January 31, 2026
The Boston Red Sox have signed catcher
Matt Thaiss to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. Thaiss figures to compete for the backup catching gig in camp. The 30-year-old slashed .218/.349/.288 with one home run and 16 RBI in 60 games between the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays last season. Thaiss is a former first-round pick of the Los Angeles Angels during the 2016 draft. He has been given multiple chances at the big league level, but has never been a consistent hitter. He'll likely serve as organizational depth to begin the season.
--Andy WebbSource: Chris Cotillo
January 31, 2026
San Diego Padres outfielder
Fernando Tatis Jr. recently admitted that his offensive struggles were mainly mechanical last season. He feels that he's made the correct adjustments and that the 2026 season will be special for him. Tatis says his head is in the right place and his best seasons are ahead of him. On paper, Tatis really didn't struggle during the 2025 season. He slashed .268/.368/.446 with 25 home runs, 71 RBI, and 32 steals in 155 games. He produced a 5.9 WAR, so if that's a down year, then fantasy managers should be excited to see what Tatis can do in 2026.
--Andy WebbSource: 97.3 The Fan
January 31, 2026
San Diego Padres outfielder
Jackson Merrill said that he's feeling more comfortable heading into his third season. He continued by saying the experience as helped, and he has developed a lot of mental strength. Merrill played in 156 games during his rookie campaign, but spent a ton of time on the injured list during his sophomore season. The 22-year-old made three trips to the injured list during the 2025 season, which led to only 115 games played. It sounds like Merrill is going to be better prepared physically for the challenges of playing a 162-game season. When healthy, Merrill is a stud, so hopefully the Padres can keep him on the field in 2026.
--Andy WebbSource: Annie Heilbrunn
January 31, 2026
The Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to keep right-hander
Ben Casparius in a relief role this upcoming season. Recently, Casparius told Fabian Ardaya that he anticipates coming into camp as a relief pitcher. The right-hander pitched in multiple roles last season, but figures to serve mainly as a reliever in 2026. Last season, Casparius finished with a 4.64 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and a 71/21 K/BB ratio in 46 games (three starts) with the Dodgers. Casparius also registered two saves and finished six games as well. The versatility of the 26-year-old is a great thing to have, as not every team has those kinds of pitchers. Unfortunately, Casparius will have limited fantasy value if he's strictly used as a middle reliever.
--Andy WebbSource: Fabian Ardaya
January 31, 2026
The San Francisco Giants have signed infielder
Luis Arraez to a one-year deal on Saturday. The two sides have agreed on a one-year deal worth $12 million for the upcoming 2026 season. It sounds like the plan is for Arraez to play full-time at second base. Last season, Arraez mainly played first base with the San Diego Padres. Arraez could potentially move to first base or designated hitter if
Bryce Eldridge struggles and needs to be sent down. The addition of Arraez is going to reduce the playing time of
Casey Schmitt, who was expected to play second base to begin the season. In 2025, Arraez slashed .292/.327/.392 with eight home runs, 61 RBI, and 11 steals in 154 games with the Padres. The 28-year-old is an excellent contact hitter who doesn't strikeout much, but the Giants won't get much power or speed from him.
--Andy WebbSource: Jorge Castillo
January 31, 2026
Anaheim Ducks right wing Troy Terry (upper body) practiced on Saturday and is set to return to action on Sunday against the Vegas Golden Knights, Derek Lee of The Hockey News reports. The Ducks still need to activate Terry from Injured Reserve to get him into the lineup. An upper-body injury has kept Terry sidelined for 11 games. Despite his multi-week absence, Terry leads the Ducks with 29 assists and has 13 goals in 43 outings. He is set to slot into the second line and the second power-play unit on Sunday. The Ducks' attack could also get Mason McTavish (upper body) back against Vegas.
--Taavi PailkSource: Derek Lee
January 31, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (elbow) practiced on Saturday and is expected to rejoin the lineup for Sunday's Stadium Series matchup against the Boston Bruins. The star blue-liner has been out since Dec. 9 due to an elbow procedure. Incredibly, the Lightning have lost just five of 23 games without Hedman. Darren Raddysh has stepped up in a major way in defense. With Hedman returning, Raddysh will have to settle for a lesser role, but he will remain an attractive fantasy piece due to his offensive ability.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 31, 2026
Washington Capitals forward Connor McMichael (upper body) was placed on Injured Reserve and is considered week-to-week. The 25-year-old missed his first game of the season on Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes and won't return to action until after the Olympics. The injury will ruin McMichael's attempt to register his second consecutive 50-point campaign. In 55 outings, he has contributed eight goals and 23 assists. Ethen Frank moved to the third line as McMichael's replacement on Saturday. McMichael's exit from the lineup also opens up power-play time, as he averages the sixth-most power-play time on his team (1:37).
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 31, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (foot) has been ruled out for four weeks. The veteran suffered a fractured foot and was placed on Injured Reserve ahead of Saturday's contest against the New York Rangers. It's unfortunate to see Letang dealing with another injury, but at least it came at a good time. Due to the Olympic break, Letang may end up missing only four games. Recently, Letang sat out his first two games of the season due to an upper-body injury. Connor Clifton replaced Letang in the lineup on Saturday, while Ryan Shea joined the second power-play unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 31, 2026
New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier (illness) missed the morning skate and will be a game-time decision for Saturday's matchup against the Ottawa Senators. He is battling an illness and could sit out his first game of the season. In 54 contests, Hischier has contributed 18 goals and 23 assists. The Devils have already ruled out Jack Hughes (lower) for Saturday, and Hischier's absence would leave the team thin at center. Dawson Mercer and Cody Glass (undisclosed) are expected to play larger roles on Saturday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 31, 2026
New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes (lower body) will miss Saturday's contest against the Ottawa Senators. He remains day-to-day with a lower-body injury sustained Thursday against the Nashville Predators. Dawson Mercer will move into the top six on Saturday, and there could be further changes among the forward group, depending on Nico Hischier's (illness) status. Cody Glass (undisclosed) will return from a one-game absence and could also have an expanded role against Ottawa.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 31, 2026
Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark will be between the sticks on Saturday against the New Jersey Devils. This will be his first outing since Dec. 27. Ullmark only recently rejoined the Senators after being away from the team for personal reasons. The 2023 Vezina Trophy winner has posted a 14-8-5 record this season, with a 2.95 goals-against average, a .881 save percentage, and one shutout. He has a favorable matchup on Saturday against a banged-up Devils team, which ranks 28th in the league with a 2.61 goals-for average.
--Taavi PailkSource: Ottawa Senators
January 31, 2026
Indianapolis wide receiver
Michael Pittman Jr. carries an expected $29 million salary cap hit into 2026, but the Colts could clear all but $5 million by cutting him before the new league year. With
Alec Pierce coming off his first 1,000-yard campaign and set for unrestricted free agency, the belief around Indianapolis is that the team will prioritize him over the 28-year-old Pittman. With the 12-plus games played by
Daniel Jones before his season-ending Achilles injury arguably representing the pinnacle of quarterback play that Pittman has seen in his six-year career, the always steady, but never explosive, receiver could still have more to show. While he's never come close to delivering on his former top-ten dynasty ranking, his value could once again spike if he lands in the right situation.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 31, 2026
Detroit Lions tight end
Sam LaPorta was on a 17-game pace of 76 receptions for 924 yards and six touchdowns before a back injury prematurely ended his season. Expected to be healthy for the 2026 season, LaPorta should see heavy involvement in new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing's tight end-friendly system. With Petzing calling plays in Arizona for the past three seasons, Cardinals tight end
Trey McBride has emerged as a fantasy superstar. While target competition in Detroit will be significantly stronger than McBride faced in the desert, LaPorta already has a TE1 season under his belt and is an obvious dynasty buy until his market recovers to its pre-injury form.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 31, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander
Blake Snell said his shoulder continued to bother him through the World Series last fall, but it wasn't anything that required more than physical therapy and rest, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Snell will be slow-played this spring. "That's the plan," Snell said when asked if he would be ready for Opening Day in late March. The 33-year-old veteran southpaw only made 11 starts in 2025 in his first year with the Dodgers after missing four months with left-shoulder inflammation. He acknowledged that he was exhausted after making five starts and a relief appearance in the postseason last fall, which makes him a risk/reward No. 2 fantasy baseball starter entering his second year in Hollywood. Snell has high-end strikeout upside (career 11.2 K/9), but durability is a concern, as he's made 30 starts just twice in his 10 big-league campaigns. RotoBaller has Snell ranked as the No. 16 starting pitcher in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
January 31, 2026
Buffalo Bills wide receiver
Keon Coleman hasn't played a game since mid-January, but perhaps no player has had a rougher transition into the offseason. After a disappointing sophomore season that saw him catch 38 passes for 404 yards and four touchdowns, Coleman's name was front and center as the Bills transitioned from long-time head coach Sean McDermott to former offensive coordinator Joe Brady. With Bills owner Terry Pegula publicly insinuating that Coleman's second-round selection in the 2024 draft was not unanimously agreed upon in the draft room, he put general manager Brandon Beane and new head coach Brady in a position to do damage control. Coleman had already seen his dynasty value tumble throughout 2025, as he was made a healthy scratch on multiple occasions, but it currently sits at an all-time low, making him a nearly impossible sell.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 31, 2026
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Philadelphia 76ers forward
Paul George was issued a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug policy. The multi-time All-Star has accepted full responsibility, stating "he made the mistake of taking an improper medication" due to mental health issues. George has averaged 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals throughout the campaign. He's also missed 20 games, mostly to recover from offseason surgery on his left knee. The 35-year-old isn't as productive as he once was, although he is still a reliable fantasy performer. With that said, the time away may actually benefit him, considering he will now have more time to rest any lingering injuries. While George is off the floor,
VJ Edgecombe,
Tyrese Maxey, and
Joel Embiid should all get additional offensive opportunities. The same can be said for
Kelly Oubre Jr. and
Quentin Grimes, who will presumably receive even more minutes moving ahead.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Shams Charania
January 31, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed reliever
Brusdar Graterol (shoulder) said that his shoulder has felt good for a couple of weeks, according to The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya. He is expected to start throwing bullpen sessions next week, and he also said that he's dropped 15 pounds over the last year. Graterol feels good physically, and he's expected to be fully ready for the start of spring training in just a couple of weeks. The 27-year-old did not pitch for the Dodgers at all last season after having labrum surgery in November of 2024. In his last full season in 2023, Graterol was excellent, posting a 1.20 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, a career-high seven saves, 48 strikeouts, and 12 walks in 67 1/3 innings. He won't be on the fantasy radar in most leagues entering the 2026 campaign, but if he stays healthy, he could return to a high-leverage setup role and attract interest in leagues that count holds.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
January 31, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar
Shohei Ohtani said he will be ready to pitch from the start of the 2026 regular season, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. When asked about his workload for Team Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, Ohtani said that it will be up to "how my body feels." No matter what, he will be fully ready to serve as the designated hitter in the WBC. The 31-year-old, who has been named MVP in three of the last four seasons, is a living legend for the Dodgers and has helped them win back-to-back World Series in his first two years with the team. Ohtani is much more valuable in fantasy baseball as a hitter, but his value is on the rise as a pitcher, especially since he is in line for a full season on the mound. He made only 14 starts for L.A. on the mound in 2025, posting a 2.87 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 62:9 K:BB in 47 innings. Ohtani could have his innings monitored early on in 2026, but if he stays healthy all year, he should be a high-end rotation arm for fantasy managers.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
January 31, 2026
New York Giants sophomore running back
Tyrone Tracy Jr. saw his total touches and yards per touch drop from Year 1 to Year 2, as he missed some games early, spent time clearly running behind rookie
Cam Skattebo, and never truly established himself as the Giants' lead back until late in the year after Skattebo's season-ending ankle injury. His fantasy value took another hit in the touchdown category, slipping from six total scores as a rookie to only four in 2025. With Skattebo expected to return to full health for 2026 following a devastating ankle injury, the 26-year-old Tracy is likely to be relegated to more of a change-of-pace role and should be viewed as little more than a high-upside handcuff entering his third season.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 31, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder/outfielder
Tommy Edman (ankle) said he had his walking boot removed from his right ankle 2 1/2 weeks ago after having surgery in November, according to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. It's "possible" that Edman will be ready for Opening Day in late March, but he isn't going to rush back. The 30-year-old switch-hitter almost certainly won't be ready for the start of spring training in a few weeks, and it's unlikely that the Dodgers will push him to be ready for Opening Day. For fantasy purposes, Edman doesn't move the needle all that much and is ranked as the No. 29 fantasy 2B by RotoBaller this year. He played in only 97 games in his second season with the Blue in 2025, hitting .225/.274/.382 with a career-worst .655 OPS, 13 homers, 49 RBI, and 49 runs. His ankle was an issue for most of the year, but even when healthy, he's not much of a power source and has only nine steals in the last two seasons after swiping at least 27 bags the previous three campaigns.
--Keith HernandezSource: Orange County Register - Bill Plunkett
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
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