January 28, 2026
The future of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz with the Cleveland Browns is unclear after the team decided to hire former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their next head coach, sources told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Schwartz was visibly upset and told other coaches in the building that he was not coming back after the Browns informed him that they were choosing Monken over him. He remains under contract with Cleveland, and the Browns want to retain him. Unfortunately for Cleveland, the only way they were probably going to keep Schwartz around is if they promoted him to head coach after they fired Kevin Stefanski following the 2025 season. It's unclear if Schwartz will stick around and coach a talented Browns defense, but it may not be up to him, as Monken might decide to go in another direction at defensive coordinator.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
January 28, 2026
The New York Jets are hiring former Miami Dolphins passing-game coordinator and secondary coach Brian Duker as their next defensive coordinator, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Duker, 36, spent time with Jets head coach Aaron Glenn on the Detroit Lions' coaching staff from 2021 to 2023, when Glenn was the defensive coordinator, and Duker was a rising assistant coach. The Jets interviewed Duker for the job less than 24 hours ago. He beat out eight other candidates, including veteran defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. The Jets are also searching for a new offensive coordinator after parting ways with Tanner Engstrand on Tuesday. Duker and Glenn have a lot of work to do on the defensive side of the ball going into next season, as the Jets became the first team in NFL history in 2025 to go an entire season without a single interception. They also ranked second-to-last with 29.6 points allowed per game.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
January 28, 2026
Baltimore Orioles catcher
Adley Rutschman battled through both injuries and underperformance in 2025, posting a .220/.307/.366 slash line with nine home runs, 29 RBI, and 37 runs scored across 365 plate appearances. His down year was a continuation of a worrying production decline. After posting an .809 OPS across 687 plate appearances in 2023, Rutschman's OPS dipped to .709 in 2024 and a career-low .673 in 2025. It's possible that his struggles in 2025 can be attributed fully to a lack of health, as he missed time with two separate oblique strains. Still, 2026 represents somewhat of a make-or-break year for Rutschman, given that Baltimore has top catching prospect
Samuel Basallo as a possible-ready-made replacement already on the roster. The Orioles will certainly give Rutschman every chance to re-establish himself, as he still profiles as a strong defensive catcher and will turn just 28 years old in February. If he can return closer to his early-career production while batting near the middle of an improved Baltimore lineup, Rustchman could be a sleeper candidate for fantasy managers at the catcher position in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 28, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals shortstop
Masyn Winn (knee) had his 2025 season cut short by a meniscus tear in his knee that led to him getting shut down in mid-September. However, the 23-year-old will reportedly enter 2026 Spring Training fully healthy and could be poised for a breakout season as a result. Across 537 plate appearances in 2025, Winn posted a .253/.310/.363 slash line with nine home runs, 51 RBI, 72 runs scored, and nine stolen bases. He was significantly better in the early part of the season, recording a .276/.352/.435 slash line through the end of May. Winn was reportedly battling knee soreness for an extended stretch before eventually getting shut down, so it's possible that the ailment impacted his performance in the second half. Winn is known as one of MLB's better defensive shortstops, which should give him an extended runway of everyday playing time in St. Louis. If he can put together a full season of the production he flashed to begin 2025, Winn could be a sleeper candidate for fantasy managers to target late in drafts.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 28, 2026
Seattle Mariners first baseman
Josh Naylor was one of the first dominoes to fall in free agency this past winter, re-signing with Seattle on a five-year contract in mid-November. Naylor posted an excellent season in 2025 across 604 plate appearances split between the Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks, slashing .295/.353/.462 with 20 home runs, 92 RBI, 81 runs scored, and 30 stolen bases. The 28-year-old's speed breakout was the most surprising aspect of his profile, as he had logged just 22 combined steals across the three seasons before 2025. 19 of Naylor's stolen bases came in the 54 games he played for Seattle, so the Mariners could be encouraging him to run even more in 2026. With just a 6.6% barrel rate in 2025, Naylor's underlying power metrics suggest that he may not provide surplus fantasy value in the home run category. However, he struck out at just a 13.7% rate last season, and should have an opportunity to collect counting stats given his everyday role in the top-heavy Mariners lineup. RotoBaller currently ranks Naylor as the number eight first baseman in traditional rotisserie scoring fantasy formats.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 28, 2026
The Los Angeles Chargers are requesting to interview Denver Broncos passing-game coordinator and assistant head coach Jim Leonhard for their vacant defensive-coordinator position, a source told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Leonhard has also received interest from the Buffalo Bills, among other teams. The Chargers are looking for a new defensive coordinator after Jesse Minter left to become the next head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. Leonhard has done a standout job with the Broncos' defense, one of the best units in the NFL, as they allowed the seventh-fewest passing yards per game (187.2) during the 2025 regular season. The Chargers' defense was sneaky good this past season, too, allowing the seventh-fewest yards per play and the fifth-lowest offensive success rate. Leonhard will have a lot to work with if he chooses to go to L.A.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 28, 2026
The Cleveland Browns are hiring former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their next head coach, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. The 59-year-old spent the last three years running the Ravens' offense under head coach John Harbaugh in Baltimore. Monken served as the offensive coordinator for the Browns in 2019 under head coach Freddie Kitchens. This will be Monken's first head-coaching job in the NFL, although he did serve as the head coach in college at Southern Mississippi from 2013 to 2015. The Browns fired previous head coach Kevin Stefanski after six seasons at the helm after the team finished 5-12 in 2025. Monken will have his work cut out for him in his first head-coaching gig in the NFL. First and foremost, on the offensive side of the ball, the Browns must decide who their quarterback will be.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 28, 2026
Free agent designated hitter
Marcell Ozuna currently remains without a home for the 2026 season as the calendar ticks closer to the start of Spring Training. Ozuna is entering his age-35 season and appeared exclusively at designated hitter in 2025, which limits his open market value. He's also coming off a relative down year in which he posted a .232/.355/.400 slash line with 21 home runs, 68 RBI, and 61 runs scored across 592 plate appearances for the Atlanta Braves. Still, Ozuna logged an OPS of .925 as recently as 2024, and he upped his walk rate to a career-best 15.9% even amidst his struggles in 2025. Speculatively speaking, Ozuna could be a fit with clubs like the San Diego Padres or Cleveland Guardians that need a power bat and could have playing time to offer at designated hitter. However, Ozuna is difficult for fantasy managers to value until it becomes clear that he will have an everyday role in 2026. Ozuna currently holds an average draft position of pick 297.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 28, 2026
Los Angeles Angels shortstop
Zach Neto missed time at both the start of the 2025 season due to a shoulder injury and the end of the year due to a hand issue. However, in between the two ailments, the 24-year-old posted a quietly excellent season. Across 554 plate appearances, Neto logged a .257/.319/.474 slash line with 26 home runs, 62 RBI, 82 runs scored, and 26 stolen bases. Neto's barrel rate soared from 8.4% in 2024 to 14% in 2025, indicating his potential for 30-plus home run power. He's also stolen 56 bases over the past two seasons, so Neto is unquestionably a true power/speed fantasy asset. If there's one negative aspect of his profile, it could be his batting average. A career 24.6% strikeout rate limits Neto's upside in the category. Still, he makes a ton of hard contact, has plus speed, and should be locked in at the top of the Angels lineup. RotoBaller currently ranks Neto as the number six fantasy shortstop in traditional rotisserie scoring formats.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 28, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Jack St. Ivany (hand) is expected to miss up to eight weeks after undergoing surgery, the team announced. The 26-year-old injured his left hand during Sunday's 3-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks. St. Ivany has suited up in 17 games this season, recording seven assists and 16 shots on goal. Last week, he impressed with back-to-back two-assist games. The Penguins have Connor Clifton and Ilya Solovyov available on the roster as replacements for St. Ivany on the backline.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 28, 2026
New Jersey Devils forward Cody Glass (undisclosed) couldn't finish Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Winnipeg Jets after blocking a shot. He was limited to 6:44 of ice time. According to Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe, Glass attempted to return to the game, which suggests his injury isn't severe, and it's possible Glass won't have to miss time. The Devils will return to work on Thursday against the Nashville Predators. Glass has scored 13 goals this season, putting him in a three-way tie for the second-most goals on his team. In 42 outings, he has also contributed five assists. Five of Glass' 18 points this season came during a recent two-game hot spell.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 28, 2026
Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell (upper body) couldn't complete Tuesday's tilt versus the Utah Mammoth, but he is expected to play in Thursday's matchup against the St. Louis Blues. Lundell was on the receiving end of a big hit in the second period and didn't come out for the third due to an upper-body injury. "I think he's going to be fine," Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said postgame. With Aleksander Barkov (knee) unavailable, Lundell has played a vital role for the back-to-back champions this season. He has tallied 36 points (15 goals, 21 assists) in 52 appearances, ranking fifth in scoring on his team.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 28, 2026
St. Louis Blues forwards Jordan Kyrou (upper body) and Jake Neighbours (lower body) couldn't complete Tuesday's tilt against the Dallas Stars. St. Louis lost Neighbours to a lower-body injury in the first frame, and Kyrou sustained an upper-body injury in the third. The two started the game on the second line alongside Pavel Buchnevich. Injuries have been a constant concern for the Blues up front, and the team will be desperate to have at least one of Neighbours and Kyrou available on Thursday night against the Florida Panthers. If both miss time, Dalibor Dvorsky and Robby Fabbri are potential candidates to fill the top six spots.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 28, 2026
Boston Bruins center Elias Lindholm (upper body) exited Tuesday's 3-2 overtime win against the Nashville Predators in the second period. He appeared to have been hurt during a face-off. While Lindholm has been on fire lately, he had a quiet evening on Tuesday, going scoreless with one shot on goal in 11:03 of action. If Lindholm has to miss time, Marat Khusnutdinov could rejoin the top six, while Casey Mittelstadt
may be shifted from the wing to center. Boston will be back in action on Thursday against the Philadelphia Flyers.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 28, 2026
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (lower body) was forced to cut his night at the office short on Tuesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Midway through the opening frame, Luukkonen suffered a lower-body injury while attempting to make a save. He had a rough start in the game, allowing two goals on five shots. Following Luukkonen's exit, Colten Ellis took over the crease, helping the team to a 7-4 victory with 16 saves. Even if Luukkonen misses time, Ellis will have to settle for a backup role due to Alex Lyon's presence. In his next start, Lyon has a chance to establish a new franchise record with a 10th consecutive win.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 28, 2026
The Kansas City Royals have invited catching prospect
Blake Mitchell to spring training. Mitchell missed most of the first half of the 2025 season after suffering a broken wrist in February. However, once he returned to action, the top prospect struggled to find his footing. The team's No. 2-ranked prospect spent most of the campaign with High-A Quad Cities and posted an underwhelming .207/.372/.296 slash line with seventeen doubles, two home runs, and nine stolen bases. During this stretch, he carried a 71:45 K:BB. In 2024, Mitchell spent most of the season with Low-A Columbia, where he hit .238/.376/.439 line across a 106-game stint. The No. 56-ranked prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline, is not expected to compete for his MLB debut this season but is a name to watch in dynasty formats.
--Andy SmithSource: Kansas City Royals
January 28, 2026
The New York Islanders have acquired left wing Ondrej Palat in a trade with the New Jersey Devils. Winger Maxim Tsyplakov moved in the opposite direction, along with a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick. The Devils had to attach a couple of draft picks to Palat to move him, as the Czech veteran has been underperforming for the team. In 51 outings this season, Palat has contributed only four goals and six assists. He has one more year left on his contract, which carries a $6 million cap hit. Palat probably won't have a large impact in New York, but he will add a lot of playoff experience to the Islanders' roster. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect much improvement from Tsyplakov either, as the Russian forward has been limited to two points (one goal, one assist) in 27 outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 28, 2026
Detroit Tigers catching prospect
Josue Briceno made significant strides last season and could be in contention for a second-half MLB debut in 2026. The backstop began the season with High-A but needed only 55 games with West Michigan to prove he was ready to join Double-A. During his stint at High-A, Briceno posted an elite .296/.422/.602 line with 13 doubles and 15 home runs. He was then moved up to Double-A, where he took a step back, carrying a .232/.335/.381 line with six doubles, five home runs, and a 47:25 K:BB. Managers should expect the Tigers to keep Briceno at Double-A, given his inconsistency in the second half to begin 2026. However, he may only need a brief stint to prove he is ready to join Triple-A. Given the power upside he showed at High-A, Briceno would be a popular stash candidate once he is nearing an MLB promotion.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 28, 2026
Boston Red Sox top prospect
Franklin Arias quickly progressed through the lower levels of the system in 2025 and is nearing his MLB debut. The shortstop, who is considered the team's top prospect on MLB.com and the overall No. 24 in the sport, began the 2025 season with Low-A but reached Double-A Portland in the second half. With Low-A, Arias held a .346/.407/.397 line across a short 19-game stint. He would spend most of his season with High-A Greenville, where he posted a .265/.329/.380 slash line with 21 doubles, six home runs, and seven stolen bases. He finished the season, posting a modest .685 OPS during his first 10 games at Double-A. Managers should expect Arias to open the season at Double-A and be in contention for a second-half promotion to Triple-A.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 28, 2026
Toronto Raptors forward/center
Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) practiced on Tuesday, but he is still listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the New York Knicks. A thumb injury could keep the talented rookie sidelined for a fifth consecutive game. Due to
Jakob Poeltl's (back) health issues, Murray-Boyles' role has grown throughout the campaign, and he took over as the starting center at the beginning of January. In Murray-Boyles' absence,
Sandro Mamukelashvili has enjoyed a good spell as a starter. Given how well Mamukelashvili has played, Murray-Boyles might come off the bench if he's available.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 28, 2026
The Milwaukee Brewers have invited recently acquired infield prospect
Jett Williams to big-league spring training. Williams was sent to Milwaukee alongside right-hander
Brandon Sproat in the deal that sent right-hander
Freddy Peralta to New York. Williams was viewed as the top prospect in the Mets system prior to the trade and now sits as the No. 3 prospect in Milwaukee (on MLB.com), trailing only
Jesus Made and
Luis Pena. Last season, Williams began the campaign with Double-A, where he posted a strong .281/.390/.477 slash line with 29 doubles, 10 home runs, 32 stolen bases. He was then promoted to Triple-A Syracuse, where he took a slight step back, carrying a lower .209/.285/.433 line with seven long balls across a 34-game stint. Managers should expect Williams to open the season at Triple-A but should be in contention for an early MLB debut, especially if
Joey Ortiz continues to struggle in the batter's box.
--Andy SmithSource: Milwaukee Brewers
January 28, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies center
Jock Landale (personal) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Wednesday's contest against the Charlotte Hornets. The Australian big man will return to action after sitting out one game for personal reasons. Landale has gained a lot of momentum lately, posting back-to-back double-doubles and averaging 13.9 points and 8.6 rebounds for the month. On Wednesday, Landale finds himself in a tricky spot, as only six teams have allowed fewer fantasy points to centers than Charlotte. Landale's return will likely bump
Santi Aldama back to the bench, but he will remain an important part of the rotation and could still see around 30 minutes of action.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 28, 2026
The Milwaukee Brewers have invited shortstop prospect
Cooper Pratt to big-league camp. Pratt is currently considered the No. 53 overall prospect on MLB.com and the No. 3-ranked prospect in the Milwaukee system. Pratt joined the Brewers in the sixth round of the 2023 MLB Draft but has progressed through the minor leagues fairly quickly. After a brief stint in the Arizona Complex League in 2023, Pratt would spend the 2024 season with Low-A and High-A. Through 96 games, Pratt posted a .277/.362/.406 line with 15 doubles, eight home runs, and 25 stolen bases. In 2025, the Magnolia Heights HS product would spend the entire season with Double-A Biloxi, where he posted a .238/.343/.348 line with eight home runs and 31 stolen bases. Managers should closely monitor his development in camp, as he could begin the season at Triple-A.
--Andy SmithSource: Milwaukee Brewers
January 28, 2026
Miami Heat forward/center
Kel'el Ware (hamstring) is questionable for Wednesday's meeting with the Orlando Magic. He's dealing with a right hamstring strain and may be sidelined for a fifth consecutive game. Still, Ware returned to practice on Tuesday, suggesting that he could soon be back in the lineup.
Nikola Jovic has seen consistent minutes during Ware's absence, averaging 17.5 points and 4.5 rebounds over the last two games. While Jovic has been productive in recent games, his numbers have been lacking for most of the campaign, making him a risky fantasy choice.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 28, 2026
Sahith Theegala wanted to put 2025 behind him and for good reason. The American golfer made 17 of 23 cuts but had zero Top 10 finishes and only was inside the Top 25 twice. Theegala missed two months and a little more due to injury. His form got wrecked and yet, he never truly looked right until the Fall season. Even then, he missed the cut at The RSM Classic. His weekend at the Farmers Insurance Open last year was a nightmarish 75-73. However, Theegala finished T-4 the previous year. If the conditions are right, the player can be a solid DFS choice (4.14 - 40th in birdie average for 2024). With a Top 10 result (T-8) at The American Express, Theegala has momentum and lots of it.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
January 28, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers top prospect
Jesus Made is being invited to big-league spring training. The 18-year-old shortstop is currently viewed as the No. 4-ranked overall prospect in the entire sport on MLB.com. He made his professional debut in 2024 in the Dominican Summer League and held a .331/.458/.554 with a strong 1.012 OPS. In 2025, Made began the season in Low-A but quickly progressed through the Milwaukee system, finishing the season in Double-A. Across 83 games with Low-A, Made posted a solid .267/.373/.388 line with four home runs and 40 stolen bases. Through 32 games split between High-A and Double-A, Made took his level of play even higher, carrying an elite .331/.392/.474 line. While a 2026 MLB debut is unlikely, if he continues this current trajectory, he could make a strong case in the second half.
--Andy SmithSource: Milwaukee Brewers
January 28, 2026
Miami Heat point guard
Davion Mitchell (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Orlando Magic. He may miss his fourth consecutive game due to a left shoulder injury that Mitchell sustained earlier this month. If Mitchell can't return against Orlando,
Kasparas Jakucionis will remain in the starting unit. The Lithuanian rookie has made five total starts this season, averaging 8.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. He could be a bit busier on Wednesday against an Orlando team that gives up the seventh-most fantasy points to point guards.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 28, 2026
Gary Woodland has been driving the ball well in 2026. The American golfer ranks second early on in driving distance at a whopping average of 327.1 yards. Again, it is early. However, the South Course weighs in at a whopping 7.802 yards. Even the North Course is a solid 7,258 yards. Six holes on the South Course are 500 yards or greater. Two are Par-4's by the way (505 and that 517 yard 15th hole). Woodland will need to be accurate but that length is vital on a course like this. Woodland is +16500 to win on DraftKings but +420 to finish in the Top 20. It all comes down to accuracy here which should at least make Woodland an eye catcher for the Farmers Insurance Open.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
January 28, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Norman Powell (back) is considered questionable for Wednesday's game against the Orlando Magic. Powell has recently played through a back issue, but he may eventually need to take some time off to recover. With
Tyler Herro (ribs) out, Miami relies heavily on Powell on the offensive end. If he can't play on Wednesday, there would be additional playing time available for
Pelle Larsson,
Jaime Jaquez Jr., and
Simone Fontecchio. Although Larsson has enjoyed a couple of very good performances lately, Jaquez Jr. has more fantasy potential.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 28, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Tyler Herro (ribs) won't play against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, missing his seventh straight game. The Heat have two back-to-backs scheduled this week, meaning Herro could miss several more games. Miami is currently dealing with other injury issues as well, giving
Pelle Larsson,
Dru Smith,
Jaime Jaquez Jr., and
Kasparas Jakucionis additional playing opportunities. The team has a good fantasy matchup on Wednesday against a mediocre defensive team.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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