Justin Verlander (SP, HOU) - Fantasy Baseball Draft Values

BALLER MOVE: Draft target ~pick 90 CURRENT ADP: ~105 overall ANALYSIS: Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander missed last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in October 2020. The 39-year-old is expected to be ready by Opening Day, whenever that might be. He was terrific in his entire last season as a starter, owning a 2.58 ERA, 0.80 […]

J.D. Martinez Set To See "Significant Time" In Right Field

Boston Red Sox designated hitter J.D. Martinez is will see significant time in right field this season. The Red Sox plan to platoon Jackie Bradley Jr. (against righties) and Martinez (against lefties) in right field. "It helps that J.D. can play the outfield," said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. "It's going to help us. That […]

Aroldis Chapman Could Be Used In Non-Save Situations

New York Yankees pitcher Aroldis Chapman could be used more in the eighth inning this season to keep the closer sharp during lengthier periods between save chances. According to Yankees manager Aaron Boone, getting Chapman into the eighth inning of a tight game is preferable to using him in low-adrenaline blowouts or having the lefty […]

Andrew Miller Announces Retirement

Left-handed relief pitcher Andrew Miller announced his retirement from baseball Thursday. The 36-year-old is retiring after a 16-year career. He spent the last three seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals. "The list of people who took me aside, put their arm around me, made me laugh when I needed to, or taught me something is […]

Jazz Chisholm Jr. Returns To Action Thursday

Miami Marlins shortstop Jazz Chisholm Jr. (hand) started in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the New York Mets. He exited Tuesday's game early after being hit by a ground ball. The 24-year-old started at second base and led off Thursday's contest. He went 1-for-2 with a walk and a run scored. The Marlins infielder slashed […]

Max Stassi, Angels Agree To Three-Year Extension

The Los Angeles Angels signed catcher Max Stassi to a three-year, $17.5 million extension on Thursday. He avoided arbitration after agreeing to terms on a one-year deal worth $3 million on Tuesday. The 31-year-old slashed .241/.326/.426 with a career-high 13 home runs, 35 RBI, and 45 runs scored in 319 plate appearances over 87 games. […]

DJ Stewart Will Undergo X-Ray On Injured Hand

Baltimore Orioles outfielder DJ Stewart (hand) will undergo an X-ray on his injured hand. He exited Wednesday's spring training game against the New York Yankees after being hit in the knuckle by a pitch in the top of the sixth inning. The 28-year-old went 1-for-3 with a strikeout before exiting. He slashed .204/.324/.374 with 12 […]

Eric Lauer Fully Recovered From Groin Issue

Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell said Wednesday that left-hander Eric Lauer (groin) is "full go" after being scratched from his scheduled Cactus League start against the White Sox on Tuesday. His groin injury is considered minor, and he was able to throw a side session on Wednesday. The 26-year-old owned a 7-5 record with a […]

Odubel Herrera Could Miss 4-6 Weeks

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Odubel Herrera (oblique) could miss four to six weeks due to a mild strain in his right oblique. He is expected to miss Opening Day, and it's unclear when he'll be ready to return to action. The 30-year-old re-signed on a one-year deal with the Phillies during the offseason. Herrera slashed .260/.310/.416 […]

Stephen Vogt Signs With The Athletics

Free-agent catcher Stephen Vogt signed with the Oakland A's on Wednesday. The 37-year-old rejoins the Athletics, where he spent most of his career from 2013-2017 in Oakland and was named a two-time All-Star. He underwent sports hernia surgery in mid-October but is expected to fully recover before Opening Day. Vogt will serve as the backup […]

Tyler Mahle Named Reds Opening Day Starter

Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell named right-hander Tyler Mahle as the team's Opening Day starter against the Atlanta Braves on April 7. With Sonny Gray traded to the Twins and Luis Castillo (shoulder) dealing with shoulder soreness, the Reds tabbed Mahle to start the team's opener. The 27-year-old was the subject of many trade rumors […]

Carlos Correa, Twins Reportedly Agree To Three-Year Deal

The Minnesota Twins and free-agent shortstop Carlos Correa reportedly agreed on a three-year, $105.3 million contract. His $35.1 million annual salary is the highest average for any infielder in MLB history. The 27-year-old slashed .279/.366/.485 with 26 home runs, 92 RBI, and 104 runs scored over 640 plate appearances for the Astros in 2021. Minnesota […]

Packers Restructure Contracts For Randall Cobb, Adrian Amos

The Green Bay Packers restructured the contracts of wide receiver Randall Cobb and defensive back Adrian Amos. The move creates $10.15 million in cap space for the Packers. Cobb is entering his 12th season in the league; 10 will now have been with Green Bay. The 31-year-old will provide wide receiver depth for the Packers […]

Tampa Bay Restructures Mike Evans' Contract

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers restructured the contract of wide receiver Mike Evans on Thursday. His $14 million base salary for 2022 was converted to a bonus as Tampa Bay looks to sign more free agents. According to Greg Auman of The Athletic, the star wideout has done this several times on his current deal. Evans […]

Jets Sign Jacob Martin To Three-Year Contract

The New York Jets signed defensive end Jacob Martin to a three-year, $13.5 million contract on Thursday. The deal includes six million guaranteed. The 26-year-old is a solid addition and should bolster the Jets pass rush in 2022. Last season, Martin started in 14 of 17 games for the Texans and racked up 23 tackles, […]

Royce Freeman Inks One-Year Deal With Houston

The Houston Texans re-signed running back Royce Freeman to a one-year contract on Thursday. In November, the veteran back was let go by the Carolina Panthers mid-season and later latched on with the Texans. He served as the Texans' top backup to Rex Burkhead and appeared in seven games for Houston. The 26-year-old rushed for […]

Cam Sims Re-Signs With Washington

The Washington Commanders re-signed wide receiver Cam Sims to a two-year, $3 million contract. He caught 15 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns over 10 games in 2021. The Alabama product will be entering his fifth year in Washington and provide wide receiver depth for the Commanders. The 26-year-old will have a role on […]

Kyle Schwarber Signs With The Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies and free-agent outfielder Kyle Schwarber agreed to a four-year contract on Wednesday. According to Jayson Stark of The Athletic, it's a four-year deal worth up to $20 million annually. The 29-year-old will join a loaded Philadelphia Phillies lineup, including Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, and Rhys Hoskins. Schwaber slashed .266/.374/.554 slash line with […]

Matt Chapman Traded To The Blue Jays

The Oakland Athletics traded third baseman Matt Chapman to the Toronto Blue Jays for Kevin Smith, Gunnar Hoglund, Zach Logue and Kirby Snead. He is one of the best defensive third basemen in baseball. He now joins a loaded Toronto Blue Jays lineup, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, George Springer, and Teoscar Hernandez. The 28-year-old […]

49ers Restructure George Kittle's Contract

The San Francisco 49ers restructured the contract of tight end George Kittle on Wednesday. San Francisco created $18.756 million in cap space. He signed a five-year, $75 million extension with the 49ers in August 2020, and most of his base salary was converted to a bonus to clear up cap space. The 28-year-old racked up […]

Rams Place Original-Round RFA Tender On Matt Gay

The Los Angeles Rams placed an original-round restricted free-agent tender on kicker Matt Gay. According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, the tender is worth $2.54 million. The cost for an NFL team to sign Gay to an offer sheet would be a fifth-round pick. The 28-year-old is one of the most consistent kickers […]

Kalif Raymond Re-Signs With Detroit

The Detroit Lions re-signed wide receiver Kalif Raymond to a two-year deal worth $9.5 million. The 27-year-old set career-highs in receptions (48), receiving yards (576) and touchdowns (four) over 16 games in 2021. He will provide the Lions wideout depth and is expected to be Detroit's WR4 behind DJ Chark Jr., Amon-Ra St. Brown and […]

Jesse Winker, Eugenio Suarez Traded To The Mariners

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jesse Winker and infielder Eugenio Suarez were traded to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Justin Dunn, Brandon Williamson, and Jake Fraley on Monday. Winker was terrific for the Reds last season, slashing .305/.393/.556 slash line with 24 home runs, 32 doubles, 77 runs, and 71 RBI in 110 games. His season […]

James Conner Re-Signs With Arizona

The Arizona Cardinals re-signed running back James Conner to a three-year contract on Monday. He will return to Arizona after compiling 752 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns on 202 carries in 2021. He added 37 receptions on 39 targets for 375 receiving yards and three scores as Arizona's most productive running back. The 26-year-old spent […]

Nationals Sign Aaron Sanchez To Minor-League Deal

The Washington Nationals signed free-agent pitcher Aaron Sanchez to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training on Sunday. If the right-hander makes the big leagues, he could earn up to $4 million in performance bonuses. The 29-year-old was solid for the Giants in 2021, posting a 3.06 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and a 26:15 […]

Ronald Guzman Signs Minor-League Deal With Yankees

The New York Yankees signed free-agent first baseman Ronald Guzman (knee) to a minor-league deal that includes an invitation to Spring Training. He was limited to just seven games last season after suffering a meniscus tear in his right knee in April. The 27-year-old has flashed power with 31 home runs in 737 at-bats over […]

Nelson Cruz Signs One-Year Deal With The Nationals

The Washington Nationals signed free-agent designated hitter Nelson Cruz to a one-year, $15 million contract on Sunday, including a $3 million buyout on mutual option. With the National League having a full-time DH, teams such as the Dodgers, Padres, Brewers and Braves were also interested in acquiring the Boomstick. He ultimately landed in Washington and […]

Astros Reportedly Talking To Carlos Correa

The Houston Astros reportedly are talking to free-agent shortstop Carlos Correa in an effort to keep him in Houston. He declined his $18.4 million qualifying offer from the Astros during the offseason. The 27-year-old is one of the top available free agents remaining on the market and has been linked to various teams. He set […]

Steven Souza Jr. Signs Minor-League Deal With Seattle

The Seattle Mariners signed outfielder Steven Souza Jr. to a minor-league deal that includes an invitation to Spring Training. The 32-year-old could make up to $1 million if he makes the big league roster. He slashed .152/.222/.333 with a triple, homer, and three RBI over 36 plate appearances for the Dodgers in 2021. The veteran […]

Brewers Sign Brad Boxberger To One-Year Deal

The Milwaukee Brewers signed free-agent pitcher Brad Boxberger to a one-year, $2.5 million contract on Sunday. He returns to Milwaukee in 2022, where he will reprise his role as one of Milwaukee's top setup man for star closer Josh Hader. The 33-year-old posted a 5-4 record with a 3.34 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and an 83:24 […]