Free-agent outfielder/designated hitter Christopher Morel agreed to an undisclosed one-year deal with the Miami Marlins on Friday, according to Christina De Nicola of MLB.com. The Marlins are in desperate need of a first baseman, and it appears the Fish plan to play him there in 2026 despite his lack of experience at the position. The 26-year-old right-handed slugger has plenty of pop from the right side, but he swings and misses far too often. He opened eyes with 26 home runs and an .821 OPS with the Chicago Cubs in 2023, but he has struggled to replicate those numbers over the last two seasons. In 2025 with the Tampa Bay Rays, Morel hit just .219/.289/.396 with a .684 OPS, 11 homers, 33 RBI, 37 runs, seven steals, and 109 strikeouts in 305 plate appearances. If the Marlins can somehow get him to make more contact, Morel will be relevant in all fantasy leagues for his power.

Third baseman Maikel Garcia and the Kansas City Royals are finalizing a five-year contract extension on Friday that includes a club option for a sixth year, sources tell Jeff Passan of ESPN. The 25-year-old won a Gold Glove in 2025 at the hot corner and will stay on the left side of KC's infield with All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. for years to come. According to MLB.com's Anne Rogers, the deal is worth a guaranteed $57.5 million and can reach $85 million if he hits his escalators and his option is exercised. Garcia was eligible for salary arbitration for the first time this year as a Super 2 qualifier, but this deal will cover all of his arbitration years and one year of free agency. After swiping 37 bases in 2024, Garcia broke out with the bat in 2025, slashing .286/.351/.449 with 16 homers, 23 steals, 74 RBI, and 81 runs in 160 games. Garcia improved his strikeout and walk rates, launched the ball more, and hit the ball harder. His power/speed combo makes him an attractive target in fantasy once the high-end names come off the board.

Free-agent right-hander Colin Holderman has agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Cleveland Guardians, according to Robert Murray of FanSided. Holderman, 30, has a career 4.13 ERA with a 22.2% strikeout rate and a 1.40 WHIP across 161 1/3 innings. He endured a difficult 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, posting a career-worst 7.01 ERA while dealing with multiple injuries. For Cleveland, Holderman is expected to serve primarily as extra bullpen depth, and for now, he carries no fantasy relevance.

The Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox met with first baseman Pete Alonso at the Winter Meetings before he ultimately signed his five-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post. While details of the discussions remain unclear, it's noteworthy that the Cubs sat down with the 31-year-old slugger. Chicago's current first baseman, Michael Busch, is coming off a career year in which he slashed .261/.343/.523 with 34 home runs, 90 RBI, 78 runs, and four stolen bases, good for a 140 wRC+. The one notable concern is his performance against left-handed pitching. Busch hit just .207 against southpaws last season and struck out 26 times in 95 plate appearances, raising the possibility that the Cubs may view him as a long-term platoon option. For fantasy managers, Busch's usage against same-handed pitching is something worth monitoring moving forward.