Pittsburgh Pirates DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

Free-agent right-hander Jake Woodford signed a minor-league deal with the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, according to sources. Woodford had a 4.29 ERA in his four seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals. He also had a 1.37 WHIP, 63 walks and 119 total strikeouts over 80 appearances (18 starts) covering 184 2/3 innings pitched. Woodford became a free agent this offseason when he was non-tendered by St. Louis in November. The 27-year-old had a bloated 6.23 ERA with 22 walks and 29 strikeouts in 47 2/3 innings over 15 appearances (eight starts) in 2023 for the Red Birds. Given the White Sox's rebuilding direction heading into the 2024 season, there's a good chance that Woodford will get opportunities as a starter and reliever at the major-league level this upcoming campaign.

Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz (ankle) is healthy heading into the 2024 season, according to manager Derek Shelton. "He's healthy. He's moving around. That's a really encouraging sign for everybody who's a Pirates fan," Shelton told reporters. The 25-year-old shortstop fractured his left ankle back in April of the '23 season and missed the entire year as a result. It's been a long road to recovery but he's now looking primed for the 2024 campaign. Cruz has as much upside as anyone at the SS position but injuries have plagued him so far early in his career. He has a .237/.302/.449 batting line to go along with 19 home runs, 61 RBI, and 13 stolen bases in 410 plate appearances over three seasons. He's an intriguing fantasy player due to his blend of power and speed but the hype could get out of control if he remains healthy and has a solid spring training.

The Cincinnati Reds signed free-agent left-hander Justin Bruihl to a minor-league deal with an invitation to major-league spring training on Wednesday. Bruihl will provide the Reds with some bullpen depth in 2024 and will be competing for a roster spot in spring training. The 26-year-old southpaw has three years of big-league experience, posting a 4.22 ERA (4.49 FIP) and 1.24 WHIP with one save, 24 walks and 46 strikeouts in 70 1/3 career innings over 72 appearances (two starts) for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies. Bruihl had a 5.46 ERA (4.11 FIP) and 1.39 WHIP with 22 K's in 28 relief innings for the Dodgers and Rockies this past season. He will be nowhere near the fantasy radar this year.