Surgery Not on the Table for Shohei Ohtani, Expected to Pitch in 2027 0mLink copied!

Oct 21, 2026, 9:35 PM ET

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (rib) has a follow-up exam scheduled with Dr. Gregory Pearl regarding the rib injury that sidelined him for most of the 2026 season, general manager Brian Cashman told Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. "We feel like we're in a good place. He can take advantage of the rest of the winter and be ready to go when Spring Training starts," Cashman said. The three-time MVP missed over three months during the regular season due to a stress fracture in his ribs, and then he missed the end of the regular season due to a calf injury that also kept him out of the postseason. It was surely a disappointing season for Judge's fantasy managers, but he should go into spring training in 2027 with a clean bill of health as he looks to bounce back and prove that he is still one of the best power hitters in baseball. The 34-year-old veteran, eight-time All-Star, and five-time Silver Slugger winner only had 237 at-bats in 2026 and hit .241/.360/.511 with an .871 OPS, 18 home runs, 41 RBI, 45 runs scored, and five stolen bases. It was the first time Judge did not have over 30 home runs in a season since the COVID-shortened campaign in 2020.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch

Oct 21, 2026, 9:30 PM ET

Milwaukee Brewers veteran right-hander Brandon Woodruff (shoulder) is unlikely to return to the team's World Series roster, in part because of a rule that could prevent the Brewers from replacing him if he is injured again, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. MLB rules state that a player on a playoff roster can be replaced only if he suffers an acute, non-chronic injury. According to club officials, Milwaukee fears that any injury Woodruff suffers might be viewed as recurring or pre-existing after he missed most of the 2026 season with right-shoulder issues. The 33-year-old last pitched on July 4, and two weeks after that, Woodruff announced that he would undergo season-ending surgery to fix the capsule in his right shoulder. Later in August, Woodruff changed course and avoided surgery, leaving him as a potential option later in the year. He was scheduled to face hitters on Tuesday for the first time since his injury, but even if that went smoothly, it does not sound like Woodruff will be added to the World Series roster.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal

Oct 21, 2026, 9:20 PM ET

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing (elbow) was scheduled to have right-elbow surgery on Wednesday, sources told Maddie Lee of The Los Angeles Times. The procedure is expected to be a hybrid internal-brace surgery, and the expected timeline to return to catching full time is nine months, with a return to hitting well before then. A partial UCL tear of his right elbow, which was diagnosed in early August, was the reason why Rushing only saw 11 plate appearances in the final two months of the regular season. He will not be able to serve as a catcher for the Dodgers for the entire first half of the 2027 season, although he could still be used as a designated hitter if he is cleared before he can return to catching duties. The reality is that fantasy managers probably will not be able to use Rushing until after the All-Star break in mid-July. The 25-year-old left-handed-hitting backstop played in 80 games in his second MLB season with the Blue and slashed .246/.328/.469 with a .788 OPS, 12 home runs, 36 RBI, and 37 runs scored in 253 plate appearances as the backup to Will Smith.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Los Angeles Times - Maddie Lee

Oct 21, 2026, 9:13 PM ET

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that he agreed to a new contract with the team, with a deal pending final language, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. "We're locked and loaded," Cashman said. The 59-year-old will continue in the job that he has held since 1998. The Yankees have won four World Series championships and 15 American League East titles under Cashman, but they have reached the World Series just once (2024) since winning their 27th title in 2009. The 17-year drought is the second-longest in franchise history, and the team's 13 straight playoff appearances without a World Series title is tied for the fourth-longest streak in MLB postseason history. The Yankees went 93-68 in 2026 -- the team's third straight 90-win season -- but they were swept in the American League Division Series by the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays after taking two from the division-rival Boston Red Sox to win the Wild-Card Series. Manager Aaron Boone will also return as the skipper of the Bronx Bombers in 2027.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch

Oct 20, 2026, 9:58 PM ET

New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. is "less likely to receive the qualifying offer" this upcoming offseason, per Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. Chisholm Jr. had an underwhelming season in 2026 for New York, hitting .231/.312/.399 with 19 home runs, 55 RBI, 69 runs scored, and 41 stolen bases across 532 plate appearances. Still, the 28-year-old profiles as one of the better position players in this winter's free agent class, and his power/speed profile makes him a very appealing option for fantasy managers. If Chisholm Jr. receives the qualifying offer from the Yankees, he could look to accept in hopes of putting together a better platform year in 2027. If he does not, it could signal the end of his time in New York.--Will Brady
Source: The Athletic - Chris Kirschner

Oct 20, 2026, 9:39 PM ET

Following his team's ALCS loss to the Tampa Bay Rays, Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges said that he wants to return to Cleveland for the 2027 season, per Mason Horodyski of News 5 Cleveland. Hedges has long been regarded as one of the better defensive catchers in baseball, but he's now entering free agency coming off his best offensive season since the early portion of his career. Across 247 plate appearances in 2026, the 34-year-old hit .247/.325/.377 with six home runs, 25 RBI, 25 runs scored, and one stolen base. Regardless of where Hedges signs in 2027, he's unlikely to provide fantasy-relevant production. However, if Hedges returns to Cleveland, his presence could put a ceiling on the playing time of fellow Guardians catcher Patrick Bailey.--Will Brady
Source: News 5 Cleveland - Mason Horodyski

Oct 20, 2026, 9:23 PM ET

Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Richie Palacios came through for his team in their 7-3 ALCS Game 6 win over the Cleveland Guardians on Monday, opening the scoring with a two-run double in the second inning. Palacios finished the night with two hits and two RBI in four plate appearances. The 29-year-old was a modest contributor for Tampa Bay in the regular season, hitting .235/.330/.374 with 10 home runs, 57 RBI, 51 runs scored, and 17 stolen bases across 399 plate appearances. However, Palacios has been a major difference-maker for the Rays in the playoffs so far, hitting .364 with three extra-base hits and four RBI across 22 trips to the plate. The lefty-swinging Palacios will likely feature heavily in the World Series against the right-handed pitchers of the Milwaukee Brewers.--Will Brady
Source: ESPN.com

Oct 20, 2026, 9:12 PM ET

Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero was one of the stars of his team's 7-3, series-clinching win over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series on Monday. Caminero went two-for-three with a walk, a home run, two runs scored, and two RBI. The 23-year-old was one of the best hitters in MLB during the regular season, slashing .276/.360/.524 with 42 home runs, 101 RBI, 100 runs scored, and three stolen bases across 702 plate appearances. Caminero has been steady in the postseason as well, hitting .273 with four RBI across 37 trips to the plate. However, his home run against Cleveland on Monday was his first of the playoffs. If Caminero is finding his power stroke, he could be an even bigger difference-maker in the World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers.--Will Brady
Source: ESPN.com

Oct 20, 2026, 3:48 PM ET

Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz went 1-for-4 at the plate with a two-run home run in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series on Monday night against the Cleveland Guardians to help the Rays get back to the World Series. Diaz has picked up in the postseason right where he left off in the regular season, where he hit .293/.359/.446 with an .805 OPS, 22 home runs, 85 RBI, 93 runs scored, and three steals in 614 at-bats. The 35-year-old Cuban slugger hit his second home run of the ALCS and heads into this year's World Series having gone 12-for-39 (.308) with two homers, four doubles, four RBI, seven runs scored, one walk, and nine strikeouts in nine total games. Diaz went hitless in just one of those nine games and has recorded multiple hits in three postseason games this year. The Rays are hoping that Diaz can continue to rack up hits regularly and set the table for a potent offense against the Milwaukee Brewers in the World Series.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

Oct 20, 2026, 3:42 PM ET

Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Freddy Peralta was named the American League Championship Series Most Valuable Player after helping the Rays beat the Cleveland Guardians in Game 6 of the series in Tampa on Monday night. In the 7-3 win at Tropicana Field, Peralta continued to be excellent in the postseason, allowing just one earned run on five hits while walking three and striking out three in 5 1/3 innings to pick up the win and send his team to the World Series to face the Milwaukee Brewers. It was Peralta's second win of the ALCS after he struck out six in six scoreless innings for a win in Game 2 against Cleveland. The Rays also used Peralta out of the bullpen in Game 4, when he went two-thirds of an inning without giving up a run. Tampa will be hoping that the 30-year-old veteran from the Dominican Republic can keep it up into the World Series as he gets set to face his former team. Peralta went 10-11 overall in 2026 with a 4.42 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 32 starts, but he was better in 10 regular-season starts with the Rays, posting a 3.25 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 43:15 K:BB. He faced Milwaukee on July 20, when he was still with the New York Mets and was hit hard, allowing seven earned runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings pitched for his ninth loss of the season.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB

Oct 20, 2026, 3:31 PM ET

The Athletic's Patrick Mooney writes that the Chicago Cubs are expected to have interest in keeping right-hander Clay Holmes for the 2027 season despite his disappointing end to the year after the team acquired him in a trade from the New York Mets. Holmes has a $12 million player option for next season. If Holmes turns down his option and becomes a free agent, the Cubs could once again become desperate for pitching reinforcements. "In so many ways, Clay fits our team really well," president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said. "He puts the ball on the ground." Holmes had an 8.24 ERA in four September starts for the Cubbies, walking 15 batters in 19 2/3 innings after posting a 1.55 ERA in five August starts after the trade. His lack of command down the stretch dropped the Cubs out of the top Wild-Card spot in the National League, and they were swept by the San Diego Padres in two games in the Wild-Card series. Before the Cubs acquired Holmes, he had not pitched for the Mets since May 15 due to a fractured right fibula. Holmes could bounce back with better health in 2027 in Chicago or somewhere else, but he will also be turning 34 years of age.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Patrick Mooney

Oct 20, 2026, 3:20 PM ET

MLB.com's Christina De Nicola writes that Miami Marlins catcher Joe Mack is an obvious extension candidate this offseason. The team's entire 40-man roster is under club control outside of right-hander Sandy Alcantara and impending free-agent right-handed reliever Pete Fairbanks, and everyone except setup man Anthony Bender has multiple years remaining on their contracts. The Fish will not have to extend anyone this offseason, but locking up Mack early in his career could make sense. The 23-year-old former 31st overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft made his major-league debut in 2026 and finished with a .234/.282/.403 slash line with a .685 OPS, 14 home runs, 52 RBI, and 40 runs scored across 105 games and 330 plate appearances. Mack has the potential to become Miami's catcher of the future if they ink him to an extension, and his left-handed bat will have plenty of use in fantasy baseball leagues with above-average power at the catching position.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola

Oct 20, 2026, 3:13 PM ET

MLB.com's Christina De Nicola writes that right-hander Eury Perez is a prime extension candidate this offseason. The Marlins' entire 40-man roster is under club control outside of right-handed starter Sandy Alcantara and impending free-agent right-handed reliever Pete Fairbanks, and everyone except setup man Anthony Bender has multiple years remaining on their deals. The 23-year-old Perez threw a career-high 159 innings in 2026 in just his third year in the major leagues with the Fish, going 8-11 with a 3.91 ERA (4.07 FIP) and 1.21 WHIP with 170 strikeouts and 68 walks in 30 appearances (29 starts). He saved one of his best outings of the year for last on Sept. 25 against the division-rival Atlanta Braves, throwing a one-hit shutout with eight strikeouts in nine scoreless innings. It was a nice bounce-back outing to close out the year after he struggled in four of his last five starts down the stretch. Despite solid numbers, Perez's strikeout rate dropped to a career-low 25.8%, and he had a career-high 10.3% walk rate. Still, he is an intriguing young arm that the Marlins may want to lock up for the long term.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola

Oct 19, 2026, 10:59 PM ET

Miami Marlins right-hander Ronny Henriquez (elbow) is expected to be in the mix at the back end of the team's bullpen in 2027, per Christina De Nicola of MLB.com. Henriquez missed the entire 2026 season after undergoing elbow surgery in December 2025. However, the 26-year-old emerged as a potentially dynamic reliever in 2025, recording a 2.22 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP with 98 strikeouts, 26 holds, and seven saves across 73 innings (69 games). Henriquez posted an excellent 32.3% strikeout rate while limiting his walk rate to a solid 8.9%. Miami got underwhelming production in the ninth inning this past season from right-hander Pete Fairbanks, who logged a 6.31 ERA across 41 1/3 innings and is now set to hit free agency. Heading into 2027, Henriquez could be a potential source of saves for fantasy managers to target in drafts.--Will Brady
Source: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola

Oct 19, 2026, 10:38 PM ET

Miami Marlins utility man Javier Sanoja could be in line for an everyday role at third base in 2027, speculates Christina De Nicola of MLB.com. Sanoja emerged as a key piece for Miami in 2026, hitting .295/.333/.458 with 11 home runs, 69 RBI, 50 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases across 490 plate appearances. The 24-year-old spent time at every position other than first base, catcher, and pitcher, but saw the majority of his playing time in the second half of the season at the hot corner. Sanoja may not offer fantasy managers much in the power department, as he logged just a 2.8% barrel rate and a 32.3% hard-hit rate. However, he also struck out in just 8.0% of his plate appearances, making him one of the better batting average bets in the game. With everyday playing time in 2027, Sanoja could be an under-the-radar contributor for fantasy managers to target.--Will Brady
Source: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola

Oct 19, 2026, 10:26 PM ET

Miami Marlins outfield prospect Cam Cannarella could be in the mix to win the team's starting center field job in 2027, per Christina De Nicola of MLB.com. De Nicola notes that 2026 center fielder Jakob Marsee (elbow) is gathering opinions on his injured left elbow and could require an extended absence, which could open up a chance for Cannarella. After starting the 2026 season at High-A, the 23-year-old finished the year by slashing .282/.393/.420 with three home runs, 12 RBI, 29 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases across 206 plate appearances at Triple-A. Cannarella is known for his speed and his hit tool, but he also logged a respectable 9.6% barrel rate at Triple-A. Depending on the prognosis for Marsee, Cannarella could be a name for fantasy managers to monitor ahead of 2027.--Will Brady
Source: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola

Oct 19, 2026, 10:18 PM ET

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez could be a trade candidate this upcoming offseason, speculate Fabian Ardaya and Katie Woo of The Athletic. Hernandez is entering the final year of his three-year, $66 million contract with Los Angeles, and he could be moved to both clear money and open up a regular role for Dodgers outfield prospect Josue De Paula. Across 491 plate appearances in 2026, Hernandez hit .267/.334/.425 with 16 home runs, 64 RBI, 66 runs scored, and five stolen bases. The 34-year-old remained a viable source of power and run production for Los Angeles, but his 10.6% barrel rate and 44.8% hard-hit rate were both his worst since his rookie season in 2016. If Hernandez is indeed moved and ends up in an inferior lineup to the Dodgers, his fantasy outlook could be slightly worse in 2027.--Will Brady
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya, Katie Woo

Oct 19, 2026, 9:13 PM ET

Miami Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix said that first baseman/outfielder Kyle Stowers could see time at both first base and the outfield next year. Stowers was a 2025 Gold Glove finalist in left field, but due to recurring hamstring issues in 2026, his long-term future could be better suited for first base. The 28-year-old left-handed slugger, a former second-round pick by the Baltimore Orioles in 2019 from Stanford, was a first-time All-Star in 2025, when he slashed .288/.368/.544 with a .912 OPS, a career-high 25 home runs, 73 RBI, 61 runs scored, and five stolen bases in 117 games across 457 plate appearances. Stowers played in a career-high 121 games in 2026 despite his hamstring issues, but he hit just .239 (107-for-447) with 21 home runs and an elevated 31.4% strikeout rate. He also missed the final four regular-season games due to an abdominal injury. The power from the left side is certainly intriguing, but a lengthy injury history and problems with strikeouts should scare off some fantasy managers in drafts next spring. It could be worth Stowers losing outfield eligibility for him to stay at first base so that he can stay on the field more.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola

Oct 19, 2026, 9:01 PM ET

MLB.com's Christina De Nicola writes that it is safe to assume that the Miami Marlins will exercise right-hander Sandy Alcantara's $21 million team option for the 2027 season rather than buy it out for $2 million after he returned to form in 2026. The 31-year-old Dominican hurler was a workhorse for the Fish in his ninth year in the majors, going 13-11 with a 3.87 ERA (4.08 FIP) and 1.23 WHIP with 153 strikeouts and 59 walks in a league-high 214 innings across 36 appearances (33 starts). Alcantara even made three outings out of the bullpen and went 3-for-3 in save chances towards the tail end of the regular season after the Marlins were eliminated from postseason contention. He showed in 2026 that he still has the potential to be a fantasy ace after already making two All-Star teams and becoming the Marlins' first Cy Young winner in 2022. Miami has not officially said that they will exercise Alcantara's 2027 option, but president of baseball operations Peter Bendix had nothing but good things to say about him. "With Sandy in particular, he is so meaningful to this organization," Bendix said. "That's not lost on me. That's not lost on us. Another incredible season. Really, really fun to watch him pitch. His leadership in the clubhouse, the way he handles himself, the way he sets an example for the rest of the team -- it's second to none, and it's something that I know [manager] Clayton [McCullough] really appreciates [and] I really appreciate. We value it tremendously."--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola

Oct 19, 2026, 7:51 PM ET

Aaron Boone will return as the New York Yankees' manager for the 2027 season, a source confirmed to ESPN's Jorge Castillo. Boone will be returning to the Bronx for his 10th season as the skipper, with the news coming more than a week after the team was eliminated in the American League Division Series by the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays in a three-game sweep. The Yankees have now been eliminated in the ALDS in two straight seasons. His contract runs through next season to complete a two-year, $10.5 million extension that he signed with the Yankees in February of 2025. Boone's .583 winning percentage is tied for 17th in major-league history, and the Yankees have reached the playoffs in eight of his nine seasons while not finishing worse than two games over .500. It has extended the franchise's MLB-record streak of 34 straight winning seasons. However, they have not won a World Series since Joe Girardi led them to the title in 2009. The 17-year drought is the second-longest in franchise history. The Yankees are tied for the fourth-longest streak in MLB postseason history with 13 straight playoff appearances without a World Series title. In Boone's only World Series appearance with the Yankees in 2024, the Yankees lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jorge Castillo