MLB

Ohtani announced the decision on Instagram, and ESPN’s Jeff Passan quickly followed with the contract details. Obviously, it’s the biggest contract ever by a rather hilarious amount; the previous record was Mike Trout’s 12-year, $426.5 million deal with the Angels. Ohtani will step in as the Dodgers’ designated hitter for now, joining Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman in the top third of the lineup. It’s definitely quite a blow to the Blue Jays after reports earlier this week indicated that he was headed to Toronto. It seems like a good thing for the New York teams and other possible Yoshinobu Yamamoto suitors, since it’s harder to imagine the Dodgers meeting his asking price after doing this deal.

Sasaki’s current team, the Chiba Lotte Marines of Japan’s Nippon Professional, are highly unlikely to grant his request before the league’s December 15 posting deadline. However, it’s a significant development as it signals that the 22-year-old pitching sensation is eager to jump to the majors, which could certainly expedite his stateside timeline. It’s highly unlikely that he’ll wind up being posted this offseason, but he’s one of the most exciting international prospects in decades, which makes this a developing situation fantasy managers should monitor closely.

Kirilloff continues building up strength in his shoulder after undergoing surgery back in late October. “We don’t have any reason to believe this is a long-term issue based on what was fixed,” Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said earlier this week. “His wrist was in a great spot last year. Shoulder should be in a good spot going in.” It’s at least an encouraging report that indicates he should be ready for the outset of spring training.

Miranda isn’t expected to resume throwing until January, but the positive news here is that he managed to avoid a more serious surgical procedure on his right shoulder back in mid-September, and merely underwent a cleanup procedure. There’s optimism he’ll be a full-go for the outset of spring training.

Buxton progressing in his recovery from arthroscopic right knee surgery back in October and is apparently penciled in as Minnesota’s primary center fielder entering spring training. The 29-year-old was limited to designated hitter-only this past season due to ongoing right knee issues and hasn’t played in the outfield since August 2022. He’s coming off a disappointing 2023 campaign at the plate, finishing with just 17 homers and nine steals across 347 plate appearances, but the hope is that he’s put the chronic knee issues to bed, and will stay relatively healthy next season.

Garcia is targeting a midseason return during the upcoming 2024 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery back in May. The 26-year-old right-hander was a reliable fantasy contributor in previous years, but the rather nebulous return timetable makes it difficult to stash him in shallow mixed leagues heading into next season.

McCullers Jr. is working towards a mid-2024 return after undergoing surgery back in June to repair the flexor tendon in his right forearm and also remove a bone spur in his elbow. Astros general manager Dana Brown expressed optimism last month that he’ll be ready to pitch at some point next summer, but fantasy managers should remain cautiously optimistic after the injury-plagued righty missed the entire 2023 campaign due to injury.

Bochy added that Langford, who was selected fourth overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, will enter spring training with a chance to compete for a spot on the defending World Series champions season-opening roster. The 22-year-old top prospect wrapped up this past season with a five-game stint at Triple-A Round Rock after tearing the cover off the ball at three lower rungs in Texas’ minor league system. It’s possible he’ll require some additional seasoning in the upper minors, but there’s a chance he’s starting alongside Adolis García and Evan Carter when the Rangers take the field on Opening Day. Langford’s prospect pedigree and raw talent figure to generate enough helium that he’ll wind up next spring as a mid-round selection in fantasy drafts.

Hearn takes his talents overseas to Japan where he’ll have an opportunity to re-establish his long-term value. The 29-year-old southpaw bounced around this past season, spending time with the Rangers, Braves and Royals before hitting free agency. He’s made 101 appearances (25 starts) in the majors dating back to 2019.

Yajure was removed from San Francisco’s 40-man roster last offseason and wound up posting a lackluster 6.07 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 80/38 K/BB ratio across 75 2/3 innings (22 appearances, 19 starts) across three minor league levels. He’s made 19 appearances (four starts) in the big leagues dating back to 2020. The 25-year-old righty will aim to rebuild his long-term value overseas.