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Fri Mar 1514:28Justin Wilson Inks Major-League Deal With RedsJustin WilsonRPPiratesFree Agent
Free-agent reliever Justin Wilson has signed a major-league deal with the Cincinnati Reds after he opted out of his minor-league pact with the Dodgers on Wednesday. The left-hander last saw big-league action with the Reds in the 2022 season, posting a 2.45 ERA in five appearances but was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery that cost him the 2023 campaign, as well. He did appear briefly in the minors with the Brewers last season but the club declined their option on Wilson this winter. The long-time big leaguer has largely been effective in his career, posting a 3.41 ERA and a 25.9% K% across 527 appearances. He certainly won't be in line for saves and likely won't see many hold opportunities, leaving him off the fantasy radar at this point.
Source: Robert MurrayRotoBaller.com
Tue Mar 1216:37Mutual Interest Between Mets, J.D. MartinezJ.D. MartinezLFAstrosFree Agent
The New York Mets are among the teams talking to free-agent designated hitter J.D. Martinez, and the interest is mutual, according to sources. Owner Steve Cohen has apparently given the go-ahead to seriously discuss signing Martinez, even though the team is over the so-called "Steve Cohen tax," and they'd have to pay a 110 percent tax on any new deals. Martinez would solve the team's long-running issue of not having much protection for cleanup hitter Pete Alonso. The Los Angeles Angels remain involved with the veteran slugger, too, and he's said to like the idea of going to Anaheim to join Mike Trout. Martinez is now 36, but he still managed to hit .271 with 30-plus homers in 2023, but he also struck out over 30% of the time with the Dodgers.
Source: New York Post - Jon HeymanRotoBaller.com
Tue Mar 1212:36Kenley Jansen Expected To Make Spring Debut FridayKenley JansenRPDodgersFree Agent
Boston Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen's (lat) live batting practice session appeared to go well on Tuesday, as he gave a thumbs up and a "yes, sir" when asked how it went. He is expected to pitch in his first Grapefruit League game on Friday. The Red Sox have been slow-playing Jansen in camp after he reported to spring training with lat soreness. The 36-year-old veteran has progressed nicely, though, and as long as he doesn't have a setback once he starts pitching in actual games, he will be ready for Opening Day later this month. Jansen is MLB's active leader in saves and will be Boston's primary ninth-inning guy when he's healthy, but there's no denying that he's a pretty big injury risk for fantasy managers at this stage of his career.
Source: MLB.com - Ian BrowneRotoBaller.com
Tue Mar 1212:31Joey Votto Could Play As Early As WednesdayJoey Votto1BRedsFree Agent
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Joey Votto could be in minor-league games in spring training as early as Wednesday, according to manager John Schneider. This would put Votto on track to appear in his first Grapefruit League game in the days that follow this weekend, but the Blue Jays want to ramp him up against minor-league pitching first. The 40-year-old veteran joined the club as a non-roster invite to spring training last Friday and will attempt to make his hometown team in what could be his final season as a professional. There's a good chance Votto will start the year at Triple-A Buffalo, but he could eventually be up in Toronto as a veteran left-handed bat off the bench. In 65 games in 2023 for the Reds, he hit just .202 but with 14 home runs.
Source: MLB.com - Keegan MathesonRotoBaller.com
Tue Mar 1200:18Kenley Jansen To Throw Live Batting Practice TuesdayKenley JansenRPDodgersFree Agent
Boston Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen (lat) is scheduled to throw another live batting practice session on Tuesday, per the Boston Globe's Pete Abraham. The 36-year-old reported right lat soreness early in camp and was shut down, but is now building up for Opening Day. Fantasy managers should monitor his situation for a better idea of whether he will be ready for Opening Day. It seems as though veteran Chris Martin (groin) would get the first shot at save opportunities for the Red Sox if Jansen is unable to start the season healthy.
Source: Pete Abraham - Twitter.comRotoBaller.com
Fri Mar 814:57J.D. Martinez, Marlins In DiscussionsJ.D. MartinezLFAstrosFree Agent
The Miami Marlins and free-agent designated hitter J.D. Martinez are in discussions as the slugger lingers on the open market. The Marlins lost their primary designated hitter from last season Jorge Soler to the San Francisco Giants in free agency, so a fit with Martinez makes sense. However, the club could also go with a rotating DH combo of Josh Bell and Jake Burger as Martinez is reportedly seeking a two-year deal. The veteran is coming off of a massive season with the Dodgers in which he hit .271 with 33 home runs and 103 RBI despite appearing in just 113 games a season ago. Despite his utility-only eligibility and his unsure landing spot in free agency, Martinez still makes sense for fantasy managers around his 235.2 ADP.
Source: Craig MishRotoBaller.com
Fri Mar 814:16Joey Votto Signs Non-Roster Deal With Blue JaysJoey Votto1BRedsFree Agent
Free-agent first baseman Joey Votto has signed a non-roster invite deal to join the Toronto Blue Jays for spring training. The 40-year-old is from Toronto as the player and team seemed likely to at least connect on a minors deal this winter. Votto was relatively productive in the 2023 season, hitting just .202 but also slugging 14 home runs in just 65 games played while walking at a healthy 11.2% clip. He has seen his walk rates dip and his strikeout rates increase in recent seasons but his production hovered around league average a season ago, as per his 98 wRC+. He will battle for reps at designated hitter in the 2024 season but the Blue Jays also signed veteran Justin Turner to fill that void. Votto is well off the fantasy radar at this point.
Source: Buster OlneyRotoBaller.com
Wed Mar 623:54Nathan Eovaldi Strikes Out Five In Latest Spring OutingNathan EovaldiSPMarlinsFree Agent
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi struck out five batters over three innings of work during his outing against the Milwaukee Brewers last week. He allowed just one run on two hits along the way, showing off impressive control and efficiency. The right-hander remains effective heading into his age-34 season and will look to build on a strong 2023 campaign that saw him post a 3.88 FIP, 51.0 GB%, 8.25 K/9, and 2.94 BB/9. The latest RotoBaller fantasy baseball draft rankings have Eovaldi listed 198th overall and 54th among starters.
Source: FanGraphsRotoBaller.com
Wed Mar 612:07Kenley Jansen Set For Live Batting Practice SessionKenley JansenRPDodgersFree Agent
Boston Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen (lat) is scheduled to throw his first live batting practice session of camp on Wednesday, but it could be postponed due to rain. The Red Sox won't take any chances with the field being wet. Jansen reported right-lat soreness early in camp and was shut down, but it's not expected to take the 36-year-old much time to ramp up in spring training, so he's not being ruled out for Opening Day just yet. If he suffers a setback or just isn't ready to go later this month for the start of the regular season, expect Chris Martin to get the first shot at save chances at the back of Boston's bullpen. Jansen is the active leader in saves and had 29 of them with Boston last year, but he's not getting any younger and is a pretty big injury risk as a fantasy relief pitcher in 2024.
Source: The Athletic - Jen McCaffreyRotoBaller.com
Tue Mar 518:56Wade Miley Throws Bullpen SessionWade MileySPDiamondbacksFree Agent
Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy said that left-hander Wade Miley (shoulder) threw a bullpen session in camp on Tuesday morning. "I wouldn't count him out for the first week," Murphy said. Miley has been dealing with left-shoulder soreness in spring training and isn't a lock to be available for the first turns through the team's starting rotation to begin the regular season. The 37-year-old veteran southpaw is trending in the right direction, though, so even if he opens the year on the injured list, he could make his 2024 debut in April. Fantasy managers in mixed leagues should look to avoid the aging soft-tosser, though, as you should be able to find better upside starting rotation options at the end of your drafts.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd RosiakRotoBaller.com
Tue Mar 512:11Andrew McCutchen Making Spring Debut TuesdayAndrew McCutchenCFPiratesFree Agent
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder/designated hitter Andrew McCutchen (Achilles) said that he is making his Grapefruit League debut on Tuesday. "Got a uniform in here. Might as well wear it," McCutchen said. The 37-year-old said his modified, back-field program this spring has kept his health/body in a great spot entering the 2024 season. McCutchen suffered a partial tear of his left Achilles in 2023, which is why he's being slow-played in camp by the Pirates. The former National League MVP in 2013 is clearly past his prime, but he was decent before his injury in his return to Pittsburgh last year, slashing .256/.378/.397 with 12 home runs, 43 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 112 games. McCutchen's lack of outfield eligibility in fantasy is bad news for his overall fantasy appeal, though.
Source: Pittsburgh PG - Jason MackeyRotoBaller.com
Tue Mar 500:20Andrew McCutchen Could See Game Action In Coming WeekAndrew McCutchenCFPiratesFree Agent
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen (Achilles) could see Grapefruit League action the week of March 4. The 37-year-old signed a one-year, $5 million deal this off-season to return to the Pirates after slashing .256/.378/.397 with 12 home runs, 55 runs scored, 43 RBI, and 11 stolen bases in 473 plate appearances. He was forced to miss the last month of the season due to a partial tear of his left Achilles. At this point in his career, while recovering from a leg injury, it is difficult to expect much from McCutchen fantasy-wise, particularly in terms of stolen base potential.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Tue Mar 500:10Bryce Harper, Phillies Contract Extension Currently NebulousBryce HarperCF/RFNationalsFree Agent
Both Philadelphia Phillies management and first baseman Bryce Harper have expressed interest in an extension that would keep Harper on the team through the end of his career. However, managing partner John Middleton said on Monday, "We need to get something done, but when we get it done and how it gets done, it's not clear to me." The team agreed to a three-year, $126 million extension with starting pitcher Zack Wheeler on Monday, and Harper currently has eight years remaining on a 13-year, $330 million contract. The 31-year-old had another strong season in 2023, slashing .293/.401/.499 with 21 home runs, 84 runs scored, 74 RBI, and 11 stolen bases in 546 plate appearances.
Source: Todd Zolecki - MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 412:33Lance Lynn To Make Grapefruit League Debut On FridayLance LynnSPCardinalsFree Agent
St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Lance Lynn has been in a slow progression in camp as a matter of personal preference, but he will make his Grapefruit League debut on Friday against the Washington Nationals. Lynn expressed his desire to ramp up on the back fields over the first week of spring games, a practice common throughout baseball. Despite not appearing in any games yet, he's not considered "behind" the team's other starters and is on the same throwing schedule. The 36-year-old veteran isn't going to be on any fantasy radars in mixed leagues after he had the worst season of his career in 2023 with the White Sox and Dodgers, posting a rough 5.73 ERA and 1.39 WHIP in 183 2/3 innings while giving up 44 long balls. Lynn could improve with St. Louis this year, but there's virtually no upside here.
Source: The Athletic - Katie WooRotoBaller.com
Sat Mar 221:35Lance Lynn Set To Make Spring Debut On FridayLance LynnSPCardinalsFree Agent
St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Lance Lynn is lined up to make his Grapefruit League debut Friday versus the Washington Nationals. Lynn began his career in St. Louis and will be sporting the Cardinals uniform for the first time since 2017 after signing a one-year, $10 million deal with the team during the offseason. The 36-year-old owned a 5.73 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, and a 191:67 K: BB over 183 2/3 innings in 2023. He allowed a league-high 44 home runs and saw his BB% rise from 3.7% in 2022 to 8.4% in 2023. Lynn currently has an NFBC ADP of 297 and should improve on his lackluster 2023, throwing half his games at pitcher-friendly Busch Stadium this season, making him a solid pick in the later rounds of fantasy drafts.
Source: John DentonRotoBaller.com
Sat Mar 213:37Wade Miley Has Shoulder SorenessWade MileySPDiamondbacksFree Agent
Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy said that left-hander Wade Miley (shoulder) is dealing with left-shoulder soreness in camp, which is the reason why the skipper said on Friday that Miley is "50-50" to be ready for Opening Day. "Played catch, played through it. Hasn't had any problem since," Murphy said. "We just want to go slow because of his history. Everything hurts on him. Happens when you're 50." Miley isn't 50, but he's 37 and should be of no interest to fantasy managers in mixed leagues in 2024, especially since he might not even be ready for the start of the season. The good news is Miley was able to play catch on Saturday. Miley has dealt with various arm injuries the last few years and relies on weak contact to get outs. At best, he'll be a matchup-based streamer in deep-mixed leagues when he's healthy.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd RosiakRotoBaller.com
Fri Mar 113:18Wade Miley "50-50" To Be Ready For Opening DayWade MileySPDiamondbacksFree Agent
Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy said on Friday morning that left-hander Wade Miley (undisclosed) is "50-50" to be ready for the start of the 2024 regular season. "We'll let you know more in about 10 days," Murphy said. It's unclear exactly what is wrong with Miley, but the soft-tossing southpaw may not be a part of Milwaukee's Opening Day rotation. The 37-year-old veteran has been slowed by elbow and shoulder injuries in recent seasons, so perhaps he's had another arm setback. Even if Miley was healthy, he wouldn't be very attractive to fantasy managers in mixed leagues. At best, he's a deep-league streaming option in favorable matchups, but his lack of strikeout upside keeps his fantasy floor low.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd RosiakRotoBaller.com
Fri Mar 112:50Patrick Corbin Incorporating A New CutterPatrick CorbinSPDiamondbacksFree Agent
Washington Nationals left-hander Patrick Corbin looked better in his second Grapefruit League outing on Thursday while incorporating more of his newest pitch, a cutter. He needed 49 pitches to complete 1 2/3 innings last Saturday, but on Thursday he cruised through three innings on 41 pitches (32 strikes) and didn't allow a run or walk a batter while scattering three hits and striking out four. One of his K's came on his new cutter. Corbin induced swings on six of the seven cutters he threw (three whiffs). The 34-year-old southpaw plans to continue using the cutter to complement his traditional fastballs-slider combo that he has struggled with in recent seasons. It's something to keep an eye on, but most fantasy managers are avoiding Corbin this year after he had a weak 15.7% strikeout rate last year.
Source: MASN Sports - Mark ZuckermanRotoBaller.com
Thu Feb 2916:45Miles Mikolas Working On His SliderMiles MikolasRPPadresFree Agent
St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Miles Mikolas was an All-Star in 2018 and 2022, but he struggled to a 9-13 record, 4.78 ERA (4.27 FIP) and 1.32 WHIP with a league-high 226 hits allowed, a league-high 107 earned runs given up, 39 walks and 137 strikeouts in 201 1/3 innings over 35 starts. The 35-year-old topped the 200-inning mark for the third time in his career, but his 16.7% whiff rate was in the bottom one percent of the league, per Baseball Savant. Mikolas also had career-worsts in hard-hit rate (43%) and average exit velocity (90.4 mph). To bounce back in 2024, he's working hard on his slider and the sequencing of his pitches. He may try to throw less strikes on purpose as well -- because he rarely walks hitters, they have become much more aggressive against him. His poor 2023 campaign and his age has dropped Mikolas out of RotoBaller's top-100 starting pitcher rankings.
Source: MLB.com - John DentonRotoBaller.com
Thu Feb 2915:56Yasmani Grandal The Starter Over Henry Davis?Yasmani GrandalCPadresFree Agent
Henry DavisFree Agent
When asked if catcher Yasmani Grandal was the team's starting catcher, Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton suggested that Grandal would be the starter, but that he would have his workload limited over the course of the season. "Yaz is going to catch. Yas is also 35 years old, so whoever our C2 is is going to get some time. We have to be very mindful of when he catches and how much he catches, mindful of making sure we get the second guy in there in a situation that we like all the time." Shelton said. Henry Davis, a former first-rounder, figures to be the favorite for the No. 2 job after playing exclusively right field in his MLB debut in 2023. Davis is younger and clearly has more offensive upside than the aging Grandal, but his uncertain playing time is going to hurt his fantasy value in deeper leagues as he enters his first full major-league season.
Source: Pittsburgh PG - Jason MackeyRotoBaller.com
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