Player Notes

  • Report: Snell, Giants agree to two-year, $62M deal
    Blake Snell has agreed to a two-year, $62 million deal with the San Francisco Giants, according to New York Post’s Jon Heyman.

    Advice: A deal has finally happened for the reigning NL Cy Young with just nine days left until Opening Day. According to Heyman, there is an opt out following the 2024 season, which is something the 31-year-old has been seeking since entering free agency. The Giants were decimated with injuries to its pitching depth during spring and will be without Alex Cobb, Robbie Ray and Tristan Beck to start the season, so adding Snell to their rotation hopefully lessens the blow. Snell is coming off his best season since 2018 and posted a 2.25 ERA, 1.19 WHIP with an insane 234/99 K/BB ratio across 180 innings. Rotoworld Today, 6:31 pm
  • Josiah Gray spins six strikeouts against Astros
    Josiah Gray struck out six batters and allowed just one earned run on three hits across five innings against the Astros on Monday.

    Advice: One day after being named the Nationals’ Opening Day starter, Gray put together his best outing of Spring Training. The 26-year-old has at least five strikeouts in two of his past three starts and has just one outing where he allowed more than one run. If Gray can continue to get a high number of strikeouts, he can definitely be an intriguing fantasy starting pitcher this season. Rotoworld Today, 6:04 pm
  • Christian Javier allows five runs against Nationals
    Christian Javier went 4 2/3 innings and allowed five earned runs on three hits against the Nationals on Monday.

    Advice: This was Javier’s worst spring outing after he looked stellar in his first three starts during camp. Prior to Monday’s start, the 26-year-old had a 1.80 ERA but that has blown up to 4.30. Fantasy managers shouldn’t put much into one outing as Javier has looked comfortable this spring posting 14 strikeouts over 14 2/3 innings of work in his four starts. Rotoworld Today, 6:04 pm
  • To start home opener?
    Imanaga appears on track to start the Cubs' fourth game of the season on April 1, which is the home opener, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

    Advice: Justin Steele will get the ball on Opening Day in Texas, potentially followed by Kyle Hendricks and Jordan Wicks. Imanaga would then be in line to make his MLB debut when the Cubs return home for a series against the Rockies. The Japanese lefty has just a 4.66 ERA in three spring starts, though he's also struck out 19 batters in just 9.2 innings, which showcases the type of potential he possesses in his first season. Rotowire.com Today, 5:35 pm
  • Could serve as spot starter
    Smyly could start the regular season in the rotation with Jameson Taillon (back) set to miss some time into April, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

    Advice: Taillon could return as soon as April 8 in San Diego, but the Cubs will have to fill his rotation spot until then. Justin Steele is set to start Opening Day on March 28, and Chicago gets an off day after that. However, the Cubs then have games on five straight days, so a full rotation will likely be needed. Beyond Steele, Kyle Hendricks and Shota Imanaga should be locked into starting spots, and Jordan Wicks is making a strong case in camp. That could leave Smyly, Javier Assad and Hayden Wesneski to compete for the No. 5 spot, at least until Taillon returns. Rotowire.com Today, 5:30 pm
  • Likely to slot in second
    Hendricks appears to be lined up to start Chicago's second game of the regular season, behind Opening Day starter Justin Steele, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

    Advice: The southpaw Steele has emerged as the team's definitive ace, but the rotation gets a little more jumbled after that. Hendricks makes sense in the No. 2 spot, particularly as a veteran righty with Shota Imanaga, Jordan Wicks and possibly Drew Smyly joining Steele as left-handed starting options. Hendricks won't wow with strikeouts, though he's a steady pitcher who recorded a solid 3.74 ERA across 24 starts last season, giving him some fantasy value in the right matchups. Rotowire.com Today, 5:18 pm
  • Griffin Canning gives up two runs to Brewers
    Griffin Canning surrendered two runs and six hits in 4 1/3 innings Monday versus the Brewers.

    Advice: Canning didn’t excel in striking out two and allowing six hits today, but he’s still sporting a fine 2.25 ERA through four spring starts. He rates as at least a fringe mixed-league option while healthy. Rotoworld Today, 4:39 pm
  • Tanner Bibee fans four against White Sox on Monday
    Tanner Bibee struck out four batters and allowed just one earned run in Monday’s game against the White Sox.

    Advice: Bibee struck out his most batters in a start this camp and has at least three strikeouts in three of his four spring starts. The lone run allowed came in the third inning when the White Sox had the bases loaded and Brayan Rocchio grounded out, but Deyvison De Los Santos came home on a fielder’s choice. Last season, Bibee posted a 2.98 ERA, 1.18 WHIP across 142 innings in his first season with the Guardians and has plenty of upside heading into his second season in the majors. Rotoworld Today, 4:05 pm
  • Merrill Kelly strikes out seven versus Athletics
    Merrill Kelly allowed zero runs and struck out seven batters in a 3-3 tie over the Athletics on Monday.

    Advice: It’s been a stellar spring camp for the 35-year-old who hasn’t allowed a run in two of his three starts in Cactus League play. He’s thrown 92 strikes on his 132 pitches this spring and has posted a 2.16 ERA through three starts. Rotoworld Today, 3:46 pm