MLB Player News

Here we go. García gets his first taste of the majors with Wilyer Abreu (calf) landing on the injured list after mashing his way through the upper minors, slashing .289/.363/.512 with 20 homers and six steals over 99 games between Triple-A Worcester and Double-A Portland. The 22-year-old slugger has even added some defensive versatility by picking up first base reps, giving Boston more ways to keep his bat in the lineup. With legitimate power and enough athleticism to chip in elsewhere, he has the tools to make an immediate fantasy impact, especially in deeper formats, and is worth a speculative add across the board.

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.

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.

Dietz receives just under $2.5 million, which is just below the $2.83 million slot value for the 35th overall pick. The 21-year-old southpaw is coming off a phenomenal final collegiate season at Arkansas where he posted a stratospheric 131/31 K/BB ratio across 85 2/3 innings of work. He’s the type of high-voltage arm that could rise quickly through the minors and reach New York in a flash.

Reese commands a healthy $3.5 million signing bonus from Seattle, which is just a shade less than the $3.8 million full-slot value for the 24th overall pick. The 21-year-old power-hitting shortstop is going to hit for plenty of pop at the highest level, but he’ll need to improve his approach and plate discipline if he’s going to be an impactful fantasy contributor. His long-term defensive home is also an open question at this stage of his development.

Gracia receives just a shade under $3.98 million, which is considerably less than the original slot value, roughly $6.68 million for the ninth-overall pick, with Atlanta using that savings to sign third-rounder Jensen Hirschkorn to an above-slot deal. The 21-year-old projects as a corner outfielder with an above-average hit tool and over-the-fence pop after a strong collegiate career split between Virginia and Duke.

Moore is attempting to make it back to the big leagues for the first time since 2024 after signing a minor league contract with the Royals last month. The 37-year-old southpaw has looked sharp in a pair of Arizona outings and figures to head out to Triple-A Omaha after the All-Star break.