MLB Player News

Franco had an illegal sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl when he was 21. His prison sentence will be suspended. Though if he fails to meet certain conditions specified by the judge — mainly approaching minors with sexual intention — then he will have to serve the full sentence. Passan notes that even with the suspended sentence, a conviction in the case could make it difficult for him to get a work visa in the United States. Even if he does clear that hurdle, he’s likely to receive further discipline from Major League Baseball under its domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy. The 24-year-old also faces additional charges of illegal use and possession of a firearm related to his arrest in an armed altercation in the Dominican Republic that happened in early November.

Despite a down season in which Gallen struggled to a 4.83 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and a 175/66 K/BB ratio across 192 innings, the 30-year-old hurler is still generating strong interest on the open market and will ultimately secure a lucrative multi-year pact. Feinsand also notes that the Tigers have expressed interest while Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle recently noted that the Giants are in play as well. The Diamondbacks are also known to be interested in bringing him back.

There have been reports throughout the off-season that teams were interested in making Keller a starter once again, and now we know at least one of those suitors. Keller hasn’t pitched as a full-time starter since his last season with the Royals in 2023. The 30-year-old hurler was terrific out of the Cubs’ bullpen in 2025, posting a minuscule 2.07 ERA and a 75/22 K/BB ratio over 69 2/3 innings. If he isn’t going to close, the next best thing for his fantasy value would be a move back to the rotation.

The Red Sox tried to slide Criswell through waivers after acquiring Johan Oviedo from the Pirates on Thursday, but their attempt proved to be unsuccessful. Criswell, 29, has made 33 appearances (19 starts) for the Red Sox over the past two seasons, posting a 4.00 ERA across 117 innings. Expect him to function in a similar swingman role for the Mets.

Amaya was disastrous in his limited action with the White Sox in 2025, slashing a miserable .106/.139/.121 with zero home runs, eight RBI and a 16/3 K/BB ratio in 73 plate appearances. He’ll function as extra infield depth for the Diamondbacks.

The 29-year-old right-hander debuted with the Diamondbacks in 2025, compiling a 4.41 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and a 22/8 K/BB ratio over 16 1/3 innings in his 10 appearances while notching a pair of saves. He’ll get a chance to fight for a spot in the team’s Opening Day bullpen.

Gamel split his 2025 season between the Tigers’ and Angels’ organizations where he slashed a healthy .281/.402/.539 with 10 homers, 26 RBI, two swipes and a 58/33 K/BB ratio over 214 plate appearances mostly at the Triple-A level. Given his strong defensive chops, there’s a chance that he could push for a reserve spot on the Braves’ Opening Day roster with a strong showing during Grapefruit League action.

Feinsand specifically notes those three clubs as the biggest threats to sign the 30-year-old left-hander away from the Phillies. He also mentions the Tigers and Mets as teams that have shown interest. With multiple large market teams in the bidding, it sounds like Suárez should do pretty well for himself here on the open market.

Pineda, 23, spent his first seven years in the minor leagues in the Phillies’ organization. In 2025, he slashed a meager .211/.320/.364 with nine homers, 37 RBI and a 90/47 K/BB ratio across 394 plate appearances at Double-A Reading. He’ll add outfield depth in the upper minors for the Nats.

The 25-year-old right-hander spent the first seven seasons of his minor league career in the Athletics’ organization. In 2025, he registered a 4.14 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and a 37/22 K/BB ratio over 41 1/3 innings of work in his 39 appearances. He’ll add bullpen depth for the Twins.

At least that’s the belief around the league according to Olney and Passan. The Phillies, Reds and Giants have been among the teams already linked to the 32-year-old slugger. It’s possible that his market could come into focus in the next few days during the winter meetings. Regardless of where he lands, Schwarber will continue to be a force for fantasy purposes during the 2026 season.