News for Free Agent Players - 2017 5x5 Mixed League - $260 cap

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Tue Mar 1900:19Will Benson, Stuart Fairchild Could See Time In Center FieldWill BensonRFIndiansFree Agent
Stuart FairchildFree Agent
With Cincinnati Reds outfielder TJ Friedl (wrist) set to open the 2024 season on the injured list with a fractured right wrist, Will Benson and Stuart Fairchild could see additional playing time to start the season, per MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. Manager David Bell said, "It's all going to work out. I'm focused on the guys we have here." The 25-year-old Benson had a successful 2023 season in limited playing time but is batting just .200 in 25 spring at-bats. Fairchild has yet to stick in a big-league role but is hitting .360 with three home runs in 25 spring at-bats. From a fantasy perspective, Benson's potential to provide power and speed seems to give him the edge over Fairchild in deeper leagues. However, fantasy managers should watch for further news as the regular season approaches.
Source: Mark Sheldon - MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1823:33Jake Fraley Leaves Monday's Game EarlyJake FraleyCFRaysFree Agent
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jake Fraley was removed from Monday night's Cactus League game early against the San Francisco Giants after fouling a ball off what appeared to be a part of his body that is very sensitive. Fraley was probably pretty uncomfortable, but he was able to leave the field under his own power and should be fine for Opening Day on March 28. The 28-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder will continue in the strong side of a platoon against right-handed pitchers in 2024 in his third year in Cincinnati and deserves attention for outfield depth in deep-mixed fantasy leagues after he hit .256/.339/.443 with career-highs in homers (15), RBI (65) and stolen bases (21) in 111 games last year. RotoBaller has Fraley ranked as the No. 50 fantasy outfielder.
Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Gordon WittenmyerRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1821:40Blake Snell Heading To The GiantsBlake SnellSPRaysFree Agent
Free-agent left-hander Blake Snell is signing a two-year deal worth $62 million with the San Francisco Giants on Monday. The deal includes an opt-out clause for the reigning National League Cy Young winner. The 31-year-old southpaw was asking for a lot on the open market coming off his second Cy Young in eight big-league seasons. He went 14-9 with a league-best 2.25 ERA (3.44 FIP) and 1.19 WHIP with a career-high 234 strikeouts in 180 innings over 32 starts for the San Diego Padres, but Snell also led the league with 99 walks and 5.8 hits per nine innings allowed, which means he was pretty fortunate to lead the league in ERA in 2023. He will stay in the NL West and move to an even more pitcher-friendly ballpark, but his lack of control and durability issues point to regression in 2024 as a No. 2 fantasy starter. Snell also has a history of starting slow, which could be exacerbated this year due to his late signing with only 10 days until Opening Day.
Source: New York Post - Jon HeymanRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1820:24Nick Martinez To Open The Year In The RotationNick MartinezRPRangersFree Agent
Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell said that right-hander Nick Martinez (ribs) is locked into a starting rotation spot to begin the year, along with Frankie Montas, Hunter Greene and Graham Ashcraft. The fifth spot is down to Andrew Abbott and Brandon Williamson (shoulder). Martinez has been dealing with a rib issue in camp, but he was able to throw a simulated game over the weekend and should be ready for Opening Day on March 28. The 33-year-old has started 87 of the 198 games that he's appeared in in the big leagues in six seasons, and he's been more effective in his career in a relief role. Moving back to the bullpen is still an option once lefty Nick Lodolo (leg) makes his 2024 debut, which makes Martinez more of an NL-only asset in his first year with the Reds.
Source: The Athletic - C. Trent RosecransRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1819:11Martin Perez Strikes Out Eight BattersMartín PérezSPRangersFree Agent
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Martin Perez continued his impressive spring during Monday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The left-hander struck out eight batters over five innings of work during Monday's victory. It's worth noting that Perez never struck out eight hitters during a single start last season. His velocity was down during this game and he was still extremely effective. Perez has allowed one earned run in 12 innings this season. Perez probably won't be a reliable 12-team fantasy option, but could still be worth a look in deep leagues.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1813:51Michael Lorenzen Throws 70 Pitches SundayMichael LorenzenRPRedsFree Agent
Free-agent right-hander Michael Lorenzen threw 70 pitches on Sunday, getting up and down four times while also hitting 94 to 96 mph with his fastball on the radar gun, according to a report viewed by The Athletic. The 32-year-old veteran remains without a team with Opening Day quickly approaching, despite the fact that he threw a no-hitter with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2023. If Lorenzen does sign with a team soon, he should be pretty stretched out despite not facing actual competition in spring training. Both the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees have obvious needs in their starting rotations and have reportedly been considering signing Lorenzen. The former first-rounder of the Reds in 2013 out of Fullerton made his first career All-Star team in 2023 but struggled late in the year and was demoted to the bullpen in Philadelphia.
Source: The Athletic - Ken RosenthalRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1813:35Shohei Ohtani Cleared To Begin Throwing ProgramShohei OhtaniDH/SPAngelsFree Agent
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (elbow) has been cleared to start a throwing program later this week, six months after having his second elbow surgery. Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed Ohtani's surgery last Sept. 19, said that if Ohtani "goes along with the throwing program as we have it scheduled," he could begin throwing to hitters in late September. However, manager Dave Roberts reiterated that the team doesn't expect Ohtani to pitch until 2025. The skipper did acknowledge the possibility that the Dodgers could consider playing Ohtani in the field later this year if his arm has recovered enough. The 29-year-old Japanese superstar played a total of 8 1/3 innings in the outfield in his six seasons with the Angels (all in 2021), so it's unlikely we'll see him in the outfield much, if at all, later in 2024.
Source: Orange County Register - Bill PlunkettRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1813:18Chris Martin May Not Be Ready For Opening DayChris MartinRPRangersFree Agent
The Boston Globe's Peter Abraham writes that right-hander Chris Martin (groin) may not be ready for Opening Day on March 28. Closer Kenley Jansen (back) was scratched from making his second Grapefruit League appearance on Monday, but the team still believes he has a shot to be ready by Opening Day. The 37-year-old Martin threw a live batting practice session in camp on Saturday, but he's running out of time to get ready for the start of the regular season. He's expected to need four spring training appearances in order to be ready for Opening Day. This is notable because Martin figures to be the BoSox's next man up for save chances if Jansen misses any time due to injury in 2024. Given Jansen's recent string of injuries and his age (36), it's likely he's going to miss time at some point. Josh Winckowski is another name that could see save chances early in the year if both Jansen and Martin aren't 100%.
Source: The Boston Globe - Pete AbrahamRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1813:06Byron Buxton Scratched With Back TightnessByron BuxtonCFTwinsFree Agent
Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (back) was scratched from Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Boston Red Sox due to lower-back tightness on his right side, according to the team. It's unclear exactly how serious Buxton's back injury is, but given his lengthy injury history, we shouldn't be surprised if it ends up being something that causes him to start the 2024 season on the injured list. The oft-injured 30-year-old was unable to play a single game in the outfield for Minnesota last year due to a knee injury that required offseason surgery. Buxton played in only 85 games in 2023 and hit a weak .207 (63-for-304) but also hit 17 home runs and drove in 42. He has played in over 100 games just one in nine big-league seasons, so Buxton's inability to stay on the field now far outweighs his actual power/speed capabilities.
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Betsy HelfandRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1810:19Reynaldo Lopez Named Fifth StarterReynaldo LópezSPWhite SoxFree Agent
The Atlanta Braves have rewarded Reynaldo Lopez with the fifth spot in the rotation, beating out Bryce Elder among others. Lopez, 30, has been a reliever for the past couple of seasons, but the Braves had big hopes that he could return to his original position as a starting pitcher and so far, so good. In the Grapefruit League, Lopez allowed four runs with six walks and 13 strikeouts in 16 2/3 innings. It has been a few seasons since he was a regular as a starting pitcher, but pitching for one of the best teams in the league, Lopez makes for an intriguing end of the draft flier.
Source: Mark BowdenRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 1717:54Tyler O'Neill Likely To Return On TuesdayTyler O'NeillLFCardinalsFree Agent
Boston Red Sox outfielder Tyler O'Neill (calf) is likely to return to the starting lineup on Tuesday, according to manager Alex Cora. O'Neill has been plagued by calf issues twice during camp already. The Red Sox are going to take the cautious approach and hold him out until he's fully healthy. If he returns on Tuesday, fantasy managers shouldn't be concerned about his Opening Day status. Otherwise, O'Neill could be in danger of missing Opening Day if this calf issue causes him to miss another week or more. Fantasy managers will have to check back on Tuesday for another update on his status.
Source: Christopher SmithRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 1717:36Zack Wheeler Named Opening Day StarterZack WheelerSPMetsFree Agent
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler has been confirmed as the Opening Day starter, according to manager Rob Thompson. The right-hander has earned this opportunity given how excellent he has pitched over the last few seasons. This will be a change of pace for the Phillies as Aaron Nola has started the last seven Opening Day games for the Phillies. The organization will shake it up and have Wheeler take the ball against the Atlanta Braves on March 28. The assumption is that Nola will follow him as the second starter.
Source: Scott LauberRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 1715:16Tommy Pham Nearing Deal With PadresTommy PhamCF/LFCardinalsFree Agent
The San Diego Padres are close to a deal with free-agent outfielder Tommy Pham, according to Bob Nightengale. The expectation is that it'll be a cheap one-year contract. The Padres could use the help in the outfield as this team does lack depth there. Currently, Jurickson Profar is penciled in as the everyday left fielder. The move to get Pham could give the Padres additional options for platoon type situations. Last season, Pham hit .256/.328/.446 with 16 home runs and 68 RBI in 129 games between the New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks. There probably won't be a ton of fantasy value from Pham, but it depends on his role.
Source: Bob NightengaleRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 1715:05Jameson Taillon Could Throw SoonJameson TaillonSPPiratesFree Agent
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon (back) is already in jeopardy of missing Opening Day. The good news is Taillon is expected to throw off the mound on Tuesday or Wednesday. The right-hander has reportedly responded well to treatment, so hopefully he won't be forced to miss an extended time. The Cubs have options such as Javier Assad, Hayden Wesneski, or Drew Smyly if Taillon isn't ready to go by the opening series. The Cubs might proceed cautiously given the fact they do have multiple other options.
Source: Bruce LevineRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 1714:54Nick Martinez Throws Simulated GameNick MartinezRPRangersFree Agent
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Martinez (ribs) threw a live batting practice session on Saturday. The right-hander threw three innings of a simulated game as he works his way back to full health. The plan is for Martinez to build his way back up into being a starting pitcher. The 33-year-old could end up turning into a swingman type of role depending on how the rest of the rotation shakes out in Cincinnati. At the moment, Martinez isn't a very appealing option heading into fantasy drafts. However, it sounds like the right-hander is making good progress in his recovery.
Source: Charlie GoldsmithRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 1714:29Jose Leclerc Likely To Be CloserJosé LeclercRP/SPRangersFree Agent
Texas Rangers relief pitcher Jose Leclerc has a strong possibility of opening the regular season as the team's closer, according to manager Bruce Bochy. The 30-year-old ended last season as the closer and appears in a good spot to keep that role. Last season, Leclerc finished with a 2.68 ERA, 2.14 WHIP, and 67 strikeouts in 57 games with the Rangers. It's worth noting that veteran right-hander David Robertson could be in the mix as well. However, Leclerc looks locked in for a majority of the save chances in Texas right now. He should be at least a top-20 closing option heading into the regular season.
Source: Evan GrantRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 1712:34Ian Happ Back In Cactus League LineupIan Happ2B/CF/LFCubsFree Agent
Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ (hamstring) is serving as the designated hitter and batting leadoff in the team's Cactus League game on Sunday versus the Texas Rangers. It will be Happ's first time in a spring game since Feb. 29 after he was held out for over two weeks due to a right-hamstring strain. Barring a setback with his hamstring, the 29-year-old outfielder should return to playing defense by late next week and should be ready to go for Opening Day on March 28. The Cubs' starting left fielder, a former first-round pick in 2015 out of Cincinnati, had a solid year in 2023 after earning his first All-Star selection in 2022, slashing .248/.360/.431 with 21 homers, 84 RBI and 14 stolen bases in 691 plate appearances over 158 games. Happ doesn't do anything elite in any one category for fantasy managers, but he's a solid high-floor No. 3 fantasy outfielder.
Source: Chicago CubsRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 1712:13Miles Mikolas To Start On Opening DayMiles MikolasSPCardinalsFree Agent
With St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Sonny Gray (hamstring) not set to be cleared to pitch on Opening Day on March 28 against the Los Angeles Dodgers on the road, right-hander Miles Mikolas has been tabbed as the Opening Day starter for the Red Birds. Not only is Mikolas not much of a mixed-league target in standard 12-team fantasy leagues, but he should be considered a poor DFS option on Opening Day against a strong Dodgers lineup that added Shohei Ohtani in the offseason. The 35-year-old veteran is hoping an improved slider will make him more effective this year after he had a 4.78 ERA and 1.32 WHIP with 39 walks, 137 strikeouts and league-highs in hits allowed (226) and earned runs (107). There's just not much fantasy upside from a pitcher with a career 6.6 strikeouts per nine innings in eight years in the majors.
Source: The Athletic - Katie WooRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 1712:07Sonny Gray Won't Be Cleared For Opening DaySonny GraySPYankeesFree Agent
St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Sonny Gray (hamstring) will not be cleared for Opening Day on March 28, according to manager Oliver Marmol. However, there is a possibility that Gray won't open the year on the injured list and could potentially pitch later in the first road trip of the season. With Gray out for Opening Day, right-hander Miles Mikolas will be the team's Opening Day starter on the road in Los Angeles against the Dodgers. The 34-year-old is set to throw a simulated game on Sunday after straining his right hamstring on March 4. It's a bummer that Gray won't be making the team's Opening Day start in his first season in St. Louis, but his injury might not require him to miss a start at all to open the year. After finishing second in the American League Cy Young voting in 2023, Gray makes for a high-floor No. 3 fantasy starter in 2024.
Source: The Athletic - Katie WooRotoBaller.com
Sat Mar 1621:20Taylor Ward Hits First Spring HomerTaylor WardCAngelsFree Agent
Los Angeles outfielder Taylor Ward went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Saturday's 4-3 spring loss to the Chicago Cubs. Ward took Keegan Thompson deep in the bottom of the sixth inning for his first home run of spring training. The 30-year-old has had a solid spring, slashing .286/.375/.457 with a home run, six RBI, and five runs scored over 14 games during spring training. His 2023 season ended prematurely. Ward suffered multiple facial fractures after being hit by a pitch in the face against the Blue Jays in July. He is slated to be the Angels' starting left fielder and is projected to hit fifth in the team's lineup. Ward has an NFBC ADP of 221 in March and has a chance to pop 20-plus homers in 2024, making him a solid pick at his current price tag in upcoming fantasy drafts.
Source: MLBRotoBaller.com
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