Yahoo Sports Fantasy Baseball

  • Headed to Japan
    Hatch is expected to sign a contract with Japan's Nippon-Ham Fighters, Yakyu Cosmopolitan reports.

    Advice: Hatch had been on the Pirates' 40-man roster but evidently was allowed to pursue an opportunity overseas. The 29-year-old right-hander holds a career 4.96 ERA and 61:33 K:BB over 69 innings at the major-league level covering parts of four seasons. Rotowire.com Today, 6:49 am
    Thomas Hatch PIT - SP,RP
    W, 3-0 vs MIA
    New Player Note
     
  • Reds signing Nick Martinez to 2-yr, $26M contract
    ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports that the Reds are in agreement with free agent right-hander Nick Martinez on a two-year, $26 million contract.

    Advice: The deal includes an opt-out after the first year, much like the contract the Reds agreed to earlier this week with fellow free agent Emilio Pagán. Martinez had a solid 2023 season in 63 appearances for the Padres, including nine starts. He posted a 3.43 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 106 strikeouts in 110 1/3 innings. He opted out of the last two years and $16 million of his deal with San Diego to become a free agent and will now perhaps get a chance to start in Cincinnati. If not, he’ll serve as a valuable multi-inning reliever out of the bullpen. Rotoworld Today, 4:35 am
     
  • Agrees to terms with Cincinnati
    Martinez agreed to a two-year, $26 million contract with the Reds on Thursday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

    Advice: Martinez opted out of the final two years of his contract with the Padres in early November and will head to Cincinnati on a deal that includes an increased salary and an opt-out after the 2024 campaign. The right-hander was reliable in San Diego over the past two seasons, posting a 3.45 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 216.2 innings over 110 appearances (19 starts). Although he converted just nine of his 16 save chances, he picked up 23 holds, including a career-high 15 last year. The Reds already have one of the top closers in baseball in Alexis Diaz, and they signed Emilio Pagan to a one-year, $8 million contract Wednesday. Pagan should be available as a setup man, and Cincinnati has been rumored to be in the market to acquire several other pitchers during the offseason. However, Martinez could also see some setup duties ahead of Diaz and will also be available to serve as a starter or long reliever when needed. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 11:25 pm
     
  • Back in Atlanta
    Stephens (elbow) signed a one-year, non-guaranteed split contract with Atlanta on Wednesday.

    Advice: Stephens joined Atlanta's big-league bullpen in mid-September and made five appearances before landing on the injured list shortly ahead of the postseason with right elbow inflammation. The 29-year-old righty holds a 3.56 ERA and 1.37 WHIP through 65.2 innings since initially joining Atlanta in 2022, though it remains unclear if he will be ready to go for the start of spring training. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 6:36 pm
     
  • Braves re-sign RHP Jackson Stephens to one-year deal
    Braves re-signed RHP Jackson Stephens to a one-year contract.

    Advice: It’s a non-guaranteed split contract for Stephens, but he’s back on Atlanta’s 40-man roster after electing free agency earlier this month. The 29-year-old righty reliever made just five appearances this past season in the big leagues. He’s extra organizational depth for the Braves heading into next season. Rotoworld Yesterday, 6:30 pm
     
  • Braves re-sign RHP Penn Murfee to one-year contract
    Braves re-signed RHP Penn Murfee to a one-year contract.

    Advice: No word on the exact financial terms, but it’s a split contract for Murfee, who was non-tendered by the Braves just a few weeks ago after being claimed off waivers from the division-rival Mets. The 29-year-old righty reliever isn’t expected to be ready to contribute until midseason after undergoing right elbow surgery back in late June. Rotoworld Yesterday, 6:27 pm
    Penn Murfee ATL - RP
    L, 9-10 vs WSH
    New Player Note
    DTD
     
  • Returns to Atlanta
    Murfee (elbow) signed a one-year, non-guaranteed split contract with Atlanta on Wednesday.

    Advice: After being claimed off waivers by Atlanta on Nov. 14 and non-tendered by the team three days later, Murfee will officially remain with Atlanta for the 2024 campaign. Murfee holds a 2.70 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in his career across 83.1 big-league innings, though a surgery in June to repair a torn UCL puts him at risk of missing the vast majority of the season. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 6:23 pm
    Penn Murfee ATL - RP
    L, 9-10 vs WSH
    New Player Note
    DTD
     
  • Finds work with Guardians
    Barria signed a minor-league contract with the Guardians on Wednesday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

    Advice: Barria rejected an outright assignment from the Angels and became a free agent earlier in the offseason, and he'll now attempt to carve out a role for himself with the Guardians. The 27-year-old righty posted a 5.68 ERA and 1.47 WHIP last year -- a sharp decline from his 2.61 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 2022. Barria's deal includes an invitation to major-league spring training, and a good spring could be enough for him to earn a spot in Cleveland's Opening Day bullpen. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 6:06 pm
    Jaime Barría CLE - SP,RP
    L, 2-5 @DET
    New Player Note
    NA
     
  • Latches on with Mets
    Wendle signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Mets on Wednesday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

    Advice: After two seasons with the Marlins, Wendle will remain in the NL East and presumably serve in a utility role with the Mets. The 33-year-old infielder had his worst season at the plate in 2023, slashing .212/.248/.306 across 318 plate appearances. While Wendle's defensive versatility may get him in the lineup fairly often next year, his poor bat puts a low ceiling on his fantasy value. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 5:57 pm
    Joey Wendle NYM - 2B,3B,SS
    L, 1-9 vs PHI
    New Player Note