MLB Player News

Vásquez had never struck out more than five batters in 23 starts this season before fanning nine against a hapless Rockies lineup tonight. He allowed just four hits and walked none. He’ll face a legitimate offense next week against the Mets, so he’s not recommended in mixed leagues.

The trade is now official. It appears looks a bit lopsided on the surface with Collins coming off a fourth-place finish in NL Rookie of the Year voting and Mears providing steady middle relief last season. Zerpa fortifies Milwaukee’s left-handed relief depth after posting a serviceable 3.97 ERA — 4.13 FIP — and 19.7 percent strikeout rate over 177 innings for Kansas City since 2021. If history is any guide, the Brewers must believe there’s more in the tank — and they’ve earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to squeezing value out of overlooked relief arms.

Collins lands in Kansas City as the kind of underrated hitter who quietly forces his way into relevance, providing the Royals with a versatile corner outfield option after slashing a robust .263/.368/.411 with nine homers and 16 stolen bases across 130 games for Milwaukee in his first taste of the majors to finish fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting. The 28-year-old represents an intriguing low-risk addition for the Royals as a classic floor-raising position player capable of filling in across multiple spots.

Elko returns to Chicago a couple weeks after being non-tendered. The 26-year-old first baseman posted some impressive power numbers at the Triple-A level but flopped in his first taste of the majors, hitting .134/.194/.328 in 72 plate appearances for the White Sox. He’ll be sidelined at the outset of next season while recovering from surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee.

Dunn bolsters Chicago’s infield depth and will compete for a reserve role during spring training. The 28-year-old infielder batted .167 (6-for-36) in 14 games for the Brewers this past season. He’s merely organizational depth at this stage of his career.

Kelly returns to fortify Arizona’s rotation mix that also features Brandon Pfaadt, Ryne Nelson, Eduardo Rodríguez, Michael Soroka and, eventually, Corbin Burnes once he completes his recovery from Tommy John surgery. The 37-year-old veteran was shipped to the Rangers at the trade deadline after the Diamondbacks fell out of playoff contention and finished last season with a strong 3.52 ERA — 3.76 FIP — and 22.3 percent strikeout rate across 184 innings over 32 starts. His familiarity with the NL West’s unforgiving ballparks is a quiet boost to his fantasy appeal, and his combination of elite control and durability keeps him in the top-60 starter range heading into drafts next spring after eclipsing 27 starts in five of the last six full seasons since 2019.

The Cardinals, who are in full rebuild mode, are seeking multiple prospects in return for the versatile 28-year-old. Where there’s this much smoke, there’s usually fire, so expect Donovan to be donning a new uniform by the time Opening Day rolls around.

Collins finished in fourth place in NL Rookie of the Year balloting this past season after slashing a healthy .263/.368/.411 with nine homers, 54 RBI and 16 stolen bases in 441 plate appearances. The door should be open for him to see everyday action with the Royals, which should boost his overall appeal for fantasy purposes. It seems like a lopsided deal on the surface, especially since Mears is coming off the best season of his career, posting a 3.49 ERA — 3.86 FIP across 56 2/3 innings. It’s abundantly clear that Milwaukee sees something in Zerpa’s profile that made him a clear target. The 26-year-old southpaw boasts a serviceable 3.97 ERA — 4.13 FIP — and 19.7 percent strikeout rate over 177 innings in the big leagues since 2021.

The 27-year-old hurler was non-tendered to free up a spot on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster in late November, but he’ll return to the two-time World Champions on a minor league pact where he’ll continue to provide valuable pitching depth. Frasso posted a 5.49 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and a 68/42 K/BB ratio over 77 innings in 43 appearances at Triple-A Oklahoma City in 2025.

Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com adds that it’s a one-year deal with a mutual option for the 2027 season, though the financial terms of the contract are not yet known. The 28-year-old hurler compiled a 4.96 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and a 123/56 K/BB ratio over 132 1/3 innings in 25 appearances between the Dodgers and Red Sox in 2025. He’ll add stability to a Cardinals’ rotation that has already dealt away ace Sonny Gray this offseason.