MLB Player News

It’s Shugart’s third stint with the Red Sox. He allowed four runs over six innings of relief work in the previous two.

The 27-year-old hurler underwent Tommy John surgery back in June, so the chances of him being ready for a return in August seem a bit optimistic. The Jays will undoubtedly play it cautiously in his recovery, and despite the fact that he feels “brand new” it’s unlikely that he winds up logging meaningful innings for the Blue Jays in 2025.

Alexander notes that the Twins will be one of at least 10 teams that plan on attending Anderson’s pro day on January 23. The 34-year-old hurler appeared in 37 games out of the Royals’ bullpen during the 2024 season, registering a 4.04 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and a 29/15 K/BB ratio across 35 2/3 innings.

The 31-year-old hurler underwent his second Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery in June and will miss most, if not all, of the 2025 season while recovering. Wherever he ultimately does sign, expect it to be a two-year pact so the team can take advantage of a full and healthy season from him.

Cooper, 34, didn’t get much of a chance last season, playing in 36 games with the Cubs and Red Sox and hitting .206/.267/.299. He’s still probably a solid right-handed bat, but since he’s no longer a realistic option in the outfield, he’s a tough sell as a bench player. The Braves could keep him as Triple-A insurance, just as they did with Yuli Gurriel for much of last season.

Servais was fired in the middle of the 2024 season after recording a 680-642 record with the Mariners and leading them to one postseason appearance. The 57-year-old will likely be a candidate for manager jobs during the 2026 cycle.

Raley underwent Tommy John surgery with an internal brace procedure at the end of May, so he won’t be ready to pitch until near the end of 2025 at the earliest. The 36-year-old southpaw has been effective over the last two-plus seasons, and is likely looking at a two-year deal since he won’t be of much use this summer.

The move is necessary after the Giants signed Justin Verlander and needed room on the 40-man roster. Sabol, 27, should see interest on the waiver wire as a player who can play in the outfield as well as catch, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if he was claimed or if the Giants were able to work out a trade for the backup backstop.

Verlander will turn 42 in February, and is coming off a season where he forged a 5.48 ERA in 17 starts and not being used in the postseason. The future Hall of Famer joins friendlier confines in San Francisco and his previous track record can’t completely be ignored, but he shouldn’t be anything more than a late-round selection.

Willingham had a 6.66 ERA in 18 appearances with the Nationals in 2024 before being sent back down in July. The right-hander now hits the waiver wire after the Nationals signed Jorge López to a one-year deal.

Lopez was a solid contributor in 2024 with a 2.89 ERA and 50/19 K/BB in his work for the Cubs and Mets in 2024. The right-hander stands a good chance to earn saves at this point, but fantasy managers will want to see what else the Nats do before assuming he’s worthy of a draft selection.