MLB Player News

The deal is now official. Merrifield figures to play regularly in a super utility role for the Phillies, splitting time between second base and the corner outfield spots. The 35-year-old’s fantasy appeal has diminished over last few years as stolen base production declines and steals sources become even more prevalent in the landscape. He’s still worthy of a late-round selection in fantasy drafts this spring, but there’s clearly a ceiling here if he’s limited to a part-time role for the majority of the 2024 campaign.

Skenes is reportedly “tinkering” with adding a cutter and a running two-seam fastball to his impressive four-seamer, sweeper and a “splinker” that ranks as one of the best pitches in baseball already. The right-hander reiterated that he’s working to get ahead in counts quicker as well. Batters had an expected batting average of .193 against the 22-year-old’s arsenal in 2024, and it could be even more difficult to hit Skenes in 2025. Have fun, batters.

A report earlier in the week declared Núñez fully healthy, but this seems to contradict that belief. The 28-year-old dealt with a sprained part of the pronator mass in his right forearm and was unable to contribute for the Mets during the postseason. If healthy he’ll be a high-leverage arm for the New York to open 2025, but a trip to the injured list to begin the campaign can’t be ruled out just yet.

Rosario will compete for a roster spot with the Dodgers, but he hit just .175/.215/.316 and will need to play exceptionally well in the Cactus League to have any chance of making the loaded Los Angeles lineup on Opening Day.

Bleier pitched in the majors from 2016-2023 and made appearances for the Yankees, Orioles, Marlins and Red Sox. The 37-year-old retires with a 3.27 ERA and 187/54 K/BB over 330 1/3 professional innings.

Stephenson underwent Tommy John surgery back in April of 2024, and won’t be ready for the start of the season. Once healthy, he’ll be a bridge to Kenley Jansen, and Jansen’s signing is now official because they cleared room on the 40-man roster with Stephenson placed on the 60-day shelf.

Rendon is now officially out until May 27, but the hip surgery will likely keep the 34-year-old unavailable beyond that point. Yoán Moncada is officially under contract and will get the reps at third base with Rendon unavailable. Again.

The signing is now official with Anthony Rendon (hip) on the 60-day injured list to make room on the 40-man roster. Moncada is expected to be an everyday option for the Angels, and while he has flashed the ability to be a strong fantasy contributor, his injury issues and inability to put the ball in play make the risk outweigh the reward in redraft leagues.

Jansen will take over as the closer for the Angels in 2025. Their current roster suggests he won’t be among the league leaders in saves, but it’s very possible — if not probable — that he could be dealt at some point before the deadline to a contender. The move obviously makes Ben Joyce far less valuable in redraft leagues.

Knoth, the 33rd overall pick in the 2023 draft out of a high school in New York, had a 4.48 ERA and a 96/40 K/BB in 84 1/3 innings as a starter in low-A ball last season.

McClanahan is 17 months removed from Tommy John surgery and is expected to have a rather normal spring. He’ll head a Rays rotation also set to include four or five from the group of Ryan Pepiot, Taj Bradley, Zack Littell, Drew Rasmussen and Shane Baz.