MLB Player News

Locklear didn’t exactly tear the cover off the ball last month in a brief 11-game cameo for the Mariners, batting .200 (6-for-30) with two homers and one steal. However, he’s going to get some extended runway to at least showcase his power and patience profile at the highest level in the wake of Seattle’s decision to designate veteran first baseman Ty France for assignment. The 23-year-old top prospect has displayed strong plate skills in the upper minors over the last few years and can do some serious damage when he decides to get aggressive. Based on his first stint in the big leagues, there’s probably going to be an initial adjustment period here as he acclimates to everyday life in the majors. However, once he gets comfortable, there’s an opportunity for him to emerge as a certifiable middle-of-the-order force for the Mariners, which gives him some appeal for fantasy managers, especially in deeper mixed leagues.

The 32-year-old right-hander has been working out in Texas since the summer and is hopeful for a return to a big-league rotation in 2025. The last time we saw Syndergaard on the mound he registered a 6.50 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and a 56/19 K/BB ratio across 88 2/3 innings between the Guardians and Dodgers during the 2023 campaign. Stranger things have happened, but Syndergaard’s return to fantasy relevance seems highly unlikely.

It’s no secret that Crochet’s name has come up in a plethora of trade discussions, so Getz is running with it and admitting that he wants young position players in return. It doesn’t sound like he’s in any hurry to make a move though and noted that “the right players have to be there” and that they “can’t force anything”. Where there’s this much smoke, there’s usually fire, so it would be a surprise if the 25-year-old southpaw opened up the season in a White Sox’ jersey.

The 26-year-old southpaw had a very rough go at High-A Quad Cities during the 2024 season, registering an uninspiring 7.84 ERA, 1.94 WHIP and a 47/44 K/BB ratio across 31 innings. He has a very intriguing arm, but he still has a lot of work to do in order to harness his stuff.

The 30-year-old just nabbed his first career Gold Glove award at third base, but he’s willing to keep his options open as he explores the open market. The Astros are still optimistic that they’ll be able to retain the two-time All-Star, but expect them to face fierce competition for his services.

This certainly isn’t shocking news as the Mets have been heavily linked to Soto, but it’s worth noting that Cohen is already starting to make his move. Juan Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, has said that Soto wants to play for a contender but also will be looking for a big deal. There is likely no owner willing to spend more money than Cohen and with the Mets fresh off an appearance in the NLCS, they are certainly one of the favorites to sign Soto this offseason.

Varsho had rotator cuff surgery at the end of the season and there was always an expectation that he would miss some time in 2025 but that now seems all but assured. With Kevin Kiermaier also retiring, the Blue Jays are currently without an option in center field until Varsho is healthy enough to take the field.

Morosi mentions that other teams are interested in Hernández, but the Red Sox and Orioles appear to be the biggest suitors, along with the Dodgers, who extended a qualifying offer to the 32-year-old after he hit 33 home runs for them this season. The Red Sox were also in on Hernández in free agency last year but the Dodgers offered him more money, so perhaps the Red Sox will decide to pony up this year.

Both Kieboom and Denaburg were once first-round picks for the Nationals but neither of them has panned out. Kieboom did hit .265 in 91 games in Triple-A this season with seven home runs and a 13 percent walk rate, so he will likely get a minor league contract with another organization this off-season.

The Dodgers are looking to add a right fielder and push Mookie Betts back into the infield. With Betts in the infield along with Tommy Edman, Max Muncy, and Miguel Rojas, it seems that Gavin Lux may need to find an opportunity with another team. Perhaps the Dodgers could move Lux in their quest to add more outfield depth, but where the 26-year-old ends up will have a huge impact on his potential fantasy value.

McFarland was acquired from the Dodgers prior to the 2024 season and posted a 3.81 ERA over 56 2/3 innings pitched last season. He’ll give the Athletics more veteran bullpen depth in 2025.