MLB Player News

Boston’s second base competition is down to Campbell, fellow top prospect Marcelo Mayer, and utility infielder David Hamilton. Campbell remains the odds-on favorite given his offensive upside, but the Red Sox are probably going to take this decision down to the wire prior to next Thursday’s season opener. If he makes the Opening Day roster, Campbell projects as an immediate impact fantasy contributor, thanks to his stolen base upside, even if he gets off to a frosty start at the dish. The 22-year-old is universally-regarded as one of the top prospects in the entire fantasy landscape after last year’s sublime performance in the upper minors.

Palacios was expected to be a bench option for the Rays, but instead will miss at least the first two weeks of the season with the fracture. With the 27-year-old on the shelf, the Rays recalled Kameron Misner from Triple-A to take his spot on the roster.

There’s no timetable as to when McClanahan will be able to return, but reports indicate that the injury isn’t believed to be a long-term setback. Hunter Bigge was recalled from Durham to take McClanahan’s spot on the roster.

Phillips was designated for assignment Sunday. The 27-year-old will be a multi-inning option for Miami to open the year, but even if he was a starter, he’d be a player to stay away from in all eligible formats. Obviously the ones he’s not eligible for, too.

Scherzer is “trending in the right direction” according to manager John Schneider. The 40-year-old right-hander has been dealing with a sore thumb, but he appears to be ready to role for his first — possibly only — season with the Blue Jays.

McCray and Brett Wisely both get the boot from the roster, so it appears that Luis Matos has won a spot on the bench for the Giants. McCray will likely be up-and-down whenever the Giants need an extra outfielder, although Wisely could be that first name called.

Wisely gets the boot from the active roster, as he loses his battle for one of the final bench spots with the Giants. The 25-year-old likely will be up at some point with San Francisco, but not in a role that offers much value.

Bauers will need to be added to the 40-man roster. Collins will be a versatile backup who can play in the outfield as well as second and third base, while Bauers offers some pop off the bench from the left side. It’s unlikely either sees a ton of playing time to begin 2025.

Foley has been atrocious this spring, but this is still a bit of a surprise considering the right-hander served as the closer for the majority of the season. The 29-year-old will try and gret right in the minors before Detroit even thinks about trying him in a high-leverage role. The Tigers will likely go with a closer-by-committee role, with Beau Brieske and Tommy Kahnle possibilities to save games to begin the year.

Because Quintana was signed late in the year he hasn’t been built up enough to begin the year in the Milwaukee rotation. He’ll likely make a couple starts in Triple-A before joining the Brewers before the end of April.

Rodgers will have his contract officially selected by the Astros prior to Thursday’s season opener against the Mets. The 28-year-old former prospect will open the regular season as Houston’s starting second baseman in the wake of Jose Altuve transitioning to left field. We’re not projecting a significant fantasy impact, but he’ll have an opportunity to revive his career and boasts enough talent to contribute in AL-only formats.