0:00:00

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Chicago Cubs have signed free agent third baseman Alex Bregman to a massive five-year contract worth $175 million. Bregman was one of the top free-agent infielders still available on the open market, alongside shortstop Bo Bichette. Bregman spent the 2025 campaign with Boston after playing with the Houston Astros for the first nine seasons of his MLB career. With Boston, Bregman remained a productive hitter, posting a strong .273/.360/.462 slash line with 28 doubles and 18 home runs across 114 contests. Under the hood, he generated a 71st-percentile .337 xwOBA and continued to show an elite eye at the plate, drawing walks at a 10.3% rate and striking out at a 14.1% rate. With the Cubs, Bregman figures to serve as the everyday third baseman, which will likely shift former top prospect Matt Shaw into a utility role in the infield, as Dansby Swanson, Nico Hoerner, and Michael Busch are expected to remain everyday players. Bregman carries top-10 upside at the third base position in all formats as he moves to Chicago.

From RotoBaller

Boston Red Sox infielder Marcelo Mayer is preparing to play both second and third base this upcoming season. In 2025, Mayer played mostly third base, but saw action at second and shortstop as well. The absence of Alex Bregman means that Mayer should be able to see regular time at third base now. The Red Sox also don't have an everyday option at second base, but Kristian Campbell figures to get a fair shot at earning the starting job. Mayer having the ability to play multiple positions should help him get in the lineup more frequently. Due to injuries, Mayer was limited to 44 games with the Red Sox last season. He slashed .228/.272/.402 with four home runs and 10 RBI during his time with the big league club.

From RotoBaller

According to Buster Olney of ESPN, free-agent outfielder Cody Bellinger is unlikely to sign with the New York Yankees. The two sides have been linked together all offseason, but no deal has been finalized yet. The Yankees reportedly offered Bellinger a five-year deal for at least $30 million per season. Bellinger, who is represented by Scott Boras, is seeking a deal longer than five years, and that surpasses $30 million per season. In 2025, Bellinger slashed .272/.334/.480 with 29 home runs and 98 RBI across 152 games with the Bronx Bombers. It's certainly going to be a challenge to replace that kind of production if Bellinger decides to head elsewhere. A potential deal could still happen, but it sounds like the Yankees are preparing to move on.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman has decided to withdraw from the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Freeman has pulled out of the tourney due to personal reasons. He has played for Canada in each of the last two tournaments, but has decided to sit this one out. Freeman has played in back-to-back World Series with the Dodgers, so it makes sense that he'd want to spend as much time as possible with his family. Relief pitcher Jordan Romano has also dropped out of the WBC, which has opened a door for Jameson Taillon to join the roster. Also, catcher Liam Hicks and infielder Tyler Black will suit up for Canada in the upcoming tourney.

From RotoBaller

The Atlanta Braves have agreed to terms with relief pitcher Tyler Kinley on Saturday. The two sides have agreed to a one-year, 4.25 million contract for the upcoming 2026 season. That deal includes a $5.5 million club option that carries a $1.25 million buyout. Kinley returns to Atlanta after posting excellent numbers during his time with the organization. He registered a 0.72 ERA, 0.68 WHIP, and 22/6 K/BB ratio in 24 appearances with the Braves. Overall, Kinley posted a 3.96 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 73/33 K/BB between 73 games with the Colorado Rockies and Braves. He figures to serve as a middle relief option with Robert Suarez and Raisel Iglesias being the late-inning relievers.

From RotoBaller

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ken Waldichuk was designated for assignment by the organization on Saturday. This is a short-lived stint in Atlanta for Waldichuk, who was claimed by the organization off waivers from the Athletics on Thursday. The team needed to make room for newly signed reliever Tyler Kinley, and Waldichuk is the odd man out. The southpaw missed all of the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery. He posted an ugly 8.17 ERA, 1.96 WHIP, and 68/42 K/BB ratio across 17 games (16 starts) in Triple-A with the Athletics in 2025. He hasn't pitched in the MLB since the 2023 season with the A's, where he posted a 5.36 ERA in 35 games. The former fifth-round pick will likely be organizational depth if he's claimed by another team.

From RotoBaller

Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas (knee) has resumed baseball activities and is optimistic about playing in Spring Training. Casas is working his way back from a serious knee injury that limited him to 29 games. It seems that Casas is heading in the right direction, but might not be ready for Opening Day. The 26-year-old is likely going to be limited to designated hitter duties with Willson Contreras joining the club this offseason. The Red Sox have enough organizational depth that they could potentially send Casas to the minors until he's ready to contribute again. Casas has only played one full season since making his MLB debut in 2022. There's decent upside here, but Casas is looking more like a late-round option.

From RotoBaller

Boston Red Sox outfielder/infielder Ceddanne Rafaela might not shift positions as frequently in 2026. Recently, Red Sox manager Alex Cora said it was unlikely that Rafaela would play second base this season. Due to their logjam in the outfield, Rafaela played 24 games at second base in 2025. His defensive abilities are a much better fit in center field, as Rafaela committed three errors in a little over 20 games at the keystone. The Red Sox would rather have Rafaela in center field, a position where he won a Gold Glove this past season. If he remains in the outfield, Rafaela would likely lose his second-base eligibility, which would be a bummer for fantasy managers. The elite defensive ability in the outfield should keep Rafaela in center field on an everyday basis.

From RotoBaller

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (knee) is well ahead of schedule in his rehab work, according to the team's general manager Mike Hazen. Gurriel underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee during September of last year. Even with a great recovery, Gurriel is likely going to be sidelined until at least mid-season. When healthy, Gurriel is a viable middle-of-the-order bat that could give this lineup a boost once he's back. He slashed .248/./295/.418 with 19 home runs, 80 RBI, and 10 steals in 129 games in 2024. He's not an ideal stash option given he'll probably miss half of the season, but fantasy managers should monitor his status closer to Spring Training.

From RotoBaller

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Kutter Crawford (wrist) has progressed to throwing off the mound. Crawford is reportedly a bit behind schedule, but is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season. He missed all of the 2024 campaign due to a wrist issue that required surgery. Crawford has been a viable back-end option for the Red Sox, but it's unclear if he'll remain in the starting rotation. The expectation is that youngsters Connelly Early and Payton Tolle will make a push for a rotational spot. Also, Patrick Sandoval and recently acquired Johan Oviedo should get a chance to earn a spot in camp. Crawford could end up in a swingman-type role, which could be beneficial to the Red Sox, but won't offer much long-term fantasy value.

From RotoBaller

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Jake McCarthy was traded to the Colorado Rockies on Saturday. In exchange, the D-Backs will receive right-handed pitcher Josh Grosz from Colorado. On paper, this seems like an ideal landing spot for the speedy outfielder. He figures to get a chance to play regularly and should be a strong fit in the outfield at Coors Field. McCarthy is looking to rebound after posting disappointing numbers with the D-Backs last season. In 2024, McCarthy slashed .285/.349/.400 with eight home runs, 56 RBI, and 25 steals in 142 games. He offers interesting late-round appeal with his above-average speed, and his power could see an uptick in Colorado. As for Grosz, he was traded to Colorado in the deal that sent Ryan McMahon to the New York Yankees. He only pitched in seven games for the Rockies' Single-A team last season. The walk numbers are concerning, but 135 strikeouts in 23 games (22 starts) is promising. He won't see the big leagues for a few years, but he offers decent upside.

From RotoBaller

Outfielder Will Robertson has passed through waivers unclaimed and has been outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk. Robertson was designated for assignment earlier but went unclaimed on waivers and will remain in the Baltimore organization. Last season, Robertson made his MLB debut, sharing time with the Blue Jays and White Sox. Across 27 games, Robertson posted a .129/.173/.143 slash line with a 27:2 K:BB. The former fourth-round pick out of Creighton has spent the majority of their career in the minor leagues. Through 208 career games at the Triple-A level, Robertson has carried a .253/.348/.490 line with a promising .838 OPS. Managers should expect Robertson to spend the majority of the season in the minor leagues. If he can continue to flash some power upside, he could earn a stint in Baltimore.

From RotoBaller

Right-handed pitcher Seth Martinez has signed a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox, which includes an invitation to Spring Training. Martinez spent his first four MLB seasons in Houston before moving to Miami in 2025. With the Marlins, Martinez logged just 6 2/3 innings in the big leagues and allowed four earned runs with a 4:3 K:BB. While Martinez saw a similar result in 2023 and 2024, the right-hander showed some upside back in 2022. Through 38 2/3 innings with the Astors that season, the Arizona State product turned in a strong 2.09 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP. Managers should expect Martinez to compete for a low-leverage role in the Boston bullpen. However, given his struggles over the past three seasons, he will likely begin the campaign in the minor leagues.

From RotoBaller

According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, the Los Angeles Angels have signed infielder Nick Madrigal to a minor-league contract that includes an invite to Spring Training. Madrigal was unable to play during the 2025 campaign after suffering a shoulder injury last February. However, the former fourth-round pick should be in the mix to compete for a role on the Opening Day roster during Spring Training. In 2024, Madrigal appeared in 51 games with the Cubs and posted a .221/.280/.256 line with three doubles and one stolen base. However, in the previous season, Madrigal posted a much higher .263 AVG with 10 stolen bases. While he is not a power hitter, Madrigal has shown high contact upside at times. He is worth monitoring in deeper 15-team formats as he could carve out a role in the Angels' infield.

From RotoBaller

The Atlanta Braves have claimed right-handed pitcher George Soriano off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles. In a corresponding move, the Braves have opted to designate infielder Brett Wisely for assignment. Soriano was claimed by the Orioles earlier this offseason but will now look to compete for a spot in Atlanta. Last season, the 26-year-old spent his third MLB season with the Miami Marlins. Through 36 2/3 innings of relief, Soriano posted a rough 8.35 ERA with a 1.77 WHIP. During this stint in the big leagues, he earned one save but held a 36:19 K:BB. During his debut season in 2023, the right-hander turned in his best campaign, logging 52 innings to the tune of a 3.81 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP. Managers should not expect Soriano to hold much fantasy value in 2026 as he will compete for a low-leverage role in the Atlanta bullpen.

From RotoBaller

The Atlanta Braves have designated infielder Brett Wisely for assignment. This transaction opened a spot on the roster for relief pitcher Greg Soriano, whom the team claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles on Friday. Wisely spent the 2025 campaign with the Giants and Braves. Through 26 games in the majors last summer, Wisely posted a .185/.279/.315 slash line with four doubles and one home run. In 2024, Wisely logged a career-high 91 games in the majors (with the Giants) and held a .238/.278/.345 line with a low .623 OPS. Across 195 games at the Triple-A level, the former 15th round selection carries a .275/.372/.433 line. Managers should expect Wisely to draw some interest on waivers, given his defensive versatility and previous big league experience. If he goes unclaimed, he will begin the campaign with Triple-A Gwinnett.

From RotoBaller

The Texas Rangers have claimed right-handed pitcher Zak Kent off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals designated Kent for assignment earlier this week but the reliever was able to find a new club quickly. Last season, the 27-year-old made his MLB debut with the Cleveland Guardians and posted a 4.58 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP across 17 2/3 innings of work. He struck out 16 hitters but served up free passes at a high 10.5% rate. He spent most of his 2025 season with Triple-A Columbus where he logged a strong 2.84 ERA with a 1.34 WHIP across 38 innings of relief. During this stint, Kent tallied two saves and totaled an impressive 50 punchouts. Managers should expect Kent to compete for a middle-relief role in the Texas bullpen during Spring Training.

From RotoBaller

Free-agent right-handed reliever Ryne Stanek and the St. Louis Cardinals agreed on an undisclosed major-league contract on Friday, sources familiar with the deal told Robert Murray of FanSided.com. It's a worthwhile low-risk investment for a Cardinals team looking to rebuild its bullpen. The 34-year-old Stanek struggled in 2025 with the New York Mets, posting a bloated 5.30 ERA (4.40 FIP), 1.57 WHIP, three saves, 58 strikeouts, and 32 walks in 56 innings out of the bullpen. The nine-year veteran only has 14 career saves in 458 1/3 career innings, so he probably won't be a closing option to begin the year, especially because of his struggles last year with the Mets. However, St. Louis' closing situation is still up for grabs among Riley O'Brien and JoJo Romero, so Stanek could be involved if he bounces back and proves himself in his new digs. At the very least, Stanek could be worth a league in deeper holds leagues.

From RotoBaller

The Los Angeles Dodgers have claimed infielder Ryan Fitzgerald off waivers from the Minnesota Twins. Fitzgerald made his MLB debut with the Twins last summer. Through his first 24 games in the big leagues, Fitzgerald posted a .196/.302/.457 line with four home runs and one stolen base. He showed a strong eye at the plate, drawing walks at an elite 13.2% rate and striking out at a 15.2% rate. While he only swiped one bag, Fitzgerald showed above-average speed, placing in the 79th percentile in sprint speed. Through 59 games in Triple-A St. Paul last season, Fitzgerald posted a .277/.367/.469 line with 16 doubles, seven round-trippers, and five stolen bases. Managers should expect Fitzgerald to compete for a depth role on the MLB roster during Spring Training.

From RotoBaller

According to Matt Gelb and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Philadelphia Phillies have shown interest in Minnesota Twins backup Ryan Jeffers on the trade market. The Phillies are currently in discussions to re-sign catcher J.T. Realmuto, but have been unable to agree on a contract. Additionally, Gelb and Rosenthal noted that they could also look to sign free agent Victor Caratini if they cannot reach an agreement with Realmuto. Jeffers has spent his entire six-year MLB career with the Twins. Last season, Jeffers posted a .266/.356/.397 line with 26 doubles and nine long balls. In 2024, Jeffers hit a career-best 21 home runs. Jeffers could be worth a look in deeper two-catcher leagues if he were to sign in Philadelphia, as he would be joining a deeper lineup, which could boost his counting stats.

From RotoBaller