Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Devin Williams is headed for a second opinion on his ailing back. The club's closer will see a spine specialist this week but the club isn't overly concerned about the issue as they are being cautious with the issue. The 29-year-old took over full-time closing duties in the 2023 season, working to an eye-popping 1.53 ERA alongside a 25.5% K-BB% across 58 2/3 frames a season ago. The righty had previously served as the Brewers' setup man for Josh Hader before the latter was dealt to the San Diego Padres prior to the trade deadline in the 2022 season. He recorded 36 saves last season for the division-winning Brewers and is a high-end closer ahead of the 2024 campaign. If healthy, he is worth an investment at his 47.59 ADP as one of the better strikeout artists at the closer position while Joel Payamps or Trevor Megill should be in line for save opportunities if Williams misses some time to begin the season.

Baltimore Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday clubbed a grand small as part of his team's 6-6 tie against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. The deep drive to right field was the first home run of Holliday's Grapefruit League action but he has enjoyed a nice start to his spring. The top prospect in baseball is now hitting .286 (8-for-28) with one homer, one stolen base, and five RBI across 29 plate appearances, good for a .917 OPS in that time. The former first-overall pick spent time in four different minor-league levels in the 2023 season, combining to hit .323 with 12 home runs, 24 stolen bases, and a .941 OPS across 125 games played. He could open the season as the Orioles' starting second baseman as part of a loaded and young infield group in Baltimore.

Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz had a big day at the plate on Sunday in a Grapefruit League game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The 25-year-old went 2-for-4 with a pair of home runs and four RBI, continuing what has been a big spring for the young infielder. Cruz is now hitting .278 with three homers, one stolen base, and a 1.187 OPS across 22 plate appearances this spring. Limited to just nine games last season due a broken ankle suffered in just his ninth game of the season in 2023, Cruz has hit .237 with 19 home runs, 13 stolen bases, and a .751 OPS across his first 410 plate appearances in the big leagues. He owns an appetizing combination of power and speed that fantasy managers should covet in drafts this spring.

Seattle Mariners right-hander Jackson Kowar is set to undergo Tommy John surgery after feeling soreness in his right arm. The 27-year-old went to see a doctor to check on his arm issues a few days ago and the end result concludes his 2024 season before it began. Acquired in a trade with the Braves this winter, Kowar struggled to a 6.43 ERA across 23 outings with the Royals in the 2023 season while also posting a 5.96 ERA in 45 1/3 frames at the Triple-A level. A 2018 Competitive Balance first-round pick, Kowar is likely to miss a decent chunk of the 2025 season, as well.

The Miami Marlins have signed reliever Mychal Givens to a minor-league deal. The veteran right-hander spent the 2023 season with the Orioles but appeared in just six games, posting a 11.25 ERA in that time. Much of his nine-year career has been spent with Baltimore but Givens has also appeared with the Rockies, Reds, Cubs, and Mets. He has been an effective reliever in his career as he sports a 3.47 ERA across 425 appearances, posting a 3.38 ERA across 59 outings as recently as the 2022 season. He could very well lock down a role with the Fish in the 2024 season but won't be in the mix for saves behind closer Tanner Scott in the 2024 campaign.