MLB Player News

Johnston drew a walk in the third inning, then took Troy Melton deep for a solo homer in the sixth. With the game tied in the 11th inning, Johnston sent everyone home with a walk-off two-run blast off Rafael Montero for his second homer of the game and third of the season. The 28-year-old first baseman is hitting .265/.315/.422 across 89 plate appearances, starting primarily against right-handed pitching.

Burke was then flipped from the Rays to the Reds for infielder Gavin Lux. Lowe has flashed dynamic ability over four seasons with the Rays but has struggled to keep himself off the injured list. The 27-year-old outfielder should be the Angels’ regular centerfielder against right-handed pitching at a minimum and he still possesses the tantalizing fantasy upside that led to a 20-homer, 32-steal campaign in 2023.

A quick response from the Mets after missing out on Kyle Tucker sees them bringing in Bichette for third base. That seemed like it was going to be Brett Baty’s spot, but he could now get some work at first and DH; he still ought to be in the lineup against righties one way or the other. Bichette had seemed most likely Philadelphia bound until the Mets stepped up their offer. Perhaps the Phillies could now use their spending power to make a run at Framber Valdez.

The Rays would seem to be giving up some upside here, but the 27-year-old Lowe just hasn’t shown the same ability the last two years that he did in 2023. In his place comes Lux, who showed very little power last year but can provide on-base ability and fit at second. This trade seems like good news for Chandler Simpson, as a left-handed bat has been removed from the outfield mix. It’s also good for Sal Stewart in Cincinnati, not that Stewart really should have been blocked by Lux for infield or DH at-bats. Lowe will probably get to step in as the Angels’ center fielder against right-handers, and he still might have some mixed-league value with his stolen base ability.

The two-time defending World Series champions have added another superstar to their fully-operational Death Star on a short-term deal that contains opt-outs after 2027 and 2028. It’s a phenomenal landing spot for Tucker as he’ll join a star-studded lineup that already features generational talents Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. The perennial 25-homer, 25-steal threat’s extensive track record as an elite five-category fantasy contributor speaks for itself, and he remains a locked-in second-round pick in drafts this spring. He’s the rare all-around hitter whose production largely transcends park factors, though relocating to Dodger Stadium represent a tangible boost to both his over-the-fence power in addition to significant counting stats upside. Durability is the lone blemish on an otherwise pristine profile, as Tucker has navigated consecutive injury-marred seasons, including playing through a fractured hand with the Cubs last year and a prior three-month absence due to a shin fracture during his final season with the Astros. The 28-year-old has decided to take his talents to Los Angeles after weighing offers from the Blue Jays and Mets.

Hoyer’s remarks came during Alex Bregman’s introductory press conference when discussing Shaw’s role with the club moving forward. The 24-year-old top prospect was a significant disappointment last year in his first taste of the majors, and he’s likely to transition to a versatile multi-position moving forward, unless the Cubs decide to trade second baseman Nico Hoerner. The additional defensive versatility slightly increases his appeal as a bench option in deeper fantasy leagues but he needs to display some growth in the plate skills department before he’s a viable mixed-league option in the future.

Zulueta heads to Seattle just a few hours after being jettisoned from Cincinnati’s 40-man roster. The 27-year-old former relief prospect fits the mold for the Mariners bullpen as a sinker/slider combo power arm that holds a serviceable 4.21 FIP and 25/11 K/BB ratio across 23 2/3 innings at the big-league level since 2024.

Contrary to popular belief, he is not the protagonist of a Stranger Things spinoff in which Dustin Henderson is bitten by a radioactive spider and becomes a shutdown corner. The 22-year-old heads to Cincinnati after being selected in the 11th round of last summer’s MLB Draft. He’s a couple hyperspace jumps from the major leagues and represents a lottery ticket in the purest sense.

Taylor loses his spot on Seattle’s 40-man roster after the club acquired reliever Yosver Zulueta from the Reds in a small trade. The 27-year-old offers some defensive versatility, but he hasn’t produced in limited opportunities at the major-league level over the past three seasons. He’s gotten into 38 games between the Royals and Mariners during that span, batting .205 (15-for-73) with zero homers and eight steals. He should attract some interest on waivers as a jack-of-all-trades utility specialist.

The deal, which was agreed to back in late December, is finally official. Blackburn returns to New York as a versatile swingman capable of making the occasional spot start while gobbling up multiple innings in relief. The 32-year-old veteran posted a pedestrian 4.39 FIP, 1.51 WHIP and 34/12 K/BB ratio across 39 innings over 15 appearances between the Mets and Yankees this past season. He can be safely ignored in all fantasy formats.

Crouse was a notable pitching prospect just a couple years ago but hasn’t put it together at the highest level, recording a lackluster — 4.96 FIP — 1.30 WHIP and 36/24 K/BB ratio across 32 1/3 innings at the highest level for the Phillies and Angels from 2021-2024. The 27-year-old righty was cut loose by Los Angeles last April after just a handful of appearances for Triple-A Salt Lake.