The Pittsburgh Pirates and outfielder Oneil Cruz have avoided arbitration and settled on a one-year, $3.3 million contract. After a promising 2024 season in which Cruz held a .259/.324/.449 line with 21 home runs and 22 stolen bases, the 27-year-old took a significant step back in 2025. Last summer, Cruz saw his batting average drop to .200, and he hit just 20 home runs. However, he did flash even higher speed potential, swiping a career-best 38 bags. While he continued to hit the ball hard, as evident in his 17.9% barrel rate and 56.6% hard-hit rate, he was unable to make consistent contact. Cruz placed in the second percentile in K% (32.0%) and the third percentile in whiff rate (34.0%). While managers in standard leagues may target him for his speed production, they should construct their roster accordingly, as he is projected to remain a low batting average contributor in 2026.

According to Ari Alexander of 7News, the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a one-year, $11 million contract with left-handed starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo. Luzardo enjoyed an impressive debut season in Philadelphia after spending the first six of his MLB seasons in Oakland and Miami. With the Phillies, Luzardo made a high 32 stats and posted a 3.92 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP. Through 183 2/3 innings of work, Luzardo struck out 216 batters, which marked a career high. However, the 28-year-old generated an above-average 3.36 xERA with a .230 xBA, suggesting his production could take another step forward in 2026. Managers should expect Luzardo to open the season as a key part of the starting rotation with Zack Wheeler's status in doubt and carry high-end SP3 upside.

Relief pitcher Dennis Santana has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates to avoid arbitration. Santana made his debut with the Pirates in 2024 after stints with the Yankees, Mets, Rangers, and Dodgers. During his first stint in Pittsburgh, the right-hander looked quite comfortable, posting a 2.44 ERA with 0.92 WHIP across 44 1/3 innings of work. In 2025, Santana continued to pitch at a high level, turning in his best season as a major-league pitcher, logging 70 1/3 innings with a 2.18 ERA and a stellar 0.70 WHIP. He struck out just 60 hitters but showed above-average command, allowing walks at a 6.3% rate. He tallied 16 saves and appears to remain the primary ninth-inning option in 2026. While his strikeout numbers may remain low, Santana is a safe bet for double-digit saves and high-end ratios in the upcoming season.

The Colorado Rockies and outfielder Mickey Moniak have agreed to a one-year $4 million contract to avoid arbitration. The former first overall pick enjoyed a resurgent campaign in Colorado last summer and appears slated for an everyday role once again in 2026. Last summer, through 135 games with the Rockies, Moniak posted a .270/.306/.518 line with 20 doubles, 24 home runs, and nine stolen bases. Under the hood, the 26-year-old generated a solid .339 xwOBA with an elite .491 xSLG. However, his value does take a hit in points leagues, given the high 23.9% K% and 28.2% whiff rate he held. Last season, Moniak operated as the primary leadoff man against right-handed pitching but was mostly kept on the bench when facing a southpaw. Moniak is an intriguing late-round pick in five-outfielder formats when looking for a depth option with some power upside.