The Toronto Blue Jays have quietly bolstered their pitching depth by signing veteran Ryan Yarbrough to a minor-league deal. This move provides vital insurance for an aging rotation, particularly as injuries have plagued the team's pitching staff in previous seasons. Yarbrough, who posted a stellar 2.01 ERA last year in over 31 innings, is expected to compete for a spot on the roster this spring.

With the starting rotation potentially featuring José Berríos, Kevin Gausman, Max Scherzer, Chris Bassitt, and Bowden Francis, Yarbrough's addition could impact the deployment of Yariel Rodríguez, who may see time as a middle reliever. The Jays have also struggled with depth in their minor leagues, making Yarbrough’s experience crucial as they look to avoid last year's injury woes.

Anthony Santander's departure from the Baltimore Orioles marks a significant shift for the team as he signs a lucrative five-year, $92.5 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. The All-Star outfielder, who had an outstanding 2024 season with career highs in home runs and RBIs, opted for the Blue Jays over a lesser three-year offer from the Orioles. Although Santander expressed regret about leaving, he acknowledged that business decisions influenced his choice.

To fill Santander's void, the Orioles acquired Tyler O'Neill, who had a strong performance last season with 31 home runs and solid defensive skills. O'Neill’s capability to produce power, coupled with his Gold Glove-winning defense, may provide Baltimore with an effective replacement. However, facing Santander multiple times this season adds an intriguing dynamic to the American League East rivalry.

Opting for an AL-only league format can transform your fantasy baseball experience, making drafts feel more intense and high-stakes due to a limited player pool. However, with this excitement comes the risk of missteps that could jeopardize your season. To navigate these waters, cautious selection of hitters is crucial. This article highlights five hitters to avoid in AL-only leagues, providing insights into their potential risks and performance metrics.

Boston Red Sox's Ceddanne Rafaela, with an ADP of 173, presents significant risk due to subpar advanced metrics despite decent counting stats. Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles is also a name to steer clear of, as an influx of talent has diminished his fantasy value significantly. Trevor Story and Anthony Santander, both of the Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays respectively, pose similar concerns with their fluctuating performances. Lastly, while Jose Altuve remains a reliable second baseman, signs of decline may make him less appealing in the upcoming season.

The New York Yankees are finally relaxing their strict grooming policies that had been in place for nearly five decades. Starting in 2025, players will be allowed to sport well-groomed beards, departing from the long-standing ban on facial hair other than mustaches. Owner Hal Steinbrenner stated that after discussions with former and current players, it was time to amend the policy to reflect a more modern approach.

While the decision has been widely welcomed, the Yankees did not address the ongoing restriction against hairstyles that extend past the collar, leading to questions about the inclusivity of their updated rules. Players, fans, and media had increasingly criticized the team for what some viewed as outdated and racially insensitive regulations, particularly in relation to allowing hairstyles such as dreadlocks. The change comes during a time when the Yankees are facing scrutiny due to a prolonged championship drought, prompting the organization to reassess its policies.