Philadelphia Phillies DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

According to Francys Romero, right-handed pitcher Yunior Marte signed a contract worth $1.25 million with the Chunichi Dragons of the NPB. This contract contains incentives worth up to $200,000. Marte initially signed a contract with the Seattle Mariners earlier in the offseason but will opt to play overseas instead. The Dragons paid the Seattle Mariners the release fee for Marte. Marte logged 26 innings with the Philadelphia Phillies last season. Across this stint, Marte posted a 6.92 ERA with a 1.88 WHIP. He struck out 23 batters and allowed 15 walks. In 2023, Marte held a 5.03 ERA with a 1.63 WHIP across 39 1/3 innings of work.

According to the team, the Cleveland Guardians have signed left-handed pitcher Kolby Allard to a minor-league deal that includes an invite to spring training. The 27-year-old logged 27 innings with the Phillies last season and held a 5.00 ERA with a 1.56 WHIP. He struck out just 19.7 percent of the batters he faced. He showed solid command as he posted a 6.8 percent walk rate. In 82 innings of work with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, the southpaw held a 5.38 ERA with a 1.61 WHIP. Across 272 career innings in the majors, Allard has posted a 5.99 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Allard to compete for a depth spot in the Cleveland rotation or bullpen, but he will likely open the season at the Triple-A level, given his struggles in the majors last season.

According to Anne Rogers of MLB.com, the Kansas City Royals will not have "defined" bullpen roles at the start of the season. Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro noted that both Carlos Estevez and Lucas Erceg will have opportunities to close at the start of the season. Earlier this week, the Royals signed Estevez to a two-year contract worth $20.2 million. Last season, the 32-year-old tallied 26 saves with a 2.45 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP across 55 innings. Lucas Erceg operated as the closer down the stretch for Kansas City last season and tallied 14 saves with a 3.36 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. The 29-year-old struck out 72 batters across 61 2/3 innings of work. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their progress during spring training. However, it seems the Royals may opt to use the "hot hand" in the ninth inning, which can hinder both of their fantasy outlooks for the upcoming season.

According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, the New York Mets are designating right-handed pitcher Dylan Covey for assignment. This transaction opened a roster spot for right-handed pitcher Ryne Stanek, who the team officially signed on Thursday. Covey spent most of the 2024 season recovering from a shoulder injury but did finish the season at the Triple-A level. Across 15 frames with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Covey posted a solid 1.20 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. He struck out 16 batters and served up seven walks. In 2023, Covey logged 43 innings at the major leagues to the tune of a 3.77 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Covey to draw some interest on waivers, given his strong conclusion to the 2024 season at Triple-A.

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Kansas City Royals are signing free-agent relief pitcher Carlos Estevez. Estevez has been one of the top relief pitchers on the open market during the offseason and had several suitors. However, the Royals were able to get a deal done. Last season, Estevez opened the 2024 campaign with the Los Angeles Angels before being shipped to the Philadelphia Phillies at the deadline. Across 55 innings, the right-hander posted an impressive 2.45 ERA and 0.91 WHIP. He tallied 50 punchouts and 26 saves with a strong 5.7% walk rate. However, the 32-year-old generated a hefty 10.1% barrel rate and 42.3% hard-hit rate, both well below the average marks, suggesting he may see some regression in 2025. Fantasy managers should expect Estevez to compete for save opportunities alongside Lucas Erceg in the Kansas City bullpen.