Jarred Kelenic, Bryan De La Cruz Could Platoon In Right Field

Until Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) is able to return from a torn left ACL he suffered last year, Jarred Kelenic will be the team's primary right fielder, but MLB.com's Mark Bowman writes that Kelenic could platoon with the right-handed-hitting Bryan De La Cruz. Jurickson Profar will start in left, and Michael Harris […]

Jurickson Profar A Candidate To Hit Leadoff For Braves

The Athletic's David O'Brien mentions new outfielder Jurickson Profar as a candidate to hit leadoff for the Atlanta Braves early in 2025 while outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) continues his rehab from a torn ACL suffered last year. Profar isn't as fast as center fielder Michael Harris II, but he did have a .380 on-base […]

Braves Won't Rush Ronald Acuna Jr. Back

The Athletic's David O'Brien writes that the Atlanta Braves will be careful not to rush outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) back this year to avoid a repeat of 2022 when he played with lingering soreness and had diminished power and confidence after he tore his right ACL in July of 2021. Acuna tore his left […]

Kodai Senga Feeling Completely Healthy

New York Mets right-hander Kodai Senga (calf, shoulder) said that his offseason was half rehab and half normal and that he has been feeling completely healthy and normal since early January. Due to calf and shoulder injuries last year, Senga only made one start in the regular season and four appearances overall. The good news […]

Scott Barlow Agrees With Reds On One-Year Deal

Free-agent relief pitcher Scott Barlow agreed with the Cincinnati Reds on a one-year, $2.5 million contract on Tuesday, sources told ESPN's Jesse Rogers. The deal is still pending a physical. Barlow will head to the National League Central in 2025 after going 3-3 with a 4.25 ERA (4.02 FIP), a 1.36 WHIP, two saves, 68 […]

Nolan Arenado Expected To Be Traded Before Opening Day

The St. Louis Cardinals haven't been able to trade veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado this offseason after he used his full no-trade clause to block a trade to the Houston Astros. However, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand thinks the Cardinals' will get something done and will have more urgency to deal Arenado before the start of spring […]

Colin Rea Could Be Favorite For Fifth Rotation Spot

With Chicago Cubs right-hander Javier Assad currently dealing with a left-oblique injury, right-hander Colin Rea could become the favorite to win the fifth spot in the Opening Day starting rotation. The team's top four starters entering the 2025 season should be lefties Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele and Matthew Boyd, and right-hander Jameson Taillon. In addition […]

Vidal Brujan, Alexander Canario, Gage Workman Good Bets For Opening Day Roster

Because of the fact that Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (elbow) isn't a lock for Opening Day in 2025, utility men Vidal Brujan, Alexander Canario and Gage Workman are safe picks for the roster going into spring training, according to MLB.com's Jordan Bastian. The Cubs acquired Brujan from the Miami Marlins this offseason, and […]

Taijuan Walker Must Pitch Well To Secure Bullpen Spot

MLB.com's Todd Zolecki writes that Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Taijuan Walker will enter spring training with the final bullpen spot because he is owed $36 million over the next two years. However, Walker is going to need to perform in Grapefruit League action to keep the spot. Pitchers Max Lazar, Tyler Phillips, Nick Vespi and Joel […]

Weston Wilson Competing For Second Utility Spot

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder/first baseman Weston Wilson will be competing with Kody Clemens and Buddy Kennedy at spring training this year for the second utility job behind infielder Edmundo Sosa, who is a lock for the Opening Day roster, according to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki. If the Phillies are looking for balance on their roster, Wilson might […]

Rafael Marchan Considered The Favorite For Backup Catching Duties

MLB.com's Todd Zolecki writes that Philadelphia Phillies catcher Rafael Marchan is perceived as the favorite for backup duties behind starter J.T. Realmuto over Garrett Stubbs, who has been the backup for the last three years. Marchan is out of minor-league options, and the Phillies would prefer to preserve their depth at the position. However, the […]

Tyler Matzek Secures Minor-League Deal With Yankees

Free-agent left-hander Tyler Matzek is signing a minor-league deal with the New York Yankees on Monday after he recently impressed scouts in a showcase. The 34-year-old veteran southpaw will head to the American League East after appearing in only 11 games out of the bullpen for the Atlanta Braves in 2024. In his 11 outings […]

Nick Bolton Wants To Stay With Chiefs

Impending free-agent middle linebacker Nick Bolton indicated that he'd like to re-sign with the Kansas City Chiefs after the team's 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in Super Bowl LIX. "But I've been here (in Missouri) for seven years it feels like home. Welcomed me with open arms as a little 18-year-old with […]

Saints Expected To Have Interest In Brandon Staley For Defensive-Coordinator Role

Once the New Orleans Saints officially hire Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore as their next head coach, The Athletic's Michael Silver expects Moore to have strong interest in former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley as his defensive coordinator. Moore served as Staley's offensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023, and […]

Browns To Look At Kirk Cousins, Daniel Jones?

The Athletic's Zac Jackson writes that the Cleveland Browns might only be able to afford players like the Atlanta Falcons' Kirk Cousins or Minnesota Vikings' Daniel Jones as their bridge quarterback this offseason. According to Over the Cap, Cleveland is projected to be $38.6 million over the 2025 salary cap, but the next anticipated restructure […]

Bills, Chargers Among Teams That Could Be In Play For Deebo Samuel Sr.

The San Francisco 49ers gave wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. permission to seek a trade this offseason. Samuel is under contract for one more season, and his deal includes a $15 million option bonus. Along with his drop in production in 2024, it could suppress Samuel's trade market, but NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco […]

Jake Bauers Firmly In The Mix For Opening Day Roster Spot

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Curt Hogg doesn't think that enough people are giving Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers a realistic shot at making the Opening Day roster in 2025. Rhys Hoskins shouldn't be seen as a lock for everyday playing time at first base, and Tyler Black's shaky defense will be under a microscope […]

Nico Hoerner "In A Great Spot" In His Recovery

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said on Monday that infielder Nico Hoerner (elbow) is "in a great spot" in his recovery from flexor-tendon surgery last October. The Cubs aren't putting a timetable on Hoerner's return, but Counsell also said, "He's not gonna miss much (time), if at all. That's what I'd say. I'm confident in […]

Jett Williams Invited To Spring Training

The New York Mets announced on Monday that shortstop prospect Jett Williams will be at major-league spring training this year as a non-roster invite. In addition, first baseman Ryan Clifford and pitcher Brandon Sproat will be non-roster invites. Williams is considered the No. 58 overall prospect in baseball, per MLB Pipeline. It was a tough […]

Twins Invite Luke Keaschall To Spring Training

The Minnesota Twins announced on Monday that infield prospect Luke Keaschall (elbow) and pitching prospect Andrew Morris will be at major-league spring training this year as non-roster invites. According to MLB Pipeline, Keaschall is the No. 61 overall prospect in baseball entering the 2025 season. The 22-year-old had Tommy John surgery last August but should […]

Trey Lipscomb, Jose Tena, Brady House Likely To Compete At 3B

MASN's Bobby Blanco writes that Washington Nationals infielders Trey Lipscomb, Jose Tena and Brady House are the most likely candidates to compete for the starting third base job in spring training this year. Lipscomb, 24, has the most MLB experience of the trio after making his big-league debut in 2024 and hitting .200/.268/.232 with a […]

Jorge Lopez The Favorite For Saves In D.C.?

It's unclear who the Washington Nationals plan on using for the majority of their save situations in 2025, but right-hander Jorge Lopez is currently the only reliever on the roster with any real closing experience. The 32-year-old veteran signed a one-year, $3 million deal in January after posting a solid 2.89 ERA, 50 strikeouts and […]

Javier Assad Dealing With Oblique Soreness

Chicago Cubs pitchers Javier Assad (oblique) and Brandon Birdsell (lat, shoulder) are both dealing with injuries, according to manager Craig Counsell. Assad is getting imaging done on his oblique on Monday, which will give the team a better idea of the severity of his injury. It's not great news for the 27-year-old with the start […]

Jon Gray Could Be Used As A Closer

The Texas Rangers have had internal discussions about using right-hander Jon Gray in a closing role in 2025, according to the Dallas Morning News' Evan Grant. Last year's primary closer Kirby Yates signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in free agency this offseason, and Jose Leclerc also left to join the Athletics, leaving the Rangers […]

Evan Carter Could Hit Leadoff For Rangers

The Dallas Morning News' Evan Grant writes that outfielder Evan Carter (back) is a candidate to hit leadoff for the Texas Rangers in 2025. Second baseman Marcus Semien has been Texas' primary leadoff guy the last two seasons, but his on-base percentage took a big dip in 2024, and the team could bump him down […]

Garrett Whitlock To Face Hitters On Tuesday

The Boston Globe's Peter Abraham reports that Boston Red Sox right-hander Garrett Whitlock (elbow) will face live hitters on Tuesday. Despite having an internal-brace procedure on his right elbow last May Whitlock will have a normal spring training. The main reason the 28-year-old should be ready to go for Opening Day in 2025 is the […]

Spencer Strider Could Return In Late April

MLB.com's Mark Bowman writes that Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider (elbow) could rejoin the team's starting rotation by the end of April, barring any setbacks in his recovery from elbow surgery. Strider has been throwing bullpen sessions and could be allowed to throw in at least one game before the end of spring training. His […]

Chris Jones Injures His Knee In Super Bowl Loss

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (knee) injured his right knee in the 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday and never returned after getting a doubtful tag. Jones' injury didn't look too serious, but with the game essentially already over in the second half at the time of […]

Retirement On The Table For Terron Armstead

Miami Dolphins left tackle Terron Armstead is expected to meet with the team's front office soon to discuss his plans for 2025. The Athletic's Dianna Russini explains that a decision on his future isn't easy because he's 33 years old and has a salary cap hit just north of $22 million in each of the […]

Commanders Could Look To Trade For Greg Newsome II

The Washington Commanders are expected to be very aggressive this offseason as they look to improve their defense, and they'll have more than $68 million in salary cap space. Washington will certainly be a team to watch if the Cleveland Browns give in to All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett's trade demands, but The Athletic's Zac Jackson […]