Jarlin Garcia is reportedly drawing interest from around six teams. (Source: Steve Adams on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Garcia, who missed last season with a nerve issue in his biceps, isn't expected to be ready for the start of Spring Training. He recently resumed throwing and is expected to be ready in May. He last pitched for the Giants where he excelled in his bullpen role.
The Texas Rangers have reportedly expressed interest in free agent Brandon Belt. (Source: ESPN.com)
Fantasy Impact: Belt slashed .254/.369/.490 with 19 home runs last season. He would likely replace Mitch Garver if he signs with the Rangers.
The Boston Red Sox have reportedly expressed interest in free agent pitcher Jakob Junis. (Source: MassLive.com)
Fantasy Impact: Junis has experience as both a starter and reliever with the Giants. It is unclear how close the two sides are on a contract, but it is something to monitor nonetheless.
Free-agent reliever David Robertson is drawing interest from the Texas Rangers. (Source: Jon Heyman on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: The veteran signed with the Mets on a one-year pact last winter and tossed a tidy 2.05 ERA for them in 40 appearances before being dealt to the Marlins. He struggled to the tune of a 5.06 ERA in 22 outings with the Marlins but could have an opportunity to bounce back with the reigning world champions in 2024.
The Cubs and Red Sox have reportedly expressed interest in free agent reliever Ryne Stanek. (Source: Bob Nightengale on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Stanek was also connected to the Mets. He remains one of the top relievers available in free agency and should land with a new team soon.
Thu, Jan 25th 3:25pm EST
By Ari Koslow
Reds' manager David Bell said Jeimer Candelario is expected to be an every day player for the Reds this season. (Source: Cincinnati.com)
Fantasy Impact: Candelario signed a three-year deal with the Reds this offseason. He figures to see time at first base, third base and designated hitter this season. The Reds infield remains crowded heading into this year.
Thu, Jan 25th 3:23pm EST
By Ari Koslow
Reds manager David Bell said that Jonathan India will have to play other positions to stay on the field this season. (Source: Cincinnati.com)
Fantasy Impact: “(India's) 100% in on what we have here as a team,” Bell said. "... I am going to do whatever I have to do to be on the field and help our team win. Whatever that takes.’ He just wants to be on the field and in the lineup as much as possible. Obviously, he’s a second baseman. Depending on how things shape out, to be able to get him on the field as much as he wants to be and as much as we want him to be, there may be other positions he’s going to need to play.” The Reds have a crowded infield and India has been in a number of trade rumors, which remains a situation to monitor.
Will Smith is reportedly the lead candidate to close games for the Royals this season. (Source: Ken Rosenthal)
Fantasy Impact: Smith recorded 22 saves for the Rangers last season. Barring any more moves made by Kansas City this offseason, it would appear he'll open the season as the closer for the Royals.
Domingo German is reportedly drawing interest from as many as six teams. (Source: NY Post)
Fantasy Impact: German ended his season on August 3 last season after he reached out for help for alcohol abuse. He posted a 4.56 ERA across 108 2/3 innings last season with the Yankees.
Robert Stephenson said he is not expecting to be the closer for the Angels. (Source: Sam Blum on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Stepheson said it is Carlos Estevez's job as the closer. He added that he is willing to take on any role. He'll have a high leverage role out of the Angels bullpen and could see some save chances if Estevez ever struggles.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly close to an agreement with free agent starter James Paxton. (Source: Fabian Ardaya on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: There is no agreement yet, but it appears to be close. Paxton would likely look to fill a spot at the end of the Dodgers rotation to open the season.
The New York Yankees and Mets have reportedly expressed interest in Hector Neris. (Source: SNY.TV)
Fantasy Impact: Both teams have reportedly spoken with the representatives for Neris. The veteran has pitched in big games for both the Astros and Phillies in his career.
The New York Mets have reportedly expressed interest in Aroldis Chapman. (Source: SNY.TV)
Fantasy Impact: The Mets (and Yankees) have also expressed interest in Hector Neris. Chapman is reportedly a long shot to land with the Mets, but it is something to monitor nonetheless.
The Houston Astros are reportedly making a push to sign Josh Hader. (Source: Ken Rosenthal on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: It is unclear if Hader would take the closer role from Ryan Pressly, or if they potentially split save chances which wouldn't be ideal from a fantasy perspective. This will remain a situation to monitor.
Jordan Hicks has drawn interest from both the Yankees and Astros. (Source: Jon Morosi on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Hicks had a very solid 2023 campaign, saving 12 games alongside a 3.29 ERA and 28.4 K% across 65 2/3 innings while spending time between St. Louis and Toronto. Hicks showed the ability to close out games last year, but he would most likely not be the top candidate for that role in Houston or New York. The latter destination would probably give him a better shot at some saves in 2024. However, Hicks seems destined to serve mostly as a setup man this year.
Joey Votto reportedly has at least three teams showing interest in signing him. (Source: Bob Nightengale on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Votto is actually on the free-agent market for the first time in his career at age 40. Obviously, the six-time All-Star is at the tail end of a great career, but there are rumored to be at least three teams expressing interest in his services. One of those teams is believed to be the Blue Jays. Votto is far removed from being the elite hitter he once was, but he did hit 14 homers across 65 games in 2023.
Masataka Yoshida is reportedly being discussed in trade talks by the Red Sox. (Source: Ken Rosenthal on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: It makes sense that potential trade partners would be interested in Yoshida, as he hit a solid .289 with 15 homers and 33 doubles across 140 games during his first season in the States last year. The Red Sox signed the now 30-year-old native of Japan to a 5-year, $90M contract in December of 2022, so he also would not be simply a short-term acquisition for another club. Still, it seems a bit unlikely that the Red Sox would deal Yoshida at this point.
Teoscar Hernandez still being pursued by Red Sox. (Source: Ken Rosenthal on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Hernandez makes plenty of sense as a potential free-agent acquisition for the Red Sox, as the club is actively looking to improve in the power department. Hernandez is a two-time Silver Slugger award winner and ripped 26 homers for Seattle in 2023.
The Mariners have reportedly talked with the Guardians about Josh Naylor. (Source: Jon Morosi on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: It has been a very quiet offseason so far for Seattle after breaking the playoff drought two years ago and just missing out this past season. Naylor is coming off a career season, hitting .308 with 17 home runs across 452 plate appearances.
The New York Mets have reportedly shown interest in free agent Justin Turner. (Source: New York Post)
Fantasy Impact: Turner previously played with the Mets for four years before he joined the Dodgers. He hit .276 with 23 home runs in Boston last season and shouldn't have too much of a problem finding a new landing spot whether it is with the Mets or another team.
