MLB Player News

Blackburn struck out two and walked one in the game. The Rex Sox strung together five hits to score three times in the first inning, then David Ortiz struck for a mammoth two-run blast in the third. Blackburn’s ERA now sits at 7.53, though his rotation spot may be safe for the time being due to injuries and Francisco Liriano also struggling. Still, it would behoove Blackburn to start pitching better his next time out against the Angels.

Seabold augments Toronto’s pitching depth heading into next season after making seven relief appearances split between the Braves and Rays this past season. The 30-year-old former pitching prospect holds a lackluster 7.79 ERA — 5.81 FIP — and 96/44 K/BB ratio across 119 innings over 40 appearances (19 starts) in the big leagues since 2021.

Daniel bolsters Cincinnati’s pitching depth at Triple-A Louisville after making three appearances for the Braves last season where he posted a pedestrian 5.40 ERA across 10 innings of work. The versatile 28-year-old has made 12 appearances (eight starts) at the highest level since 2023. He’s merely organizational depth at this juncture of his career.

It remains unclear how Houston plans to incorporate Paredes into their infield mix with Christian Walker occupying first base and Carlos Correa stationed at third base. The 26-year-old slugging infielder’s pull-heavy approach seems like a perfect fit for Daikin Park’s favorable left-field dimensions and he projects as a 20-homer lock with everyday at-bats. The possibility of adding second base-eligibility is an interesting wrinkle for fantasy purposes but the Astros are committed to playing franchise cornerstone Jose Altuve at the keystone next season.

Espada added that Altuve will draw the occasional start in left field but the Astros are planning to keep him at the keystone next season. It’s undoubtedly a positive development for his long-term fantasy appeal as he’ll retain eligibility at arguably the weakest position group instead of transitioning to a full-time outfield role. The 35-year-old veteran underwent minor offseason foot surgery after hitting .265/.329/.442 with 26 homers and 10 steals over 155 games. He’s averaged 24 homers and 13 steals per-season for the last half-decade and has shown zero signs of slowing down. He’ll be an early-round selection in all fantasy drafts this spring.

Misiewicz fortifies Cincinnati’s left-handed relief depth chart entering spring training. The 31-year-old southpaw made just five appearances for the Twins last season but holds a respectable 4.12 FIP and 22.7 percent strikeout rate across 120 1/3 innings at the highest level since 2020.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports the deal is done, pending a physical. Meisel adds that the new agreement would add an additional four years and $106 million to Ramírez’s current contract and includes $70 million deferred. The 33-year-old fantasy superstar finished third in AL MVP Award balloting this past season. He’s recorded five consecutive 20-homer, 20-steal campaigns dating back to 2021. Cleveland’s franchise cornerstone has cleared 40 steals in consecutive seasons — a pace that’s unlikely to survive deep into his late 30’s — but his well-rounded game is built to age well, positioning him to remain an elite power-speed fantasy contributor even as the raw speed inevitably tapers. He’ll be the top third baseman off the board in all fantasy drafts this spring.

Williams returns to Atlanta as a versatile bench depth option after getting into 29 contests last season, slashing just .129/.176/.194 with zero homers, five RBI and five stolen bases across 39 plate appearances. His defensive malleability offers some appeal in a reserve role but he’s more of a short-term stopgap than a plausible long-term solution. He can be safely ignored in all fantasy formats.

Wallach has bounced around the AL West for nearly a half-decade, splitting time with the Angels and Rangers since 2021. The 34-year-old veteran backstop fits the prototypical mold for a break glass in case of emergency catching option behind starter Shea Langeliers and veteran caddy Austin Wynns. He’ll be stashed away as organizational depth at Triple-A Las Vegas after spring training concludes.

Stubbs wasn’t among those listed as non-roster invitees to Blue Jays spring training so he’ll open camp on the minor-league side. The 29-year-old backstop got into exactly one contest for the Nationals last season after spending six seasons in the minors. He’s merely organizational depth for Toronto heading into next season.

Pereda is off the 40-man roster with the signings of Victor Caratini and Tyler Rogers now official. Pereda is just a depth piece, but teams are always looking for catching so there could be interest on the wire.