Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said on Monday that the team is open to the possibility of re-signing free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. "Our arms are still open. The door is still open. There's always a chance," Espada said. The Astros are leaving the door open, but it's still unlikely there will be a reunion after the team signed Christian Walker to play first base and acquired third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Chicago Cubs this winter. In the unlikely event that Bregman did re-sign with Houston, the Astros would probably have to move one of Walker or Paredes to a full-time designated-hitter role. The Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers might be the most likely landing spots for the 30-year-old veteran this offseason. The two-time All-Star dealt with injuries down the stretch in 2024 and finished with a .260/.315/.453 slash line, 26 homers, 75 RBI and 79 runs scored in 145 games played.

Free-agent outfielder Anthony Santander agreed to a five-year deal worth at least $92.5 million guaranteed on Monday with the Toronto Blue Jays, according to a source. With an option involved in the deal, Santander has the potential to make $110 million. KPRC's Ari Alexander also reports that there is deferred money in the deal. Santander has an opt-out after the 2027 season that can be voided if a 2030 team option is exercised. It's the first big signing this offseason for Toronto and will give them a rising switch-hitting power bat to pair with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the middle of their lineup. The Venezuelan outfielder was a first-time All-Star in 2024 and hit .235/.308/.506 with an .814 OPS, a career-high 44 home runs and a career-high 102 RBI in 155 games with the Orioles. Although his power will play nicely in Toronto, fantasy managers may want to expect a slight step back in his power numbers in 2025.

According to Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat, the St. Louis Cardinals are not expected to trade starting pitcher Erick Fedde before spring training. President of Baseball Operations, John Mozeliak, noted that while the team would like to continue increasing their financial flexibility, with spring training around the corner, the team would rather hold on to Fedde instead. However, trade talks will likely resume if the Cardinals fall out of playoff contention early in the summer. The 31-year-old opened the 2024 season with the Chicago White Sox before being shipped to St. Louis before the trade deadline. Across 177 1/3 innings, the right-hander posted a 3.30 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. He struck out 154 batters with a 7.2% walk rate. Fantasy managers should expect Fedde to open the season as the No.2 option in the St. Louis rotation.

According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of SportsNet, free-agent pitcher Max Scherzer is drawing interest from the Toronto Blue Jays. Nicholson-Smith noted that while Scherzer is already drawing interest from the Blue Jays, adding another top bat from the market, such as Anthony Santander or Pete Alonso, could create an even more appealing destination for the 40-year-old. Last season, Scherzer was limited to just 43 1/3 innings of work due to numerous injuries. The right-hander posted a 3.95 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP through this small stint. He struck out 40 batters and held a strong 5.6% walk rate. He generated hard contact at a solid 34.9% rate and whiffs at a 29.2% rate. The Blue Jays were very interested in adding Roki Sasaki to their starting rotation but fell just short in the bidding. If Scherzer were to join the Blue Jays, this would likely move Yariel Rodriguez to a long-relief role.

According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, the Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays are among the teams pursuing free-agent relief pitcher Carlos Estevez. Morosi noted that following the signings of A.J. Minter and Tanner Scott, the relief pitcher market is heating up. Morosi also reported that the Cubs offered Tanner Scott a four-year deal with $66 million, suggesting they remain focused on bolstering their bullpen. Earlier this offseason, the Blue Jays signed Jeff Hoffman to a three-year deal with $33 million. However, after missing out on several top free agents, they are still looking to further improve their team. Last season, Estevez tallied 26 saves with a 2.45 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP pitching for the Angels and Phillies. He generated a solid 3.19 xERA and a .220 xBA which were both above average but allowed hard contact at a hefty 42.3% rate. Estevez would likely be deployed as a high-leverage option where he signs.

According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, the Texas Rangers have signed catcher Chad Wallach to a minor-league contract that includes an invite to spring training. Wallach did not make an appearance in the majors last season. He spent the entire campaign with Triple-A Salt Lake and posted a .247/.337/.430 line with 15 doubles, 12 home runs, and two stolen bases. During the 2023 campaign, Wallach held a .197/.259/.376 line through 65 games with the Los Angeles Angels. This production was in line with his career .198/.263/.328 line he has held throughout his seven-year major league career. Given his lack of consistent major league production, the 33-year-old backstop will likely open the campaign at the Triple-A level.

According to Jeff Jones of BND.com, the St. Louis Cardinals and right-handed pitcher Ryan Helsley are not having contract conversations. Helsley said he was "almost certain" he was going to be traded during the winter due to a lack of contract discussions. The relief pitcher noted, "But you know, at the same time, it's a two-way street, and if only one side wants it, it's not going to work out." Throughout the offseason, the Cardinals have been shopping several top players, including third baseman Nolan Arenado, in hopes to clear salary. In addition, starting pitchers Erick Fedde and Steven Matz have also been around trade discussions. Last season, the 30-year-old was one of the top closers in the sport, as he posted a 2.04 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP with 49 saves across 66 1/3 innings of work. For now, fantasy managers should expect Helsley to operate as the clear ninth-inning option in St. Louis but could find himself on the trade block if they fall out of the playoff picture.

According to Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News, Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (hip) and outfielder Evan Carter (back) are expected to be fully healthy heading into spring training. Seager underwent sports hernia surgery during the fall and has been able to perform baseball activities in December. Before cutting his season short, Seager held a strong .278/.353/.512 line with 30 home runs and 21 doubles. Carter was shut down last May due to a back injury. McFarland noted that the young outfielder played through this pain during the early part of the season. His injury hindered his performance as he held an underwhelming .188/.272/.361 line through 46 contests. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status during spring training, but seeing them progress at this stage of the offseason is a great sign. Both players are key components of the Texas lineup as they hope to return to the postseason in 2025.

Free-agent left-handed reliever Tanner Scott and the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a four-year, $72 million deal on Sunday, according to a source. The Dodgers are winning the offseason by a wide margin after also securing Japanese pitching phenom Roki Sasaki on Friday. Scott, 30, was the top closer available in free agency and will now join a Dodgers bullpen that already includes high-leverage right-handers Evan Phillips and Michael Kopech. While Scott could share save chances with Kopech, he should be considered the favorite for most of LA's save opportunities, boosting his fantasy value significantly on the best team in baseball. Scott was a first-time All-Star in 2024 and had a pristine 1.75 ERA and 1.25 WHIP with a career-high 22 saves, 84 strikeouts and 36 walks in 72 regular-season innings with the Marlins and Padres.

Catcher Kevin Plawecki announced his retirement from professional baseball on his personal social media on Saturday. He was then hired by the San Diego Padres as a player development coach, according to Mike Mayer of Metsmerized. The 33-year-old spent most of his big league career with the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox. Through 449 career big league games, the backstop posted a .235/.315/.341 line with 22 home runs. Plawecki spent all of last season with Triple-A El Paso and posted a solid .260/.340/.443 line with 15 doubles, 11 home runs, and a 32:43 BB:K ratio. Plawecki will continue to work in the Padres organization but now on the coaching side of the game.

According to MLB.com, the San Diego Padres have signed second baseman Niko Goodrum to a minor-league deal. Goodrum made only 13 appearances in the major leagues last summer, split between Tampa Bay and Los Angeles. Across this brief stint, the infielder posted a .103/.188/.103 line. Through 60 games at the Triple-A level, the 32-year-old posted a .284/.374/.460 line with eight doubles, seven home runs, and seven stolen bases. Goodrum's most productive seasons in the majors were during 2018 and 2019 where he posted a cumulative .247/.318/.427 line. Fantasy managers should expect the veteran to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster, but he will likely open the summer at the Triple-A level, given his lack of big league production in recent years.

According to the team, the Kansas City Royals have signed second baseman Harold Castro to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training. Castro spent the 2024 season in the Mexican Baseball League. During the 2023 campaign, Castro posted a .252/.275/.314 line across 99 games with the Colorado Rockies. He hit just one home run and had 13 doubles. However, from 2019 through 2022, Castro was productive with the Detroit Tigers, posting a cumulative .284/.309/.378. The 31-year-old will compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster but should be expected to open the season at the Triple-A level given his lack of major league success over the past few seasons.

According to Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Cardinals remain focused on finding a trade partner for third baseman Nolan Arenado. Worthy noted that moving the gold glover is priority "1, 2, and 3" for president of baseball operations John Mozeliak. Arenado's name has been around several trade discussions throughout the offseason. The Astros reportedly sent the Cardinals a package, but Arenado vetoed the deal. The New York Yankees have also had discussions about acquiring the third baseman. The Cardinals are trying to clear salaries off their payroll to open opportunities for their younger players to have roles in the 2025 season. Starting pitchers Erick Fedde and Steven Matz have also been on the trade block, according to sources. Last season, Arenado posted a .272/.325/.394 line with 16 home runs but remains an elite defender despite his declining bat.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Toronto Blue Jays are continuing their pursuit of free-agent outfielder Anthony Santander. Heyman noted that the team has made progress with their conversations. However, the Blue Jays have had positive discussions with free agents but have fallen short in several bids for the other top options, such as Juan Soto and Roki Sasaki. Heyman also reported that the Blue Jays are also eyeing Pete Alonso and potentially another pitcher. Last season, Santander launched a career-best 44 home runs with a .235/.308/.506 line. Under the hood, he boasted an 11.7% barrel rate and .445 xSLG, which were both significantly above the average marks. If Santander were to sign in Toronto, he would likely see most of his starts as a designated hitter.

According to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com, Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (elbow) "feels really good" after having a typical offseason. deGrom missed most of the 2024 campaign after recovering from his second Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in April of 2023. deGrom returned to the major leagues in September and struck out 14 batters across a short 10-inning stint. The two-time Cy Young winner expressed, "The goal is to go out there and make as many starts as I can to help contribute. Things have been feeling really good," when asked about his current health status. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the 36-year-old's status during spring training, but it appears that the hard-throwing right-hander will be a full-go for the start of the 2025 campaign. Given his career 2.52 ERA and 0.99 WHIP, deGrom carries elite upside despite his injury risk.

According to Josh Frydman of WGN News, Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (core) feels healthy and is expected to be ready for spring training. Swanson underwent surgery for a core injury over the offseason. Swanson noted that it is "Nice to feel like yourself. Feels like a re-set" when asked how he felt. Swanson appeared in 149 games with the Cubs last season and held a .242/.312/.390 and hit 16 home runs, and swiped 19 bags. Under the hood, he generated a .321 xwOBA, .416 xSLG, and a 42.7% hard-hit rate, all of which were slightly above the average marks. During his first season with the Cubs in 2023, Swanson went deep 22 times with a .244 AVG. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status leading up to Opening Day. If healthy, he should be penciled in as the starting shortstop on the Northside all season.

According to Aram Leighton of Just BB Media, the Atlanta Braves have signed catcher Curt Casali to a minor-league contract. Casali appeared in 41 games with the San Francisco Giants last summer and held a .194/.293/.250 line with three doubles, one home run, and a 13:22 BB:K ratio. He also spent time with Triple-A Iowa and posted a strong .362/.489/.551 line with seven doubles, two home runs, and a 15:16 BB:K ratio. Across his 11-year major league career, the backstop has held a .218/.313/.369 line, Casali will compete for the No.2 catching job with Chadwick Tromp and prospect Drake Baldwin during spring training.

According to Andrew Golden of the Washington Post, the Washington Nationals have signed catcher Andrew Knizner to a minor-league contract. He will also be invited to spring training. The 29-year-old made 37 appearances with the Texas Rangers. Through this stint, he held a .167/.182/.211 with just one double, one home run, and a 1:22 BB:K ratio. He then spent the end of the season with Triple-A Reno in the Diamondbacks system and posted a .263/.355/.388 line. Throughout his big league career, the backstop has posted a .210/.279/.317 line across 293 games. Knizer will compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster but will likely open the campaign in the minor leagues, given his struggles in the majors.

According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, the Chicago Cubs are among the favorites to land free-agent relief pitcher Tanner Scott. Scott is one of the top remaining players on the open market. In addition to the Cubs, the Diamondbacks, Blue Jays, and Red Sox have been linked to the southpaw throughout the offseason. Last summer, Scott opened the campaign with the Miami Marlins and tallied 18 saves across 45 2/3 innings. He was then shipped to San Diego at the deadline and was deployed in the set-up role behind Robert Suarez. Overall, the 30-year-old posted a strong 1.75 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP across 72 frames of work. Currently, Porter Hodge is slated to be the ninth-inning option in Chicago. Last summer, he tallied nine saves with a 1.88 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP through 43 innings of work. Scott would be the top ninth-inning option if he were to join the Cubs.

According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the New York Mets are no longer targeting free-agent relief pitcher Tanner Scott. Puma noted that with the Mets signing A.J. Minter earlier on Friday, the team is no longer pursuing other options for their bullpen. The Mets met with Scott earlier in free agency, and he is still one of the top available options on the open market. Last season, Scott held a 1.75 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP across 72 innings of work. He tallied 22 saves and struck out 84 batters. He generated a stellar 27.5% hard-hit and 4.7% barrel rates, placing him in the 99th and 92nd percentile among qualified pitchers, respectively. He also generated ground balls at a strong 52.0% rate. The 30-year-old will likely be deployed as a ninth-inning option with his new club.