Starting pitcher Alex Wood, catcher Kyle Farmer, and outfielders Matt Kemp and Yasiel Puig are trading Dodger blue for the bright kit of the Cincinnati Reds. The trio was traded for Homer Bailey and prospects in what was essentially a salary dump for Los Angeles as they attempt to sign or trade for more superstars. The Dodgers run for that elusive championship has hit a breaking point, and they decided that the aging [...]

Outfielder Michael Brantley inked a two-year, $32 million deal with the Houston Astros, filling a gap in the outfield for the 2017 champions. Brantley had injuries that cut his 2016 and 2017 seasons short, but he came back strong in 2018 to be productive. He also had a .319 batting average and 90 doubles in 2014/2015, showing that he is an impact player when healthy.After playing 101 games in 2016/2017, Brantley played 143 games in 2018. He posted a .309/.364/.468 slash line last season, topping[...]

The Houston Astros officially signed free-agent outfielder Michael Brantley to a two-year, $32 million deal on [...]

The Houston Astros are closing in on free-agent outfielder Michael Brantley, according to sources. Rival executives expect the deal to be for two years and around $32 million. If Houston is unable to trade Josh Reddick, a Brantley addition will make it tougher for outfield prospect Kyle Tucker to make a big impact in his rookie season. Brantley can be used in left field, at designated hitter and at first base, although he's never played first base in the big leagues. The 31-year-old managed to s[...]

The Houston Astros are interested in free-agent outfielder Michael Brantley, according to sources. The team wants to add a left-handed bat, but they are wary of blocking outfield prospect Kyle Tucker in the long term. Tucker doesn't have much left to prove down on the farm, but Brantley will surely land a multi-year deal in free agency after he stayed healthy for once in 2018. Brantley is an injury concern but would bring a nice element to an already strong 'Stros lineup. The left-handed hitter [...]

Outfield prospects are fascinating right now, as with the graduation of Ronald Acuna and Juan Soto, there are new names near the top of the rankings. Also, the current crop of players is easy to dream on for fantasy owners. The tools are there, but still, some questions remain about how those play out. There has been a run on prep bats recently high in the amateur draft, which means that the names appearing below fit into that profile. Tools are not roto points, but it's fun to think about what [...]

The representatives for free-agent outfielder Michael Brantley are telling teams that he is willing and able to play first base for the first time in his big league career. Teams aren't looking at Brantley as a full-time first baseman, but those that are interested are aware of his versatility. He played 53 games at first base in the minors from 2007 to 2008. Brantley managed to stay healthy in 2018 and played in 143 games, hitting a very respectable .309/.364/.468 with 17 home runs, 76 RBI, 89[...]

Cleveland Indians outfielder Michael Brantley, who hit .309 (.832 OPS) with 17 homers and 76 RBI this year, is a pending free agent. The Indians must decide if they'll extend an $18 million qualifying offer. There are whispers that he might get a three-year deal in the $45 million range on the open market, so he's unlikely to be re-signed by the Indians for multiple seasons. The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Terry Pluto guesses that the Tribe would move Jason Kipnis to left field if Brantley goes e[...]

Cleveland Indians outfielder Michael Brantley (calf) was removed from the game early as a precaution on Tuesday with a bruised right calf due to a foul ball. Brantley doubled, scored a run and walked in three plate appearances before he exited the game. The left-handed hitting outfielder has had a very solid season for the Tribe this year while staying healthy. He's hit a solid .309/.364/.473 with 17 home runs, 87 runs scored, 75 RBI and 11 stolen bases. Brantley will be a big part of the team's[...]

Cleveland Indians outfielder Michael Brantley (foot) wasn't in the lineup on Thursday after fouling a ball off the top of his left foot in the third inning on [...]