Every MLB offseason sends players to new teams. Some moves are expected, while others are dramatic surprises. These transactions send players to a new environment, where factors such as ballpark and team strength can change a fantasy outlook.
Now is the perfect time to analyze some players on new teams as we wait for pitchers and catchers to report for spring training.
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Players on New Teams to Target
Kyle Tucker (OF – CHC) — Houston Astros to Chicago Cubs
Kyle Tucker played only 79 games in 2024 due to a fractured shin. He had his best batting season in this small sample size, slashing a career-best .289/.408/.585 with an 181 OPS+ and 23 homers.
Tucker joins a playoff-contending Cubs lineup where he should bat second or third and be a superstar. The former Astro enters 2025 in a contract year (although studies show contract years boost stats slightly, at best) with something to prove in front of new fans. Mark Tucker at the top of your draft boards.
Christian Walker (1B – HOU) — Arizona Diamondbacks to Houston Astros
Speaking of the Astros, power-hitting Christian Walker has found his way to Houston. Although the Astros are not the powerhouse they once were, Walker will still be around a strong team. The team change may be a slight downgrade — the Diamondbacks scored the most runs in 2024, while the Astros scored only the 11th-most.
Despite this, the right-handed first baseman should strongly benefit from his home field short porch in the left field Crawford Boxes. According to his hits spray chart, Walker would have added at least four more homers to his tally of 26 if he had played all his games in Houston. Target Walker in drafts.
Devin Williams (RP – NYY) – Milwaukee Brewers to New York Yankees
Devin Williams was hurt for most of 2024 but he still collected 14 saves in 21.2 innings while throwing a 1.25 ERA. The year before? Williams was an All-Star with MVP votes, collecting 36 saves and pitching 58.2 innings with a 1.53 ERA.
The Yankees got a good one. Williams should only be better pitching for the Yankees, who should give him more save opportunities. I love Williams for 2025.
Players on New Teams to Avoid
Corbin Burnes (SP – ARI) – Baltimore Orioles to Arizona Diamondbacks
Corbin Burnes is a great pitcher. The ace should not be avoided, but he should be considered with slight hesitation. The four-time consecutive All-Star has had strikeout regression since 2021, falling from a 35.6% rate to 30.5% to 25.5% and 23.1% in 2024.
In addition, Arizona’s Chase Field is more hitter-friendly than Milwaukee’s American Family Field and Baltimore’s Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Burnes remains a trustworthy workhorse but may not be worth his high average draft position (ADP).
Jeffrey Springs (SP – Athletics) — Tampa Bay Rays to the Athletics
Some consider Jeffrey Springs a high-upside, late-round sleeper. I think the risk is too much. The reliever-turned-starter has not pitched a complete season since 2022 due to an early 2023 Tommy John surgery. Springs made it back in late 2024 but was ruled out in September for extra rest, likely because the Rays were not contending.
Springs benefited from playing in Tropicana Field, pitching a 2.08 ERA at home compared to a 3.14 ERA in away starts. Unless Springs has a great spring training, do not draft him in shallow to medium leagues. Feel free to add Springs from the waiver wire if he plays well.
Hyeseong Kim (2B, SS – LAD) — Kiwoom Heroes to Los Angeles Dodgers
Hyeseong Kim has the benefit of playing for a stacked Dodgers team. He was a top defender in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) and is known for good contact hitting and speed with low power numbers.
Kim’s kryptonite for an MLB transition is his power numbers. He launched just 37 home runs in his eight-season career. Kim’s lack of any power upside and the struggle of adjusting to MLB pitching limit his fantasy relevance. Do not get overly excited about the rookie.
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