February 18, 2026
The New England Patriots have promoted inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr as their full-time defensive coordinator, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Kuhr was hired as the team's inside linebackers coach last season, but he took over as the defensive play-caller in Week 2 after defensive coordinator Terrell Williams was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Williams was cleared to return last week, according to head coach Mike Vrabel, and he was elevated to a higher-ranking role on the coaching staff. The 37-year-old Kuhr drew rave reviews from Williams at Super Bowl LX, and the Patriots' defense was instrumental in helping them get to the big game. Coaching assistant Vinny DePalma is expected to take over Kuhr's former position as inside LBs coach. The Pats' defense allowed the fourth-fewest points per game (18.8) and eighth-fewest total yards per game (295.2) during the 2025 regular season.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
February 18, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander
Quinn Priester (wrist) has recovered from the wrist issue that he dealt with late last year, but he will be slow-played this spring, according to Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "He's had a couple of things that have kept him from progressing, but he's thrown bullpens. Nothing shutting him down or anything like that," manager Pat Murphy said. In his first year with the Brew Crew in 2025, the 25-year-old had a strong season, going 13-3 with a career-best 3.32 ERA (4.01 FIP) and 1.24 WHIP with 132 strikeouts and 50 walks in 157 1/3 innings pitched over his 29 appearances (24 starts). The former first-round selection generated a lot less hard contact, but his 20.2% strikeout rate, 3.59 xERA, and 3.81xFIP all indicate that some regression could be in store in 2026 in his second year in Milwaukee. Priester is in a good situation with the Brewers, but his ceiling for fantasy purposes might be as a mid-tier starting pitcher with limited strikeout upside. He's ranked as RotoBaller's No. 73 fantasy starting pitcher.
--Keith HernandezSource: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak
February 18, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates manager
Don Kelly told Pittsburgh sportscaster Shelby Cassesse that "it would be a tough ask" for shortstop prospect
Konnor Griffin to make the Opening Day roster, according to Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan. "Keep in mind he's only had a handful of at-bats at Double-A," Kelly said. Spring training games have yet to begin, but it sounds like the Bucs are pretty set on having Kriffin, the consensus top prospect in the game, start at Triple-A Indianapolis in 2026. The ninth overall pick in 2024 made it all the way to Double-A Altoona in his first pro season in 2025, slashing a combined .333/.415/.527 with a .941 OPS, 21 home runs, 94 RBI, 117 runs scored, and 65 stolen bases in 122 games played at three different levels. Griffin will still be a stash candidate in all single-year leagues, even if he doesn't make the Opening Day roster, but keep in mind that the Pirates generally have not rushed their top prospects to the majors.
--Keith HernandezSource: 93.7 The Fan - Andrew Fillipponi
February 18, 2026
The Miami Dolphins have had trade talks with teams this offseason regarding five-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Miami already released four players earlier this week, including Pro Bowl receiver
Tyreek Hill (knee), and they are in the early stages of resetting their roster under a new regime. The Dolphins acquired the 29-year-old defensive back from the Pittsburgh Steelers last year in the deal that sent cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Steel City. Fitzpatrick could be on the move again this year after he recorded 82 tackles (59 solo), one sack, four tackles for loss, one interception, six pass breakups, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in 14 games in his return to Miami. He should have plenty of suitors on the trade market as the Dolphins look for draft-pick compensation.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
February 18, 2026
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that outfielder
Kevin Alcantara has prepared well for a job coming into spring training, according to Bruce Levine of Marquee Sports Network. Alcantara said on Wednesday that he is confident in his ability and has matured while waiting for his chances. Additionally, the 23-year-old Dominican said he made swing adjustments in the offseason to find more consistency at the plate. In the last two years, Alcantara has only appeared in 13 major-league games with the Cubbies, going 5-for-21 (.238) with no homers, one RBI, one stolen base, one walk, and five strikeouts. He slashed .266/.349/.470 with 17 home runs, 10 stolen bases, and a 29.8% strikeout rate in 102 games at Triple-A Iowa in 2025. Alcantara has plus speed and raw power, but no clear path to playing time in Chicago in 2026. He also has minor-league options remaining, so starting in Iowa again is a possibility.
--Keith HernandezSource: Marquee Sports Network - Bruce Levine
February 18, 2026
Los Angeles Rams impending free-agent tight end
Tyler Higbee has been a key weapon in the organization for a full decade, but he could be headed for a change of scenery as he enters free agency in 2026. Higbee played 10 games in 2025, missing the remaining seven due to an ankle issue. He was held to just 25 catches, 281 yards, and three touchdowns, ranking as the overall TE40 in PPR leagues. It was another underwhelming year for the veteran tight end, who has been healthy for just 13 of 34 games over the last two years. Not only has Higbee's recent downturn made him a non-priority for the Rams in free agency, but so has the emergence of two key teammates.
Colby Parkinson scored eight touchdowns in a late-season breakout, and the Rams also invested significant draft capital in
Terrance Ferguson, who had five catches, 87 yards, and two touchdowns over his final two games as a rookie in 2025. There's no real spot for Higbee in this offense, especially if he and the Rams don't agree on a salary. If Higbee, 33, wishes to return for an 11th NFL season, it seems likely it'll be with an organization other than the Rams.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
Seattle Seahawks tight end
AJ Barner broke out as the overall TE14 in PPR leagues during his second pro season in 2025. Fully healthy for all 17 games, he racked up 52 catches, 519 yards, and six touchdowns in a Seahawks offense that ultimately won Super Bowl LX. Most importantly, he fended off rookie
Elijah Arroyo. Before the year, it seemed like Arroyo might push to be the No. 1 tight end, but that never happened because Barner contributed at such a high level. Arroyo will get a little more involved in 2026, but we expect that Barner will remain the top tight end target for
Sam Darnold, especially around the goal line. Not only is he trending up in dynasty leagues, but he's also an intriguing option in redraft leagues, especially for managers waiting to take their primary tight end until the later round of fantasy drafts. He'll likely open 2026 draft rankings just outside the top 12 tight ends, but he has top-10 upside.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
Miami Marlins corner outfielder
Griffin Conine is learning first base this spring, according to Christina De Nicola of MLB.com. It's the same position his father, Jeff, played for most of his 17-year MLB career. The Marlins could use some depth at the position since
Graham Pauley and
Liam Hicks have limited experience there. In addition to Conine,
Christopher Morel and
Connor Norby are working at first base to give the Fish more options. Miami's outfield is already heavy on left-handed bats with
Kyle Stowers,
Jakob Marsee, and prospect
Owen Caissie. If the 28-year-old adapts well to the position in spring training, it's possible he could make plenty of starts there in 2026. Conine only played in 24 games in Miami last year due to a dislocated shoulder that required surgery, and he went 20-for-79 (.253) with two homers and eight RBI. He had a nice 48.1% hard-hit rate, 14.8% barrel rate, and 117.4 mph maximum exit velocity in a short sample size, so he could become interesting as a depth outfielder in deeper fantasy leagues this year if he can carve out enough playing time at first base.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
February 18, 2026
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the plan is to get infielder
Ryan McMahon some reps at shortstop this spring to see if that can be an option with
Anthony Volpe (shoulder) expected to miss the first month of the season, according to Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. Phillips adds that this would purely be for emergency purposes, as
Jose Caballero is expected to man the 6 regularly in the Bronx to begin the year with Volpe sidelined. The 31-year-old McMahon has only played three innings at shortstop back in 2020 with the Colorado Rockies in his pro career. He still has pop -- he's hit 20-plus homers in six straight seasons -- but the nine-year veteran hit an ugly .214/.312/.381 with a .693 OPS, 53 RBI, 62 runs scored, and three steals in 154 regular-season games last year in Colorado and New York. Because of his struggles against same-handed pitching, McMahon is set for a platoon at the hot corner for the Bombers, causing him to lose most of his mixed-league appeal.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
February 18, 2026
Minnesota Twins right-hander
Zebby Matthews could be a candidate for the No. 5 starting rotation spot to begin the 2026 season now that right-hander
Pablo Lopez (elbow) will likely miss the entire season, according to Matthew Leach of MLB.com.
Taj Bradley and
Simeon Woods Richardson were the favorites for the fourth and fifth spots in the Opening Day rotation, but a new spot has emerged in Minnesota due to Lopez's injury. In 16 starts for the Twins last year, Matthews struggled to a 5.56 ERA (3.79 FIP) and 1.49 WHIP with 88 strikeouts and 24 walks in 79 1/3 innings over his 16 starts. The former eighth-round pick in 2022 out of Western Carolina University also struggled to a 6.69 ERA and 1.65 WHIP in his first nine big-league starts in 2024. Under the hood, Matthews showed promise with plenty of velocity and above-average strikeout and walk rates. A high .357 BABIP and 3.79 FIP indicate bad luck. Given another opportunity in 2026, don't be surprised if Matthews turns things around.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Matthew Leach
February 18, 2026
The Houston Astros "have expressed interest" in free-agent outfielder
Michael Conforto, with their chances of trading infielder
Isaac Paredes diminishing, a source told Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. The 32-year-old veteran left-handed hitter really struggled with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year, slashing .199/.305/.333 with a career-worst .637 OPS, 12 home runs, 36 RBI, 54 runs scored, and a 121:56 K:BB in 138 regular-season games (486 plate appearances). Conforto's xBA of .237 suggests he might have been a bit unlucky, but most of his advanced metrics at the plate were average, at best. In his two previous seasons with the San Francisco Giants, he slashed .238/.322/.418 with a .740 OPS with 35 homers and 124 RBI in 255 games. Conforto could bounce back in the average department, but he'll likely be limited to a platoon role wherever he lands in free agency.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
February 18, 2026
Kansas City Chiefs tight end
Noah Gray has long-term upside in dynasty leagues, making him a sneaky stash for the upcoming offseason. For his entire five-year career so far, Gray has been stuck in a depth role behind superstar
Travis Kelce. However, with Kelce likely nearing the end of his playing career, it's time for fantasy managers to start considering who might take his place after he retires. Right now, the frontrunner is Gray, who has flashed tremendous upside even in his role as the Chiefs' No. 2 tight end. In 2024, even with Kelce playing 16 games, Gray ranked as the overall TE2 in PPR leagues with 40 catches, 437 yards, and five touchdowns. He added another 21 catches and 178 yards last year. Kelce is likely coming back for another year, but we expect the Chiefs to begin incorporating Gray even more than last year. In addition to an anticipated larger role, Gray is the top tight end handcuff in the NFL. While roster spots are limited and rostering a backup tight end in redraft leagues may not be feasible, Gray is absolutely an intriguing offseason pick-up in dynasty leagues. He has top-10 upside when Kelce isn't healthy or isn't playing anymore. Dynasty managers should consider adding Gray if he's currently not rostered.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
Carolina Panthers tight end
Ja'Tavion Sanders (fibula) missed the end of 2025 after being placed on IR. He still appeared in 13 games throughout the course of the regular season, amassing 29 catches, 190 yards, and one touchdown. This was a significant step back from his rookie campaign in 2024, when he was the TE36 in PPR leagues with 33 catches, 342 yards, and a trip to the end zone. The Panthers simply haven't placed much emphasis on utilizing the tight end position in the passing game in recent years, so even though Sanders has been atop the depth chart, he hasn't carved out a significant receiving role. That's unlikely to change in 2026, so he's not a particularly intriguing target in redraft leagues. However, he's worth holding and stashing in dynasty leagues because he's still a young, talented player with long-term upside in a more appropriate scheme.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
San Francisco 49ers running back
Isaac Guerendo has emerged as a potential drop candidate as dynasty managers prepare for the offseason roster crunch. Between clearing taxi squad spots, adding players, and navigating rookie drafts, dynasty managers may need to make decisions about which rostered players to cut. Guerendo is a prime candidate after an underwhelming second season with the 49ers in 2025. He appeared in 14 games but played exclusively on special teams, never logging an offensive snap. He was buried on the depth chart behind
Christian McCaffrey,
Brian Robinson Jr.,
Jordan James, and even fullback
Kyle Juszczyk. It was a surprising, harsh development for the Louisville product after he finished as the overall RB48 in PPR leagues with 572 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns in 2024. Evidently, the 49ers don't see Guerendo in their long-term plans, and it's hard to imagine he'll climb the depth chart in 2026, even with Robinson expected to hit free agency. Managers in most dynasty leagues should feel comfortable dropping the 25-year-old.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
San Francisco Giants third baseman
Matt Chapman is coming off the best season of his career in terms of plate discipline, but health and power are key storylines to monitor with the veteran infielder going forward. Chapman slashed .231/.340/.430 with 21 home runs, a 13.3% walk rate, a 23.6% strikeout rate, and 118 wRC+ last year. This was a new career-high walk rate, and also the second-best strikeout rate of his career. His power dipped slightly, but only from a 4.1% HR% in 2024 to a 3.9% HR% in 2025. Meanwhile, he continued to flash the leather at third base with 4 OAA and 4 FRV. Unfortunately, Chapman missed roughly five weeks due to right hand inflammation. He's fully healthy heading into 2026, but injury risk is always a factor to consider ahead of fantasy baseball drafts. It's a big ask, but we'd love to see Chapman continue to homer around 4% of the time, continue to showcase solid plate discipline, and stay healthy for most of the 2026 season. He currently ranks #10 among third basemen in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
Detroit Tigers first baseman
Spencer Torkelson got back on track with 31 home runs and 118 wRC+ across 155 games in the majors last season. Torkelson's offensive contributions fell so much in 2024 that Detroit sent him to Triple-A to get right. However, he bounced back with a full season at the MLB level in 2025, delivering major contributions to the Tigers and his fantasy managers. In addition to the 31 homers and 118 wRC+, he produced a .240/.333/.456 slash line with an 11.1% walk rate and 26.0% strikeout rate. Striking out more than one quarter of the time isn't ideal, but it's a fair trade-off for a player who will hit 30-40 home runs and walk in more than 10% of their plate appearances. Torkelson finds himself at #19 among first basemen in RotoBaller's fantasy rankings for 2026, with an ADP of 186. The rankings place him just behind
Willson Contreras,
Alec Burleson, and
Jonathan Aranda, and just ahead of
Kazuma Okamoto,
Christian Walker, and
Sal Stewart.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
Detroit Tigers outfielder
Kerry Carpenter has showcased impressive power through his first three-plus MLB seasons, and he'll look to continue that trend in 2026. The biggest concern for Carpenter at this point in his career is the injury risk, as he played 130 games last year -- and even that mark was a career high. If he can stay healthy, though, he has 30-plus-homer potential with an everyday spot in the Tigers' lineup. Other factors to consider with Carpenter include handedness splits and his K/BB ratio. He had an OPS of .812 against righties last year, but just .638 against lefties. Additionally, only three of his 26 home runs came against southpaws. Furthermore, he shaved his strikeout rate down to a career-best 22.8%, but he also dropped his walk rate to a career-worst 3.9%. His 5.85 K/BB ratio was the worst mark of his career, and while a discipline drop-off is expected when a player improves their power numbers, fantasy managers would like to see him at least walk a little more. Carpenter isn't one of the flashiest names among power hitters, but he's still an impact power bat against right-handed pitching with tremendous upside if he can stay healthy. He's somewhat of a value pick at the moment, ranking #57 among RotoBaller's outfielders for 2026 with an ADP of 217.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
Baltimore Orioles second baseman
Jackson Holliday (hand) will get the stitches removed from his surgically-repaired right hand on Monday, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN. The former No. 1 pick tore up the minors and debuted in 2024, but struggled upon getting the call. He fared better over a full season in 2025, slashing .242/.314/.375, but he still mustered just 96 wRC+. He posted a 8.6% walk rate and 21.6% strikeout rate with 17 home runs and 17 stolen bases. Defensively, he contributed -8 OAA and -6 FRV at second base. Still, he was a source of consistency for the Orioles, playing 149 games in the majors. He didn't suffer his hand injury until arriving at spring training this February; during live at-bats nearly two weeks ago, he suffered a broken hamate bone that required surgical removal. He recently got his cast off, and the stitches will follow next week. At that point, he can begin sweating and gradually resume baseball activities. It's unlikely that he'll be ready for Opening Day, but he's making good progress and figures to return sometime in April. The injury concern dropped Holliday to #15 among second basemen in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: Roch Kubatko
February 18, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher
Aaron Nola is coming off the worst season of his big-league career. Injuries limited him to just 17 starts and fewer than 100 innings in 2025, and he ultimately finished the year with a staggering 6.01 ERA and 4.58 FIP. His 9.25 K/9 and 2.67 BB/9 rates were fine, but his home run rate ballooned to a whopping 1.72 HR/9, which is a career high. Meanwhile, his ground ball rate dipped to 42.5%, the second-lowest mark of his career. Understandably, managers are worried about the 11-year veteran's outlook going forward. However, some of the underlying metrics suggest he's due to bounce back. Most notably, Nola had a 3.71 xFIP last year, indicating that he was unlucky and vastly underperformed expectations. His 4.12 xERA suggests similar. Still armed with an elite knuckle curve and above-average fastball, Nola has the skill set to bounce back and meet or exceed his expected metrics in 2026. His rough 2025 is baked into his current ranking as the #59 starter in RotoBaller's draft rankings, and managers should consider drafting him as a low-risk, high-upside rotation piece.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers reliever
Abner Uribe could be a candidate to earn save situations in 2026. The right-hander had a terrific season last year, posting a 1.67 ERA and 2.75 FIP across 75.1 innings of work. He racked up 10.75 K/9 and 3.23 BB/9, and he limited loud contact with 0.48 HR/9 and a 53.2% ground ball rate. Milwaukee's incumbent closer is
Trevor Megill, who had 30 saves last year with a 2.49 ERA and 2.50 FIP. Megill was effective, but he also blew six saves and allowed hard contact at a greater rate than Uribe. Presumably, the Brewers want to at least open the season with a clearly defined closer, rather than operating out of a committee. Uribe has a chance to parlay a strong 2025 and a potentially strong spring training in 2026 into first dibs on save situations during the regular season. He currently ranks #20 among RotoBaller's relievers for the upcoming season, with additional upside.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
The Arizona Cardinals have not put a timetable on when they want to decide on the future of quarterback
Kyler Murray (foot) this offseason, according to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. "Just like everything else on our roster, just open conversations right now throughout this building. No time frame on that," head coach Mike LaFleur said. Reports this offseason have suggested that the Cardinals want to try to trade the 28-year-old as part of their rebuild going into 2026. The former first overall pick in 2019 out of Oklahoma had another disappointing showing in 2025, playing in only five games due to a foot injury while completing 68.3% of his passes for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. The fact that Arizona was in no rush to have Murray return in the second half last year speaks volumes about how they feel about Murray. A change of scenery might be best for him at this point, and Murray won't be anything more than a QB2 in fantasy this fall.
--Keith HernandezSource: Arizona Sports - Tyler Drake
February 18, 2026
Houston Astros left-handed closer
Josh Hader (biceps) was seen playing catch in camp from around 90 feet on Wednesday, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Left-biceps inflammation was the reason Hader was shut down going into spring training, but the fact that he's already throwing means that he should be ready for Opening Day in late March, barring a setback. The 31-year-old veteran high-leverage reliever carries much more risk in fantasy baseball heading into the 2026 season, though, after also missing the final month and a half last year due to a left-shoulder strain. The six-time All-Star was one of the most dominant closers in the game when he was healthy in 2025, posting a 2.05 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 28 saves, 76 strikeouts, and 16 walks in 52 2/3 innings pitched. Because of his injuries, Hader has slipped to the No. 15 closer ranking at RotoBaller.
Bryan Abreu would likely be first in line for saves if Hader were to miss time this year.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
February 18, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts called shortstop
Mookie Betts' disappointing 2025 season an "outlier," according to Jack Harris of The California Post. "The way he played shortstop last year, and expecting him to be better offensively this year, he will be in the MVP conversation this year," Roberts said. The skipper is also leaning towards using Betts as his everyday No. 3 hitter in 2026, and it won't change, regardless of the opposing pitcher's handedness. The 33-year-old former MVP mostly hit in the two-hole for the Blue last year, when he had career lows in batting average .258 and ISO (.148). Betts dealt with a pretty bad illness just before the start of the regular season, which got him into bad habits at the plate, and he never really recovered. His eight stolen bases last year were also his fewest since his rookie campaign in 2014. Expecting MVP numbers like Roberts might be a reach, but if healthy, Betts should still have a solid floor for counting stats in the heart of the best lineup in baseball.
--Keith HernandezSource: The California Post - Jack Harris
February 18, 2026
Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect
Hurston Waldrep (elbow) will have surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow on Monday, according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman. The Braves have not provided a return timeline for Waldrep, but manager Walt Weiss said he hopes that the young hurler will be able to pitch again this year. The 23-year-old will go on the 60-day injured list and probably will miss at least three months. It's a huge blow for Waldrep, who was looking like a candidate to open the 2026 season in the Braves' starting rotation due to a similar elbow injury to
Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow). In 10 outings (nine starts) last year, Waldrep looked the part with a 2.88 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with 55 strikeouts and 22 walks in 56 1/3 innings. The young right-hander's development will now be pushed back, and there's a chance we won't see him in the big leagues again until 2027.
UPDATE: Bowman reports that there is reason to believe that Waldrep could be pitching competitively at some point in June or July.--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
February 18, 2026
Atlanta Braves right-hander
Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow) underwent surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow on Wednesday, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. The Braves are not providing a return timeline, but manager Walt Weiss said he hopes Schwellenbach will be able to pitch again this year. Atlanta already placed the 25-year-old on the 60-day injured list, so he will at least miss the first two months of the 2026 season, and possibly more. Pitching prospect
Hurston Waldrep (elbow) is also undergoing surgery, so the Braves have even fewer starting pitching options available to them for the start of the 2026 campaign.
Chris Sale,
Spencer Strider,
Reynaldo Lopez, and
Grant Holmes will be the team's top four starters on Opening Day, with either
Bryce Elder or veteran
Martin Perez holding the No. 5 spot now that both Schwellenbach and Waldrep are sidelined.
UPDATE: Bowman reports that there is reason to believe that Schwellenbach could be pitching competitively at some point in June or July.--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
February 18, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson said that right-handed pitching prospect
Andrew Painter's command is back in spring training, according to Devan Kaney of 94WIP.com. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said that command was the main aspect of Painter's game that needed to improve after his season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2025. The 22-year-old has a legitimate shot to win an Opening Day rotation spot with the Phillies out of camp after going 5-6 with a 5.40 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, and 111:46 K:BB in 106 2/3 innings over 22 starts for the Iron Pigs last year. Understandably, his command wasn't in top form since it was his first full year back from Tommy John surgery. Command issues aside last year, Painter's stuff was intact, making him an attractive buy-low candidate in redraft leagues. Painter is MLB Pipeline's No. 28 overall prospect going into 2026 and could be part of Philly's rotation for most, if not all, of the season.
--Keith HernandezSource: 94WIP.com - Devan Kaney
February 18, 2026
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver
Rashee Rice is being sued by his long-time partner and mother of his children for choking, strangling, scratching, hitting, and headbutting her over a 19-month period, TMZ reports. "Rashee Rice continued to repeatedly [assault] Dacoda Jones over the course of their relationship," the lawsuit claims. Jones also claims she was subject to "other violent and abusive behaviors," which included Rice throwing things at her, "punching walls, and breaking furniture." She also says that most of the abuse occurred while she was pregnant. The NFL launched an investigation into Rice for possible violations of the league's personal-conduct policy after Jones accused Rice of getting physical with her last month on social media. It's not the first time Rice has had off-the-field issues, as he was suspended six games last year after pleading guilty to multiple felonies for his role in a multi-vehicle crash. Rice is KC's No. 1 receiver when healthy, but another suspension could be coming in 2027. Stay tuned.
--Keith HernandezSource: TMZ
February 18, 2026
Athletics outfielder
Lawrence Butler (knee) is in the final stages of rehab from offseason knee surgery and will likely be held out of Cactus League games until mid-spring, according to MLB.com's Martin Gallegos. Butler, 25, had surgery last October to fix a torn patellar tendon in his right knee, and he also needed a platelet-rich plasma injection for tendinitis in his left knee. It's not exactly what you want to hear from a power/speed outfielder in his prime, but the good news is that Butler is expected to be ready for Opening Day in late March as an everyday player for the A's. The former sixth-rounder in 2018 saw his batting average drop significantly in his second full season in the big leagues, but he still hit 21 homers, drove in 63 runs, and stole 22 bases in 152 games while playing through knee issues. An elevated strikeout rate (28.4%) was to blame for his drop in average. There's lots of risk here, but a healthy Butler has 30-30 potential in one of the most hitter-friendly ballparks in Sacramento.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
February 18, 2026
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
Jalen Tolbert ended up getting buried on the depth chart during a crucial contract year in 2025. Tolbert opened the year as the presumptive No. 3 receiver behind
CeeDee Lamb and
George Pickens, but he fell down the picking order as
Ryan Flournoy and
KaVontae Turpin took on larger roles. Pickens' breakout in Dallas also reduced Tolbert's volume. Tolbert ultimately finished the year sixth on the team in receiving yards (203) and seventh in receptions (18). Both represented a major step backward from 2024, when he had 49 catches, 610 yards, and seven touchdowns while finishing as the WR45 in PPR leagues. Tolbert's strong 2024 season will generate some interest in free agency, but the fact that he was essentially reduced to a non-factor in 2025 really hurts his stock. Plus, at 26 years old, teams will be looking to round out their depth chart with younger upside receivers. Tolbert can be dropped in most dynasty leagues. In very deep formats, he can be held for now, then traded when he signs somewhere this offseason.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
Athletics second baseman
Zack Gelof will miss the start of the Cactus League schedule in spring training because he is still building up his swing progression, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. Gelof is healthy heading into the 2026 campaign after missing significant time last year with hand, shoulder, and rib injuries, and with newcomer
Jeff McNeil in line to see everyday playing time at second base, the 26-year-old is working in center field in camp to become more versatile and give him a better shot at making the Opening Day roster. In addition to working in the outfield, Gelof is ironing out his swing after playing in just 30 big-league games in 2025. He struggled at the plate in that small sample size, going 16-for-92 (.174) with two homers, seven RBI, and 46 strikeouts. Gelof led the majors with 188 strikeouts in 2024, and his batted-ball metrics don't paint a pretty picture. He has a lot of work to do to get back onto the fantasy radar in mixed leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
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