Mon Nov 11 | 12:04 | Six Teams Very Interested In Christian Walker | Christian Walker | DH | Orioles | Free Agent |
The Arizona Diamondbacks extended a qualifying offer to first baseman Christian Walker this past week and he has two weeks to decide on whether or not to accept it. Should he not, it is reported that there are at least six teams that will "aggressively pursue" the would-be free agent, although most major league clubs would be interested in his services. The Yankees and Mets appear to be the most likely landing spots if he doesn't return to Arizona, as the Yankees will likely need to replace Anthony Rizzo and the Mets will likely need to replace Pete Alonso. With Walker entering the 2025 season at age 34, he's not expected to cost as much as Alonso would, but can bring some good pop with his bat and just earned his third consecutive Gold Glove award. |
Source: Bob Nightengale | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Nov 9 | 11:33 | Nick Martinez Expected To Accept Qualifying Offer | Nick Martinez | SP | Rangers | Free Agent |
Free-agent right-handed pitcher Nick Martinez is expected to accept the Cincinnati Reds' qualifying offer worth $21.05 million, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. This past summer, Martinez logged a career-high 142 1/3 innings and is now expected to return to Cincinnati. Last summer, the right-hander held a strong 3.10 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and a 18:116 BB:K. The 34-year-old posted a stellar 3.2% walk rate, 5.1% barrel rate, and a 30.5% hard-hit rate, which were among the highest marks among qualified pitchers last season. Seeing Martinez show great command as a starter makes him an intriguing option later in drafts this offseason, especially if you are looking to boost your team's WHIP ratio. |
Source: Jon Heyman | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Nov 7 | 18:25 | T.J. McFarland Re-Signs With The A's | T.J. McFarland | RP | Orioles | Free Agent |
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the A's have re-signed relief pitcher T.J. McFarland on a one-year contract. McFarland posted a 3.81 ERA and 1.24 WHIP with a 17:39 BB:K across 56 2/3 innings of work. Under the hood, he carried a stellar 59.4% ground-ball rate and was able to maintain soft contact at a 4.6% barrel rate and a 34.9% hard-hit rate. However, he struggled in generating whiffs, as he posted a mere 16.6% strikeout rate, one of the lowest marks among qualified pitchers. Fantasy managers should expect McFarland to return to his high-leverage role pitching in the seventh or eighth innings of games, but he will have his save opportunities capped with Mason Miller poised to return to his closer role. |
Source: Bob Nightengale | RotoBaller.com |
Wed Nov 6 | 22:00 | Astros Having Discussions About Trading Ryan Pressly | Ryan Pressly | RP | Twins | Free Agent |
The Houston Astros have had internal discussions related to potentially trading reliever Ryan Pressly. The 35-year-old was moved to a setup role in 2024 once the Astros acquired closer Josh Hader. Pressly had saved 90 games for Houston from 2021-23, posting a 2.94 ERA. 0.98 WHIP, and 25.4% K-BB%. In the setup role in 2024, however, the righty posted a 3.49 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 16.4% K-BB%. With Hader and other capable arms at the back end of the bullpen, the team could let Pressly go and get prospects in return, although with the veteran's full no-trade clause, the pitcher would have to be on board with any proposed destination. It's worth monitoring for fantasy in the event he lands in a good spot with the opportunity to close. |
Source: Chandler Rome - The Athletic | RotoBaller.com |
Wed Nov 6 | 21:37 | Mookie Betts To Play Infield For The Dodgers In 2025 | Mookie Betts | CF | Red Sox | Free Agent |
Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes stated Wednesday that the team will play Mookie Betts on the infield in 2025. The 32-year-old played mostly outfield for the Dodgers in 2021 and 2022, but started on the infield in almost half of his games played in 2023. In 2024, the veteran started on the infield in 73 of the 116 (63%) games he played, split between shortstop (61) and second base (12). It is important to note, but he'll be a top tier fantasy producer regardless of position, however, it could come to the detriment of Gavin Lux and others who played the middle infield for the reigning World Series champs in the second half of the season. |
Source: MLB | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Nov 5 | 14:07 | Carlos Santana Wants To Play 3-4 More Seasons | Carlos Santana | 3B | Indians | Free Agent |
Free-agent first baseman/designated hitter Carlos Santana, who is 38 years old, said he wants to play another three or four seasons in the big leagues, according to his agent, Ulises Cabrera. The veteran Dominican switch-hitter won his first career Gold Glove at first base with the Minnesota Twins in 2024 and is coming off his best OPS (.749) since 2019 with the Cleveland Guardians. In addition to his .749 OPS, he hit .238/.328/.420 with 23 home runs, 71 RBI, four stolen bases and 63 runs scored in 594 trips to the plate and 150 games for Minnesota in 2024 in his 15th major-league season. Santana has had a long and successful career as a patient hitter, with high on-base percentages being his calling card in fantasy. He's had a little resurgence the last two years, but fantasy managers can't count on that moving forward, and there's almost zero upside. |
Source: MLB Network - Jon Morosi | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Nov 5 | 13:58 | Jorge Polanco On Track To Be Cleared For Baseball Activity By January | Jorge Polanco | 2B | Twins | Free Agent |
Free-agent infielder Jorge Polanco (knee) is on track to be cleared for full baseball activities by January and is currently recovering on schedule after having surgery to fix the patellar tendon in his left knee, according to his agent, Ulises Cabrera. Polanco dealt with the knee issue for much of his first season with the Seattle Mariners in 2024 and was limited to 118 games, slashing a weak .213/.296/.355 with a career-worst .651 OPS, 16 home runs, 45 RBI, four stolen bases and 43 runs scored in 469 plate appearances. As a result of the disappointing season and his injury, the Mariners wisely declined Polanco's $12 million club option for the 2025 season. With better health, Polanco could have a bounce-back season elsewhere, but the Dominican infielder is known to be injury-prone, only playing in over 150 games twice in his 11 big-league seasons. |
Source: MLB Network - Jon Morosi | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Nov 5 | 13:13 | Reds Give Nick Martinez A Qualifying Offer | Nick Martinez | SP | Rangers | Free Agent |
The Cincinnati Reds extended a $21.05 million qualifying offer to free-agent right-hander Nick Martinez on Monday, according to sources. He already declined a $12 million player option last week. Martinez and the Reds actually discussed a multi-year contract extension before this point, but neither side could agree to anything, and now the 34-year-old veteran swingman is on the open market. If Martinez rejects the offer and signs with another club this winter, the Reds will receive draft-pick compensation. He had a great first season in Cincy in 2024, going 10-7 with a career-best 3.10 ERA (3.21 FIP), a 1.03 WHIP and a career-high 116 strikeouts in 142 1/3 innings over 42 appearances (16 starts). Martinez might see plenty of money on the open market given his versatility, but it also wouldn't be a surprise if he accepted the one-year qualifying offer to stay with the Reds. |
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Nov 5 | 13:07 | Christian Walker Receives Qualifying Offer From D-Backs | Christian Walker | DH | Orioles | Free Agent |
The Arizona Diamondbacks extended a $21.05 million qualifying offer to free-agent first baseman Christian Walker on Monday, according to sources. If Walker chooses to reject the offer and signs with another team on the open market, the Diamondbacks would receive draft-pick compensation. Not only is the 33-year-old veteran one of the better first-base bats in baseball, but he also just won a third straight National League Gold Glove at the position. The former fourth-round pick by the Baltimore Orioles out of South Carolina, Walker hit .251/.335/.468 with an .803 OPS, 26 home runs, 84 RBI, two steals and 72 runs scored in 552 plate appearances over 130 games in his eighth year in the desert. It was a slight drop in production from the previous two years, but he did miss some time late in the year due to injury. He has 25-plus homers in each of the last three campaigns. |
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan | RotoBaller.com |
Sun Nov 3 | 09:38 | David Robertson To Test Free Agency | David Robertson | RP | Yankees | Free Agent |
Relief pitcher David Robertson did not exercise his mutual team option with the Texas Rangers for the 2025 season and will instead test free agency, according to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. The 39-year-old enjoyed another excellent campaign, posting a 3.00 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, with a 27:99 BB:K ratio in 72 innings of work. He tallied two saves and 35 holds, serving as the primary eighth-inning option in Texas. Robertson was able to generate ground balls at an above-average 47.0% mark and induce soft contact with a strong 5.5% barrel rate. Robertson will likely be a top target for fantasy managers in holds leagues in 2025 and could be in the mix for save opportunities, depending on his situation. |
Source: Kennedi Landry | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Nov 2 | 19:47 | Cubs Decline Club Option On Drew Smyly | Drew Smyly | SP | Rays | Free Agent |
The Chicago Cubs declined their 2025 club option on left-handed pitcher Drew Smyly, according to Jon Heyman of the NY Post. Smyly operated exclusively out of the bullpen last summer and held a modest 3.84 ERA and 1.40 WHIP, with a 25:56 BB:K ratio across 58 2/3 innings of work. This was a significant improvement over the 5.00 ERA and 1.43 WHIP he held during the 2023 campaign. Fantasy managers should expect Smyly to continue to serve as a long-relief option or an occasional starter if he decides to continue his major league career this upcoming season. However, with his lack of upside, he should be left off of your fantasy radar. |
Source: Jon Heyman | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Nov 2 | 13:19 | Robbie Ray Doesn't Opt Out Of Contract, Stays With Giants | Robbie Ray | RP | Tigers | Free Agent |
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Robbie Ray did not exercise his player option with the San Francisco Giants and will remain with the team. Ray has two years and $50 million remaining on his contract, keeping him a Giant through 2026. The lefty will look to bounce back in 2025 after two injury-riddled seasons have held back the former Cy Young winner. In his first year with the Giants Ray posted a 4.70 ERA in seven starts. His first start didn't come until after the All-Star break as he was working his way back from Tommy John surgery. Ray's last start was shortened due to a hamstring injury. The lefty is in a spot where he needs to get himself back to normal form before he can expect another big payday. Fantasy managers may want to temper expectations for the lefty going forward given his recent injury issues as he may be well beyond his prime at this point in his career. |
Source: Jeff Passan | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Nov 2 | 09:54 | Seattle Declines Club Option On Jorge Polanco | Jorge Polanco | 2B | Twins | Free Agent |
The Seattle Mariners are declining the 2025 club option on second baseman Jorge Polanco according to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. Polanco will receive $750,000 and become a free agent. the 31-year-old struggled in his first season in Seattle as he hit for an underwhelming .213/.296/.355 with 16 home runs, 45 RBI, and four swiped bags. In 2024, he posted a career-worst 29.3% K rate. This was a stark decline from the .255/.335/.454 line he held in 2023 with the Minnesota Twins. Despite his drop in production, Polanco could find a starting role with a new club in 2025 and may be worth a look as a late-option in drafts this offseason. |
Source: Daniel Kramer | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Nov 2 | 09:37 | Arizona Picks Up Club Option On Eugenio Suarez | Eugenio Suárez | SS | Tigers | Free Agent |
The Arizona Diamondbacks are picking up the 2025 club option on third baseman Eugenio Suarez worth $15 million according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN. The veteran infielder had a tale of two seasons. During the first half, the third baseman hit for a mere .216/.302/.366 slash line with just ten home runs and 48 RBI. However, after the mid-summer classic, the 33-year-old posted a much-improved .307/.341/.602 line with 20 home runs and 53 RBI. He boasted an above-average 11.3% barrel rate and 42.4% hard-hit rate which suggests his power numbers should continue to be a factor in 2025. Suarez remains a safe bet for upside power as a corner infielder this upcoming season. |
Source: Jesse Rogers | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Nov 1 | 18:14 | Nick Martinez Headed To Free Agency | Nick Martinez | SP | Rangers | Free Agent |
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Martinez opted out of his contract and will test free agency according to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. Martinez is coming off the best season of his seven-year MLB career where he held a solid 3.10 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, with a 18:116 BB:K ratio. Martinez was deployed as both a starter and reliever but took significant strides this summer. He showcased elite command with a 3.2% walk rate and was able to limit hard contact at a strong 30.5% hard-hit rate and 5.1% barrel rate. Martinez will likely continue to operate as a back-end starter and could be worth a look in deeper formats this upcoming season given his progression. |
Source: Mark Sheldon | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Oct 31 | 20:18 | Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn Headed For Free Agency | Kyle Gibson | SP | Twins | Free Agent |
| | | Lance Lynn | SP | Cardinals | Free Agent |
St. Louis Cardinals starting pitchers Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn had their club options declined and will be headed to free agency. Gibson logged 169 1/3 innings in his debut season in St. Louis with a 8-8 record, 4.24 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and a 68:151 BB:K ratio. Lynn posted a 3.84 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP with a 7-4 record across 117 1/3 innings last season. Both remained in the starting rotation the entire season. In the same move, the Cardinals also declined the 2025 club option for pitcher Kenyan Middleton. Middleton logged only five innings in the minor leagues this season due to a forearm injury. This transaction allows the Cardinals to trim substantial payroll off of their pitching staff. Currently, the Cardinals rotation consists of Miles Mikolas, Erick Fedde, Sonny Gray, Andre Pallante, and Michael McGreevy. |
Source: St. Louis Cardinals | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Oct 24 | 23:28 | Avisail Garcia Has Back Surgery | Avisaíl García | RF | White Sox | Free Agent |
Free-agent veteran outfielder Avisail Garcia (back) had successful surgery on Thursday to fix a fracture and a disc issue in his lower back at the hospital for special surgery in New York. The procedure was performed by Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi. Garcia now has all offseason to recover from the surgery, but it remains to be seen if he'll be fully ready to go for the start of spring training next year in February. However, barring a setback once he begins ramping up his baseball activities, the 33-year-old Venezuelan outfielder should have a good chance to be ready for Opening Day in 2025 for any team that wants to take a chance on the aging outfielder. Garcia probably won't have a strong market due to his injury and the fact he slashed a very mediocre .240/.255/.380 with a .635 OPS, two home runs and two RBI in 18 games in Miami before his injury. |
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Oct 22 | 23:40 | Sonny Gray Expected To Have Regular Offseason | Sonny Gray | SP | Athletics | Free Agent |
St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Sonny Gray (forearm) is expected to have a regular offseason after he ended the 2024 regular season on the 15-day injured list due to right-forearm flexor tendinitis. The injury only caused Gray to miss his final start of the year. The 34-year-old veteran and three-time All-Star finished his first season with the Cardinals with a 13-9 record, 3.84 ERA (3.12 FIP), a 1.09 WHIP and a 203:39 K:BB in 166 1/3 innings over his 28 starts. It was only the second time in Gray's career that he had 200-plus strikeouts. He was the runner-up for the American League Cy Young in 2023 while pitching with the Minnesota Twins, but he improved to a 30.3% strikeout rate and a career-best 5.8% walk rate in St. Louis. Gray has above-average control, but fantasy managers shouldn't be banking on another 30% strikeout rate in 2025. |
Source: Belleville News - Jeff Jones | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Oct 18 | 02:47 | Mookie Betts Has Monster Game To Give Dodgers 3-1 Series Lead | Mookie Betts | CF | Red Sox | Free Agent |
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts was all over the score sheet on Friday, going 4-for-6 with a homer, a double, three runs scored, and four RBI. Betts led the way for the Dodgers to take a commanding 3-1 series lead with a 10-2 win over the New York Mets in Game 4 of the NLCS. Betts has been solid since shedding his postseason hitless streak that dated back to last year. He is now hitting .278 with a .964 OPS to go along with three homers and 10 RBI in 36 at-bats in these playoffs. Betts and the Dodgers will look to close out the series on Friday when they send Jack Flaherty to the bump. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Oct 17 | 16:58 | Harrison Bader, J.D. Martinez Starting Against Dodgers In Game 4 | J.D. Martinez | LF | Tigers | Free Agent |
| | | Harrison Bader | | | Free Agent |
New York Mets outfielder Harrison Bader and designated hitter J.D. Martinez are both starting against the Los Angeles Dodgers and right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series on Thursday at Citi Field. Tyrone Taylor and Jesse Winker will retreat to the bench. Taylor has struggled in the postseason, going 4-for-29 with an RBI, so the Mets will give Bader a shot. Bader is a perfect 3-for-3 with a double and an RBI this year against Yamamoto, although he has just one hit in seven at-bats with a strikeout and three runs scored in 10 games (one start) for the Mets in October. Martinez made his first start of the NLCS on Wednesday night and went 0-for-2 with two walks and two strikeouts. He has never faced Yamamoto and has gone 4-for-16 (.250) with three RBI, four walks and a run scored in seven games (four starts) this October. |
Source: New York Mets | RotoBaller.com |