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According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, the New York Mets are designating right-handed pitcher Dylan Covey for assignment. This transaction opened a roster spot for right-handed pitcher Ryne Stanek, who the team officially signed on Thursday. Covey spent most of the 2024 season recovering from a shoulder injury but did finish the season at the Triple-A level. Across 15 frames with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Covey posted a solid 1.20 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. He struck out 16 batters and served up seven walks. In 2023, Covey logged 43 innings at the major leagues to the tune of a 3.77 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Covey to draw some interest on waivers, given his strong conclusion to the 2024 season at Triple-A.

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According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the Tampa Bay Rays are inviting shortstop prospect Carson Williams to spring training. Williams is ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the Tampa Bay system and No. 4 overall in the sport, according to MLB Pipeline. Williams spent the entire 2024 campaign at the Double-A level. Across 115 contests, the former first-round selection posted a .256/.352/.469 slash line with 20 doubles, 20 home runs, and 33 stolen bases. He held a 58:144 BB:K ratio. This was similar production compared to the .254/.351/.506 line he held through 105 contests at the High-A level during the 2023 season. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression as he will likely open the 2025 campaign at the Triple-A level but could contend for a late-season major league debut.

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According to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com, the Athletics have designated right-handed pitcher Anthony Maldonado for assignment. This transaction opened the roster spot for right-handed pitcher Elvis Alvarado, who the team claimed off waivers earlier on Thursday. Prior to the designation, Maldonado was ranked as the No. 21 prospect in the Athletics system on MLB.com. The former 11th-round selection made his big league debut last season and held a 5.68 ERA with a 1.47 WHIP across 19 innings. He struck out 11 batters. He generated a 3.62 xERA, which suggests he should see some positive regression when he returns to the major leagues. In 46 1/3 innings at the Triple-A level last summer, Maldonado posted a 4.66 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP. Maldonado will likely open the 2025 season at the Triple-A level.

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According to the team, the Seattle Mariners are inviting shortstop prospect Colt Emerson to spring training. MLB Pipeline ranks Emerson as the top prospect in the Seattle system and No. 27 overall in the sport. Emerson made his Single-A debut last season and performed very well as he held a .293/.440/.427 line with 12 doubles, two home runs, six stolen bases, and a 35:27 BB:K ratio. This strong performance earned him a taste of High-A ball during the back half of the season. Across a short 29-game stint with High-A Everett, the 22nd overall selection in the 2023 MLB Draft posted a .225/.331/.317 line. He hit just five doubles, two home runs, and swiped nine bags. While Emerson will not be in contention to make the Opening Day Roster, if he performs well, he could get an early look at Double-A during the 2025 season.

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According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Toronto Blue Jays have signed free-agent right-handed pitcher Max Scherzer to a one-year contract with $15.5 million. The Blue Jays have been linked to Scherzer throughout the offseason and have finally reached an agreement with the three-time Cy Young winner. Last summer, the 40-year-old was limited to just 43 1/3 innings of work due to shoulder fatigue and a hamstring strain. Across this stint, Scherzer held a 3.95 ERA with a 1.15 WHIP. He struck out 40 batters with a strong 5.6% walk rate. Scherzer has expressed that a healthy offseason will prepare him well for the 2025 campaign. In 2023, he posted a 3.77 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP with 174 punchouts across 152 2/3 innings of work. Fantasy managers should expect Scherzer to start the season in rotation, which will likely push Yariel Rodriguez to a long-relief role.

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The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reports that free-agent right-hander and long-time starter Lance Lynn is getting looks on the open market this offseason as a potential ninth-inning arm, according to his agent Kevin Lustig. The 37-year-old has not pitched out the bullpen since 2018. Lynn said he's "intrigued" about being a closer. Several teams, including the Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Angels, are still searching for late-inning help. Lynn made five relief appearances for the St. Louis Cardinals as a rookie in the 2011 World Series against the Texas Rangers. The free-agent market remains crowded with starting arms, so it may make sense for Lynn to market himself as a potential reliever, especially after he pitched just twice after July 30 last year due to knee inflammation. After dropping around 20 pounds this offseason, Lynn would have more fantasy appeal closing out games.

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The Athletic's Sam Blum writes that the early pick for the Los Angeles Angels' fifth starter spot is left-hander Reid Detmers. Tyler Anderson, Kyle Hendricks, Yusei Kikuchi and Jose Soriano are effectively locked into the top four spots. Detmers will be on a short leash, though, given how poorly he performed in 2024. It will be a wide-open competition this spring, though, and Detmers has minor-league options remaining. Jack Kochanowicz looked great down the stretch last year, and Chase Silseth, Caden Dana, Samuel Aldegheri and George Klassen will be options. Detmers has thrown a no-hitter for the Angels and has a 26.8% strikeout rate the last two seasons, but he held a 6.70 ERA last year and had trouble keeping the ball in the yard. The southpaw is only 25, but he will need to show more consistency to cement himself into the No. 5 spot.

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The Athletic's Sam Blum has a hunch that the Los Angeles Angels will have right-hander Jack Kochanowicz pitching in a relief role to begin the 2025 season until a spot in the starting rotation becomes available. In addition, Kochanowicz might make more sense out of the bullpen given his limited pitch mix. Sam Bachman, the ninth overall pick in the 2021 draft, is a starter in the Angels' eyes, but if he looks good this spring, he could also have a spot waiting for him in the bullpen. Over 11 starts (65 1/3 innings) in 2024, Kochanowicz had a 3.99 ERA, although he had a 2.78 ERA in his final nine starts. The 24-year-old had a miniscule 9.4% strikeout rate, though, leaving him a very slim path to fantasy relevance moving forward, whether he's in the bullpen or the rotation.

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MLB Network's Jon Morosi reports that a team to watch in regards to San Diego Padres right-hander Dylan Cease, who is on the trade market this offseason, is the Chicago Cubs. Both Cease and right-hander Michael King are on the trade block with the Padres facing payroll constraints in 2025, and Morosi goes on to say that Cease is more likely to be moved than King because Cease makes more money. The Cubs make plenty of sense as a trade partner for the Padres because they have seven of MLB Pipeline's top-100 prospects, with six of them expected to make an impact at the big-league level this year. With Jurickson Profar recently departing via free agency, the Padres have a hole to fill in left field, so a trade of either Cease or King could bring back an outfielder that could fill that hole immediately. Morosi specifically mentions Owen Caissie as a possibility for the Friars.

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According to Anne Rogers of MLB.com, Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kyle Wright (shoulder) is having a normal offseason. Wright missed the entire 2024 campaign due to surgery to repair a torn capsule in his right shoulder. Rogers noted that the team could have him on a slower progression, but the team is "excited" about Wright returning to the mound at some point. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during spring training as he could have an opportunity to compete for a spot in the Opening day rotation. In 2023, Wright logged just 31 innings of work with a disappointing 6.97 ERA and a 1.84 WHIP with the Atlanta Braves. However, in 2023, Wright enjoyed a career season as he posted a 21-5 record with a 3.19 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 174 punchouts across 180 1/3 innings. Wright will likely compete for the final spot in the rotation with Alec Marsh and Kris Bubic.

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According to the team, the Kansas City Royals and outfielder Nelson Velazquez have agreed to a contract for the 2025 season. The 26-year-old spent 64 games in the majors last season and will likely compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster during spring training. Across this stint, the 26-year-old held a .200/.274/.366 line with eight home runs and 27 RBI. He struck out at a hefty 26.5% rate. Across three seasons in the majors, the former fifth-round selection hols a .212/.286/.433 line. In 56 games with Triple-A Omaha, Velazquez held .239/.356/.415 slash line with 10 doubles, seven home runs, and 33 RBI. Fantasy managers should expect Velazquez to compete for a starting role during spring training and could be a candidate to see time in right field.

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According to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, the Chicago Cubs have been interested in acquiring another veteran infielder and have been linked to Jose Iglesias and Jorge Polanco. While the team agreed to a contract with infielder Jon Berti earlier this week, the team is still targeting another option as Nico Hoerner (elbow) could be in danger of missing Opening Day. Iglesias enjoyed a career season with the Mets at age 35, posting a .337/.381/.448 line. Polanco played through a knee injury last season but underwent surgery in October and is expected to be a full go for spring training. Across 118 contests with Seattle last summer, Polanco held an underwhelming .213/.296/.355 line. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Hoerner's status during spring training as the Cubs may continue to target one of these options for a short-term solution.

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According to MLB.com, the Cleveland Guardians have sent right-handed pitcher Pedro Avila outright to Triple-A Columbus. Avila was designated for assignment last week to open a roster spot for Paul Sewald but cleared waivers. As a result, Avila will open the 2025 season at the Triple-A level. Last season, the 28-year-old logged a career-high 82 2/3 innings at the major league level with both the Padres and Guardians. Across this stint, the relief pitcher posted a 3.81 ERA with a 1.32 WHIP. He tallied one save. Under the hood, he generated a 4.62 xERA and .261 xBA, which suggests he will likely see some regression during the 2025 campaign. Avila could see time in the majors if the Guardians need additional depth in their bullpen later in the season.

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According to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, the New York Mets have shown interest in acquiring San Diego Padres starting pitchers Dylan Cease and Michael King. Ragazzo noted the Atlanta Braves have also had discussions with San Diego. Both pitchers would likely be one-year rentals but would still carry a hefty price tag on the trade market. Earlier this offseason, the Mets re-signed Sean Manaea and brought in Frankie Montas and Clarke Schmidt to take back-end roles in the rotation. However, with the team eyeing to compete in 2025, they would like to further bolster their rotation. Last season, Cease posted a 3.47 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP with 224 punchouts across 189 1/3 innings. King transitioned into a starter role last summer and performed well with a 2.95 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP, and 201 punchouts across 173 2/3 frames of work.

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According to Jacob Zanolla of Cubs Insider, the Chicago Cubs have signed right-handed pitcher Brad Keller to a minor-league contract that includes an invite to spring training. Keller spent the 2024 season with the White and Red Sox. Across 41 1/3 innings of work, the 29-year-old posted a 5.44 ERA with a 1.52 WHIP. He struck out 32 batters with a solid 7.8% walk rate. He also generated ground balls at a strong 49.7% rate, which was above the average marks. Across 68 2/3 innings at the Triple-A level, Keller posted a 3.28 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP. After posting a career-best 2.47 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP during the 2020 shortened season, Keller has had trouble finding consistency at the major league level. Fantasy managers should expect Keller to compete for a spot in the bullpen during spring training.

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According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, right-handed pitcher Ian Gibaut agreed to a minor-league deal with the Cincinnati Reds that contains an invite to spring training. Gibaut was non-tendered by the Reds earlier this offseason but will given an opportunity to crack the Opening Day roster. The 31-year-old logged just two innings of work in the majors last season as he was limited by calf and forearm injuries. In 2023, the Tulane product posted a 3.33 ERA with a 1.28 WHIP across 75 2/3 innings of work. He struck out 69 batters and held an 8.8% walk rate. That season, he generated a solid 6.0% barrel rate and a 31.9% hard-hit rate. Fantasy managers should monitor his progression during spring training, as Gibaut could earn a spot in the bullpen if he performs well.

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According to the team, the Cincinnati Reds have designated right-handed pitcher Owen White for assignment. This corresponding move opened a roster spot for left-handed pitcher Taylor Rogers, who the team acquired earlier on Wednesday from the San Francisco Giants. White has logged just seven innings in the major leagues over the past two seasons with the Texas Rangers. Over this short stint, White has allowed a hefty 13 earned runs with a 3:4 BB:K ratio. Across 151 1/3 career frames at the Triple-A level, the former second-round selection posted a 5.41 ERA with a 1.58 WHIP. White tallied 119 punchouts while serving up 80 free passes. Fantasy managers should expect White to spend most of the 2025 season at the Triple-A level.

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According to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic, the Detroit Tigers have designated right-handed pitcher Alex Faedo for assignment. This transaction opened the roster spot for right-handed pitcher Tommy Kahnle, who the team signed earlier on Wednesday. Last season, Faedo spent most of his time operating out of the bullpen, as he made just six starts. Across 57 1/3 innings, the former first-round pick held a 3.61 ERA with a 1.34 WHIP. He struck out 55 batters while showing poor command with a high 11.4% walk rate. However, the Florida product was able to limit hard contact as he generated a strong 6.3% barrel rate and 34.4% hard-hit rate, which were both well above the average marks. Fantasy managers should expect Faedo to draw some interest on waivers as a long relief option.

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According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Kansas City Royals are signing free-agent relief pitcher Carlos Estevez. Estevez has been one of the top relief pitchers on the open market during the offseason and had several suitors. However, the Royals were able to get a deal done. Last season, Estevez opened the 2024 campaign with the Los Angeles Angels before being shipped to the Philadelphia Phillies at the deadline. Across 55 innings, the right-hander posted an impressive 2.45 ERA and 0.91 WHIP. He tallied 50 punchouts and 26 saves with a strong 5.7% walk rate. However, the 32-year-old generated a hefty 10.1% barrel rate and 42.3% hard-hit rate, both well below the average marks, suggesting he may see some regression in 2025. Fantasy managers should expect Estevez to compete for save opportunities alongside Lucas Erceg in the Kansas City bullpen.

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The Pittsburgh Pirates won their salary arbitration hearing against right-hander Johan Oviedo (elbow) on Wednesday, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. Oviedo will now earn $850,000 in 2025 instead of the $1.15 million that he filed for earlier in January. The 26-year-old is on track to be ready for spring training this year after missing all of last year due to Tommy John surgery. However, the Pirates may take extra caution with the Cuban hurler and ease him into things early on during the regular season because of his long layoff. Oviedo showed flashes for the Bucs in 2023, allowed two or fewer runs 18 times out of his 32 starts while finishing with a 4.31 ERA (4.49 FIP) and 1.37 WHIP with a 158:83 K:BB in his 177 2/3 innings thrown. When he struggled, though, the wheels sort of fell off, and he had a league-high 13 hit-by-pitches. He's going to need to improve his control plenty, and that won't be easy coming off TJ surgery.

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