MLB Player News

We’re not sure what else needs to be said at this point. Judge now has 51 home runs and 122 RBI on the season to go along with a .333/.465/.736 slash line. Yes, .736 is just his slugging percentage. The only thing keeping Judge from being the runaway top pick in fantasy leagues is that he doesn’t steal many bases, but we haven’t seen a consistent power display like this since Barry Bonds. If you got him near the end of the first round in your fantasy draft, you should thank the managers who passed on him.

The 36-year-old veteran backstop will add some quality depth behind the dish for the Braves. Casali really struggled in his big league action with the Giants in 2024, slashing a cringe-inducing .194/.293/.250 with one homer, eight RBI and a 22/13 K/BB ratio over 125 plate appearances. He can continue to be ignored for fantasy purposes.

The A’s needed to free up a spot on their 40-man roster after signing Jose LeClerc on Friday afternoon and unfortunately for Klein he drew the short straw this time around. The 25-year-old hurler made eight appearances for the A’s in 2024, registering an uninspiring 11.05 ERA and 2.45 WHIP over 7 1/3 innings. There’s a decent chance that he’ll pass through waivers unclaimed and continue to function as extra bullpen depth for the Athletics.

Robert Murray of Fansided was the first to report the deal while Jeff Passan of ESPN added the financials for the 31-year-old hurler. While LeClerc has functioned in the closer’s capacity in his past, he’ll work in a setup role for the Athletics being fire-balling right-hander Mason Miller. LeClerc posted a 4.32 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and an 89/32 K/BB ratio across 66 2/3 innings for the Rangers during the 2024 season.

Fujinami spent the 2024 season in the Mets’ organization, and he was outrighted off the roster after posting an ugly 7.79 ERA with Triple-A Syracuse. The 30-year-old right-hander also struggled in the majors in 2023, but he does have quality stuff; just no idea where that stuff is going. He’ll get a chance to show he can throw enough strikes to win a bullpen spot in the Seattle bullpen this spring.

McShane was the Pirates’ 13th round pick in 2024. The 23-year-old right-hander will likely report to the lower levels after not making his professional debut last summer.

Jon Heyman notes the deal is for $22 million over two years, and is pending a physical. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com adds that he can opt out after the 2025 season. Minter was a target of several teams including the Blue Jays and Cubs, but the Mets appear to have won his services. The 31-year-old southpaw has been one of the most effective relievers in baseball, and forged a 2.62 ERA and 35/11 K/BB over his 34 1/3 innings in 39 appearances in 2024. He’ll be a bridge to Edwin Diaz for the 2025 season.

Raposo was unclaimed after hitting the waiver wire Tuesday. The 26-year-old will likely be an option behind the plate for the Rainiers in 2025.

The Orioles designated Soto for assignment after claiming Roansy Contreras off waivers from the Reds last Friday. Soto will stick around to provide some infield depth on a team that already has plenty of it.

Winans has been and up-and-down option for Atlanta and the 29-year-old will hit the waiver wire with Amos Willingham claimed off waivers and taking his spot on the 40-man roster.

Willingham was designated for assignment by the Nationals on Saturday, and now he’ll provide some depth for the Atlanta pitching staff for the 2025 campaign. Allan Winans was designated for assignment to make room.