February 21, 2026
New York Mets infielder
Bo Bichette is starting at third base and batting third in the team's Grapefruit League opener on Saturday against the division-rival Miami Marlins, according to Max Goodman of NJ.com. Despite the injury to
Francisco Lindor (hand) that could keep him sidelined to start the 2026 season, the Mets will keep Bichette at the hot corner. The 27-year-old former second-rounder in 2016 had an injury-plagued year for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2024 but bounced back nicely and led them to the World Series last season, slashing .311/.357/.483 with an .840 OPS, 18 home runs, 94 RBI, 78 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 139 regular-season games (628 plate appearances). The move to Queens should be good for his run production near the top of a strong lineup, and as long as he stays healthy, he should provide around 20 long balls. Adding third base eligibility will help, too. RotoBaller has Bichette ranked as the No. 14 fantasy shortstop to begin 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: NJ.com - Max Goodman
February 21, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals infield prospect
JJ Wetherholt is starting at second base and batting fifth on Saturday in the team's Grapefruit League opener against the Washington Nationals, according to Jeff Jones of the Belleville News. The offseason trades of both
Nolan Arenado and
Brendan Donovan have cleared a path for Wetherholt to be an everyday player on the infield for St. Louis in 2026, and he's expected to be their Opening Day second baseman. The 23-year-old is the No. 5 overall prospect in the game, per MLB Pipeline, after hitting .306/.421/.510 with 17 home runs and 23 stolen bases in 109 games last year with Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis. The former seventh overall pick in 2024 doesn't have an obvious weakness at the plate, although in his first big-league season, fantasy managers should temper expectations for his power and speed. Still, Wetherholt can hit 15-plus homers right away as St. Louis' starting second baseman.
--Keith HernandezSource: Belleville News - Jeff Jones
February 21, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays infielder
Kazuma Okamoto is starting at third base and batting sixth in the team's Grapefruit League opener on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies, according to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. The Blue Jays will get Okamoto as many at-bats in spring training as they can before the 29-year-old reports to Team Japan for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Third base is his job to lose as he enters his first year in the major leagues, especially since Toronto could use
Addison Barger more in the outfield with
Anthony Santander (shoulder) potentially missing all of 2026. The biggest question is whether Okamoto's power will translate to MLB immediately. He hit at least 27 home runs in each of his first seven seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball, but he only managed 15 in 2025 due to an elbow injury. Still, his combination of contact and power skills makes him intriguing near the heart of the Blue Jays' batting order.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
February 21, 2026
New York Mets manager
Carlos Mendoza said the designated hitter spot will be in play "big" time as the team tries to keep infielder
Jorge Polanco healthy in 2026, according to Chelsea Janes of SNY. Mendoza also expects infielders
Mark Vientos and
Brett Baty to get playing time at first base when Polanco is the DH. The Mets are also slow-playing the 32-year-old switch-hitting Dominican early in Grapefruit League games. Polanco has played in 100-plus games in six of his 12 seasons in the big leagues, although he did manage to play in 138 contests while hitting .265/.326/.495 with an .821 OPS, 26 home runs, 78 RBI, 64 runs scored, and six steals for the Seattle Mariners last year.
Marcus Semien will be locked into Polanco's primary position at second, so most of his at-bats figure to come as New York's DH. Fantasy managers need to expect Polanco to miss time due to injury in 2026, but when healthy, he hits the ball hard and has solid pop with second base eligibility.
--Keith HernandezSource: SNY - Chelsea Janes
February 21, 2026
Calgary Flames forward Blake Coleman (upper body) was activated from Injured Reserve, Ryan Pike of Flames Nation reports. This indicates Coleman will be ready to return to action when Calgary continues its season on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks. Coleman hasn't played since suffering an upper-body injury on Jan. 8. The 34-year-old has totaled 21 points (13 goals, eight assists) in 44 appearances and boasts 110 hits for the campaign. John Beecher (upper body) was also activated from Injured Reserve on Friday, giving the Flames two additional options up front.
--Taavi PailkSource: Ryan Pike
February 21, 2026
Free-agent infielder
Ramon Urias is in agreement with the St. Louis Cardinals on a one-year, $2 million contract on Saturday, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Urias will have a $1.5 million salary in 2026 with a $500,000 buyout on a 2027 mutual option. The deal also includes $2 million in incentives based on plate appearances. The 31-year-old veteran will give the Cardinals infield depth behind
JJ Wetherholt at second base and
Nolan Gorman at third base this year. The Mexican infielder is coming off one of his worst offensive seasons, slashing .241/.292/.384 with a .675 OPS, 11 home runs, 44 RBI, 33 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 112 total games played with the Baltimore Orioles and Houston Astros. Urias is mostly valuable for his glove and doesn't offer much of a skill set for fantasy managers. You can avoid him in all mixed leagues in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal
February 21, 2026
New York Rangers right wing Matt Rempe (thumb) will be placed on Injured Reserve. Rempe injured his left thumb in October during a fight with San Jose Sharks forward Ryan Reaves and will now undergo a second procedure to get it fixed. It's unclear when Rempe will be ready to return to action, but the team hasn't ruled him out for the season. The 23-year-old enforcer has managed one goal in 26 outings this season, with 11 penalty minutes and 86 hits.
--Taavi PailkSource: TSN
February 21, 2026
Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that he sees outfielder
Roman Anthony as the team's leadoff hitter this year, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. True to his word, Cora put Anthony in the leadoff spot for the team's Grapefruit League opener on Saturday versus the Minnesota Twins. It's not a huge surprise after the 21-year-old former top prospect hit atop Boston's order after making his major-league debut last year. Before an oblique strain cut his season short late in the year, Anthony was as advertised, slashing .292/.396/.463 with an .859 OPS, eight home runs, 32 RBI, 48 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 257 at-bats. The Red Sox could move Anthony down in the batting order when they face left-handed pitchers, but even so, he has the upside of a top-10 fantasy outfielder going into his first full season in the majors. Anthony became one of just two Red Sox players to have 20-plus extra-base hits and 25-plus walks in their first 52 career games, joining the legendary Ted Williams.
--Keith HernandezSource: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
February 21, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (lower body) is a game-time call for Sunday's Olympic final, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports. After missing Friday's semifinal win over Finland, Crosby skated on Saturday. However, Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper didn't confirm whether Crosby would be good to go for Sunday's mouth-watering matchup against Team USA. Getting Crosby back for the gold-medal game would be a big boost for Canada. The team has a 24-2 record at best-on-best tournaments with Crosby in the lineup. Crosby, who is chasing his third Olympic gold, has contributed two goals and four assists in four appearances in Milan.
--Taavi PailkSource: Elliotte Friedman
February 21, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash said that right-handed reliever
Edwin Uceta was diagnosed with shoulder inflammation and a slight impingement in his right shoulder, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Uceta got a cortisone shot, and the plan is for him to start throwing next weekend. Topkin writes that Uceta could be cutting it close to be ready for Opening Day on March 26. The 28-year-old figures to be squarely in the mix for save chances in Tampa alongside
Griffin Jax and
Garrett Cleavinger this year after posting a 3.79 ERA (3.69 FIP), 1.17 WHIP, one save, a career-high 103 strikeouts, and 27 walks in 76 innings for the Rays in 2025. He was even better the year prior with a 1.51 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, and a career-high five saves. Uceta was one of just five relievers last season to reach 100 K's.
--Keith HernandezSource: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
February 21, 2026
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey (upper body) won't be available for Sunday's Olympic final against Team USA. The Canadian blue-liner suffered an upper-body injury in the tournament opener. Since he won't be available for Sunday's game, Morrissey may also miss some action for the Jets. Winnipeg will resume play on Wednesday against the Vancouver Canucks. Despite his team's tough campaign, Morrissey has enjoyed a solid season, recording 42 points (10 goals, 32 assists) in 56 games. The Jets' defense has already been without Neal Pionk (lower body), Colin Miller (knee), and Haydn Fleury (upper body).
--Taavi PailkSource: TSN
February 21, 2026
Vancouver Canucks center Filip Chytil will be out indefinitely after sustaining a facial fracture in practice this week. During Wednesday's practice session, Chytil was hit in the cheek by a puck. Chytil missed Vancouver's last game before the Olympic break due to migraines and was out for three months earlier this season with a concussion. He has been limited to 12 appearances in 2025-26, scoring three goals. With Chytil out, Aatu Raty is set to get regular playing time with the Canucks. The Finnish forward does not hold any fantasy value.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
February 21, 2026
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid had two assists in Friday's 3-2 Olympic semifinal victory over Finland, posting a new scoring record for a single Olympic tournament featuring NHL players. He has totaled 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) in Milan. On Friday, McDavid also established a new record for the longest multi-point streak in an Olympic tournament with NHL players, having finished all five of his outings with multiple points. The Oilers captain has been in sensational form and will be expected to carry Team Canada to gold on Sunday, especially if Sidney Crosby (lower body) can't make it back into the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 21, 2026
Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson (undisclosed) is expected to play in Sunday's Olympic final against Team Canada. The American forward missed the third period of Friday's semifinal win over Slovakia. Fortunately, it was only for precautionary reasons. Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan told reporters postgame that he anticipates Thompson being available for Sunday's gold-medal game. Thompson is having a big year with the Sabres this season and has also played well in the Olympics, posting three goals and four points in five games.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
February 20, 2026
MLB.com's Sonja Chen suggests that Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar and four-time MVP
Shohei Ohtani is fully expected to begin the 2026 regular season in the starting rotation, but he has limited time to build up as a pitcher while representing Team Japan exclusively as a hitter in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. The Dodgers could use someone like
Justin Wrobleski in long relief behind Ohtani as they build up his pitch count early in the season. The 31-year-old didn't make his debut as a pitcher for the Dodgers last year until June after recovering from Tommy John surgery, and L.A. eased him in slowly. Ohtani had a 2.87 ERA (1.90 FIP) and 1.04 WHIP with 62 K's and just nine walks in 47 innings over 14 starts during the regular season. His upside will be limited on the mound early on in 2026 as he's being eased in, but once he's fully stretched out, Ohtani should at least be a solid No. 2 starter in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Sonja Chen
February 20, 2026
The Miami Dolphins have a new front office and coaching staff and are looking to get younger heading into the 2026 season. The NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe reports that plenty of teams will be eager to talk to Miami to see which players they might be willing to trade. We already know that the Dolphins want to try to trade quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa, but Wolfe says that they prefer not to get rid of running back
De'Von Achane and wide receiver
Jaylen Waddle, two of their top offensive playmakers. Achane was by far the team's most consistent offensive player in 2025, finishing as the RB6 in half-PPR scoring thanks to a career-high 1,350 rushing yards and eight TDs on 238 carries. He also had 67 receptions for 488 yards and four more scores. Waddle fell short of 1,000 receiving yards for the second straight year, but he bounced back with 910 yards and six TDs on 64 catches. Despite questions at QB and with a new coaching staff, the Dolphins should continue to lean heavily on both Achane and Waddle in 2026 if they stick around.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
February 20, 2026
Tennessee Titans quarterback
Cameron Ward (shoulder) is "recovering well" from his right-shoulder AC sprain that he suffered in the Week 18 regular-season finale, according to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network. Ward has been working with the team's quarterbacks coach on his lower body, and the plan is for him to resume throwing the football in March. Before he resumes throwing, the Titans want to work on the former first overall pick's base after he picked up some bad habits in his rookie season. The 23-year-old is excited to work with new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and believes he'll allow him to be the playmaker he was in college at the University of Miami. Wolfe says that Daboll and Ward hit it off during the pre-draft process last year, and Daboll tried to trade up to get Ward as the Giants' head coach. Time will tell if Daboll will help in Ward's development. He predictably struggled in Year 1 in a Tennessee offense without many high-end weapons. Going into Year 2, Ward will be a low-end QB2 target in fantasy with upside.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
February 20, 2026
The Kansas City Star's Pete Sweeney reports that Jacksonville Jaguars impending free-agent running back
Travis Etienne Jr. has "legitimate interest" in signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency this offseason, according to sources. Chiefs RBs
Kareem Hunt and
Isiah Pacheco are both scheduled to hit free agency, too, so KC is definitely in the market for backfield help. Etienne, the former 25th overall pick by the Jags in 2021 out of Clemson, had a nice bounce-back campaign in 2025, reaching the 1,000-yard mark for the third time in his four NFL seasons. The 27-year-old had 260 carries and added seven rushing touchdowns while catching 36 passes for 292 yards and a career-high six receiving TDs in 17 regular-season games. Etienne would be a significant upgrade for a Chiefs offense looking to become more explosive after failing to make the postseason last year for the first time in a decade. Etienne was the RB10 in half-PPR scoring in 2025 and would have clear RB1 upside if he joined the Chiefs.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Kansas City Star - Pete Sweeney
February 20, 2026
Seattle Seahawks running back
Zach Charbonnet (knee) posted on his Instagram account on Friday that he underwent surgery to fix a torn ACL, according to Corbin K. Smith of Emerald Spectrum. Smith explains that it's not uncommon for such a surgery to happen several weeks after the injury occurred, but it pushes Charbonnet's recovery clock even further into the 2026 season. The 25-year-old tore his ACL in the Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers. The Seahawks have not given a firm timetable for when Charbonnet might return in 2026, but he almost certainly won't be ready for the start of the regular season this fall. Not only will Seattle most likely not have Charb ready in Week 1, but
Kenneth Walker III, the Super Bowl MVP, will hit the free-agent market in March. Charbonnet saw a bigger role alongside Walker in 2025, setting career-highs across the board in carries (184), rushing yards (730), and rushing TDs (12) in 16 regular-season games. However, his 2026 fantasy stock will take a big hit since he most likely won't have a full season coming off his torn ACL.
--Keith HernandezSource: Emerald Spectrum - Corbin K. Smith
February 20, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward
Austin Reaves (calf) will start Friday against the Clippers after working his way back from a strained right calf that sidelined him for 19 games. The 27-year-old has appeared in five of the last six contests and is averaging 20.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.6 threes in 25.4 minutes over his last five outings. With the Lakers at full strength alongside
Luka Doncic,
LeBron James, and
Deandre Ayton, Reaves profiles as a strong hold in standard formats, though usage may fluctuate in a balanced offense.
Marcus Smart shifts back to a secondary role.
--Brian DailisanSource: Dan Woike
February 20, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forwards
Kris Murray (back) and
Matisse Thybulle (knee) are available for Friday's matchup against Denver. Murray returns from a prolonged absence due to a lumbar strain and has averaged 6.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in 25.7 minutes across 34 games this season, though a full workload is unlikely with the rotation near full strength. Thybulle, who has logged 12.2 minutes over four outings, is averaging 5.0 points and 2.5 steals, giving him deep-league appeal as a defensive streamer.
Vit Krejci could see a slight minute reduction.
--Brian DailisanSource: Danny Marang
February 20, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers guard
Scoot Henderson (hamstring) will no longer face a minutes restriction after returning from a torn left hamstring. The third-year guard has averaged 20.0 minutes, 14.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.8 threes on 51.7 percent shooting across four appearances, though 4.5 turnovers per game remain a concern. An expanded workload should push him into standard-league relevance as a points and assists source.
Jrue Holiday and
Deni Avdija may see slight usage dips, while
Shaedon Sharpe's (calf) role could fluctuate once healthy. Henderson profiles as a viable add with upside.
--Brian DailisanSource: Sean Highkin
February 20, 2026
Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher
Ben Joyce (shoulder) threw a successful bullpen session on Friday. According to Jeff Fletcher, Joyce looked good and was able to mix in secondary pitches as well. The 25-year-old is currently on track to be ready by Opening Day. He's working his way back from a torn labrum that required surgery in May of last year. The Angels are hopeful that Joyce can be an impactful late-inning reliever for them this season. In 2024, Joyce registered a 2.08 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and a 33/14 K/BB ratio across 31 games. The 25-year-old could be the closer of the future, assuming he's able to tap into his full potential.
--Andy WebbSource: Jeff Fletcher
February 20, 2026
Denver Nuggets guard
Jamal Murray (hamstring) and guard
Jalen Pickett (knee) are available for Friday's game against Portland. Murray was initially listed with right hamstring tightness on the second night of a back-to-back but will handle his usual workload. Over his last 10 games, he has produced 24.2 points, 8.8 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 threes in 36.3 minutes, reinforcing his must-start status in all formats. His return keeps
Christian Braun and
Cameron Johnson in complementary roles alongside
Nikola Jokic. Pickett is available despite the knee soreness, though his 15 minutes per game keep him off the radar outside of deeper formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 20, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is scheduled to take the mound versus the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday. This is likely going to be his only start before he joins Team Japan for the World Baseball Classic. Yamamoto probably won't pitch long during Saturday's game, but at least fans will get to see him face a few batters. The 27-year-old is coming off a fantastic 2025 campaign with the Dodgers. He posted a 2.49 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and a 201/59 K/BB ratio across 30 starts with the Dodgers last season. Yamamoto is a top-five fantasy starting pitcher heading into the 2026 campaign.
--Andy WebbSource: Katie Woo
February 20, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James (knee) will play Friday against the Clippers after being added to the injury report earlier in the day. The 41-year-old remains a high-end fantasy anchor, producing 21.8 points, 10.5 assists, and 6.8 rebounds across 35.8 minutes per game in his last four outings, with one triple-double and three double-doubles in that span. With
Luka Doncic and
Deandre Ayton also active, usage should remain balanced, but James' 28.5 percent role keeps him locked into elite territory.
Austin Reaves can settle back into his usual secondary playmaking role, while
Rui Hachimura's upside remains limited with the starters healthy.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 20, 2026
The Baltimore Orioles claimed infielder
Bryan Ramos off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday. Ramos was claimed off waivers by the Cardinals from the O's earlier this month. Now, Ramos will head back to Baltimore for the second time this offseason. The Orioles need extra depth with
Jordan Westburg (elbow) set to open the regular season on the injured list. Ramos has played in 36 big league games with the Chicago White Sox over the last two seasons. Last season, Ramos slashed .216/.309/.396 with 16 home runs, 51 RBI, and 13 stolen bases in 105 games in Triple-A Charlotte. His overall numbers don't scream everyday third baseman, but he at least gives the Orioles another option at the hot corner.
--Andy WebbSource: Francys Romero
February 20, 2026
The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly staying in touch with free-agent starting pitcher
Max Scherzer. According to Ben Nicholson-Smith, talks between the two sides have intensified over the last week. It sounds like other teams remain in the mix, but the Blue Jays appear to be the most serious suitor for Scherzer right now. A reunion seems possible, but Scherzer didn't exactly light up the stat sheet last season. Through 17 starts, Scherzer posted a 5.19 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and an 82/23 K/BB ratio last season with the Jays. The 41-year-old probably doesn't have much left in the tank, but the Jays need to add depth. They're going to open the season with
Shane Bieber (forearm) on the injured list due to right forearm fatigue. Scherzer is unlikely to offer much fantasy value, but he gives this team some extra depth heading into the regular season.
--Andy WebbSource: Ben Nicholson-Smith
February 20, 2026
Boston Red Sox infielder
Marcelo Mayer (wrist) is expected to remain sidelined for a few more days. According to Ian Browne, Mayer isn't expected to make his spring debut for a couple of days. Mayer still needs to do some batting practice and get his wrist more exposed to hitting before moving into live games. The young infielder is currently recovering from wrist surgery that he underwent last August. The 23-year-old is expected to be a major factor in the Red Sox lineup this season. During the 2025 campaign, Mayer slashed .228/.272/.402 with four home runs and 10 RBI in 44 games. The former first-round pick should get a much longer look in a Red Sox uniform this upcoming season.
--Andy WebbSource: Ian Browne
February 20, 2026
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that quarterback
Patrick Mahomes (knee), who has been rehabbing the last two months after having surgery to fix the torn ACL and LCL in his left knee, is "already showing progress," according to ESPN's Nate Taylor. "He's around here all the time," Reid said of Mahomes. "He spends a ton of time here, seven hours a day. He's in there cranking away and making progress every day. It's great to see." The three-time Super Bowl MVP and six-time Pro Bowler still has a lot of rehab left, but if he keeps making great strides, he will have a shot to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season this fall. Even before his late-season knee injury, Mahomes and the Chiefs offense had taken a step back, and he finished with 3,587 passing yards, a career-low 22 touchdown passes, and 11 picks in 14 games. Coming off major knee surgery, Mahomes will no longer be in consideration as a high-end QB1 in fantasy in 2026 as he heads into his 10th year in the NFL.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Nate Taylor
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