As February approaches, it’s time to gear up for fantasy baseball. Several major moves have been made recently, with more anticipated signings on the horizon. Here’s a rundown of the key highlights:
OF Juan Soto signs with Mets
After a fierce bidding war, Juan Soto inked a 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets. Despite a minor downgrade in ballpark, Soto’s elite talent makes him a first-round fantasy draft pick.
SP Corbin Burnes signs with Diamondbacks
Corbin Burnes, a consistent performer, joins the Diamondbacks after a stellar season. While his strikeout rate has dipped, he remains a top-five starter option.
SPs Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki sign with Dodgers
The Dodgers strengthen their pitching staff with the additions of Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki, adopting a cautious approach due to their injury histories.
Yankees’ bevy of moves
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SP Max Fried signs with Yankees
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RP Devin Williams traded to Yankees
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1B Paul Goldschmidt signs with Yankees
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OF Cody Bellinger traded to Yankees
The Yankees counter the loss of Soto with impactful signings and trades, bolstering their roster for the upcoming season.
OF Kyle Tucker traded to Cubs
The Cubs acquire Kyle Tucker in a bid to strengthen their lineup, banking on his potential to shine in Chicago.
SP Garrett Crochet traded to Red Sox
The Red Sox make a strategic move by acquiring Garrett Crochet, a promising young pitcher with the ability to elevate their pitching rotation.
1B Christian Walker signs with Astros
Christian Walker joins the Astros, providing a solid bat to compensate for the loss of Tucker, despite entering his 34th season.
SS Willy Adames signs with Giants
Willy Adames secures a lucrative deal with the Giants after a standout season, adjusting to a new team and ballpark dynamics for the upcoming year.
OF Anthony Santander has officially signed with the Blue Jays, marking a notable move for Toronto’s aggressive bidding history. The outfielder’s impressive 44 home runs last season raised some eyebrows, with Baseball Savant suggesting that he may have hit fewer than reported. Despite this, the change in ballparks from Baltimore to Toronto could potentially benefit Santander’s performance.
In other baseball news, a number of players outside the consensus top 150 are making waves. Walker Buehler signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox, while Justin Verlander opted for a similar contract with the Giants. Tyler O’Neill’s erratic platoon split didn’t deter the Orioles from offering him a lucrative three-year deal, hinting at a strong season ahead. Ryan Pressly’s trade to the Cubs puts him in the running for saves, alongside Porter Hodge. Jeff Hoffman’s three-year, $44 million deal with Toronto positions him as a potential closer, despite concerns from other teams about his medical history.
Sean Manaea secured a three-year, $75 million contract with the Mets, solidifying his comeback in the league. Jurickson Profar, once a highly-touted prospect, finally had his breakout year and landed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Braves. The remaining free agents, including Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso, Jack Flaherty, and Max Scherzer, are still on the market, leaving fans eager to see where they will land next.