Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Justin Turner hit his second home run of the season in Friday's 5-1 win over the Padres. It was a solo shot, and he also added an RBI single. The veteran has six multi-hit games on the year and is now batting a robust .345 on the young season, with two home runs, 11 RBI, and eight runs scored.

Baltimore Orioles closer Craig Kimbrel helped spoil the Pittsburgh Pirates' home opener in Friday's 5-2 win, preserving the victory and notching his first save of the year with two strikeouts in a clean ninth inning. It was a bit of a rocking-chair save for the 35-year-old nine-time All-Star, who sat down the sixth, seventh, and eighth hitters of Pittsburgh's lineup with relative ease. Kimbrel really struggled in spring ball, floundering to a 7.50 ERA and serving up two homers in six spring training innings, also blowing his first save chance of the year but escaping with the win in Monday's walk-off triumph over the visiting Kansas City Royals. With that said, Friday was a strong bounce-back performance. 2023 All-Star Yennier Cano has fired 4 1/3 scoreless frames and could eventually come knocking on the door for save chances of his own, but Kimbrel is a good bet to tally at least 20 saves in 2024.

Baltimore Orioles closer Craig Kimbrel blew his first save of the season but earned a win in Monday's 6-4 game against the Royals. Kimbrel came in to pitch the top of the ninth inning up by one. He got the first out on a strikeout, allowed a single, allowed the runner to advance to third on two consecutive steals, gave up the tying run on a sacrifice fly, and got the final out on another strikeout. The O's would walk it off in the bottom half of the inning, making Kimbrel the winning pitcher of record. It wasn't a bad outing for the 36-year-old, who racked up 23 saves last season and is clearly the team's closer to start the season. This means he should have a pretty long leash, but, hopefully, he can pick up his first save with his new team in his next opportunity.

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman smacked his first homer of the season in a 7-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Freeman showed why he was a top-five pick in most drafts, going 2-for-3 with the aforementioned home run while knocking in three and scoring a pair of runs. Statlines like this should be common occurrences for Freeman, who will have plenty of runners on base when he hits with Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani batting before him. Expect another brilliant season from the 34-year-old.

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman finished Spring Training with a 1-for-4 performance against the Los Angeles Angels. Freeman's lone hit was a solo home run. For the spring, the veteran finishes with four homers, 16 RBI and a .282 average. Although he is another year older, Freeman remains as consistent as they come. One of the safest picks this season, Freeman should once again put-up big power numbers with a healthy batting average. He remains as safe of a pick as there is entering 2024 and should have even more RBI opportunities with Shohei Ohtani joining Mookie Betts as the two batters in front of Freeman this season.

Baltimore Orioles closer Craig Kimbrel (quadriceps) threw a live batting practice session on Monday at camp and said he felt great. Kimbrel expects to make his Grapefruit League debut on Thursday. Kimbrel dealt with quadriceps soreness over the weekend and was shut down for a few days as a precaution. The 35-year-old veteran reliever is feeling good again now, though, and has plenty of time to get himself right before Opening Day at the end of March. Kimbrel joined the Orioles in the offseason on a one-year deal to serve as the team's closer in 2024 with Felix Bautista (elbow) out for the year. He led the Phillies with 23 saves in 2023 and had a 3.26 ERA and 1.04 WHIP with 94 strikeouts in 69 innings. Injuries are a concern, but as long as he's healthy, he should receive plenty of save opportunities in Baltimore.

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman went 1-for-2 with a homer, sacrifice fly, two RBI and a run scored in Friday's 4-1 Cactus League win over the Padres. Freeman was batting in his usual second spot in the order and picking right where he left off last season. He ambushed the first pitch he saw from Padres right-handed starter Jhony Brito, sending it over the left-centerfield wall for his first home run of the spring. In his third at-bat, the perennial All-Star nearly had another HR when he sent the first pitch he saw to the warning track in right-center, but it resulted in a sac fly instead, driving in his second run of the game. As one would expect, Freeman hasn't missed a beat, and after hitting .331-29-102-131-23 last season, the veteran appears primed for another strong campaign. Now projected to hit in front of last year's AL MVP, Shohei Ohtani, his run totals could see a bump, and he had 12 more SB than any first baseman in 2023. Going around eighth overall, the 34-year-old is a fine foundational piece and multi-category contributor for any 2024 fantasy baseball team.

Baltimore Orioles closer Craig Kimbrel (quadriceps) said he cut his live batting practice session in camp on Saturday shorty by around five pitches because he felt some tightness in his lower body. However, Kimbrel isn't concerned after getting treatment from trainers. He's scheduled to throw again on Monday. Manager Brandon Hyde later said Kimbrel was dealing with quadriceps soreness. While it doesn't appear to be a serious injury, it's something to watch for the 35-year-old right-hander as we get close to Opening Day in late March. If healthy, Kimbrel, who is the active MLB leader in saves, will operate as Baltimore's full-time closer with Felix Bautista (elbow) out for the whole year.

Free-agent infielder/designated hitter Justin Turner signed a one-year deal with a $13 million base salary on Tuesday with the Toronto Blue Jays, according to a source. The deal includes $1.5 million in roster and performance bonuses for the 2024 season. While Turner can play both third and first base, he's primarily expected to serve as Toronto's primary designated hitter as he heads into his age-40 season. After whiffing on some other big bats in free agency, Turner will provide excellent clubhouse leadership and some extra pop from the right side of the plate. He had a career-high 96 RBI for the Boston Red Sox in 2023 while also slashing .276/.345/.455 with 23 home runs. Staying in the American League East and moving to another hitter-friendly ballpark should help his cause as a corner infield option with good on-base skills and some modest power.

Free-agent infielder/designated hitter Justin Turner slashed a strong .276/.345/.455 with the Boston Red Sox in 2023 and is widely regarded as a great clubhouse presence. However, evaluators think most of Turner's playing time needs to be at DH, which is how he was used in Boston. He had 98 games at DH, 41 at first base, 10 at second base and seven at third. Turner's hard-hit rate of 38.7% in 2023 was his lowest mark since 2018, a season in which he hit .312. It's never really been a strength of his, though, as his highest hard-hit rate was 44% in 2020. The 39-year-old had a career-high 96 RBI in a career-high 626 plate appearances and also came one short of his career-high in runs scored with the Red Sox, but his age and playing-time concerns (he's still a free agent) are big concerns for his fantasy profile as a corner infield option in deep-mixed leagues.

Free-agent infielder/designated hitter Justin Turner is expected to make a decision on free agency this week regarding where he will be playing in 2024. The 39-year-old slashed .276/.345/.455 with 23 home runs in 146 games played, posting a 114 wRC+ last year with the Boston Red Sox. Turner has maintained a wRC+ of at least 114 every season since 2014, showcasing his ability to remain a productive hitter despite his age. The Giants, Mets, Blue Jays, and Cubs are all seeking to add an impact corner outfielder, and Turner is likely to land with one of those teams after spending 2023 with the Red Sox and the previous nine seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Atlanta Braves right-hander Charlie Morton (finger) said that his finger is fine and that he's fully healthy heading into the 2024 season. The Braves were a bit uncertain about bringing back Morton for his age-40 season, but they still went ahead and picked up his $20 million option for 2024 this offseason. Morton had a career-worst 11.6 percent walk rate in his third year with Atlanta in 2023, but he still managed to strike out 183 batters and had a decent 3.64 ERA (3.87 FIP) and 1.43 WHIP in 163 1/3 total innings over his 30 starts. Morton might have just one season left in him, but he makes for a solid middle-of-the-rotation arm for the Braves and carries more fantasy appeal while being backed by one of the best offenses in the league. He's been reliable, making at least 30 starts in each season since 2018, excluding the shortened 2020 campaign.

Free-agent relief pitcher Adam Ottavino and the New York Mets agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million deal, pending a physical, on Saturday. Ottavino became a free agent this offseason after declining a $6.75 million player option, with $4 million of it being deferred. The 38-year-old veteran will return on a cheaper deal and will return in a high-leverage role as a setup man ahead of closer Edwin Diaz, who missed all of 2023 due to a knee injury. Ottavino had a 3.21 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 62 strikeouts and a career-high 12 saves in 61 2/3 relief innings in Queens last season. His velocity dipped in 2023, though, and opponents squared him up much more often, meaning he might not be as effective in 2024 if that trend continues. Ottavino also won't be in line for nearly as many save chances as long as Diaz is healthy.

The New York Mets have reportedly considered free-agent relief pitcher Adam Ottavino as an option to bolster their bullpen this offseason. The 38-year-old veteran pitched well for the Mets last season, going 1-7 with 12 saves and 12 holds along with a 3.21 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 23.8% strikeout rate in 61 2/3 innings pitched. Ottavino's fantasy relevance would most likely come in saves-plus-holds leagues wherever he ends up, although he likely would not see as many save opportunities if he rejoined the Mets, as Edwin Diaz will be returning from a right patellar tendon repair.

Free agent infielder Justin Turner and the New York Mets are engaged in talks on a potential reunion. The 39-year-old produced a .276/.345/.455 slash line with 23 homers and 96 RBI in 146 games for the Boston Red Sox. These talks come on the heels of losing third baseman Ronny Mauricio to an ACL tear. Turner hasn't shown much in the way of falling off because of age. He could be of use in a starting or part-time role. The veteran played for the Mets between 2011-2013. 2012 was the last time Turner posted an OPS+ under 100. His 96 RBI last season was a career-high. Keep in mind Turner's standing going into Spring Training to see where to draft him.

A trio of Los Angeles Dodgers superstars attended a meeting with free-agent pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Tuesday at Dodger Stadium, as Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts all were part of the discussion. Of course, Ohtani's presence is the key, as he is a countryman of Yamamoto's and a teammate of his in March's World Baseball Classic championship with Team Japan. The right-hander and Ohtani have dominated the rumor mill this offseason, and there are reportedly plenty of clubs pursuing Yamamoto's services on the open market. A two-time NPB MVP, Yamamoto, 25, worked to a dominant 1.21 ERA across 23 outings with the Orix Buffaloes last season.

Free-agent right-handed reliever Craig Kimbrel and the Baltimore Orioles agreed to a one-year, $13 million deal on Wednesday, according to sources. The contract includes a $13 million club option for the 2025 season. Talks between the two sides began to heat up on Tuesday night, and the O's have now secured the 35-year-old closer at the Winter Meetings. He had a nice 3.26 ERA with 94 strikeouts and 23 saves during the regular season in 2023 for the Philadelphia Phillies. Kimbrel, a nine-time All-Star, has 417 career saves in 14 big-league seasons with seven different teams. With Felix Bautista (elbow) out for all of the 2024 season, it seems likely that Kimbrel is going to serve as Baltimore's primary closer, which will make him a high-end fantasy closing target in spring drafts.

The Baltimore Orioles have been "seriously engaged" with free-agent relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel, MLB Network's Joel Sherman reported Tuesday. The O's will be without their All-Star closer Felix Bautista (elbow) in 2024 while he recovers from Tommy John surgery. While the team does have several late-inning relievers, a player with Kimbrel's career numbers could help shut things down at the end of games. The 35-year-old veteran had a mixed 2023 season with the Phillies, converting 23 of 28 save opportunities in the regular season with a 3.26 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 33.8% strikeout rate. However, he posted a bloated 6.00 ERA in seven postseason appearances.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are looking to upgrade at the third base position this offseason. The organization is reportedly expressing interest in veteran third baseman Justin Turner. The 38-year-old is coming off a surprisingly strong season with the Boston Red Sox in 2023. Turner slashed .276/.345/.455 with 23 homers and a career-high 96 RBI in 626 plate appearances. The D-Backs don't have many options at third base with Evan Longoria and Emmanuel Rivera being their primary options at the hot corner last season. Turner should have multiple suitors this offseason, but the D-Backs certainly appear to be a good fit on paper.