Jake Odorizzi To Serve Bulk-Inning Or Spot-Starter Role

The Athletic's Levi Weaver reported Tuesday that Texas Rangers newly-signed pitcher Jake Odorizzi will likely serve as either a bulk inning reliever or as a spot sixth starter. The Rangers brought in Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, and Andrew Heaney this off-season in addition to Odorizzi, and all three are established starters. However, injury is a […]

Tanner Houck Competing For Rotation Spot

MassLiveSports' Christopher Smith reported Tuesday that Boston Red Sox pitcher Tanner Houck will be used as a starting pitcher during spring training and is one of seven pitchers competing for a starting rotation spot. The 26-year-old served mainly as a starter in 2021 but as a reliever in 2022, making just four starts in 32 […]

Manny Machado Is Padres' "Top Priority"

While not going into much detail, San Diego Padres owner Peter Seidler said Tuesday that third baseman Manny Machado is the team's "top priority." Machado recently informed the team that he intends to opt out of the remaining five years and $150 million of his contract after the 2023 season unless an extension or restructuring […]

Orioles Impressed With Jackson Holliday At Spring Camp

Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Tuesday that he has "been so impressed watching" second base/shortstop prospect Jackson Holliday at the start of spring training. Despite being just 19 years old, the O's No. 1 overall pick in 2022 received a non-roster invite to camp. He is several years away from joining the O's, but […]

Giants To Be Cautious With Michael Conforto This Spring

The San Francisco Giants are expected to be cautious with newly-signed outfielder Michael Conforto this spring, likely playing him as designated hitter for the first two weeks of Cactus League games as he continues to rebuild his throwing arm strength. The 29-year-old missed the entire 2022 season while recovering from shoulder surgery. However, he said […]

Aaron Judge Could Start Playing Some Left Field

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday that, while there is no plan to start playing Aaron Judge in left field, the idea is "on the table" if it will facilitate Giancarlo Stanton getting more time in right field. Both Boone and Stanton stated that the outfielder/designated hitter would benefit from more playing time […]

LaMonte Wade Jr. Ready To Claim First Base Role With Giants

San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler said Monday that first baseman/outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr. has had a "very focused offseason." The 29-year-old had a breakout 2021 season but had a disappointing 2022 season, slashing just .207/.305/.359 with eight home runs and 26 RBI in 251 plate appearances while dealing with left knee inflammation. Now that […]

Ezequiel Tovar Ready To Start At Shortstop

Despite being just 21 years old, Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar appears ready to earn a starting role with the team. Manager Bud Black said Monday, "his overall wherewithal mentally is going to enable him at a young age to potentially be our shortstop." Tovar only had 35 plate appearances with the Rockies at the […]

Angels, Shohei Ohtani Taking Contract Talks Slowly

While the Los Angeles Angels and designated hitter/starting pitcher star Shohei Ohtani are open to potential contract-extension talks, Ohtani's agent, Nez Balelo, said that they are taking things "one day at a time." Balelo said, "Shohei's earned the right to play through the year, explore free agency, and we will see where that shakes out." […]

Anthony Rendon Healthy, Committed For 2023

Los Angeles Angels manager Phil Nevin said Monday that third baseman Anthony Rendon is "in a really good place" coming into spring training. The 32-year-old dealt with wrist and hip surgeries throughout the 2021-22 seasons, resulting in just 442 plate appearances across the two seasons with disappointing results. Rendon has been a solid fantasy contributor […]

Nick Martinez To Pitch In World Baseball Classic As Starter

San Diego Padres pitcher Nick Martinez will pitch for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic as a starter, per MLB.com's AJ Cassavell. Martinez initially withdrew from the WBC because he would have served as a reliever but signed a three-year deal with the Padres this off-season with the intent of being a starter. However, […]

Christian Yelich Went "Off The Grid" To Recharge For 2023

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich said that he "kind of just went off the grid" and "enjoyed the down time" of the off-season to help prepare for the 2023 season, per MLB.com's Adam McCalvy. The 31-year-old said he feels in a "better place" mentally and physically compared to the past couple of seasons. This is […]

Josh Winder Building Up As Starter

MLB.com's Do-Hyoung Park reported Tuesday that Minnesota Twins pitcher Josh Winder is being built up as a starter this spring. The 26-year-old made 15 appearances in 2022, 11 of them starts and went 4-6 with a 4.70 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 16.4% strikeout rate in 67 innings pitched. While Winder may be training for a […]

Austin Meadows Ready Physically, Mentally For 2023

Detroit Tigers outfielder Austin Meadows said Sunday that he is "in a better place" heading into the 2023 season, per Detroit Free Press' Evan Petzold. The 27-year-old only had 147 plate appearances in 2022 and missed time with a slew of injuries, including vertigo and anxiety. It would be great to see him rebound after […]

Ramon Urias Skipping World Baseball Classic

Baltimore Orioles infielder Ramon Urias announced on his personal Instagram Friday that, while he has fully healed from the sprained right knee he sustained at the end of the 2022 season, he will not participate in the World Baseball Classic for the Mexican team this spring. The Gold Glove winner posted a .248/.305/.4141 slash line […]

Jorge Soler Participating In Outfield Drills

Miami Marlins designated hitter/outfielder Jorge Soler (back) was seen participating in outfield drills on Monday, per the Miami Herald's Jordan McPherson. This is encouraging for both the Marlins and fantasy managers, as Soler missed a large chunk of the 2022 season with pelvic and back issues. The 30-year-old slashed .207/.295/.400 with 13 home runs and […]

Aaron Judge Takes Reps At First

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge was seen taking fielding reps at first base during Tuesday's camp, per MLB.com's Bryan Hoch. While the 30-year-old was initially drafted as a first baseman and pitcher in 2010, he has never played first base in his big-league career. It sounds like that will continue to be the case, […]

Jesse Winker "Feeling Strong" For 2023

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jesse Winker (knee, spine) said Tuesday that he is "feeling strong" and "healthy" entering the 2023 season, per MLB.com's Adam McCalvy. This is encouraging, as Winker went through two offseason surgeries, one to repair the meniscus in his left knee and one to replace a disc in his spine. The 29-year-old said […]

Marlins Could Consider Six-Man Rotation

Miami Marlins pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr. said Monday that the team will "take a look at" implementing a six-man starting rotation, per Miami Herald's Jordan McPherson. Manager Skip Schumaker and general manager Kim Ng presented the idea to Stottlemyre, who said, "We are confident with those six guys all fighting for spots." Those players […]

Cardinals, John Mozeliak Close To Multi-Year Extension

The St. Louis Cardinals and president of baseball operations John Mozeliak are reportedly close to signing a multi-year contract extension, per MLB.com's John Denton. The extension is thought to be through the 2025 season. Mozeliak has overseen the construction of 15 straight St. Louis teams with winning records. The team comprises some core fantasy infielders […]

Tejay Antone Dealing With Flexor Strain

Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Tejay Antone (elbow) shared on Twitter Tuesday that he will not be ready to pitch at the start of the regular season. The 29-year-old missed the 2022 season recovering from Tommy John surgery but announced that he received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection for a flexor strain, saying that he would […]

Blue Jays, Bo Bichette Avoid Arbitration

The Toronto Blue Jays and shortstop Bo Bichette reportedly agreed to terms on a three-year deal Tuesday to avoid arbitration in 2023 and cover his three years of arbitration eligibility, per MLB.com's Keegan Matheson. Details of the deal were not disclosed, but the 24-year-old can become a free agent after the 2025 season. Bichette has […]

Ian Kinsler To Rejoin Rangers As Special Assistant To GM

The Texas Rangers announced Monday that former second baseman Ian Kinsler will rejoin the organization as a special assistant to general manager Chris Young. As part of his new role with the Rangers, Kinsler will be involved in player development at the Minor League level. He will first serve his duties as manager of Team […]

Pete Crow-Armstrong Gets Non-Roster Spring Training Invite

Chicago Cubs outfielder prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong was one of 32 players to receive a non-roster invite to spring training on Monday, per MLB.com's Jordan Bastian. The team's top prospect will get a taste of the big leagues, although newly-signed outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger will start the season in center field with the Cubs. Over 101 […]

Dodgers, Tony Gonsolin Agree To Two-Year Deal Tuesday

The Los Angeles Dodgers avoided arbitration with starting pitcher Tony Gonsolin on Tuesday by agreeing to a two-year, $6.65 million deal. Per the agreement, Gonsolin will be paid $3.25 million in 2023 and $3.4 million in 2024, with built-in incentives around how many starts he makes in 2024. The 28-year-old had an All-Star 2022 season, […]

Jose Leclerc The Front-Runner For Rangers Closer Role?

Texas Rangers general manager Chris Young named several players currently on the roster as potential options to serve as the team's closer in an interview Saturday, per the Athletic's Levi Weaver. This included Jose Leclerc, Jonathan Hernandez, Ian Kennedy, Danny Duffy, Brett Martin, and Brock Burke. Joe Barlow would also be considered in this mix. […]

Reds Agree To Minor-League Deal With Chad Pinder

MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reported Monday that the Cincinnati Reds have agreed to a minor-league contract with free-agent utilityman Chad Pinder. The deal would include an invitation to big-league camp as a non-roster player. The 30-year-old spent most of his time in the outfield in 2022 with the A's, but he also saw time at first […]

Mets Expected To Make Bid On Shohei Ohtani In 2023

MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported Monday that the New York Mets are expected to pursue Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani in 2023 should he enter free agency. The 28-year-old phenom would be in high demand given his elite hitting and pitching talent. Ohtani slashed .273/.356/.519 with 34 home runs, 95 RBI, and […]

Angels Have "Strong Interest" In Zack Britton

USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported Monday that the Los Angeles Angels have "strong interest" in free-agent relief pitcher Zack Britton if his price tag were to drop. The 35-year-old lefty was one of baseball's better relief pitchers from 2014-2020 with the Orioles and Yankees. However, a number of injuries limited Britton to just 19 innings […]

Scott Rolen Elected To Hall Of Fame Tuesday

Former third baseman Scott Rolen was the only one of the 28 candidates on the BBWAA Hall of Fame ballot to be elected on Tuesday, as reported on MLB Network. It was the 47-year-old's sixth year on the ballot. Rolen's 17-year career was spent with the Phillies, Cardinals, Reds, and Blue Jays. His career slash […]