January 31, 2026
After undergoing Tommy John surgery in June 2024, Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher
Kyle Bradish missed the remainder of the 2024 season and the first four-plus months of 2025. However, the 29-year-old was able to finish the 2025 season on the mound, returning in late August and posting a 2.53 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with 47 strikeouts across 32 innings (six starts). While Bradish's elite 37.3% strikeout rate over a small sample in 2025 may not be sustainable over the course of a full season, it demonstrates his swing-and-miss upside. He recorded strong numbers in his last full campaign in 2023, logging a 12-7 record with a 2.83 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 168 strikeouts across 168 2/3 innings (30 starts). Entering 2026, Bradish appears to be fully healthy and should be locked in at the top of the Baltimore rotation. He still carries some health risk, but his strong finish after returning in 2025 should help ease those concerns. Bradish profiles as a solid fantasy SP2 with upside heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 31, 2026
Houston Astros shortstop
Jeremy Pena missed time in 2025 due to both rib and oblique issues. However, around the injuries, the 28-year-old elevated his game to a new level. Across 543 plate appearances, Pena posted a .304/.363/.477 slash line with 17 home runs, 62 RBI, 68 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases. He boosted his hard-hit rate to a career-best 42.9% and was on pace to steal 25 bases over 155 games. Heading into 2026, Pena should be locked in to an everyday role at the top of the Astros lineup. While his batting average may regress closer to his career mark of .271, Pena should rack up counting stats and has a chance to provide average to above-average production across all five traditional rotisserie scoring categories. He profiles as a top-10 fantasy shortstop in 2026, and with a current average draft position of pick 93, Pena could be a value selection for fantasy managers.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 31, 2026
After bouncing around the league for a few years without a stable ninth-inning role, Boston Red Sox left-hander
Aroldis Chapman re-established himself as one of the best closers in baseball in 2025. Across 61 1/3 innings pitched (67 games), the 37-year-old posted a 5-3 record with a 1.17 ERA, 0.70 WHIP, 85 strikeouts, and 32 saves. Chapman has always been a whiff machine, and he struck out batters at an excellent 37.3% clip in 2025. The biggest change in his profile this past season was control: After recording walk rates of at least 14.5% for four consecutive seasons, Chapman walked just 6.6% of the batters he faced last year. The Red Sox signed Chapman to a one-year contract extension with a vesting option for 2027 last September, so he appears to be locked in as the team's closer for 2026. If Chapman can post another season with even a single-digit walk rate in 2026, there's no reason to think he can't be one of the game's elite closers for a second straight season.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 31, 2026
After getting promoted to the big leagues in late April, Athletics first baseman
Nick Kurtz showed elite power potential on his way to winning the 2025 American League Rookie of the Year award. Across 489 MLB plate appearances, the 22-year-old posted a .290/.383/.619 slash line with 36 home runs, 86 RBI, 90 runs scored, and two stolen bases. Kurtz's underlying power metrics support his dominance, as he posted an 18.3% barrel rate and 50.9% hard-hit rate. If there's one area of concern for Kurtz, it's swing-and-miss. He struck out in 30.9% of his plate appearances as a rookie, which could indicate some batting average regression is coming for him in 2026. However, Kurtz profiles as a classic left-handed slugger who has a chance to be among the MLB leaders in home runs and RBI. He also gets the benefit of playing his 2026 home games in a minor-league ballpark in Sacramento with an Athletics lineup that finished sixth in the American League in runs scored in 2025. Kurtz should be one of the first few first basemen off the board in fantasy drafts over the next few months.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 31, 2026
In his first season with the Boston Red Sox in 2025, left-handed pitcher
Garrett Crochet emerged as one of the best pitchers in MLB. Across 205 1/3 innings (32 starts), the 26-year-old posted an 18-5 record with a 2.59 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 255 strikeouts. Crochet struck out 31.3% of the batters he faced while walking hitters at just a 5.7% clip. He also showed the ability to handle a significant workload, jumping nearly 60 innings from his previous career high of 146 innings pitched in 2024. Fantasy managers could have some level of concern that the innings spike could increase Crochet's injury risk. However, he's healthy heading into 2026 and projects to lead a Boston team that should provide him with plenty of run support. Crochet profiles as a no-doubt fantasy SP1 and has a chance to be the number one overall pitcher in fantasy in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 31, 2026
The Minnesota Twins agreed to "mutually" part ways with president of baseball and business operations Derek Falvey on Friday, according to Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. The move comes after the Twins fired manager Rocco Baldelli following the completion of the 2025 season. It's a surprising decision for the organization, especially with only a few weeks until spring training begins. Falvey had been with the Twins organization for nine years and was named president of baseball operations in 2019. For the time being, general manager Jeremy Zoll will lead baseball operations for the Twins, with Tom Pohlad leading business operations. Under Falvey, the Twins won three American League Central division titles and made the playoffs four times. Minnesota has missed the postseason each of the last two seasons and had a massive trade-deadline sell-off last summer.
--Keith HernandezSource: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Betsy Helfand
January 31, 2026
New York Mets shortstop
Francisco Lindor (elbow) won't represent Team Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic this spring due to elbow surgery he had last October and "insurance constraints" of the international tournament, according to a statement from the MLB Players Association. Lindor is expected to be ready for the start of spring training after having debridement surgery to clean up his right elbow. The 32-year-old veteran switch-hitter had ups and downs in 2025 in his fifth year in Queens, but he was an All-Star for the fifth time in his career and finished with a third straight 30-homer season in 160 games, adding 86 RBI, 117 runs scored, and a career-high 31 stolen bases. Lindor had a slash line of .267/.346/.466 with an .811 OPS. Despite getting up there in age, Lindor should have the opportunity for another 30-30 campaign in 2026, making him a top-five fantasy shortstop.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Andrew Battifarano
January 31, 2026
The Buffalo Bills are hiring Denver Broncos defensive passing-game coordinator Jim Leonhard as their new defensive coordinator, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. A former NFL safety, Leonhard played in 142 career games across 10 seasons from 2005 to 2014. He had two separate stints in Buffalo as a player, first from 2005 through 2007 and then for the penultimate season of his career in 2013. Leonhard got his start as a coach at the University of Wisconsin, where he served as the defensive coordinator from 2017 through 2022. He returned to the NFL in 2024 and has served as the Broncos' defensive passing game coordinator for the past two seasons. Denver finished the 2025 season with the NFL's seventh-best pass defense in terms of total yardage (3,182) and the best pass defense by net yards per pass attempt (4.8). Rapoport reports that Leonhard was "coveted" around the league, so his hire represents a big get for new Bills head coach Joe Brady.
--Will BradySource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 31, 2026
Chicago Bears running back
D'Andre Swift posted another solid season in 2025, recording 1,386 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns on 257 touches across 16 games. Swift has quietly been one of the NFL's most consistent backs in recent years, recording at least 1,250 scrimmage yards and missing just two contests over his past three campaigns. However, Swift may find himself competing for the RB1 role in Chicago in 2026 with fellow Bears running back
Kyle Monangai. A seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Monangai racked up 947 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns across 17 games played as a rookie. Down the stretch of the 2025 season, Swift and Monangai split backfield work relatively evenly, with neither back playing fewer than 40% or greater than 60% of the team's offensive snaps in any game between Week 12 and Week 18. Swift is entering his age-27 season and will be a free agent after the 2026 campaign, so Chicago could be looking at Monangai as its running back of the future. Bears head coach Ben Johnson has proven an ability to support fantasy production for two backs throughout his time as an NFL play-caller. Still, fantasy managers may want to prepare for a decrease in Swift's workload in 2026 and beyond.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 31, 2026
Free-agent outfielder
Austin Hays and the Chicago White Sox agreed on a one-year, $6 million contract on Saturday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports. Hays should have a regular path to playing time in Chicago in 2026, especially after the team traded
Luis Robert Jr. to the New York Mets this offseason. The 30-year-old is coming off one of the best seasons of his career in 2025 with the Cincinnati Reds, when he slashed .266/.315/.453 with a .768 OPS, 15 home runs, 64 RBI, 60 runs scored, and a career-high seven stolen bases in 103 games and 416 plate appearances. Hays went on the injured list three separate times with calf, hamstring, and foot injuries, and he also missed some time in the final month with back spasms. Chicago is a good landing spot as far as playing time goes, and he should hit in the middle of the order, but durability is an issue for an outfielder with moderate power.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Joel Sherman
January 31, 2026
New York Jets wide receiver
Garrett Wilson (knee) had his 2025 season cut short by a knee injury that he suffered in Week 6. After attempting to make a comeback in Week 10, Wilson was eventually shut down for the remainder of the year. Across the seven games he played, the 25-year-old recorded 36 receptions for 395 yards and four touchdowns on 59 targets. While Wilson remains an obvious talent at the wide receiver position and profiles as the clear lead option in the Jets' passing game going forward, the offensive infrastructure around him in New York continues to be a major question mark.
Justin Fields,
Tyrod Taylor, and
Brady Cook all saw time at quarterback for the Jets in 2025, but none of them appears to be the team's long-term answer at the position. As such, Wilson will likely be working with yet another new quarterback in 2026. New York will also have a new play-caller after moving on from offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand. Wilson still profiles as a solid wide receiver option for fantasy managers in 2026, but the unstable situation around him limits his production certainty.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 31, 2026
After topping 1,200 receiving yards and recording 10 touchdown catches as a rookie in 2024, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver
Brian Thomas Jr. was expected to fully emerge as an elite player at his position in 2025. However, the 23-year-old battled through both injury and underperformance this past season, recording just 48 receptions for 707 yards and two touchdowns on 91 targets across 14 games played. As the season progressed, Thomas Jr. appeared to fall behind Jaguars wideouts
Jakobi Meyers and
Parker Washington on the team's pass-catching pecking order. Including the postseason, Thomas Jr. recorded fewer than five receptions in each of his final nine games of the year. Heading into 2026, the Jaguars' wide receiver depth chart will get even more crowded by wide receiver/cornerback
Travis Hunter's (knee) return from injury. Thomas Jr. could re-emerge as the lead wideout in Jacksonville in 2026. However, his stock in both redraft and dynasty fantasy formats has taken a hit after his disappointing 2025 campaign.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 31, 2026
Detroit Lions running back
Jahmyr Gibbs posted another excellent season in 2025, recording 1,839 yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns on 320 touches across 17 games played. While Gibbs' efficiency dropped slightly from his standout 2024 season, he still averaged 5.0 yards per carry and 5.7 yards per touch. The 23-year-old also set career-highs across the board as a receiver, finishing the year with 77 catches for 616 yards and five touchdowns on 94 targets. Perhaps most importantly for Gibbs' future outlook, he fully moved past fellow Lions running back
David Montgomery on the team's depth chart. After the team's Week 8 bye, Montgomery played fewer than 40% of Detroit's offensive snaps in eight out of 10 contests. As long as Gibbs can stay healthy, he profiles as an elite fantasy running back for both 2026 and beyond.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 31, 2026
Chicago Bulls center
Nikola Vucevic (rest) is unlikely to play Saturday against Miami as Chicago manages the veteran big man on the front end of a back-to-back. His expected absence keeps the frontcourt offense flowing through
Matas Buzelis, who has consistently handled a sizable workload. Buzelis has averaged 14.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, making him a steady fantasy option.
Jalen Smith's (calf) questionable status could further stabilize Buzelis' role, while
Patrick Williams is expected to see extra run but carries a low floor.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 31, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Tre Jones (hamstring) will not play Saturday against Miami as he continues to work through a multi-week absence, with a return still not imminent. His continued absence keeps backcourt minutes concentrated elsewhere, boosting
Ayo Dosunmu's fantasy profile. Dosunmu has responded with an expanded run, averaging 20.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists across his last three games, including a 23-point outing Thursday.
Kevin Huerter also remains in play as a deeper-league streamer after logging 33 minutes against Miami. Standard-league managers can wait on Jones until he's fully back in the mix.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 31, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Tyler Herro (ribs) will not play Saturday against Chicago, extending his absence to nine straight games. He has continued to be ruled out well ahead of tipoff, a pattern that points to a week-to-week situation and makes him doubtful for Sunday's rematch. Herro's continued absence, paired with
Norman Powell (personal) being out and
Davion Mitchell (shoulder) trending doubtful, keeps Miami's rotation thin.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. has responded with expanded minutes and delivered 19 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists on Friday.
Pelle Larsson and
Dru Smith remain viable deep-league streamers handling secondary playmaking duties.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 31, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Norman Powell (personal) will not play Saturday against Chicago and remains uncertain for Sunday's rematch, leaving Miami short-handed again. Powell's absence opens short-term fantasy value elsewhere, especially for
Jaime Jaquez Jr., who has logged at least 28 minutes in four of his last five games and posted 19 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists in his most recent outing.
Bam Adebayo should continue to shoulder a heavy offensive load, while
Andrew Wiggins sees steadier usage. Jaquez Jr. profiles as a strong streamer if Powell remains sidelined.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 31, 2026
San Antonio Spurs forward/center
Jeremy Sochan (quad) will miss Saturday's game in Charlotte, extending his absence to three straight contests with left quad soreness, with Sunday against Orlando up next. The development carries minimal fantasy relevance, as Sochan has struggled to secure a steady role in a deep rotation. He has often logged single-digit minutes or been a healthy scratch, limiting his category impact.
Harrison Barnes and
Julian Champagnie remain locked into forward minutes, while
Keldon Johnson continues to anchor the second unit. Sochan can be left on waiver wires outside of very deep formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 31, 2026
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher
Brayan Bello continues to emerge in trade talks, according to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. Boston currently has a surplus of starting pitchers, with the signings of
Ranger Suarez and
Sonny Gray and the emergence of young arms like
Payton Tolle and
Connelly Early. Through the offseason, reports have suggested the Red Sox have also begun to "quietly" shop for the right-hander, indicating they have been looking for a suitor. The Red Sox were linked to several of the top free-agent third basemen but were unable to agree to terms with any. However, reports suggest they have also shown interest in Houston's
Isaac Paredes, and Bello would likely be included in this package if both sides reached an agreement. Bello logged a career-high 166 2/3 innings with the Red Sox last season and held a 3.35 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP. If he were to remain in Boston, he would likely serve as the team's No. 4 starter.
--Andy SmithSource: Jen McCaffrey
January 31, 2026
Utah Jazz guard
Keyonte George (ankle) exited Friday's loss to Brooklyn late in the fourth quarter after turning his left ankle and did not return, though postgame imaging was clean. He still led Utah with 26 points, seven assists, three rebounds, one block, and 32 minutes, underscoring how much offense runs through him. George's strong play this season means any absence would leave a significant usage gap.
Isaiah Collier would be the primary beneficiary after averaging 11.3 points and 7.3 assists over his last three games, with rookie
Walter Clayton Jr. potentially picking up a few extra minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: Ben Anderson
January 31, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies left-handed starting pitcher
Jesus Luzardo has yet to begin discussions for a contract extension with the club. However, Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic reported that the team could look ot start preliminary discussions once spring training begins. Team president Dave Dombrowski has expressed interest in the southpaw, and both sides could look to discuss it before the regular season begins. Earlier this offseason, both sides agreed to an $11 million contract to avoid arbitration. Luzardo made his Phillies debut in 2025 and performed quite well, tossing a career-high 183 2/3 innings and posting a 3.92 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP. He struck out 216 hitters and generated a strong 3.33 xERA. Lucardo projects to remain the team's No. 2 pitcher, behind
Cristopher Sanchez, while
Zack Wheeler (shoulder) works his way back from injury. Given his high strikeout upside, Luzardo holds mid-end SP2 upside in all formats.
--Andy SmithSource: Charlotte Varnes
January 31, 2026
Golden State Warriors guard
Stephen Curry (knee) did not return Friday against Detroit after dealing with right knee soreness, wrapping up the night with 23 points, two assists, one rebound, one block, and 25 minutes before heading to the locker room in the third quarter. Curry was noticeably limited before his exit and should be viewed as questionable for Tuesday against Philadelphia.
De'Anthony Melton has already been operating with an expanded role following Jimmy Butler's (knee) season-ending absence and continued to deliver with 18 points, five rebounds, and three assists. If Curry misses additional time, Melton's usage and minutes could climb further, while
Pat Spencer,
Brandin Podziemski, and
Will Richard would see modest bumps in deeper fantasy formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Warriors PR
January 31, 2026
According to Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic, Philadelphia Phillies infield prospect
Aidan Miller is not expected to break camp with the MLB roster. While Varnes noted that a 2026 MLB debut remains in play, he will likely not be on the team's Opening Day roster given the team's current infield depth. Miller is considered the team's No. 2-ranked prospect on MLB.com and overall No. 32 prospect in the sport. Miller joined the organization with the 23rd overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of J.W. Mitchell HS. Miller spent the majority of the 2025 season with Double-A before finishing the season with a brief taste at Triple-A. Through 108 games at Double-A, Miller held a .259/.382/.427 line with 13 home runs and 52 stolen bases. During his brief eight-game stint at Triple-A, Miller posted a .333/.514/.519 line. Even though he is not expected to break camp with the MLB roster, he could become a top stash candidate in deeper category formats early in the season, given his five-category skill set.
--Andy SmithSource: Charlotte Varnes
January 31, 2026
Chicago White Sox infielder
Luisangel Acuna is expected to compete for the starting center field role during spring training, according to Dan Bartels of The New York Post. Acuna was shipped to the White Sox from the New York Mets earlier this winter in exchange for outfielder
Luis Robert Jr. Acuna made his MLB debut during the 2024 season, but earned his first extended stint in the big league last summer. Across a career-high 95 games with the Mets in 2025, Acuna held a .234/.293/.274 slash line with seven doubles and 16 stolen bases. Through 159 career games at Triple-A, Acuna has held a .265/.307/.360 line with seven long balls and 48 stolen bases. Even though Acuna has primarily been an infielder coming up through the New York system, he will have an opportunity to carve out a role in the Chicago outfield. He is a name to watch in deeper category formats given his high-speed upside.
--Andy SmithSource: Dan Bartels
January 31, 2026
Seattle Mariners infield prospect
Colt Emerson has earned an invite to big-league spring training. Emerson is currently viewed as the top prospect in the Seattle system on MLB.com and the No. 9-ranked overall prospect in the sport. Emerson joined the Mariners with the 22nd overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of John Glenn HS. Last summer, Emerson began the season with High-A Everett but finished it at Triple-A. Through 90 games at High-A, Emerson posted a .281/.388/.453 slash line with 16 doubles, 11 home runs, and six stolen bases. Through 40 games shared between Double-A and Triple-A, Emerson held a .293/.372/.470 line. Managers should closely monitor his progress during camp as he could be in the mix to crack the Opening Day roster.
--Andy SmithSource: Seattle Mariners
January 31, 2026
Chicago White Sox catcher
Edgar Quero was working at Driveline in the offseason to improve his swing. Quero has been looking to increase his bat speed and quality of contact for the upcoming campaign. The young backstop made his MLB debut last summer and posted a .268/.333/.356 line with 17 doubles and five home runs. While he showed a strong eye at the plate with a 17.6% K%, he struggled to generate hard contact, posting a low .290 xwOBA and 67.5 mph bat speed, which placed him in the fourth percentile. Coming up in the minor leagues, Quero posted an .829 OPS across 98 games at the upper levels during the 2024 season. This season, Quero is slated to share catching duties with
Kyle Teel, but he could carve out a role as a primary DH if he were to increase his power upside. For now, he is a name to monitor in deeper two-catcher formats.
--Andy SmithSource: Aiden Gonzalez
January 31, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Charlie Coyle led his team on Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks, scoring his second career hat trick in a 4-2 win. The 33-year-old produced a power-play goal late in the first period, opened the second period with an even-strength tally, and sealed his hat trick with an empty-net goal. Coyle also collected an assist on Friday night. In recent games, Coyle has been on another level, notching five goals and four assists across his last three outings. The hot streak has boosted Coyle's scoring total to 39 points (15 goals, 24 assists) in 53 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 31, 2026
Vancouver Canucks defenseman Filip Hronek (illness) missed Friday's practice but is expected to play on Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre reports. Hronek hasn't sat out any games this season and looks ready to keep his proud record despite dealing with an illness. Since Quinn Hughes moved to Minnesota, Hronek has been Vancouver's No. 1 defenseman, averaging 24:50 of ice time in January. He has notched 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in his last 15 appearances. For the season, Hronek has managed 32 points (five goals, 27 assists) in 54 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 31, 2026
Boston Bruins forward Pavel Zacha (upper body) is not traveling with the team for Sunday's Stadium Series matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning. After sustaining an upper-body injury in Thursday's win over Philadelphia, Zacha is also in danger of missing Wednesday's contest against the Florida Panthers. Boston also lost Elias Lindholm (upper body) this week, leaving the team without two of its top centers. Fraser Minter has moved up in the lineup to fill Lindholm's spot, and with Zacha out, Matthew Poitras could also see time on a scoring line. The team may also decide to use Casey Mittelstadt as a center on Sunday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 31, 2026
Boston Bruins center Elias Lindholm (upper body) will remain behind as the team heads out for two games in Florida. The Swedish forward suffered an upper-body injury earlier this week, and unfortunately, he won't be healthy enough to play in Sunday's Stadium Series contest against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Additionally, Lindholm will miss a meeting with the Florida Panthers on Wednesday. Pavel Zacha (upper body) will also sit out the two games, meaning youngsters Fraser Minten and Matthew Poitras may be Boston's top-six centers for at least a couple of games. Casey Mittelstadt could also slot into the middle after spending time on the wing.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
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