Tue, Feb 13th 6:30pm EST
By Ari Koslow
The Rays are reportedly expecting Jose Caballero to win the starting shortstop job out of Spring Training. (Source: TampaBay.com)
Fantasy Impact: Caballero appears to be the favorite entering the spring with Taylor Walls still recovering from surgery on his right hip. “Through a lot of work and evaluation, (we) believe he can do it and do it well,” baseball operations president Erik Neander said. "“So as we stand here today … our expectation is that’s a job for him to take. And that would be considered a success for us if it plays out that way." This will be a situation to monitor over the next month.
Free-agent pitcher Jake Odorizzi has thrown for 10-12 team as he looks to sign a major-league deal in the coming weeks. (Source: Jon Morosi on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: The right-hander missed the entirety of the 2023 season due to a shoulder injury but is reportedly throwing without restrictions. The veteran was an All-Star in 2019 when he posted a 3.51 ERA in 30 outings with the Twins while he sports a 3.99 ERA across 241 career MLB appearances.
Astros manager Joe Espada said Yordan Alvarez could see more playing time in left field this season. (Source: Houston Chronicle )
Fantasy Impact: Alvarez has struggled with injuries at times, so it would be a bit surprising if he plays a ton of games in the field. He should remain as the primary designated hitter, and could see some more playing time in left field mixed in.
The San Diego Padres have reportedly shown interest in Noah Syndergaard. (Source: SanDiegoUnionTribune.com)
Fantasy Impact: Syndergaard threw a bullpen session for teams last month. His market has been a bit quiet since then, but he'll likely look to sign with a team soon with Spring Training being right around the corner.
The San Diego Padres have been showing interest in Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran. (Source: Jon Heyman at the New York Post)
Fantasy Impact: Duran's season was cut short due to a toe injury but he broke out in a big way in 2023. The 27-year-old hit .295 with eight home runs, 34 doubles, 24 stolen bases, and an .828 OPS across 102 games played.
Thu, Feb 8th 10:14am EST
By Ari Koslow
Harry Ford is reportedly expected to see playing time in the field during Spring Training games. (Source: MLB.com)
Fantasy Impact: Ford, the No. 2 prospect in the Mariners organization, has only played catcher defensively since being selected in the first round in 2021. With Cal Raleigh having established himself behind the plate for Seattle, it appears they just want to test him out at other positions.
There is a growing belief in the industry that long-time Dodgers great Clayton Kershaw will return to the Dodgers in 2024. (Source: Jon Heyman on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: A free agent, Kershaw will likely be unavailable until sometime in the middle of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery in early November. The left-hander dominated to the tune of a 2.46 ERA in his 16th season with the Dodgers in 2023 and owns a nearly identical 2.48 ERA across 425 career appearances, all with Los Angeles.
Guardians' closer Emmanuel Clase is reportedly drawing interest. (Source: Jon Morosi on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: According to Morosi, multiple teams have shown interest but a trade is unlikely. Cleveland has control of Clase through the 2028 season, so there is no motivation as of now for the Guardians to trade him.
The San Francisco Giants are reportedly in talks with Jorge Soler. (Source: Susan Slusser on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: This remains a rumor for now, but it is something to monitor. With Spring Training starting this month, Soler will likely look to sign with a team soon. Slusser mentioned that the power Soler possesses makes a lot of sense for the current state of the Giants lineup.
Tim Anderson is reportedly a potential target for the Marlins. (Source: The Athletic)
Fantasy Impact: Jon Berti is currently the starting shortstop in Miami, so it is possible they address that position with Anderson or another free agent available. If they make a move, that player would figure to start from day one.
Tony Kemp is rumored to have several suitors on the free-agent market. (Source: Robert Murray on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Kemp is said to be drawing interest from as many as five teams right now, including the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Pirates, and Reds. That's not surprising, as Kemp brings plenty of experience and the ability to play multiple positions. He also has speed on the base paths, swiping 15 bases in 19 attempts last year.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have shown interest in free-agent catcher Gary Sanchez. (Source: MLB Deadline News on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: After seven unsuccessful games with the Giants, Sanchez resurrected his career after joining the San Diego Padres in 2023. The veteran hit just .218 with the Friars but also slugged 19 home runs in just 72 games to go along with a strong .792 OPS. Former No. 1 overall pick Henry Davis is set to handle the bulk of catching duties for the Bucs in 2024.
There is a chance James Wood makes his MLB debut this upcoming season. (Source: Washington Post)
Fantasy Impact: This is according to Andrew Golden of the Washington Post. Wood came to Washington in the Juan Soto trade, dominating his time in the minor leagues. “We’ve never had a problem with moving players quickly to the big leagues if they can perform up there," Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said. "And we’ll have no qualms about putting them there now.”
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah is expected to be in the club's starting rotation in 2024. (Source: Jon Morosi on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Manoah had a rough season on and off of the field in 2023, posting a 5.87 ERA and 14.2% BB% across 19 starts in the big leagues. However, despite teams calling and inquiring about the right-hander's trade availability, Manoah has reportedly had a productive offseason and is expected to be a member of the Jays' starting rotation to begin the 2024 season.
The Minnesota Twins are showing interest in free-agent outfielder Adam Duvall. (Source: Dan Hayes at The Athletic)
Fantasy Impact: Duvall has also attracted interest from the Angels and Red Sox this offseason. The veteran slugged 21 home runs alongside an .834 OPS with the Red Sox in 2023 despite missing two full months with a broken wrist following a white-hot start to his season.
The St. Louis Cardinals have reportedly expressed interest in Ryan Brasier. (Source: Derrick Goold on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Brasier finished last season strong with the Dodgers, posting a 0.70 ERA across 38 2/3 innings. He has had drawn interest from other teams as well.
The Seattle Mariners reportedly inquired about Max Kepler's availability and the potential of a larger deal, but that aspect of the talks never gained traction. (Source: Jon Morosi on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: It was asked about in the trade made for Jorge Polanco. Kepler has had his name in trade rumors a bit this offseason, but it appears he'll stay put with Minnesota for now.
The San Diego Padres have reportedly expressed interest in Michael Lorenzen. (Source: Jon Morosi on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Lorenzen has also drawn interest from the Orioles. The Twins had been interested before acquiring Anthony DeSclafani. Lorenzen should land with a team soon with Spring Training right around the corner.
The Miami Marlins have reportedly expressed interest in Adalberto Mondesi. (Source: Jon Heyman on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Miami is looking for a shortstop which Mondesi would fill. Jon Berti is currently starting at shortstop for the Marlins.
Jarlin Garcia is reportedly drawing interest from around six teams. (Source: Steve Adams on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Garcia, who missed last season with a nerve issue in his biceps, isn't expected to be ready for the start of Spring Training. He recently resumed throwing and is expected to be ready in May. He last pitched for the Giants where he excelled in his bullpen role.
