Fantasy Baseball Offseason Tracker: High Strikes

The offseason seems to be winding down, with Framber Valdez being the one marquee free agent remaining, however Chris Towers and I have never stopped updating the Offseason Tracker with all of the strikes that matter for Fantasy Baseball.

Let’s get to it.

Eugenio Suarez indicators with Reds

The massive concern for Suarez was that he’d wind up again in Seattle, the place sure hitters have reported difficulties seeing the ball and the place Suarez himself has now twice didn’t carry out as much as his standard requirements. That situation appeared more and more doubtless after the Diamondbacks traded for Nolan Arenado in January. Fortuitously, one other of Suarez’s former groups was lurking within the background, and it is essentially the most favorable touchdown spot of all, Cincinnati.

Cincinnati is the place he initially hit a career-high 49 dwelling runs in 2019, so we’ve got proof of idea. He after all matched that quantity final yr, however Statcast suggests it might have been 54 had he performed each recreation in Cincinnati. Keep in mind additionally that he was batting .248 previous to being traded to Seattle final yr, so I believe you may count on him to return to a mid-.200s batting common together with 35-plus dwelling runs. That makes him the clear No. 6 for me at third base, and contemplating how skinny that place is, I’ve even pushed him into my prime 60 total.

There’s an unlucky trickle-down impact to this signing, although. Sal Stewart, a rookie with vital offensive potential, as soon as once more has competitors for at-bats. The elimination of Gavin Lux seemingly freed up DH duties for him, however that is the place Jeff Passan has mentioned Suarez will primarily play. Stewart has some versatility — having performed all of first, second and third base within the minors — however he might not have a spot to name his personal till certainly one of JJ Bleday, Ke’Bryan Hayes and even Spencer Steer falters. The worth is low sufficient that I might nonetheless take my probabilities, although.

Luis Arraez indicators with Giants

For a minute there, it seemed like Arraez may need to accept a part-time position someplace, his defensive ineptitude overshadowing his three batting titles. Fortuitously, a crew with an actual second base want in the end stepped up and gave him the job on a one-year, $12 million deal. He may get to hit leadoff for the Giants, too, seeing as they do not have an apparent selection to take action.

Final yr was the primary in 4 that he did not win a batting title, hitting “solely” .292, however the transfer to Oracle Park might assist with that. Whereas it is often known as a pitcher-friendly park total, it charges because the sixth-best venue for singles over the previous six years, and singles are Arraez’s specialty. His lack of all the things else drags down his Fantasy worth, however batting common will be an particularly troublesome class to fill late. He’ll be all of the extra helpful as soon as he qualifies at second base, seeing as he’ll enter 2026 with solely first base eligibility.

Seranthony Dominguez indicators with White Sox

Usually, a Seranthony Dominguez signing would not warrant a point out right here, however with the transfer comes the expectation that he’ll shut, not less than if Jeff Passan of ESPN is to be believed. So I suppose we should always speak about it. Dominguez has a checkered historical past as a better, together with his profession excessive of 16 saves coming as a rookie in 2018. He would mission for greater than that because the White Sox start to take steps again towards respectability, and the two-year deal he signed offers us some hope he will not merely be commerce bait.

However is he actually their best option to shut? He has at all times run excessive strikeout charges, and the introduction of a splitter in 2025 made him much more of a bat-misser whereas giving him an efficient counter towards lefties. He additionally struggled with walks like by no means earlier than, leaving him with a WHIP unbefitting of a better. Grant Taylor, who debuted final yr, should still be the White Sox’s nearer in ready, however the Dominguez signing builds in a little bit extra wait time and offers Fantasy Baseballers a thrifty selection for, hopefully, 20-plus saves. –Scott White

Mackenzie Gore traded to Rangers

Gore appeared like one of many prime “change of surroundings” guys within the league, and now he will get simply that. The Rangers have had a number of success with their pitchers recently, and so they have each the ballpark and supporting solid to get essentially the most out of them, a pleasant change for Gore, who performed within the Twelfth-best hitter’s park in baseball and had one of many worst defenses within the league backing him up the previous few years.

After all, Gore’s largest impediment has been himself lately. He’ll have these stretches the place he seems to be like an absolute ace, together with within the first half of final season, however then he’ll inevitably regress, leaving his end-of-season numbers within the form of place that may scare Fantasy gamers off. However the upside right here is obvious. Gore has a number of the finest stuff in baseball, together with an arsenal the place all 5 of his pitches had an above-average swinging strike price. He nonetheless wants to seek out consistency together with his command, however he is in a considerably higher state of affairs in Texas than he was earlier than, so if he had been ever going to interrupt out, now’s his probability. I am shopping for Gore within the 160 vary of drafts with the hope that Texas will get essentially the most out of him. —Chris Towers

Freddy Peralta traded to Mets

Peralta slides proper into the highest of the Mets rotation with this transfer. He isn’t your prototypical, innings-eating ace, however he is sometimes superb when he is on the mound. Peralta, after all, already prices fairly a bit in Fantasy drafts, together with his ADP as much as 69.1 in NFBC drafts within the month of January. I believe that is in all probability an overpay based mostly on final yr’s inflated win complete and unsustainably low ERA (2.70 ERA in comparison with a 3.47 xERA), however that does not imply I believe Peralta is prone to be a nasty decide. In the meantime, the Brewers’ return of Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat, two consensus top-100 prospects, is prone to stir Fantasy curiosity as properly. For a extra full breakdown, try my full-length article. –Chris Towers

Cody Bellinger indicators with Yankees

This was at all times the inevitable final result. The Yankees wanted Cody Bellinger, and Cody Bellinger suits the Yankees higher than he suits with every other crew. The truth that the Yankees wanted a 30-year-old Cody Bellinger this badly says rather a lot about their religion in Jasson Dominguez, however that is the fact of the state of affairs. Bellinger returns to the place the place he had 29 homers, 98 RBI, 89 runs, and 13 steals final season, and whereas I do not suppose we should always count on a precise repeat of that now that he is a yr older, I do suppose one thing in that ballpark is cheap. Bellinger is now not a plus energy hitter like his Dodgers days, however his pull-heavy swing and powerful bat management make him an ideal match for Yankee Stadium. He stays a viable decide within the sixth spherical and ought to be one of many first 15 or so outfielders off the board in most drafts no matter format. 

This provides depth to the Yankees lineup – a lineup, I’ll remind you, that led the majors in runs final season. The Yankees are kind of working it again with final yr’s crew, hoping that enhancements from Ben Rice, Anthony Volpe, and Dominguez can overcome the inevitable age-related slides of the remainder of their core. It is a dangerous wager, however there ought to nonetheless be a possibility for Dominguez to show himself, even when the trail to on a regular basis plate appearances is not clear proper now. He is blocked by older gamers who’ve missed loads of time over time, plus one-year surprise Trent Grisham, who may flip again right into a pumpkin after his profession yr. Which is to say, whereas Dominguez should not be somebody Fantasy gamers draft anticipating a lot from him in 2026, do not be stunned if he emerges as surprisingly related surprisingly shortly. –Chris Towers

Luis Robert traded to Mets

Robert lastly will get his change of surroundings after enduring back-to-back 100-loss seasons with the White Sox, which needed to put on on him psychologically even when he would not admit it. Or perhaps it is only a coincidence that these back-to-back seasons had been by far his worst individually, derailing what as soon as appeared like a first-round trajectory. One other potential profit from the change of surroundings is that he’ll now not be the point of interest for a lineup by which he is prone to bat seventh or eighth, which ought to yield extra hittable pitches for him.

After all, none of that issues if he is merely gone fallacious as a hitter, however I do not suppose he has. Although his precise batting common and slugging share hardly modified from 2024 to 2025, his anticipated marks (as calculated by Statcast) did, largely as a result of his strikeout price dropped from 33 to 26 p.c. Furthermore, it was 15 p.c within the second half when his season turned on a dime, seeing him slash .298/.352/.456 in 31 video games. That run led to late August due to a Grade 2 hamstring pressure, however was it an indication of issues to return or just a scorching streak? Robert has commented that he was over-swinging within the first half and likewise not letting the ball journey as deep as a result of he was attempting to drag it extra from dwelling runs. Such is the psychological impact of being the supposed finest participant on a horrible crew.

If nothing else, it is motive to stay longing for a as soon as nice Fantasy asset who’s nonetheless within the prime of his profession. Counteracting that hope, although, is that the White Sox’s return for him was pretty gentle. Luisangel Acuna is essentially the most fascinating of the 2 gamers coming again, although principally as a result of he shares a reputation together with his extra well-known older brother, Ronald. He’s coming off an eight-homer efficiency within the Venezuelan Winter League, although, and a few previous scouting studies had projected extra energy for him finally. There could also be 15-homer, 30-steal upside right here, and he’ll have a significantly better probability of delivering on it with the White Sox (probably in heart discipline) than the Mets. It is a lengthy shot, although, judging by his previous energy output in each the majors and minors (a mixed zero dwelling runs in 2025, as an example). –Scott White

Bo Bichette indicators with Mets

The Mets might have panicked following Kyle Tucker’s transfer to the Dodgers as a result of now Bo Bichette, together with his defensive query marks and constantly low stroll charges, is making $42 million a yr. It is or solely three years, however nonetheless, this offseason has gone off the rails. He is an unnatural match, too, with the Mets already having Francisco Lindor and Marcus Semien up the center and Brett Baty poised to take over at third base. Seems Bichette himself will probably be taking part in third now, and that half not less than is sweet information. Third base is missing in bankable expertise, and Bichette ought to finally slot into the highest eight there as in comparison with barely cracking the highest 12 at shortstop.

The transition to Citi Discipline could possibly be fraught, although, given his opposite-field tendencies and the chasm in right-center. Certainly, Statcast estimates that Bichette would have hit 4 fewer dwelling runs (15 vs. 19) taking part in each recreation there final yr. However a better have a look at his spray chart reveals the overwhelming majority of his dwelling runs going to his pull facet, even when his fly balls typically do not, and the fly balls that do not at the moment are hit in an space with much more floor to cowl. What he loses in dwelling runs, then, he might make up for with much more batting common, and the RBI may spike batting behind Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto. I am inclined to name this transfer a wash for his Fantasy worth.

As for Baty, he is in all probability again to splitting time with Mark Vientos, this time at DH, except the Mets are keen to strive him in left discipline or transfer him in a commerce, which is disappointing provided that he appeared on the verge of breaking out with a .308 (41 for 133) batting common, seven homers and .866 OPS over the ultimate two months of 2025. His sleeper attraction could also be restricted to deeper league if his present standing holds. –Scott White

J.T. Realmuto indicators with Phillies

The market had been so quiet for Realmuto that I am going to admit I forgot he was even a free agent. Although he was lengthy the gold commonplace at catcher for Fantasy functions, he is extra of an afterthought now, his gradual decline combining with a large expertise inflow on the place to rank him exterior of the highest 15. The Phillies clearly nonetheless respect him, inking him to a three-year, $45 million deal, and his return to them makes this evaluation pretty easy. It is nonetheless lineup, and he’ll nonetheless be an everyday a part of it, making him an unusually secure selection for a second catcher spot, however that is all he figures to be except attrition hits the place arduous. –Scott White

Joshua Lowe traded to Angels, Gavin Lux to Rays

The three-team deal additionally concerned the Reds, if that wasn’t apparent. There have been extra gamers included, however these are the 2 you may know. Lowe hit .292 with 20 homers and 32 steals in 2023 however has been a disappointment within the two years since, albeit with some indirect points holding him again. He nonetheless has the instruments to be of some use in Fantasy and will not have the identical platoon considerations that he had with the Rays, so in principle, fill up. However historical past has proven that by the point a former standout trickles all the way down to the Angles, he is about wrung out. I would not say I am shifting him up with this commerce. Identical goes for Lux, who is not ever going to hit for sufficient energy to matter in Fantasy if he could not do it in Cincinnati.

What this commerce does accomplish, although, is take away a number of the litter obstructing extra fascinating gamers akin to Sal Stewart and Jacob Melton. Stewart was a breakthrough prospect final yr, delivering elite exit velocities to go together with his present plate abilities, and made an instantaneous impression when he arrived in September, however supervisor Terry Francona stored discovering boring veterans to play over him, Lux included. With a clearer path to taking part in time, Stewart turns into a late-round goal in all codecs. Melton is a little more speculative, however the Rays clearly like him, having acquired him in one other three-team deal earlier this offseason. He did not present a lot in a stint with the Astros final yr, however he has batting eye and delivered high quality exit velocities at Triple-A. You may wish to monitor his progress this spring. –Scott White

Kyle Tucker indicators with Dodgers

Due to course he does. The marketplace for Tucker had begun to percolate in current days, with the choice seemingly coming down as to whether he’d take a shorter cope with the next common annual worth from the Mets or an extended cope with a decrease common annual worth from the Blue Jays. However in swooped the Dodgers with a four-year, $240 million deal that was in all probability the very best of each worlds. From a Fantasy perspective, you could not ask for a greater touchdown spot, each due to the place he’ll hit within the lineup and the place he’ll be taking part in his dwelling video games, and he ought to be a consensus first-rounder in drafts consequently. For a extra full image, try my full-length article. –Scott White

Willi Castro indicators with Rockies

We’re gone the times when any hitter who indicators with the Rockies is remodeled into Fantasy Baseball gold. For as favorable of an atmosphere as Coors Discipline stays, it now not performs just like the floor of the moon, and the supporting solid is atrocious. Nonetheless, Castro mattered in Fantasy not so way back, and he should not have a lot bother getting taking part in time on a depleted Rockies crew. He does not make the form of swing choices to be of a lot use in batting common, even with the BABIP-boosting results of Coors Discipline, and his poor exit velocities ought to put him shy of 15 homers. If he will get again to stealing bases like he did in 2023 — and he is quick sufficient to — his triple eligibility may make him a useful choice for Rotisserie leagues, however except your league is drafting upward of 400 gamers, he does not have to be certainly one of them. –Scott White

Ranger Suarez indicators with the Crimson Sox

The Crimson Sox pivoted from lacking out on Alex Bregman to accumulate one other solid-if-unspectacular piece for his or her rotation to the tune of 5 years, $130 million. Suarez is, usually, very, superb, placing up a 3.25 ERA over the previous 5 seasons mixed. That, nevertheless, papers over what generally is a fairly rocky path to his last numbers, as Suarez has principally struggled to place collectively glorious seasons entrance to again, with 2025 serving as a notable exception. He has handled some minor, nagging accidents which have derailed hoped-for breakouts, however he is a superbly positive mid-rotation starter on a crew with each glorious high-end pitching and depth within the majors and excessive minors.

In truth, I believe this deal occurred not less than partly to arrange future ones. The Crimson Sox now have an overabundance of rotation choices, with Johan Oviedo, Kutter Crawford, Patrick Sandoval, Payton Tolle, and Connelly Early now seemingly competing this spring for one rotation spot. With a gap at both second or third base and a lineup with expertise however some awkward suits, count on the Crimson Sox to dip into that rotation depth to make their lineup make a bit extra sense. So, do not surrender in your Tolle or Early sleeper tickets simply but. 

As for Suarez: He’s what he’s, a strong rotation piece to your Fantasy crew, who will sometimes go on runs of absolute brilliance when his command is on level and he’s 100% wholesome. He is by no means fairly capable of maintain that, however the finish outcomes are sometimes very sturdy, and his present draft worth (180.8 ADP) makes him a superb rotation stabilizer at an affordable worth. –Chris Towers

Ryan Weathers traded to Yankees

The Yankees added one other proficient younger arm to a rotation that’s, at this level, surprisingly stocked with proficient younger arms and little in the best way of certain issues. Weathers in all probability is not as proficient as Cam Schlittler, however he could be forward of Will Warren and Luis Gil … if he can simply keep wholesome. Weathers has a 3.74 ERA over the previous two seasons, however has thrown simply 125 innings, and the accidents in 2025 had been particularly worrisome – he added a number of ticks of fastball velocity and virtually instantly harm his elbow after which his lat only a few weeks after returning, limiting him to 38.1 innings throughout eight begins.

Weathers additionally did not actually see the enhance in manufacturing we hoped for together with his added velocity, together with his strikeout price sitting at a still-pretty-mediocre 22.3% price. It isn’t arduous to see a path to extra upside than that, but it surely’s completely theoretical at this level, and now he is becoming a member of a Yankees rotation that would discover itself with an overabundance of starters when Carlos Rodon and Gerrit Cole are again from their respective elbow surgical procedures early within the season. Well being is not any assure, after all, particularly for veterans getting back from surgical procedure, but in addition for, properly, Weathers. Which is all to say that, whereas he is a fairly fascinating pitcher, there is not sufficient certainty in both position or ability to justify spending rather more than a late-round flier on Weathers, even with a greater supporting solid in New York. 

The opposite wrinkle here’s what it means for Miami’s rotation. They’ve traded Weathers and Edward Cabrera in fast succession, which might seemingly assure an Opening Day rotation spot for prospect Robby Snelling. Snelling is a 22-year-old lefty who averaged 94.7 mph together with his four-seamer and put up a 1.27 ERA in 11 begins at Triple-A final season, so yeah, he is deserving of a spot. His profile is extra about good command than overwhelming stuff, however the stuff ticked up final season, and if it holds, the Marlins may not even miss Cabrera or Weathers.

And that could possibly be very true when Thomas White, the Marlins different, much more proficient, lefty prospect will get the decision. That could be as quickly as Opening Day if he actually shines this spring, although I might guess we’ll see Janson Junk get the primary alternative. Junk is okay, however White is without doubt one of the 5 finest pitching prospects in baseball coming off a season the place he reached Triple-A and put up a 2.31 ERA with a ridiculous 39% strikeout price in 89.2 innings of labor throughout three ranges. We’ll see White in some unspecified time in the future within the first half, I might wager, however except he completely dominates this spring, he in all probability does not have to be in your Draft Day radars.–Chris Towers

Nolan Arenado traded to Diamondbacks   

The Cardinals lastly discovered a taker for Arenado, who famously exercised his no-trade clause final offseason to veto a transfer to the Astros. Arenado’s decline continued in 2025, and I am unsure Arizona is the form of touchdown spot that appears prone to sluggish that down – Arenado’s pull-heavy swing would profit finest from a park with a brief fence down the left discipline line, and whereas Chase Discipline’s left discipline dimensions are a bit friendlier than St. Louis’, it is solely by lower than 10 toes. Arenado’s high quality of contact metrics in 2025 had been legit horrible – he was within the seventeenth percentile in anticipated ISO amongst all hitters, one thing even that pull-heavy swing can not help him overcome anymore. It is in all probability a lineup improve and a park improve, I am simply unsure that is sufficient to matter at this level in Arenado’s profession.

There’s notable fallout in any other case on each side of this transfer. For the Cardinals, it is a first step to clear up a taking part in time log jam, although they in all probability nonetheless want to maneuver yet one more participant (doubtless Brendan Donovan, judging by the rumor mill) earlier than they’re completed. That might open up a spot for prime prospect JJ Wetherholt, who I count on to be within the Opening Day lineup a method or one other. We simply want that subsequent deal to undergo. 

On the Diamondbacks facet, this raises actual questions on the place prime prospect Jordan Lawlar goes to play. With Arenado in and Ketel Marte staying put, the infield is full in Arizona, which suggests both one other journey again to Triple-A or, extra doubtless, a transfer to the outfield for Lawlar. He performed a number of video games there within the Dominican Winter League and can doubtless spend the spring understanding within the outfield, the place there may be loads of taking part in time to be grabbed. Lawlar has remained very productive in Triple-A and is a viable deep sleeper for Fantasy, however the transfer to a place he has barely performed offers him an much more restricted margin for error as he tries to ascertain himself within the majors. And, provided that the Diamondbacks have not precisely cleared a path to taking part in time for him regardless of making his MLB debut again in 2023, it is truthful at this level to surprise in the event that they’ve simply misplaced religion in Lawlar regardless of his sturdy manufacturing within the minors. –Chris Towers

Alex Bregman indicators with Cubs

So far in his profession, Bregman has had the great fortune of taking part in in two of essentially the most opportune venues for pull-side right-handed energy: Daikin Park and Fenway Park. Now, he’ll get a style of the other. The impression that Wrigley Discipline may have on his dwelling run output is troublesome to determine by means of metrics like xHR, which struggles to account for the venue’s ever-windy circumstances and strange define, however Isaac Paredes serves as a helpful take a look at case. If Paredes produces very similar to Bregman in Houston, what are the probabilities Bregman will produce very similar to Paredes in Chicago? I break it down right here. –Scott White

Edward Cabrera traded to Cubs

The rotation impression right here is obvious: With Justin Steele recovering from Tommy John surgical procedure, the Cubs fairly desperately wanted one other arm for the center a part of their rotation, and Cabrera was one of the vital thrilling in the marketplace. Armed with fastballs that flirt with triple digits and a changeup with the rate of the common pitcher’s fastball, Cabrera has at all times had en engaging arm, however in 2025, he made actual modifications to begin to stay as much as the hype. For extra on these and what the Marlins received again on this deal, try my full-length article. –Chris Towers

Kazuma Okamoto indicators with Blue Jays

Okamoto ended up signing for 4 years, $60 million with the Blue Jays, and all of that sounds proper. It is according to expectations for Okamoto’s contract coming into the offseason – whereas Munetaka Murakami and Tatsuya Imai’s costs ended up properly in need of expectations – and Okamoto’s ability set suits in completely with a aware resolution the Blue Jays have made lately to focus on hitters who could make a number of contact with out sacrificing energy. Okamoto has been among the best hitters in Japan lately and is coming off a large season the place he was arguably the finest hitter, placing up a 210 wRC with 15 homers in 69 video games. He’ll doubtless see his strikeout price, which ranged round 14-17% in Japan, rise nearer to league common within the majors, and he does not have significantly better than above-average uncooked energy, however Okamoto does job of driving the ball to the pull facet within the air, serving to him get essentially the most out of his bodily instruments. I believe Okamoto is unlikely to be a famous person within the majors, however he is becoming a member of lineup and definitely has top-10 upside at third base in a late-career Nolan Arenado (earlier than he utterly collapsed) form of approach. He is price drafting round two hundredth total or so in most drafts as a nook infielder with some upside. —Chris Towers

Tatsuya Imai indicators with Astros

Of the a number of gamers anticipated to signal out of East Asia this offseason, Imai was considered the very best. He is within the prime of his profession at age 27, was the hardest-throwing beginning pitcher in Japan this previous season (based on Baseball America) and, properly, you may see the numbers for your self. However numbers will be deceptive, significantly for pitchers throughout what’s been a lifeless ball period for the Japanese league. What does it say that Imai’s final deal — three years for a most of $63 million — is such a far cry from the six-year, $150 million provide that a number of retailers had been projecting?

Could possibly be that Imai is betting on a much bigger rating as soon as he proves himself. His deal consists of opt-outs after each the primary and second yr. Could possibly be, nevertheless, that his oddball profile makes for a troublesome analysis. Sure, he throws arduous, together with his fastball sitting at about 96 mph and peaking at 99, however what’s extra notable is his launch top. It might rank among the many lowest within the recreation, owing each to his close to sidearm supply and smallish 5-foot-11 construct. In the meantime, his slider, which is meant to be his finest pitch, breaks to his arm facet, shifting in the wrong way of most each different slider, which Lance Brozdowski has identified would make it much less interesting to stuff fashions.

However would it not make it more practical if truth be told? I am of the opinion that bizarre is sweet for pitchers. The purpose is to misdirect hitters, in spite of everything, and familiarity works towards that purpose. If Imai’s success trusted deception alone, I might have higher doubts, however he has high quality stuff and not less than fairly good command. The contract is a little bit underwhelming, however I am nonetheless prone to rank him amongst my prime 45 beginning pitchers for 2026. –Scott White

Pete Fairbanks indicators with Marlins

A day after asserting they’d be with out Ronny Henriquez for the 2026 season, the Marlins agreed to a one-year, $13 million cope with Fairbanks. It is a modest contract for a pitcher with ample closing expertise, which speaks to considerations concerning the 32-year-old’s declining efficiency the previous two years. He is continued to deal with the ninth inning capably, however he is gone from placing out about 12 batters per 9 innings to lower than 9 per 9, with a corresponding drop in velocity. The Rays, who after all know him finest, truly turned down an $11 million choice for him. Nonetheless, he’ll enter 2026 as the favourite to shut for the Marlins, who had been by no means settled in that position final yr. Perhaps that is supervisor Clayton McCullough’s philosophy, which is all of the extra motive to be cautious about drafting Fairbanks subsequent yr, besides, he is price concentrating on as a low-end RP2. –Scott White

Willson Contreras traded to Crimson Sox

Nicely, this one’s form of stunning. The Crimson Sox in all probability could not go into this season counting on Triston Casas once more, and now it is not clear if Casas will even be on the Crimson Sox in 2026. Contreras transitioned to first base in 2025 and continued to be a strong middle-of-the-order bat, hitting 20 homers with a .257/.344/.447 line. Given the cash due over the ultimate two seasons of his contract (which incorporates an choice for 2028), the Crimson Sox aren’t prone to contemplate Contreras a platoon bat with Casas, so I might count on a commerce for Casas, who can have some very late-round attraction in Fantasy if he finds an on a regular basis job. As for Contreras, his worth takes an enormous hit as he’s solely 1B eligible for 2026, however he is a strong sufficient nook infield choice in Fantasy, particularly with a pleasant little park improve on the best way. 

As for the Cardinals facet of this, I’m wondering if this could be a technique to unlock on a regular basis at bats for Ivan Herrera, who has hit like a primary baseman over the previous couple of seasons whereas taking part in catcher … like a primary baseman. He’s recovering from elbow surgical procedure and is anticipated to play catcher in 2026 after principally being restricted to DH duties final season, however perhaps they might give him a number of alternatives behind the plate per week whereas primarily holding down first base and DH. Herrera will not open 2026 with catcher eligibility, however he has vital upside if he will get there and performs often coming off a .284/.373/.464 line (with even higher underlying numbers). 

The Cardinals additionally added to their rotation choices with Hunter Dobbins coming again their approach, together with as-yet-unnamed pitching prospects. Dobbins had a 4.13 ERA and three.99 xERA final season with the Crimson Sox, and there could be room to unlock some swing-and-miss upside with some tweaks to his arsenal. However he is in all probability simply an end-of-rotation choice for the Cardinals and somebody Fantasy gamers can view as strictly a streamer for 2026. —Chris Towers

Munetaka Murakami indicators with the White Sox

It is a surprisingly small contract for one of many largest names in the marketplace. I wrote about that and extra right here:

“MLB groups aren’t infallible, and in terms of a participant making the transition from NPB to the majors, there’s an inherent uncertainty that makes it more durable to say with confidence whether or not this can find yourself being deal or not. However there are not any scarcity of groups with the necessity for a possible 30-plus energy hitter in the midst of the lineup, and the truth that Murakami ended up with an analogous contract to those Jurickson Profar and Tyler O’Neill signed final season (whereas being considerably older and with fairly mediocre MLB observe information) stands out as a reasonably large crimson flag, one Fantasy participant should not simply ignore. 

I am not going to completely bury him in my rankings however provided that the White Sox (and the opposite 29 groups, frankly) know an entire lot extra about Murakami than we do, I’m very a lot inclined to view him with a skeptical eye. We’ll get to the scouting report for Murakami shortly, however the lengthy and in need of it’s there are vital contact questions together with his swing that make his probability of dwelling as much as the loftiest expectations fairly unlikely. I used to be keen to provide him the advantage of the doubt as a prospect if he signed for large cash, however with the main points in now, it looks as if MLB groups simply do not have a number of religion in his swing. If MLB groups are telling us they do not have rather more religion in him than they do in Polanco, we should always in all probability pay attention.”  –Chris Towers

Shane Baz traded to the Orioles

I wrote about Baz’s transfer to Baltimore right here:

“The Orioles are betting they’ll do one thing comparable right here with Baz getting into his age-27 season. And there are clearly instruments to work with right here when you look previous the ugly 4.78 ERA Baz put up in 2025. His xERA was 3.85, which suggests there was loads of poor luck in Baz’s outcomes. He has some strikeout upside and limits harm on contact properly sufficient (.359 xwOBA on contact in 2025, .355 for his profession; .368 is league common), however has principally struggled with consistency.

And I believe the Rays method might have one thing to do with that. Many pitchers have talked about how the Rays philosophy can typically be boiled all the way down to, “Throw your finest pitches as typically as potential, purpose for the center of the zone‘, and let your stuff do the remaining.” That’s recommendation that has labored out properly for a lot of pitchers (most notably Tyler Glasnow), however I believe it has been holding Baz again. He has good things, however does not essentially miss as many bats within the strike zone as you’d count on, posting a roughly common in-zone contact price allowed. That is an issue when Baz throws 53% of his pitches within the zone, in comparison with the league common of roughly 48%. These pitches within the zone will show you how to keep away from walks, after all, but it surely’s arduous to constantly miss bats that approach, and constantly lacking bats has been an enormous problem for Baz.” — Chris Towers

Brandon Lowe traded to the Rays

I wrote about Lowe’s slot in Pittsburgh right here:

“It’s a park downgrade for Lowe, although that will not matter as a lot as you suppose –  he hit simply .240/.279/.456 at George M. Steinbrenner Discipline final season, whereas Tropicana Discipline (the place Lowe performed each season previous to final) is definitely a worse park for left-handed hitters than PNC Park. PNC is a more durable park for righties and may play fairly truthful for Lowe, so your expectations for him should not change an excessive amount of based mostly on this deal.

Which suggests Lowe ought to stay among the best values on the second base place for Fantasy but once more. Regardless of coming off a bounce-back season, Lowe’s ADP in early NFBC drafts is simply 174.1. He is being held again by considerations about his well being, which is truthful, however he simply proved final season he can provide us one thing near a full season, and there simply aren’t many gamers who can provide you as huge an edge on the competitors as Lowe does with homers relative to different second basemen.” — Chris Towers

Michael King indicators with Padres

The theme of staying put this offseason continues for one more notable free agent, and the phrases are fairly fascinating. In all, the deal could possibly be price $75 million over three years, however King may select to decide out after the primary or second yr, incomes the least sum of money upfront. That is the type of deal a participant indicators when he thinks he will not get he is price and must resuscitate his worth, and to be truthful, he did miss a lot of 2025 with nerve impingement in his shoulder. However he did have his standard velocity when he returned in September, and each contender may use a pitcher like him.

It is motive to surprise if there are lingering doubts about King’s ineffectiveness in September. He did not look as sharp though the rate checked out. In all, his transfer again into the beginning rotation in 2024 has been a smashing success, and he has top-25 upside at beginning pitcher. On condition that the place is so deep, although, and he clearly has one thing to show nonetheless, he’ll come nearer to being the fiftieth beginning pitcher chosen. –Scott White

Ha-seong Kim indicators with Braves

Kim turned down his $16 million choice with the Braves earlier this offseason however returns for an addition $4 million on a one-year. It is a good slot in that the Braves badly want a shortstop with some offensive capacity and Kim badly wants to revive his worth after a season wrecked by accidents. He ought to play day by day simply as he did in September when the Braves claimed him off waivers from the Rays.

Whether or not he’ll carry out is one other matter. His 2025 was break up evenly with 24 video games for the Rays and 24 for the Braves, and he did carry out higher as soon as he was again to taking part in often with the latter. However he additionally had zero steals with the latter and is not of a lot Fantasy curiosity with out these, significantly since he is prone to bat low within the lineup. A 12-homer, 25-steal season is what you can moderately hope for, with 15 and 30 being his absolute upside, however he is far sufficient faraway from these form of numbers that it is best to method him with skepticism. He is a late-round decide in leagues that require a 3rd center infielder (akin to commonplace Rotisserie). –Scott White

Adolis Garcia indicators with Phillies

Garcia, 32, has struggled with points in each knees and hasn’t been an impression hitter since 2023. The Phillies are betting they’ll unlock one thing and not less than squeeze a gentle improve from what Nick Castellanos has given them the previous few seasons. That is not a nasty wager on a one-year, $10 million contract. It is an improve in supporting solid and residential park, and that would present a little bit enhance to Garcia’s worth. However I am not anticipating a George Springer-esque resurgence after two years of an OPS under .700 and declining underlying metrics. Perhaps you can get 20 homers and 10 steals out of him as a late-round flier. –Chris Towers

Josh Bell indicators with Twins

Bell’s profession has been outlined by inconsistency, so a bounce-back in 2025 is not out of the query. That is very true given his underlying metrics in 2025, which had been the very best we have seen from him since 2021, with a .358 xwOBA to associate with his finest strikeout price in three years. It did not present up within the field rating till the second half of the season, when Bell hit .267/.353/.489. It isn’t unreasonable to suppose there is a comparable ceiling in right here for 2026, although you actually should not draft Bell anticipating that. As a late-round flier for energy, you are able to do worse, nevertheless. –Chris Towers

Merrill Kelly indicators with Diamondbacks

Petty easy, this one. Other than his two months with the Rangers on the finish of 2025, our solely recollection of Kelly is with the Diamondbacks, so we all know precisely what to anticipate. The one query could be if he is starting to age out at 37, seeing as he was extra hittable throughout his 10 begins with the Rangers. No group would have a greater learn on him than the Diamondbacks, although, and so they’re keen to pay him $20 million every of the following two years. His velocity and ERA estimators have held regular, so I believe you may draft him with confidence as an innings-eating rotation stabilizer within the fifth or sixth starter vary. You may in all probability find yourself utilizing him greater than you count on to. –Scott White

Isaac Collins traded to Royals

For a minute there, Collins was the recent factor in Fantasy, slashing .338/.425/.544 over a two-month stretch from June 12 by means of Aug. 11. And whereas he slashed solely .182/.303/.293 thereafter, slipping into extra of a part-time position, he nonetheless ended up reaching base at a .368 clip as a rookie. That is doubtless what attracted the Royals to Collins, and with them, the switch-hitter is extra prone to play day by day.

My concern, although, is that the midseason scorching stretch inflated his stat line past what’s truly cheap and that the season merely ended earlier than the correction could possibly be absolutely utilized. He wasn’t a extremely regarded prospect, does not hit the ball with a lot authority, and does not make contact at an unusually excessive price. He is good at taking walks, as his minor league historical past additionally reveals, however main league pitchers will put a cease to that if the bat is not impactful sufficient. They’re higher at controlling the place the ball goes and can merely pound the strike zone. Perhaps Collins will excel with the Royals and provides them their very own model of Sal Frelick. It is extra potential with them than with the Brewers. However that is modest upside for a participant with such a questionable profile, making him not price contemplating exterior of five-outfielder leagues. –Scott White

Dustin Could indicators with Cardinals

Not a nasty gamble for the Cardinals when you think about that Could was a prized commodity as lately as a yr in the past. He was getting back from flexor tendon surgical procedure in addition to a Tommy John revision, and clearly, issues did not prove so properly. The Dodgers determined to chop bait, delivery him to the Crimson Sox for a few minor leaguers, but it surely did not enhance his circumstances in any respect. If nothing else, the Cardinals can present him with alternative given the sorry state of their beginning rotation. He is misplaced about 2 mph from all three variations of his fastball (four-seamer, two-seamer and cutter), however he nonetheless will get depraved horizontal motion on a number of of his pitches. He is an excessive amount of of a mission to draft in standard-size leagues, but when he begins getting some buzz this spring, that would change. –Scott White

It wasn’t even per week in the past that I mentioned Kyle Finnegan could be the favourite for saves in Detroit after signing a two-year, $19 million deal. I take all of it again. Jansen, the lively saves chief and fourth on the all-time record with 476, turns into essentially the most confirmed nearer supervisor A.J. Hinch has ever had.

Hinch is notoriously noncommittal together with his ninth-inning selections, which is why the Finnegan endorsement was a guarded one, however the final time he had a better extensively thought-about to be among the best within the recreation, Roberto Osuna in 2019, he received him 38 saves. Jansen presumably would not go to a crew that did not promise him the nearer position. The final time he received fewer than 25 saves in a season (2020 excluded) was 2011. It is true he is not as dominant as he as soon as was, however he continues to get the job completed at 38 and has probability for 30-plus saves on an anticipated contender. You must goal him among the many prime 15 relievers in leagues that reward saves. –Scott White

Out with Pete Alonso. In with … Jorge Polanco? Sure, the Mets are going the thrifty route to exchange their All-Star first baseman, signing a longtime second baseman with the intention of transitioning him there. I say it is the thrifty route, however actually it is extra just like the short-term route, seeing as Polanco is slated to make $40 million over two years.

He earned that pay enhance with a resurgent season in Seattle, his finest in 4 years. He had patellar tendon surgical procedure previous to the season, a situation he had been managing for years, and the underlying knowledge backs up the resurgence, specifically by means of improved exit velocities a tremendously improved strikeout price. In principle, he will a greater venue, however his xHR by ballpark is about the identical in New York and Seattle over the previous few years. Largely, Polanco’s worth is tied to his second base eligibility, given that it is the weakest infield place, and this transfer places him within the dialog for prime 10 there. –Scott White 

Ken Rosenthal already answered your query: The Braves nonetheless count on to make use of Raisel Iglesias as their nearer in 2026. The deal pays Suarez $13 million in 2026, with $16 million due in every of 2027 and 2028; with Iglesias solely beneath contract for yet one more yr after re-signing earlier this offseason, the plan right here appears fairly clear. For 2026, Suarez is an overqualified setup man; in 2027, he ought to enter because the odds-on favourite to shut. After all, he may find yourself closing in 2026 anyway, as Iglesias misplaced the texture for his slider in 2025 and subsequently misplaced his job (earlier than finally profitable it again). Successful it again from Suarez, who has a 2.87 ERA and 76 saves over the previous two seasons, could be a more durable process. Iglesias stays within the top-12 nearer dialogue for 2026 drafts, however he is received to be considered as a riskier decide now than he was earlier than the Suarez signing. –Chris Towers

Pete Alonso indicators with Orioles

After he sat on the free agent market till February final offseason, Pete Alonso discovered his dwelling a lot earlier this time round. And, for the primary time in his skilled profession, he will not be with the Mets, as he landed with the Orioles Wednesday on a five-year deal that may make him one of many highest-paid first basemen in MLB historical past. It is a transfer that solutions some questions for the Orioles lineup in 2026 and raises a lot extra for the Mets. For extra, try out my full-length article. –Chris Towers

Here is one more free agent who examined the free agent market and determined the grass wasn’t greener, on this case re-upping with the Tigers on a two-year, $19 million deal. Finnegan might not be of the identical stature as Kyle Schwarber, who additionally selected to remain put Tuesday, however he could possibly be of use in Fantasy if he finally ends up claiming the nearer position for the Tigers. (Replace: He doubtless will not with the next signing of Kenley Jansen.)

He kind of break up the position with Will Vest after coming over from the Nationals in a deadline deal, however he has extra expertise in it and have become a significantly better pitcher with the Tigers, placing collectively a 1.50 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 11.5 Ok/9 in 16 appearances. Mainly, that they had him throw his splitter twice as typically, and clearly, they suppose these beneficial properties will stick. –Scott White

Kyle Schwarber returning to the Phillies is an enormous deal for real-life baseball. Schwarber is without doubt one of the 15 or so finest hitters in baseball (and the variety of higher energy hitters is a good shorter record), however he is additionally been an integral a part of the Phillies’ clubhouse throughout their current run of contending, and so they had been combating off numerous different contenders and would-be contenders for Schwarber’s providers. That is a listing that included surprising names just like the Reds and Pirates, in addition to the Orioles, Mets, and others who had been all in on Schwarber to the tune of not less than $100 million. His touchdown spot may have basically reshaped the look of any certainly one of a few half-dozen groups.

For Fantasy, although, this deal does not actually matter all that a lot. We’ll at all times take the established order reigning when that entails an elite hitter staying in lineup, and it is in all probability the very best probability Schwarber has to recreate his unbelievable 2025 season. But it surely additionally does not – or should not – change how anybody views him for Fantasy. It is the established order, in spite of everything.

I’ll say this: I believe Schwarber’s worth in drafts might be not less than a little bit bit unreasonable. After sporting an ADP close to seventieth getting into 2025, he is sitting at 24.5 in early NFBC drafts to date. He was price that in 2025, however he additionally hit 18 extra homers than he had in 2024 and 9 greater than every other season in his profession, so anticipating a repeat might be asking rather a lot. He’ll hit 40 or so with elite run manufacturing numbers, however he hasn’t hit higher than .248 since 2021 (when he was shielded from most of the hardest lefties on the schedule in a approach he now not is) and he’s a Util/DH-only participant for Fantasy. None of that ought to be thought-about a deal breaker, however it may create some powerful team-building problems when it prices a second-round decide. –Chris Towers

Edwin Diaz indicators with Dodgers

Edwin Diaz becoming a member of the Dodgers is one other transfer that feels extra momentous in actual life than in Fantasy. The Dodgers’ bullpen was their largest weak spot in 2025 and now they’ve signed the very best nearer in the marketplace. After all they did. However Diaz was going to be a better irrespective of the place he signed, and if something, signing with a crew that gave out an enormous contract to a different shut final offseason and has different pitchers with closing expertise means there could be a bit extra danger in drafting Diaz than there was earlier than. He’ll in all probability stay a dominant pressure and safe 35-plus saves for the Dodgers, however he is risky sufficient that it is not unimaginable to foresee a world by which he loses this job. Keep in mind, it occurred to him for a stretch in 2024. 

Tanner Scott is clearly undraftable in most leagues now, whereas Devin Williams appears safe a top-12 nearer and a high-profile bounce-back candidate if the Mets keep out of the nearer market shifting ahead. –Chris Towers

That the Mariners would commerce Ford, who has been one of many prime catcher prospects from the time he was drafted in 2021, was all however sure given the Cal Raleigh of all of it. That they’d get solely a blah reliever in return was surprising. However wait, wasn’t Ferrer the Nationals‘ nearer by the tip of final season? Yeah, as a result of they traded everybody else away. He throws arduous, however the numbers actually aren’t closer-caliber, and even if you wish to say his 3.03 FIP is extra indicative of his capacity than his 4.48 ERA, so what? Left-handers who get floor balls at a excessive price, whereas helpful, usually aren’t thought-about prime commerce forex. The Mariners truly gave up a second minor-leaguer within the deal as properly.

Clearly, Ferrer will not be closing video games anymore, so no matter Fantasy worth he may need had is now kaput. What about Ford? Nicely, the Nationals do have Keibert Ruiz locked up by means of 2030, however he was ravaged by concussions in 2025 and has carried out under expectations every of the previous two seasons. Not like Raleigh, he is a catcher that Ford may moderately overtake. Ford stands out most for his plate self-discipline, having reached base at a .408 clip in 2025 and a .405 clip for his minor league profession, and he has playable pop to his pull facet. He had been a prolific base-stealer prior to now however put a cease to that in 2025, for some motive. With as deep as catcher is true now, you will not have to make an enormous play for him even in two-catcher leagues, however that would change if he garners a number of buzz this spring. –Scott White

There have been three lesser prospects moved on this deal as properly, however we’ll follow the precept gamers. The Password, as Garcia is usually identified, is a borderline top-100 prospect who received 9 plate appearances for the Crimson Sox final yr after a productive exhibiting between Double- and Triple-A. However whereas energy is meant to be his calling card, he delivered solely an 86.4 mph common exit velocity in his 81 video games at Triple-A. His dwelling run output depends on him pulling the ball within the air with regularity, and since PNC Park charges because the worst dwelling run venue for right-handed hitters, that is … form of an issue. Garcia additionally had a excessive chase price at Triple-A, to not point out a excessive miss price on pitches within the zone, so there are ample causes for skepticism right here, even when this traded presents him a a lot clearer path to taking part in time.

Oviedo additionally strikes me as extra of a curiosity than a real asset. His 9 begins late in 2025 not less than confirmed him to be wholesome after a prolonged restoration from Tommy John surgical procedure, however the outings had been quick, with just one exceeding 5 innings, and the three.57 ERA was undercut by a 4.92 FIP. Whereas he reveals some potential as a bat-misser, it is not almost sufficient to make up for his vulnerability to walks and residential runs, and my guess is that he’ll serve extra as a swingman than a full-time starter for the Crimson Sox. –Scott White

“My guess right this moment is that Pagan doesn’t signal as a better.” That is what I mentioned on the Fantasy Baseball At present podcast Monday evening. However the a method to make sure he’ll stay a better is to re-sign with the crew that simply used him as a better, and that is precisely what occurred Wednesay Monday Emilio Pagan indicators with Reds re-upped him on a two-year $20 million deal.

It may work out positive. It clearly did in 2025, seeing him recording 32 saves with a 2.88 ERA. But it surely marked solely the second time in six years that he had an ERA under 4.40, and he remained as homer-prone as ever, which accounts for the three.72 FIP and three.91 xFIP. Pitching in Cincinnati ought to solely exacerbate these dwelling run issues, and simply because he dodged a bullet the primary time doesn’t suggest he’ll once more. He deserves to be drafted among the many prime 20 relievers, simply because there are solely so many in line for saves, however there’s particular bust potential. –Scott White

Mullins’ manufacturing has been in decline for some time now and hit all-time low when he batted .182 with a .565 OPS after becoming a member of the Mets in a midseason commerce. However he is nonetheless a plus defender in heart discipline (which is greater than will be mentioned for Chandler Simpson), his exit velocities have held pretty regular even with the diminished manufacturing, and he simply delivered a career-high pull-air price. There are worse gambles a thrifty membership may make than to ink a former 30/30 man to a one-year, $7 million deal. My finest guess is that Mullins suits into some form of platoon and places up usable energy/pace numbers for a five-outfielder league. Seeing as he is a profession .189 hitter with a .519 OPS at Tropicana Discipline, although, I might be extra prone to regulate these expectations down than up. –Scott White

Early December is outwardly the time to buy failed main league pitchers who rehabilitated their worth in East Asia, as a result of Kay turns into the third such participant to check in two days. He is the primary to signal out of Japan quite than Korea, and whereas his 2025 strikeout price wasn’t almost as spectacular in Cody Ponce’s, he was taking part in within the more durable league.

The 1.74 ERA is a crimson herring (as such an ERA virtually at all times is) as a result of NPB has been going by means of a dead-ball part the previous few years, however Kay is a vastly totally different pitcher than once we final noticed him in 2023. He is now primarily sinker/cutter quite than fastball/slider, changing into the type of excessive ground-ball pitcher (56 p.c price in 2025) that may overcome a modest strikeout price, and has a wider arsenal typically. He is unlikely to be rather more than a streamer in Fantasy, significantly pitching for a non-contender just like the White Sox, however as with each pitcher who takes this profession path, there may be the potential for a shock. –Scott White

Cody Ponce indicators with Blue Jays

After an unremarkable stint with the Pirates earlier within the decade, Ponce spent a number of years refining his recreation abroad, and it culminated with him incomes MVP honors within the Korean Baseball Group final yr. The award is simple to know given the numbers, however what’s behind these numbers? Apparently, he is added 2 mph to his fastball since we final noticed him in 2021, and he is additionally added a kick change (typically recognized as a splitter) that produces unbelievable tumbling motion with its minimal spin (typically under 1,000 rpm). Although he additionally has a sweeper, it is the fastball and changeup that primarily account for his 12.6 Ok/9, the very best for any former MLB pitcher getting back from the KBO.

The Blue Jays are making a reasonable-sized dedication, too. Three years, $30 million, whereas having the potential to make him a cut price, is not stab-in-the-dark cash. They’re satisfied Ponce can maintain down a rotation spot for them, and I am satisfied he’ll not less than be viable in Fantasy, together with his core elements suggesting even higher than that. Nonetheless, the 2026 beginning pitcher crop is deep sufficient in upside performs that I could not justify utilizing greater than a late-round decide on him. –Scott White

A former fourth-round decide of the Diamondbacks, Weiss wasn’t adequate to achieve the majors earlier than departing for Korea in 2024, however after placing collectively spectacular numbers there in 2025 (see above), he’ll get an opportunity to compete for a spot within the Astros rotation on a one-year, $2.6 million deal. That is not an awesome monetary dedication, clearly, which suggests {that a} market didn’t develop for the soon-to-be 29-year-old. Between that and the shortage of clear explanations for Weiss’ breakthrough (past obscure references to improved command and a broader secondary arsenal), I am inclined to suppose it was much less about Weiss himself than his competitors. He might have stretches when he is streamable, however barring some eye-opening efficiency this spring, he ought to go largely undrafted in Fantasy. –Scott White

The Bronx chewed up and spit out Williams, heretofore a lockdown ace of a better, however certainly the opposite New York borough will makes for a gentler touchdown. Or … under no circumstances. In truth, this deal presents little in the best way of closure as a result of the Mets’ mountain of sources permits them to pursue one other big-dollar reliever, as much as and together with Edwin Diaz, who would after all take priority over Williams within the ninth inning. However the Mets are paying Williams nearer cash — three years, $45 million, together with extra incentives — so for now, let’s presume he is their nearer.

Whereas we’d have appreciated him to land in a lower-pressure locale, the one motive to quote New York as the reason for his struggles is as a result of there are not any extra apparent ones. His pitches all had the identical form and velocity. He missed bats at his standard elite price. His 3.11 xERA and a couple of.68 FIP had been each a lot decrease than his 4.79 ERA. He was mainly the identical pitcher. The outcomes had been simply worse. Usually, you’d wager on a rebound in that situation, and I nonetheless suppose that is the appropriate transfer, which is why I rank him simply inside my prime 12 relievers. However I might really feel higher had he signed elsewhere. –Scott White

Whereas some groups had been reportedly eyeing Helsley as a rotation candidate, the Orioles plan to make use of him as a better with Felix Bautista (shoulder) anticipated out for almost all of 2016. Helsley was an awesome nearer not so way back, registering 49 saves with a 2.04 ERA in 2024, however he was not so nice or perhaps a nearer when final we noticed him, placing collectively a 7.20 ERA in 22 appearances for the Mets following a midseason commerce from the Cardinals.

After attending to the foundation of the issue, which was apparently a inform in his supply, he completed his Mets tenure with seven scoreless innings, and the Orioles evidently felt assured sufficient give him a two-year, $28 million deal. It isn’t the type of contract that an ace reliever who’s totally worry-free would get, but it surely’s a sturdy dedication nonetheless. With the Orioles anticipated again in playoff competition, it is best to anticipate drafting Helsley within the 12-15 vary at aid pitcher. He is has the potential to be prime 5. –Scott White

$210 million is some huge cash for a pitcher coming off a 4.55 ERA. However as I wrote in my extra in-depth breakdown of the signing, that ERA does not come near telling the entire story with Stop. Sure, he is frustratingly inconsistent. He is additionally a real workhorse, taking the ball each fifth day and offering quantity and strikeouts. With ERA and WHIP danger, certain, however there’s clearly loads of upside there, too. He is going off the board in early drafts round eightieth total, because the twentieth SP off the board or thereabouts, and that looks as if an ideal positive worth for a man together with his combination of upside and projectable quantity. There aren’t many pitchers whose absolute best-case situation is as engaging for Fantasy as Stop’s. –Chris Towers

The Crimson Sox have been anticipated to make an enormous splash in both free company or within the commerce marketplace for a rotation improve, and this commerce could be it. Grey struggled to a 4.28 ERA and 1.23 WHIP final season, however his underlying metrics had been extra indicative of a top-of-rotation arm, together with a 26.7% strikeout price, 3.39 FIP and three.29 SIERA. The 36-year-old has seen his velocity decline in consecutive seasons, nevertheless, and his high quality of contact metrics took an enormous step again in 2025, which is why his xERA was a extra pedestrian 3.90 mark. He is a strong pitcher, each for the Crimson Sox and for Fantasy, however I do not suppose he is a needle-mover in both occasion at this level in his profession, even when the Crimson Sox may be capable to get him of their pitching lab and squeeze some further worth out of him. There’s nonetheless room for the Crimson Sox to improve this rotation, in different phrases. –Chris Towers

In alternate for Grey, the Cardinals received a few fascinating youthful arms. Fitts is extra of a identified amount, and he hasn’t given us a lot motive to be excited. He had a 5.00 ERA with even worse peripherals in 2025, so whereas he may slide into the Cardinals rotation, it’s going to principally be for an absence of higher choices.  Clarke is the extra fascinating long-term mission, with a fastball that may contact 100 mph and a slider that’s already a weapon. The remainder of the arsenal is a piece in progress. He walked 27 in simply 38 innings throughout two ranges of A-Ball in 2025, so it is a actual mission. If all comes collectively, he may be capable to hack it as a starter, however he seems to be extra like a Ryan Helsley-in-waiting sort of high-leverage bullpen arm in the long term.

The opposite factor price noting right here is that, with Grey out of the image and Miles Mikolas leaving by way of free company, there are a number of holes within the Cardinals rotation proper now. Prospects Quinn Mathews and Tink Therefore have expertise within the excessive minors and could possibly be choices for the 2026 rotation, although each have troublesome 2025 campaigns that would lead the crew to wish to see extra success at Triple-A earlier than they make that decision. For Fantasy, these are each names to know heading into spring coaching in case they’ll steal rotation spots. Liam Doyle, a 2025 first-round decide, appears prone to be extra of a midseason consideration after he threw simply 3 2/3 post-draft innings within the execs, however he may completely be a quick riser early in 2026, too. –Chris Towers

The Mets and Rangers continued the early offseason development of buying and selling main leaguers for different main leaguers in an alternate of two ageing ones with a number of years remaining on their offers. Nimmo, who’s 32, has proven solely faint indicators of decline, if even these, persevering with to make worthwhile contributions in dwelling runs and stolen bases with huge run and RBI manufacturing. He is becoming a member of a worse lineup that performs in a worse venue, however any modifications to his manufacturing could be slight, presuming good well being.

Semien, who’s 35, has seen his manufacturing nosedive the previous two years, however this commerce might serve to sluggish and even reverse the decline given the park improve. Statcast estimates he’d have a dozen extra dwelling runs throughout that very same two-year span if he had performed each recreation at Citi Discipline. That is my largest takeaway from this commerce, however Chris Towers has written an entire breakdown of it, which yow will discover right here. –Scott White

Iglesias re-ups for one yr at precisely the identical price ($16 million) because the earlier three. Clearly, the Braves had been on the lookout for continuity, and that makes the evaluation right here quite simple. He is the nearer once more for an anticipated contender and a close to lock for 30 saves, supplied he stays wholesome. He missed that quantity by one in 2025, principally due to some early-season struggles. As soon as he reduce on his slider, although, he was clearly again to type, compiling a 1.25 ERA, 0.69 WHIP and 10.0 Ok/9 in his last 45 appearances. That’ll play, all proper, and positions Iglesias to be one of many first 12 relievers off the board in 2026. –Scott White

What a fall for Rodriguez, who was regarded a pair years in the past as one of many recreation’s burgeoning aces after a multi-year run as a top-10 total prospect. Now, the Orioles have dealt him away for one yr of some 32-year-old outfielder who simply hit .228. That is not totally truthful to Ward, who additionally related for 36 dwelling runs in 2025, however most projections have him regressing to 25-30 in 2026. He is additionally becoming a member of a crew that is loaded with solid-but-less-than-All-Star-worthy nook bats. There already wasn’t room within the lineup for all of Dylan Beavers, Samuel Basallo, Coby Mayo, Tyler O’Neill and Ryan Mountcastle. Now, there’s room for one fewer. It will not be Ward, however does that imply we’ll have to attend even longer for Basallo to contribute in Fantasy? If that’s the case, that is a bummer.

However the true story right here is Rodriguez, who Angels GM Perry Minasian says is anticipated to be prepared for spring coaching after lacking all of 2025 with lat and elbow points. The lat has been a recurring drawback, additionally costing Rodriguez time in 2024 and as a minor leaguer in 2022, and the elbow required debridement surgical procedure in August. The Orioles solely made this deal as a result of they could not belief him to remain wholesome, however having mentioned that, he would not be the primary pitcher to beat a multi-year damage development and nonetheless go on to fulfill his potential. We’ve got no proof that his stuff has diminished with this newest rash of accidents, so I am nonetheless inclined to rank him as a prime 75 beginning pitcher for 2026. This commerce is certain to provide some drafters pause even at that late stage, although.  –Scott White

Grisham’s resolution to simply accept the qualifying provide is a curious one provided that he simply had far and away his finest season, homering 34 occasions as the first heart fielder for the Yankees. Some main retailers had been projecting him to obtain a four- or five-year deal for the same annual worth because the qualifying provide, however his agent in all probability has a greater learn in the marketplace.

If nothing else, you can say he is betting on himself with this transfer, hoping to re-enter the market subsequent offseason with out the stigma of being a one-hit surprise, however now comes the arduous half: doing it once more. You may suppose the return to Yankee Stadium will assist, provided that he is a left-handed batter, however he truly hit two-thirds of his dwelling runs on the highway. If the Yankees are critical about giving Jasson Dominguez common taking part in time subsequent yr and likewise bringing again Cody Bellinger, Grisham could also be combating for at-bats once more. The Yankees nonetheless make for a greater touchdown than a number of golf equipment, however you may perceive why drafters may method Grisham with some skepticism in 2026. –Scott White

A modest exhibiting by Torres in 2025 led him to simply accept the Tigers’ qualifying provide quite than testing the free agent market, and also you may suppose a return to Comerica Park is a nasty transfer for his Fantasy worth given its repute. But it surely truly performed properly for right-handed hitters in 2025, and Torres batted .285 with a .449 slugging share there in comparison with .223 and .327 on the highway. On stability, he carried out properly under his .271 xBA and .452 xSLG, having delivered his finest common exit velocity in three years and a few of his finest stroll and strikeout numbers ever, so some higher luck would go a great distance towards redeeming him in Fantasy. He isn’t a surefire top-12 selection, although, even at a place as skinny as second base. –Scott White

One thing tells me that if Woodruff hadn’t gone into the offseason nursing a lat damage, he would not have needed to settle for the Brewers’ qualifying provide, as a substitute pursuing a multi-year deal. However now, he is again in prove-it mode after already overcoming a extra vital shoulder damage in close to miraculous style. Despite the fact that the shoulder capsule surgical procedure that he underwent in 2023 took 3 mph off his fastball — usually a career-ender for a pitcher, significantly one so fastball-reliant — he mainly picked up the place he left off statistically, even delivering the very best strikeout price of his profession. A brand new cutter is essentially to credit score for saving him, and his fortunes rose and fell with its utilization. He’ll be a lot motivated now that he is pitching for a contract once more, however he would have been price deciding on among the many prime 36 beginning pitchers both approach.  –Scott White

The Cubs’ resolution to say no Imanaga’s three-year, $57.5 million choice after the season makes extra sense now that we see the best way all the things performed out. They in all probability suspected he’d settle for the $22.025 million qualifying provide, which he did, so now they nonetheless have him however with out the multi-year dedication.

The maneuver would appear to alleviate suspicions that he is cooked, which had been price entertaining provided that numerous key metrics fell off throughout his sophomore season, specifically his Ok/9 price (from 9.0 to 7.3) and his swinging-strike price (from 14.5 p.c to 11.9 p.c). It is type of deceptive to name it his sophomore season provided that he is 32, and his age contributed to these fears of decline as properly. Nonetheless, he was efficient when wholesome, remaining a standout for WHIP particularly. Nobody will mistake him for an ace in 2026, however he ought to be drafted within the center rounds. –Scott White

Usually, a hitter signing with the Mariners would not be essentially the most favorable final result given T-Cell Park’s repute as a pitcher-friendly venue. However Naylor did not have any issues there after coming over in a midseason commerce with the Diamondbacks, batting .360 (32 for 89) with 5 homers and a 1.015 OPS within the Mariners’ dwelling video games.

Furthermore, the Mariners appeared to unlock the base-stealer in him. His 11 stolen bases in 93 video games with the Diamondbacks had been stunning sufficient, however then he had 19 in simply 54 video games with the Mariners. Given his third percentile dash pace, another crew may need put a cease to that, however the Mariners do not appear to care. He was succeeding, in spite of everything. It is uncertain he steals 30 once more, which is why he stays solely eighth in my first base rankings, however a return to the Mariners improves Naylor’s probabilities of remaining a base-stealer in some capability. For extra, try Chris Towers’ full-length article. –Scott White