation spot. With a gap at both second or third base and a lineup with expertise however some awkward matches, count on the Red Sox to dip into that rotation depth to make their lineup make a bit extra sense. So, do not surrender in your Tolle or Early sleeper tickets simply but.
As for Suarez: He is what he’s, a strong rotation piece on your Fantasy crew, who will sometimes go on runs of absolute brilliance when his command is on level and he’s 100% wholesome. He’s by no means fairly ready to maintain that, however the finish outcomes are sometimes very robust, and his present draft worth (180.8 ADP) makes him a superb rotation stabilizer at an inexpensive worth. –Chris Towers
Ryan Weathers traded to Yankees
The Yankees added one other gifted younger arm to a rotation that’s, at this level, surprisingly stocked with gifted younger arms and little in the best way of positive issues. Weathers most likely is not as gifted as Cam Schlittler, however he is likely to be forward of Will Warren and Luis Gil … if he can simply keep wholesome. Weathers has a 3.74 ERA over the previous two seasons, however has thrown simply 125 innings, and the accidents in 2025 had been particularly worrisome – he added just a few ticks of fastball velocity and nearly instantly damage his elbow after which his lat just some weeks after returning, limiting him to 38.1 innings throughout eight begins.
Weathers additionally did not actually see the enhance in manufacturing we hoped for with his added velocity, with his strikeout fee sitting at a still-pretty-mediocre 22.3% fee. It’s not arduous to see a path to extra upside than that, but it surely’s completely theoretical at this level, and now he is becoming a member of a Yankees rotation that would discover itself with an overabundance of starters when Carlos Rodon and Gerrit Cole are again from their respective elbow surgical procedures early within the season. Health isn’t any assure, in fact, particularly for veterans getting back from surgical procedure, but in addition for, effectively, Weathers. Which is all to say that, whereas he is a fairly fascinating pitcher, there is not sufficient certainty in both function or talent to justify spending rather more than a late-round flier on Weathers, even with a greater supporting forged in New York.
The different wrinkle here’s what it means for Miami’s rotation. They’ve traded Weathers and Edward Cabrera in fast succession, which might seemingly assure an Opening Day rotation spot for prospect Robby Snelling. Snelling is a 22-year-old lefty who averaged 94.7 mph with his four-seamer and put up a 1.27 ERA in 11 begins at Triple-A final season, so yeah, he is deserving of a spot. His profile is extra about good command than overwhelming stuff, however the stuff ticked up final season, and if it holds, the Marlins won’t even miss Cabrera or Weathers.
And that may very well be very true when Thomas White, the Marlins different, much more gifted, lefty prospect will get the decision. That is likely to be as quickly as Opening Day if he actually shines this spring, although I’d guess we’ll see Janson Junk get the primary alternative. Junk is ok, however White is among the 5 finest pitching prospects in baseball coming off a season the place he reached Triple-A and put up a 2.31 ERA with a ridiculous 39% strikeout fee in 89.2 innings of labor throughout three ranges. We’ll see White sooner or later within the first half, I’d wager, however until he completely dominates this spring, he most likely would not want to be in your Draft Day radars.–Chris Towers
Nolan Arenado traded to Diamondbacks
The Cardinals lastly discovered a taker for Arenado, who famously exercised his no-trade clause final offseason to veto a transfer to the Astros. Arenado’s decline continued in 2025, and I’m undecided Arizona is the sort of touchdown spot that appears possible to sluggish that down – Arenado’s pull-heavy swing would profit finest from a park with a brief fence down the left subject line, and whereas Chase Field’s left subject dimensions are a bit friendlier than St. Louis’, it is solely by lower than 10 toes. Arenado’s high quality of contact metrics in 2025 had been official horrible – he was within the seventeenth percentile in anticipated ISO amongst all hitters, one thing even that pull-heavy swing can not help him overcome anymore. It’s most likely a lineup improve and a park improve, I’m simply undecided that is sufficient to matter at this level in Arenado’s profession.
There is notable fallout in any other case on each side of this transfer. For the Cardinals, it is a first step to clear up a enjoying time log jam, although they most likely nonetheless want to transfer yet another participant (possible Brendan Donovan, judging by the rumor mill) earlier than they’re completed. That would open up a spot for prime prospect JJ Wetherholt, who I count on to be within the Opening Day lineup a technique or one other. We simply want that subsequent deal to undergo.
On the Diamondbacks facet, this raises actual questions on the place prime prospect Jordan Lawlar goes to play. With Arenado in and Ketel Marte staying put, the infield is full in Arizona, which suggests both one other journey again to Triple-A or, extra possible, a transfer to the outfield for Lawlar. He performed just a few video games there within the Dominican Winter League and can possible spend the spring understanding within the outfield, the place there’s loads of enjoying time to be grabbed. Lawlar has remained very productive in Triple-A and is a viable deep sleeper for Fantasy, however the transfer to a place he has barely performed offers him an much more restricted margin for error as he tries to set up himself within the majors. And, on condition that the Diamondbacks have not precisely cleared a path to enjoying time for him regardless of making his MLB debut again in 2023, it is truthful at this level to marvel in the event that they’ve simply misplaced religion in Lawlar regardless of his robust manufacturing within the minors. –Chris Towers
Alex Bregman indicators with Cubs
Thus far in his profession, Bregman has had the nice fortune of enjoying in two of essentially the most opportune venues for pull-side right-handed energy: Daikin Park and Fenway Park. Now, he’ll get a style of the alternative. The influence that Wrigley Field may have on his home run output is troublesome to confirm by means of metrics like xHR, which struggles to account for the venue’s ever-windy situations and strange define, however Isaac Paredes serves as a helpful check case. If Paredes produces very like Bregman in Houston, what are the possibilities Bregman will produce very like Paredes in Chicago? I break it down right here. –Scott White
Edward Cabrera traded to Cubs
The rotation influence right here is obvious: With Justin Steele recovering from Tommy John surgical procedure, the Cubs fairly desperately wanted one other arm for the center a part of their rotation, and Cabrera was one of the thrilling available on the market. Armed with fastballs that flirt with triple digits and a changeup with the rate of the common pitcher’s fastball, Cabrera has at all times had en engaging arm, however in 2025, he made actual adjustments to begin to stay up to the hype. For extra on these and what the Marlins acquired again on this deal, try my full-length article. –Chris Towers
Kazuma Okamoto indicators with Blue Jays
Okamoto ended up signing for 4 years, $60 million with the Blue Jays, and all of that sounds proper. It’s in line with expectations for Okamoto’s contract coming into the offseason – whereas Munetaka Murakami and Tatsuya Imai’s costs ended up effectively wanting expectations – and Okamoto’s talent set matches in completely with a aware resolution the Blue Jays have made lately to goal hitters who could make a variety of contact with out sacrificing energy. Okamoto has been top-of-the-line hitters in Japan lately and is coming off an enormous season the place he was arguably the finest hitter, placing up a 210 wRC with 15 homers in 69 video games. He will possible see his strikeout fee, which ranged round 14-17% in Japan, rise nearer to league common within the majors, and he would not have significantly better than above-average uncooked energy, however Okamoto does a great job of driving the ball to the pull facet within the air, serving to him get essentially the most out of his bodily instruments. I feel Okamoto is unlikely to be a celebrity within the majors, however he is becoming a member of a great lineup and positively has top-10 upside at third base in a late-career Nolan Arenado (earlier than he utterly collapsed) sort of manner. He’s price drafting round two hundredth total or so in most drafts as a nook infielder with some upside. —Chris Towers
Tatsuya Imai indicators with Astros
Of the a number of gamers anticipated to signal out of East Asia this offseason, Imai was thought to be the very best. He’s within the prime of his profession at age 27, was the hardest-throwing beginning pitcher in Japan this previous season (in accordance to Baseball America) and, effectively, you possibly can see the numbers for your self. But numbers might be deceptive, notably for pitchers throughout what’s been a lifeless ball period for the Japanese league. What does it say that Imai’s final deal — three years for a most of $63 million — is such a far cry from the six-year, $150 million provide that a number of shops had been projecting?
Could be that Imai is betting on an even bigger rating as soon as he proves himself. His deal contains opt-outs after each the primary and second 12 months. Could be, nevertheless, that his oddball profile makes for a troublesome analysis. Yes, he throws arduous, with his fastball sitting at about 96 mph and peaking at 99, however what’s extra notable is his launch peak. It would rank among the many lowest within the sport, owing each to his close to sidearm supply and smallish 5-foot-11 construct. Meanwhile, his slider, which is meant to be his finest pitch, breaks to his arm facet, shifting in the other way of most each different slider, which Lance Brozdowski has identified would make it much less interesting to stuff fashions.
But would it not make it more practical essentially? I’m of the opinion that bizarre is sweet for pitchers. The purpose is to misdirect hitters, in spite of everything, and familiarity works towards that purpose. If Imai’s success relied on deception alone, I’d have better doubts, however he has high quality stuff and a minimum of fairly good command. The contract is a bit of underwhelming, however I’m nonetheless possible to rank him amongst my prime 45 beginning pitchers for 2026. –Scott White
Pete Fairbanks indicators with Marlins
A day after asserting they’d be with out Ronny Henriquez for the 2026 season, the Marlins agreed to a one-year, $13 million deal with Fairbanks. It’s a modest contract for a pitcher with ample closing expertise, which speaks to issues in regards to the 32-year-old’s declining efficiency the previous two years. He’s continued to deal with the ninth inning capably, however he is gone from hanging out about 12 batters per 9 innings to lower than 9 per 9, with a corresponding drop in velocity. The Rays, who in fact know him finest, really turned down an $11 million possibility for him. Still, he’ll enter 2026 as the favourite to shut for the Marlins, who had been by no means settled in that function final 12 months. Maybe that is supervisor Clayton McCullough’s philosophy, which is all of the extra cause to be cautious about drafting Fairbanks subsequent 12 months, besides, he is price focusing on as a low-end RP2. –Scott White
Willson Contreras traded to Red Sox
Well, this one’s sort of stunning. The Red Sox most likely could not go into this season counting on Triston Casas once more, and now it isn’t clear if Casas will even be on the Red Sox in 2026. Contreras transitioned to first base in 2025 and continued to be a strong middle-of-the-order bat, hitting 20 homers with a .257/.344/.447 line. Given the cash due over the ultimate two seasons of his contract (which incorporates an possibility for 2028), the Red Sox aren’t possible to contemplate Contreras a platoon bat with Casas, so I might count on a commerce for Casas, who may have some very late-round attraction in Fantasy if he finds an on a regular basis job. As for Contreras, his worth takes an enormous hit as he’s solely 1B eligible for 2026, however he is a strong sufficient nook infield possibility in Fantasy, particularly with a pleasant little park improve on the best way.
As for the Cardinals facet of this, I ponder if this is likely to be a manner to unlock on a regular basis at bats for Ivan Herrera, who has hit like a primary baseman over the previous couple of seasons whereas enjoying catcher … like a primary baseman. He is recovering from elbow surgical procedure and is anticipated to play catcher in 2026 after largely being restricted to DH duties final season, however perhaps they may give him just a few alternatives behind the plate per week whereas primarily holding down first base and DH. Herrera will not open 2026 with catcher eligibility, however he has important upside if he will get there and performs repeatedly coming off a .284/.373/.464 line (with even higher underlying numbers).
The Cardinals additionally added to their rotation choices with Hunter Dobbins coming again their manner, alongside with as-yet-unnamed pitching prospects. Dobbins had a 4.13 ERA and three.99 xERA final season with the Red Sox, and there is likely to be room to unlock some swing-and-miss upside with some tweaks to his arsenal. But he is most likely simply an end-of-rotation possibility for the Cardinals and somebody Fantasy gamers can view as strictly a streamer for 2026. —Chris Towers
Munetaka Murakami indicators with the White Sox
It’s a surprisingly small contract for one of many largest names available on the market. I wrote about that and extra right here:
“MLB teams aren’t infallible, and when it comes to a player making the transition from NPB to the majors, there’s an inherent uncertainty that makes it harder to say with confidence whether this will end up being a good deal or not. But there are no shortage of teams with the need for a potential 30-plus power hitter in the middle of the lineup, and the fact that Murakami ended up with a similar contract to the ones Jurickson Profar and Tyler O’Neill signed last season (while being significantly older and with pretty mediocre MLB track records) stands out as a pretty big red flag, one Fantasy player shouldn’t just ignore.
I’m not going to totally bury him in my rankings but given that the White Sox (and the other 29 teams, frankly) know a whole lot more about Murakami than we do, I am very much inclined to view him with a skeptical eye. We’ll get to the scouting report for Murakami shortly, but the long and short of it is there are significant contact questions with his swing that make his likelihood of living up to the loftiest expectations pretty unlikely. I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt as a prospect if he signed for big money, but with the details in now, it seems like MLB teams just don’t have a lot of faith in his swing. If MLB teams are telling us they don’t have much more faith in him than they do in Polanco, we should probably listen.” –Chris Towers
Shane Baz traded to the Orioles
I wrote about Baz’s transfer to Baltimore right here:
“The Orioles are betting they can do something similar here with Baz entering his age-27 season. And there are obviously tools to work with here once you look past the ugly 4.78 ERA Baz put up in 2025. His xERA was 3.85, which suggests there was plenty of poor luck in Baz’s results. He has some strikeout upside and limits damage on contact well enough (.359 xwOBA on contact in 2025, .355 for his career; .368 is league average), but has mostly struggled with consistency.
And I think the Rays approach may have something to do with that. Many pitchers have talked about how the Rays philosophy can often be boiled down to, “Throw your finest pitches as usually as attainable, intention for the center of the zone’, and let your stuff do the remainder.” That is advice that has worked out well for many pitchers (most notably Tyler Glasnow), but I think it’s been holding Baz back. He has good stuff, but doesn’t necessarily miss as many bats in the strike zone as you would expect, posting a roughly average in-zone contact rate allowed. That’s a problem when Baz throws 53% of his pitches in the zone, compared to the league average of roughly 48%. Those pitches in the zone will help you avoid walks, of course, but it’s hard to consistently miss bats that way, and consistently missing bats has been a big issue for Baz.” — Chris Towers
Brandon Lowe traded to the Rays
I wrote about Lowe’s slot in Pittsburgh right here:
“It is a park downgrade for Lowe, though that may not matter as much as you think – he hit just .240/.279/.456 at George M. Steinbrenner Field last season, while Tropicana Field (where Lowe played every season prior to last) is actually a worse park for left-handed hitters than PNC Park. PNC is a tougher park for righties and should play pretty fair for Lowe, so your expectations for him shouldn’t change too much based on this deal.
Which means Lowe should remain one of the best values at the second base position for Fantasy yet again. Despite coming off a bounce-back season, Lowe’s ADP in early NFBC drafts is just 174.1. He’s being held back by concerns about his health, which is fair, but he just proved last season he can give us something close to a full season, and there just aren’t many players who can give you as big an edge on the competition as Lowe does with homers relative to other second basemen.” — Chris Towers
Michael King indicators with Padres
The theme of staying put this offseason continues for one more notable free agent, and the phrases are fairly fascinating. In all, the deal may very well be price $75 million over three years, however King may select to choose out after the primary or second 12 months, incomes the least sum of money upfront. That’s the kind of deal a participant indicators when he thinks he will not get he is price and wishes to resuscitate his worth, and to be truthful, he did miss a lot of 2025 with nerve impingement in his shoulder. But he did have his regular velocity when he returned in September, and each contender may use a pitcher like him.
It’s cause to marvel if there are lingering doubts about King’s ineffectiveness in September. He did not look as sharp though the rate checked out. In all, his transfer again into the beginning rotation in 2024 has been a smashing success, and he has top-25 upside at beginning pitcher. Given that the place is so deep, although, and he clearly has one thing to show nonetheless, he’ll come nearer to being the fiftieth beginning pitcher chosen. –Scott White
Ha-seong Kim indicators with Braves
Kim turned down his $16 million possibility with the Braves earlier this offseason however returns for an addition $4 million on a one-year. It’s a great slot in that the Braves badly want a shortstop with some offensive means and Kim badly wants to restore his worth after a season wrecked by accidents. He ought to play every single day simply as he did in September when the Braves claimed him off waivers from the Rays.
Whether he’ll carry out is one other matter. His 2025 was cut up evenly with 24 video games for the Rays and 24 for the Braves, and he did carry out higher as soon as he was again to enjoying repeatedly with the latter. But he additionally had zero steals with the latter and is not of a lot Fantasy curiosity with out these, notably since he is possible to bat low within the lineup. A 12-homer, 25-steal season is what you would fairly hope for, with 15 and 30 being his absolute upside, however he is far sufficient faraway from these sort of numbers that you need to method him with skepticism. He’s a late-round choose in leagues that require a 3rd center infielder (corresponding to commonplace Rotisserie). –Scott White
Adolis Garcia indicators with Phillies
Garcia, 32, has struggled with points in each knees and hasn’t been an influence hitter since 2023. The Phillies are betting they will unlock one thing and a minimum of squeeze a gentle improve from what Nick Castellanos has given them the previous few seasons. That’s not a foul wager on a one-year, $10 million contract. It’s an improve in supporting forged and home park, and that would present a bit of enhance to Garcia’s worth. But I’m not anticipating a George Springer-esque resurgence after two years of an OPS under .700 and declining underlying metrics. Maybe you would get 20 homers and 10 steals out of him as a late-round flier. –Chris Towers
Josh Bell indicators with Twins
Bell’s profession has been outlined by inconsistency, so a bounce-back in 2025 is not out of the query. That’s very true given his underlying metrics in 2025, which had been the very best we have seen from him since 2021, with a .358 xwOBA to go alongside with his finest strikeout fee in three years. It did not present up within the field rating till the second half of the season, when Bell hit .267/.353/.489. It’s not unreasonable to suppose there is a comparable ceiling in right here for 2026, although you actually should not draft Bell anticipating that. As a late-round flier for energy, you are able to do worse, nevertheless. –Chris Towers
Merrill Kelly indicators with Diamondbacks
Petty easy, this one. Apart from his two months with the Rangers on the finish of 2025, our solely recollection of Kelly is with the Diamondbacks, so we all know precisely what to count on. The solely query can be if he is starting to age out at 37, seeing as he was extra hittable throughout his 10 begins with the Rangers. No group would have a greater learn on him than the Diamondbacks, although, they usually’re prepared to pay him $20 million every of the subsequent two years. His velocity and ERA estimators have held regular, so I feel you possibly can draft him with confidence as an innings-eating rotation stabilizer within the fifth or sixth starter vary. You’ll most likely find yourself utilizing him greater than you count on to. –Scott White
Isaac Collins traded to Royals
For a minute there, Collins was the new factor in Fantasy, slashing .338/.425/.544 over a two-month stretch from June 12 by means of Aug. 11. And whereas he slashed solely .182/.303/.293 thereafter, slipping into extra of a part-time function, he nonetheless ended up reaching base at a .368 clip as a rookie. That’s possible what attracted the Royals to Collins, and with them, the switch-hitter is extra possible to play every single day.
My concern, although, is that the midseason scorching stretch inflated his stat line past what’s really cheap and that the season merely ended earlier than the correction may very well be totally utilized. He wasn’t a extremely regarded prospect, would not hit the ball with a lot authority, and would not make contact at an unusually excessive fee. He’s good at taking walks, as his minor league historical past additionally reveals, however main league pitchers will put a cease to that if the bat is not impactful sufficient. They’re higher at controlling the place the ball goes and can merely pound the strike zone. Maybe Collins will excel with the Royals and provides them their very own model of Sal Frelick. It’s extra attainable with them than with the Brewers. But that is modest upside for a participant with such a questionable profile, making him not price contemplating exterior of five-outfielder leagues. –Scott White
Dustin May indicators with Cardinals
Not a foul gamble for the Cardinals when you think about that May was a prized commodity as just lately as a 12 months in the past. He was getting back from flexor tendon surgical procedure in addition to a Tommy John revision, and clearly, issues did not prove so effectively. The Dodgers determined to lower bait, delivery him to the Red Sox for a few minor leaguers, but it surely did not enhance his circumstances in any respect. If nothing else, the Cardinals can present him with alternative given the sorry state of their beginning rotation. He’s misplaced about 2 mph from all three variations of his fastball (four-seamer, two-seamer and cutter), however he nonetheless will get depraved horizontal motion on a number of of his pitches. He’s an excessive amount of of a undertaking to draft in standard-size leagues, but when he begins getting some buzz this spring, that would change. –Scott White
It wasn’t even every week in the past that I stated Kyle Finnegan can be the favourite for saves in Detroit after signing a two-year, $19 million deal. I take all of it again. Jansen, the lively saves chief and fourth on the all-time listing with 476, turns into essentially the most confirmed nearer supervisor A.J. Hinch has ever had.
Hinch is notoriously noncommittal with his ninth-inning selections, which is why the Finnegan endorsement was a guarded one, however the final time he had a better broadly thought of to be top-of-the-line within the sport, Roberto Osuna in 2019, he acquired him 38 saves. Jansen presumably would not go to a crew that did not promise him the nearer function. The final time he acquired fewer than 25 saves in a season (2020 excluded) was 2011. It’s true he isn’t as dominant as he as soon as was, however he continues to get the job completed at 38 and has a great likelihood for 30-plus saves on an anticipated contender. You ought to goal him among the many prime 15 relievers in leagues that reward saves. –Scott White
Out with Pete Alonso. In with … Jorge Polanco? Yes, the Mets are going the thrifty route to substitute their All-Star first baseman, signing a longtime second baseman with the intention of transitioning him there. I say it is the thrifty route, however actually it is extra just like the short-term route, seeing as Polanco is slated to make $40 million over two years.
He earned that pay improve with a resurgent season in Seattle, his finest in 4 years. He had patellar tendon surgical procedure prior to the season, a situation he had been managing for years, and the underlying knowledge backs up the resurgence, specifically by means of improved exit velocities a drastically improved strikeout fee. In concept, he is going to a greater venue, however his xHR by ballpark is about the identical in New York and Seattle over the previous few years. Mostly, Polanco’s worth is tied to his second base eligibility, given that it is the weakest infield place, and this transfer places him within the dialog for prime 10 there. –Scott White
Ken Rosenthal already answered your query: The Braves nonetheless count on to use Raisel Iglesias as their nearer in 2026. The deal pays Suarez $13 million in 2026, with $16 million due in every of 2027 and 2028; with Iglesias solely below contract for yet another 12 months after re-signing earlier this offseason, the plan right here appears fairly clear. For 2026, Suarez is an overqualified setup man; in 2027, he ought to enter because the odds-on favourite to shut. Of course, he may find yourself closing in 2026 anyway, as Iglesias misplaced the texture for his slider in 2025 and subsequently misplaced his job (earlier than ultimately profitable it again). Winning it again from Suarez, who has a 2.87 ERA and 76 saves over the previous two seasons, is likely to be a more durable process. Iglesias stays within the top-12 nearer dialogue for 2026 drafts, however he is acquired to be seen as a riskier choose now than he was earlier than the Suarez signing. –Chris Towers
Pete Alonso indicators with Orioles
After he sat on the free agent market till February final offseason, Pete Alonso discovered his home a lot earlier this time round. And, for the primary time in his skilled profession, he will not be with the Mets, as he landed with the Orioles Wednesday on a five-year deal that may make him one of many highest-paid first basemen in MLB historical past. It’s a transfer that solutions some questions for the Orioles lineup in 2026 and raises a lot extra for the Mets. For extra, try out my full-length article. –Chris Towers
Here’s one more free agent who examined the free agent market and determined the grass wasn’t greener, on this case re-upping with the Tigers on a two-year, $19 million deal. Finnegan will not be of the identical stature as Kyle Schwarber, who additionally selected to keep put Tuesday, however he may very well be of use in Fantasy if he finally ends up claiming the nearer function for the Tigers. (Update: He possible will not with the next signing of Kenley Jansen.)
He kind of cut up the function with Will Vest after coming over from the Nationals in a deadline deal, however he has extra expertise in it and have become a significantly better pitcher with the Tigers, placing collectively a 1.50 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 11.5 Okay/9 in 16 appearances. Basically, they’d him throw his splitter twice as usually, and clearly, they suppose these positive factors will stick. –Scott White
Kyle Schwarber returning to the Phillies is an enormous deal for real-life baseball. Schwarber is among the 15 or so finest hitters in baseball (and the variety of higher energy hitters is an excellent shorter listing), however he is additionally been an integral a part of the Phillies’ clubhouse throughout their latest run of contending, they usually had been preventing off a variety of different contenders and would-be contenders for Schwarber’s companies. That’s a listing that included surprising names just like the Reds and Pirates, in addition to the Orioles, Mets, and others who had been all in on Schwarber to the tune of a minimum of $100 million. His touchdown spot may have essentially reshaped the look of any one among a few half-dozen groups.
For Fantasy, although, this deal would not actually matter all that a lot. We’ll at all times take the established order reigning when that entails an elite hitter staying in a great lineup, and it is most likely the very best likelihood Schwarber has to recreate his unimaginable 2025 season. But it additionally would not – or should not – change how anybody views him for Fantasy. It’s the established order, in spite of everything.
I’ll say this: I feel Schwarber’s worth in drafts might be a minimum of a bit of bit unreasonable. After sporting an ADP close to seventieth coming into 2025, he is sitting at 24.5 in early NFBC drafts to date. He was price that in 2025, however he additionally hit 18 extra homers than he had in 2024 and 9 greater than every other season in his profession, so anticipating a repeat might be asking so much. He’ll hit 40 or so with elite run manufacturing numbers, however he hasn’t hit higher than .248 since 2021 (when he was shielded from lots of the hardest lefties on the schedule in a manner he not is) and he’s a Util/DH-only participant for Fantasy. None of that must be thought of a deal breaker, however it might create some robust team-building issues when it prices a second-round choose. –Chris Towers
Edwin Diaz indicators with Dodgers
Edwin Diaz becoming a member of the Dodgers is one other transfer that feels extra momentous in actual life than in Fantasy. The Dodgers’ bullpen was their largest weak spot in 2025 and now they’ve signed the very best nearer available on the market. Of course they did. But Diaz was going to be a better irrespective of the place he signed, and if something, signing with a crew that gave out an enormous contract to one other shut final offseason and has different pitchers with closing expertise means there is likely to be a bit extra threat in drafting Diaz than there was earlier than. He’ll most likely stay a dominant pressure and safe 35-plus saves for the Dodgers, however he is unstable sufficient that it isn’t unimaginable to foresee a world during which he loses this job. Remember, it occurred to him for a stretch in 2024.
Tanner Scott is clearly undraftable in most leagues now, whereas Devin Williams appears safe a top-12 nearer and a high-profile bounce-back candidate if the Mets keep out of the nearer market shifting ahead. –Chris Towers
That the Mariners would commerce Ford, who has been one of many prime catcher prospects from the time he was drafted in 2021, was all however sure given the Cal Raleigh of all of it. That they’d get solely a blah reliever in return was surprising. But wait, wasn’t Ferrer the Nationals’ nearer by the top of final season? Yeah, as a result of they traded everybody else away. He throws arduous, however the numbers actually aren’t closer-caliber, and even if you would like to say his 3.03 FIP is extra indicative of his means than his 4.48 ERA, so what? Left-handers who get floor balls at a excessive fee, whereas helpful, usually aren’t thought of prime commerce foreign money. The Mariners really gave up a second minor-leaguer within the deal as effectively.
Clearly, Ferrer will not be closing video games anymore, so no matter Fantasy worth he may need had is now kaput. What about Ford? Well, the Nationals do have Keibert Ruiz locked up by means of 2030, however he was ravaged by concussions in 2025 and has carried out under expectations every of the previous two seasons. Unlike Raleigh, he is a catcher that Ford may fairly overtake. Ford stands out most for his plate self-discipline, having reached base at a .408 clip in 2025 and a .405 clip for his minor league profession, and he has playable pop to his pull facet. He had been a prolific base-stealer prior to now however put a cease to that in 2025, for some cause. With as deep as catcher is true now, you will not want to make an enormous play for him even in two-catcher leagues, however that would change if he garners a variety of buzz this spring. –Scott White
There had been three lesser prospects moved on this deal as effectively, however we’ll stick to the precept gamers. The Password, as Garcia is often recognized, is a borderline top-100 prospect who acquired 9 plate appearances for the Red Sox final 12 months after a productive exhibiting between Double- and Triple-A. But whereas energy is meant to be his calling card, he delivered solely an 86.4 mph common exit velocity in his 81 video games at Triple-A. His home run output depends on him pulling the ball within the air with regularity, and since PNC Park charges because the worst home run venue for right-handed hitters, that is … sort of an issue. Garcia additionally had a excessive chase fee at Triple-A, not to point out a excessive miss fee on pitches within the zone, so there are ample causes for skepticism right here, even when this traded provides him a a lot clearer path to enjoying time.
Oviedo additionally strikes me as extra of a curiosity than a real asset. His 9 begins late in 2025 a minimum of confirmed him to be wholesome after a prolonged restoration from Tommy John surgical procedure, however the outings had been quick, with just one exceeding 5 innings, and the three.57 ERA was undercut by a 4.92 FIP. While he reveals some potential as a bat-misser, it isn’t almost sufficient to make up for his vulnerability to walks and home runs, and my guess is that he’ll serve extra as a swingman than a full-time starter for the Red Sox. –Scott White
“My guess today is that Pagan does not sign as a closer.” That’s what I stated on the Fantasy Baseball Today podcast Monday evening. But the a technique to guarantee he’ll stay a better is to re-sign with the crew that simply used him as a better, and that is precisely what occurred Wednesay Monday Emilio Pagan indicators with Reds re-upped him on a two-year $20 million deal.
It may work out high-quality. It clearly did in 2025, seeing him recording 32 saves with a 2.88 ERA. But it marked solely the second time in six years that he had an ERA under 4.40, and he remained as homer-prone as ever, which accounts for the three.72 FIP and three.91 xFIP. Pitching in Cincinnati ought to solely exacerbate these home run issues, and simply because he dodged a bullet the primary time does not imply he’ll once more. He deserves to be drafted among the many prime 20 relievers, simply because there are solely so many in line for saves, however there’s particular bust potential. –Scott White
Mullins’ manufacturing has been in decline for some time now and hit all-time low when he batted .182 with a .565 OPS after becoming a member of the Mets in a midseason commerce. But he is nonetheless a plus defender in middle subject (which is greater than might be stated for Chandler Simpson), his exit velocities have held pretty regular even with the diminished manufacturing, and he simply delivered a career-high pull-air fee. There are worse gambles a thrifty membership may make than to ink a former 30/30 man to a one-year, $7 million deal. My finest guess is that Mullins matches into some sort of platoon and places up usable energy/velocity numbers for a five-outfielder league. Seeing as he is a profession .189 hitter with a .519 OPS at Tropicana Field, although, I’d be extra possible to regulate these expectations down than up. –Scott White
Early December is outwardly the time to store for failed main league pitchers who rehabilitated their worth in East Asia, as a result of Kay turns into the third such participant to check in two days. He’s the primary to signal out of Japan moderately than Korea, and whereas his 2025 strikeout fee wasn’t almost as spectacular in Cody Ponce’s, he was enjoying within the more durable league.
The 1.74 ERA is a pink herring (as such an ERA nearly at all times is) as a result of NPB has been going by means of a dead-ball part the previous few years, however Kay is a vastly totally different pitcher than once we final noticed him in 2023. He’s now primarily sinker/cutter moderately than fastball/slider, changing into the kind of excessive ground-ball pitcher (56 % fee in 2025) that may overcome a modest strikeout fee, and has a wider arsenal usually. He’s unlikely to be rather more than a streamer in Fantasy, notably pitching for a non-contender just like the White Sox, however as with each pitcher who takes this profession path, there’s the potential for a shock. –Scott White
Cody Ponce indicators with Blue Jays
After an unremarkable stint with the Pirates earlier within the decade, Ponce spent just a few years refining his sport abroad, and it culminated with him incomes MVP honors within the Korean Baseball Organization final 12 months. The award is straightforward to perceive given the numbers, however what’s behind these numbers? Apparently, he is added 2 mph to his fastball since we final noticed him in 2021, and he is additionally added a kick change (generally recognized as a splitter) that produces unimaginable tumbling motion with its minimal spin (usually under 1,000 rpm). Though he additionally has a sweeper, it is the fastball and changeup that primarily account for his 12.6 Okay/9, the best for any former MLB pitcher getting back from the KBO.
The Blue Jays are making a reasonable-sized dedication, too. Three years, $30 million, whereas having the potential to make him a cut price, is not stab-in-the-dark cash. They’re satisfied Ponce can maintain down a rotation spot for them, and I’m satisfied he’ll a minimum of be viable in Fantasy, with his core parts suggesting even higher than that. Still, the 2026 beginning pitcher crop is deep sufficient in upside performs that I could not justify utilizing greater than a late-round choose on him. –Scott White
A former fourth-round choose of the Diamondbacks, Weiss wasn’t ok to attain the majors earlier than departing for Korea in 2024, however after placing collectively spectacular numbers there in 2025 (see above), he’ll get an opportunity to compete for a spot within the Astros rotation on a one-year, $2.6 million deal. That’s not a terrific monetary dedication, clearly, which suggests {that a} market failed to develop for the soon-to-be 29-year-old. Between that and the dearth of clear explanations for Weiss’ breakthrough (past imprecise references to improved command and a broader secondary arsenal), I’m inclined to suppose it was much less about Weiss himself than his competitors. He could have stretches when he is streamable, however barring some eye-opening efficiency this spring, he ought to go largely undrafted in Fantasy. –Scott White
The Bronx chewed up and spit out Williams, heretofore a lockdown ace of a better, however certainly the opposite New York borough will makes for a gentler touchdown. Or … by no means. In reality, this deal provides little in the best way of closure as a result of the Mets’ mountain of assets permits them to pursue one other big-dollar reliever, up to and together with Edwin Diaz, who would in fact take priority over Williams within the ninth inning. But the Mets are paying Williams nearer cash — three years, $45 million, alongside with further incentives — so for now, let’s presume he is their nearer.
While we’d have appreciated him to land in a lower-pressure locale, the one cause to cite New York as the reason for his struggles is as a result of there are not any extra apparent ones. His pitches all had the identical form and velocity. He missed bats at his regular elite fee. His 3.11 xERA and a pair of.68 FIP had been each a lot decrease than his 4.79 ERA. He was mainly the identical pitcher. The outcomes had been simply worse. Normally, you’d wager on a rebound in that state of affairs, and I nonetheless suppose that is the correct transfer, which is why I rank him simply inside my prime 12 relievers. But I’d really feel higher had he signed someplace else. –Scott White
While some groups had been reportedly eyeing Helsley as a rotation candidate, the Orioles plan to use him as a better with Felix Bautista (shoulder) anticipated out for almost all of 2016. Helsley was a terrific nearer not so way back, registering 49 saves with a 2.04 ERA in 2024, however he was not so nice or perhaps a nearer when final we noticed him, placing collectively a 7.20 ERA in 22 appearances for the Mets following a midseason commerce from the Cardinals.
After getting to the foundation of the issue, which was apparently a inform in his supply, he completed his Mets tenure with seven scoreless innings, and the Orioles evidently felt assured sufficient give him a two-year, $28 million deal. It’s not the kind of contract that an ace reliever who’s fully worry-free would get, but it surely’s a sturdy dedication nonetheless. With the Orioles anticipated again in playoff rivalry, you need to anticipate drafting Helsley within the 12-15 vary at reduction pitcher. He’s has the potential to be prime 5. –Scott White
$210 million is some huge cash for a pitcher coming off a 4.55 ERA. But as I wrote in my extra in-depth breakdown of the signing, that ERA would not come shut to telling the entire story with Cease. Yes, he is frustratingly inconsistent. He’s additionally a real workhorse, taking the ball each fifth day and offering quantity and strikeouts. With ERA and WHIP threat, positive, however there’s clearly loads of upside there, too. He’s going off the board in early drafts round eightieth total, because the twentieth SP off the board or thereabouts, and that looks as if an ideal high-quality worth for a man with his combination of upside and projectable quantity. There aren’t many pitchers whose absolute best-case state of affairs is as engaging for Fantasy as Cease’s. –Chris Towers
The Red Sox have been anticipated to make an enormous splash in both free company or within the commerce marketplace for a rotation improve, and this commerce is likely to be it. Gray struggled to a 4.28 ERA and 1.23 WHIP final season, however his underlying metrics had been extra indicative of a top-of-rotation arm, together with a 26.7% strikeout fee, 3.39 FIP and three.29 SIERA. The 36-year-old has seen his velocity decline in consecutive seasons, nevertheless, and his high quality of contact metrics took an enormous step again in 2025, which is why his xERA was a extra pedestrian 3.90 mark. He’s a strong pitcher, each for the Red Sox and for Fantasy, however I do not suppose he is a needle-mover in both occasion at this level in his profession, even when the Red Sox may have the option to get him of their pitching lab and squeeze some additional worth out of him. There’s nonetheless room for the Red Sox to improve this rotation, in different phrases. –Chris Towers
In trade for Gray, the Cardinals acquired a few fascinating youthful arms. Fitts is extra of a recognized amount, and he hasn’t given us a lot cause to be excited. He had a 5.00 ERA with even worse peripherals in 2025, so whereas he may slide into the Cardinals rotation, it will largely be for an absence of higher choices. Clarke is the extra fascinating long-term undertaking, with a fastball that may contact 100 mph and a slider that’s already a weapon. The remainder of the arsenal is a piece in progress. He walked 27 in simply 38 innings throughout two ranges of A-Ball in 2025, so this can be a actual undertaking. If all comes collectively, he may have the option to hack it as a starter, however he appears extra like a Ryan Helsley-in-waiting kind of high-leverage bullpen arm in the long term.
The different factor price noting right here is that, with Gray out of the image and Miles Mikolas leaving through free company, there are a number of holes within the Cardinals rotation proper now. Prospects Quinn Mathews and Tink Hence have expertise within the excessive minors and may very well be choices for the 2026 rotation, although each have troublesome 2025 campaigns that would lead the crew to need to see extra success at Triple-A earlier than they make that decision. For Fantasy, these are each names to know heading into spring coaching in case they will steal rotation spots. Liam Doyle, a 2025 first-round choose, appears possible to be extra of a midseason consideration after he threw simply 3 2/3 post-draft innings within the execs, however he may completely be a quick riser early in 2026, too. –Chris Towers
The Mets and Rangers continued the early offseason pattern of buying and selling main leaguers for different main leaguers in an trade of two growing older ones with a number of years remaining on their offers. Nimmo, who’s 32, has proven solely faint indicators of decline, if even these, persevering with to make worthwhile contributions in home runs and stolen bases with huge run and RBI manufacturing. He’s becoming a member of a worse lineup that performs in a worse venue, however any adjustments to his manufacturing can be slight, presuming good well being.
Semien, who’s 35, has seen his manufacturing nosedive the previous two years, however this commerce could serve to sluggish and even reverse the decline given the park improve. Statcast estimates he’d have a dozen extra home runs throughout that very same two-year span if he had performed each sport at Citi Field. That’s my largest takeaway from this commerce, however Chris Towers has written an entire breakdown of it, which you could find right here. –Scott White
Iglesias re-ups for one 12 months at precisely the identical fee ($16 million) because the earlier three. Clearly, the Braves had been on the lookout for continuity, and that makes the evaluation right here moderately straightforward. He’s the nearer once more for an anticipated contender and a close to lock for 30 saves, supplied he stays wholesome. He missed that quantity by one in 2025, largely due to some early-season struggles. Once he reduce on his slider, although, he was clearly again to type, compiling a 1.25 ERA, 0.69 WHIP and 10.0 Okay/9 in his remaining 45 appearances. That’ll play, all proper, and positions Iglesias to be one of many first 12 relievers off the board in 2026. –Scott White
What a fall for Rodriguez, who was regarded a pair years in the past as one of many sport’s burgeoning aces after a multi-year run as a top-10 total prospect. Now, the Orioles have dealt him away for one 12 months of some 32-year-old outfielder who simply hit .228. That’s not fully truthful to Ward, who additionally linked for 36 home runs in 2025, however most projections have him regressing to 25-30 in 2026. He’s additionally becoming a member of a crew that is loaded with solid-but-less-than-All-Star-worthy nook bats. There already wasn’t room within the lineup for all of Dylan Beavers, Samuel Basallo, Coby Mayo, Tyler O’Neill and Ryan Mountcastle. Now, there’s room for one fewer. It will not be Ward, however does that imply we’ll have to wait even longer for Basallo to contribute in Fantasy? If so, that is a bummer.
But the true story right here is Rodriguez, who Angels GM Perry Minasian says is anticipated to be prepared for spring coaching after lacking all of 2025 with lat and elbow points. The lat has been a recurring downside, additionally costing Rodriguez time in 2024 and as a minor leaguer in 2022, and the elbow required debridement surgical procedure in August. The Orioles solely made this deal as a result of they could not belief him to keep wholesome, however having stated that, he would not be the primary pitcher to overcome a multi-year harm pattern and nonetheless go on to meet his potential. We haven’t any proof that his stuff has diminished with this newest rash of accidents, so I’m nonetheless inclined to rank him as a prime 75 beginning pitcher for 2026. This commerce is bound to give some drafters pause even at that late stage, although. –Scott White
Grisham’s resolution to settle for the qualifying provide is a curious one on condition that he simply had far and away his finest season, homering 34 instances as the first middle fielder for the Yankees. Some main shops had been projecting him to obtain a four- or five-year deal for the same annual worth because the qualifying provide, however his agent most likely has a greater learn available on the market.
If nothing else, you would say he is betting on himself with this transfer, hoping to re-enter the market subsequent offseason with out the stigma of being a one-hit marvel, however now comes the arduous half: doing it once more. You may suppose the return to Yankee Stadium will assist, on condition that he is a left-handed batter, however he really hit two-thirds of his home runs on the street. If the Yankees are critical about giving Jasson Dominguez common enjoying time subsequent 12 months and likewise bringing again Cody Bellinger, Grisham could also be preventing for at-bats once more. The Yankees nonetheless make for a greater touchdown than a variety of golf equipment, however you possibly can perceive why drafters may method Grisham with some skepticism in 2026. –Scott White
A modest exhibiting by Torres in 2025 led him to settle for the Tigers’ qualifying provide moderately than testing the free agent market, and also you may suppose a return to Comerica Park is a foul transfer for his Fantasy worth given its popularity. But it really performed effectively for right-handed hitters in 2025, and Torres batted .285 with a .449 slugging proportion there in contrast to .223 and .327 on the street. On stability, he carried out effectively under his .271 xBA and .452 xSLG, having delivered his finest common exit velocity in three years and a few of his finest stroll and strikeout numbers ever, so some higher luck would go a good distance towards redeeming him in Fantasy. He’s not a surefire top-12 alternative, although, even at a place as skinny as second base. –Scott White
Something tells me that if Woodruff hadn’t gone into the offseason nursing a lat harm, he would not have had to settle for the Brewers’ qualifying provide, as an alternative pursuing a multi-year deal. But now, he is again in prove-it mode after already overcoming a extra important shoulder harm in close to miraculous vogue. Even although the shoulder capsule surgical procedure that he underwent in 2023 took 3 mph off his fastball — usually a career-ender for a pitcher, notably one so fastball-reliant — he mainly picked up the place he left off statistically, even delivering the very best strikeout fee of his profession. A brand new cutter is essentially to credit score for saving him, and his fortunes rose and fell with its utilization. He’ll be a lot motivated now that he is pitching for a contract once more, however he would have been price deciding on among the many prime 36 beginning pitchers both manner. –Scott White
The Cubs’ resolution to decline Imanaga’s three-year, $57.5 million possibility after the season makes extra sense now that we see the best way every little thing performed out. They most likely suspected he’d settle for the $22.025 million qualifying provide, which he did, so now they nonetheless have him however with out the multi-year dedication.
The maneuver would appear to alleviate suspicions that he is cooked, which had been price entertaining on condition that a variety of key metrics fell off throughout his sophomore season, specifically his Okay/9 fee (from 9.0 to 7.3) and his swinging-strike fee (from 14.5 % to 11.9 %). It’s kind of deceptive to name it his sophomore season on condition that he is 32, and his age contributed to these fears of decline as effectively. Still, he was efficient when wholesome, remaining a standout for WHIP particularly. No one will mistake him for an ace in 2026, however he must be drafted within the center rounds. –Scott White
Normally, a hitter signing with the Mariners would not be essentially the most favorable end result given T-Mobile Park’s popularity as a pitcher-friendly venue. But Naylor did not have any issues there after coming over in a midseason commerce with the Diamondbacks, batting .360 (32 for 89) with 5 homers and a 1.015 OPS within the Mariners’ home video games.
Moreover, the Mariners appeared to unlock the base-stealer in him. His 11 stolen bases in 93 video games with the Diamondbacks had been stunning sufficient, however then he had 19 in simply 54 video games with the Mariners. Given his third percentile dash velocity, another crew may need put a cease to that, however the Mariners do not appear to care. He was succeeding, in spite of everything. It’s uncertain he steals 30 once more, which is why he stays solely eighth in my first base rankings, however a return to the Mariners improves Naylor’s probabilities of remaining a base-stealer in some capability. For extra, try Chris Towers’ full-length article. –Scott White
