The Chicago Cubs have signed right-handed pitcher Tyler Beede to a minor-league contract with an invite to Spring Training. Beede pitched briefly in Triple-A with the Minnesota Twins last season. He was released by the organization after posting an 8.00 ERA. 2.33 WHIP, and a 7/9 K/BB ratio across seven games. Beede hasn't pitched in the MLB since the 2024 season with the Cleveland Guardians. He registered an 8.36 ERA in 13 appearances with them. The 32-year-old is a former first-round pick who has never been able to put it together at the big league level. He'll likely serve as organizational depth and head to Triple-A Iowa to begin 2026.

The Cincinnati Reds have reached an agreement with free-agent relief pitcher Pierce Johnson. According to Jon Heyman, the two sides have agreed on a deal, but the details are unknown right now. Last season, Johnson posted a 3.05 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and a 59/19 K/BB ratio across 65 games with the Atlanta Braves. A solid pickup for the Reds as Johnson has posted strong numbers over the last few seasons. The expectation is that Johnson is going to be used as a late-inning option. He'll most likely be used as a setup pitcher, which won't offer much value in most fantasy formats.

The New York Yankees have remained in contract discussions with top free-agent outfielder Kyle Tucker, according to Buster Olney of ESPN.com. Earlier this weekend, sources reported that the Yankees and outfielder Cody Bellinger had their contract talks stall and that the Yankees have begun to shift toward the final stages of free agency, assuming Bellinger will sign elsewhere. As a result, they have continued discussions with the other top available outfielder. Tucker spent the 2025 campaign with the Cubs and finished the season with a .266/.377/.464 line, 22 home runs, and 25 stolen bases. He enjoyed a hot start but saw a calf injury linger during the second half, which hindered his upside. However, his .372 xwOBA suggests he could return to his MVP-level play in 2206. The 28-year-old would see his fantasy value skyrocket if he were to join the Yankees, as his left-handed swing would greatly benefit from playing in the Bronx.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta remains a top option for the Yankees if they were looking to bolster their rotation. The Yankees were heavily linked to Marlins right-hander Edward Cabrera before he was dealt to the Chicago Cubs earlier in the week. However, Heyman noted that despite coming up short in that bidding war, the Yankees remain interested in Peralta and Nationals southpaw MacKenzie Gore. Last summer, Peralta turned in his best season as a major leaguer, serving as the ace for the NL Central-winning Brewers. Across a career-high 176 2/3 innings, Peralta posted a 2.70 ERA with a stellar 1.08 WHIP. He struck out 204 hitters but struggled with his command, allowing walks at a modest 9.1% rate. Peralta carries high-end SP3 upside heading into the 2026 season.