Detroit Tigers placed outfielder Matt Vierling on the injured list due to shoulder inflammation just four days after rejoining the team, and reinstated Wenceel Pérez to start in center field. Vierling, who had recently returned from a shoulder injury, reported soreness and is undergoing further tests, while Pérez, returning from spring training injury, is expected to contribute in the outfield. The team remains strong despite multiple injuries, thanks to their versatility and depth.
The Chicago Cubs have acquired Kyle Tucker, a star outfielder, from the Houston Astros, creating a surplus of outfielders including Seiya Suzuki, Cody Bellinger, Ian Happ, and Pete Crow-Armstrong. Tucker is expected to play right field and bat in the top or middle of the lineup. The trade may prompt the Cubs to move either Suzuki or Bellinger to balance the roster and finances. Additionally, the departure of Isaac Paredes to Houston opens up third base for Matt Shaw, a promising prospect, to potentially secure a starting role in 2025.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to terms with outfielder Michael Conforto, though the deal is not yet finalized. Conforto, a left-handed hitter, addresses the Dodgers' need for left-side outfield production, which was lacking in 2024. Despite this addition, the Dodgers are still expected to pursue other outfielders, including Teoscar Hernández. Conforto's performance has been stronger on the road, and his signing is seen as a strategic move to bolster the team's lineup against right-handed pitchers.
The San Francisco Giants had a limited number of picks on Day 2 of the MLB Draft due to penalties but made a significant selection with outfielder Dakota Jordan in the fourth round, a player known for his exceptional power. The Giants focused on drafting college players, particularly outfielders with power potential, to replenish their Minor League depth. The draft concludes with rounds 11-20, where the Giants hope to find more impact players.
On the second day of the 2024 MLB Draft, the White Sox focused on selecting college players, particularly outfielders, after using their first-round pick on Arkansas ace Hagen Smith and subsequent picks on high school players. Notable selections include Nick McLain from Arizona State, Casey Saucke from Virginia, and Sam Antonacci from Coastal Carolina. The team is expected to sign most of their Day 3 picks for more than several Day 2 selections due to bonus pool strategies.
The Chicago Cubs are recalling top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong from Triple-A Iowa to add depth and improve their outfield defense. Despite his impressive performance in the minors, Crow-Armstrong will need to earn his playing time amidst a crowded outfield lineup. Manager Craig Counsell plans to mix and match players to find the best lineup combinations, with Crow-Armstrong primarily playing center field. The Cubs hope his return will provide a much-needed spark as they struggle with a 10-16 record in May.
Ronald Acuna Jr., the Atlanta Braves' star outfielder and reigning National League MVP, has suffered a season-ending ACL injury. Fantasy baseball managers looking to replace his production can consider picking up outfielders like Max Kepler, Kerry Carpenter, Luis Matos, JJ Bleday, and David Fry, among others, who have shown potential this season. The Braves may adjust their lineup by giving more playing time to Jarred Kelenic and Adam Duvall.
With Ronald Acuña Jr. out for the season, Dalton Del Don highlights top outfield options on the fantasy baseball waiver wire, including Jake Meyers, Dylan Moore, Tommy Pham, Alec Burleson, and Patrick Bailey. These players offer strong potential in various categories such as power, speed, and batting average, making them valuable additions for fantasy managers.
Fantasy baseball analyst Dalton Del Don identifies eight potential draft busts from the outfield for the 2024 season, including players like Luis Robert Jr., Mike Trout, Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, Nolan Jones, Brandon Nimmo, Kyle Schwarber, and Lane Thomas, citing concerns about health, declining performance, and unsustainable statistical outliers.
The Minnesota Twins acquired outfielder Manuel Margot from the Dodgers, along with a low-minors infield prospect and cash, in exchange for shortstop prospect Noah Miller. Margot, owed $10 million for this season, provides the Twins with right-handed bat insurance for Byron Buxton in center field and a veteran right-handed bat capable of platooning with left-handed hitters in the outfield corners. The trade fills the last major gap in the Twins' roster, and president of baseball operations Derek Falvey indicated that more big-league additions are unlikely before Opening Day.
As the 2024 fantasy baseball season approaches, outfielders like Parker Meadows, Leody Taveras, Matt Wallner, Mitch Haniger, and Jake Fraley are identified as potential sleepers who could provide value in the later rounds of drafts. These players offer a mix of power, speed, and potential for solid production, making them intriguing options for fantasy managers looking to bolster their outfield roster. With careful consideration of their ADP rankings and performance metrics, these outfielders could surprise and contribute significantly to fantasy teams in the upcoming season.
D1Baseball has released a list of the top 500 college baseball players to watch for the 2024 season, categorized by position. The list includes the top 100 starting pitchers, top 50 relief pitchers, top 100 outfielders, and top players in other positions, providing fans with a comprehensive guide to the upcoming season.
The Red Sox are currently carrying 64 players on their roster, with the latest addition being veteran lefthander Lucas Luetge. The article provides a projection of the 26-man roster for Opening Day, including the rotation, bullpen, catchers, outfielders, and infielders, with analysis on the potential lineup and competition for spots. Notable mentions include the competition for the final spot in the rotation and the lack of a backup at first base.
Jurickson Profar and the Padres have agreed to a one-year deal worth $1MM, with the potential to earn an additional $1.5MM in incentives based on plate appearances. The move addresses the Padres' need for outfielders and helps cut payroll, but they still have room for more additions before the season starts. Profar's career has been inconsistent, and the Padres hope he can provide stability in their outfield while they continue to explore other options in free agency and trades.
Orioles outfielders Austin Hays and Jacob Webb win arbitration cases, while Ryan O'Hearn awaits his 2024 salary decision; Hays expresses interest in a long-term extension, sparking discussions about player extensions amidst the team's young talent; the Orioles face decisions on veteran outfielders approaching free agency as promising prospects emerge, with Hays, Santander, and Mullins all set to hit free agency within the next two years; the team's position preview highlights the impending transition from veteran outfielders to a younger wave of talent, while off-field issues arise over the sale of the team and a potential stadium sponsor.
