MLB Player News

The 24-year-old right-hander was just optioned out on Tuesday, but he’ll head right back to join the Tigers in Texas after Alex Faedo (hip) landed on the injured list on Wednesday. Englert has been solid in four appearances at the big league level this season, registering a 4.50 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and a 5/1 K/BB ratio across six innings of work.

Farmer, 33, was a major asset out of the Reds’ bullpen in 2024 — registering a 3.04 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and a 70/29 K/BB ratio over 71 innings in his 61 appearances. It’s actually a bit surprising that he had to settle for a minor league deal. With a strong showing in Grapefruit League action, he should have a decent chance at cracking the Braves’ Opening Day bullpen.

The deal, which was agreed upon early last week, is now official after Pham passed his physical. The 36-year-old outfielder should see regular action in the Pirates’ lineup and is even a candidate to bat leadoff in their lineup against left-handed pitching. For fantasy purposes, he still has enough power and speed that he could wind up being a viable late-round option.

The right-hander is currently recovering from the Tomy John reconstructive elbow surgery that he underwent last March. He hasn’t had any setbacks and is right where he should be in his progression, but the Pirates are going to bring him along cautiously. Expect him to be ready to join the Pirates’ bullpen at some point before the All-Star break.

The 34-year-old veteran backstop will be in big league camp to add some depth behind the plate. Maile was a disaster at the plate in his limited action with the Reds in 2024 — slashing a putrid .178/.268/.252 with just two homers and eight RBI.

Means underwent a second Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery back in June and is expected to miss most of the 2025 season, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see it be a two-year pact that he ultimately agrees to. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues can safely ignore Means for the upcoming season.

The 34-year-old right-hander pitched for the Tigers in 2024 before getting designated for assignment in late September — posting a 4.53 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and a 49/13K/BB ratio across 55 2/3 innings of work. He’ll add another capable arm to the Diamondbacks’ late-inning mix and could potentially garner saves at some point if he pitches well.

The 32-year-old southpaw has bounced around a bit over the past few years, but when he’s right he has proven to be a viable high-leverage reliever. It’s a nice low-cost gamble for the Blue Jays, though the chances of him returning to any sort of fantasy relevance are very small.

Fry underwent surgery to repair a ligament in his right elbow in November, and is expected to miss the first month-plus of the season. The 29-year-old was one of the most surprising positive developments in fantasy in 2024, and those who don’t invest early in the catching position may want to consider Fry as a late-round injury stash.

Rushing was seen taking grounders after the workout Sunday. The 23-year-old’s focus will be behind the plate — he’s considered one of the best catching prospects in the sport — but with Will Smith signed long-term, first base may be the way to get his bat in the lineup. Rushing is definitely someone to keep an eye on for 2025, but is more of a long-term play for fantasy managers.

Francona did say McLain could take some grounders at short, but second base will be his focus to begin the Cactus League. The 25-year-old was unable to play in 2024 because of injuries, but it’s worth noting that he was one of the best rookies in the sport in 2023. Gavin Lux is also expect to work at both second and third before seeing some time in the outfield. McLain has a good amount of fantasy upside, but the lack of clarity with the Reds’ group means you have to take some risk with the reward.