MLB Player News

Willingham was sent down to make room for Jose A. Ferrer in the Washington bullpen. He made just one appearance and allowed two runs. Last year, Willingham had a 6.66 ERA in 18 games for the Nationals. It’s possible he could return soon if the Nationals unload another bullpen arm before the trade deadline.

Rogers came over to the Orioles at the trade deadline for Connor Norby and Kyle Stowers and was a major flop. He posted a 7.11 ERA across four starts with a 12/10 K/BB ratio in 19 innings before the Orioles sent him down to Triple-A. Given the limited additions Baltimore has made to their team this offseason, they need Rogers to come into spring training and claim a spot in their starting rotation, but it’s a huge risk to assume he can do that and one fantasy managers shouldn’t take outside of the deepest formats.

Arraez’s name has been floated in trade rumors all off-season, and this deal shouldn’t change that. The 27-year-old remains an elite batting average asset but a subpar defender with limited power, which makes it tough for teams to play him as their primary first baseman. It still wouldn’t be shocking to see Arráez traded before the 2025 season begins.

Morejòn thrived as a multi-inning reliever in San Diego last year, posting a 2.83 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 71/21 K/BB ratio in 63 2/3 innings. His role doesn’t provide a ton of fantasy value given that he has eight total wins in his last four years combined, but he has been a useful piece of the Padres’ bullpen.

The 28-year-old Bart was eligible for arbitration for the first time after hitting .265/.337/.462 in 80 games last season. The Pirates were supposed to be deciding between Henry Davis and Endy Rodríguez as their long-term catcher, but the job clearly belongs to Bart right now. Davis and Rodríguez might both open up in the minors.

With Devin Williams traded to the Yankees, Megill comes into the season as the favorite for saves in Milwaukee. The 31-year-old posted a 2.72 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 50/14 K/BB ratio in 46 1/3 innings to go along with 21 saves. He should have real fantasy value in Milwaukee as a potential top-20 fantasy closer.

Andujar seemed like a non-tender candidate, but since they need to increase payroll anyway, the A’s chose to bring him back. The soon-to-be 30-year-old hit .285/.320/.377 in 319 plate appearances last season. He offers no defensive value anywhere, but his ability to put the bat on the ball makes him a solid bench option. The A’s will likely play him mostly against lefties initially.

Peason had a 2.73 ERA in 26 1/3 innings after being acquired from the Blue Jays last summer. There’s been a little talk about giving him another try as a starter, but the Cubs would seem to have more need for him in the pen anyway. He’ll likely audition for a setup role in spring training.

Vasquez is a 20-year-old who has pitched in the Dominican Summer League for the last two seasons. In 2024, he posted a 4.99 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, and 45/15 K/BB ratio in 30 2/3 innings. He has some swing-and-miss upside, but he’s a long way away from the major leagues, so he’s just a roll of the dice.

Finalizing a deal agreed to way back on Dec. 10. Estrada will make $3.25 million this year and then presumably get a $750,000 buyout of the mutual option. The Rockies will control Estrada’s rights for 2026 either way, since he still won’t have the service time to qualify for free agency. Estrada was one of baseball’s worst hitters last season, coming in at .217/.247/.343 in 381 plate appearances before the Giants sent him to Triple-A for the final month. He was considerably better the two previous years, though he’s always had subpar exit velocity numbers. Whether he offers much fantasy value this year will hinge partly on his legs. He swiped 44 bases between 2022 and ’23, but he was just 2-for-4 in 96 games last season.

Cartaya was a consensus top-50 prospect two years ago, but he has struggled in the minor leagues since then and was designated for assignment by the Dodgers last week. The 23-year-old hit .221/.323/.363 with 11 homers and 52 RBI over 400 plate appearances between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City in 2024, but he figures to start the season in Triple-A with Ryan Jeffers and Christian Vazquez already in Minnesota. It’s still a nice gamble for the Twins.