Fri, Feb 28th 12:40am EST
By Ari Koslow
Athletics’ manager Mark Kotsay said that he’s considering using Tyler Soderstrom as the team’s primary backup behind the plate in 2025. (Source: Martin Gallegos)
Fantasy Impact: Soderstrom appeared in 59 games at first base and one game at catcher last season. He is expected to open the season as the Athletics starting first baseman, and could offer the team more flexibility as a backup catcher as well. If this is the case, he could offer fantasy managers eligibility at both positions which would raise his value.
The Astros are reportedly rekindling trade talks for Nolan Arenado, who might now be inclined to waive his no-trade clause for Houston. (Source: Mark Feinsand on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Arenado previously used his no-trade clause back in December after the Cardinals and Astros had a trade agreed upon. The Cardinals are continuing to shop Arenado and his contract, so a trade to Houston again sounds possible. This will be a situation to monitor.
The Guardians and free agent pitcher John Means are reportedly in "advanced talks" on a deal. (Source: Chris Cotillo on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: It had been reported earlier in the offseason that the Orioles had interest in bringing back Means, but his market has overall been quiet as of late. He has been limited to just 10 combined starts across the past three seasons.
The Phillies and J.T. Realmuto have had mutual interest in working out a contract extension. (Source: Inquirer.com)
Fantasy Impact: “Obviously I have interest in coming back to the Phillies,” Realmuto said. "... I love being here. My wife loves it here, my family. Their friends are all in the organization. So, there’s certainly interest on our end. I would hope the Phillies have interest, as well.” This will be a situation to monitor we get closer to the season.
Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski hinted at the fact that Kyle Schwarber could see more time in the outfield during the 2025 season. (Source: Todd Zolecki on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Dombrowski mentioned that they could give J.T. Realmuto more playing time at designated hitter, which would move Schwarber to the outfield. It is unclear if he'll see enough games in the outfield to earn eligibility at that position.
Wed, Feb 12th 10:19am EST
By Brenton Kemp
Free agent third baseman Alex Bregman reportedly has multi-year offers from three teams and is likely to sign soon. (Source: MLB.com)
Fantasy Impact: The report comes from ESPN's Buster Olney who says the star third baseman is likely to sign with either the Cubs, Red Sox, or Tigers and remains uninterested in a short-term deal. The 30-year-old hit .260 with 26 homers and a .768 OPS across 145 appearances with the Astros in 2024.
According to Jeff Passan, Michael King is 'far less likely' to be traded than Dylan Cease. (Source: Jeff Passan)
Fantasy Impact: It has been reported all offseason that the Padres have been looking to trade one of King or Cease. It is unclear what teams have showed interest in either of them. This will remain a situation to monitor heading into spring training.
The Cubs could show interest in free agent Justin Turner if they aren't able to sign Alex Bregman. (Source: Ken Rosenthal on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: The market has been quiet for Turner. He was traded to the Mariners at the deadline last season where he hit .264 across 159 at-bats. The wait on where Bregman will be signing continues.
Mon, Feb 10th 3:37am EST
By Ari Koslow
The Rangers and Jon Gray have had internal discussions about using him as the team's closer. (Source: Evan Grant)
Fantasy Impact: It was also reported earlier in the offseason that Gray was willing to close for the Rangers if needed. This will be a situation to monitor in spring training.
Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes said that the team hasn’t ruled out re-signing Enrique Hernandez. (Source: Matthew Moreno on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Hernandez would likely return to a utility role for the Dodgers if the two sides do agree to a new deal. He won't be on the fantasy radar.
The Mets have expressed interest in bringing back Mark Canha. (Source: Jon Heyman on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: The market has been slow for Canha, so he may eventually take the Mets offer of a non-guaranteed contract. He played with the Mets during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
The free agent market for Kendall Graveman is reportedly heating up. (Source: Jesse Rogers on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Graveman is coming off missing all of last season after undergoing shoulder surgery. He'll likely look to sign a short-term prove-it deal wherever he ends up.
There have reportedly been teams who have expressed interest in Lance Lynn as a closer. (Source: Ken Rosenthal)
Fantasy Impact: Lynn has been a starter for most of his career, but a move to the bullpen could help his durability at this stage in his career. It is not known what teams have reached out to him about this idea. This will remain a situation to monitor.
Anthony Rendon reportedly could enter the season as the backup first baseman for the Angels. (Source: Sam Blum)
Fantasy Impact: Rendon has not played more than 58 games in any of his five games with the Angels. He could serve as the backup at both first base and third base as he isn't expected to get every day reps.
The free agent market has reportedly heated up on Danny Coulombe. (Source: Robert Murray on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Coulombe was non-tendered back in November after posting a 2.12 ERA in the Orioles bullpen last season. He ended the season on the injured list, but he is expected to be healthy entering the season.
The Cubs have reportedly spoken to the Padres regarding a trade for Dylan Cease. (Source: Jon Morosi)
Fantasy Impact: San Diego has reportedly been willing to trade at least one of Cease or Michael King before the season with Cease being the more likely of the two to be moved. This will remain a situation to monitor with spring training around the corner.
The Blue Jays have emerged as the frontrunner to sign Max Scherzer. (Source: MLB.com)
Fantasy Impact: The market has remained fairly quiet around Scherzer. He made just nine starts last season with the Rangers. He would likely find a role in the middle of the Blue Jays starting rotation if a deal is made.
Astros GM Dana Brown said Jose Altuve could split time between second base and left field this season. (Source: Chandler Rome on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Houston has been said to be in talks with Jorge Polanco to potentially see some playing time at second base. The Astros are looking to get Yordan Alvarez less playing time in the outfield, and Altuve is a candidate to see some of those starts in his place in the outfield.
The Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Rockies and Angels have reportedly shown interest in Tim Hill. (Source: Pat Ragazzo on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Hill remains one of the top lefty relievers still available in free agency. He is drawing plenty of interest and should land with a team soon with spring training around the corner.
The Astros have continued to show interest in Jorge Polanco. (Source: The Athletic)
Fantasy Impact: It was reported earlier in January that Houston had offered Polanco a one-year deal. He would add depth in the infield for the Astros if the two sides come to an agreement on a deal. Polanco struggled both at the plate and to stay healthy with the Mariners last season.
