Fantasy Baseball Offseason Tracker: Prime Strikes

The offseason seems to be winding down, with Framber Valdez being the one marquee free agent remaining, however Chris Towers and I have not stopped updating the Offseason Tracker with all of the strikes that matter for Fantasy Baseball.

Let’s get to it.

Brendan Donovan traded to the Mariners in a three-team deal

Donovan was lengthy rumored to be on the transfer, and now it is lastly taking place. And sadly, he lands in arguably the worst hitting park in baseball in T-Cellular. It has unforgiving dimensions, however extra concerningly, some gamers simply can not seem to see the ball properly in T-Cellular, resulting in considerably worse offensive outcomes than you may in any other case anticipate. You may see it if you dive into the park issue knowledge, with BaseballSavant.com giving T-Cellular a 117 Park Issue for strikeouts, by far the best in baseball.

In fact, in idea that should not be an enormous problem for Donovan, who is among the higher contact hitters on the market, coming off a 13% strikeout charge and .287 batting common. However he would not do a lot else moreover hit for common (10 homers, three steals in 118 video games in 2025), so any slip in that class can be particularly dangerous. Donovan figures to occupy a chief spot in a reasonably good Mariners lineup, and his present 302.9 ADP appears like a very nice worth even given the park downgrade. Particularly since he appears possible so as to add third base eligibility to his current second base, making him helpful at each of the weakest spots in Fantasy in 2026.

One optimistic end result of this deal is that it provides prospect JJ Wetherholt the within monitor for the beginning second base job in St. Louis. Wetherholt, the seventh choose within the 2024 draft, made such simple work of the excessive minors final yr that he most likely ought to have gotten the decision then, however the Cardinals’ infield was overloaded. Between this transfer and the one which despatched Nolan Arenado to the Diamondbacks earlier this offseason, the Cardinals have cleared the best way for each Wetherholt and Nolan Gorman.

Jurrangelo Cijntje is probably the most attention-grabbing of the prospects going again the Cardinals’ method, being a change pitcher, although he is a lot additional alongside as a right-handed pitcher and should find yourself ditching the opposite arm’s growth to hasten his path to the majors. He reached Double-A in his first season as a professional and struck out 29.7% of opposing hitters as a righty with wonderful management, so he may transfer rapidly in the event that they persist with him solely pitching righty. The Rays had been additionally concerned within the deal, getting light-hitting infielder Ben Williamson from the Mariners. –Chris Towers

Eugenio Suarez indicators with Reds

The large 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 normal requirements. That state of affairs appeared more and more possible after the Diamondbacks traded for Nolan Arenado in January. Happily, one other of Suarez’s former groups was lurking within the background, and it is probably 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 in fact matched that quantity final yr, however Statcast suggests it will 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 anticipate 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 important 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 could not have a spot to name his personal till considered one of JJ Bleday, Ke’Bryan Hayes and even Spencer Steer falters. The value is low sufficient that I might nonetheless take my probabilities, although.

Luis Arraez indicators with Giants

For a minute there, it appeared like Arraez may need to accept a part-time position someplace, his defensive ineptitude overshadowing his three batting titles. Happily, a workforce with an actual second base want finally 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 haven’t got 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 could assist with that. Whereas it is generally 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 the whole lot else drags down his Fantasy worth, however batting common could be an particularly tough 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, at the least if Jeff Passan of ESPN is to be believed. So I assume we must 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 challenge for greater than that because the White Sox start to take steps again towards respectability, and the two-year deal he signed provides us some hope he will not merely be commerce bait.

However is he actually their best option to shut? He has all the time 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 in opposition to 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 be the White Sox’s nearer in ready, however the Dominguez signing builds in a bit of extra wait time and provides 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 variety of success with their pitchers recently, and so they have each the ballpark and supporting forged to get probably 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.

In fact, Gore’s largest impediment has been himself lately. He’ll have these stretches the place he appears to be like 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 sort of place that can scare Fantasy gamers off. However the upside right here is obvious. Gore has a number of the greatest stuff in baseball, together with an arsenal the place all 5 of his pitches had an above-average swinging strike charge. He nonetheless wants to search 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 probably 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 excellent when he is on the mound. Peralta, in fact, 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 most likely an overpay primarily based 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 more likely to be a foul choose. In the meantime, the Brewers’ return of Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat, two consensus top-100 prospects, is more likely to stir Fantasy curiosity as properly. For a extra full breakdown, take a look at 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 matches the Yankees higher than he matches with every other workforce. The truth that the Yankees wanted a 30-year-old Cody Bellinger this badly says so much 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 assume we must always anticipate a precise repeat of that now that he is a yr older, I do assume one thing in that ballpark is affordable. Bellinger is now not a plus energy hitter like his Dodgers days, however his pull-heavy swing and robust 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 operating it again with final yr’s workforce, 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 chance 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 through the years, 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 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 possibly 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 doable profit from the change of surroundings is that he’ll now not be the focus for a lineup during which he is more likely to bat seventh or eighth, which ought to yield extra hittable pitches for him.

In fact, none of that issues if he is merely gone mistaken as a hitter, however I do not assume 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 charge 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 making an attempt to drag it extra from dwelling runs. Such is the psychological impact of being the supposed greatest participant on a horrible workforce.

If nothing else, it is cause 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 gentle. Luisangel Acuna is probably the most attention-grabbing 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 experiences had projected extra energy for him ultimately. 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 (presumably in middle 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 dwelling runs in 2025, for example). –Scott White

Bo Bichette indicators with Mets

The Mets could have panicked following Kyle Tucker’s transfer to the Dodgers as a result of now Bo Bichette, together with his defensive query marks and persistently 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 can be enjoying third now, and that half at the 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 might 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) enjoying each recreation there final yr. However a better take 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 way more floor to cowl. What he loses in dwelling runs, then, he could 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 most likely again to splitting time with Mark Vientos, this time at DH, until the Mets are prepared to strive 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 enchantment 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 commonplace at catcher for Fantasy functions, he is extra of an afterthought now, his gradual decline combining with an enormous 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 a very good lineup, and he’ll nonetheless be a daily a part of it, making him an unusually secure selection for a second catcher spot, however that is all he figures to be until 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 will 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, top off. However historical past has proven that by the point a former standout trickles right down to the Angles, he is about wrung out. I would not say I am transferring him up with this commerce. Similar 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 muddle obstructing extra attention-grabbing gamers corresponding to Sal Stewart and Jacob Melton. Stewart was a breakthrough prospect final yr, delivering elite exit velocities to go together with his current plate abilities, and made an instantaneous affect when he arrived in September, however supervisor Terry Francona stored discovering boring veterans to play over him, Lux included. With a clearer path to enjoying 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 a very good batting eye and delivered high quality exit velocities at Triple-A. You will need 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 if 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 most likely the perfect 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 enjoying his dwelling video games, and he needs to be a consensus first-rounder in drafts in consequence. For a extra full image, take a look at 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 atmosphere as Coors Subject stays, it now 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 enjoying time on a depleted Rockies workforce. He would 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 helpful possibility for Rotisserie leagues, however until your league is drafting upward of 400 gamers, he would not should be considered one of them. –Scott White

Ranger Suarez indicators with the Purple Sox

The Purple Sox pivoted from lacking out on Alex Bregman to amass 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, nonetheless, papers over what could be a fairly rocky path to his last numbers, as Suarez has principally struggled to place collectively wonderful 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 fantastic mid-rotation starter on a workforce with each wonderful high-end pitching and depth within the majors and excessive minors.

In truth, I believe this deal occurred at the least partly to arrange future ones. The Purple 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 matches, anticipate the Purple Sox to dip into that rotation depth to make their lineup make a bit extra sense. So, do not quit in your Tolle or Early sleeper tickets simply but. 

As for Suarez: He’s what he’s, a strong rotation piece on your Fantasy workforce, 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 capable of maintain that, however the finish outcomes are sometimes very robust, and his present draft value (180.8 ADP) makes him a wonderful rotation stabilizer at an inexpensive value. –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 positive issues. Weathers most likely is not as proficient as Cam Schlittler, however he is perhaps 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 couple of ticks of fastball velocity and nearly instantly damage 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 charge sitting at a still-pretty-mediocre 22.3% charge. It is not arduous to see a path to extra upside than that, however it’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 isn’t any assure, in fact, particularly for veterans getting back from surgical procedure, but in addition for, properly, Weathers. Which is all to say that, whereas he is a reasonably attention-grabbing pitcher, there is not sufficient certainty in both position or talent to justify spending far 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 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 won’t even miss Cabrera or Weathers.

And that might be very true when Thomas White, the Marlins different, much more proficient, lefty prospect will get the decision. That is perhaps 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 among the 5 greatest 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 charge in 89.2 innings of labor throughout three ranges. We’ll see White sooner or later within the first half, I might wager, however until he completely dominates this spring, he most likely would not should 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 undecided Arizona is the sort of touchdown spot that appears more likely to gradual that down – Arenado’s pull-heavy swing would profit greatest 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 had been reliable 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 most likely a lineup improve and a park improve, I am simply undecided that is sufficient to matter at this level in Arenado’s profession.

There may be notable fallout in any other case on either side of this transfer. For the Cardinals, it is a first step to clear up a enjoying time log jam, although they most likely nonetheless want to maneuver another participant (possible 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 anticipate 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 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 possible, a transfer to the outfield for Lawlar. He performed a couple of video games there within the Dominican Winter League and can possible spend the spring figuring out within the outfield, the place there may be loads of enjoying 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 provides him an much more restricted margin for error as he tries to determine himself within the majors. And, provided that the Diamondbacks have not precisely cleared a path to enjoying time for him regardless of making his MLB debut again in 2023, it is honest at this level to surprise 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

To this point in his profession, Bregman has had the great fortune of enjoying 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 other. The affect that Wrigley Subject may have on his dwelling run output is tough to determine by means of metrics like xHR, which struggles to account for the venue’s ever-windy situations and weird 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 affect 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 probably the most thrilling in the marketplace. 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 adjustments to begin to reside as much as the hype. For extra on these and what the Marlins bought again on this deal, take a look at 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 in step with 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 talent set matches in completely with a acutely aware resolution the Blue Jays have made lately to focus on hitters who could make a variety of contact with out sacrificing energy. Okamoto has been top-of-the-line hitters in Japan lately and is coming off an enormous season the place he was arguably the greatest hitter, placing up a 210 wRC with 15 homers in 69 video games. He’ll possible see his strikeout charge, which ranged round 14-17% in Japan, rise nearer to league common within the majors, and he would not have significantly better than above-average uncooked energy, however Okamoto does a very good 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 believe Okamoto is unlikely to be a celebrity within the majors, however he is becoming a member of a very good lineup and positively has top-10 upside at third base in a late-career Nolan Arenado (earlier than he utterly collapsed) sort of method. He is price 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 regarded as the perfect. 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, properly, you may 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 had been projecting?

May very well 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 yr. May very well be, nonetheless, that his oddball profile makes for a tough 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 greatest pitch, breaks to his arm facet, transferring 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 simpler genuinely? I am of the opinion that bizarre is sweet for pitchers. The purpose is to misdirect hitters, in spite of everything, and familiarity works in opposition to that purpose. If Imai’s success relied on deception alone, I might have better doubts, however he has high quality stuff and at the least fairly good command. The contract is a bit of underwhelming, however I am nonetheless more likely 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 issues in regards to 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 in fact know him greatest, really turned down an $11 million possibility 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. Possibly that is supervisor Clayton McCullough’s philosophy, which is all of the extra cause to be cautious about drafting Fairbanks subsequent yr, besides, he is price focusing on as a low-end RP2. –Scott White

Willson Contreras traded to Purple Sox

Effectively, this one’s sort of stunning. The Purple Sox most likely 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 Purple 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 possibility for 2028), the Purple Sox aren’t more likely to take into account Contreras a platoon bat with Casas, so I’d anticipate a commerce for Casas, who can have some very late-round enchantment in Fantasy if he finds an on a regular basis job. As for Contreras, his worth takes a giant hit as he’s solely 1B eligible for 2026, however he is a strong sufficient nook infield possibility 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 is perhaps a approach 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 enjoying 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 possibly they may give him a couple 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 important upside if he will get there and performs repeatedly 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 method, together with as-yet-unnamed pitching prospects. Dobbins had a 4.13 ERA and three.99 xERA final season with the Purple Sox, and there is perhaps room to unlock some swing-and-miss upside with some tweaks to his arsenal. However he is most likely simply an end-of-rotation possibility 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 the case 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 may find yourself being a very good deal or not. However there aren’t 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 monitor data) stands out as a reasonably large purple 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 in need of it’s there are important contact questions together with his swing that make his probability of dwelling as much as the loftiest expectations fairly unlikely. I used to be prepared to present him the good thing about the doubt as a prospect if he signed for large cash, however with the main points in now, it looks like MLB groups simply haven’t got a variety of religion in his swing. If MLB groups are telling us they do not have far more religion in him than they do in Polanco, we must always most likely hear.”  –Chris Towers

Shane Baz traded to the Orioles

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

“The Orioles are betting they will 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 injury 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 could have one thing to do with that. Many pitchers have talked about how the Rays philosophy can typically be boiled right down to, “Throw your greatest pitches as typically as doable, purpose for the center of the zone‘, and let your stuff do the remainder.” 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 great things, however would not essentially miss as many bats within the strike zone as you’d anticipate, posting a roughly common in-zone contact charge 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 assist you keep away from walks, in fact, however it’s arduous to persistently miss bats that method, and persistently lacking bats has been a giant 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 assume –  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 honest 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 top-of-the-line 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 honest, 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 large 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 attention-grabbing. In all, the deal might be price $75 million over three years, however King may select to decide out after the primary or second yr, 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 price and must resuscitate his worth, and to be honest, he did miss a lot of 2025 with nerve impingement in his shoulder. However he did have his normal velocity when he returned in September, and each contender may use a pitcher like him.

It is cause to surprise if there are lingering doubts about King’s ineffectiveness in September. He did not look as sharp regardless that 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. Provided 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 possibility 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 each 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 enjoying repeatedly 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 more likely to bat low within the lineup. A 12-homer, 25-steal season is what you can fairly 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 (corresponding to commonplace Rotisserie). –Scott White

Adolis Garcia indicators with Phillies

Garcia, 32, has struggled with points in each knees and hasn’t been an affect hitter since 2023. The Phillies are betting they will unlock one thing and at the least squeeze a gentle improve from what Nick Castellanos has given them the previous few seasons. That is not a foul wager on a one-year, $10 million contract. It is an improve in supporting forged and residential park, and that would present a bit of 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. Possibly 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 perfect we have seen from him since 2021, with a .358 xwOBA to go together with his greatest strikeout charge 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 is not unreasonable to assume there is a related ceiling in right here for 2026, although you definitely should not draft Bell anticipating that. As a late-round flier for energy, you are able to do worse, nonetheless. –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 can 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 prepared 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 will most likely find yourself utilizing him greater than you anticipate 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 position, he nonetheless ended up reaching base at a .368 clip as a rookie. That is possible what attracted the Royals to Collins, and with them, the switch-hitter is extra more likely to play each day.

My concern, although, is that the midseason scorching stretch inflated his stat line past what’s really affordable and that the season merely ended earlier than the correction might be absolutely utilized. He wasn’t a extremely regarded prospect, would not hit the ball with a lot authority, and would not make contact at an unusually excessive charge. He is good at taking walks, as his minor league historical past additionally exhibits, 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 price contemplating outdoors of five-outfielder leagues. –Scott White

Dustin Could indicators with Cardinals

Not a foul gamble for the Cardinals when you think about that Could was a prized commodity as not too long ago 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, transport him to the Purple Sox for a few minor leaguers, however it 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 challenge to draft in standard-size leagues, but when he begins getting some buzz this spring, that would change. –Scott White

It wasn’t even every week in the past that I mentioned Kyle Finnegan can be the favourite for saves in Detroit after signing a two-year, $19 million deal. I take all of it again. Jansen, the energetic 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 together with his ninth-inning decisions, which is why the Finnegan endorsement was a guarded one, however the final time he had a better extensively thought of to be top-of-the-line within the recreation, Roberto Osuna in 2019, he bought him 38 saves. Jansen presumably would not go to a workforce that did not promise him the nearer position. 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 performed at 38 and has a very good probability for 30-plus saves on an anticipated contender. You need to 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 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 improve with a resurgent season in Seattle, his greatest 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, particularly by means of improved exit velocities a tremendously improved strikeout charge. 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. 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 anticipate to make use of Raisel Iglesias as their nearer in 2026. The deal can pay Suarez $13 million in 2026, with $16 million due in every of 2027 and 2028; with Iglesias solely below contract for another 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. In fact, 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 successful it again). Profitable it again from Suarez, who has a 2.87 ERA and 76 saves over the previous two seasons, is perhaps a more durable process. Iglesias stays within the top-12 nearer dialogue for 2026 drafts, however he is bought to be considered 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 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 can 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, take a look at 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 is probably not of the identical stature as Kyle Schwarber, who additionally selected to remain put Tuesday, however he might be of use in Fantasy if he finally ends up claiming the nearer position for the Tigers. (Replace: He possible will not with the next signing of Kenley Jansen.)

He roughly 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 assume these features will stick. –Scott White

Kyle Schwarber returning to the Phillies is a giant deal for real-life baseball. Schwarber is among the 15 or so greatest 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 had been preventing off a lot of 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 at the least $100 million. His touchdown spot may have basically reshaped the look of any considered one of a couple of half-dozen groups.

For Fantasy, although, this deal would 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 a very good lineup, and it is most likely the perfect probability Schwarber has to recreate his unbelievable 2025 season. However it additionally would 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 value in drafts might be at the least a bit of 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 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 so much. 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 method he now not is) and he’s a Util/DH-only participant for Fantasy. None of that needs to be thought of a deal breaker, however it might probably create some robust team-building issues 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 largest weak point in 2025 and now they’ve signed the perfect nearer in the marketplace. In fact they did. However Diaz was going to be a better regardless of the place he signed, and if something, signing with a workforce that gave out an enormous contract to a different shut final offseason and has different pitchers with closing expertise means there is perhaps a bit extra threat in drafting Diaz than there was earlier than. He’ll most likely stay a dominant power and safe 35-plus saves for the Dodgers, however he is risky sufficient that it is not unattainable 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 transferring 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 definitely 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 charge, whereas helpful, usually aren’t thought of prime commerce foreign money. The Mariners really 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? Effectively, 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 fairly 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 cause. With as deep as catcher is correct now, you will not must make a giant play for him even in two-catcher leagues, however that would change if he garners a variety of buzz this spring. –Scott White

There have been three lesser prospects moved on this deal as properly, however we’ll persist with the precept gamers. The Password, as Garcia is usually identified, is a borderline top-100 prospect who bought 9 plate appearances for the Purple Sox final yr 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 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 … sort of an issue. Garcia additionally had a excessive chase charge at Triple-A, to not point out a excessive miss charge 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 enjoying time.

Oviedo additionally strikes me as extra of a curiosity than a real asset. His 9 begins late in 2025 at the least 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 exhibits some potential as a bat-misser, it is not practically 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 Purple Sox. –Scott White

“My guess at this time 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 technique to make sure he’ll stay a better is to re-sign with the workforce 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 fantastic. 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 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 middle 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 charge. 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 greatest guess is that Mullins matches into some sort 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 Subject, although, I might be extra more likely 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 sign up two days. He is the primary to signal out of Japan reasonably than Korea, and whereas his 2025 strikeout charge wasn’t practically as spectacular in Cody Ponce’s, he was enjoying within the more durable league.

The 1.74 ERA is a purple 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 totally 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 charge in 2025) that may overcome a modest strikeout charge, and has a much wider arsenal typically. He is unlikely to be far 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 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 couple 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 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 least 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 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 excellent 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 assume it was much less about Weiss himself than his competitors. He could 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. 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 in fact take priority over Williams within the ninth inning. However the Mets are paying Williams nearer cash — three years, $45 million, together with further incentives — so for now, let’s presume he is their nearer.

Whereas we’d have preferred him to land in a lower-pressure locale, the one cause 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 normal elite charge. His 3.11 xERA and a pair 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 state of affairs, and I nonetheless assume 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 excellent 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 is not the kind of contract that an ace reliever who’s completely worry-free would get, however it’s a sturdy dedication nonetheless. With the Orioles anticipated again in playoff competition, it’s 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 would 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, positive, 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 like an ideal fantastic worth for a man together 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 Purple Sox have been anticipated to make a giant splash in both free company or within the commerce marketplace for a rotation improve, and this commerce is perhaps 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 charge, 3.39 FIP and three.29 SIERA. The 36-year-old has seen his velocity decline in consecutive seasons, nonetheless, and his high quality of contact metrics took a giant step again in 2025, which is why his xERA was a extra pedestrian 3.90 mark. He is a strong pitcher, each for the Purple Sox and for Fantasy, however I do not assume he is a needle-mover in both occasion at this level in his profession, even when the Purple 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 Purple Sox to improve this rotation, in different phrases. –Chris Towers

In alternate 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 cause 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 will principally be for a scarcity of higher choices.  Clarke is the extra attention-grabbing long-term challenge, 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 this can be a actual challenge. If all comes collectively, he may be capable to hack it as a starter, however he appears to be like extra like a Ryan Helsley-in-waiting kind 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 might be choices for the 2026 rotation, although each have troublesome 2025 campaigns that would lead the workforce to need 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 will steal rotation spots. Liam Doyle, a 2025 first-round choose, appears more likely to be extra of a midseason consideration after he threw simply 3 2/3 post-draft innings within the professionals, 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 alternate of two growing old 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 large run and RBI manufacturing. He is becoming a member of a worse lineup that performs in a worse venue, however any adjustments to his manufacturing can be slight, presuming good well being.

Semien, who’s 35, has seen his manufacturing nosedive the previous two years, however this commerce could serve to gradual 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 Subject. That is my largest takeaway from this commerce, however Chris Towers has written a whole breakdown of it, which yow will discover right here. –Scott White

Iglesias re-ups for one yr at precisely the identical charge ($16 million) because the earlier three. Clearly, the Braves had been on the lookout 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 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 completely honest to Ward, who additionally linked 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 workforce 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 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 harm pattern and nonetheless go on to satisfy his potential. We now have 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 present 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 greatest season, homering 34 instances as the first middle 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 supply, however his agent most likely 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 assume the return to Yankee Stadium will assist, provided that he is a left-handed batter, however he really hit two-thirds of his dwelling runs on the highway. If the Yankees are severe about giving Jasson Dominguez common enjoying time subsequent yr 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 variety of golf equipment, however you may 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 assume a return to Comerica Park is a foul transfer for his Fantasy worth given its popularity. However it really 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 steadiness, he carried out properly under his .271 xBA and .452 xSLG, having delivered his greatest common exit velocity in three years and a few of his greatest 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 harm, 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 harm 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 mainly picked up the place he left off statistically, even delivering the perfect strikeout charge of his profession. A brand new cutter is basically 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 method.  –Scott White

The Cubs’ resolution to say no Imanaga’s three-year, $57.5 million possibility after the season makes extra sense now that we see the best way the whole lot performed out. They most likely 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 had been price entertaining provided that a lot of key metrics fell off throughout his sophomore season, particularly his Ok/9 charge (from 9.0 to 7.3) and his swinging-strike charge (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 properly. Nonetheless, he was efficient when wholesome, remaining a standout for WHIP specifically. 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 popularity 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 workforce 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, take a look at Chris Towers’ full-length article. –Scott White