1
day
agoAccording
to
Will
Sammon
of
The
Athletic,
the
New
York
Mets
are
unlikely
to
trade
for
San
Diego
Padres
starting
pitcher
Dylan
Cease.
Sammon
noted
that
the
Padres
are
looking
for
major-league
talent
along
with
prospects
that
the
Mets
may
not
want
to
read more...
1 day agoAccording to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox have emerged as the "co-favorites" to land free-agent third baseman
Alex Bregman. Throughout the offseason, both of these clubs have been at the forefront of discussions about landing the 30-year-old. If Bregman were to sign with Detroit, he would be penciled in as their everyday third baseman. However, in Boston, he would likely be shifted to second base, as the team has emphasized that
Rafael Devers is their third baseman. Although, given Bregman's elite defensive play at the hot corner, he may eventually shift to that position. In addition, the Houston Astros have also expressed interest in resigning Bregman. Last season, the LSU product posted a .260/.315/.453 slash line with 26 home runs. He showed an elite eye at the plate with a stellar 13.6 percent strikeout rate.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Bob Nightengale
1 day agoAccording to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, the St. Louis Cardinals are not progressing in trade discussions with third baseman
Nolan Arenado. Throughout the offseason, the Cardinals have been looking to clear salary, and Arenado's name has been on the trade block. The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees have been reported to have shown interest but have been unable to complete a deal. While the team may eventually find a suitor, for now, fantasy managers should expect Arenado to operate as the top third baseman in St. Louis. Last season, the 33-year-old held a .272/.325./394 slash line with 16 home runs and two stolen bases. He showed a strong eye at the plate with a 14.5% K rate but struggled to generate power as he posted a poor 31.6 percent hard-hit rate. If Arenado were to be moved,
Brendan Donovan would see most of the starts at the hot corner.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Jon Morosi
1 day agoAccording to Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com, the Baltimore Orioles have designated infielder
Emmanuel Rivera for assignment. This transaction opened a roster spot for shortstop
Luis Vazquez, who the team acquired from the Chicago Cubs earlier on Friday. Rivera spent most of the 2024 campaign with the Miami Marlins and finished the season with the Orioles. Across 124 total games, Rivera posted a .238/.312/.343 line. However, over his 27-game stint in Baltimore, the 28-year-old was quite productive as he posted a .313/.370/.578 slash line with three doubles and four home runs. During the 2023 season, Rivera held a .261/.314/.358 line. Fantasy managers should expect Rivera to draw interest as a depth infielder on waivers.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Roch Kubatko
2 days agoAccording to NBA insider Chris Haynes, New Orleans Pelicans guard
Dejounte Murray (Achilles) will miss the remainder of the season. The former Atlanta Hawk exited Friday's two-point loss to the Boston Celtics due to a non-contact injury, with further testing revealing a torn right Achilles. Murray has been plagued by multiple injuries, including missing a month to begin the season due to a hand injury. He also struggled on the scoring end, averaging 17.9 points, nearly five points less than last season. Murray has a long road of recovery on the horizon, and it's also possible he isn't available at the start of the 2025-26 campaign. But in the meantime,
CJ McCollum may be handling things at the one, with
Jose Alvarado and
Brandon Boston Jr. in line for more work.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Chris Haynes
2 days agoThe Chicago Bears signed free-agent wide receiver
Maurice Alexander to a Reserve/Futures deal on Friday, according to KPRC's Aaron Wilson. New head coach Ben Johnson is poaching Alexander from the Detroit Lions after the 28-year-old spent the last three years in Detroit. The former undrafted free agent out of Florida International has only appeared in four NFL games, though, with all of them coming back in 2022. In his four games for the Lions, he caught his only target for a gain of seven yards. Alexander will head to Chicago with a firm grasp of Johnson's offensive concepts, although he will still be a long shot to make the 53-man active roster to begin the 2025 season out of training camp. He will most likely stick on Chicago's practice squad next season.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
2 days agoThe Jacksonville Jaguars interviewed Minnesota Vikings assistant offensive coordinator Grant Udinski for their offensive-coordinator job on Friday, a source told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. There is a lot of intrigue around the 28-year-old, as he's now interviewed for five offensive-coordinator jobs around the league this cycle. He started out as Minnesota's assistant to the head coach/special projects in 2022 and was promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2023 before being given his current title this past season. Udinski started his coaching career as a graduate assistant in 2019 with Baylor and then followed Matt Rhule to the Carolina Panthers in 2020 to be a coaching assistant. If he were to land in Jacksonville as the offensive coordinator, he'd serve as first-time head coach Liam Coen's right-hand man.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
2 days agoKansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee) returned to a full practice on Friday and was subsequently removed from this week's final injury report. Taylor was also a full participant in Wednesday's practice before being downgraded to limited on Thursday. The 27-year-old offensive lineman dealt with a knee injury late in the regular season but has not missed either of the team's playoff wins over the Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills, so it's not a surprise that he's fully expected to play in Super Bowl LIX next Sunday, Feb. 9, in New Orleans against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Chiefs might limit Taylor's reps in practice again next week, but it will purely be for rest purposes. Expect him to be off next week's injury report as well and be active on Super Sunday against the Eagles.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Chiefs.com
2 days agoNFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the Dallas Cowboys have hired Arizona Cardinals offensive-line coach Klayton Adams as their new defensive coordinator. Adams had a second, in-person interview with the Cowboys on Friday and has landed the gig under first-time head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Schottenheimer will call plays for the Cowboys offense in his first year as the head coach. The 41-year-old Adams was with the Cardinals the last two seasons. Arizona ranked seventh with 144.2 yards per game on the ground in 2024 and second in yards per carry (5.3). Although Dallas' top running back,
Rico Dowdle, had 1,079 yards this year, the Cowboys only had six rushing touchdowns. They are hoping the addition of Adams will make their ground game more prolific. Before joining the Cardinals, Adams spent four years with the Indianapolis Colts, working with tight ends and serving as assistant O-line coach.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
2 days agoPhiladelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith (illness) returned to a limited practice session on Friday and was removed from this week's injury report. Smith was under the weather and missed practice on Thursday, but he was feeling better a day later and should be just fine to suit up next Sunday, Feb. 9, to take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. The Eagles still have another full week of practice, but the 24-year-old Smith should be a full-go for all three of those sessions. In addition to having a strong regular season in his second year in the league in 2024, Smith has been a key defender for the Eagles in three postseason games, recording 16 tackles (seven solo), four sacks and a forced fumble. During the regular season (16 games), he had 42 tackles (21 solo) and 6.5 sacks. Smith has been a key role player for the No. 1 defense in the NFL.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Philadelphia Eagles
2 days agoPhiladelphia Eagles offensive guard Landon Dickerson (knee) and center Cam Jurgens (back) both missed practice for a third straight day this week on Friday, but the Eagles removed them from the final injury report. The Eagles still have another week before they take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, but this means that both Dickerson and Jurgens should be active for the big game, barring any setbacks in practice next week. This is big news for an Eagles offensive line that is one of the best in football when both Dickerson and Jurgens are on the field. Dickerson injured his knee in the win over the division-rival Washington Commanders last Sunday in the NFC Championship, forcing Jurgens into the contest after he suffered a back injury the week prior in the Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Philadelphia Eagles
2 days agoDespite not practicing at all this week, Philadelphia Eagles tight end
Dallas Goedert (ankle, rest) was removed from Friday's final injury report. It means that the Eagles were merely resting their starting tight end this week ahead of next weekend's big game. Fantasy managers should fully expect Goedert to be active for Super Bowl LIX next Sunday, Feb. 9, when the team takes on the Kansas City Chiefs. Goedert also missed two practices last week but was active in the NFC Championship win over the division-rival Washington Commanders and caught seven of eight targets for 85 yards. The 30-year-old has been heavily involved in three playoff wins over the Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams and Commanders, catching 15 of his 18 targets for 188 yards and a touchdown. Expect him to have a big role against KC.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Philadelphia Eagles
2 days agoDespite not practicing at all this week, the Philadelphia Eagles removed wide receiver
DeVonta Smith (hamstring) from Friday's final injury report. It means that despite Smith picking up a hamstring injury in the NFC Championship win over the division-rival Washington Commanders, he's fully expected to suit up for Super Bowl LIX next Sunday, Feb. 9, versus the Kansas City Chiefs. Smith will likely be back on next week's injury report and might even miss a practice or two, but he should be fine to play next weekend and will be needed if the Eagles are to upset KC in the big game. The 26-year-old not practicing at all this week was likely more of the Eagles just wanting to rest their No. 2 wideout with an extra week off before the Super Bowl. Smith will be looking for his first touchdown of the postseason next weekend.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Philadelphia Eagles
2 days agoPer Michael Baca of NFL.com, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have promoted former passing-game coordinator Josh Grizzard to offensive coordinator. The Bucs just went through a weird situation with ex-offensive coordinator Liam Coen's fascinating way of finding a new job. However, it didn't take them long to fill the vacancy, as they promoted from within to find their next play-caller. Grizzard has spent the last decade-plus in the NFL, cutting his teeth with the Miami Dolphins as a quality control coach before moving to wide receiver coach of the team in 2022. He'd then find his way to Tampa Bay and worked extensively with Coen over the past season to provide one of the NFL's better offenses and one of the franchise's most productive of all time. We'll see how the offense shakes out in 2025.
--Alex CiullaSource: Michael Baca
2 days agoPhiladelphia Eagles running back
Kenneth Gainwell (knee, concussion) is deemed questionable for next Sunday's meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs. Gainwell picked up a concussion in his team's win against their division-rival Washington Commanders last weekend and, unfortunately, hasn't been able to practice since sustaining the injury. He'd handle only five touches before leaving on Philly's first drive of the second half. The good news is that the 25-year-old will get an extra week of rest before squaring off with the reigning Super Bowl champions. However, he'll still need to gain clearance from an independent neurologist before taking the field. If, for some reason, Gainwell can't play in the Super Bowl, rookie running back
Will Shipley will again act as a change of pace for superstar teammate
Saquon Barkley.
--Alex CiullaSource: Philadelphia Eagles
2 days agoPhiladelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (triceps) is officially listed as questionable for next Sunday's contest with the Kansas City Chiefs. The former Michigan Wolverine was starting to heat up in the back half of the season, picking up 2.5 sacks over his last three outings before landing on injured reserve with a triceps tear in Week 13. While it was initially thought that Graham would be out for the remainder of the season, he had his 21-day practice window opened up earlier this week and followed that up with back-to-back limited sessions. It's excellent news for the 36-year-old -- and the team -- as despite missing six games in the regular season, he still clocked in at fifth on the Eagles in sacks. Graham will be one to monitor over the next week or so.
--Alex CiullaSource: Philadelphia Eagles
2 days agoThe New York Mets designated infielder
Luis De Los Santos for assignment on Friday to clear space on the 40-man roster for infielder
Nick Madrigal, who the Mets signed on Friday. De Los Santos was an early offseason acquisition who was expected to battle for a bench job in spring training, but he could be on the move soon to another organization. The 26-year-old was claimed off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays on Nov. 4. He played in 43 games in 2024 with Triple-A Buffalo and hit .260/.375/.441 with an .816 OPS, six home runs, 16 RBI and three steals before making his major-league debut with Toronto. The Dominican infielder only appeared in 13 games with the Jays, though, and went 5-for-29 (.172) with an RBI, two runs scored and 10 strikeouts in 31 trips to the plate.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
2 days agoThe Kansas City Royals designated infielder
Braden Shewmake for assignment on Friday to make room on their 40-man roster for recently-signed right-handed reliever
Carlos Estevez, the team announced. Shewmake was also designated for assignment by the Chicago White Sox this offseason and could be on the move again before the start of spring training in several weeks. The 27-year-old middle infielder made his major-league debut with the Atlanta Braves in 2023 but appeared in only two games. In 29 games with the Pale Hose last year, Shewmake went just 8-for-64 (.125) with a homer, four RBI, five steals, four runs scored and 10 strikeouts in 67 plate appearances. The former 21st overall pick by the Braves in 2019 out of Texas A&M University will be looking to latch on with another organization as infield depth if he clears waivers.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Kansas City Royals
2 days agoThe Baltimore Orioles announced on Friday that they acquired infielder
Luis Vazquez from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash considerations. The 25-year-old Puerto Rican infielder was recently designated for assignment by the Cubs and will now head to the American League as infield depth for Baltimore. Because he has minor-league options remaining, the expectation is that he will open the 2025 campaign at Triple-A Norfolk. The Cubs selected Vazquez with a 14th-round pick in 2017, and he finally made his major-league debut in 2024 in Chicago. Vazquez appeared in only 11 games, though, and went 1-for-12 with an RBI, two runs scored and six strikeouts in the Show. At Triple-A Iowa, he slashed .263/.347/.432 with eight home runs, 24 RBI and 33 runs scored in 64 games played. Vazquez will remain off the fantasy radar with the O's.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Baltimore Orioles
2
days
agoMinnesota
Twins
president
of
baseball
operations
Derek
Falvey
said
that
infielder
Royce
Lewis
will
play
third
base
in
2025,
but
he
will
also
mix
in
some
at
second
base
during
spring
training.
While
Lewis
will
be
an
option
for
the
Twins
at
the
read more...
2 days agoKansas City Chiefs wide receiver
Skyy Moore (abdomen) is listed as doubtful for next weekend's Super Bowl matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. The third-year pro suddenly popped up with a core muscle injury in late October and was immediately placed on injured reserve. Moore was designated to return from IR earlier this week and practiced in a limited capacity over the last two days but isn't yet ready to return to in-game action. With another week of practices on tap before the post-season's finale, the 24-year-old still has a shot to elevate his status for the big game. The last time we saw Moore appear in a contest was before the team acquired fellow wideout
DeAndre Hopkins, so it will be interesting to see how he's deployed when he's finally healthy. It is unclear whether that will be before their meeting with the Eagles, so expect Hopkins and
Justin Watson to continue to round out Kansas City's WR rotation in the meantime.
--Alex CiullaSource: Kansas City Chiefs
2 days agoNew Orleans Pelicans guard
Dejounte Murray (undisclosed) was helped directly to the locker room after crumpling to the ground while chasing a rebound in the first quarter. After the non-contact injury, the star guard grabbed at the back of his leg, which could indicate an Achilles injury. The injury clearly seemed serious based on the reaction of his teammates and the fans in the building. Before leaving, Murray had only had four points and five rebounds in eight minutes. For as long as Murray is sidelined,
CJ McCollum will have to carry the load for the Pelicans in the backcourt, while
Jose Alvarado will be more involved and could replace Murray in the lineup. The Pelicans have had brutal injury issues all season, and Murray's injury could potentially end his first season after just 30 games with New Orleans.
--Zach Thompson - RotoBallerSource: Will Guillory
2 days agoCatcher
William Contreras avoided salary arbitration with the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday by agreeing to a one-year, $6 million deal, according to a source. The deal includes a $12 million club option for the 2026 season with a $100,000 buyout. Earlier this month, the All-Star catcher field for $6.5 million, while the Brewers countered at $5.6 million. The 27-year-old was one of the best offensive catchers in baseball in 2024 in his second year with the Brew Crew, setting career-highs in home runs (23), RBI (92), stolen bases (nine), runs scored (99) and games played (155) while slashing .281/.365/.466 with an .831 OPS in his 679 plate appearances. He could be used more as the designated hitter by Milwaukee in 2025, but that shouldn't change the fact that he is an elite offensive catching target for fantasy managers. Perhaps more time off his feet will make him even more productive at the plate.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Mark Feinsand
2 days agoAccording to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, the New York Mets have shown interest in Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher
Ryan Brasier. Earlier this week, Brasier was designated for assignment to open a spot on the roster for
Kirby Yates. However, Brasier was very effective last season. Across 28 innings, the 37-year-old posted a 3.54 ERA with a strong 0.96 WHIP. He struck out 25 batters and posted a strong 4.5 percent walk rate. Under the hood, he generated a 45.0 percent ground-ball and 7.5 percent barrel rates. Across 59 2/3 innings during the 2023 campaign, the Weatherford College product held a 3.02 ERA with a 1.02 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Brasier to draw significant interest on the trade market. He will likely operate as a middle-reliever on a competing team in 2025.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Pat Ragazzo
2 days agoAccording to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, the New York Mets have checked in on first baseman
Yandy Diaz. Sources have reported that the Mets have shown interest in Diaz earlier this offseason, but the Rays were unwilling to part with the first baseman. However, given this recent report, the Rays may be open to a trade discussion, especially after they added another infielder,
Ha-Seong Kim, earlier this week. The Mets have also contacted other teams looking for a first baseman, including the Detroit Tigers for
Spencer Torkelson and the Baltimore Orioles for
Ryan Mountcastle. The Mets remain in discussions with
Pete Alonso but have begun to have preliminary discussions for an alternative option. Last season, Diaz posted a .281/.341/.414 line with 14 home runs.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Pat Ragazzo
2 days agoAccording to Jon Heyman, the Cincinnati Reds could make a run at free-agent first baseman
Pete Alonso. Heyman noted that it is a "long shot" for the small market club to sign first baseman, but they could provide Alonso a short-term deal with opt-outs that could reward him, playing in a favorable hitters park. Throughout the offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Angels have been in contact with Alonso. The Mets have also been in discussions with the 30-year-old in an attempt to bring him back to Queens. Last season, Alonso held a .240/.329/.459 slash line with 34 home runs. However, Alonso generated an impressive 13.2% barrel rate and a 46.4% hard-hit rate, which suggests that he could see some positive regression in 2025. Alonso hit at least 40 long balls during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring where Alonso signs but should draft him confidently, expecting a high home run output this season.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Jon Heyman
2 days agoAccording to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the San Diego Padres would target
Jack Flaherty or
Nick Pivetta in free agency if they trade
Dylan Cease or
Michael King. Both Cease and King have been around trade discussions throughout the offseason and have begun to see their market begin to heat up over the past week. The Chicago Cubs and New York Mets have been reported to have shown interest in both of these pitchers. However, Heyman noted that if the Padres were to trade one of these, they would look to target a replacement. Last season, Flaherty spent time with the Tigers before moving to Los Angeles to win a World Series. Across 162 frames, Flaherty struck out 194 batters with a 3.17 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. Pivetta logged 145 2/3 innings with a 4.14 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. He struck out 172 batters with a strong 6.1% walk rate.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Jon Heyman
2 days agoMilwaukee Bucks guard
AJ Green (quadriceps) will rejoin the fun on Friday against the San Antonio Spurs. He has been cleared for action following a five-game absence due to a quadriceps strain. Green offers little from a fantasy standpoint, but his three-point shooting ability helps Milwaukee space the floor. The 25-year-old has sunk 44.2 percent of his attempts from outside, averaging 7.9 points. In this season's first meeting with the Spurs, Green went 4-for-7 from behind the arc to finish with 14 points. He has scored more points in only four contests in 2024-25.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Milwaukee Bucks
2 days agoAccording to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the New York Mets have offered outfielder
Mark Canha a non-guaranteed contract. Canha spent time with the Mets during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, and the team is interested in a reunion. Last season, the 35-year-old spent the 2024 campaign with the Detroit Tigers and San Francisco Giants. Across 125 contests, Canha posted a .242/.344/.346 line with 20 doubles, seven home runs, and seven stolen bases. Under the hood, he generated a poor .212 xBA and a .306 xSLG, suggesting he will likely face some regression this season. Canha performed well against southpaws, posting a .275 AVG compared to the .229 AVG against right-handers. If Canha were to sign with New York, he would likely be in a platoon role.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Jon Heyman
2 days agoMilwaukee Bucks small forward
Khris Middleton (ankle) will be in the lineup on Friday against the San Antonio Spurs. He has been upgraded from probable to available. After undergoing bilateral ankle surgeries, Middleton has appeared on the injury report regularly this season. However, he has only missed a handful of games since making his season debut on Dec. 6. Middleton's recent performances have been very inconsistent, as he has finished scoreless in two of his last three games while scoring 22 points in the other.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Milwaukee Bucks
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