Whether it was by your own doing or just some unfortunate luck, for many of you, there are no fantasy football playoffs.  The gridiron means absolutely nothing to you and all that truly matters is that pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training is less than three months away. That’s right, baby! Fantasy baseball is back!

The long, cold winter is upon us, but nothing warms us best like a little MLB hot stove action. Free agents have been making the rounds and while many have already signed on and are set to join their new homes, there are still plenty of marquee names out there looking for long-term deals and fat pay days. Not to mention, the winter GM meeting are upon us this week and if you thought things got exciting when the Yankees, Tigers and Diamondbacks got together for yet another three-team deal, just wait until the big bosses are sitting together at the conference table. It’s about to get real hot, real fast.

And what better way for you fantasy baseball folk to whet your whistle than to keep a running tally of all the latest free agent and trade action right here on one page? We here at Fantasy Alarm know how important it is for you fantasy baseball owners, especially those in keeper and dynasty leagues, to have all the latest information on signings and player movement, so to help you along, we’re going to have a running list right here for you to keep track of all the latest news and rumors. And even better than that – we’re going to have continuous updates and commentary throughout each day  from none other than The Oracle himself, Ray Flowers. Sure, I’m going to give my take on a number of players as well and we may even have a Jeff Mans sighting here and there, but those of you whose fantasy baseball world lives and dies by the analysis of Ray, your dream free agent tracker has arrived.

So join us here each day as Ray and I track all the latest MLB hot stove action and get an early leg up on your 2015 fantasy baseball competition.

TRADES

A’s acquire RHP Chris Bassitt, C Josh Phegley and INFs Rangel Ravelo and Marcus Semien from White Sox for Jeff Samardzija and Michael Ynoa.

The A's continue to sell off veterans as they attempt to rebuild with cheaper youth. The Shark has a 49 percent ground ball rate the last two seasons, so the move from a pitcher friendly envionrment in Oakland to a homer booster in Chicago shouldn't be too detrimental to his outlook. Semien seems likely to take over at shortstop for the Athletics with Jed Lowrie heading out of town.

Dodgers trade OF Matt Kemp and $30 million to the Padres for Yasmani Grandal, Joe Wieland and Zach Eflin.
Yet another blockbuster by the Dodgers. Kemp is sent packing, along with $30-32 million (depending on reports), to help offset the $107 million he is due over the next five years. The Padres pick up a once elite hitter who has struggled with health of late. Kemp may never be the 30/30 threat he once was, but it should be noted that he hit .309 with 17 homers an a .971 OPS in the second half of last season. The bat looks like it's back. The move to Petco in San Diego won't be a big booster for his value, but don't forget it's not like Dodgers Stadium is a launching pad either though he certainly enters a less productive lineup without the weapons of the Dodgers. If healthy, Kemp can still be one of the better hitters in the NL. The deal gives the Padres five outfielders - Kemp, Cameron Maybin, Seth Smith, Will Venable and Carlos Quentin - could another deal be coming? Who do the Dodgers receive? Grandal has dealt with PED issues off the field and injuries on it, but he still has the bat to hit .250 with 20 homers making him, potentially, one of the upper half of backstops with the bat. If it all came together for Grandal he has the talent to even suprass those numbers. Wieland, a 24 year old, threw just 11.1 big league innings in 2014 in his return from Tommy John surgery in 2012. He likely to settle in as a 4/5 starter in the big. Eflin doesn't turn 21 until April. The 33rd overall selection in the 2012 draft, the 6'4" Eflin has a bright future. He threw 128 inings at High-A ball last year going 10-7 with a 3.80 ERA and 1.32 WHIP.


FOR MORE ON THE PADRES MOVES IN THE OUTFIELD - Kemp, Justin Upton and Wil Myers - see this Around the Horn video

Red Sox trade OF Yoenis Cespedes, RHP Alex Wilson and RHP Gabe Speier to the Tigers for RHP Rick Porcello
How does this sound - Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez and Cespedes as the heart of your order? If J.D. Martinez can offer a follow up the power potential of the Tigers will be significant in 2015. Make no mistake here. Cespedes has power, but little else, and that means his fantasy value is likely less than you would think. In fact, his power isn't that impressive either, in terms of the level of production. Did you know that Cespedes has never hit 27 homers in a season? Did you know that only once in three seasons has he had more than 82 RBIs? Did you know only once in three years has he scored 75 runs? Did you know that after stealing 16 bags as a rookie that the 29 year old has stolen a total of 14 bases the last two years? Oh yeah, there's also the issue of that .263 career batting average. A strong power bat but not as good as most people think. Porcello won 15 games last season, a sixth straight season of double-digit wins. He also posted his first ERA under 4.32 in five seasons at 3.43. That's nearly a full run down. Can he sustain that? Porcello also posted a 1.23 WHIP, his second season in a row under his 1.36 career mark. Porcello struck out 129 batters last season, and that was the second best mark of his career. Think about that. In six seasons he's had a K/9 rate over 5.70 just once. That fact keeps the fantasy value of Porcello lower than his real world value.

Reds trade Alfredo Simon to the Tigers for INF Eugenio Suarez and RHP Jonathon Crawford 
Well, there is your Rick Porcello replacement. Simon had a 3.44 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 196.1 innings last season but what should be expected from the 33 year old in 2015? (1) Moving to the AL will not help. (2) Last season was his first big league season over 116 innings (he threw a total of 148.2 innings in 2012-13). (3) He faded badly down the stretch posting a 4.69 ERA, 1.44 WHIP an a 1.79 K/BB ratio over his last 11 starts. The Tigers shouldn't expect a repeat of his overall performance from 2014, and fantasy leaguers should avoid spending heavily on Simon, even in AL-only leagues. As for the Red haul... Crawford was the 20th selection in the 2013 MLB Draft and has the upside of a 2/3 starter in the big leagues with the potential to lead a staff with his power arsenal. His heater regularly sits at 95 mph and he can carry that velocity deep into games. He had 123 innings at Single-A ball last season going 8-3 with a 2.85 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. Suarez hit .242 with a .652 OPS over 85 games last year with the Tigers. He offers little with the bat in terms of power, and he's not a big stolen base threat, but there is little doubt that he could at least match the offensive contributions of Zack Cozart

Reds trade RHP Mat Latos to the Marlins for RHP Anthony DeSclafani and C Chad Wallach
Latos has long been one of the most consistent pitchers in baseball, but that changed a bit in 2014 for the 27 year old. Latos had bone chips removed from his elbow in 2013 and this offseason he had stem cell surgery to stimulate tissue and cartilage growth. The expectation is that he will be fine for 2015. Still, after 4-straight years of at least 180 innings pitched and 185 strikeouts, Latos fell to 74 punchouts in 102.1 innings. The loss of strikeouts was huge, down a batter an a half from his career mark of 8.12 per nine innings, and that's an issue. Also concerning is the fact that his ground ball rate fell to 37.7 percent, well below his career 43 percent mark. Miami is a better place to pitch than Cincinnati, so as long as he's healthy - a certain if - Latos should be good to go. DeSclafani was awful last season in 33 innings with the Marlins (6.27 ERA), but he only walked five men leading to an impressive 1.36 BB/9 mark. His arsenal likely points to him having more success as a reliever since he really only features to pitches. Wallach is 23 years old and will obviously be blocked by Devin Mesoraco. He hit .322 with a .431 OBP and .888 OPS over 97 games at Low and High-A ball in 2014.

Marlins trade LHP Andrew Heaney, Kike Hernandez, Austin Barnes and Chris Hatcher to the Dodgers for 2B/SS Dee Gordon and RHP Dan Haren

With the apparentl acquisition of Jimmy Rollins and the impending arrival of Alex Guerrero to the majors, the Dodgers sent Gordon packing after a breakout season. There were definitely questions as to whether or not Gordon would be able to improve on or, at the least, mainatin his plate discipline and on-base numbers, so this was a classic sell-high move. Heaney is an outstanding young, lefty who has a ton of upside. His K:BB throughout the minors was fantastic and he moved through the Marlins system quickly. maybe even a little too quickly. He'll have a chance to earn the fourth or fifth spot in the rotation with Haren gone, but even if he doesn't get it, the Dodgers will have him up in a reqasonable amount of time. He could be a real nice late-round sleeper for the second half of the season. Haren will look to ressurect his declining career with the Marlins, but he's unlikely to do more than what he did last season. As for the fringe players, we'll get to them soon enough when the MLB Draft Guide comes out.

Dodgers trade LHP Andrew Heaney to the Angels for 2B Howie Kendrick.
Either the Dodgers have no faith in Alex Guerrero or they just feel like he needs to stay down in the minors for at least another full season as they flip Heaney to replace Dee Gordon at second. Since this column is being shared, I'll identify that this is Howard and I don't really love this move for Heaney. I don't totally hate it, but I just don't love it. I would have preferred he stay in the National League to help keep that K-rate moving in the right direction. As for Kendrick, you know exactly what you're getting from him -- .290-ish average will close to 10 home runs and a dozen stolen bases. That won't change with a move to the Dodgers and neither should his fantasy value.

Diamondbacks trade LHP Wade Miley to the Red Sox for RHP Rubby De La Rosa and RHP Allen Webster
In a guest analysis, Fantasy Alarm's Jon Impemba writes, "In Miley the Red Sox are getting a starter who has thrown no less than 194 innings over the past three seasons and has a career 3.79 ERA and should be a reliable No.3 starter for the Red Sox as they look to rebuild their rotation. The Diamondbacks are getting Allen Webster and Ruby De La Rosa who the Sox had acquired in the blockbuster deal that sent Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford and Josh Beckett to the Dodgers a few seasons ago. Webster has struggled during his stints with the Red Sox while De La Rose has found varying degrees of success but has struggled with consistency."

The Rockies trade SS Josh Rutledge to the Angels for RHP Jairo Diaz

After dealing Howie Kendrick to the Dodgers, the Angels pick up another middle infielder in Rutledge. His bat isan't as consistent as Kendrick's nor has he shown more power at all either. But he can play shortstop as well as second and will give the Angels a little more lineup flexibility. Diaz has shown strong promise recently and thanks to a double-digit K/9 with a respectful walk rate, Diaz made the jump from Double-A to the majors. He threw 5.2 innings and held his own fairly well, posting a 3.18 ERA with a 8:3 K:BB. He could actually have a spot in the pen by Openming Day.

 

 

 

Cubs acquire C Miguel Montero in exchange for Zack Godley and Jefferson Mejia.

Owed $40 million the next three years, Montero slumped to a mere .234/.329/.379 line in 2014 after being one of the better hitting catchers in baseball the previous few seasons. This deal likely means that Welington Castillo will be dealt from the Cubs to another team.

The Angels acquired catcher Drew Butera from the Dodgers for a Player To Be Named Later and cash.

Can't say there's much in the way here of fantasy value or even relevance. Butera is nothing more than a back-up option and is probably only worth a roster spot in the very deepest of two catcher AL-only leagues.

The Phillies trade RHP Antonio Bastardo to the Pirates for LHP Joely Rodriguez.

It's an interesting swap of lefties for both teams. The Pirates get a major-league proven southpaw to set up for Mark Melancon who should be closing for the Buccos this season. He did have some command issues, but his 11.39 K/9 does a good job erasing some of the free poasses he can dole out. Rodriguez struggled in his first move to Double-A last year, but has shown some real nice promise with both velocity and command. He's definitely a weork in progress though.

The Astros trade OF Dexter Fowler to the Cubs for 3B Luis Valbuena and RHP Dan Straily

For fantasy purposes here, this looks like a good move for those who are eyeing Fowler for 2015. Injuries continue to be an issue for him, but he's cut back on the strikeouts over the last two years while still maintaining walk rate in excess of 13-percent. He should embrace the return to the National League as well as feed off the energy and enthusiasm of the youngsters who make up the Cubs offense. As for Valbuena, he moves back to a utility role which cuts his value from where it was last year and Straily, who has solid talent lurking underneath, still has a lot to prove before being considered for a big league roster spot. The path is a little easier for him with the Astros, but there's still a ways to go.

Marlins trade LHP Dan Jennings to the White Sox for RHP Andre Rienzo
Jennings had a 1.34 ERA in 40.1 innings for the Sox bullpen last season which went along with a solid 8.5 K/9 mark an a 49 percent ground ball rate. That 1.54 WHIP is a concern because it resulted largely from a 3.8 BB/9 ratio. Rienzo has a 5.89 ERA for his career over 21 starts and seven relief appearances. Until he brings the walks down - 4.55 walks per nine - none of the rest of it matters.

Nationals trade LHP Ross Detwiler to the Texas Rangers for INF Chris Bostick and RHP Abel de los Santos

Detwiler has long been a reliever/spot starter for the Nationals, though back in 2012 he did throw 164 innings and made 33 starts for the club. His career 3.82 ERA isn't exactly mind-blowing and he rarely strikes people out. He's not a bad guy for middle relief purposes, but that's real life. His fantasy value as a reliever is pretty low and he's not the type of player you seek out. Waiver material at best, and that's only iuf he gets work as a starter. As for Bostick and de los Santos, well, you're probably never going to hear their names in fantasy circles at all

The Angels have traded RHP Kevin Jepsen to the Rays for OF Matt Joyce..

It's a lateral move for Jepsen who will remain in a similar set-up role he filled for the Angels but it could be a decrease in overall value for Joyce. He moves to the Angels now where he will serve as a fourth/fifth outfielder and a part-time DH. Joyce will share designated hitter responsibilities with C.J. Cron and migh tnot always get the call in the outfield as Colin Cowgill serves as a better defensive option. He still has decent power upside, but might not see as many at-bats this season.

The Brewers trade RHP Yovani Gallardo and cash to the Rangers for RHP Corey Knebel, INF Luis Sardinas and RHP Marcos Diplan

Plain and simple, this move does absolutely nothing for the fantasy community. While gallardo has seen a steady rise in his ground ball rate, something that usually offsets pitching in such a hitter-friendly environment, his strikeout rate has dropped for three-straight seasons and the contact that he does pitch to has been fierce. Add into that the move to the American League and you've got a recipe for some serious disaster. Knebel is still working his way back from elbow surgery but showed real nice potential with a 1.65 ERA and 12.30 K/9 for his career in the minors. No need to worry about Sardinas or Diplan.

 

 

The Braves trade C/OF Evan Gattis to the Astros for RHP Mike Foltynewicz, RHP Andrew Thurman and INF Rio Ruiz

For the fantasy outlook on this trade, check out Ray Flowers' Player Profile on Gattis.

The Rays trade 2B Ben Zobrist and SS Yunel Escobar to the Athletics for catcher John Jaso, INF Daniel Robertson, OF Boog Powell and cash

Zobrist moves over to Oakland and slots in immediately as the starting second baseman. The concerns over his power ever returning persist, so the value there is minimal for fantasy owners. However, he still holds multi-position eligibility which adds to his overall fantasy value. Escobar is set to be flipped (see below). As for the Rays' end, well, Jaso comes back home and should be in-line for a starting role. Love that OBP! Robertson is a solid prospect who slashed .310/.402/.471 with 15 homers and four steals as a 20-year-old at High-A last season, but isn't going to be fast-tracked, so his value remains strong only in dynasty leagues right now. Powell , on the other hand, does not have the skill sto even come close to his namesake. He can be ignored, even in the deep dynasty play.

The Nationals trade RHP Tyler Clippard to the Athletics for SS Yunel Escobar

While Escobar doesn't offer much in the way of power or speed, he does have some fantasy value in deeper mixed leagues as well as NL-only play. He's going to add second base eligibility to his repertoire by early to mid April as well which obviously offers more roster flexibility. Clippard will fill the same late-inning role with Oakland that he has with the Nationals. He's a decent win-vulture with a reasonably helpful strikeout rate. He could also get into the mix for saves should Sean Doolittle falter.

MLB Free Agent Tracker

 

PlayerPos.New TeamNew ContractLatest Rumors/Commentary
J.P. ArencibiaCOriolesMinor lg.A significant power bat who struggles defensively and can't put the bat on the ball enough to play daily.
John BakerC   
John BuckC  Power is all he brings at this point.
Chris GimenezCRangers1 yr, minorStrictly back-up material with no fantasy value.
Nick HundleyCRockies2 yrs, $6MHe'll back up Wilin Rosario and could be in line for even more work as the Rockies start easing Rosario into more first base work.
Gerald LairdC   
Russell MartinCBlue Jays5 yrs, $82MNew home provides hitter-friendly park with a more potent lineup
Jeff MathisCMarlins1 yr, $1.5MActuall yjust an option picked up by the club. Still no fantasy value to be had here.
A.J. PierzynskiCBraves1 yr, $2MCan still hit, even if his attitude is always in question.
David RossCCubs 2 yr, $5MWill likely play 1-2 times a week and hit a few homers.
Geovany SotoC  The Rangers are interested in bringing back Soto.
Ryan DoumitC/OF   
Daric Barton1BBlue JaysMinor LgAgreed to a minor league deal with the Blue Jays with a spring invite.
Kyle Blanks1BRangersSplit ContractNot guaranteed a spot on the 40-man roster, but could land a spot if he recovers in full from Achilles injury. Minimal value for fantasy even if he does make the 40.
Adam Dunn1BRetirement Barring a last minute change he's expected to retire.
Adam LaRoche1BWhite Sox2 yr, $25MReplaces Paul Konerko but does he replace Jose Abreu at 1B? Does he DH? 
John Mayberry1BMets1 yr, $1.45MHe will see some time at first and in LF/RF. He has hit lefties well for his career. 
Lyle Overbay1B  Sounds like a retirement announcement is imminent.
Carlos Pena1BRetirement Pena took a gig with MLB Network which seems to indicated his playing career is over.
Gaby Sanchez1BRakuten Golden Eagles (NPB)1 yr, $2.5MUnless you play in a league that uses NPB players, Sanchez will hold zero value this year.
Justin Smoak1BBlue Jays1 yr, $1MHe hit .202 with a .339 SLG last year and will try to - finally - establish himself as a full-timer. As a 28 year old, it's unlikely to happen.
Alberto Callaspo1B/2B/3BBraves1 yr, $3MWill play 2B for the Braves. Not much of a bat to get excited about. NL-only play at best.
Kelly Johnson1B/2B/3B/OF   
Adam Rosales1B/2B/SS/3BRangers1 yr, $900,000Not much to see from the versatile performer.
Juan Francisco1B/3BRaysMinor lg. He has an invite to spring, and with his power he could always grab a role. 
Jack Hannahan1B/3BLG Twins (KBO)1 yr, $1MHe heads to South Korea which means, for our purposes here, he has no value.
Mark Reynolds1B/3BCardinalsUndisclosedThe Cardinals found the right hand power bat they have been searching for. 
Billy Butler1B/DHAthletics3 yr, $30MBrandon Moss is out of town, so Butler could see a lot of work at first base..
Adam Lind1B/DHBrewers1 yr, $7.5MTOR picked up option and then traded him to MIL; potential full-time 1B job
Victor Martinez1B/DHTigers4 yrs, $68MFour more years of V-Mart as the Tigers DH. How much more is left in the tank?
Kendrys Morales1B/DHRoyals2 yrs, $17MMorales will bascially be looked at to replace the lost production of Billy Butler. The Royals save 1-year and $13 million compared to the offer that Butler signed with he Athletics. Morales is a moderate signing after an absolutely horrible 2014 (.218-8-42).
Mike Carp1B/OFNationalsMinor lg.Could work his way on to the Opening Day lineup if Jayson Werth is still out.
Michael Cuddyer1B/OFMets2 yrs, $21MBig pay day for Cuddyer but the numbers won't add up moving out of Coors
Jesus Guzman1B/OFJapan1 yr, $1MSayonara, Jesus.
Corey Hart1B/OFPirates1 yr, $2.5MEligible for another $2.5 million in incentives.It's an open question as to how much he will play with Pedro Alvarez at first and a crowded outfield. Solid signing still.
Michael Morse1B/OFMarlins2 yr, $16MBig time power that he will try to show in a big park. Maybe first base allows him to stay in the lineup?
Darwin Barney2BDodgers1 yr, $2.53MHe'll fight with Alex Guerrero for the starting job but should end up a utility player
Gordon Beckham2B  Will he finally start living up to expectations? Unlikely.
Mark Ellis2B  He wants to play one last season at 37 years of age.
Rafael Furcal2B  Tore a hamstring in winter ball. Should be done...forever..
Brandon Hicks2B   
Brian Roberts2BRetirement  
Rickie Weeks2B  Will work for food.
Josh Wilson2BTigersMinor Lg The 33-year old utility infielder will serve as depth in the minors this season.
Donnie Murphy2B/3B   
Emilio Bonifacio2B/OFWhite Sox1 yr, $4MA mutlti-dimensional fielder who has speed to burn. Should serve as insurance for Carlos Sanchez if the rookie fails to impress this spring.
Asdrubal Cabrera2B/SSRays1 yr, $7.5MHe qualifies at two spots and should keep on keeping on as a solid performer 
Daniel Descalso2B/SSRockies2 yr, $3.6MHe'll serve as a utility man this season, but given the health risks for Troy Tulowitzki, he could see some extra playing time.
Stephen Drew2B/SSYankees1 yr, $5MHe can still field, but can he hit any more?
Jed Lowrie2B/SSAstros3 yrs, $23MThe Astros continue with their free agent overhaul. It's a great move for Lowrie as he could see soem real nice RBI opportunities here and gets a favorable hitter's park to call home. As always though, he's a health risk.
Rey Navarro2B/SSOrioles1 yr, undisclosed 
Dean Anna2B/SS/3BCardinals1 yr, undisclosed 
Ramon Santiago2B/SS/3B   
Mike Aviles2B/SS/3B/OFIndians1 yr, $3.5MTribe wisely picks up the option here
Ben Zobrist2B/SS/OFRays1 yr, $7.5MRays pick up the option but are exploring trade possibilities
Clint BarmesSSPadres1 yr, undisclosedHasn't been the same since broken collarbone. Damn you, Todd Helton! Stupid deer meat.
Everth CabreraSS  With all his offseason issues, it might be a while before someone takes a chance on the speedster.
J.J. HardySSOrioles3 yrs, $40MDespite horrendous year plagued by back problems, O's offer three-year extension
Jeff BianchiSS/3BRed SoxMinor LgHe gets an invote to spring training and could earn a roster spot as a utility guy. Not much in the way of fantasy value though.
John McDonaldSS/3BRetirement  
Hanley RamirezSS/3BRed Sox4 yr, $88MFresh start with original team; potential move to LF kills infield eligibility for 2016
Reid Brignac3BMarlins1 yr, minor 
Chase Headley3BYankees4 yr, $52M 
Kevin Kouzmanoff3B  Still working his way back from surgery to repair a herniated disk in his back.
Chris Nelson3BPhillies1 yr, minor 
Jayson Nix3B   
Aramis Ramirez3BBrewers1 yr, $14MBrewers pick up pricey option for more A-Ram at 3B and DL
Pablo Sandoval3BRed Sox5 yr, $95MNew life for Panda but hard to say whether power stroke will return
Ian Stewart3BNationalsMinor lg.The one time uber prospect is nothing but organizational depth at this point.
Jason GiambiDH   
Bobby AbreuOFRetirement  
Zoilo AlmonteOFBraves1 yr, undisclosedFourth outfielder at best, noi matter how many players the Braves trade
Norichika AokiOFGiants1 yr. $4MA traditional Giants signing as a veteran with little to get overly excited about.
Brennan BoeschOFRedsMinor lg.He's had a few nice runs in the bigs, but overall, a bushel of disappointment.
Melky CabreraOFWhite Sox3-yrs, $42MCouldn't get five-year deal out of the Mariners so he took a three-year from the White Sox and gets to stay in a hitter-friendly environment.
Tony CampanaOFWhite Sox1 yr, minor 
Ezequiel CarreraOFBlue JaysMinor LgThe loss of Colby Rasmus could give him a chance to compete for the vacant CF job.
Endy ChavezOF   
Tyler ColvinOF   
Nelson CruzOFMariners4 yrs, $58MIs it worth noting that he's batting .192 in his last 78 at-bats at Safeco?
Chris DenorfiaOFCubs1 yr, $2.6He will be what he always is - a lefty killer. 
Andy DirksOFBlue JaysMinor lgNothing other than organizational depth at this point. 
Cole GillespieOFMarlinsMinor LgHe's a 30-year old journeyman hoping to find work, no matter what level. 
Jonny GomesOF  The Orioles are kicking the tires, like they are said to be doing with seemingly every free agent outfielder. 
Tony Gwynn Jr.OF   
Scott HairstonOF   
Torii HunterOFTwins1 yr, $10.5MBig bucks to come home and retire a Twin
Raul IbanezOFRetirement Most likely outcome seems retirement.
Reed JohnsonOF   
Jason KubelOF   
Ryan LudwickOF   
Nick MarkakisOFBraves4 yrs, $44MPotential offseason neck surgery coming with three-month recovery period
Nyjer MorganOFHanwha Eagles (KBO)1 yr, $700KAt 34-years old it seems unlikely that he's ever back in the majors.
Colby RasmusOFAstros1 yr, $8MFor a write up on his outlook click on this link. .
Nolan ReimoldOF  Teams have apparently offered minor league deals but he's holding out for a big-league contract.
Alex RiosOFRoyals1 yr, $11MWin-win for the Royals. Rios has incentive to play for long-term free agent contract and if/when overrated, enigmatic outfielder doesn't deliver, they're not on the hook for anything beyond 2015. For more see this Around the Horn video.
Nate SchierholtzOF   
Grady SizemoreOFPhillies1 yr, $2MLast year the Red sox saw something. This year it's the Phillies. We don't see it.
Alfonso SorianoOFRetirement Career is over. Was a hell of a fantasy performer for a decade.
Denard SpanOFNationals1 yr, $9MNationals pick up a pricey option for a leadoff man even they aren't enamored with.
Ichiro SuzukiOF  Currently negotiating with the Marlins. 
Yasmany TomasOFDiamondbacks6 yrs, $68.5MThe next big thing out of Cuba and the D-Backs want him to play third base.
Josh WillinghamOFRetirement  
Delmon YoungOFOrioles1 yr, $2.25MHe signs on to primarily DH, but could see some work as a fourth outfielder.
Eric Young Jr.OF   
Chris YoungOFYankees1 yr, $2.5MAnother aging body for the outfield scrap-heap; at least he's not a starting player.
Brett AndersonSPDodgers1 yr, $10MIf he can stay healthy and if he can crack the rotation, there just might be something worth a late-round flier. Of course, the operative word is "if" and it's a big one.
Scott BakerSP  The Rangers could be looking at a reunion. 
Brandon BeachySP  UP to 10 teams said to be interested in his serviced with teh Rangers stepping forward as a potential landing spot.
Josh BeckettSPRetirement  
Chad BillingsleySP   
A.J. BurnettSPPirates1 yr, $8.5MReturns to pitcher-friendly PIT after busted year in Philly
Chris CapuanoSPYankees1 yr, undiscolosedDecided to return to the Yankees rahter than to go overseas. 
Scott CarrollSP   
Wei-Yin ChenSPOrioles1 yr, $4.75MA no-brainer option to pick up after a 3.54 ERA with a 3.89 K/BB over 185.2 innings
Kevin CorreiaSP   
Johnny CuetoSPReds1 yr, $10MNot just a 20-win season but career-bests across the board. A no-brainer option for the Reds 
Gavin FloydSPIndians1 yr, undisclosedThe Tribe will not only take a chance that his rebuilt elbow is properly healed, but they'll also give him a shot to crack the starting rotation.
Jeff FrancisSPBlue Jays1 yr, minor 
Yovani GallardoSPRangers1 yr, $13MNow a Ranger. For more see this report
Jason HammelSPCubs2 yr, $18MCubs get Hammel back after trading him last year. $2M buyout option for 2017.
J.A. HappSPMariners1 yr, $6.7MTOR picked up the option and then dealt him to SEA. Friendlier home park won't be enough.
Aaron HarangSPPhillies1 yr, $5MCouldn;t land multi-year deal so settles for a year of shellacking in hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Ballpark
Dan HarenSPMarlins1 yr, $10MLooks like he will pitch for the Fish, though he still wants to be on the west coast.
Roberto HernandezSP   
Hisashi IwakumaSPMariners1 yr, $7MMariners believe poor second half in 2014 was an aberration and are betting $7M on that.
Josh JohnsonSPPadres1 yr, ~$1MAs always, it's all about health. He's going to need a strong spring and a full season of health to really make even a late-round pick worthwhile..
Kyle KendrickSP  Twins are kicking the tires here as are the Rockies.
Hiroki KurodaSPRetirement Going back to Japan.
John LackeySPCardinals1 yr, $500KCardinals catch a break with cheap option due to clause in Lackey's contract
Jon LesterSPCubs6 yrs, $155MThe market is now setfor the rest of the pitchers. The move to the NL should boost K's with rate stats staying fairly similar. HR allowed might spike with gusty winds at Wrigley..
Colby LewisSPRangers1 yr, $4MNo extension but they settle on short-term deal. Command struggles in 2014 were concerning.
Francisco LirianoSPPirates3 yrs, $39MAccording to Robert Murray, Liriano has agreed to a 3-year, $39 million deal to remain with the Pirates where he was able to turn his career around.
Radhames LizSPPirates2 yrs, $3MPitched well in Korea from 2011-13; 2.95 ERA in 12 minor league starts in 2014
Paul MaholmSP   
Justin MastersonSPRed Sox1 yr, $9MIt's been reported by Buster Olney that the righty has signed a deal with the Red Sox. Bob Nightengale is reporting it's worth $9 million as the righty with the power sinker tries to re-establish his value after an injury wrecked 2014 campaign.
Brandon McCarthySPDodgers4 yrs, $48MTeam flipped Andrew Heaney knowing McCarthy was in the hopper. He makes for one heck of a No. 4 starter and really bolseters the back-end of this rotation.
Kris MedlenSPRoyals2 yrs, $8.5MMedlen isn't expected back from his second Tommy John surgery until the 2nd half of the season. 
Brad MillsSPAthletics1 yr, minor 
Brandon MorrowSPPadres1 yr, undisclosedThe move to the NL and the new home park should help increase his overall value. But the real issue here is health. Unless he can stay healthy, his value remains low and he is a risky proposition.
Felipe PaulinoSP   
Jake PeavySPGiants2 yrs, $24MPosted a sub 2.20 ERA in 12 starts with teh Giants before a rough playoff run. Giants hope they can get another 200 innings out of him.
Wandy RodriguezSPBravesMinor LgThe 35-year old has suffered through numerous injuries these last two years. The Braves will give a look but there's little to be excited about from a fantasy perspective.
Ervin SantanaSPTwins4 yrs, $55MBig pay day for a spike in strikeouts to be attriburted to a move to the NL last year. His numbers have been solid but not spectacular. Target Field should help, but he still seems like a risky play. There is a vesting option that could bring the deal gto 5-years, $68 milloin.
Joe SaundersSP   
Max ScherzerSPNationals7 yrs, $210MScott Boras convinced the Nats to open their wallets and fantasy owners couldn't be happier. Scherzer should excel in Washington. His new ball park plays neutral and that 10.29 K/9 is likely to climb with the move to the NL.
James ShieldsSP  Royals hoping to re-sign, but the Rangers, Giants and Red Sox are said to be in heavy on Shields now that Lester has signed. 
Kevin SloweySPPhilliesMinor LgThe prospects of him making the rotation or even being a potential value in fantasy seem pretty darn slim.
Anthony SwarzakSPIndiansMinor LgAfter 11 years with the Twins, he changes uniforms but stays in the division. Could land roster spot as potential swingman.
Carlos VillanuevaSP   
Ryan VogelsongSP  Negotiations with the Astros seem to be heating up..
Edinson VolquezSPRoyals2 yr, $20MNot going to replace James Shields, but a nice place holder though it's hard to predict him to have as much success in 2015 that he had last season.
Tsuyoshi WadaSPCubs1 yr, $4MStrong Triple-A showing; posted 3.25 ERA with 57 K in 69.1 IP over 13 starts; low risk deal.
Randy WolfSP   
Chris YoungSP   
Mike AdamsRP   
Matt AlbersRP   
Burke BadenhopRP  Blue Jays and Nationals are said to have expressed interest.
Andrew BaileyRPYankeesMinor LgProvided his shoulder has fully recovered, he will get a chance to compete for a spot in the bullpen
Joe BeimelRP   
Ronald BelisarioRP  Nationals, Blue Jays, Rays and Red Sox are said to be interested.
Matt BelisleRPCardinals1 yr, $3.5MTerrible year in COL in 2014 but showed strong command in the past. Cards expect a rebound.
Heath BellRPNationalsMinor LgHe'll compete for a spot in the bullpen, but his days of closing are long gone. So is his fantasy value.
Blaine BoyerRPTwinsMinor LgThe 33-year old will look to prolong his career, but fantasy-wise, there's almost nothing there.
Craig BreslowRPRed Sox1 yr, $2MSlots in as a primary lefty set-up man in Boston
Francisley BuenoRPCubsMinor LgThe 33-year old stands a good chance at cracking the bullpen, though has very limited fantasy upside.
Sean BurnettRP   
Jared BurtonRP   
Juan Carlos OviedoRPRangersMinor LgAfter a mediocre 2014, will try his luck with the Rangers. He won't be closing though, so if he makes the roster, there's not much fantasy value to be had.
Joba ChamberlainRP   
Bruce ChenRP   
Phil CokeRP  It's the 80's all over again as the Mets are sniffing around Coke!
Neal CottsRP   
Jesse CrainRP   
Jose De PaulaRPYankees1 yr, undisclosedThere's little or no value here at this time.
Scott DownsRPIndiansMinor LgEven at 38-years old, the southpaw always seems to find his way into the bullpen. Whether or not he has any fantasy value is another story.
Zach DukeRPWhite Sox3 yrs, $15MImpressive 2014 going 5-1 with a 2.45 ERA in 58.2 IP out of the pen; ChiSox overreaching here
Kyle FarnsworthRP   
Jason FrasorRPRoyals1 yr, $1.8MRewarded for strong work since coming over from TEX. Fits in well in KC pen.
Ernesto FrieriRPRays1 yr, $800KLow-cost/low-risk contract allows them to give Frieri a chance to close again
Kyuji FujikawaRPRangers1 yr, $1MHe has a nice arm but injuries have derailed his progress in North America. 
Tom GorzelannyRPTigers1 yr, ~$1MEnjoyed a strong year with the Brewers in 2014 as a full-time reliever for the first time. Could have some value for holds leagues if he earns a bullpen role.
Luke GregersonRPAstros3yr, $18.5MThough he struggled as a closer, he was solid in usual set-up role. Posted a 2.12 ERA despite K-rate drop with move to AL..
Jason GrilliRPBraves2 yrs, $8MWill compete for primary set-up role and could find himself in mix for saves if he lands a job AND something terrible happens to Craig Kimbrel..
Matt GuerrierRP   
Juan GutierrezRPGiantsMinor LgHe re-signs on a minors deal to stay in the Bay Area. Could earn a bullpen role though he's without any fantasy value.
     
Luke HochevarRPRoyals2 yrs, $10MStill rehabbing from Tommy John surgery but the Royals wanted to lock him up.
David HuffRPDodgersMinor LgReceive invite to spring training and will get a chance to compete for a bullpen spot as a low-leverage middle reliever.
Casey JanssenRP  Latest rumor has the Nationals checking him out.
Jim JohnsonRPBraves1 yr. $1.6MLow-pressure set-up man situation for Johnson could be promising for bullpen.
Michael KohnRPRays1 yr, undisclosedNothing exciting here for fantasy owners.
Wade LeBlancRPSeibu Lions (NPB)1 yr, $1MHe'll try to resurrect his career in Japan, so his fantasy value for this season is zero.
Matt LindstromRP   
Jeff ManshipRPIndiansMinor LgStruggles to keep his ERA down below 5.00 these days. He'll compete for a bullpen role, but fantasy owners won't want anything to do with him.
Nick MassetRPMarlinsMinor LgRe-signed with Marlins on a minors deal to stay with the organization. Could find a job in middle relief.
Daisuke MatsuzakaRPSoftbank Hawks (NPB)UndisclosedHe's had enough of getting pummeled in MLB, so he'll head back to Japan and try to recover what's left of his dignity. 
Jeremy McBrydeRPAngels1 yr, undisclosedFantasy owners need not be concerned here.
Dustin McGowanRP   
Andrew MillerRPYankees4 yrs, $36MLefty set-up role unless Yanks don't sign David Robertston. Possible saves if they don't?
Franklin MoralesRP   
Jason MotteRPCubs1-yr, $4.5Owns a great arm if he's healthy. Will provide a nice insurance plan to Hector Rondon.
Pat NeshekRPAstros2 yrs, $12.5MAstros bolster the pen big time with Luke Gregerson first and now Neshek. Who's getting saves though?
Darren O'DayRPOrioles1 yr, $4.25MRetaining his services after solid year in set-up role
Alexi OgandoRP  Word has it that the medical reports on his elbow don't look to good right now.
Logan OndrusekRPYakult Swallows (NPB)1 yr, $1.2MHe'll look to prolong his bullpen career in Japan. No reason to bother with him anymore. Not that you would have in the first place.
Josh OutmanRPBraves1 yr, $925KHe'll compete for a role in the bullpen, but if succesful, it would be just for low-leverage situations.
Joel PeraltaRPDodgers1 yr, $2.5MRays picked up his option and dealt him to L.A. to set up for Kenley Jansen.
Chris PerezRP   
J.J. PutzRPRetirement Joined the D'backs as a special assistant to Pres/CEO Derrick Hall.
David RobertsonRPWhite Sox4 yr, $46MThe White Sox swooped in and nearly paid the dart throwing righty what he wanted - Jon Papelbon money (4-yr,$50 mil).
Francisco RodriguezRP  Jon Heyman says that the White Sox are one of many teams looking at the righty.
Sergio RomoRPGiants2 yrs, $15MReturns to the only home he has ever known. Was dominant in the second half. 
Sergio SantosRPDodgersMinor LgHe'll compete this spring for a bullpen spot, but health seems to be a chronic issue. He may not even last through the spring.
Joakim SoriaRPTigers1 yr, $7MReady to jump into the competition for the 2015 closer job.
Rafael SorianoRP   
Tim StaufferRPTwins1 yr, $2.2MHe's looking to crack the rotation this spring, but even if he doesn;t, he could end up spot-starting during the year. He's an interesting choice for streaming purposes..
Huston StreetRPAngels1 yr, $7MEasy option to pick up for unheralded, underrated closer.
Joe ThatcherRP   
Koji UeharaRPRed Sox2 yrs, $18MInstead of picking up the option, Sox renegotiated for more reasonable two-year deal.
Jose VerasRP  Says that he's open to returning to the Astros.
Jerome WilliamsRPPhillies1 yr, $2.5MA 2.83 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in nine starts late last year earns him another shot in Philly.
Wesley WrightRPOrioles1 yr, undisclosedHeads back to the AL with a strikeout rate that's been on the decline.
Jamey WrightRP