Nationals Closing In On Deal With Howie Kendrick

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that free-agent infielder/outfielder Howie Kendrick is closing in on a deal with the Washington Nationals for two years and $7 million. Kendrick came over from the Philadelphia Phillies at the trade deadline this past season. The 34-year-old hit .315 over 91 games between Washington and Philadelphia in 2017. He’s a solid […]

Cardinals Bullpen is "Good Enough"

St. Louis Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak recently stated that his team's bullpen was "good enough." The Cardinals were reported to have interest in Tampa Bay's Alex Colome, but it seems that interest was overstated. They have also tempered their interest in Greg Holland. For now, it looks like Luke Gregerson may open the season […]

Alex Reyes Expected to Begin Throwing Bullpen Sessions Soon

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Alex Reyes (elbow) has lost 10 to 15 pounds this winter and will begin throwing live bullpen sessions in about a week. Reyes missed all of 2017 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, but he's expected to be ready to join the Cardinals rotation in May. He's a sneaky late-round pick […]

A's Remain Interested in Tony Watson

The Oakland A's are looking to add a left-handed reliever and remain interested in free-agent relief pitcher Tony Watson. Watson, 32, had a 3.38 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP last season with 53 strikeouts. He would be unlikely to see any saves in Oakland and would only be worth an add in deep leagues that count […]

Pirates More Willing To Trade Andrew McCutchen?

Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Neal Huntington may be more receptive to trade offers for outfielder Andrew McCutchen after the team traded starting pitcher Gerrit Cole to the Astros on Saturday, according to teams that have spoken with the Pirates. The Giants remain the team most interested in trading for McCutchen as they look to boost […]

Luke Voit Working in the Outfield

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Luke Voit has been taking fly balls in the outfield this offseason in hopes to increase his versatility. Voit started 12 games in left field in 2006 while he was in Double-A, so it's not a brand new thing for him. Voit is trying to crack the Opening Day roster, […]

Luke Gregerson Could Open the Season as Closer

St. Louis Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said he sees reliever Luke Gregerson opening the season as the team's closer if no other moves are made. The Cardinals are still reportedly shopping for relief help, and Mozeliak also mentioned the idea that Jordan Hicks could develop into the closer's role. Gregerson would likely be a […]

Yankees Could Land Yu Darvish At Reasonable Price

With starting pitcher Gerrit Cole being traded to the Houston Astros on Saturday, the New York Yankees are very much interested in signing free-agent starting pitcher Yu Darvish, according to two sources. The stalled free-agent market gives the Yankees a real chance to land Darvish at a "reasonable" price. New York seems to think it's […]

Mets, Adrian Gonzalez Agree To Deal

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the New York Mets and free-agent first baseman Adrian Gonzalez have agreed to terms. Gonzalez was dealt from the Dodgers to the Braves in a salary dump. He was bought out by the Braves, and they will be on the hook for about $22 million of Gonzalez's remaining […]

Angels, Cam Bedrosian Avoid Arbitration

The Los Angeles Angels and reliever Cam Bedrosian avoided arbitration at the last minute, agreeing on a one-year, $1.1 million dollar contract. Bedrosian opened 2017 as the closer, but an injury cost him a big chunk of the season. He finished the year with a 4.43 ERA and six saves. He is the favorite to […]

Joe Musgrove Among Four Players Acquired By Pirates For Gerrit Cole

As part of the Gerrit Cole deal, the Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired pitcher Joe Musgrove, relief pitcher Michael Feliz, infielder Colin Moran and outfielder Jason Martin. Musgrove spent most of his time as a starter in 2016 but worked in a swing role for the Astros this past season. In 38 games (15 starts), the […]

Luis Avilan, White Sox Avoid Arbitration

Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Chicago White Sox and relief pitcher Luis Avilan have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2.45 million deal. Avilan was recently acquired from the Dodgers, where the left-hander sported a 2.93 ERA in 61 games. He is likely to work in a late-inning role […]

White Sox and Leury Garcia Avoid Arbitration

Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Chicago White Sox and outfielder Leury Garcia have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.175 million deal. Garcia dealt with some injuries this past season but was productive when he played. In 300 at-bats, Garcia hit .270 with nine home runs and eight stolen […]

Giants Still Hopeful To Land Andrew McCutchen

Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports that members of the San Francisco Giants are hopeful that starting pitcher Gerrit Cole being dealt to the Houston Astros will clear the way for the team to acquire outfielder Andrew McCutchen. Cole being moved from the Giants is a definite sign that they are rebuilding, and McCutchen […]

Carlos Rodon, White Sox Avoid Arbitration

Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Chicago White Sox and starting pitcher Carlos Rodon have agreed to a one-year, $2.3 million deal. It was the first time the 25-year-old was eligible for arbitration. Rodon has dealt with a handful of injuries throughout his big league career but has been productive when […]

Reds Targeting David Hernandez

The Cincinnati Reds are targeting free-agent relief pitcher David Hernandez as they look to fortify their bullpen behind closer Raisel Iglesias, according to sources. The Reds and Hernandez aren't close to a deal, but they are involved in serious discussions. Cincinnati is looking at other free-agent relievers, too. After having Tommy John surgery and missing […]

Brandon Morrow Likely To Close For Cubs In 2018

Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein spoke at the Cubs convention this weekend and said that he has "faith" in relief pitcher Brandon Morrow if he is the team's closer in 2018. The Cubs can still add more arms and have shown interest in free-agent closer Greg Holland. Morrow has had plenty of health […]

Cubs Haven't Closed The Door On Bringing Back Jake Arrieta

Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports that the Chicago Cubs are still willing to bring back free-agent starting pitcher Jake Arrieta. President of baseball operations Theo Epstein said on Friday that "we've never ruled anything out with him." Arrieta remains the top pitcher available along with free-agent starter Yu Darvish, who the Cubs have also shown interest […]

Diamondbacks Avoid Arbitration With Several More Players

The Arizona Diamondbacks avoided salary arbitration with starting pitcher Robbie Ray (one year, $3.95 million), starting pitcher Taijuan Walker (one year, $4.825 million), outfielder David Peralta and infielder Chris Owings. Ray was excellent for fantasy owners in 2017 with a 15-5 record and 2.89 ERA, and he managed to strike out 218 batters in 162 […]

Fernando Rodney Expected To Remain Closer

Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Fernando Rodney is expected to remain the team's closer after they signed reliever Addison Reed on Saturday, according to a source. The Twins are honoring their word to Rodney after they signed him, but Reed was signed for more years and more money, so we wouldn't be surprised if he gets […]

A's, Marcus Semien Avoid Arbitration

The Oakland A's and shortstop Marcus Semien have agreed to terms on a one-year, $3.125 million dollar contract, avoiding arbitration. Semien only played in 85 games last season after he missed a huge chunk of time with a broken wrist. He hit .249 with 10 home runs and a career-high 12 stolen bases, however, and […]

Joe Panik, Giants Avoid Arbitration

San Francisco Giants second baseman Joe Panik avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.45 million deal, according to John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle. Panik hit .288 this past season with 10 home runs, but doesn’t hold much value outside of NL-only leagues or deeper mixed leagues.

Jonathan Villar Avoids Arbitration

Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Jonathan Villar avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2.55 million deal, according to a source. Villar was one of the bigger busts in 2017, as he had just 11 home runs and 23 steals after clubbing 19 long balls and stealing a whopping 62 bags in 2016. There remains […]

Phillies, Cesar Hernandez Avoid Arbitration

Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Cesar Hernandez avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $5.1 million deal, according to a source. Hernandez has quietly put himself on the fantasy map after hitting over .290 each of the last two seasons while also stealing at least 15 bases in each of the past two years, and […]

Kelvin Herrera Avoids Arbitration

Kansas City Royals closer Kelvin Herrera avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $7.937 million deal, according to a source. He will receive a $50,000 bonus if he makes the All-Star team. Herrera was a disappointment as a full-time closer in KC in 2017, posting a 4.24 ERA and 1.34 WHIP, and he also […]

A's, Blake Treinen Avoid Arbitration

The Oakland A's and closer Blake Treinen have avoided arbitration, coming to terms on a one-year, $2.15 million contract. Treinen came over to the A's at the trade deadline from the Nationals. Treinen was solid for the A's down the stretch, pitching to a 2.57 ERA with a 10.9 K/9 in his final 14 innings. […]

Matt Shoemaker, Angels Avoid Arbitration

The Los Angeles Angels and right-hander Matt Shoemaker have come to terms on a one-year, $4.125 million contract, avoiding arbitration. Shoemaker made 14 starts for the Angels last year, pitching to a 4.52 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. He is expected to be in the starting rotation next season if he's healthy. However, he should […]

Shane Greene Avoids Arbitration

Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Shane Greene avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.95 million deal, according to a source. A few dominoes fell Greene's way in 2017, and he was given the closer's role on a rebuilding team, going 9-for-10 in save chances on the season. A converted starter, he also posted an […]

Twins, Robbie Grossman Avoid Arbitration

Minnesota Twins outfielder Robbie Grossman avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2 million deal, according to a source. Grossman's ability to draw walks and get on base frequently is his calling card as a designated hitter in Minnesota, but he doesn't carry a ton of fantasy value elsewhere with just modest power and […]

Jimmy Nelson Avoids Arbitration

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Jimmy Nelson avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.7 million deal, according to a source. 2017 was a career year for Nelson, but a shoulder injury in September cut his season short, and it will cause him to open 2018 on the disabled list. He may still be worth […]