MLB

Will Smith began his career with the Royals in 2012 so it is a homecoming for the 34-year-old reliever. He began last season as the Rangers closer but fell out of favor when his production dipped, and Texas traded for Aroldis Chapman at the trading deadline. On the season, he posted a 4.04 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 22 saves, and a 55/17 K/BB ratio across 57 1/3 innings and could be a factor for saves in Kansas City unless James McArthur continues his late-season performance.

Chafin can earn up to $1.25 million in incentives in 2024, and there is a $6.5 million club option for 2025 with a $500,000 buyout. It is a reunion for the Tigers and the veteran southpaw as he was with the ballclub during the 2022 season. In 2023, he posted a 4.73 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and eight saves across 51 1/3 innings. He will likely pick up a save or two next season, but it is still Alex Lange’s job to lose.

The 26-year-old catcher spent last season with the Brewers organization, hitting .294/.341/.454 with nine homers across 255 plate appearances at Triple-A Nashville. He will add depth at the catching position in the upper minors for the Blue Jays.

As expected, Stassi is on the move for the second time this offseason after being dealt earlier this week to the Braves from the Angels. Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun Times adds that Atlanta is expected to pay the majority of his $7 million salary for 2024. The 32-year-old defensive specialist provides the White Sox with some extra catching depth with veteran Yasmani Grandal likely to depart via free agency. He didn’t play this past season due to an off-field family health issue.

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.