Boston Red Sox outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida does not fit the team's current roster and "looks like a goner" for next season after another subpar season in 2026, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Yoshida is due $18 million next season. If the Red Sox cannot find a taker via a trade, they could cut him outright after he hit .274/.347/.399 with a .746 OPS, only five home runs, 28 RBI, 34 runs scored, and two stolen bases across 87 games and 297 plate appearances in his fourth year in the majors. The 33-year-old Japanese native battled injuries and has essentially become a designated hitter only, limiting the options he gives Boston in terms of lineup construction. The Red Sox would prefer to get something back for Yoshida, but if they cannot find any takers this offseason, he could be a cut candidate and find himself on the open market. The left-handed hitter makes a lot of contact and has a .280 batting average in his four MLB seasons, but his lack of power and defensive versatility make him a player to ignore in most fantasy baseball leagues going into the 2027 season.

Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said the organization has discussed using infielder Nolan Arenado at first base next season, according to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. On the surface, it seems counterproductive to move a player who has won 10 Gold Glove Awards and six Platinum Gloves off third base, but the D-backs are not talking about a full position switch. "I think it's taken a toll on him physically a little bit," Hazen said. "So we're trying to be mindful of that." In his first year in Arizona in 2026, Arenado had his best season since his 2022 campaign in which he finished third in the National League MVP race. He slashed .255/.331/.475 and had a 122 OPS+ in 152 games while also hitting 30 home runs, driving in 86 runs, scoring 80 runs, and stealing four bases in 533 at-bats. Arenado is open to the possibility of moving across the diamond and said he might go play some winter ball for the first time to get some work in at first base. His bounce-back 2026 was nice, but fantasy managers should not expect the eight-time All-Star to be as productive offensively again in 2027, even if he reduces some wear and tear physically by moving to first base occasionally.

Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Ricky Tiedemann, once one of the most promising starting-pitching prospects in all of baseball, is slated for the bullpen going forward, with the Blue Jays "thinking of him as a reliever," general manager Ross Atkins said, per Sportsnet's Shi Davidi. "I would love for him to somehow do something to change that. But most likely thinking about him as a reliever, could grow into some bulkier outings," Atkins said. The 24-year-old southpaw appeared in five games for Toronto out of the bullpen in 2026 after missing the majority of the previous two seasons after having Tommy John surgery on his left elbow. The former third-rounder's upside was through the roof, but his inability to stay healthy has persuaded the Jays to limit his exposure in a relief role. In his five outings for the Blue Jays this year, he gave up one run while striking out eight and walking six in six innings. His 39.1% strikeout rate in the minors makes him intriguing, but his injury history and limited experience since being drafted in 2021 make him a wild card for fantasy purposes.

Texas Rangers outfielder/designated hitter Joc Pederson turned down his end of a mutual $18.5 million 2027 option, a source told Jesse Rogers of ESPN. Pederson will now become a free agent (without a buyout) after signing a two-year, $37 million deal with the Rangers. The 34-year-old veteran left-handed slugger hit .235 with 26 home runs and 53 RBI in 136 games for Texas in 2026 but did not play after Sept. 12, when he fractured his left wrist when he was hit by a fastball from Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Brandon Pfaadt. It was a nice bounce-back season for Pederson after he hit just .181/.285/.328 with a .614 OPS, only nine home runs, 26 RBI, 28 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 96 games played in his first year with the Rangers in 2025. The two-time All-Star has plenty of pop in his lumber still, but his lack of success against left-handers and his defensive shortcomings as an outfielder will severely limit his value on the open market, with a lockout inevitable on Dec. 1. Pederson might be waiting for a while before finding a new team for the 2027 season.