March 24, 2026
Atlanta Braves right-hander
Reynaldo Lopez made some mechanical tweaks and showed improved velocity during his bullpen session in camp on Tuesday, according to Ken Sugiura of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Lopez was last seen averaging 89 mph on his fastball in his final Grapefruit League appearance. The 32-year-old veteran averaged 95 mph on his heater when he was a first-time All-Star in 2024 in his first year in Atlanta. Unfortunately, Lopez only made it one start last year before needing right-shoulder surgery. His velocity will be something to watch early on in 2026 as he returns from major shoulder surgery. Fantasy managers definitely shouldn't be expecting him to return to the form he displayed in 2024, when he had a 1.99 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 148:42 K:BB in 135 2/3 innings. As a former reliever, Lopez could be in danger of moving back to the bullpen in 2026 if his velocity dips again. Even if he stays healthy and stays in a starting role, Lopez's expected workload restrictions will limit his upside as a back-end fantasy starter.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Ken Sugiura
March 24, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that right-hander
Roki Sasaki will remain in the starting rotation to begin the 2026 season despite his struggles on the mound this spring, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic. Sasaki had an ugly outing on Monday against the Los Angeles Angels, surrendering five runs on six walks with two hit-by-pitches in two-plus innings before being pulled without allowing a hit. It was a spring training to forget for the second-year pitcher, as he posted a 15.58 ERA with 12 strikeouts and 15 walks in 8 2/3 innings pitched. The 24-year-old Japanese hurler also struggled in 10 regular-season appearances (eight starts) in 2025, allowing 18 earned runs while walking 22 and fanning 28 in 36 1/3 innings before becoming L.A.'s closer in their World Series fun last fall. Fantasy managers should be very hesitant to use Sasaki in his first scheduled regular-season outing against the Guardians after he showed erratic fastball command, continuous arm-side misses, and out-of-sync mechanics during Cactus League play.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Katie Woo
March 24, 2026
The Detroit Tigers announced on Tuesday that shortstop prospect
Kevin McGonigle has made the Opening Day roster. Not only has McGonigle won an Opening Day roster spot, but he's expected to open the 2026 campaign as the team's starting shortstop after hitting .250 (10-for-40) with two home runs, two doubles, a triple, six RBI, eight runs scored, two stolen bases, 11 walks, and eight strikeouts in 19 Grapefruit League contests. The 21-year-old is set to make his major-league debut this Thursday at Petco Park against the San Diego Padres and right-hander
Nick Pivetta. McGonigle's fantasy stock in all formats has been on the rise all spring while displaying maturity beyond his years on both offense and defense. The former first-rounder in 2023 is developing as a power/speed threat, slashing .305/.408/.583 with a .991 OPS, 19 homers, 80 RBI, 68 runs, and 10 stolen bases at three minor-league levels in 2025. RotoBaller has McGonigle ranked as the No. 19 fantasy shortstop. There could be growing pains in his first taste of the majors, but there's no doubt that McGonigle will contribute in all fantasy formats in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Detroit Tigers
March 24, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander
Nick Martinez (hamstring) will have his first start of the 2026 season pushed back to Game 4 due to a minor hamstring issue, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Right-hander
Joe Boyle will now start the second game of the season for the Rays, with
Ryan Pepiot (hip) landing on the 15-day injured list. The 35-year-old Martinez will make his first start for the Rays on Monday, March 30, in Milwaukee against the Brewers. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues and in DFS should be looking to avoid Martinez next week in a bad matchup, especially since he has allowed 18 runs in just 7 2/3 innings in the Grapefruit League in his last two starts. Since returning from a four-year stint in Japan in 2022, Martinez has a 3.67 ERA (3.96 FIP) and 1.19 WHIP with 433 strikeouts and 141 walks in 61 outings (26 starts). Martinez doesn't walk many, but he lacks the strikeout upside to make him intriguing outside of shallow-mixed fantasy leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
March 24, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom said that outfielder
Lars Nootbaar (heels) will be evaluated this week for a potential placement on the 60-day injured list, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. If Nootbaar lands on the 60-day IL, he won't be eligible to make his 2026 season debut until late May, so the Cardinals would like to avoid that if possible. The 28-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder had surgery to fix deformities in both of his heels in the offseason, and he's just not ready yet. The good news is that he's scheduled to take batting practice with minor-leaguers in camp on Tuesday. Nootbaar has teased fantasy managers for years, but he has never delivered, and now his dynasty/keeper stock is at a new low. Despite playing in a career-high 135 games in 2025, Nootbaar disappointed with a .234/.325/.361 slash line with a career-low .686 OPS, 13 homers, and 48 RBI in 583 plate appearances. Look for
Nathan Church, Thomas Saggesse, and
Jose Fermin to compete for playing time in left field for the Cardinals to begin the season.
--Keith HernandezSource: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Derrick Goold
March 24, 2026
Boston Red Sox right-hander
Johan Oviedo will begin the 2026 season in the bullpen, likely as a piggyback option for rookie left-hander
Connelly Early in his first start of the year on Sunday versus the Cincinnati Reds, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. The Red Sox will reassess the situation after a couple of turns through the starting rotation. Oviedo, 28, lost out on the No. 5 starting-rotation spot to Early despite going into his outing on Monday allowing only two earned runs while walking six and striking out 14 in 11 1/3 innings this spring over four Grapefruit League starts. The Cuban hurler then allowed six runs in 3 1/3 innings on Monday against the Minnesota Twins with diminished velocity on his pitches. Oviedo will surely make starts for the Red Sox in 2026 in his first year with the team, but he has some things to clean up first, and his opportunities could depend on how Early fares early on. Oviedo is merely an arm to stash in AL-only leagues at the moment.
--Keith HernandezSource: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
March 24, 2026
Colorado Rockies right-handed reliever
Victor Vodnik struck out the only batter he faced and nailed down the save in Monday night's Cactus League win over the Detroit Tigers, and manager Warren Schaefer hinted that it's something we could see more of going into the 2026 regular season, according to Steve Stockmar of MLB.com. "Also, Victor, we're gonna see a lot of that this year late in the game," Schaeffer said. It helps that last year's saves leader for the Rockies, Seth Halvoresen, isn't expected to make the Opening Day roster. In addition to Vodnik,
Juan Mejia and
Jimmy Herget could be options to see save chances for the Rockies in 2026. Even though Vodnik, 26, has struggled in spring training with a 15.43 ERA, five walks, and five strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings pitched, he should have a leg up on save chances after recording 10 saves, a 3.02 ERA, and a 49:26 K:BB in 50 2/3 innings in 2025. Only fantasy managers desperate for saves in deeper leagues should seriously consider Vodnik or any other reliever in Colorado's bullpen.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Steve Stockmar
March 24, 2026
Scottie Scheffler has withdrawn from the upcoming Texas Children's Houston Open. The withdrawal is not injury-related, as he and his wife, Meredith, are expecting the birth of their second child this week. The top-ranked player in the world, Scheffler's absence removes the clear favorite from the Houston field, opening the door for a more balanced outright betting market and elevating the fantasy outlook for several mid-tier contenders.
--Joe Nicely - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
March 24, 2026
Ottawa Senators goaltender James Reimer needed to make just eight saves in Monday's 2-1 victory against the Rangers. New York matched a franchise-worst total of just nine shots on goal in the contest, which was initially set on Dec. 11, 1955. The Senators picked up a massive win as they continue to chase a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. It was the fourth consecutive victory for Reimer, who has a record of 6-3-1 to go along with a 2.32 goals against average and an .884 save percentage through 10 appearances with the Senators. The backup netminder should be limited to a streaming option in deeper fantasy formats.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
March 24, 2026
Former University of Washington wide receiver
Denzel Boston is visiting with the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday on one of his 30 pre-draft visits, according to Field Yates of ESPN. The 49ers hold the 27th overall pick in the first round of next month's draft, and receiver is still a big need on their roster after they added veteran
Mike Evans in free agency earlier this month. The Niners also added
Christian Kirk in free agency, which essentially means that
Jauan Jennings won't return to the team in 2026. Adding Boston, a big-bodied outside wideout, would be bad news for the injury-prone
Ricky Pearsall's dynasty fantasy value long-term. In his four collegiate seasons with the Huskies, Boston had 132 receptions for 1,781 yards and 20 touchdowns in 43 games. He caught 62 passes for a career-high 881 yards and 11 touchdowns in his final year at Washington in 12 games in 2025. Boston was tied for ninth in college football with 14.2 yards per catch, so he'll bring big-play ability to the NFL as a projected late first-round/early second-round selection.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Field Yates
March 24, 2026
New York Yankees shortstop
Anthony Volpe (shoulder) will hit off the Trajekt machine this week, and he'll progress to facing live pitching next week, according to Greg Joyce of The New York Post. Volpe is working his way back from left shoulder surgery and won't be ready for Opening Day. However, he believes he's making good progress, and a late-April or early-May return still appears to be in play. Hitting off the Trajekt machine is a step in the right direction for Volpe, because it means he can face factors like increased velocity, spin, and break. The same can be said about Volpe facing live pitching next week. The young shortstop is surely eager to get back and avenge last season, which included a .212/.272/.391 slash line, a 25.2% strikeout rate, and a career-low 83 wRC+. He was also held to fewer than 20 steals for the first time in his career.
--Andersen PickardSource: Greg Joyce
March 24, 2026
Boston Red Sox first baseman
Triston Casas (knee) will stay in Fort Myers to continue his recovery, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Casas suffered a ruptured left patellar tendon on May 2, 2025, and hasn't played since then. At this point, it seems likely he'll remain sidelined on the one-year anniversary of his injury. The first baseman didn't get into any Grapefruit League games this spring, but he did log some innings in a minor league game. So far, Casas has been cleared to hit against live pitching, but not run the bases or slide. Once he's cleared for those activities, the Red Sox can schedule him for a rehab assignment in Triple-A. He remains on track for a return sometime in mid-to-late May, but even when he gets back to the majors, he'll have to compete for playing time.
Willson Contreras, acquired from the Cardinals during the offseason, is Boston's projected everyday first baseman.
--Andersen PickardSource: Chris Cotillo
March 24, 2026
Los Angeles Rams quarterback
Matthew Stafford is aging like fine wine. The 38-year-old made his third career Pro Bowl and won the first MVP award of his career in his 17th year in the league in 2025 after throwing for a league-high 4,707 yards, a league-high 46 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 17 regular-season starts. He then added a league-high 936 passing yards and a league-high six touchdowns in three postseason games before the Rams fell short to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship. With one of the best receiving duos in the league in
Puka Nacua and
Davante Adams coming back in 2026, Stafford should remain in the QB1 picture in all fantasy formats. However, as he nears 40 years old, Stafford will also be one of the bigger injury risks at the position. In dynasty/keeper leagues, you're stoked if you have a strong roster around him, but if you don't, he's an easy sell high candidate who could be playing the last year of his career in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
March 24, 2026
New York Jets running back
Breece Hall had a career year in 2025 in his fourth year in the NFL, running for 1,065 yards and four touchdowns on 243 carries in 16 starts, adding 36 receptions for 350 yards and another touchdown on 48 targets. However, despite the strong season as the team's top offensive weapon, Hall was only the RB19 in half-PPR scoring. There's no denying that the 24-year-old former second-rounder has talent, but the offensive inefficiencies of the Jets' offense have held him back, as he's never had more than five rushing touchdowns in a single season. The addition of new offensive coordinator Frank Reich and new quarterback
Geno Smith might only be slight improvements over last year, if at all. As a free agent going into the new league year, there was a chance that Hall's dynasty value would skyrocket if he landed in a new situation. That didn't turn out to be the case, though, with the Jets franchise-tagging him. Hall's skills and efficiency make him a clear RB2 target, but his ceiling could remain limited in what will likely be another lackluster Jets offense in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
March 24, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays right-handed pitcher
Joe Boyle will open the season as the team's No. 2 starter, according to Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times. Boyle was originally projected to start the year in Triple-A, but he'll now shift to the big-league rotation after
Ryan Pepiot (hip) was placed on the 15-day injured list. At a minimum, Boyle will make two starts, but there's a strong chance that he could stay in the rotation longer. His third start would be scheduled for April 8, which is the same day that Pepiot is eligible to be activated. If Pepiot misses the minimum amount of time, Boyle will likely head back to the bullpen or minors after two starts. Otherwise, he'd be on track for three-plus. The 26-year-old is no stranger to longer appearances, as nine of his 13 outings last year were starts. Across 52 total innings, he posted a 4.19 FIP with 10.04 K/9 and 4.85 BB/9. He also brought his ground ball rate up to a career-high 43.8% mark.
--Andersen PickardSource: Marc Topkin
March 24, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop
Carson Williams has made the Opening Day roster, according to Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times. Williams will be the team's starting shortstop. The 22-year-old made his MLB debut just last season, appearing in 32 games. He definitely offered more value in the field than at the plate, slashing just .172/.219/.354 with a 41.5% strikeout rate and 54 wRC+. At Triple-A prior to his promotion, he had a mere .213 batting average but offered power and speed with 23 homers and 22 stolen bases. In his first full season at the major league level, we wouldn't be shocked to see Williams continue to hit right around the Mendoza line while still offering solid power, impressive speed, and above-average defense. The 2026 ZiPS projections have Williams launching 21 homers, stealing 16 bags, and posting 91 wRC+. Now that he's penciled into the starting role, he should handle enough playing time to get on the fantasy radar, especially in deeper leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: Marc Topkin
March 24, 2026
The Denver Broncos restructured wide receiver
Jaylen Waddle's contract on Tuesday to convert $15.416 million of an option bonus into a signing bonus for salary cap purposes, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. Waddle's new salary is at $1.215 million. The move frees up $7.961 million in cap space for this season. The Broncos might not be done yet after making a big move recently to acquire Waddle from the Dolphins in exchange for three draft picks, including their first-rounder next month. The 27-year-old former sixth overall pick by Miami in the 2021 draft out of Alabama immediately is a boost to Denver's passing attack, and he could lead the team in targets and production in 2026 as one of quarterback
Bo Nix's favorite targets over the short and middle areas of the field. Waddle produced 1,000-yard seasons in his first three years in the NFL and could get back to that mark if he stays healthy in his first year in Denver.
--Keith HernandezSource: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
March 24, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher
Ryan Pepiot (hip) has been placed on the 15-day injured list, according to Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times. Pepiot has been dealing with right hip inflammation, and as a result, he won't be available for the first couple of weeks of the regular season. That's crushing news for the Rays, who are dealing with several pitcher injuries and were hoping Pepiot could be a source of health and stability in the rotation. He threw a career-high 167.2 innings over 31 starts last year, posting a 3.86 ERA with 8.96 K/9 and 3.27 BB/9. Moving forward, the Rays and fantasy managers will look for Pepiot to get healthy and minimize loud contact. He allowed 1.40 HR/9 last year (consistent with his career rate) and surrendered ground balls at a 38.2% clip, which was somehow the highest mark of his career.
Joe Boyle will occupy Pepiot's slot in the rotation until the 28-year-old is able to return.
--Andersen PickardSource: Marc Topkin
March 24, 2026
Free-agent quarterback
Trevor Siemian is signing an undisclosed deal with the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Siemian will provide veteran depth at the QB position in Atlanta behind
Michael Penix Jr. (knee) and
Tua Tagovailoa heading into the 2026 season. The 34-year-old veteran was originally a seventh-round selection (250th overall) by the Denver Broncos in the 2015 NFL draft out of Northwestern. He spent the first three years of his career in Denver before bouncing around with the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears. Siemian hasn't played in an NFL game since making five appearances (three starts) for the Jets in 2023 and throwing for 724 yards, two touchdowns, and four interceptions. In his seven NFL campaigns, Siemian has a 58.5% completion percentage, 7,751 passing yards, 44 touchdowns, and 32 interceptions in 40 games (33 starts). His best season came in his second year in Denver, when he threw for 3,401 yards, 18 TDs, and 10 interceptions in 14 starts.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
March 24, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals infield prospect JJ Wetherhold is likely to bat in the leadoff spot on Opening Day on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Rays and right-hander
Drew Rasmussen, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Wetherholt, 23, will be the team's starting second baseman after posting a .780 OPS, two home runs, seven RBI, six runs scored, two stolen bases, nine walks, and seven strikeouts in 15 Grapefruit League games. He came up through the minors as a shortstop, but he'll begin his big-league career at the keystone with
Masyn Winn entrenched at the 6. Wetherholt will likely hit lower in the batting order against lefties. In 109 games last year at Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis, the former seventh overall pick in 2024 out of West Virginia hit .306/.421/.510 with a .931 OPS, 17 homers, 59 RBI, 82 runs, and 23 stolen bases in 496 plate appearances. Wetherholt's hit tool is stronger than his power profile, but he could eventually be a 20- to 25-homer guy at second base. RotoBaller currently has Wetherholt ranked as the No. 17 fantasy second baseman.
--Keith HernandezSource: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Derrick Goold
March 24, 2026
Colorado Rockies outfielder
Mickey Moniak (finger) was removed from Monday night's Cactus League game out of an abundance of caution after hitting his right ring finger while diving back to first base, according to Kevin Henry of The Denver Gazette. Manager Warren Schaeffer thinks Moniak "will be fine." The 27-year-old should be considered day-to-day for now, and he should be fine for Opening Day later this week. Moniak broke out in his first year in Denver in 2025, hitting .270/.306/.518 with an .824 OPS, 24 home runs, 68 RBI, 62 runs scored, and nine stolen bases in 461 plate appearances over 135 games played. He became more selective at the plate, which lowered his strikeout rate. The drawbacks are that his numbers weren't as good on the road, and he still has issues against left-handed pitchers. Fantasy managers should limit their exposure to Moniak only at home against right-handed arms, where he can do plenty of damage.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Denver Gazette - Kevin Henry
March 24, 2026
Boston Red Sox left-handed pitching prospect
Connelly Early will make his first regular-season start of the year on Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Right-hander
Johan Oviedo, who has been battling for the No. 5 starting spot in spring training, will open in the bullpen and will likely be a piggyback option. The Red Sox will re-assess after a couple of turns through the rotation. Early could easily be sent to the bullpen or to the minors in 2026 if he starts to struggle, but the young southpaw has earned a rotation spot after recording a 1.59 ERA with 16 strikeouts and only five walks in 17 innings in the Grapefruit League. The 23-year-old former fifth-rounder in 2023 out of Virginia also looked good in his MLB debut in 2025, posting a 2.33 ERA (0.91 FIP), 1.09 WHIP, and 29:4 K:BB in 19 1/3 innings. Early has a versatile repertoire, has a pretty clean injury history, and is good at inducing weak contact. His stock in all fantasy formats is on the rise.
--Keith HernandezSource: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
March 24, 2026
Green Bay Packers tight end
Tucker Kraft (knee) was on pace for 1,039 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, having put up two of the best tight end performances of the season before an ACL injury ended his 2025 campaign after eight games. While he may not return immediately to his do-everything (and do it well) form coming off the devastating injury, he'll still only be 25 at the start of the 2026 season and boasts too much talent to think he won't have a shot at working his way back to the top tier of dynasty tight ends. Green Bay allowed
Romeo Doubs and his team-leading 83 targets to walk in free agency.
Christian Watson comes into 2026 one more year removed from the ACL tear that ended his 2024 season, and the team is expecting more from their 2025 first-round pick,
Matthew Golden, but it should come as no surprise if Kraft is the one regularly leading the team in targets and red zone opportunities by season's end.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 24, 2026
Colorado Rockies first baseman
T.J. Rumfield has emerged as a breakout candidate to watch this spring training. The Rockies added Rumfield from the Yankees, who didn't have room for the 25-year-old lefty who hit .285 with 16 dingers in Triple-A last season. Rumfield seems to have claimed the wide-open job as the Rockies' starting 1B coming into the season, after hitting .296 with five homers in his first 22 games this spring training. He has only one strikeout in 62 plate appearances, which will be a huge change for Rockies fans used to
Michael Toglia's high strikeout rate from last year. Rumfield may not have the raw power of Toglia, but he's showcased good pop this spring and will get the boost from playing his home games at Coors Field. He has shown enough potential to definitely be a name to watch early in the year from the waiver wire.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
March 24, 2026
After a mid-season trade sent wide receiver
Jakobi Meyers from the Raiders to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the seventh-year wideout played the final eight games of the year on a full-season pace of 83 receptions for 939 yards and six touchdowns, numbers that would have all led the team in 2025. With a full team offseason under his belt, Meyers will enter 2026 with a realistic shot of becoming the go-to receiver in one of the league's most ambiguous rooms. Following the trade, Jacksonville locked up Meyers with a three-year extension, and while the team has denied floating
Brian Thomas Jr.'s name in recent trade talks, rumors that he still might be moved refuse to go away. 2025 second overall pick
Travis Hunter is expected to spend more time on the defensive side of the ball in his second season, and while
Parker Washington offers more upside potential, Meyers is likely the safest bet to lead the team in targets in 2026.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 24, 2026
New York Mets outfielder
Carson Benge is set to make a splash early in the season. He has officially made the roster and should play a regular role in the outfield. The lefty could end up in a platoon with righty
Tyrone Taylor, but he should get enough time to make a real impact as part of the Mets' solid offense. The 23-year-old impressed in spring training this year, posting a .366/.435/.439 with a double, a triple, a stolen base, nine strikeouts, and four walks in 46 Grapefruit League plate appearances. His ADP is on the rise, and he makes a great addition towards the end of mixed-league drafts. If he gets through the draft, he'll be a great addition from the early-season waiver wire with plenty of potential to be a contributor all season long.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
March 24, 2026
Houston Texans wide receiver
Jayden Higgins was the fifth receiver selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, and while he showed flashes in his rookie season, he was never able to consistently string together the games needed to make him a reliable weekly fantasy starter, finishing 13th among all first-year pass catchers with 41 receptions. Heading into his second season, the Texans are expecting the return of one of
C.J. Stroud's favorite targets in
Tank Dell, who missed all of the 2025 season following a devastating knee injury at the close of the 2024 season. Additionally, Stroud himself has fallen under scrutiny following a lackluster season punctuated by the worst game of his career in a Divisional Round loss to the Patriots. With
Nico Collins all but locked into his role on the boundary, Higgins and Dell will likely compete for time in two-receiver sets in an offense that will need to improve drastically in order to support multiple pass catchers. On pure potential, Higgins might have the second-highest ceiling in the Texans' receiver room, but in order to reach it in 2026, he'll need to clear some significant obstacles.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 24, 2026
Detroit Lions tight end
Sam LaPorta entered the league with a bang, finishing his 2023 rookie season as the TE1 and working his way to the top of most dynasty value charts. After a disappointing sophomore season and a 2025 campaign ended by a back injury after only nine games, his value sits as low as it has since he's taken a snap in the NFL. The Lions have made a change to their coaching staff for 2026, bringing Drew Petzing in from Arizona to serve as their new offensive coordinator. While the target competition in Detroit is much stiffer than what Petzing left behind in the desert, his tight end-friendly system was a not-insubstantial factor in
Trey McBride's breakout, spraying his dominant fourth-year player with 302 targets over the past two seasons, including 163 for a record-breaking TE1 finish in 2025. LaPorta has already proven his ability to feast off a high-volume attack, and with his value still suppressed by injury, he's a high-upside buy-low candidate heading into his fourth season.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 24, 2026
Cleveland Guardians outfielder
Chase DeLauter is having an outstanding spring training and makes a great pickup from the waiver wire or an awesome last-round snag. The 24-year-old lefty hasn't played a regular-season game but made his MLB debut in the playoffs last year. He hit .278 in 34 games at Triple-A with five homers and a .384 wOBA. This spring, DeLauter went 17-for-37 (.459) in his first 14 games with five doubles, three homers, six walks, and just four strikeouts. DeLauter's rise through the minors has been beset by injuries, but when he's healthy, he has proven to be an MLB-ready bat. If you need outfield depth, he makes a great pickup late in drafts and could be one of the hottest names on the waiver wire if he's starting and hitting high in the batting order as expected. If he stays healthy (a huge if so far in his career), he has a great shot at a breakthrough season.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBAller
March 24, 2026
Cleveland Guardians catcher
Austin Hedges (hand) was forced to leave Monday night's game after taking a fastball off the back of his right hand. The 33-year-old veteran was visibly upset and will undergo further testing on Tuesday to determine the extent of the injury. Hedges was set to split time behind the plate with
Bo Naylor for the Guardians, but if he misses time,
David Fry could get more time at catcher, or the team could bring back
Jonathan Rodriguez or
Petey Halpin. While Hedges is not typically a strong enough offensive contributor for fantasy baseball teams, Naylor and Fry's playing time would be impacted by his absence, so keep an eye out for an update on Hedges' status for Opening Day.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Mason Horodyski
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