The Mariners reportedly remain interested in trading for Brendan Donovan. (Source: Buster Olney on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: The talks around a trade involving Donovan have been quiet recently. It is unclear how close the Mariners and Cardinals got to a deal previously. It is currently slated to be Ben Williamson and top prospect Colt Emerson at third base for the Mariners after Eugenio Suarez signed a one-year deal with the Reds.
San Francisco Giants President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey said that Jung Hoo Lee will primarily play right field for the team this upcoming season. (Source: Alex Pavlovic on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: The Giants recently signed Harrison Bader to a two-year, $20.5 million contract, confirming him as the new center fielder. Lee has played right field in the past in South Korea, but it will likely take him some time to adjust to the unique dimensions of Oracle Park.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have been linked to Carlos Santana as they continue their search for a complementary first baseman. (Source: Chris Cotillo on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Arizona’s president and CEO, Derrick Hall, recently said the team is looking to add another complementary first baseman. With Pavin Smith, a left-handed hitter, on the roster, the team’s interest in Carlos Santana makes sense, as he is a switch-hitter who performs better against southpaws, owning a .274/.371/.446 career slash line.
Jacob Wilson has spent the winter working out at the Athletics’ spring training complex in Arizona under the supervision of strength and conditioning coach Josh Cuffe, focusing on growing into his body and adding more muscle. (Source: MLB.com)
Fantasy Impact: Wilson is coming off an excellent rookie campaign in which he made the AL All-Star team and finished the season slashing .311/.355/.444 with 13 home runs, 63 RBI and just 39 strikeouts across 523 plate appearances. With his offseason focus on strength, he could add more home runs and extra-base hits, although he’s always been known for his contact-oriented approach. He is currently ranked 16th in fantasy baseball ADP among shortstops.
The Astros have shown interest in Christian Vazquez.
Fantasy Impact: It would be a reunion between Vazquez in Houston. He would serve as the backup catcher with Victor Caratini leaving in free agency.
The Atlanta Braves are reportedly eyeing free-agent right-hander Chris Bassitt. (Source: MLB.com)
Fantasy Impact: MLB Network's Jon Heyman named Bassitt and fellow right-hander Lucas Giolito as specific targets for the Braves as they seek a rotation upgrade. Bassitt, 36, worked as a reliever in the 2025 postseason for the Jays after posting a solid 3.96 ERA across 32 appearances (31 starts) for the club in the regular season.
The Yankees have expressed interest in re-signing Paul Goldschmidt. (Source: Jack Curry on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: The market has been quiet for Goldschmidt with the Yankees expressing interest. It sounds like they could get a deal done ahead of spring training.
Austin Wells said he’s had conversations with the Dominican Republic team about playing for them in the World Baseball Classic. (Source: Jack Curry on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: “Hopefully, we get to work something out,” Wells said. “We’ll see how it goes.” There should be an official announcement made soon.
The Red Sox have reportedly shown some interest in free agent Dylan Moore.
Fantasy Impact: Moore finished last season with the Rangers after he was designated for assignment by the Mariners. He'll likely sign with a team shortly before spring training.
Jett Williams will reportedly focus on shortstop heading into spring training.
Fantasy Impact: Williams was recently acquired in a trade by the Brewers in the deal that sent Freddy Peralta to the Mets. Williams can also potentially see reps at second base and in center field. He'll likely open the season in Triple-A.
Andrew McCutchen said he is still open to re-signing with the Pirates. (Source: Andrew McCutchen on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: McCutchen said on social media he wanted to participate in the Pirates FanFest one final time. It remains unclear if the Pirates have interest in bringing him back.
Sun, Jan 25th 1:41am EST
By David Leisering
Yu Darvish is mulling over retirement, but he has yet to make a final decision. This refutes an initial report that indicated Darvish was retiring. A final decision will be made in the coming weeks as he continues to rehab his elbow. (Source: Alden Gonzalez on X)
Fantasy Impact: Darvish, 39, has enjoyed a solid 13-year career in the major leagues while pitching for the Rangers, Dodgers, Cubs, and Padres. The five-time All-Star has earned Cy Young votes four times, including two runner-up finishes in 2013 and 2020. However, injuries have plagued him over the past few seasons and his latest rehab has him thinking about the possibility of retiring. In his 13 big league seasons, Darvish has gone 115-93 with a 3.65 ERA and 2,075 strikeouts in 1,778 innings. Coupled with his seven seasons in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, Darvish has won 209 games and struck out 3,369 batters in 20 professional seasons.
The Brewers have expressed interest in free agent Reese McGuire. (Source: Chris Cotillo on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: McGuire would add upside defensively behind the plate for Milwaukee. He would add depth for the Brewers behind William Contreras.
Fri, Jan 23rd 1:01pm EST
By Ari Koslow
Max Scherzer said he is open to waiting until after Opening Day to sign with a team. (Source: The Athletic)
Fantasy Impact: Scherzer added that he is healthy and ready to sign. He is willing to stay patient into the start of the season if necessary.
Nationals OF Jacob Young has reportedly drawn trade interest. (Source: The Athletic)
Fantasy Impact: Washington is continuing to move players after trading MacKenzie Gore to the Rangers earlier this week. Young still has four years to go before he'll reach free agency. His struggles remain as a hitter at the plate.
Tue, Jan 20th 8:35pm EST
By Ari Koslow
Cody Bellinger is reportedly drawing interest from the Yankees, Mets and two others. (Source: Jon Heyman on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Bellinger has now become one of the top hitters and overall players available on the free agent market. He has been closely linked to both the Yankees and Mets.
Free agent Austin Hays is continuing to draw interest from several teams. (Source: Jon Heyman on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Per Heyman, the Cardinals, Yankees and Mets are among many teams who’ve maintained contact with Hays. It appears he could be signed soon after Cody Bellinger.
Miguel Andujar is reportedly drawing “significant interest” on the free agent market. (Source: Jon Heyman on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: The Cubs, Padres, Rangers and Cardinals are among the teams who have expressed interest in Andujar. He slashed .318/.352/.470 with 10 home runs in 94 games with the Athletics and Reds last season.
Matt McLain told reporters he added 12 pounds of muscle this offseason. (Source: Charlie Goldsmith on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: McLain noted that it's the first full offseason he's had not needing to rehab. "It feels like a fresh start," he added. He struggled in his return from shoulder surgery last season. He's in line to have a chance to bounce back this upcoming season.
The Orioles are reportedly showing interest in Justin Verlander. (Source: Ken Rosenthal)
Fantasy Impact: The market has been fairly quiet for Verlander this offseason. He'll likely have to compete for a starting spot when he eventually signs with a team.
