It is December and the fantasy baseball offseason is, pardon the pun, in full swing. Proper now, most sports activities followers are devoting nearly all of their consideration to the NFL, NBA and NHL, the place the video games (each actual and fantasy) take heart stage — and understandably so.
So, maybe you are listening to concerning the newest baseball buzz solely in passing, if in any respect. That is completely nice. We’re taking note of what is going on on and are right here to let you already know concerning the high tales of the previous week. Are they one thing you want to file away for draft day or are they more likely to have little influence when all is alleged and carried out?
Learn on and discover out whether or not these breaking developments are really information or in the event that they’re simply noise.
Matt Shaw possible high Chicago Cubs 3B choice
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The Cubs eagerly moved Isaac Paredes within the Kyle Tucker commerce, leaving the group a gap at third base it already is aware of the way it wishes to fill. Nope, it is not going to be Michael Busch or Nico Hoerner, every with expertise on the place. The Cubs dominated out a transfer for each and they’ll stay at first and second base, respectively.
Shaw, the group’s 2023 first spherical pick of Maryland, hit .298 with a .929 OPS over 152 PA at Triple-A Iowa. He’s 23, with energy, pace and plate self-discipline — precisely what fantasy managers prefer to see. Rookies are not often positive issues, however Shaw needs to be within the NL Rookie of the 12 months dialogue straight away, and he warrants a mid-round draft decide.
Fantasy influence: Information
Modest expectations for LHP Shane McClanahan
Fantasy managers often neglect about star hurlers getting back from Tommy John surgical procedure. McClanahan had his second process in August 2023, lacking the 2024 season, however the Tampa Bay Rays group expects him to be prepared for Spring Coaching and in a position to goal roughly 150 innings through the common season.
McClanahan was terrific in 2022, successful 12 video games with a 2.54 ERA and an 0.93 WHIP. He remained stable in 2023, with a 3.29 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. The conservative Rays deal with most pitchers rigorously, however then once more, no Rays hurler reached 160 IP in 2024, and solely RHP Zach Eflin did so in 2023. That is the brand new regular. McClanahan is usually a top-20 hurler once more, even with much less quantity than most aces.
Fantasy influence: Noise
Pittsburgh Pirates give Joey Bart early nod at catcher
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Bart joined the Pirates simply after the beginning of the 2024 season and he went on to hit 13 residence runs over a mere 80 video games and 253 PA. Solely three Pirates hit extra homers. Bart at all times had intriguing energy arising with the San Francisco Giants, however staying wholesome and hitting his weight was an issue. Maybe 2025 is his true breakout season! In spite of everything, Bart not solely hit for energy in Pittsburgh, however his .799 OPS was fairly good for the place.
Bart ranked fifth amongst all catchers (who had a minimum of 250 PA) with a .347 wOBA. We aren’t saying this can be a possible top-10 fantasy catcher, however he has 20-HR energy and the group claims he has nice alternative. He should not be ignored.
Fantasy influence: Information
