MLB Player News

Kauffmann served up a long solo homer to William Contreras in the opening inning, but that would be the only baserunner that he would allow over 2 1/3 frames. He didn’t record a single strikeout though, getting four outs via the ground ball and three on fly outs. Even with a strong spring, The 26-year-old right-hander is unlikely to crack the team’s Opening Day rotation, though we should see him make starts for the Rockies throughout the 2024 campaign.

Turner was acquired at the deadline by Seattle from the Blue Jays, and while the 39-year-old isn’t the same player he was with the Dodgers, he still gets on base and can hit left-handed pitching while playing first base and designated hitter. He’s assuredly looking at a one-year deal, but this one makes almost too much sense to not happen.

Kaplan comes to the Diamondbacks after serving last year as the assistant pitching coach with the Phillies; a position he held for the last three season with Philadelphia. He replaces Brent Strom after Strom was fired following the disappointing 2024 season for Arizona.

Morton is now 41 — Tuesday was his birthday — and he’s coming off a season with Atlanta where he forged a 4.19 ERA while showing some decent durability with 165 2/3 innings. He’ll assuredly be looking at another one-year deal, but Morton has been effective enough to earn that right to be in the back of someone’s rotation in 2025. Atlanta should be considered the favorites just based on their history.

Martin’s homer gives him five for the Rafter in the AFL. The product of Austin Peay homered 12 times in 87 games in High-A Valley, and he won the Home Run Derby at the AFL showcase earlier in November. Martin is not a high-profile prospect and the fact he hasn’t played at the higher levels at the age of 24 is concerning, but there is offensive upside in his right-handed bat.

St. Peter, who had served as Twins president for 22 years, will stick around as an advisor. The change means that Falvey, who was already POBO, will now head the business side of things, as well. Zoll, who had been an assistant GM, is taking on the role that Thad Levine held before walking away after the season.

Most seem to expect the Blue Jays to be among the high bidders for Soto. It’d be a surprise if the Red Sox were competitive, given their reticence in recent years, but if they were even going to break the bank, this would be the occasion.

De Vries connected for an absolute no-doubter to left field -- his second round-tripper of the AFL season -- which traveled 418 feet and carried a 104 mph exit velocity. The switch-hitting 18-year-old prodigy, who has recorded some elite batted ball data this fall, is arguably a top five dynasty prospect already, and projects as a potential fantasy superstar down the road, if everything comes together. He’s a hyperspace jump or two away from the majors entering the 2025 season, but he’s going to move extremely quickly towards San Diego.

The fact that McLain is consistently hitting for power in the AFL is a phenomenal sign considering he missed all of last season recovering from shoulder surgery. The 25-year-old second baseman, who posted a 16-homer, 14-steal rookie campaign in just 89 contests back in 2023, will be one of the more polarizing players in fantasy drafts next spring, but his power/speed combo might push him into the top 10 at the keystone in short order.

Briceño walloped his AFL-leading ninth round-tripper in the opening frame as he continues to build a compelling resume for AFL MVP honors. The 20-year-old backstop was limited to just 40 games this past season at Low-A Lakeland due to injury, but has certainly made up for lost time in the fall circuit. He’s a long ways off from the big leagues, but the over-the-fence pop is real and it’s spectacular.

Paredes represents an intriguing gamble for the Braves after compiling a strong 1.66 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 16/10 K/BB ratio across 21 2/3 innings (18 appearances) last season between the Brewers and Cubs. The 29-year-old righty, who has made 55 appearances in the big leagues dating back to 2020, will compete in spring training for a spot in Atlanta’s season-opening bullpen.