Eric Karabell, ESPN senior writer
It's January and, pardon the pun, the fantasy baseball offseason is in full swing. Most sports fans are understandably focusing most of their attention on the NFL, NBA, and NHL these days, with these games (whether real or fantasy) taking center stage.
Maybe you just happened to hear the latest baseball news, if any. That's totally fine. We're following what's happening and keeping you up to date on the top stories from the past week. Are they something you need to file away on draft day or are they likely to have little impact when all is said and done?
Read on to find out whether these big developments are real news or just noise.
Josh Jung undergoes wrist surgery in offseason
The Texas Rangers third baseman hit .266 with 23 homers and 75 runs in 515 games as a 2023 rookie, but his 2024 season was cut short in the first week of the season with a broken wrist. Interrupt. When Jung returned four months later, he was struggling with his hitting. Jung told reporters that offseason surgery to repair an irritated tendon worked and he is swinging the bat and is healthy enough to participate in spring training.
A healthy Jung has clear power potential, and despite his below-average plate discipline, fantasy managers should remain optimistic. If he performs well in March, consider moving him up (if you do rank him).
Fantasy Impact: Potential News
Jeff Hoffman failed multiple physicals
Hoffman signed a three-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, and his path to finishing in a depleted bullpen appears clear. This would make him extremely valuable to fantasy managers. However, with recent reports that Huffman's throwing shoulder caused two clubs (Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles) to rescind contract offers, maybe Huffman's value isn't all that great.
Hoffman saved 10 games for the 2024 Philadelphia Phillies, avoiding the injured list in two seasons with Philadelphia. Maybe the Blue Jays see no reason to worry. Fantasy managers may want to move Hoffman down a few spots in the rankings, but they shouldn't assume that an injury is imminent.
Fantasy effects: mostly noise
Red Sox prepare outfield for Masataka Yoshida, David Hamilton
The current 2025 Boston Red Sox outfield program will consist of a surprisingly strong RF platoon of Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Wilyer Abreu/Rob Refsnyder. However, manager Alex Cora would prefer more versatility. Yoshida played 87 games in left field in 2023 (although he struggled) and just one inning (in an emergency) last season. Hamilton serves as the middle infield in 2024, but Trevor Story and Vaughn Grissom are expected to be in the middle infield in 2025.
Regardless, any additional qualifications are a good thing. Yoshida currently only works as a DH. It certainly wouldn't hurt if both he and Hamilton added OF eligibility during the season. It could also be a sign that the Red Sox intend to be more patient with top prospects Roman Anthony and Christian Campbell, which is a bigger deal.
Fantasy Impact: Present Noise