MLB Player News

Williams signed a minor league contract with the Giants back in March and has been cut loose after compiling a disastrous 6.81 ERA, 1.69 WHIP and 45/17 K/BB ratio across 39 2/3 innings (27 appearances, three starts) this season for Triple-A Sacramento. The 30-year-old righty has made 97 relief appearances, including 11 last year between the Padres and Marlins, at the big-league level since 2017.

Loáisiga returns to New York where he’s been a key component of the Yankees’ relief mix since breaking into the majors back in 2018. The 30-year-old righty, who holds a strong 3.44 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 207/72 K/BB ratio across 219 2/3 innings (163 appearances) at the highest level, underwent elbow surgery back in April to address a right flexor strain and made just three appearances last season. He’s expected to be ready to contribute at some point in the early stages of next year.

The landmark contract, which represents the largest financial commitment in professional sports history, is now official. Soto heads to the Mets to complement Francisco Lindor as their franchise cornerstones for at least the next half-decade. The 26-year-old generational talent isn’t immune to environmental factors as it’s worth noting that the move from Yankee Stadium to Citi Field might result in fewer round-trippers per season, but we’re comfortable locking in a 35-homer floor as his baseline until further notice. It’s possible last year’s 41-homer explosion was his career apex, but even baking in some regression, he’s among the most impactful five-category superstars in the entire fantasy landscape.

With Charlie Blackmon hanging up his spikes at the end of last year, the Rockies are planning to install the Doyle atop their lineup heading into next season. The 26-year-old speedster, who is coming off a breakthrough 23-homer, 30-steal campaign for Colorado, doesn’t possess the on-base skills of a traditional leadoff hitter, but the Rockies don’t exactly have anyone else on the lineup card that fits the mold. The biggest fantasy takeaway here is that Doyle should get a boost in the runs scored department.

Orioles general manager Mike Elias told reporters last month that he expects Bradish to return sometime around midseason. The 28-year-old righty was limited to just eight starts last season before undergoing Tommy John surgery in mid-June. He should be an option for fantasy managers at some point in the second half of next year.

Getz added that Thorpe is expected to have a normal offseason and be 100 percent for spring training after undergoing surgery back in September to remove a bone spur from his right elbow. The 24-year-old righty struggled to keep the ball in the yard last season in his first taste of the majors, but possesses one of the most electric changeups in the game. He’s a late-round dart throw in extremely deep mixed leagues.

McCaughan bolsters Minnesota’s relief depth heading into next season after struggling to a bloated 6.21 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 28/15 K/BB ratio across 42 innings (12 appearances, five starts) last year between the Marlins and Guardians. The 28-year-old righty has made 17 appearances (six starts) in the big leagues dating back to 2021.

Morosi doesn’t specify which one of Seattle’s arms the Red Sox are targeting. However, The Seattle Times’ Adam Jude notes that the two sides have engaged in trade talks this offseason before adding that a Luis Castillo for Triston Casas swap would make sense for both sides. It doesn’t sound like anything is imminent, but it’s a developing situation fantasy managers should monitor following the Winter Meetings.

It’s presumably a split contract for Wolfram, who posted a strong 3.13 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 69/27 K/BB ratio across 60 1/3 innings (46 appearances) last year between Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock in the Rangers’ system. The 27-year-old southpaw augments Milwaukee’s left-handed relief depth heading into spring training and should have a decent shot at making their season-opening roster.

Harris signed a minor league pact last month with the Mets and will head to Boston as extra organizational relief depth after being picked in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 Draft. The 31-year-old righty, who made 16 relief appearances for the Nationals during the 2023 season, struggled to a lackluster 6.79 ERA, 1.84 WHIP and 62/31 K/BB ratio over 54 1/3 innings (44 appearances) last year at Triple-A St. Paul in the Twins’ system.

Vasil heads to Tampa Bay shortly after being gobbled up by the Phillies in the Rule 5 Draft. The 24-year-old prospect was left unprotected by the Mets after finishing last year with a calamitous 6.04 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and 109/52 K/BB ratio across 134 innings (29 appearances, 27 starts) for Triple-A Syracuse. He’s likely ticketed for a relief role with the Rays where his stuff should play up.