Fantasy Baseball News

Adam Frazier was acquired by the Seattle Mariners from the San Diego Padres for two prospects. (Source: Ken Rosenthal on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Frazier is known for his defensive versatility and ability to play multiple infield and outfield positions. On top of that the 2021 All-Star is coming off of a season that he finished with a .301 batting average, .767 OPS, 36 doubles, 83 runs scored, and 43 runs batted in with the Pirates and Padres. His ability to find the gaps could translate well to T-Mobile Park and also gives the Mariners another impact bat as they look to finally make the playoffs in 2022.

Free agent outfielder Mark Canha agreed to a two-year deal with the New York Mets on Friday, according to multiple reports. (Source: Joel Sherman on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Canha batted just .231 in 2021 but boasted a .358 on-base percentage thanks to a 12.3% walk rate. He hit 17 home runs and stole a career-best 12 bases, but he only managed to slug just .387. He'll be 33 years old at the start of the 2022 season.

Outfielder Starling Marte has agreed to a deal with the New York Mets that is pending a physical, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman. (Source: Jon Heyman on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: After missing out on free-agent pitcher Steven Matz earlier in the week, the Mets went on a bit of a spending spree heading into the weekend. On Friday, they reportedly agreed to terms with Eduardo Escobar, Mark Canha, and now Starling Marte. In 2021, the 33-year-old Marte batted .310 with 12 home runs and 47 stolen bases.

The Orioles are open to trade offers involving up-and-coming outfielder star Cedric Mullins, per MLB Network's Jon Heyman. Any deal would, of course, require a large prospect haul in return. (Source: Jon Heyman on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Heyman notes that the Phillies, Rangers, Astros, Giants, Mets, and Yankees all need outfield help, though it's unclear if any of these teams have engaged in trade talks. The Orioles' asking price is high and they would presumably want to trade him outside of the AL East (or potentially outside of the entire AL altogether).

The Red Sox and starting pitcher Michael Wacha are in agreement on a one-year deal for the 2022 season. (Source: Jeff Passan on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Wacha, 30, went 3-5 with a 5.05 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and .270 OBA through 29 games (23 starts) with the Rays last season. He'll remain in the AL East and look to bounce back after a suboptimal 2021 campaign.

The Mets have reportedly signed infielder Eduardo Escobar to a two-year contract worth roughly $25 million. (Source: Jon Heyman on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Escobar, who turns 32 in January, slashed .253/.314/.472 with 28 homers, 90 RBI, 48 walks, and 124 strikeouts through 146 games with the Diamondbacks and Brewers last season. The addition presumably rules out any chance of a Baez/Lindor union in the middle infield.

Left-hander Steven Matz and the St. Louis Cardinals are in agreement on a four-year, $44 million contract, according to MLB insider Jeff Passan. (Source: Jeff Passan on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Matz turns 31 in May but had a breakout season in 2021 despite pitching for the Blue Jays in the American League East (and making multiple starts in minor league ballparks). In 150 2/3 innings last season, Matz pitched to a 3.82 ERA and 144 strikeouts. The Cardinals are bringing back ace Jack Flaherty and 40-year-old Adam Wainwright, but their rotation is less certain after those two. Matz should slot in as their third starter unless they make additional upgrades this offseason.

The New York Yankees have released outfielder Clint Frazier on Tuesday. (Source: Jon Heyman on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Frazier will become a free agent after being released by the Yankees on Tuesday. He struggled mightily in 2021, slashing .186/.317/.317 with five home runs, 15 RBI, and 20 runs scored over 218 plate appearances. The 27-year-old was limited to 66 Games due to vision issues and vertigo. A change of scenery might be the best thing for Frazier’s career as he looks to latch onto another team during the offseason. The former Yankee is mainly a dynasty stash for now.

The Chicago White Sox signed Kendall Graveman to a three-year contract worth up to $24 million, per Jon Heyman of the MLB Network. (Source: Jon Heyman on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Graveman had a strong 2021 season, owning a 1.77 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 61:20 K: BB over 56 innings, including a 1.64 ERA over 11 frames in the postseason. The 30-year-old will serve as one of the top setup men behind Craig Kimbrel and Liam Hendriks. Graveman’s fantasy value takes a hit in traditional rotisserie leagues but has fantasy appeal in formats that reward solds (saves and holds) in 2022.

Hector Gomez of Z101 Digital reports the Rays have signed SS Wander Franco to a 12-year, $223 million extension. (Source: Hector Gomez on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: It's the largest contract ever given to a player with less than one year of MLB service time. Franco was sensational as a rookie, posting a 157 wRC+ with a league-leading 6.4 K% from July 30th on. He's going to be a fantasy monster for years to come.

Alex Wood has re-signed with the San Francisco Giants on a deal worth more than $10 million per season. (Source: Jeff Passan on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Wood had a fairly solid 2021 season. He finished with a 3.83 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 152 strikeouts over 26 starts for the Giants. He has had issues staying healthy but is effective when he pitches.

Anthony DeSclafani has agreed to a three-year deal with the San Francisco Giants. The contract is worth $36 million. (Source: Jeff Passan on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: DeSclafani had a career year for the 107 win Giants. He recorded a 3.17 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 152 strikeouts over 31 starts on the season. He'll remain an important part of the rotation in 2022.

Aaron Loup has signed a two-year deal worth $17 million with the Los Angeles Angels. (Source: Los Angeles Angels on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Loup was excellent for the New York Mets in 2021 as he finished the season with a 0.95 ERA over 56 2/3 innings. He should be a big help to the Angels.

Sandy Alcantara has signed a five-year deal worth roughly $55 million with the Miami Marlins. (Source: Craig Mish on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Alcantara has been a gem for the Marlins. He recorded a 3.19 ERA and 1.07 WHIP through 33 starts on the season for the Marlins. This contract might turn out to be a great value for the Marlins.

Angels starting pitcher/designated hitter/outfielder Shohei Ohtani won the 2021 American League MVP award.

Fantasy Impact: Ohtani had a once in a generation season for the Angels. In 155 games, Ohtani finished with a .257 batting average, 103 runs scored, 26 doubles, 26 stolen bases, 46 home runs, and 100 runs batted in. He also had a phenomenal season on the mound for the Angels as well. In 23 starts, Ohtani recorded nine wins, just two losses, 1.09 WHIP, 3.18 earned run average, and 156 strikeouts while also holding opposing batters to a .207 batting average in 130.1 innings pitched.

Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper won the 2021 National League MVP award.

Fantasy Impact: Harper had a phenomenal season for the Phillies. He finished the 2021 season with a .309 batting average, 1.044 OPS, 101 runs scored, 42 doubles, 35 home runs, and 84 runs batted in.

Brandon Belt accepted a one year, $18.4 million qualifying offer from the San Francisco Giants. (Source: Jeff Passan on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Belt had a resurgent 2021 season for the Giants. In 97 games, Belt finished with a .274 batting average, 65 runs scored, 29 home runs, and 59 runs batted in.

Brewers starting pitcher Corbin Burnes won the 2021 National League Cy Young award as the league’s top pitcher during the 2021 season. (Source: Milwaukee Brewers on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Burnes had a dominant season on the mound for the Milwaukee Brewers. He led the National League with a 2.43 earned run average while also finishing with a 0.94 WHIP and 234/34 K/BB ratio in 167 innings.

Justin Verlander is re-signing with the Houston Astros on a one-year deal worth $25 million. There is also a player option for a second year in the contract. (Source: Mark Berman on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Verlander missed the entirety of the 2021 season while rehabbing from Tommy John Surgery. He carries high risk and high reward in fantasy for next season.

Starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard agreed to a one year, $21 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels pending a physical. (Source: Jeff Passan on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: A huge move for the Angels as they attempt to bolster their pitching staff heading into the 2022 season. Syndergaard missed all of the 2020 season and only made two starts in 2021 due to Tommy John surgery. In his last full season in 2019, Syndergaard finished with 202 strikeouts, a 4.28 earned run average, and 10 wins in 32 starts for the Mets.