Free-agent right-handed reliever Ryne Stanek and the St. Louis Cardinals agreed on an undisclosed major-league contract on Friday, sources familiar with the deal told Robert Murray of FanSided.com. It's a worthwhile low-risk investment for a Cardinals team looking to rebuild its bullpen. The 34-year-old Stanek struggled in 2025 with the New York Mets, posting a bloated 5.30 ERA (4.40 FIP), 1.57 WHIP, three saves, 58 strikeouts, and 32 walks in 56 innings out of the bullpen. The nine-year veteran only has 14 career saves in 458 1/3 career innings, so he probably won't be a closing option to begin the year, especially because of his struggles last year with the Mets. However, St. Louis' closing situation is still up for grabs among Riley O'Brien and JoJo Romero, so Stanek could be involved if he bounces back and proves himself in his new digs. At the very least, Stanek could be worth a league in deeper holds leagues.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have claimed infielder Ryan Fitzgerald off waivers from the Minnesota Twins. Fitzgerald made his MLB debut with the Twins last summer. Through his first 24 games in the big leagues, Fitzgerald posted a .196/.302/.457 line with four home runs and one stolen base. He showed a strong eye at the plate, drawing walks at an elite 13.2% rate and striking out at a 15.2% rate. While he only swiped one bag, Fitzgerald showed above-average speed, placing in the 79th percentile in sprint speed. Through 59 games in Triple-A St. Paul last season, Fitzgerald posted a .277/.367/.469 line with 16 doubles, seven round-trippers, and five stolen bases. Managers should expect Fitzgerald to compete for a depth role on the MLB roster during Spring Training.

According to Matt Gelb and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Philadelphia Phillies have shown interest in Minnesota Twins backup Ryan Jeffers on the trade market. The Phillies are currently in discussions to re-sign catcher J.T. Realmuto, but have been unable to agree on a contract. Additionally, Gelb and Rosenthal noted that they could also look to sign free agent Victor Caratini if they cannot reach an agreement with Realmuto. Jeffers has spent his entire six-year MLB career with the Twins. Last season, Jeffers posted a .266/.356/.397 line with 26 doubles and nine long balls. In 2024, Jeffers hit a career-best 21 home runs. Jeffers could be worth a look in deeper two-catcher leagues if he were to sign in Philadelphia, as he would be joining a deeper lineup, which could boost his counting stats.

Free agent catcher Victor Caratini could be an option for the Philadelphia Phillies, according to Ken Rosenthal and Matt Gelb of The Athletic. The Phillies are currently in discussions to re-sign long-time backup J.T. Realmuto, but if they are unable to reach an agreement, they could look to sign Caratini. Last season, Caratini appeared in 114 games for the Houston Astros and posted a .259/.324/.404 line with 14 doubles, 12 home runs, and one stolen base. Under the hood, he placed in the 59th percentile in xwOBA and xBA. Rosenthal and Gelb noted that if Caratini were to sign with the Phillies, he would likely operate in a timeshare with Rafael Marchan, which would likely limit both of their fantasy values. Caratini projects to be a serviceable low-end C2 in two-catcher leagues in 2026.