According to Tom Withers of the Associated Press, Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Shane Bieber (elbow) is throwing from 90 feet three times per week. Withers noted that Bieber expressed that he is confident but still has "a long way to go." Bieber underwent Tommy John surgery last April and was only able to make two starts last season. Across these 12 frames, the former Cy Young winner held a perfect 0.00 ERA with a stellar 0.92 WHIP. During the 2023 campaign, the right-hander posted a 3.80 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. While this is a great sign to see him progress in his throwing program, fantasy managers should not expect him to return to the major league mound at least a few months into the 2025 campaign. However, if he continues to progress without facing any setbacks, he could be worth targeting in deeper formats as a high-upside stash candidate.

According to Scott Merkin of MLB.com, Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Drew Thorpe is expected to be ready for Spring Training. Thorpe underwent a shoulder operation late in the season to remove a bone spur but is progressing at the typical rate and should be a full-go for Spring Training. This is a great sign for the young starting pitcher, who likely has a good chance to make the Opening Day Roster. Thorpe opened the campaign by getting his second look at Double-A and performed quite well, boasting a 1.35 ERA and 0.87 WHIP across 60 innings of work. Thorpe then got a small taste of the big leagues and held a 5.48 ERA and 1.26 WHIP across 44 1/3 frames. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should monitor his progress during Spring Training, as he could be worth a look as a late flier in drafts this offseason.

The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired pitching prospect Mike Vasil from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for cash considerations. Vasil was selected by the Phillies earlier on Wednesday during the Rule 5 draft from the New York Mets but will now take his talents to Tampa Bay. Vasil has spent his entire professional career with the New York Mets. He spent the past two summers pitching at the Triple-A level. Last season, the right-hander posted a 6.04 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP across 134 innings of work. The previous season, he held a slightly better 5.30 ERA and 1.48 WHIP at Triple-A. Before moving to a new club, Vasil was considered the No.18 prospect in the Mets system on MLB Pipeline. Fantasy managers should expect the 24-year-old to open the season at the Triple-A level once again.

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Cincinnati Reds have checked in on free-agent starting pitcher Nick Pivetta. Sherman also noted that the Reds tried to acquire lefty Garrett Crochet, who was eventually traded to the Boston Red Sox earlier on Wednesday. Last season, Pivetta posted a 4.14 ERA and 1.13 WHIP across 145 2/3 innings of work. He generated an excellent 28.9% strikeout rate and showed great command with a 6.1% walk rate. However, he generated ground balls at a weak 33.4% rate and allowed hard contact at a high 38.9% mark. The Reds have already been active this offseason, acquiring starting pitching, as they've traded for Brady Singer and re-signed Nick Martinez, and adding a high-upside strikeout option in Pivetta would further strengthen this relatively weak rotation.

According to Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pittsburgh Pirates have made starting pitchers Jared Jones and Mitch Keller available for trade at the Winter Meetings. Destin noted Jones is "very available." The Pirates have expressed interest in acquiring some offensive pieces, and moving one of these starting pitchers would put them in a good position to acquire a potent bat. Keller has typically operated as the workhorse in the Pittsburgh rotation, logging over 175 innings in each of the past two seasons. Last summer, Keller posted a 4.25 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. Jared Jones made his major league debut last summer and showed great potential. In his first 121 2/3 big league innings, the young right-hander held a 4.14 ERA and 1.19 WHIP while generating a strong 26.2% K rate. With Paul Skenes looking like a clear ace and Bubba Chandler nearing his major league debut, moving one of these starters could provide Pittsburgh a much-needed spark to their lineup.