March 21, 2026

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Grant Holmes had his 2025 season cut short after he suffered a partially torn UCL in his elbow in late July. However, the 29-year-old opted against surgery and is reportedly fully healthy and ready to go heading into 2026. Before getting injured last season, Holmes pitched to a 4-9 record with a 3.99 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 123 strikeouts across 115 innings (21 starts). Command was an issue for the right-hander, as he logged an inflated 11% walk rate. However, Holmes showed an ability to miss bats with a 25% strikeout rate, and he's logged 16 strikeouts across 12 1/3 innings so far this spring. With Braves starters Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow) and Hurston Waldrep (elbow) both going down in Spring Training with elbow injuries, Holmes should be locked into a spot in the Atlanta rotation. Holmes carries significant injury risk himself, but he could be a quality late-round source of strikeouts for fantasy managers to target in drafts heading into 2026.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

March 21, 2026

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington has a real opportunity in 2026 to be a sleeper breakout receiver for fantasy managers in both single-year and keeper leagues as part of the Dolphins' offensive rebuild. Miami has a new front office and coaching staff, and they have gutted their previous offensive regime this offseason by cutting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and receiver Tyreek Hill (knee) and trading Jaylen Waddle. They signed for Dallas Cowboys wideout Jalen Tolbert, but as of now, Washington projects as the team's WR2 as he heads into his third year in the NFL. Some fantasy managers were hoping the former sixth-rounder would step up in Hill's absence last year, but he only managed 46 catches on 65 targets for 317 yards and three touchdowns in 17 games played. Washington's fantasy arrow is definitely pointing up in dynasty/keeper leagues right now due to the increased volume he's likely to see in 2026, but it remains to be seen if he can take advantage of it and develop solid chemistry with new quarterback Malik Willis.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Pro Football Reference

March 21, 2026

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said that shortstop Jeremy Pena (finger) will swing a bat for the second straight day on Saturday, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Pena's status for Opening Day remains up in the air as he works his way back from a fracture in the tip of his right ring finger. However, it appears as though the 28-year-old is progressing well and may not be far off from returning to game action, even if he is not on the field for Houston's opener against the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday. Pena is coming off an excellent 2025 season in which he hit .304/.363/.477 with 17 home runs, 62 RBI, 68 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases across 543 plate appearances. Once healthy, he will be locked into an everyday role at the top of the Astros' lineup. Should Pena miss time, Houston would likely shift third baseman Carlos Correa over to his natural position at short and insert veteran infielder Issac Paredes into an everyday role at third base.--Will Brady
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome

March 21, 2026

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki had a solid showing in 2024 in his first year in Cincinnati, catching 65 of his 83 targets for 665 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games played. The 30-year-old wasn't able to produce at that level in 2025, though, as he finished with 28 receptions for 307 yards and two touchdowns on 42 targets in just 13 games played. Gesicki missed time with a pectoral injury and was also hurt by quarterback Joe Burrow missing eight games with a turf-toe injury. Gesicki finished as the TE40 in half-PPR scoring. In dynasty/keeper leagues, Gesicki wouldn't be a bad buy-low candidate after a down year in 2025. Burrow typically focuses primarily on his two stud wideouts in Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but if healthy, Gesicki could approach his numbers from 2024 in Cincy's pass-happy offense. In redraft fantasy football leagues, Gesicki will be more of a touchdown-dependent TE2 with upside, carrying more appeal in TE-premium formats.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Pro Football Reference

March 21, 2026

New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga burst onto the scene in his first MLB season in 2023, recording a 2.98 ERA with 202 strikeouts across 166 1/3 innings pitched. However, the 33-year-old has pitched just 118 2/3 innings in the two seasons since then, missing time with shoulder, calf, and hamstring injuries. Senga was still reasonably effective when on the mound in 2025, recording a 7-6 record with a 3.02, 1.31 WHIP, and 109 strikeouts across 22 starts. Still, he struggled with command (11.2% walk rate), and his strikeout rate dipped to 22.6%, a far cry from the 29.1% mark he posted in 2023. This spring, Senga has avoided health issues and may be showing signs of a return to his peak form. The right-hander reportedly touched 99 mph with his fastball and finished the spring with a seven-inning scoreless streak. If Senga can stay on the mound, he may be an undervalued source of late-round strikeouts for fantasy managers heading into 2026.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

March 21, 2026

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette totaled 35 receptions for 363 yards and three touchdowns on 64 targets in 15 regular-season games (12 starts) in his second year in the NFL in 2025. It was a disappointing line for the 25-year-old former 32nd overall pick in 2024 out of South Carolina after he had 49 catches (84 targets) for 497 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games in his rookie campaign in Carolina. We knew that things could be difficult for Legette in his sophomore year as soon as the Panthers drafted Tetairoa McMillan in the first round of last year's NFL draft. He finished as the third leading receiver in 2025 in Carolina behind McMillan and Jalen Coker, who is really emerging as one of quarterback Bryce Young's favorite targets in the passing game. Between McMillan and Coker, there doesn't figure to be a ton of targets left over for Legette going into the 2026 season this fall. Legette is a buy-low candidate in dynasty leagues, but he might need an injury to McMillan or Coker to become more consistently involved like he was in his rookie year.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Pro Football Reference

March 21, 2026

Baltimore Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said that starting pitcher Zach Eflin has "checked every box" with his performance in Spring Training to this point, per Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun. Eflin dominated the New York Yankees in his most recent Spring Training start on Friday, striking out seven batters over 5 1/3 scoreless innings. The 31-year-old battled injuries and ineffectiveness in 2025, posting a 5.93 ERA and 1.42 WHIP with 50 strikeouts across 71 1/3 innings (14 starts) for Baltimore. Still, the Orioles re-signed him to a one-year, $10 million contract, and Eflin looks to have assured himself a spot in the starting rotation with his performance this Spring. With a career strikeout rate of 20.5%, Eflin is unlikely to be a reliable source of whiffs for fantasy managers. However, he's very good at limiting walks and posted three consecutive seasons with a WHIP of 1.15 or lower from 2022 through 2024. If he can stay healthy in 2026, Eflin could emerge as a solid innings-eater who is currently undervalued in fantasy drafts.--Will Brady
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Jacob Calvin Meyer

March 21, 2026

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman had a career year in 2024 in his fourth year in the league, catching 45 of his 72 targets for 756 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. The Ravens were saying last offseason that they were hoping to get Bateman more involved. It didn't happen, as the 26-year-old former 27th overall pick in 2021 out of Minnesota caught just 19 passes on 38 targets for 224 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games. Bateman didn't have much of a chance with quarterback Lamar Jackson struggling with efficiency and multiple lower-body injuries throughout the year. As he looks to bounce back in 2026, Bateman and the rest of Baltimore's offensive skill players will be learning a new offense under a new coaching staff and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. The Ravens haven't made any additions to their WR room this offseason, but they could look to add some pass-catchers in the upcoming NFL draft. Even without much added competition, Bateman is a tough sell as a buy-low candidate in dynasty leagues, and it's looking like his 2024 campaign will be an outlier.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Pro Football Reference

March 21, 2026

Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres (back) has been scratched from the team's lineup for its Saturday matchup against the New York Yankees due to lower-back tightness, per Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. While the team could just be playing it safe, it's not a great sign that Torres is dealing with an ailment this close to Opening Day. The 29-year-old logged 628 plate appearances with the Tigers in 2025, hitting .256/.358/.387 with 16 home runs, 74 RBI, 79 runs scored, and four stolen bases. However, Torres' production dropped off in the second half of the year, as he logged a .659 OPS in the second half while playing through an injury that required sports hernia surgery after Detroit was eliminated from the postseason. Even if Torres can avoid missing time with this back issue, his performance could be something for fantasy managers to closely monitor early in 2026. Should Torres require a stint on the Injured List, Javier Baez and Zach McKinstry could be the favorites to cover second base, and top infield prospect Kevin McGonigle could be assured of an Opening Day roster spot.--Will Brady
Source: The Athletic - Cody Stavenhagen

March 21, 2026

The Arizona Diamondbacks signed right-handed reliever Paul Sewald to a low-cost, one-year deal this past winter. The 35-year-old posted middling results across 19 2/3 innings split between the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers in 2025, pitching to a 4.58 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 20 strikeouts. However, Sewald has a history with the Diamondbacks, recording 29 saves across 62 appearances with the team in 2023 and 2024. With top Arizona relievers Justin Martinez (elbow) and A.J. Puk (elbow) both set to open 2026 on the Injured List, Sewald may be the favorite to begin the season as the team's primary closer. While Diamondbacks right-handers Ryan Thompson and Kevin Ginkel have also been mentioned as options to work the ninth inning, neither has as much closer experience as Sewald. If Sewald can pitch well enough to hold on to the job, he could be a sleeper saves candidate that is currently undervalued in fantasy drafts.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

March 21, 2026

Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens was a popular selection in rookie drafts last year because of his role behind Jonathan Taylor. Managers saw that Taylor had missed 16 games over the last three seasons and believed that Giddens could end up starting some games if the star running back missed time. The logic was sound, but Taylor ended up having one of the healthiest and most successful seasons of his career, logging 1,963 scrimmage yards and 20 touchdowns without missing any games. Giddens had 12 carries for 41 yards in Week 1, but he was limited to just six touches over the next six weeks as Taylor played the vast majority of the snaps. The rookie ended up being a healthy scratch for roughly half the season, as Indianapolis rotated him, Tyler Goodson, and Ameer Abdullah in depth roles. Giddens got back into action in Week 18, rushing for 30 carries on eight yards. In games where he played at least one-quarter of the snaps, Giddens averaged 10 touches and 3.55 yards per carry. He wasn't amazing by any means, but he flashed enough upside to suggest that the Colts could turn to him as Taylor's primary backup in 2026. Now, we're back in a familiar situation, with Giddens' fantasy value hinging on Taylor's availability. The Kansas State product should be viewed as an encouraging buy-low option in dynasty leagues this offseason, especially for managers who roster Taylor and want to also add his handcuff.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

March 21, 2026

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad (hamstring) is dealing with a right-hamstring strain, manager Craig Albernaz told Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun. Kjerstad injured his hamstring on Thursday and will receive imaging in Baltimore on Sunday. With outfield prospect Dylan Beavers (quadriceps) also dealing with an injury, Baltimore's deep group of outfielders is quickly thinning out ahead of Opening Day next week. Even if the 27-year-old Kjerstad's hamstring injury isn't serious, he may be forced to open the 2026 campaign on the injured list. He hit just .195 (8-for-41) with two home runs, four RBI, four runs scored, one walk, and 11 strikeouts in 13 Grapefruit League games and might not have made the team's Opening Day roster, even if he was healthy. The former second overall pick in 2020 out of Arkansas has been a first-round bust so far, hitting .218/.284/.365 with 10 homers, 36 RBI, and an 88:18 K:BB in 106 games over his three seasons in Baltimore. Fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues may be starting to lose patience.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Jacob Calvin Meyer

March 21, 2026

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry has consistently produced as a low-end TE1 in fantasy football, and he's due for another strong season in 2026 given his prominent role on offense. Henry showcased a strong rapport with quarterback Drake Maye last year, as the two connected for 60 completions, 768 yards, and seven touchdowns. Henry has now been the overall TE12 and TE9 over the last two years, largely thanks to his role as one of the top targets in New England. He could be headed for even more volume in 2026 after the Patriots released Stefon Diggs. Some of Diggs' 102 vacated targets will go to new signing Romeo Doubs, but the rest will be distributed to some of Maye's most trusted pass-catchers, including Henry. We would not be surprised to see him catch another six-plus touchdowns while turning in a top-10 finish next year. His 2026 outlook is too encouraging to sell high, but he's also a little too old to buy in dynasty leagues. At this point, dynasty managers should view him as a firm "hold."--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

March 21, 2026

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (heel) has started his running progression this weekend as the team prepares to leave their spring training headquarters in Florida in preparation for the start of the regular season next week. Nootbaar will officially open the season on the injured list, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The 28-year-old had offseason surgery on deformities in both of his heels, and there's no timetable for when he'll be ready to make his 2026 season debut. His injury has opened the door for Nathan Church to win a spot on the Opening Day roster in St. Louis' outfield. Nootbaar, an eighth-round pick in 2018 out of USC, has teased fantasy managers with his potential, but he just has never been able to put together a full season and continues to suffer setback after injury setback. In a career-high 135 games in 2025, he disappointed with a .234/.325/.361 slash line, a career-low .686 OPS, 13 homers, 48 RBI, 68 runs, and four steals. Fantasy managers in 12-team leagues should take their chances on someone else as a bench stash.--Keith Hernandez
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Derrick Goold

March 21, 2026

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner took a major step forward in 2025, and he remains atop the depth chart heading into 2026. During his second pro season, Barner caught 52 passes for 519 yards and six touchdowns. Not only did he post new career-highs in all three categories, but he also held off any sort of rookie breakout effort from fellow tight end Elijah Arroyo. Coming into the season, it seemed like Arroyo was destined to ascend into the No. 1 role eventually, but that never came to fruition. From a fantasy perspective, Barner emerged as the overall TE14 in PPR leagues. Still just 23 years old, he's trending up in dynasty leagues and could push for a top-12 finish in 2026. The opportunity to buy low on him is running out, but you might still be able to acquire him at a discount if his current manager expects Arroyo to steal some of his volume going forward.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

March 21, 2026

Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect Didier Fuentes has made the team's Opening Day roster at 20 years old and will be part of their bullpen, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. Fuentes earned the spot by throwing nine shutout innings with no hits allowed, no walks, and 17 strikeouts in three outings in the Grapefruit League. The Colombian hurler will open in Atlanta's bullpen, but don't be surprised if he eventually makes starts for the Braves in 2026, given all the injuries to the likes of Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow), Hurston Waldrep (elbow), AJ Smith-Shawver (elbow), and Joey Wentz (knee). Per MLB Pipeline, Fuentes is the team's No. 3 prospect. He struggled in his big-league debut in 2025, allowing 20 earned runs on 23 hits (six homers) while walking six and striking out 12 in 13 innings over four starts. Fuentes has a high-90s fastball with deception, giving him plenty of swing-and-miss potential. His secondary pitches are a work in progress. Fuentes is an arm to keep an eye on in mixed leagues going into the 2026 season.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan

March 21, 2026

Baltimore Orioles outfield prospect Dylan Beavers (quadriceps) has had some tightness in his right quadriceps muscle, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. The issue has caused soreness in his knee. Beavers is feeling better on Saturday and hopes to be ready for Opening Day next week. It's the first time he has experienced this, so he's not 100% sure he'll be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season. As a precaution, the Orioles scratched the 24-year-old from the Grapefruit League lineup on Friday. If anything, the O's will exercise caution with their young outfielder, so don't be surprised if he starts on the injured list or in the minors. The former 33rd overall pick in 2022 out of Cal Berkeley made his major-league debut in 2025 and went 25-for-110 (.227) with four home runs, 14 RBI, and 16 runs scored in 137 plate appearances. Beavers has clear 20-20 potential at the next level as a regular, but the Orioles have a crowded outfield picture, and Beavers will most likely be in some sort of platoon initially.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MASN Sports - Roch Kubatko

March 21, 2026

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman has been an appealing long-term dynasty option ever since being drafted in 2023, but given that he still hasn't broken out, managers are starting to lose patience. Tillman had plenty of opportunities to produce when healthy last year, filling the undisputed No. 2 role behind Jerry Jeudy. The quarterback play admittedly wasn't great, but Tillman's overall volume and production were still disappointing, all things considered. He ultimately played in 13 games last year, catching 21 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns. Across three years in the league, he has ranked as the WR118, WR90, and WR98. Tillman is heading into the final year of his rookie contract and could be worth dropping in dynasty leagues, especially as managers are forced to make tough roster crunch decisions with rookie drafts approaching.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

March 21, 2026

New York Mets veteran left-hander Sean Manaea has not been included on the team's Opening Day starting rotation, according to Anthony DiComo. The Mets will roll with Freddy Peralta, David Peterson, Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, and Kodai Senga as their starting five to kick things off in 2026. Manaea will piggyback off one of the starters the first time through the rotation. The 34-year-old southpaw has displayed diminished velocity this spring, although Manaea has downplayed it. In his three Grapefruit League starts, Manaea has allowed four earned runs on seven hits (two homers) while walking two and striking out nine in 9 2/3 innings of work. He had a late-career resurgence in 2024 in his first year in New York with a 3.47 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 184:63 K:BB in 32 starts, but injuries and inconsistency returned last year, when he went 2-4 with a career-worst 5.64 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 75:12 K:BB in only 60 2/3 frames. Without a rotation spot to begin the year, Manaea becomes more of a high-risk, low-reward late-round flier for rotation depth in fantasy drafts.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo

March 21, 2026

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs continues to produce impressive results while handling a large workload. He has been the overall RB6 and RB13 in fantasy football through two seasons in Green Bay, and he shows no signs of slowing down in 2026. Last year, Jacobs totaled 929 rushing yards, 282 receiving yards, and 14 total touchdowns across 15 games. Injuries were the biggest concern for the veteran, as a lingering knee injury forced him to miss two games and also limited his efficiency near the end of the year. When healthy, though, he looked like a mid-range RB1, consistently posting higher efficiency numbers and getting multiple goal-line opportunities each game. Moving forward, Jacobs remains in a favorable role to produce. The Packers allowed Emanuel Wilson to walk in free agency, leaving minimal competition in this backfield. Green Bay could still add a ball-carrier via a trade or the draft, but for now, Jacobs has the backfield all to himself.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

March 21, 2026

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora officially announced on Saturday that infielder Marcelo Mayer will break camp as the team's starting second baseman, according to Ian Browne of MLB.com. This was the expectation all along after Boston recently named Caleb Durbin as the starting third baseman. Mayer, 23, beat out Nick Sogard for starting duties at the keystone to open the 2026 season. The former fourth overall pick in 2021 is currently hitting .214 (6-for-28) with a homer, two RBI, four runs scored, eight walks, and eight strikeouts in 11 Grapefruit League games this spring. Mayer made his MLB debut in 2025 and appeared in 44 games, slashing .228/.272/.402 with a .674 OPS, four home runs, 10 RBI, and 20 runs scored in 136 plate appearances. The left-handed hitter gets a boost as a late-round upside stash in deep-mixed and AL-only leagues with the news for his middling power and speed at a middle-infield position. As Mayer begins his first full major-league season, his ideal fantasy value comes as a developing dynasty/keeper middle-infield asset.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Ian Browne

March 21, 2026

The Pittsburgh Pirates have discussed a possible long-term contract extension with shortstop prospect Konnor Griffin, a source told Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com. Griffin is MLB Pipeline's consensus top prospect in baseball, and even though he hasn't had his 20th birthday yet, he could be the team's Opening Day starting shortstop next week. Talk has been around a deal for as long as nine years and more than $100 million, according to Mayo's source. If Griffin starts on Opening Day, he'd be the first teenager to make his MLB debut on Opening Day since Ken Griffey Jr. in 1989. Griffin is hitting just .206 (7-for-34) in 13 Grapefruit League games, but he has an .859 OPS with four homers and nine RBI, and he has impressed his teammates with his raw power and maturity. He made it look easy at three minor-league levels in 2025, slashing .333/.415/.527 with 21 homers and 65 steals. It was just the fifth 20-60 season in minor-league history. Griffin might just be one of those generational talents that don't come around too often. Even if he doesn't start the year in the majors, Griffin is going to produce for fantasy managers in all formats in 2026.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Jonathan Mayo

March 21, 2026

Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge (shoulder inflammation) said that he'll open the season on a rehab assignment in Triple-A Norfolk, according to Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. He'll land on the 15-day injured list, but he expects a minimum stay and should be activated as soon as he's eligible. Kittredge noted that he'll be in Baltimore for Opening Day before reporting to Norfolk. An injury-related absence of any sort is not ideal, but fans and fantasy managers should be encouraged that Kittredge's ailment isn't too serious. He'll be back in action very soon, looking to build on a 2025 campaign in which he posted a 3.06 FIP with 10.9 K/9 and 1.9 BB/9. He projects as a high-leverage setup option in Baltimore this year, pitching late in the game before the O's turn to Ryan Helsley.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Andy Kostka

March 21, 2026

Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Gavin Lux (shoulder) is absent from Saturday's Grapefruit League contest against the Minnesota Twins. Manager Kevin Cash said that Lux's right shoulder is "cranky," but the team is monitoring his status and expects him to return to the lineup on Sunday. The 28-year-old has put together a disappointing spring, slashing just .222/.222/.278 with a 38.9% walk rate and 18 wRC+ across six games. Lux projects as the Rays' starting second baseman on Opening Day, mostly because he posted a respectable 102 wRC+ in the majors with the Reds last year. At this point, it doesn't sound like the shoulder discomfort will sideline Lux beyond the weekend, so we should expect to see him in the lineup when the Rays kick off the regular season against the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Ryan Bass

March 21, 2026

Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (knee) has resumed light throwing and hitting, according to the team's injury and transaction tracker on MLB.com. Suzuki is working his way back from a PCL sprain that he suffered during the World Baseball Classic. The Cubs have directed Suzuki to begin these light baseball activities to determine whether he should be placed on the injured list. At this point, it seems probable that he'll miss Opening Day, even if he ends up avoiding an IL stint. That's tough news for the Cubs, who were expecting to pencil him into the No. 4 spot in their lineup as the everyday right fielder. Once he returns to action, the 31-year-old will look to build on a 2025 campaign in which he delivered a career-high 32 home runs and 103 RBI. Despite the injury blip, Suzuki still ranks as the #27 outfielder in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.--Andersen Pickard
Source: MLB.com

March 21, 2026

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Justin Crawford has been informed that he made the Opening Day roster, according to Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com. Crawford is regarded as one of the premier prospects in the Phillies' farm system, and his promotion to the majors comes after he spent the entire 2025 season in Triple-A. In the minors last year, he slashed a whopping .334/.411/.452 with seven home runs, 46 stolen bases, an 11.5% walk rate, an 18.0% strikeout rate, and 135 wRC+. His stats came back down to earth against MLB-caliber pitching this spring, but he still posted a respectable .277/.320/.383 slash line in spring training. Crawford represents the long-term future of the Phillies' outfield, and we wouldn't be surprised to see him start in center field on Opening Day.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Kiley McDaniel

March 21, 2026

New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (back) is in the starting lineup for Saturday's Grapefruit League contest against the Washington Nationals, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Alvarez exited early on Thursday, and he was kept out of the lineup entirely on Friday. While Mets fans and fantasy managers initially held their breath given Alvarez's injury history, it turns out that the catcher was just dealing with back tightness, and the team wasn't too worried about his status going forward. Indeed, he's already back in action after missing less than two days. Alvarez will look to pick up where he left off last year, when he slashed .256/.339/.447 with 11 home runs and 124 wRC+. He projects as the Mets' everyday catcher, batting ninth.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Anthony DiComo

March 21, 2026

Boston Red Sox second baseman Kristian Campbell has been optioned to Triple-A Worcester, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Campbell will require some additional development in the minors before the Boston front office is comfortable recalling him to the majors. The young infielder made his MLB debut last spring after making the Opening Day roster. He got off to a hot start but then quickly settled down, posting a .223/.319/.345 slash line with a 27.4% strikeout rate and 86 wRC+ across 67 games. He spent the rest of the 2025 season in Triple-A, not only working on his swing at the plate, but also improving his defensive versatility by getting reps at first base and in left field. Campbell produced a quiet spring this year (.645 OPS and 67 wRC+), so he didn't do enough to earn an Opening Day roster spot. Instead, he'll head back to Worcester while fellow infielder Marcelo Mayer slots in as the Red Sox' primary second baseman.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Chris Cotillo

March 21, 2026

The Seattle Seahawks announced on Friday that they exercised cornerback Devon Witherspoon's fifth-year option, according to Brady Henderson of ESPN. The Seahawks have tried to work out an extension this offseason with the former first-rounder from 2023. OverTheCap.com projects Witherspoon's fifth-year option for 2027 to come in at around $21.2 million since he's made the Pro Bowl three times. He has a strong case to be the position's highest-paid player if he reaches an extension with Seattle. The 25-year-old has been a Pro Bowler in each of his three seasons after Seattle took him fifth overall in 2023 out of Illinois. Witherspoon has a total of 249 tackles (170 solo), 4.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, nine QB hits, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), seven pass breakups, and a fumble recovery in his 43 games (42 starts) for the Seahawks. He was a big reason Seattle's defense was one of the best in the league in their run to a Super Bowl championship last season.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson

March 21, 2026

Indiana Pacers guard/forward Aaron Nesmith (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's game against San Antonio as he continues to deal with right ankle injury management. Indiana could again be thin across the rotation with multiple players carrying questionable tags, which may lead to more minutes for Kobe Brown and Jalen Slawson (G League) if available. Brown finished with eight points, two three-pointers, and one steal in 20 minutes in the last game and could be a deep-league option. Slawson posted 17 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks in 37 minutes and would carry streaming appeal if cleared.--Brian Dailisan
Source: NBA Injury Report