The Arizona Diamondbacks declined their $5 million mutual option for the 2024 season on right-hander Mark Melancon (shoulder) over the weekend. Instead, Arizona will give Melancon a $2 million buyout as he hits the open market this offseason. The move was entirely expected, as the 38-year-old right-handed veteran reliever missed all of 2023 due to a right-shoulder strain. Melancon is a four-time All-Star and has 262 career saves in 14 seasons in the big leagues, but he's nearing the end of his career and wasn't very effective in 2022 with a 4.66 ERA (4.20 FIP) and 1.50 WHIP with 18 saves, 21 walks and only 35 strikeouts in 56 innings over 62 appearances out of Arizona's bullpen. The soft-tosser isn't going to have a robust market as a late-inning reliever heading into his age-39 season in 2024.

The Atlanta Braves exercised right-hander Charlie Morton's $20 million option for the 2024 season on Monday. Morton will turn 40 years old next week, but he had a 3.64 ERA (3.87 FIP) and 1.43 WHIP with 83 walks and 183 strikeouts in 163 1/3 innings over 30 starts for Atlanta in 2023 and has a 3.77 ERA with 604 strikeouts in 521 innings over the last three seasons with the Braves, including two 14-win campaigns. Morton could be playing in his final big-league season in 2024, and there were some signs of regression, as expected, last year. He had a bloated 11.6 percent walk rate. However, he was able to keep the ball in the park for the most park and had a strong 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings. Injuries will be a concern, but Morton will continue to have fantasy appeal in fantasy leagues because of strikeout ability and the fact that he pitches for one of the best teams in baseball.

Former New York Mets reliever Adam Ottavino has declined his $6.75 million player option with the club for the 2024 season and will become a free agent. The reliever will be in search of a new multi-year deal on the open market as $4 million of his $6.75 player option was to be deferred. The 37-year-old should garner significant interest on the open market as he is coming off his second straight excellent season with the Mets. Ottavino worked to a healthy 3.21 ERA across 66 appearances in 2023, just one season after tossing a sterling 2.06 ERA across another 66 appearances with the Mets. A veteran of 664 career big-league appearances, the right-hander owns a 3.42 ERA across 13 seasons spent with the Cardinals, Rockies, Yankees, Red Sox, and Mets.

As expected, the Boston Red Sox declined their 2024 option on right-hander Corey Kluber (shoulder) on Friday, while third baseman/designated hitter Justin Turner declined his $13.4 million 2024 option. Both players are now free agents. Turner will receive a $6.7 million buyout. Turner is nearing 40 years of age (he's 38), but he didn't lack for production in his lone season in Beantown in 2023, hitting 23 home runs and driving in a career-high 96 runs. Fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting him to match that in 2024, but he will certainly have suitors. Kluber, 37, had a 7.04 ERA and 1.66 WHIP in 55 innings over 15 games (nine starts) in his first and only year in Boston before being shut down for good in mid-September with a shoulder injury. He should be ready for the start of 2024, but the two-time Cy Young winner doesn't appear to have much left and could be ticketed for a full-time relief role wherever he lands.

Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel took the loss in Game 4 of the NLCS on Friday when he surrendered three earned runs on three hits with one strikeout over just 2/3 of an inning in a 6-5 defeat at the hands of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Kimbrel entered the game in the bottom of the eighth inning and was tasked with protecting a 5-3 Phillies lead. Things got off to a rough start as he allowed a double to Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to lead off the inning. He then got Evan Longoria to line out before serving up the game-tying home run to Alek Thomas. He struck out Geraldo Perdomo next but then allowed a single to Ketel Marte and hit Corbin Carroll with a pitch before being replaced by Jose Alvarado. Marte would come around to score to give the D-Backs a one-run lead and that would be enough to win the ball game. Kimbrel was near-perfect over his first four appearances this postseason, recording three saves in three chances. However, he's been shaky over the last two contests, allowing four earned runs and taking two losses in the process. Overall, he has a 7.20 ERA, 2.00 WHIP, and a 3:4 K/BB ratio over five innings pitched this postseason. Kimbrel and the Phillies will look to take back the series lead on Saturday at Citizen's Bank Park.

Atlanta Braves right-hander Charlie Morton (finger) threw a bullpen session on Friday and he seemed to get through it just fine. Morton is trying to get himself ready in case the Braves advance past the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Division Series and get to the Championship Series. The 39-year-old veteran landed on the injured list with inflammation in his right index finger on Sept. 24. It's unclear if he'd return in a relief role, but Morton was a significant part of Atlanta's starting rotation all year, going 14-12 with a 3.64 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 183 strikeouts in 163 1/3 innings over his 30 starts. Morton brings plenty of postseason experience, too, having posted a 3.60 ERA with 92 strikeouts in 80 innings over 18 playoff appearances since 2013.

New York Mets relief pitcher Adam Ottavino gave up two runs on two hits and a walk with one strikeout but held on for his 12th save of the year in Game 1 of Saturday's twin bill with the Philadelphia Phillies. Ottavino, brought on to protect a three-run lead, nearly spoiled a great Tylor Megill start. Brandon Marsh split the left-center field gap for a ground rule RBI double across before Weston Wilson snuck an RBI single up the middle. Ottavino struck out Jake Cave looking before grooving a fastball for Cristian Pache to get under it for a relieving flyout. It always feels like an adventure when Ottavino takes the mound, but the 37-year-old helped fill in as closer after July's David Robertson trade. He totes a 3.21 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 62:29 K:BB with 12 saves in 61 2/3 frames. The right-hander has a 2024 player option.

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman went 3-for-4 with a home run, a double, and three runs scored in Friday's 6-2 win over the San Francisco Giants. Freeman scored a run after a first-inning single before whacking a solo shot in the third frame. He doubled and came around for another during the sixth on a J.D. Martinez homer to help the Dodgers pull away a bit. Another game with three knocks or greater raises the tally to 21 on the campaign for the seven-time All-Star, who absolutely crushed it in his second year with LA. Freeman is slashing a ludicrous .334/.412/.572 with 29 round-trippers, 102 RBI, 131 runs scored, and 23 stolen bases in 721 trips to the plate. He's one double short of being the first to reach 60 since 1936.

Boston Red Sox infielder/designated hitter Justin Turner is taking the day off on Thursday against the Baltimore Orioles. Turner will take a seat in Baltimore after starting each of the team's last seven games. Masataka Yoshida is serving as the designated hitter and batting third, while Bobby Dalbec is at first base and hitting in the eight-hole against Orioles right-hander Dean Kremer. The 38-year-old Turner has had a pretty strong season in his first year in Beantown, slashing .274/.344/.455 with 23 home runs, 96 RBI, four stolen bases and 85 runs scored in 547 at-bats. He's tailed off considerably in the final month of the season, though, going 17-for-84 (.202) with only one homer, three doubles, nine RBI, 23 strikeouts and seven runs scored in 22 starts in September.

Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel blew his fifth save of the season in Tuesday's 3-2 extra-innings win over the Pirates. Kimbrel came in to pitch the eighth inning up by one. He got the first out on a strikeout, allowed a game-tying home run, and got the final two outs on groundouts. The veteran has spent a good deal of time as the team's closer this season, but the Phillies have been mixing up their bullpen usage lately. Kimbrel has now converted 23 of 28 save opportunities with a 3.36 ERA and an 11.96 K/9 rate. Jose Alvarado has been the hot hand of late in the team's bullpen, but Kimbrel may still be able to provide some final fantasy value in the last days of the season.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton was removed from Friday's game due to an injury in his right index finger. It was first thought Morton had a blister, but he felt something on a pitch and was replaced soon after. X-rays were negative but he'll go for an MRI on Saturday. Look for an update with what the testing provides and if it'll be an issue going forward for Morton.

New York Mets relief pitcher Adam Ottavino picked up his 11th save of the season in Monday's 2-1 win over the Marlins. Ottavino came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth up by one and delivered a 1-2-3 inning with two strikeouts. The veteran has pitched well all season and has done a nice job in the closer's role, converting all but three save opportunities with a 2.87 ERA. It remains to be seen how many more save opportunities the Mets may have this season, but Ottavino is worth rostering in at least roto leagues for the final few weeks.

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman is getting the day off on Sunday against the Seattle Mariners. After the Dodgers clinched their 10th NL West crown in the last 11 seasons, they're resting some of their veterans, including Mookie Betts and Freeman. The 34-year-old All-Star is slashing .335/.413/.570 with 26 home runs, 93 RBI, and 19 stolen bases over 582 at-bats on the season. Enrique Hernandez is starting at first base in Freeman's place and batting fifth against Logan Gilbert and the M's.

New York Mets relief pitcher Adam Ottavino earned his 10th save of the season in Tuesday's 7-4 win over the Diamondbacks. Ottavino entered the game in the eighth inning up by two with one out and the bases loaded. He got a groundball double play to end the inning and stayed on to pitch the ninth, tossing a 1-2-3 inning with a strikeout. The veteran has had a strong September, converting all three save opportunities with a 1.93 ERA. There are only a few weeks left in the season, but Ottavino is worth a roster spot in roto leagues at this time.

Philadelphia Phillies closer Craig Kimbrel was charged with his sixth loss of the season in Tuesday's 7-6 extra-innings loss to the Braves. Kimbrel came in to pitch the top of the 10th inning with a free runner on second. He got the first out on a groundout, allowed the go-ahead RBI single, and got the final two outs on flyouts. The Phillies did not score in the bottom half of the inning, saddling Kimbrel with the loss. The veteran has had some ups and downs but has been solid overall this season, going 7-6 with 23 saves, a 3.34 ERA, and an 11.90 K/9 rate.

On Sunday against the Twins, New York Mets right-handed veteran relief pitcher Adam Ottavino hurled a perfect ninth inning, earning his ninth save of the season. Ottavino recorded one save in August after David Robertson was dealt to the Marlins. However, he's logged two consecutive saves despite being spaced a week apart. The 37-year-old has posted a 3-7 record, a 3.05 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP in 65 contests. He's also struck out 63 batters in 56 innings pitched in this year's campaign.

In Sunday's 7-3 victory against the Orioles, Boston Red Sox designated hitter Justin Turner went 2-for-5 at the plate. Turner remains a reliable asset in Boston as he is hitting .285/.355/.480 this season. He's also hit 23 home runs and logged 94 RBI in 498 at-bats. It's worth noting that Turner has been battling a foot injury, which adds an element of concern. The 38-year-old could be shut down soon if Boston is eliminated from playoff contention this week.

Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Mark Melancon (shoulder) is beginning to throw bullpen sessions to help build up his arm strength. The 38-year-old started his throwing program back in late-May. However, he recently was cleared to begin doing bullpen sessions. The veteran reliever has been out all season due to a lingering shoulder issue. At this point, it's uncertain if Melancon will be able to get ready in time to help the D-Backs this season. Possibly, the D-Backs decide to keep Melancon around for the 2024 campaign.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton continued his hot stretch in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Rockies. The veteran pitched six innings, allowing one run on three hits and two walks with eight strikeouts. Morton has had an up-and-down season but has now allowed just one run over his last four starts, bringing his season stats to a 14-10 record with a 3.29 ERA in 26 starts. Morton's next start will be a tough test at the Dodgers, but his recent success should hopefully instill a bit of confidence in fantasy managers who are not in a position to sit him.

Philadelphia Phillies closer Craig Kimbrel picked up his 21st save of the season in Monday's 6-4 win over the Angels. Kimbrel entered to pitch the top of the ninth up by two and delivered a 1-2-3 inning with no strikeouts. The veteran has now converted 21 of 23 save opportunities this season with a 3.21 ERA and an 11.89 K/9 rate. Kimbrel is not as elite of a fantasy option as he once was, but he should still offer higher-end production for the rest of the season.