Information or Noise? What you might have missed this week in fantasy baseball

It is November 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 middle stage — and understandably so.

So, maybe you are solely listening to concerning the newest baseball buzz in passing, if in any respect. That is completely positive. We’re listening to what is going on on and are right here to let you understand concerning the prime tales of the previous week. Are they one thing you might want to file away for Draft Day or are they more likely to have little affect when all is claimed and performed?

Learn on and discover out whether or not these breaking developments are really information or in the event that they’re simply noise.

Baltimore Orioles alter left discipline fences for 2025

The Orioles did their pitchers a favor getting into the 2022 season once they moved the left discipline fences again additional and better, looking for a extra balanced hitting surroundings. It labored, however maybe too properly. Camden Yards ceased being among the many friendliest locations to hit a baseball, although some questioned if the workforce went too far. This week, the Orioles introduced the fences will likely be moved in — maybe as a lot as 20 ft in some areas — and lowered in top.

Exact adjustments haven’t been made clear. Nonetheless, for Baltimore’s right-handed pull hitters, particularly 1B Ryan Mountcastle (who has misplaced 11 dwelling runs to the adjusted LF fence over the previous three seasons), 3B/1B Coby Mayo and others, this could matter. Mountcastle smacked 33 homers in 2021, however he has averaged solely 18 per season since then. Do not assume he returns to hitting 30 homers and do not make him a top-100 fantasy choose, however do contemplate the adjustments for his ilk — and Orioles pitchers — on draft day.

Fantasy affect: Information

New York Yankees add 2B/3B Caleb Durbin to 40-man roster

Organizations revised their rosters this week to guard eligible minor leaguers from the upcoming Rule 5 draft. Durbin, who hit .312/.427/.548 within the not too long ago accomplished Arizona Fall League whereas compiling a document 29 stolen bases in 24 video games, is a reputation fantasy managers must know. Durbin, 24, was named the AFL’s MVP. The Yankees wish to incorporate his pace and get in touch with abilities and, relying on whom the workforce provides (and loses) from their roster this offseason, Durbin may even see appreciable taking part in time.

Myriad others with statistical upside had been additionally added to MLB 40-man rosters, together with Chicago White Sox SS and prime prospect Colson Montgomery, Colorado Rockies OF Zac Veen, Chicago Cubs OF Owen Caissie, Tampa Bay Rays OF Jake Mangum and Miami Marlins 1B Deyvison De Los Santos.

Fantasy affect: Information

Cincinnati Reds SP Nick Martinez accepts qualifying supply

Martinez turned solely the 14th participant to simply accept a workforce’s qualifying contract supply since baseball’s new guidelines adjusted in 2012. The opposite 13 gamers eligible for the supply this offseason — together with Juan Soto and Alex Bregman — all declined in order that they might negotiate extra profitable, long-term offers. Martinez, the one participant within the group not headed to free company, will earn the common of the league’s prime 125 salaries for 2025, on this case a cool $21.05 million.

It could appear incongruent with how Martinez, 34, carried out in 2024, however maybe fantasy managers ought to look nearer at his September, the place he went 4-1 with a 0.83 ERA over 5 begins as a precursor to a bigger breakout. The Reds clearly are invested. This can be a viable late-round sleeper.

Fantasy affect: Information