MLB Player News

Jon Morosi of MLB Network had reported earlier in the day on Friday that the two sides had productive talks, and now it looks like they were able to push it across the finish line. Hoffman had been seeking something in the range of the three-year, $38 million deal that Clay Holmes inked with the Mets and wound up with something very similar. While he had been exploring options with teams that would allow him to return to the starting rotation, the early expectation is that the Blue Jays signed him to work out of the bullpen — and if that’s the case he should supplant Chad Green as their closer. Either way, it’s good news from a fantasy perspective.

Walcott is seeing his first game action since undergoing an internal brace procedure on his right elbow back in late February. The 20-year-old top prospect has been on a rocket ship towards the majors since signing with the Rangers back in 2023. He hit .255/.355/.386 with 13 homers and 32 steals in 552 plate appearances as a teenager at Double-A Frisco. He doesn’t offer massive stolen base upside, but he might have one of the highest power ceilings of any middle infield prospect in the minors.

Not great. It’s the last thing anyone, especially fantasy managers, want to see in the Midsummer Classic. Caminero appeared to be in a significant amount of pain after being struck by a 97-mph heater from Cardinals closer Riley O’Brien directly on the left hand. The power-hitting 23-year-old rising superstar will head for X-rays to determine whether he suffered any fractures. An update on his status should come after the contest.

Wright’s once-promising career was derailed by injury and he hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since the 2023 season due to shoulder issues. The 30-year-old never wound up appearing in a game for the Cubs and didn’t pitch in their system after signing a minor league deal back in February.

Alexander was pitching for the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League. The 37-year-old southpaw last appeared in the majors when he made 21 appearances between the Giants and Rockies back in 2025. He’s merely emergency organizational depth at this stage of his career.

Woodford went unclaimed on waivers after being designated for assignment last weekend. The 29-year-old righty allowed three runs over two innings during his lone relief appearance for the Cubs. He’s posted an inflated 7.46 ERA across 25 1/3 innings over 17 appearances between the Cubs and Brewers this season.

Hammer didn’t end up making an appearance for New York during his lone game on the big-league roster. He’ll remain stationed on the doorstep of the majors after passing through waivers unclaimed.

Koperniak never wound up making it to St. Louis and lost his spot on the club’s 40-man roster last offseason. The 28-year-old was hitting .253/.324/.339 with three homers and four steals in 210 plate appearances for Triple-A Memphis this season.

Murakami, who signed a two-year, $34 million contract last offseason, made some noise while speaking to Fegan prior to his first Midsummer Classic appearance by confirming his interest in staying with Chicago long-term. He added that the two sides haven’t begun the process of discussing a potential extension. The 26-year-old first baseman launched 20 homers in his first 57 games before hitting the injured list with a hamstring strain back in late May. He returned for the White Sox’ final three games before the break and looked like himself during the Home Run Derby earlier this week. He’s slated to hit free agency after the 2027 campaign.

Contreras added while speaking prior to the showcase in Philadelphia that he wants to finish his career in Boston. The 34-year-old first baseman put together an impressive 13-homer opening round during the Home Run Derby earlier this week and has been one of the main reasons that the Red Sox are within striking distance of a playoff spot coming out of the Midsummer Classic.

Kahnle returns to Boston’s relief mix after spending roughly one week on the open market. The 36-year-old veteran righty allowed eight runs over nine innings for the Red Sox after being called up back on June 4. He’ll remain stationed at Triple-A Worcester as emergency depth heading into the second half.