MLB Player News

Melendez suffered the injury while beating out a potential double-play grounder Sunday against the Red Sox. It’s unclear if he’ll require a stint on the injured list, but the Royals can wait to see how he recovers during the All-Star break.

Julks hit .214/.275/.306 with the White Sox in his limited action. The 28-year-old will hit the waiver wire, and it makes room for Cam Booser after the White Sox acquired Booser in a trade with the Red Sox.

Fajardo is an 18-year-old hurler who made 13 starts in the DSL with a 3.91 ERA and impressive 64/8 K/BB over 50 2/3 innings. The right-hander is essentially a lottery ticket for Boston.

Booser should be a big part of the White Sox bullpen after forging a 3.38 ERA in 43 2/3 innings for the Red Sox in 2024. The left-hander is due $800,000 in 2025, and isn’t eligible for free agency until 2031.

Cecconi is a former highly-ranked prospect, and he struggled in his first full-season taste of MLB action with a 6.66 ERA and 1.42 WHIP over 20 appearances — 13 starts — and 77 innings.The 25-year-old could compete for a spot in the Guardians’ rotation, but also could be used as a multi-inning reliever with Cleveland. This is very much a wait-and-see player in terms of fantasy.

Naylor will take over for Christian Walker with Walker leaving the D-Backs for the Astros. The 27-year-old forged a .776 OPS while homering 31 times for Cleveland last year, and he should hit in the middle of a talented Arizona lineup which will provide plenty of chances for run production. He’s not an elite fantasy option at the not-so-hot corner, but he does offer a high floor because of the pop.

This was announced just minutes after the reports that Josh Naylor was going to be traded to the Diamondbacks. The 38-year-old got his MLB start with the Guardians, and he’s remained a productive hitter in his long career. A switch-hitter, Santana will likely play some first base and see time at designated hitter, with Kyle Manzardo likely seeing some time at both positions for the Guardians as well.

Jeff Passan of ESPN notes that the Guardians will receive Slade Cecconi and a Competitive Balance selection that is currently slated to be the 72nd pick in return. The Diamondbacks lost Christian Walker in free agency to the Astros, and it appears they’ll go the trade route for their replacement. Naylor has been the subject of trade rumors to the Mariners and a few other clubs after the 27-year-old hit 31 homers in 2024 with a .776 OPS. Naylor would likely be in the middle of the Arizona lineup, and would be a solid — if unspectacular — fantasy option.

The deal includes an invitation to spring training. Gage was outrighted off the roster by the Mets after the 2024 season, and he didn’t pitch in the majors last year. He’ll compete for a relief spot with Detroit, but best profiles as organizational depth at this point.

No word on the return, but multiple outlets report that the White Sox will send Boston a minor league pitcher. Booser was a solid performer for the Red Sox in 2024 with a 3.38 ERA over 43 appearances with a 43/16 K/BB over 42 2/3 innings. He’ll likely be a high-leverage reliever for the rebuilding and then some Chicago staff.

Loáisiga, who underwent flexor tendon surgery back in April, is expected to join the Yankees pen within the first month or two of the season. The 30-year-old has a 3.44 ERA over 219 2/3 innings in seven seasons with the Yankees. He was one of the AL’s best relievers in 2021, finishing with a 2.17 ERA in 70 2/3 innings, but that’s the only time in his career that he’s topped 50 major league innings.