MLB Player News

It looks like Cabbage lost one of the bench battles during spring camp. The 26-year-old could not find consistency at the plate and as a result went 4-for-36 (.111 AVG) with 17 strikeouts. Strikeouts remain to be a issue for Cabbage as he struck out 46% of the time in his 56 plate appearances with the Angels last season.

“I was told they would reach out,” he said. “They haven’t yet. In the past it’s been spring training when they reach out to me. Obviously, Vladdy is the priority at this point.” The Jays are actively negotiating with Guerrero, a fellow free agent to be. It’s harder to place a value on Bichette after his particularly rough 2024 season.

Cousins added that his UCL “looked great” following an MRI. He should still have a shot at being ready for Opening Day if things go well after he resumes throwing.

Signing DeJong after already adding Amed Rosario feels unnecessary, but it’s hard to complain about adding a viable major leaguer for barely more than the minimum. Ideally, youngsters José Tena, Brady House and Trey Lipscomb will still be the primary contenders to start at third base. Rosario, penciled into a utility role, is still the most interesting fantasy infielder of the bunch, but he’ll probably get fewer opportunities in the early going now, hurting his chances of getting off to a hot start and ascending to the starting lineup.

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 hip surgery will likely keep the 34-year-old unavailable well 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.