Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (ankle) underwent surgery on his right ankle, according to the team. This procedure will remove loose bodies from the ankle area. Freeman was a crucial part of the Dodgers' World Series run as he was named World Series MVP but played through this ankle injury in the process. However, it is a great sign to see that the 35-year-old should be expected to be ready by Spring Training following the surgery. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during the offseason in case he faces a setback during his recovery. While he did see a slight drop in production this past summer, Freeman still posted a solid 282/.378/.476 line with 22 home runs and nine stole bases. Under the hood, he boasted an impressive .287 xBA and .367 xwOBA, which were both well above the average marks. Freeman should still be viewed as a top option at first base heading into the 2025 season.

According to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger's trade market is heating up. Levine notes that since the Cubs have a surplus of outfield bats, this could open the door for the Cubs to shop Bellinger at the Winter Meetings. Currently, on their roster, the Cubs have multiple outfielders who are already established at the major league level, such as Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki, and several young outfield prospects, including Pete Crow-Armstrong, Owen Caissie, and Kevin Alcantara. Crow-Armstrong flashed a high upside late last summer as he posted a stellar .314 AVG in August with five doubles, four home runs, and six stolen bases. Bellinger was still very productive last season, holding a solid .266/.325/.426 slash line. However, with their top outfield prospect, Owen Caissie, knocking on the big league door, the Cubs may use this as an opportunity to trade Bellinger to find a player to improve another position on their roster. If Bellinger is moved out of the Northside, Caissie is a name to keep a close eye on during Spring Training as he could be a high-upside pick in late in drafts.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman is open to moving to shortstop if the Giants sign free-agent infielder Ha-Seong Kim. Chapman has spent the vast majority of his professional career playing at the hot corner, as he has logged just four starts at shortstop since 2020. However, given his elite defensive ability, the 31-year-old should not have much trouble adjusting to the 6. Kim declined his mutual option with the San Diego Padres earlier in the offseason and is expected to miss at least the first month of the 2025 campaign due to shoulder surgery he underwent in October. With the Giants losing lefty Blake Snell in free agency to the Los Angeles Dodgers, they do have some salary flexibility, and seeing that Chapman is willing to switch positions could entice several infield free agents to consider signing in San Francisco. Chapman enjoyed a nice bounce-back campaign in 2024, hitting 27 long balls, a nice increase from the 17 he hit in 2023, and could enjoy a boost in his counting stats if San Francisco adds another infielder to their lineup.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds is expected to see time at first base in 2025. While this will likely only be in a part-time role, this is a situation worth monitoring as it could provide Reynolds even more at-bats throughout the season. Rosenthal also noted that given Pittsburgh's offensive struggles last season, they would "ideally" like to add a first baseman and another corner outfielder. Last season, the 29-year-old posted a strong .275/.344/.427 line with 24 home runs and ten stolen bases. Reynolds enjoyed an impressive stretch during June and July when he held a stellar .328/.389/.566 slash line. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor who the Pirates bring in during free agency but should expect Reynolds to continue to serve as a staple in the starting nine in 2025.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, before signing Luis Severino, the Athletics made a "big offer" to free-agent starting pitcher Sean Manaea in hopes of bringing him back to his first MLB club. However, given the Athletics agreed on a hefty $67 million contract with Severino, Manaea will likely not return to his first home in 2025. This suggests that Manaea could be in store for a sizeable contract during free agency after posting a strong 3.47 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP in Queens. During the second half of the season, Manaea held a stellar 0.94 WHIP. Under the hood, he boasted an above-average .277 xBA and 24.9% strikeout rate. Manaea is worth monitoring in free agency, as he should be a viable third or fourth starter during the 2025 campaign.