January 8, 2026
According to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, the New York Yankees' latest multi-year contract offer to free-agent outfielder
Cody Bellinger was for an average annual value of more than $30 million per year, according to sources briefed on the ongoing talks. Bellinger's camp continues to push for seven years, though, and there remains a gap in talks. The AAV of $30 million-plus would rank among the five highest-paid outfielders in the game. The Yankees want to re-sign Bellinger, who would be insurance for the team in center field, right field, and first base. The 30-year-old lefty slugger hit .272 with 29 homers, 98 RBI, and a 5.1 WAR, making him just one of three Yankees outfielders with a WAR over 5.0 in the last decade. The Yankees are expected to prefer a deal for five years, which is what both
Kyle Schwarber and
Pete Alonso received this offseason in free agency. Returning to the Bronx would be best for Bellinger's 2026 fantasy value, where he'd be a top-15 outfielder as a five-category contributor.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Brendan Kuty
January 8, 2026
The Seattle Mariners and right-hander
George Kirby have agreed to a $6.55 million contract for 2026 to avoid arbitration, according to MLB insider Robert Murray. In 2025, Kirby went 10-8 with a 4.21 ERA (3.39 SIERA) while recording 137 strikeouts in 126 innings. Most notably, the 27-year-old, long known as a command-focused pitcher, posted a career-high 26.1% strikeout rate last year. Although right-shoulder inflammation sidelined him for nearly three months at the start of the year, he is expected to be fully healthy for the 2026 season. From a fantasy perspective, Kirby has the potential to be a top-10 starting pitcher if he can remain healthy and maintain a strikeout rate above 25%. That said, to guard against any lingering shoulder issues, it would be wise to hedge your bet by drafting a few more reliable starting pitchers.
--Marty TallmanSource: Robert Murray
January 8, 2026
Outfielder
Riley Greene and the Detroit Tigers have agreed to a $5 million contract for 2026, avoiding arbitration, according to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. In 2025, Greene set a career high with 36 home runs, 111 RBI, and 84 runs while slashing .258/.313/.493, good for a 121 wRC+. Greene's new power-focused approach came with a cost, though, as he posted a career-high 30.7% strikeout rate, setting the record for most strikeouts in a single season in Tigers history. Looking ahead to 2026, if the 28-year-old from Florida maintains this approach, he is expected to hit around 30 home runs with a .250 batting average. At his current ADP of 73, he is a safe bet to return value as one of your top outfielders.
--Marty TallmanSource: Evan Petzold
January 8, 2026
Catcher
William Contreras (finger) and the Milwaukee Brewers were unable to agree on a contract for 2026, and Contreras is now likely headed for an arbitration hearing, according to MLB insider Mark Feinsand. Contreras played through a broken left middle finger for the entire 2025 season and underwent surgery to repair it in November. Despite the injury, the 28-year-old backstop slashed .260/.355/.399 with 17 home runs, 76 RBI, 89 runs scored, and six stolen bases. Contreras is expected to be a full participant in spring training, and if he can stay healthy, he has the upside to be the No. 1 catcher in fantasy for 2026. He should be drafted as a top-four catcher in all fantasy drafts.
--Marty TallmanSource: Mark Feinsand
January 8, 2026
The Athletics and catcher
Shea Langeliers have agreed to a $5.25 million contract for 2026 to avoid arbitration, according to MLB insider Robert Murray. Langeliers has now posted back-to-back seasons with at least 29 home runs and 70 RBI. In 2025, Langeliers hit a career-high 31 home runs with 72 RBI, 73 runs scored, and seven stolen bases, good for a 132 wRC+. He has also improved his plate discipline, posting a career-low 19.7% strikeout rate. Langeliers ranks among the best offensive catchers in baseball and benefits from playing half of his games at Sutter Health Park, which has a 108 park factor, according to Baseball Savant, making it the second-most hitter-friendly environment in MLB. Over the last month, Langeliers has been the fourth catcher off the board in early drafts with an ADP of 55. Looking ahead to 2026, Langeliers has legitimate 30-home run upside. However, his biggest drawback is his durability. Langeliers has never played more than 137 games in a season, but if he stays healthy, he will be worth his ADP.
--Marty TallmanSource: Robert Murray
January 8, 2026
The Houston Astros and right-hander
Hunter Brown agreed to a $5.71 million salary for 2026, avoiding arbitration, according to a source who spoke with Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Brown is coming off the best season of his young career. In 2025, he posted a 2.43 ERA (3.39 SIERA), a 28.3% strikeout rate, and a 1.03 WHIP across a career-high 185 1/3 innings. The 27-year-old Michigan native is entering the prime of his career, and that hasn't gone unnoticed in fantasy drafts. Over the past month, Brown has carried an ADP of 37, making him the seventh starting pitcher off the board. While some ERA regression is likely, given the gap between his ERA and SIERA, his strikeout ability, workload, and team context point to the fact that he should be a top-10 fantasy starter in 2026. Brown is worth his ADP.
--Marty TallmanSource: Chandler Rome
January 8, 2026
The Detroit Tigers and left-hander
Tarik Skubal did not reach an agreement on a contract on Thursday and may be headed to salary arbitration, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale. Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press confirmed that the two sides are expected to go to court, and that will become official at 8 p.m. EST on Thursday. Skubal is coming off back-to-back American League Cy Young Awards, and in 2025, he posted a 2.72 ERA (2.71 SIERA) with a career-high 241 strikeouts and a 0.89 WHIP across 195 1/3 innings. Despite offseason trade rumors suggesting the Tigers were willing to listen to offers, Skubal appears set to open the 2026 season in Detroit. Barring injury, he remains poised for another elite fantasy season and will most likely be the first pitcher drafted in all fantasy leagues.
--Marty TallmanSource: Bob Nightengale
January 8, 2026
The Detroit Lions have reached out to former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel about their vacant offensive-coordinator position, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. After being fired by Miami on Thursday morning, McDaniel is now a top candidate for any of the open offensive-coordinator positions around the league. The Lions fired Johnny Morton after one season with the team, and head coach Dan Campbell took over offensive play-calling duties late in the year. McDaniel would be a strong fit for an already strong offense in Motown, with the Lions ranking fifth in points per game (28.3), fifth in total yards per game (373.2), third in passing yards per game (253.1), and 14th in rushing yards per game (120.1). Before joining the Dolphins as the head coach in 2022, McDaniel served as the OC for the 49ers. McDaniel would likely call plays if he were to be hired by the Lions for next season.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 8, 2026
The Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, and Tennessee Titans have requested to interview Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley for their head-coaching jobs, sources told Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. Hafley cannot interview with those three teams until next week, with the Packers facing the division-rival Chicago Bears this Saturday night in the Wild-Card round. He's done a great job building up Green Bay's defense the last two seasons, and it was definitely boosted in 2025 with the trade to acquire All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys right before the start of the regular season. Before becoming a defensive coordinator, Hafley spent seven years in the NFL coaching defensive backs, and he was also a head coach for four years at Boston College.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sports Illustrated - Albert Breer
January 8, 2026
Dallas Mavericks forward
P.J. Washington (ankle) has been downgraded to out ahead of Thursday's game against the Utah Jazz. Washington will miss his second game in a row after spraining his ankle during Saturday's contest. The Mavs will likely use a committee approach with
Klay Thompson,
Naji Marshall, and
Caleb Martin to fill the void on Thursday. Marshall posted 15 points, seven rebounds, and two steals in 32 minutes of action on Tuesday. He's looking like a viable streaming option while Washington is on the bench. Thompson could also be worth a look, but he's more of a low-end option at the moment.
--Andy WebbSource: Joey Mistretta
January 8, 2026
Former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was requested to interview for the head-coaching positions for the Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The former Arizona Cardinals head coach is a popular head-coaching candidate this cycle after he and the Commanders "mutually" agreed to part ways following the 2025 regular season. The 46-year-old went 28-37-1 in the regular season and 0-1 in the playoffs in his four years as the head coach in Arizona. He is one of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL, though, and he'd be a nice addition for either Ravens quarterback
Lamar Jackson or Titans QB
Cameron Ward because of his extensive experience with dual-threat QBs. In addition to helping
Jayden Daniels to an outstanding rookie year in 2024, Kingsbury worked with QBs
Patrick Mahomes and
Baker Mayfield in college at Texas Tech.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 8, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (ankle) will suit up for Thursday's game against the Chicago Bulls. Jaquez will make his return to the court after missing each of the last two games due to a right ankle sprain. The return of Jaquez should mean less playing time for
Pelle Larsson and
Simone Fontecchio. This season, Jaquez is averaging 16.2 points, 4.7 assists, and 5.3 rebounds across 29.1 minutes per game. Jaquez is having a breakout season for the Heat as his averages in points, assists, and rebounds are all career highs. He's flying under the radar and is worth looking at as a streaming option.
--Andy WebbSource: Ira Winderman
January 8, 2026
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) will not play in the Wild-Card matchup on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, but he was seen running on a side field during practice on Thursday, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. The 29-year-old has been on Injured Reserve since injuring his ankle in Week 6, but if the 49ers pull the upset and beat Philadelphia this weekend, it's possible that Warner could return to provide a big boost to a depleted defensive unit. He could be an option to return as soon as the NFC Divisional Round next weekend, depending on whether the Niners advance, and how much progress he makes in practice next week. The 49ers' defense is down to its fourth middle linebacker after Tatum Bethune (groin) suffered a season-ending injury in last week's loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the Week 18 regular-season finale. San Fran's defense/special teams unit will be one to fade in fantasy on Wild-Card weekend.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
January 8, 2026
Detroit Lions running back
David Montgomery is under contract through the 2027 season, but his future with the team could be up in the air this offseason. "Those are discussions that we're gonna have to have in-depth. We love David Montgomery. He's a good football player. ...He deserves to be in a situation where his skill set can be utilized," general manager Brad Holmes said when asked if Montgomery will remain with the team. If the Lions cut the 28-year-old in the offseason, they'll save $11.26 million but will also take on $8.6 million in dead money. Monty took a clear back seat to
Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit's backfield in 2025. He was still a weekly RB3/flex consideration in fantasy football, though, and finished with a career-low 158 carries for 716 yards and eight rushing touchdowns in 17 games, adding 24 catches for 192 yards. Monty's 2026 fantasy value could look drastically different if he's playing in another city.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Colton Pouncy
January 8, 2026
Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard said the team plans to re-sign quarterback
Daniel Jones (Achilles) this offseason, according to Stephen Holder of ESPN. "I'm looking at him both near and long [term]," Ballard said of Jones, adding, "When you're chasing the quarterback all the time, it makes it very hard. Your margin for error really shrinks down. And I feel very good about Daniel Jones and where he's at, where he's going. Yes, he's got the Achilles. But I think Daniel Jones has got a really bright future here in Indianapolis." The 28-year-old tore his Achilles in Week 14, and the Colts ended up missing the playoffs after starting 8-2. Meanwhile, former first-rounder
Anthony Richardson Sr.'s future in Indy is in question after losing the starting job to Jones and then suffering a season-ending orbital fracture in October. Jones threw for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight picks in 13 starts before his season-ending Achilles tear. He proved in 2025 that he has QB1 upside in the Colts' offense, but his lengthy injury history makes him more of a QB2 target in fantasy drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Stephen Holder
January 8, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Darius Garland (hand) is officially cleared to suit up for Thursday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Garland was a late addition to the injury report due to a right-hand contusion. It doesn't appear to be serious enough to force Garland to miss any action. Garland finished with 29 points, six assists, and two rebounds during Tuesday's game against the Indiana Pacers. This hand injury didn't seem to impact him during that game, so fantasy managers shouldn't have anything to worry about. Garland is safe to start in all fantasy formats ahead of Thursday's contest.
--Andy WebbSource: Chris Fedor
January 8, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward
Anthony Edwards (foot) is available to suit up for Thursday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Edwards was previously tagged questionable due to right foot injury management, but he has since cleared to play. The 24-year-old star guard posted 26 points, five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal across 29 minutes during Tuesday's 122-94 win over the Heat during his last appearance. Edwards is averaging 31.3 points per contest in his previous seven outings and continues to be a fantasy force across all formats this season.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Timberwolves PR
January 8, 2026
New England Patriots wide receiver
Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) was added to the injury report on Thursday and was listed as a limited participant in practice due to a hamstring injury. Mid-week additions to the injury report can be a bad sign, but it's unclear if the 23-year-old suffered a new injury in practice on Thursday. Boutte's status on Friday will give us a little more clarity on whether he can play on Sunday night in the Wild-Card tilt against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers. If he's active, Boutte should be considered a low-end, low-ceiling WR2 for fantasy football playoff lineups. The Patriots' offense was one of the most efficient units in the NFL this year, but Boutte was outside the top-50 receivers in half-PPR points per game with 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games. If Boutte is limited or out this weekend, it would open the door for both
DeMario Douglas and rookie
Kyle Williams for more targets behind
Stefon Diggs.
--Keith HernandezSource: New England Patriots
January 8, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Coby White (calf) will return to action for Thursday's game against the Miami Heat. White played on Monday after missing three games due to a calf injury. He sat out of Wednesday's game for injury maintenance, but is cleared to suit on for the second leg of the back-to-back set. According to K.C. Johnson, White is going to play roughly 24-26 minutes during Thursday's game. The Bulls want to be cautious with White, who has been limited to 16 games this season due to injuries. The 25-year-old is averaging 18.4 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.4 rebounds in 27.8 minutes per game this season. His value will take a slight hit with the limitations, but it's not far off his normal allotment of minutes. Fantasy managers should be safe to get White back into their lineups on Thursday.
--Andy WebbSource: K.C. Johnson
January 8, 2026
The Tennessee Titans will interview former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy next Saturday, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. McCarthy also has an interview lined up for the New York Giants' head-coaching vacancy. The veteran head coach knows Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker well from their time together in Green Bay. After being fired by the Cowboys following the 2024 season, McCarthy took the year off from coaching in 2025, but he's ready to return to a head-coaching gig. It remains to be seen if McCarthy's relationship with Brinker will give him a leg up in Tennessee, but general manager Mike Borgonzi will lead the team's search for a new coach after firing Brian Callahan during the regular season.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 8, 2026
According to Ben Anderson of KSL News, Salt Lake City, Utah Jazz guard/forward
Ace Bailey (hip) is unavailable for Thursday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. Bailey will be out of action for the second game of a back-to-back set this evening. The 19-year-old rookie should be back on the floor for Saturday's matchup with the Hornets. With Bailey sidelined,
Brice Sensabaugh could be a solid streaming option across most fantasy formats during tonight's tilt.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Ben Anderson
January 8, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Kevin Huerter (back) is ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Miami Heat. Huerter will sit out the second leg of the back-to-back set due to lower back tightness. This seems like injury maintenance, so Huerter will likely be back in the mix for Saturday's game versus the Dallas Mavericks.
Coby White (calf) is back in the rotation on Thursday, but is only playing around 24-26 minutes. Even with White returning, the absence of Huerter should still benefit
Ayo Dosunmu and
Tre Jones. Fantasy managers cannot go wrong with either Dosunmu or Jones for Thursday's slate. Dosunmu seems to have the slight edge as he's scored 10 or more points in seven straight games coming into Thursday's contest.
--Andy WebbSource: K.C. Johnson
January 8, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard
Andrew Nembhard (back) is officially ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Nembhard was a late addition to the injury report due to lower back soreness. The Pacers will take the cautious approach and hold out Nembhard for Thursday's contest. His absence on the court should free up playing time for
T.J. McConnell and
Ben Sheppard. Both players should see an uptick in value due to the increased playing time. McConnell is the better streaming choice for Thursday's game due to the fact that he has been the more consistent option this season.
--Andy WebbSource: Jeremiah Johnson
January 8, 2026
Charlotte Hornets guard/forward
Brandon Miller (knee) is officially cleared to suit up for Thursday's game versus the Indiana Pacers. Miller is back in action after sitting out of Wednesday's contest due to a left knee contusion. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried about the injury, with Miller likely being held out for injury maintenance reasons. He's averaging 20.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists across 30.7 minutes per game this season. Miller has scored 20 or more points in four of his last five games. When healthy, Miller is worth starting in most fantasy formats.
--Andy WebbSource: Hornets PR
January 8, 2026
Charlotte Hornets guard
LaMelo Ball (ankle) has been upgraded to available ahead of Thursday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Ball was listed as probable with right ankle soreness, but will officially play in both legs of the back-to-back set. On Wednesday, Ball struggled from the floor, going 7-for-20, but finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in 25 minutes of action. The hope is that Ball will be a more efficient shooter during this favorable matchup against the Pacers. Fantasy managers can safely get Ball active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: Hornets PR
January 8, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers running back
Kimani Vidal could have a significant role on offense on Wild-Card weekend when the Bolts face off against the New England Patriots on Sunday night, as rookie RB
Omarion Hampton (ankle) has yet to practice this week due to an ankle injury. Hampton was rested in the Week 18 regular-season finale versus the Denver Broncos, but he may have aggravated an ankle injury that landed him on Injured Reserve earlier this year. When Hampton was on the shelf, Vidal filled in nicely as a replacement RB1 for L.A., reaching the 100-yard mark three times while also scoring double-digit half-PPR fantasy points five times. The matchup against New England on the road is not a good one for the Chargers' running game behind a patchwork offensive line, but Vidal's increased volume alone as the RB1 would boost him to high-end RB2 territory in fantasy if Hampton isn't cleared to play.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Chargers
January 8, 2026
Updating a previous report, Los Angeles Chargers rookie first-round running back
Omarion Hampton (ankle) was listed as a non-participant at practice for the second straight day on Thursday, according to the team. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman said earlier in the day that Hampton would be "involved some" in practice, but apparently that wasn't the case. The Bolts held the 22-year-old out in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos, along with a lot of their starters, but he's now officially up in the air to be ready to go for Sunday night's Wild-Card clash against the New England Patriots. We'll have a better idea of Hampton's status on Friday, but as of right now, he's a starting RB trending down in a bad matchup. If Hampton is out or limited at all this weekend,
Kimani Vidal would jump into RB1 territory for the volume boost alone.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Chargers
January 8, 2026
Utah Jazz forward/center
Kevin Love (rest) is set to suit up against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday. Love has had the last two games off to rest, but he will return to action this evening.
Jusuf Nurkic (toe) is listed as questionable, and if he's unable to play, Love could see extended minutes in his return. The 37-year-old veteran center has averaged 9.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 20.3 minutes per game in his last 10 outings.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Utah Jazz
January 8, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles tight end
Grant Calcaterra (ankle) was listed as a limited practice participant on Thursday, according to the team. Calcaterra was a DNP for Wednesday's practice after injuring his ankle in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Washington Commanders on Sunday. His return to practice on Thursday is a good sign that he'll have a chance to suit up for the Wild-Card playoff tilt this Sunday against the visiting San Francisco 49ers. The 27-year-old caught his only touchdown of the year in the regular-season finale with
Dallas Goedert (knee) being rested, but he's expected to return to a depth role if he's active this weekend, with Goedert expected to return. As long as Goedert is active, Calcaterra is not a realistic starting fantasy option for playoff formats.
--Keith HernandezSource: Philadelphia Eagles
January 8, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles tight end
Dallas Goedert (knee) was listed as a limited participant for the second straight day this week on Thursday, per the team. Goedert did not play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Washington Commanders, but the Eagles rested most of their starters going into the postseason. The 31-year-old should be fine to return for Wild-Card weekend against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, and if he does, he'll be a top-tier option at the position for fantasy managers. Goedert tied for the league lead among TEs with
Trey McBride with 11 trips to the end zone in 15 regular-season games played. In addition to his 11 scores, Goedert's 60 catches were a career high in 2025. Goedert could be in for a big game on Sunday against a banged-up 49ers defense that allowed the eighth-most half-PPR points per game this year to opposing TEs.
--Keith HernandezSource: Philadelphia Eagles
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