3 hours agoThe Toronto Blue Jays have traded left-handed pitcher
Brandon Eisert to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for cash considerations. The 27-year-old was recently designated for assignment to open a roster spot for
Anthony Santander. The Oregon State product made his major league debut with the Blue Jays last summer, allowing three earned runs across a short six 2/3 inning stint. Eisert has spent most of the previous three seasons with Triple-A Buffalo. Across 183 1/3 innings, the 27-year-old has held a 3.83 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP. He struck out an impressive 219 batters and served up 61 free passes. He operated primarily in a relief role but did make 10 starts. Fantasy managers should expect Eisert to compete for a spot on the Tampa Bay Opening Day roster during spring training.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Toronto Blue Jays
3 hours agoAccording to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, right-handed pitcher
Chris Mazza is scheduled to throw for interested teams on Sunday at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. The 35-year-old has not pitched in the major leagues since the 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery. In 2022, Mazza allowed seven earned runs across five 1/3 innings of work. He posted a career-best 4.61 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP with the Tampa Bay Rays during the 2021 campaign. Across 175 2/3 career innings at the Triple-A level, Mazza has posted a 4.41 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. The Menlo product would likely be given an invite to spring training if his throwing showcase goes well but will face an uphill battle to make an Opening Day roster given the time he has been sidelined.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Robert Murray
3 hours agoAccording to the Reno Aces, right-handed pitcher
Josh Winder has signed a minor-league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. This deal includes an invitation to spring training. The 28-year-old has spent his entire MLB career with the Minnesota Twins. Last summer, Winder logged nine innings of work in the major leagues and allowed three earned runs while striking out ten batters. During the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Winder carried a 4.51 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP across 101 2/3 innings with the Twins. Through 105 career frames with Triple-A St. Paul, the former seventh-round selection posted a 5.49 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Winder to compete for a bullpen role during spring training, but given his lack of major league experience, he will likely open the season at the Triple-A level.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Reno Aces
3 hours agoAccording to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, the Chicago Cubs and relief pitcher
David Robertson have discussed a potential reunion. The 39-year-old spent time with the Cubs during the 2022 campaign. During this 40 1/3 inning stint, Robertson posted a 2.23 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP with 14 saves. Last summer, Robertson spent the entire season with the Texas Rangers and operated as the top setup man for
Kirby Yates. Across 72 innings, the right-hander held a 3.00 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. He tallied an impressive 35 holds with a strong 33.6% K rate. However, he struggled with his command as he held a high 9.4% walk rate. Levine noted that the Cubs were also interested in
Paul Sewald before he signed with Cleveland. Robertson would likely have a high-leverage role in the Chicago bullpen and could even compete for save opportunities with
Porter Hodge.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Bruce Levine
3 hours agoAccording to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit Tigers are showing interest in free-agent relief pitcher
Carlos Estevez. Earlier in the offseason, the Tigers were interested in several relief pitchers, including
Kirby Yates. Petzold noted that six other teams, alongside the Tigers, are pursuing Estevez. The Tigers have also been at the forefront of pursuing third baseman
Alex Bregman. Last season, Estevez spent time with the Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia Phillies. Across 55 frames, he posted a 2.45 ERA and 0.45 WHIP. While he showed strong command with a 5.7% walk rate, his hefty 42.3% hard-hit and 10.1% barrel rates suggest he may face some regression in 2025. If Estevez were to sign in Detroit, he would be deployed as a high-leverage reliever.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Evan Petzold
4 hours agoNashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg extended his point streak to nine games during their 6-5 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Thursday evening. Forsberg would find the back of the net for the first time of the evening in the second period on a tip-in. Later in the third, Forsberg would strike again, this time on a wrap-around. During this impressive nine-game point streak, the 30-year-old has scored nine times and added eight helpers. Six of his 17 points have come on the power-play. Prior to this stretch, Forsberg did not find the back of the net in his previous 16 games. Forsberg remains a must-start player while he continues this streak. He will look to stay on Saturday evening against the Anaheim Ducks.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
4 hours agoCarolina Hurricanes right wing Seth Jarvis tallied two goals and two assists during their victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday evening. Jarvis scored his first goal on the power-play in the second frame. Later in the period, Jarvis would tally two primary assists, both during 5-on-5 play. In the third, Jarvis would find the back of the net for the second time with the empty-netter. Jarvis added four hits and five shots on goal in this contest. Over his previous 12 games, Jarvis has tallied 13 points (nine goals, four assists). During this stretch, he has averaged 2.75 shots on goal per game. Overall, the 22-year-old has tallied 38 points over 42 games and is on pace to set a new career-high. Despite moving down to the third line, Jarvis has continued to produce in the Carolina lineup.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
4 hours agoDetroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider tallied two helpers during their victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday evening. Seider tallied the secondary assist on Alex DeBrincat's 20th goal of the season in the opening frame. Later in the second, Seider would add another secondary assist, this time on the power-play on Dylan Larkin's tally. The 23-year-old also logged three hits, two blocked shots, and two penalty minutes in this contest. Over his previous seven games, Seider has tallied six helpers while averaging 4.2 hits per game, 1.5 blocks per game, and 2.8 shots on goal per game. Five of those helpers came on the power-play. Seider remains a must-start defenseman in all formats, given his ability to contribute to several categories at a high level.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
4 hours agoBoston Bruins goaltender Joonas Korpisalo stopped all 29 shots he faced against the Ottawa Senators on Thursday evening. The Senators had a slight edge in the shot total, but Korpisalo was able to lead the way. Morgan Geekie scored the eventual game-winner in the second period, and David Pastrnak put the game out of reach with an empty-netter in the final seconds. Fantasy managers should expect Korpisalo to continue to operate as the top option in Boston for the time being, as Jeremy Swayman is dealing with a "minor" upper body injury. Swayman exited early on Wednesday evening, and Korpisalo entered the game in relief. Over his previous three contests, Korpisalo has held a solid .937% SV and a 1.71 GAA. He could be worth a look in deeper formats as a low-end streaming option on Saturday afternoon, facing the Colorado Avalanche.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
4 hours agoAccording to Curtis Crabtree of FOX13 Seattle, Seattle Kraken center Chandler Stephenson (undisclosed) exited Thursday's contest early. Head coach Dan Bylsma did not have an update on his status during the postgame interview and noted that the 30-year-old would go for further evaluation. Stephenson exited the contest in the second frame. Before leaving, he logged one blocked shot and did not get on the scoresheet. If he were to miss time, Jared McCann or Shane Wright would likely be moved up to the second line, and Tye Kartye would draw into the starting lineup. Entering Thursday, Stephenson tallied 10 points over his last 10 games. During this span, he scored five goals and added five helpers, with one of them coming on the power-play.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Curtis Crabtree
4 hours agoAccording to the team, Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Bryan Rust (lower body) sustained an injury during their loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday evening. Rust did not play during the entire third period. Earlier in the game, he tallied a primary assist on Michael Bunting's power-play goal. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status before their game on Saturday afternoon against the Seattle Kraken. Since the start of the month, Rust has tallied 11 points in 11 games with four goals and seven helpers. Overall, Rust has tallied 38 points in 32 contests and is just one goal away from reaching the 20-goal mark for the sixth straight season. If Rust were to miss time, Anthony Beauvillier would likely return to the top line and have streaming appeal playing alongside Rickard Rakell and Sidney Crosby.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
12 hours agoOhio State quarterback Will Howard and Notre Dame quarterback
Riley Leonard will both play in the 2025 Senior Bowl ahead of the NFL draft in April. In addition to Howard and Leonard, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart, Oregon QB
Dillon Gabriel and Louisville QB
Tyler Shough will be putting their talents on display. Howard, 23, won the national title for the Buckeyes and threw for 1,150 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions in four playoff games to potentially boost his draft stock in scouts' eyes. He had the best year of his collegiate career at Ohio State in 2024 after spending his first three seasons at Kansas State. Howard completed 73% of his passes for 4,010 yards and 35 TDs in 16 games. In a weak QB draft class, Howard could boost his stock even further with a strong Senior Bowl performance and could become a second-round selection in April.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com - Eric Edholm
13 hours agoIn ESPN's latest poll of 20 NFL scouts and executives, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, the son of former NFL cornerback Deion Sanders, received 11 votes as the expected to overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL draft. Florida QB Cam Ward received nine votes. Last October, Georgia's
Carson Beck, Alabama's Jalen Milroe and Texas' Quinn Ewers also received votes. One scout described this year's QB class as "muddy," and the consensus is that this class is nowhere near as good as last year's in which a record six QBs went in the first round, all within the first 12 picks. Sanders isn't considered a plus athlete and is more of a dropback, pocket passer. If the Tennessee Titans keep the No. 1 overall pick, they could call Sanders' name as they look for an upgrade over
Will Levis, who they took in the second round in 2023.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Pete Thamel
13 hours agoOle Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart announced on his X account on Thursday that he is officially declaring for the 2025 NFL draft. Dart won't be considered one of the top QB prospects for what is generally considered a weak QB class. He initially joined USC in 2021 but transferred to Ole Miss before the 2022 season after playing in six games as a freshman for the Trojans. In three seasons at Ole Miss, Dart had a 65.7 completion percentage with 10,617 passing yards, 72 touchdowns and 22 interceptions. He tacked on 1,500 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 371 rushing attempts. Dart's best season came in 2024 when he threw for 4,279 yards, 29 touchdown and only six interceptions. Although Dart almost certainly won't hear his name called in the first round of the 2025 draft, ESPN considers him a top-200 draft prospect.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Jaxson Dart on X
13 hours agoThe Las Vegas Raiders re-signed wide receiver
Alex Bachman to a Reserve/Futures deal on Thursday. Bachman spent most of the 2024 season on the Raiders' practice squad, but he was active for six games (one start) and caught all three of his targets for 31 yards and no touchdowns -- all in Week 6 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 28-year-old pass-catcher originally went undrafted out of Wake Forest but latched on with the New York Giants. He appeared in four games for the G-Men in 2020 and 2021 but was not targeted at all in the passing game while receiving one carry for a loss of three yards in 2021. Bachman will continue his development with the Black and Silver this offseason and through training camp this summer as he looks to make the active 53-man roster for Week 1 of the 2025 regular season.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
13 hours agoThe Athletic's Fabian Ardaya reports that Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said that while left-handed reliever
Tanner Scott will see plenty of ninth-inning chances in his first year with the team in 2025, he won't be the team's set closer. We figured as much, especially since the Dodgers also have
Michael Kopech,
Evan Phillips and
Kirby Yates, who are all plenty capable of closing out games. Still, the 30-year-old Scott, who has 54 saves over the last three seasons with the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres, should see the most save opportunities for the Blue, making him the best closer target on this star-studded team for fantasy managers. The Dodgers signed Scott to a four-year, $72 million deal last weekend to further bolster their bullpen. On the best team in baseball, Scott should be considered a low-end No. 2 fantasy closer, at worst.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
13 hours agoHouston Astros outfielder/designated hitter
Yordan Alvarez (knee) told reporters this week at FanFest that his knee is 100 percent healed and that he has felt normal for at least three to four weeks. Alvarez injured his right knee toward the end of the regular season in 2024 and thought he might need surgery, but he ended up avoiding going under the knife. The left-handed slugger said he's ready to hit and play defense in spring training. It's great news for the 27-year-old, who is one of the best all-around hitters in baseball. He reached the 30-homer mark for the fourth straight season in 2024 and also had career-highs in games played (147) and plate appearances (635) despite injuring his knee late in the year. Despite a history of lower-body injuries, Alvarez is currently ranked as the No. 14 overall fantasy player by RotoBaller for 2025.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: KPRC 2 Sports - Ari Alexander
13 hours agoAtlanta Braves right-hander
Spencer Strider (elbow) has already thrown four bullpen sessions this offseason. Barring any setbacks, general manager Alex Anthopoulos said the team expects Strider to have a normal spring training, but they also won't rush him back. Strider will not be on the Opening Day roster. Depending on how he looks in during the spring, the 26-year-old could go on a minor-league rehab assignment early on, and he has the potential to contribute significant innings for the Braves and fantasy managers, barring any setbacks along the way. He broke out with a league-high 20 wins as an All-Star for the first time in 2023 but threw only nine innings in 2024 before undergoing an internal-brace procedure. Strider also had Tommy John surgery in 2019, so he'll carry a high amount of risk going into the 2025 season.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Grant McAuley
14 hours agoThe Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to name Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen as their new head coach. The two sides are reportedly in active negotiations, and Coen should be in Jacksonville next season, barring anything unexpected. This was an odd turn of events, as Coen interviewed with the Jags recently but decided afterwards to return to Tampa as their offensive coordinator. The Bucs were prepared to make Coen the highest-paid coordinator in the league after his tremendous performance with the team this past season. Now, Coen appears ready to ditch the Bucs and join the Jags after their decision to fire general manager Trent Baalke earlier this week. The hope is that Coen can turn around quarterback
Trevor Lawrence's career like he did with
Baker Mayfield this past season in Tampa.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Jordan Schultz
14 hours agoCleveland Cavaliers forward
Evan Mobley (calf) won't play on Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers. The 23-year-old logged only 50 games in 2023-24. But he missed only two of the Cavs' first 40 games this season, giving fantasy managers hope he would remain on the court. Unfortunately, Mobley has been sidelined for the last three contests because of a calf strain, and it's unknown how much longer he'll be on the shelf. He has averaged a career-high 18.6 points with 8.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks during the 2024-25 campaign, so this is not an ideal scenario for fantasy managers. With that in mind, until Mobley returns,
Max Strus, averaging 7.0 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.0 steals in two starts this season, will likely remain with the first five.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
14 hours agoWashington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu (shoulder) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. It's worth noting that Luvu did suffer a shoulder injury during the regular season finale. However, he looked fine in each of the last two games and practiced in full during Wednesday's practice. Possibly, the Commanders were just taking the cautious approach and were limiting Luvu to keep him fresh for this weekend. His absence would be a significant hit for this defensive unit given how well Luvu has played this season. In 17 games, Luvu recorded 99 tackles, eight sacks, and seven passes defended. There should be better clarity on his shoulder injury following Friday's practice.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: commanders.com
14 hours agoBuffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins (illness) was upgraded to a full participant during Thursday's practice session. That is good news for the Bills after Dawkins sat out of practice to begin the week. It sounds like Dawkins is dealing with a minor illness, but that shouldn't stop him from playing this weekend. The fact that Dawkins was able to practice in full on Thursday means that he should be fine for Sunday. Barring any setbacks, Dawkins should be starting at left tackle and holding down the blindside for quarterback
Josh Allen during the AFC Championship Game.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Bills.com
14 hours agoThe San Francisco 49ers are reportedly expected to hire former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh as their new defensive coordinator. Saleh was fired as the head coach of the Jets after a slow start to the season. He was reportedly the favorite for the Jacksonville Jaguars head-coaching gig. However, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen now appears to be the favorite to land the Jags head-coaching job. That being said, Saleh is expected to return to a familiar place in San Francisco. Saleh was the defensive coordinator for a number of years in San Francisco before he took the job as the head coach of the Jets. This seems like a good decision given the fact that Saleh is a smart defensive mind.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Michael Silver
15 hours agoChicago Bulls guard
Ayo Dosunmu (calf) has been upgraded to available ahead of Thursday's game against the Golden State Warriors. Dosunmu was considered questionable coming into this game after sitting out of Monday's contest. However, Dosunmu appears to be feeling good enough to give it a go against the Warriors. He could have an increased role in the rotation with
Coby White (ankle) sidelined for this game. Dosunmu and
Lonzo Ball will likely be asked to play more which should give both guards increased fantasy appeal on Thursday.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: KC Johnson
15 hours agoChicago Bulls guard
Coby White (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Golden State Warriors. White will now miss his second game in a row due to a right ankle injury. His next chance to get back on the court will be Saturday versus the Philadelphia 76ers. Both
Lonzo Ball and
Ayo Dosunmu should see increased roles in the rotation with White out. Both players are worth a look as possible streaming options with Dosunmu being the slightly better choice between the two.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: KC Johnson
15 hours agoGolden State Warriors guard
Stephen Curry (knee) has been upgraded to available ahead of Thursday's game against the Chicago Bulls. The superstar guard was listed as questionable coming into this game due to knee tendinitis. Despite that, Curry will be active during Thursday's game, according to head coach Steve Kerr. There was no mention of Curry being limited in any way, so fantasy managers can feel safe getting Curry into their lineups. The 36-year-old has only missed two games this month and still remains one of the better fantasy options at his position.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: KC Johnson
15 hours agoNew Orleans Pelicans forward
Brandon Ingram (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. This comes as little of a surprise considering Ingram hasn't played in a game since early December. Ingram is working his way back from a left ankle sprain that is likely going to keep him sidelined for at least a few more games. He reportedly hasn't been cleared for contact drills yet, so it doesn't appear that Ingram is on the verge of a return. He remains without a timetable to return and should be considered week-to-week right now.
Trey Murphy III has been playing big minutes in the rotation and that should continue until Ingram is back in the mix.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Will Guillory
15 hours agoNew Orleans Pelicans forward
Zion Williamson (conditioning) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Williamson sat out on Monday due to an illness and was tagged as questionable ahead of Wednesday's contest. That game was postponed, but now Williamson is sitting out due to reconditioning. Hopefully, Williamson will be back in shape in time for Saturday's contest against the Charlotte Hornets. His absence on Friday should mean that
Javonte Green and
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl will see increased playing time. Neither player is a great fantasy option, but Green is the slightly better streaming choice because of his defensive ability.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Will Guillory
15 hours agoAccording to the team, the New York Yankees have claimed right-handed pitcher
Roansy Contreras off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles. Contreras has been on several teams during the offseason. He began the winter with the Los Angeles Angels before moving to Texas, Cincinnati, and Baltimore, and now resides in the Bronx. Last summer, Contreras logged 68 1/3 innings of work with the Pirates and Angels. Across this stint, he posted a 4.35 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. He struck out just 56 batters with a hefty 9.7% walk rate. He also generated a high 4.94 xERA, 9.7% barrel rate, and 43.5% hard-hit rate. The 25-year-old does not have any remaining options, which means he will be competing for a spot on the Yankees Opening Day roster. If he cannot earn a spot, he will be placed on waivers. Contreras should not be on your fantasy radar during the offseason.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: New York Yankees
16 hours agoMilwaukee Bucks forward
Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) will play on Thursday against the Heat. This isn't the first time he's landed on the injury report because of right patella tendinopathy this season, so fantasy managers are used to it at this point. Fortunately, the multi-time All-Star is good to go, which is even better news, considering
Khris Middleton (ankles) was surprisingly downgraded to out after carrying a probable designation. With that in mind, Antetokounmpo remains a top fantasy option despite a challenging matchup on the horizon versus a Miami club that has allowed only 110.1 points per contest during the 2024-25 campaign.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
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