The Chicago White Sox have a very high price tag on outfielder Luis Robert Jr. in trade discussions this offseason and don't think they are overreaching, according to a source briefed on their thinking. "I don't think they understand what his value is," an MLB executive said. Chicago isn't asking for multiple prospects but do want a "meaningful piece" in return. The 27-year-old is no doubt physically gifted, but he's played in over 100 games just once in the past four seasons back in 2023, when he clubbed 38 long balls, had an .857 OPS and finished 12th in the American League in MVP voting. But outside of that season, he has struggled to stay healthy and was out from April 6 to June 4 with a hip-flexor strain in 2024. He's guaranteed $15 million in 2025 and has $20 million club options for 2025 and 2026. The shortage of center field options and quality bats has kept interest in Robert high.

The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds are said to be possible trade partners that are interested in acquiring the services of White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet. Talks of the lefty leaving Chicago swirled around the trade deadline last season, but nothing ever came to fruition. The 25-year-old was an All-Star in 2024, posting a 3.02 ERA and 0.95 WHIP prior to the break (107 1/3 IP), but slowed considerably and had his innings limited in the second half, posting a 5.12 ERA and 1.40 WHIP after the break (38 2/3 IP). The strikeout rate remained elite throughout the season, finishing with a 29.6% K-BB% in 32 starts. Both teams have already made attempts to bolster their rotation this offseason, with the Cubs landing LHP Matthew Boyd from the Guardians and the Reds acquiring RHP Brady Singer from the Royals. Provided he can stay healthy and somewhat dependent on his landing spot, Crochet should be one of the top pitchers for fantasy in 2025.

On Tuesday, the St. Louis Cardinals signed outfielder Ryan Vilade to a minor league contract that also includes a non-roster invitation to spring training. The former second-round pick was drafted by the Rockies back in 2017, briefly debuting with the club in 2021. Since then, the 25-year-old spent time at Triple-A in Pittsburgh and Detroit's farm systems, while making 17 major league appearances for the Tigers in 2024. In 442 Triple-A plate appearances last season, the right-handed hitter slashed .278/.346/.449 with 13 home runs and 20 stolen bases. Without a starting role for the Cardinals though, Vilade is off the fantasy radar for now.

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed infielder Michael Stefanic and pitcher Kevin Gowdy to minor-league deals with invitations to spring training. Stefanic has played his entire professional career in the Angels' organization, having a successful minor league career that has yet to translate to the big league level. The 28-year-old has a career .331/.416/.445 slashline in the minors (1749 ABs), however, that line drops to .232/.317/.275 in the majors (233 ABs). Gowdy has yet to make his major league debut despite being drafted in 2016 after Tommy John surgery and the COVID season delayed his advancement. Over his minor league career, the righty owns a 5.18 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, and 270 strikeouts over 305 2/3 IP. Stefanic and Gowdy both figure to provide the Jays organizational depth for now.

Arizona Diamondbacks infield prospect Jordan Lawlar missed most of the 2024 regular season due to injury, collecting only 67 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A. In order to make up for lost time and hopefully make a push for a 2025 roster spot, the club's top prospect (MLB No. 9) is spending time in the Dominican Winter League, getting much-needed at-bats to knock off the rust. While the 22-year-old started off hot, slashing .407/.481/.773 in his first 27 plate appearances, that line now stands at .237/.315/.355 in 108 PA. Importantly, however, he's still shown the pop and speed combination we've been accustomed to seeing from the healthy version of him, with three home runs and eight stolen bases thus far. It's not clear where exactly he would play on the infield at this point, but if he can make the roster next spring, the former sixth-overall draft pick could be an overlooked multi-category fantasy contributor after an unremarkable 2023 debut and lost 2024 season.