According to Mark Zuckerman of MASN, the Washington Nationals have designated left-handed pitcher Joe La Sorsa for assignment. This transaction opened a roster spot for left-handed pitcher Shinnosuke Ogasawara, who the team signed to a two-year contract earlier on Friday. La Sorsa logged 17 2/3 innings for the Nationals last season. He posted a 4.58 ERA with a 1.25 WHIP. He showed strong command with a 6.8% walk rate but struck out batters at a low 18.9% rate. Across 89 2/3 career innings at the Triple-A level, La Sorsa has held a strong 2.91 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. He struggled to generate strikeouts at that level as well as he struck out just 68 batters. Given his lack of major league success, fantasy managers should expect La Sorsa to open the 2025 season at the Triple-A level.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Detroit Tigers will not acquire Houston Astros relief pitcher Ryan Pressly. Nightengale noted that Pressly could either waive his trade clause to be the Chicago Cubs' closer or remain in Houston in a setup role. However, the Tigers are out of the running. The Tigers have been active in the relief pitcher market and have been linked to other options, such as Carlos Estevez. Last season, Pressly held a 3.49 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP across 56 2/3 innings. He struck out 58 batters and tallied 25 holds, operating as the go-to option in the eighth inning. Last season, Jason Foley saw most of the save opportunities as he tallied 28 saves with a 3.15 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. He is currently slated to return to that role, with Tyler Holton operating as the No.2 option.

According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, relief pitcher Adbert Alzolay (elbow) is signing a minor-league contract with the New York Mets. This deal is a two-year contract, as Alzolay underwent Tommy John surgery last season and is not expected to pitch during the 2025 campaign. After operating as the Cubs closer during the 2023 season and performing quite well, tallying 22 saves with a 2.67 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP; the right-hander took a significant step back in 2024. Last summer, Alzolay posted a hefty 4.67 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP before undergoing the operation. Under the hood, he generated a hefty 6.79 xERA and a .292 xBA, which were among the highest marks in the sport. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Alzolay's progression but should not expect him to return to the mound until 2026.

The San Diego Padres announced on Friday that they acquired right-hander Ron Marinaccio from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for cash considerations. The New York Yankees designated Marinaccio for assignment earlier this offseason before the White Sox claimed him off waivers. The 29-year-old reliever will now head to the National League West, where he'll hope to win a Opening Day roster spot out of spring training in 2025. The former 19th-round selection by the Yankees in 2017 out of the University of Delaware made his major-league debut in 2022 in the Bronx and has a 3.22 career ERA and 1.19 WHIP with two saves and 137 strikeouts in his 114 2/3 relief innings in the big leagues. Marinaccio had a 3.86 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 25:10 K:BB in 23 1/3 innings in 2024 in New York. He'll merely represent bullpen depth for the Friars in 2025.

The New York Post's Jon Heyman reports that Houston Astros right-handed reliever Ryan Pressly, who is being shopped by the Astros this offseason, has a full no-trade clause and has told the team that he does not want to go to the East or West coast. It means that he wouldn't approve a trade to the Toronto Blue Jays, one of the team's reportedly pursuing him. Pressly has not committed either way to the Chicago Cubs, who were reportedly close to acquiring him on Thursday. The 36-year-old is scheduled to make $14 million in 2024 and showed obviously signs of decline while both his strikeout and walk rates went the wrong way, so the Astros are more than likely going to have to eat some salary in order to work out a trade. Although Pressly isn't getting any younger, a trade to Chicago would almost certainly make him the Cubs' primary closer in 2025.

Free-agent infielder J.D. Davis agreed with the Los Angeles Angels on a minor-league deal that includes an invite to major-league spring training on Friday, according to sources. Davis was only able to land a minor-league deal with the Halos after a disappointing 2024 campaign with the Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees. In 46 combined games between the two clubs, he slashed a weak .218/.293/.338 with a .631 OPS, only four home runs, six RBI, 13 runs scored and 39 strikeouts in 157 plate appearances. The 31-year-old veteran right-handed hitter will now hope to impress in spring training and win an Opening Day roster spot as depth for the Angels at both third base and first base behind Anthony Rendon and Nolan Schanuel, respectively. In 2023 with the San Francisco Giants, Davis hit 18 homers and drove in 69 with a .248/.325/.413 slash line in a career-high 144 games.

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) is expected to miss the first month or so of the 2025 season while recovering from ACL surgery on his left knee, which is the second ACL surgery after he tore his right ACL back in 2021, according to The Athletic's Dennis Lin and David O'Brien. Acuna's recovery is part of the reason the Braves signed outfielder Jurickson Profar to a three-year, $42 million deal on Thursday. Atlanta plans to use Profar in left field and have Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz compete in right field until Acuna returns. When Acuna eventually returns, he'll likely require more days off than usual as the Braves play it cautious with the superstar outfielder. The 27-year-old four-time All-Star and former MVP put up beastly number in 2023, hitting 41 homers, driving in 106 and stealing 73 bases, but his lower-body injuries are piling up and making him a much bigger fantasy risk. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 33 overall player coming off his second ACL tear.

The New York Post's Jon Heyman reports that the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs are believed to be showing significant interest in free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, with the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox also still involved. The Astros were believed to have moved earlier this offseason, but they've rekindled interest in bringing him back since he's still available and are even considering moving Isaac Paredes to second base and All-Star Jose Altuve to left field to accommodate a move. Bregman, a two-time All-Star and Gold Glover last year, was a big clubhouse guy in Houston and is still revered by many of their current players, including Altuve. He managed 26 homers, 75 RBI and 79 runs scored while slashing .260/.315/.453 in 145 games in 2024. It's unknown if the Astros are willing to up their previous offer to Bregman of six years and $156 million.

According to the Reno Aces, right-handed pitcher Josh Winder has signed a minor-league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. This deal includes an invitation to spring training. The 28-year-old has spent his entire MLB career with the Minnesota Twins. Last summer, Winder logged nine innings of work in the major leagues and allowed three earned runs while striking out ten batters. During the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Winder carried a 4.51 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP across 101 2/3 innings with the Twins. Through 105 career frames with Triple-A St. Paul, the former seventh-round selection posted a 5.49 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Winder to compete for a bullpen role during spring training, but given his lack of major league experience, he will likely open the season at the Triple-A level.

According to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, the Chicago Cubs and relief pitcher David Robertson have discussed a potential reunion. The 39-year-old spent time with the Cubs during the 2022 campaign. During this 40 1/3 inning stint, Robertson posted a 2.23 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP with 14 saves. Last summer, Robertson spent the entire season with the Texas Rangers and operated as the top setup man for Kirby Yates. Across 72 innings, the right-hander held a 3.00 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. He tallied an impressive 35 holds with a strong 33.6% K rate. However, he struggled with his command as he held a high 9.4% walk rate. Levine noted that the Cubs were also interested in Paul Sewald before he signed with Cleveland. Robertson would likely have a high-leverage role in the Chicago bullpen and could even compete for save opportunities with Porter Hodge.

According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit Tigers are showing interest in free-agent relief pitcher Carlos Estevez. Earlier in the offseason, the Tigers were interested in several relief pitchers, including Kirby Yates. Petzold noted that six other teams, alongside the Tigers, are pursuing Estevez. The Tigers have also been at the forefront of pursuing third baseman Alex Bregman. Last season, Estevez spent time with the Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia Phillies. Across 55 frames, he posted a 2.45 ERA and 0.45 WHIP. While he showed strong command with a 5.7% walk rate, his hefty 42.3% hard-hit and 10.1% barrel rates suggest he may face some regression in 2025. If Estevez were to sign in Detroit, he would be deployed as a high-leverage reliever.

The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya reports that Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said that while left-handed reliever Tanner Scott will see plenty of ninth-inning chances in his first year with the team in 2025, he won't be the team's set closer. We figured as much, especially since the Dodgers also have Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips and Kirby Yates, who are all plenty capable of closing out games. Still, the 30-year-old Scott, who has 54 saves over the last three seasons with the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres, should see the most save opportunities for the Blue, making him the best closer target on this star-studded team for fantasy managers. The Dodgers signed Scott to a four-year, $72 million deal last weekend to further bolster their bullpen. On the best team in baseball, Scott should be considered a low-end No. 2 fantasy closer, at worst.

Houston Astros outfielder/designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (knee) told reporters this week at FanFest that his knee is 100 percent healed and that he has felt normal for at least three to four weeks. Alvarez injured his right knee toward the end of the regular season in 2024 and thought he might need surgery, but he ended up avoiding going under the knife. The left-handed slugger said he's ready to hit and play defense in spring training. It's great news for the 27-year-old, who is one of the best all-around hitters in baseball. He reached the 30-homer mark for the fourth straight season in 2024 and also had career-highs in games played (147) and plate appearances (635) despite injuring his knee late in the year. Despite a history of lower-body injuries, Alvarez is currently ranked as the No. 14 overall fantasy player by RotoBaller for 2025.

Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider (elbow) has already thrown four bullpen sessions this offseason. Barring any setbacks, general manager Alex Anthopoulos said the team expects Strider to have a normal spring training, but they also won't rush him back. Strider will not be on the Opening Day roster. Depending on how he looks in during the spring, the 26-year-old could go on a minor-league rehab assignment early on, and he has the potential to contribute significant innings for the Braves and fantasy managers, barring any setbacks along the way. He broke out with a league-high 20 wins as an All-Star for the first time in 2023 but threw only nine innings in 2024 before undergoing an internal-brace procedure. Strider also had Tommy John surgery in 2019, so he'll carry a high amount of risk going into the 2025 season.

According to the team, the New York Yankees have claimed right-handed pitcher Roansy Contreras off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles. Contreras has been on several teams during the offseason. He began the winter with the Los Angeles Angels before moving to Texas, Cincinnati, and Baltimore, and now resides in the Bronx. Last summer, Contreras logged 68 1/3 innings of work with the Pirates and Angels. Across this stint, he posted a 4.35 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. He struck out just 56 batters with a hefty 9.7% walk rate. He also generated a high 4.94 xERA, 9.7% barrel rate, and 43.5% hard-hit rate. The 25-year-old does not have any remaining options, which means he will be competing for a spot on the Yankees Opening Day roster. If he cannot earn a spot, he will be placed on waivers. Contreras should not be on your fantasy radar during the offseason.

According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, New York Mets outfielder Jesse Winker could see time at first base during the 2025 campaign. On a zoom conference, Winker expressed he is "capable" of playing first base when asked. He played first base during a rehab assignment in 2023 and even took ground balls at that position last season. While the Mets have remained in conversation with free agent Pete Alonso, several reports suggest that the Mets have begun to pivot to alternate options as he is unlikely to return to Queens. One of these alternatives was Winker, who the team signed to a one-year $7.5 million contract last week. Winker opened the 2024 campaign with the Nationals but was shipped to the Mets at the deadline. Across 145 contests, the 31-year-old posted a .253/.360/.405 line with 14 home runs and 14 stolen bases. Mark Vientos is another option to cover first base, which would open up the hot corner for Ronny Mauricio, Luisangel Acuna, or ... [More]

According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, free-agent right-handed reliever Kyle Finnegan's market is heating up. Murray noted that with numerous relief pitchers finding suitors, Finnegan is starting to draw significant interest from several clubs. Earlier this offseason, the Nationals non-tendered him. Last season, Finnegan tallied a career-best 38 saves with a 3.68 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP across 62 2/3 innings of work. Finnegan struck out batters at a below-average 22.1% rate and allowed walks at a high 8.9% rate. In addition, he generated hard contract at a poor 48.1% and had a hefty 4.34 xERA, which suggests the 33-year-old will likely face some regression in 2025. Finnegan will likely operate as a high-leverage option on most clubs but could find a role as a middle reliever on a competing club.

The Houston Astros have resumed talking with free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman in recent days, three league sources have told The Athletic's Chandler Rome. Just a month ago, it seemed impossible that the Astros would re-sign Bregman, especially after trading for third baseman Isaac Paredes and signing first baseman Christian Walker. The Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and Detroit Tigers have had interest in Bregman this offseason, but no deal has been reached. Houston's offer to Bregman remains on the table, but it's unclear if they will move off their six-year, $156 million offer. Owner Jim Crane has never given out a deal longer than five years or more expensive than $95 million. He's also unwilling to go over the luxury-tax threshold for a second straight season. Although the 30-year-old Bregman is no longer in his prime, he was a Gold Glover in 2024 an unquestioned leader in the clubhouse. If Bregman returns, he would be at third base, with Paredes possible moving to second base and Jose Altuve potentially shifting to left field.

USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale reports that the Chicago Cubs are on the verge of acquiring right-handed reliever Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros. It would be the second trade the two clubs have pulled off this offseason, with the Cubs landing All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Astros in exchange for infielders Isaac Paredes and Cam Smith. As things currently stand, Porter Hodge is the favorite to open the 2025 season a the Cubs' primary closer, so it's no surprise the team has been actively looking to improve the back end of their bullpen. If Chicago does acquire Pressly, he'd immediately become the favorite for closer duties on the north side. The 36-year-old was a setup man in Houston in 2024 after Josh Hader arrived, and he had 25 holds (12th-most in baseball). Although Pressly's walk and strikeout rates declined, his fantasy stock would be boosted as a closer again if he joins the Cubs.

New York Newsday's Tim Healey reports on Thursday that free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso is deep in contract talks with the Toronto Blue Jays, according to a source. Healey also writes that he'll believe an Alonso/New York Mets breakup only when he sees it. Alonso's free-agent market has been frigid this winter, with all signs initially pointing to him eventually re-signing with the Mets. However, New York already made a "last-ditch effort" to bring the 30-year-old right-handed slugger back on a three-year deal for around $68-70 million, which he rejected. Despite already signing outfielder Anthony Santander, Toronto hasn't ruled out adding Alonso. If Alonso were to sign with the Blue Jays, he would likely split first base and designated hitter duties with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and it would give Toronto yet another big-time power bat for the middle of their batting order. Stay tuned.