MLB Player News

Buehler generated mostly soft contact tonight, and the biggest exception, a 376-foot fly from Jarred Kelenic that would have been a homer in five ballparks, was a harmless flyout. It wasn’t enough to get Buehler his first win since May, but it was an encouraging showing from someone who is going to have to come up big for the injury-decimated Dodgers to have much of a shot in October.

It’s worth pointing out that Eovaldi was facing a lineup that might not rank among the best in the Pacific Coast League — with apologies to Taylor Ward — but Eovaldi probably doesn’t care. The right-hander was a rare reliable option for Texas in 2024, and while it wasn’t his best season nor close, a 3.80 ERA and 166/42 K/BB is nothing to sneeze at. Eovaldi has a $20 million player option that vested since he reached 300 innings over the last two years, but he will likely decline that option and hit free agency.

Kochanowicz ended the year by going seven innings in three straight starts, and someone who was completely off the radar to begin 2024 ended up being more helper than hurter in his rookie year. He finishes with a 3.99 ERA, but it’s worth pointing out that he didn’t have a single start where he struck out more than five hitters in his 11 starts. Still, there were signs that Kochanowicz can be a thing, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he took a step forward in 2025. He should be a lock for the Los Angeles rotation barring a disaster of a spring training.

Thompson hurt his push off leg while making a pitch, and though it seemed innocent enough at first, he had quite a bit of trouble making his way off the field and through the dugout. Thompson walked the only batter he faced before departing.

Grissom also drew a walk. He opened the scoring with a double in the third to score Jarren Duran. Grissom finished the year with a borderline revolting .190/.246/.219 slash, but there were good moments in the minors, and keep in mind he’s still just 23-years-old. It’s not the craziest notion that a breakout season comes in 2025.

Carlson drove in a run with that single. It’s a nice way to finish the year for the former top prospect — though not such a nice way to end the year for the Rays in a loss — but it was a very disappointing season for the 25-year-old that sees him finish with an ugly .209/.287/.277 slash. We’ve seen Tampa Bay get the best out of players like Carlson, but there’s no reason to believe the turnaround comes in 2025.

Slaten’s save is the second of the year. The left-hander finishes 2024 with a 2.93 ERA and 58/9 K/BB in his rookie year, and while he won’t likely open the year as the closer for Boston next year, he’ll certainly be a high-leverage option.

Priester was making his debut for Boston, and it went well. The 24-year-ol was far from dominant with only two strikeouts, but he also allowed only four hits while issuing one walk. Priester should be given a chance to win a spot in the Boston rotation this spring, and keep in mind he’s a former Top 100 prospect who has had some (limited) success in the majors.

Pepiot threw 63 pitches in his final start, with 38 of them landing for strikes. It was a a decent outing and overall a successful season for the right-hander after coming over from the Dodgers, and he finishes with a 3.63 ERA and 142/48 K/BB after walking two and striking out five vs. Boston. Pepiot should take another step forward in 2025, and deserves a roster spot on fantasy rosters in the majority of leagues.