Fantasy Baseball Offseason Tracker: Prime Strikes

Even with a few the most important free agent prizes, Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette, going off the board, a variety of high-end free brokers stay. The place are you able to flip for steerage amid this dizzying whirlwind?

Proper right here is the place. Chris Towers and I will likely be making the Offseason Tracker our residence base for the subsequent few weeks, churning out content material because the information warrants. Right here, you may get a breakdown of all of the strikes that matter for Fantasy Baseball with out all of the fluff. (OK, perhaps somewhat fluff.)

Bookmark it. Learn it. Reside by it.

Freddy Peralta traded to Mets

Peralta slides proper into the highest of the Mets rotation with this transfer. He is not your prototypical, innings-eating ace, however he is usually excellent when he is on the mound. Peralta, after all, already prices fairly a bit in Fantasy drafts, along with his ADP as much as 69.1 in NFBC drafts within the month of January. I feel that is in all probability an overpay primarily based on final 12 months’s inflated win complete and unsustainably low ERA (2.70 ERA in comparison with a 3.47 xERA), however that does not imply I feel Peralta is prone to be a nasty choose. In the meantime, the Brewers’ return of Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat, two consensus top-100 prospects, is prone to stir Fantasy curiosity as effectively. For a extra full breakdown, try my full-length article. –Chris Towers

Cody Bellinger indicators with Yankees

This was all the time the inevitable end result. The Yankees wanted Cody Bellinger, and Cody Bellinger suits the Yankees higher than he suits with another crew. The truth that the Yankees wanted a 30-year-old Cody Bellinger this badly says quite a bit 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 must always count on an actual repeat of that now that he is a 12 months older, I do suppose one thing in that ballpark is cheap. Bellinger is 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 choose within the sixth spherical and needs 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 roughly working it again with final 12 months’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 marvel Trent Grisham, who may flip again right into a pumpkin after his profession 12 months. Which is to say, whereas Dominguez should not be somebody Fantasy gamers draft anticipating a lot from him in 2026, do not be shocked if he emerges as surprisingly related surprisingly rapidly. –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 have been by far his worst individually, derailing what as soon as appeared like a first-round trajectory. One other doable profit from the change of surroundings is that he’ll not be the point of interest for a lineup during 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 come back 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 making an attempt to tug it extra from residence runs. Such is the psychological impact of being the supposed finest participant on a horrible crew.

If nothing else, it is motive to stay looking forward to 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 mild. Luisangel Acuna is probably the most attention-grabbing of the 2 gamers coming again, although principally as a result of he shares a reputation along 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 experiences had projected extra energy for him ultimately. There could also be 15-homer, 30-steal upside right here, and he’ll have a a lot better likelihood of delivering on it with the White Sox (presumably in heart area) than the Mets. It is a lengthy shot, although, judging by his previous energy output in each the majors and minors (a mixed zero residence runs in 2025, for 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, along with his defensive query marks and persistently low stroll charges, is making $42 million a 12 months. 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 likely be taking part in third now, and that half at the very least is sweet information. Third base is missing in bankable expertise, and Bichette ought to ultimately slot into the highest eight there as in comparison with barely cracking the highest 12 at shortstop.

The transition to Citi Subject may very well be fraught, although, given his opposite-field tendencies and the chasm in right-center. Certainly, Statcast estimates that Bichette would have hit 4 fewer residence runs (15 vs. 19) taking part in each sport there final 12 months. However a better take a look at his spray chart reveals the overwhelming majority of his residence runs going to his pull facet, even when his fly balls on the whole 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 residence 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 attempt him in left area 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 will admit I forgot he was even a free agent. Although he was lengthy the gold customary 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 outdoors of the highest 15. The Phillies clearly nonetheless admire him, inking him to a three-year, $45 million deal, and his return to them makes this evaluation pretty simple. It is nonetheless an excellent lineup, and he’ll nonetheless be a daily a part of it, making him an unusually secure alternative 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 issues that he had with the Rays, so in idea, refill. 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 among the muddle obstructing extra attention-grabbing gamers equivalent to Sal Stewart and Jacob Melton. Stewart was a breakthrough prospect final 12 months, delivering elite exit velocities to go along with his present plate expertise, and made a right away influence when he arrived in September, however supervisor Terry Francona saved 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 12 months, however he has an excellent 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 latest days, with the choice seemingly coming down as to whether he’d take a shorter take care of a better common annual worth from the Mets or an extended take care of 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 one of the 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 residence video games, and he needs to be a consensus first-rounder in drafts in consequence. 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 reworked into Fantasy Baseball gold. For as favorable of an surroundings as Coors Subject stays, it not performs just like the floor of the moon, and the supporting forged 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 sort of swing choices to be of a lot use in batting common, even with the BABIP-boosting results of Coors Subject, 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, excellent, placing up a 3.25 ERA over the previous 5 seasons mixed. That, nevertheless, papers over what could be a fairly rocky path to his remaining 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 tremendous mid-rotation starter on a crew with each glorious high-end pitching and depth within the majors and excessive minors.

Actually, I believe this deal occurred at the very least partially 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 hand over in your Tolle or Early sleeper tickets simply but. 

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

Ryan Weathers traded to Yankees

The Yankees added one other gifted younger arm to a rotation that’s, at this level, surprisingly stocked with gifted younger arms and little in the best way of certain issues. Weathers in all probability is not as gifted as Cam Schlittler, however he may 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 have been particularly worrisome – he added just a few ticks of fastball velocity and nearly 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 along with his added velocity, along 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 might 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 isn’t any assure, after all, particularly for veterans getting back from surgical procedure, but in addition for, effectively, Weathers. Which is all to say that, whereas he is a reasonably attention-grabbing pitcher, there is not sufficient certainty in both function or ability to justify spending rather more than a late-round flier on Weathers, even with a greater supporting forged 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 along 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 won’t even miss Cabrera or Weathers.

And that may very well be very true when Thomas White, the Marlins different, much more gifted, lefty prospect will get the decision. That may 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 ok, however White is among 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 sooner or later 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 sort of touchdown spot that appears prone to gradual that down – Arenado’s pull-heavy swing would profit finest from a park with a brief fence down the left area line, and whereas Chase Subject’s left area 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 have been reputable 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 another participant (doubtless Brendan Donovan, judging by the rumor mill) earlier than they’re completed. That may open up a spot for high prospect JJ Wetherholt, who I count on to be within the Opening Day lineup a technique or one other. We simply want that subsequent deal to undergo. 

On the Diamondbacks facet, this raises actual questions on the place high 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 just a few video games there within the Dominican Winter League and can doubtless spend the spring understanding within the outfield, the place there’s 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 marvel in the event that they’ve simply misplaced religion in Lawlar regardless of his robust 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 probably the most opportune venues for pull-side right-handed energy: Daikin Park and Fenway Park. Now, he’ll get a style of the alternative. The influence that Wrigley Subject may have on his residence run output is tough to determine by means of metrics like xHR, which struggles to account for the venue’s ever-windy situations 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 possibilities Bregman will produce very similar to Paredes in Chicago? I break it down right here. –Scott White

Edward Cabrera traded to Cubs

The rotation influence right here is evident: 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 crucial thrilling available on the market. Armed with fastballs that flirt with triple digits and a changeup with the rate of the typical pitcher’s fastball, Cabrera has all the time had en attractive arm, however in 2025, he made actual modifications to begin to reside as much as the hype. For extra on these and what the Marlins bought 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 effectively wanting expectations – and Okamoto’s ability set suits in completely with a acutely aware resolution the Blue Jays have made in recent times to focus on hitters who could make a number of contact with out sacrificing energy. Okamoto has been among the finest hitters in Japan in recent times 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 a lot better than above-average uncooked energy, however Okamoto does an excellent job of driving the ball to the pull facet within the air, serving to him get probably the most out of his bodily instruments. I feel Okamoto is unlikely to be a famous person within the majors, however he is becoming a member of an excellent lineup and positively has top-10 upside at third base in a late-career Nolan Arenado (earlier than he utterly collapsed) sort of approach. He is value drafting round 2 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 one of the best. He is within the prime of his profession at age 27, was the hardest-throwing beginning pitcher in Japan this previous season (in accordance with Baseball America) and, effectively, you possibly can see the numbers for your self. However numbers could be deceptive, notably for pitchers throughout what’s been a useless 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 supply that a number of retailers have been projecting?

Might be that Imai is betting on an even bigger rating as soon as he proves himself. His deal contains opt-outs after each the primary and second 12 months. Might be, nevertheless, that his oddball profile makes for a tough analysis. Sure, he throws arduous, along with his fastball sitting at about 96 mph and peaking at 99, however what’s extra notable is his launch top. It could rank among the many lowest within the sport, 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 other way of most each different slider, which Lance Brozdowski has identified would make it much less interesting to stuff fashions.

However wouldn’t it make it simpler really? 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 at the very least fairly good command. The contract is somewhat underwhelming, however I am nonetheless prone to rank him amongst my high 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 take care of Fairbanks. It is a modest contract for a pitcher with ample closing expertise, which speaks to issues 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 hanging 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 have been by no means settled in that function final 12 months. Possibly that is supervisor Clayton McCullough’s philosophy, which is all of the extra motive to be cautious about drafting Fairbanks subsequent 12 months, besides, he is value concentrating on as a low-end RP2. –Scott White

Willson Contreras traded to Crimson Sox

Properly, this one’s sort of shocking. The Crimson Sox in all probability could not go into this season counting on Triston Casas once more, and now it isn’t clear if Casas will even be on the Crimson Sox in 2026. Contreras transitioned to first base in 2025 and continued to be a stable 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’d 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 stable 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 may be a option 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 just a few 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 important 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 may 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 greatest names available on the market. I wrote about that and extra right here:

“MLB groups aren’t infallible, and on the subject of a participant making the transition from NPB to the majors, there’s an inherent uncertainty that makes it tougher to say with confidence whether or not it will find yourself being an excellent deal or not. However there aren’t any scarcity of groups with the necessity for a possible 30-plus energy hitter in the course of the lineup, and the truth that Murakami ended up with an identical 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 fairly large pink 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 a complete 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 wanting it’s there are important contact questions along with his swing that make his probability of dwelling as much as the loftiest expectations fairly unlikely. I used to be keen to offer him the good thing about the doubt as a prospect if he signed for giant cash, however with the small print 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 must 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 related 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 effectively sufficient (.359 xwOBA on contact in 2025, .355 for his profession; .368 is league common), however has principally struggled with consistency.

And I feel 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 doable, intention for the center of the zone‘, and let your stuff do the remaining.” That’s recommendation that has labored out effectively for a lot of pitchers (most notably Tyler Glasnow), however I feel it has been holding Baz again. He has great 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 aid you keep away from walks, after all, but it surely’s arduous to persistently miss bats that approach, and persistently lacking bats has been an enormous challenge 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 Subject final season, whereas Tropicana Subject (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 primarily based on this deal.

Which implies Lowe ought to stay among the finest 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 issues about his well being, which is truthful, however he simply proved final season he may give us one thing near a full season, and there simply aren’t many gamers who may give 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 an additional notable free agent, and the phrases are fairly attention-grabbing. In all, the deal may very well be value $75 million over three years, however King may select to decide out after the primary or second 12 months, incomes the least amount of cash upfront. That is the kind of deal a participant indicators when he thinks he will not get he is value 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 typical velocity when he returned in September, and each contender may use a pitcher like him.

It is motive to marvel 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 potential and Kim badly wants to revive his worth after a season wrecked by accidents. He ought to play on daily basis 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, notably since he is prone to bat low within the lineup. A 12-homer, 25-steal season is what you possibly can moderately hope for, with 15 and 30 being his absolute upside, however he is far sufficient faraway from these sort of numbers that it’s best to method him with skepticism. He is a late-round choose in leagues that require a 3rd center infielder (equivalent to customary Rotisserie). –Scott White

Adolis Garcia indicators with Phillies

Garcia, 32, has struggled with points in each knees and hasn’t been an influence hitter since 2023. The Phillies are betting they’ll unlock one thing and at the very least 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 forged and residential park, and that might present somewhat enhance to Garcia’s worth. However I am not anticipating a George Springer-esque resurgence after two years of an OPS beneath .700 and declining underlying metrics. Possibly you possibly 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 have been one of the 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 related 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 simple, 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 subsequent two years. His velocity and ERA estimators have held regular, so I feel you possibly can 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 new 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 function, 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 on daily basis.

My worry, although, is that the midseason scorching stretch inflated his stat line past what’s truly affordable and that the season merely ended earlier than the correction may very well 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. Possibly Collins will excel with the Royals and provides them their very own model of Sal Frelick. It is extra doable with them than with the Brewers. However that is modest upside for a participant with such a questionable profile, making him not value contemplating outdoors of five-outfielder leagues. –Scott White

Dustin Might indicators with Cardinals

Not a nasty gamble for the Cardinals when you think about that Might was a prized commodity as lately as a 12 months 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 effectively. The Dodgers determined to chop bait, transport 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 venture to draft in standard-size leagues, but when he begins getting some buzz this spring, that might 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 listing with 476, turns into probably the most confirmed nearer supervisor A.J. Hinch has ever had.

Hinch is notoriously noncommittal along 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 finest within the sport, Roberto Osuna in 2019, he bought him 38 saves. Jansen presumably would not go to a crew that did not promise him the nearer function. The final time he bought 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 achieved at 38 and has an excellent likelihood for 30-plus saves on an anticipated contender. It’s best to goal him among the many high 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 switch 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 information backs up the resurgence, particularly by means of improved exit velocities a significantly improved strikeout price. In idea, he will a greater venue, however his xHR by ballpark is about the identical in New York and Seattle over the previous few years. Principally, 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 high 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 underneath contract for yet another 12 months 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 ultimately profitable it again). Successful it again from Suarez, who has a 2.87 ERA and 76 saves over the previous two seasons, may be a more durable activity. Iglesias stays within the top-12 nearer dialogue for 2026 drafts, however he is bought to be seen as a riskier choose 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 residence 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 loads 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 will not be of the identical stature as Kyle Schwarber, who additionally selected to remain put Tuesday, however he may very well be of use in Fantasy if he finally ends up claiming the nearer function for the Tigers. (Replace: He doubtless will not with the following signing of Kenley Jansen.)

He roughly break up the function with Will Vest after coming over from the Nationals in a deadline deal, however he has extra expertise in it and have become a a lot better pitcher with the Tigers, placing collectively a 1.50 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 11.5 Okay/9 in 16 appearances. Mainly, they’d him throw his splitter twice as typically, and clearly, they suppose these good points will stick. –Scott White

Kyle Schwarber returning to the Phillies is an enormous deal for real-life baseball. Schwarber is among the 15 or so finest hitters in baseball (and the variety of higher energy hitters is an excellent shorter listing), however he is additionally been an integral a part of the Phillies’ clubhouse throughout their latest run of contending, and so they have been preventing off a variety of different contenders and would-be contenders for Schwarber’s companies. That is a listing that included surprising names just like the Reds and Pirates, in addition to the Orioles, Mets, and others who have been all in on Schwarber to the tune of at the very least $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 all the time take the established order reigning when that includes an elite hitter staying in an excellent lineup, and it is in all probability one of the best likelihood Schwarber has to recreate his unbelievable 2025 season. However it 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 feel Schwarber’s worth in drafts might be at the very least somewhat bit unreasonable. After sporting an ADP close to seventieth getting into 2025, he is sitting at 24.5 in early NFBC drafts thus far. He was value that in 2025, however he additionally hit 18 extra homers than he had in 2024 and 9 greater than another season in his profession, so anticipating a repeat might be asking quite a bit. 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 not is) and he’s a Util/DH-only participant for Fantasy. None of that needs to be thought-about a deal breaker, however it will probably create some robust team-building problems when it prices a second-round choose. –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 greatest weak spot in 2025 and now they’ve signed one of the best nearer available on the market. 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 may be a bit extra threat in drafting Diaz than there was earlier than. He’ll in all probability stay a dominant power and safe 35-plus saves for the Dodgers, however he is risky sufficient that it isn’t unimaginable to foresee a world during 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 high 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 top 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 potential than his 4.48 ERA, so what? Left-handers who get floor balls at a excessive price, whereas helpful, usually aren’t thought-about high commerce forex. The Mariners truly gave up a second minor-leaguer within the deal as effectively.

Clearly, Ferrer will not be closing video games anymore, so no matter Fantasy worth he might need had is now kaput. What about Ford? Properly, the Nationals do have Keibert Ruiz locked up by means of 2030, however he was ravaged by concussions in 2025 and has carried out beneath expectations every of the previous two seasons. In contrast to 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 must make an enormous play for him even in two-catcher leagues, however that might change if he garners a number of buzz this spring. –Scott White

There have been three lesser prospects moved on this deal as effectively, however we’ll follow the precept gamers. The Password, as Garcia is often identified, is a borderline top-100 prospect who bought 9 plate appearances for the Crimson Sox final 12 months after a productive displaying 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 residence run output depends on him pulling the ball within the air with regularity, and since PNC Park charges because the worst residence run venue for right-handed hitters, that is … sort 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 affords 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 at the very least confirmed him to be wholesome after a prolonged restoration from Tommy John surgical procedure, however the outings have 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 isn’t 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 now is that Pagan doesn’t signal as a better.” That is what I mentioned on the Fantasy Baseball At the moment podcast Monday evening. However the a technique 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 tremendous. It clearly did in 2025, seeing him recording 32 saves with a 2.88 ERA. However it marked solely the second time in six years that he had an ERA beneath 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 residence 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 high 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 area (which is greater than could 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 sort of platoon and places up usable energy/velocity numbers for a five-outfielder league. Seeing as he is a profession .189 hitter with a .519 OPS at Tropicana Subject, although, I might be extra prone to alter 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 register two days. He is the primary to signal out of Japan reasonably 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 pink herring (as such an ERA nearly all the time 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 completely different pitcher than after we final noticed him in 2023. He is now primarily sinker/cutter reasonably than fastball/slider, changing into the kind of excessive ground-ball pitcher (56 p.c price in 2025) that may overcome a modest strikeout price, and has a much wider arsenal on the whole. He is unlikely to be rather more than a streamer in Fantasy, notably pitching for a non-contender just like the White Sox, however as with each pitcher who takes this profession path, there’s 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 just a few years refining his sport abroad, and it culminated with him incomes MVP honors within the Korean Baseball Group final 12 months. The award is straightforward to grasp 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 beneath 1,000 rpm). Although he additionally has a sweeper, it is the fastball and changeup that primarily account for his 12.6 Okay/9, the 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 discount, 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 at the very least be viable in Fantasy, along with his core parts 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 choose on him. –Scott White

A former fourth-round choose 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 did not develop for the soon-to-be 29-year-old. Between that and the dearth of clear explanations for Weiss’ breakthrough (past imprecise 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 absolutely the opposite New York borough will makes for a gentler touchdown. Or … under no circumstances. Actually, this deal affords little in the best way of closure as a result of the Mets’ mountain of assets 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 aren’t any extra apparent ones. His pitches all had the identical form and velocity. He missed bats at his typical elite price. His 3.11 xERA and a pair of.68 FIP have been each a lot decrease than his 4.79 ERA. He was principally the identical pitcher. The outcomes have been simply worse. Usually, you’d wager on a rebound in that state of affairs, and I nonetheless suppose that is the proper transfer, which is why I rank him simply inside my high 12 relievers. However I might really feel higher had he signed some place else. –Scott White

Whereas some groups have 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 kind of contract that an ace reliever who’s totally worry-free would get, but it surely’s a strong dedication nonetheless. With the Orioles anticipated again in playoff rivalry, it’s best to anticipate drafting Helsley within the 12-15 vary at aid pitcher. He is has the potential to be high 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 threat, 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 tremendous worth for a man along with his combination of upside and projectable quantity. There aren’t many pitchers whose absolute best-case state of affairs is as attractive 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 may be it. Grey struggled to a 4.28 ERA and 1.23 WHIP final season, however his underlying metrics have 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 stable 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 change for Grey, the Cardinals bought a few attention-grabbing 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 attention-grabbing long-term venture, 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 venture. If all comes collectively, he may be capable to hack it as a starter, however he seems extra like a Ryan Helsley-in-waiting kind of high-leverage bullpen arm in the long term.

The opposite factor value 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 may very well be choices for the 2026 rotation, although each have troublesome 2025 campaigns that might 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 choose, 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 pattern of buying and selling main leaguers for different main leaguers in an change 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 residence 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 gradual and even reverse the decline given the park improve. Statcast estimates he’d have a dozen extra residence runs throughout that very same two-year span if he had performed each sport at Citi Subject. That is my greatest takeaway from this commerce, however Chris Towers has written a whole breakdown of it, which you could find right here. –Scott White

Iglesias re-ups for one 12 months at precisely the identical price ($16 million) because the earlier three. Clearly, the Braves have been searching for continuity, and that makes the evaluation right here reasonably 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 in the reduction of on his slider, although, he was clearly again to type, compiling a 1.25 ERA, 0.69 WHIP and 10.0 Okay/9 in his remaining 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 sport’s burgeoning aces after a multi-year run as a top-10 total prospect. Now, the Orioles have dealt him away for one 12 months of some 32-year-old outfielder who simply hit .228. That is not totally truthful to Ward, who additionally linked for 36 residence 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? In that case, that is a bummer.

However the actual 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 downside, 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 pattern and nonetheless go on to satisfy his potential. We’ve no proof that his stuff has diminished with this newest rash of accidents, so I am nonetheless inclined to rank him as a high 75 beginning pitcher for 2026. This commerce is bound to offer some drafters pause even at that late stage, although.  –Scott White

Grisham’s resolution to simply accept the qualifying supply 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 have been projecting him to obtain a four- or five-year deal for the same annual worth because the qualifying supply, however his agent in all probability has a greater learn available on the market.

If nothing else, you possibly 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 marvel, 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 residence runs on the highway. If the Yankees are severe about giving Jasson Dominguez common taking part in time subsequent 12 months and likewise bringing again Cody Bellinger, Grisham could also be preventing for at-bats once more. The Yankees nonetheless make for a greater touchdown than a number of golf equipment, however you possibly can perceive why drafters may method Grisham with some skepticism in 2026. –Scott White

A modest displaying by Torres in 2025 led him to simply accept the Tigers’ qualifying supply reasonably 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 status. However it truly performed effectively 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 steadiness, he carried out effectively beneath 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 is not a surefire top-12 alternative, 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 supply, as an alternative pursuing a multi-year deal. However now, he is again in prove-it mode after already overcoming a extra important shoulder damage in close to miraculous vogue. 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, notably one so fastball-reliant — he principally picked up the place he left off statistically, even delivering one of the 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 loads motivated now that he is pitching for a contract once more, however he would have been value deciding on among the many high 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 every thing performed out. They in all probability suspected he’d settle for the $22.025 million qualifying supply, 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 have been value entertaining provided that a variety of key metrics fell off throughout his sophomore season, particularly his Okay/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 kind of deceptive to name it his sophomore season provided that he is 32, and his age contributed to these fears of decline as effectively. Nonetheless, he was efficient when wholesome, remaining a standout for WHIP particularly. Nobody will mistake him for an ace in 2026, however he needs to be drafted within the center rounds. –Scott White

Usually, a hitter signing with the Mariners would not be probably the most favorable end result given T-Cellular Park’s status 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’ residence video games.

Furthermore, the Mariners appeared to unlock the base-stealer in him. His 11 stolen bases in 93 video games with the Diamondbacks have been shocking sufficient, however then he had 19 in simply 54 video games with the Mariners. Given his third percentile dash velocity, another crew might 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 possibilities of remaining a base-stealer in some capability. For extra, try Chris Towers’ full-length article. –Scott White