MLB Player News

Valdez, who had a 20-inning scoreless streak going, was pulled from a 2-1 game right after the lone run in the seventh. The A’s came back to tie the game in the eighth, leaving Valdez with a no-decision for his effort. Valdez isn’t going to win the AL Cy Young Award this year, but he should place on ballots once again. He’s 14-6 with a 2.91 ERA.

McWilliams notes that Kyle Teel is involved in the trade, while Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic notes that Boston will also send Braden Montgomery, Chase Meidroth, and Wikelman Gonzalez in the deal. The Mets, Yankees and a host of other teams all reportedly had interest in acquiring Crochet, but it appears Boston will get arguably the top pitcher available on the market. Assuming there are no hangups, Crochet should pitch at the top of the Boston rotation, and his ability to miss bats makes him one of the best fantasy bets for 2025.

Plassmeyer joins the Rangers after spending the 2024 season in the Pirates’ organization. The southpaw did have an 86/13 K/BB, which is good, but also a 7.93 ERA for Triple-A Indianapolis, which is not. He’ll complete for a bullpen spot in spring training, but is more likely to be fodder in Triple-A for Texas.

Nottingham has had a couple of stops with Seattle but has never appeared in an MLB game with the organization. He’ll be a depth piece in the minors for 2025.

Suzuki has recently been mentioned as a potential trade candidate by the Cubs, in part because of his desire to not be a designated hitter. Tucker heading to Chicago would open up right field for him. Meanwhile, Paredes would slide into third base if Alex Bregman was to leave the Astros. There would almost certainly be prospects headed Houston’s way, but this would be a way to move Tucker and not take a massive step backwards for 2025 and 2026. Interesting.

If such a deal comes to fruition, one imagines either Heston Kjerstad or Coby Mayo would be freed. The Padres currently have a giant hole in left field, so Kjerstad makes particular sense for them. San Diego would also presumably have some interest in major league-ready pitching prospects like Cade Povich, Chayce McDermott and Brandon Young.