Brad Hand Likely The Nationals Closer

Washington Nationals relief pitcher Brad Hand will be the Nationals closer "in a perfect world," according to manager Dave Martinez. Hand previously held the closing gig in San Diego and Cleveland from 2017-20, so this news should be no surprise. Although his xFIP has increased in all three most recent seasons, it has remained solid, […]

Angels Add Jesse Chavez To Bullpen Mix

The Los Angeles Angels signed free-agent relief pitcher Jesse Chavez to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training on Friday. The 37-year-old veteran posted a 5.35 ERA for the Angels back in 2017 and has spent the last two seasons with the Texas Rangers, recording a 6.88 ERA in 17 innings in […]

Ryan Tepera Returns To Cubs

The Chicago Cubs re-signed relief pitcher Ryan Tepera to an undisclosed major league deal on Friday. According to NBC Sports Chicago's Gordon Wittenmyer, Tepera is guaranteed $800,000 and can make an extra $800,000 in performance incentives and $150,000 via active-roster bonuses. The 33-year-old right-hander posted a 3.92 ERA (3.51 SIERA, 3.34 FIP) with a career-high […]

Brian Snitker Signs Extension Through 2023 Season

The Atlanta Braves signed manager Brian Snitker to a contract extension on Friday that will take him through the 2023 season. The deal includes a club option for the 2024 season. It's well-deserved, as Snitker has managed the team to three straight National League East division titles after they won just on division crown from […]

Breakout Pitchers and Late-Round Draft Targets: WPC+

Pierre Camus and Nicklaus Gaut identify pitchers who could break out in 2021. Target these pitchers late in fantasy baseball drafts! Like and subscribe to the RotoBaller channel on Youtube to get all our latest podcasts and catch us on iTunes and BlogTalkRadio as well! Be sure to also tune into RotoBaller Radio on SiriusXM (channel Sirius […]

Emmanuel Clase (RP, CLE) - Fantasy Baseball Draft Values

BALLER MOVE: Draft target ~pick 400 CURRENT ADP: ~447 overall ANALYSIS: A suspension wiped out his 2020 season but it only serves to make him an even better value in 2021. With Brad Hand gone, there's a good chance Clase gets at least a handful of saves even if he doesn't win the job outright. The question is […]

MLB Spring Training Notebook - February 25th

Welcome to the 2021 edition of RotoBaller's Spring Training Notebook. I began this column a year ago, and made it about four or five articles in when Major League Baseball decided to shut things down, just like everything else around the globe, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We've at least made it through the first […]

Emmanuel Clase (RP, CLE) - 2021 Fantasy Baseball Draft Sleepers

The Cleveland Indians finished the shortened 2020 season 10 games above .500 and earned a Wild Card spot out of the A.L. Central. They had this success despite key players like Francisco Lindor and Oscar Mercado not performing up to expectations. They also had success despite losing one of their key bullpen arms in Emmanuel […]

Taylor Rogers Not Demoted Yet Despite Additions To Bullpen

Minnesota Twins reliever Taylor Rogers hasn't been demoted from his ninth-inning role yet despite the additions of two late-inning arms this offseason. Rogers had the worst ERA of his six-year career in the shortened 2020 season, surrendering 11.7 hits per nine innings, though the Twins believe it was an outlier year for the 30-year-old. "We […]

Freddy Peralta Getting Stretched Out In Camp

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta will be stretched out during spring training as the Brewers prepare to have him handle a larger innings load in 2021, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports. While manager Craig Counsell didn't suggest that Peralta will be fighting for a spot in Milwaukee's rotation, the team seemingly wants to maximize […]

Dellin Betances Feels Much Better This Spring

New York Mets right-handed reliever Dellin Betances said on Wednesday that he feels significantly better than he did last spring. Betances indicated that he was able to have a regular off-season which allowed him to work on his pitching and health. Betances is coming off a forgettable 2020 campaign that saw significant declines in his […]

Scott Kazmir, Giants Reach Minor League Deal Tuesday

The San Francisco Giants and veteran left-handed pitcher Scott Kazmir have agreed to a Minor League deal with an invitation to big league camp, per ESPN's Buster Olney. The 37-year-old has not pitched since 2016, but reportedly threw up to 93 MPH in his latest bullpen session. Kazmir owns a career 4.01 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, […]

Hansel Robles Impresses At Twins Camp

Minnesota Twins reliever Hansel Robles impressed in his first action at Twins camp. Robles threw live batting practice on Monday at a group that included new teammates Luis Arraez and Jorge Polanco and immediately impressed his new manager Rocco Baldelli- who spoke about Robles' unique mix of delivery and arm action. The 30-year-old had a […]

Edwin Diaz Preparing For Closer Role

On Tuesday, New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz stated that his preparation and mindset for the 2021 season is to be the team's closer. After a shaky 2019, Diaz put together an incredible 2020 campaign. While his overall 2020 save total of six was low, and he did lose the role for a brief […]

RotoBaller Mock Draft Review - Biggest Draft Value Picks

Welcome back RotoBallers! Today we're looking at some of the best value picks from our recent RotoBaller staff mock draft. You can also read about everyone's biggest draft reaches and regrets. As we steamroll into fantasy baseball draft season, the team here at RotoBaller continues to practice what we preach by partaking in mock drafts. […]

MLB Spring Training Notebook - February 23rd

Welcome to the 2021 edition of RotoBaller's Spring Training Notebook. I began this column a year ago, and made it about four or five articles in when Major League Baseball decided to shut things down, just like everything else around the globe, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We've at least made it through the first […]

Roster Construction Strategies from the Middle

Drafting a great roster is the vital base for a successful fantasy baseball season. In order to do that, you'll need to find an optimal draft position. All draft spots are not created equal. Finding the right spot for you is your first task. Everyone has their own preference on the best spot to start […]

Tyler Clippard Agrees With Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks signed free-agent relief pitcher Tyler Clippard to a one-year, $2.25 million deal on Monday night, according to multiple reports. The deal includes $1.75 million this year and a $3.5 million mutual option for the 2022 season with a $500,000 buyout. The 36-year-old right-hander is a two-time All-Star and has made 777 appearances […]

Tyler Clippard Nearing Deal With Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks are closing in on completing a one-year deal with free-agent reliever Tyler Clippard, reports Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. Clippard is the second reliever with closing experience the Diamondbacks have signed in February after bringing in Joakim Soria earlier this month. Clippard has not been as effective on the mound in […]

Jose Castillo Finally Ready To Contribute Again

San Diego Padres reliever Jose Castillo appears ready to finally contribute again this season. After a stellar 2018 where he posted a 3.29 ERA and electric 12.2 K/9, Castillo has pitched only 2/3 innings in two seasons dealing with myriad arm injuries. Still just 25 years old, the Friars believe he's a "full-go" in spring […]

Jeremy Jeffress Lands With Nationals

The Washington Nationals agreed to a minor league deal with free-agent relief pitcher Jeremy Jeffress on Monday that includes an invite to spring training, according to a source. Jeffress would earn $1.25 million with another potential $1.25 million in performance bonuses if he makes the team's big-league roster. The 33-year-old right-hander spent the 2020 season […]

Ian Kennedy Signs With Rangers

The Texas Rangers signed free-agent right-handed pitcher Ian Kennedy to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training on Monday. The 36-year-old veteran of 14 years in the major leagues is coming off a 2020 season with the Kansas City Royals in which he allowed 14 earned runs (seven home runs) in just […]

Top 250 Dynasty Prospects Rankings (Part 3)

Welcome back RotoBallers to Part 3 of my dynasty prospects list, breaking down the 1-50 ranked prospects. You can also read Part 1 and Part 2 from a few days ago, looking at the 51-150 and 151-250 ranked prospects. RotoBaller's Top 250 Dynasty Fantasy Baseball Prospects list is back and refreshed for the 2021 season. Baseball has […]

RotoBaller Mock Draft Review - Biggest Reaches and Regrets

As we steamroll into fantasy baseball draft season, the team here at RotoBaller continues to practice what we preach by partaking in mock drafts. It's the best way to test out plans, gather information to have a better idea of what to expect for the real thing and try out new ideas you've been working […]

Bryan Abreu, Andre Scrubb Earn Early Praise

Houston Astros pitchers Bryan Abreu and Andre Scrubb have earned early praise from pitching coach Brent Strom in spring training. Abreu made the roster for the American League Championship Series in 2019 but showed up out of shape last year and didn't pitch well. Scrubb took advantage of his opportunity in the shortened 2020 season […]

Ryan Pressly The Leading Candidate To Close

It appears that the closer role this year is Houston Astros relief pitcher Ryan Pressly's to lose after he converted 12 of 16 save chances last year when Roberto Osuna was injured and lost for the season, according to pitching coach Brent Strom. Pressly was an All-Star setup man in 2019 and converted 11 of […]

First Base Preview: Fantasy Baseball 2021 ADP Analysis

Host Anthony Aniano of RotoBaller discusses 2021 fantasy baseball first base rankings and 1B draft sleepers who can be sneaky later-round picks. He breaks down and compares the ADPs of three different MLB players at the first base position. Fantasy players should consider picking up these players for their drafts this MLB Season. Be sure to […]

Giants, Shun Yamaguchi Agree To Terms Saturday

The San Francisco Giants agreed to terms with pitcher Shun Yamaguchi on Saturday, per the San Francisco Chronicle. The deal is likely to be a split Major League/Minor League deal. The 33-year-old made his big-league debut last season, posting a poor 8.06 ERA and 1.75 WHIP over 25 2/3 innings pitched with the Blue Jays. […]

Ranger Suarez Behind Schedule

Philadelphia Phillies left-handed pitcher Ranger Suarez is one of five players not in camp due to visa issues, with the others being Neftali Feliz, Mauricio Llovera, Francisco Morales and Christian Bethancourt. Because of Suarez's delayed arrival, he will not be built up as a starter when he arrives to spring training. The 25-year-old Venezuelan southpaw […]

Top 250 Dynasty Prospects Rankings (Part 2)

Welcome back RotoBallers to Part 2 of my dynasty prospects list, breaking down the 51-150 ranked prospects. You can also read Part 1 and Part 3 from a few days ago, looking at the 1-50 and 151-250 ranked prospects. RotoBaller's Top 250 Dynasty Fantasy Baseball Prospects list is back and refreshed for the 2021 season. Baseball has […]