February 27, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder
Hyeseong Kim rebuilt his swing from the ground up in the offseason after struggling with big-league pitching in his first year in the league in 2025, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. Hitting coach Aaron Bates said Kim's swing last year was too "twisted," and his inability to adjust to breaking pitches made him vulnerable. Dodgers coaches worked to get the 5-foot-10 South Korean native to use the "ground to generate more of his power and stability," and they also made subtle adjustments to keep him "squared up to the ball longer." In his first four Cactus League games, Kim has gone 6-for-13 with a home run. The 27-year-old has really impressed this spring, putting him in position for a more prominent role in 2026. Kim didn't make the Opening Day roster last year. He finished with a .280 batting average, but it came with a .699 OPS and 30.6% strikeout rate. With
Tommy Edman (ankle) set to start on the injured list, Kim has made a strong case to open the year in a utility role on the big-league roster.
--Keith HernandezSource: The California Post - Jack Harris
February 27, 2026
Minnesota Twins right-hander
Bailey Ober was bothered by a hip injury last spring, and it lingered all season long, leading to "compromised mechanics, decreased velocity, and a career-worst 5.10 ERA in 146 1/3 innings." Ober has yet to appear in a Grapefruit League game in spring training, instead "ramping up with live bullpen sessions," according to Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic. "Physically, I'm feeling good," Ober said. "I'm throwing more bullpens this year, just making sure everything mechanically is lined up." The 30-year-old veteran also worked with a hip specialist in the offseason and is hoping to bounce back for the Twins in 2026. Before he battled injuries last year, Ober had three straight seasons with a sub-4.00 ERA, and he also had a career-high 191 punchouts in 178 2/3 innings over 31 starts in 2024. With better health and increased velocity, Ober could return to form and be a great value pick late in fantasy baseball drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Aaron Gleeman
February 27, 2026
The Denver Broncos are not tendering running back
Jaleel McLaughlin, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. McLaughlin will hit the open market as a free agent next month, although it's believed that the Broncos would be interested in bringing him back for backfield depth. The 25-year-old former undrafted free agent combined for 189 carries, 906 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns in 33 regular-season games over the first two years of his career in Denver, adding 55 catches for 236 yards and four more touchdowns as a receiver. He only played in eight games in 2025, though, and had a career-low 37 rushing attempts for 187 yards and one touchdown, adding four catches for 27 yards. The Broncos will most likely add to their RB room alongside
RJ Harvey this offseason, either through the draft or free agency, but McLaughlin won't be a priority.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
February 27, 2026
New York Mets right-handed reliever
Devin Williams gave up a home run on his first pitch in Grapefruit League action on Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post. It's not exactly what Mets fans wanted to see, especially after Williams' struggles across town with the New York Yankees in 2025. The home run was the only hit he allowed in his one inning of work, and he didn't walk or strike out a batter. The Mets signed the 31-year-old to a three-year, $51 million contract in December, likely locking him in as the closer to begin the year to replace
Edwin Diaz, who left in free agency. Williams blew four saves in 22 chances last year in the Bronx and ultimately lost his grip on the closer's role two separate times, finishing with a 4.79 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 90:25 K:BB in 62 frames. He'll be a top-10 closer in fantasy for one of the best teams in baseball, but Williams could have a short leash if he struggles again.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Mike Puma
February 27, 2026
San Francisco Giants first baseman
Rafael Devers (hamstring) was scratched from Friday's Cactus League game against the Los Angeles Dodgers due to a tight left hamstring, according to Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News. For now, Devers will be considered day-to-day until we know more about the severity of his injury. If it ends up being something more serious, young first baseman
Bryce Eldridge would handle everyday duties at the cold corner in San Fran to open up the 2026 season. The 29-year-old Dominican was traded to the Giants last year, and although he hit 20 homers in the Bay Area in 90 games played, he hit just .236 (79-for-335) with 116 K's and 56 walks. Overall, Devers had a .252/.372/.479 slash line, .851 OPS, 35 homers, and 109 RBI in 163 games played. A full season in a pitcher-friendly park in San Fran isn't ideal, but Devers is still a pretty solid option at first base with a high floor after the elite names come off the board.
--Keith HernandezSource: The San Jose Mercury News - Justice delos Santos
February 27, 2026
Boston Red Sox infielder
Marcelo Mayer, who has quickly developed an injury-prone label, "set out on a mission to gain more strength and speed" to withstand the rigors of his first full major-league season, according to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. The 23-year-old has never played more than 91 games in a season since he was taken fourth overall in 2021 due to back, shoulder, and wrist injuries. Mayer entered camp this year at 220 pounds, the most he's ever weighed, but he also feels "fast and explosive." He has much more to prove this year as he looks to lock down a starting job at either second or third base in 2026. Mayer's rookie season in 2025 ended early in August due to right-wrist surgery, and he hit just .228 with a .674 OPS in 44 games in Boston before the injury. If Mayer can stay healthy, steal more bases, and limit his strikeouts (especially against lefties) in 2026, he could be an excellent sleeper candidate in fantasy baseball with potential multi-position eligibility.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Jen McCaffrey
February 27, 2026
Boston Red Sox right-hander
Kutter Crawford (wrist) was scheduled to throw a live batting practice session in camp on Friday, according to Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. It will be Crawford's first time facing hitters since last summer, before he suffered a wrist injury that required surgery. Because the 29-year-old is behind the other pitchers in spring training -- he also missed time due to the flu -- there's a chance he'll open the 2026 regular season on the injured list. The injuries started for Crawford last spring after he threw a career-high 183 2/3 innings in 2024, with the Red Sox shutting him down due to patellar tendon soreness. He ended up not pitching at all in the big leagues for the BoSox in 2025, which means when he's ready to go this year, he'll likely have limited upside in deep-mixed and AL-only leagues while the Red Sox limit his workload.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
February 27, 2026
Baltimore Orioles right-hander
Shane Baz looked good in his Grapefruit League debut with the team on Friday, allowing no runs and no hits while walking two and striking out four in 2 1/3 innings pitched, according to Jake Rill of MLB.com. Baz threw 25 of his 39 pitches for strikes during the outing and retired seven of the nine batters he faced, including each of the final five. He generated eight whiffs, and his four-seam fastball maxed out at 98.6 mph. It was an impressive debut for the former Rays pitcher. Baz struggled in his final season in Tampa in 2025, particularly at home at Steinbrenner Field, and he finished with a 10-12 record, 4.87 ERA (4.37 FIP), 1.33 WHIP, a career-high 176 strikeouts, and 64 walks in 166 1/3 innings over 31 starts. If Baz can become more consistent in Baltimore -- the move to a more pitcher-friendly venue should help -- he can become a nice back-end rotation piece for fantasy managers in mixed leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Jake Rill
February 27, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that left-hander
Blake Snell (shoulder) has been making progress in his throwing progression in camp, but he's been limited to flat-ground work so far, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. Roberts acknowledged that, given the calendar, it will be "hard" for Snell to be ready for Opening Day at the end of March. Although the 33-year-old two-time Cy Young winner finished last season healthy and as a World Series champion, he admitted that he was gassed after missing four months due to left-shoulder issues during the regular season. Snell isn't dealing with a shoulder injury this spring, but the Dodgers are slow-playing so that he can be healthy for the entire 2026 campaign. He most likely will not be part of L.A.'s Opening Day starting rotation, and when he does debut in April, he will probably be on an inning limit. It might make Snell more of a value pick in upcoming drafts. He's still worthy of a SP3 spot for his strikeout upside on the best team in baseball.
--Keith HernandezSource: The California Post - Jack Harris
February 27, 2026
Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said that shortstop
Corey Seager (illness) was scratched from Friday's Cactus League game against the Chicago White Sox because he's feeling under the weather, according to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. Seager will be down for a couple of days or so. The 31-year-old veteran and five-time All-Star fell short of the 30-homer mark in 2025 to break a streak of three straight seasons with 30 homers. He once again missed considerable time due to injury and finished with a .271/.373/.487 slash line, .860 OPS, 21 home runs, 50 RBI, 61 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 445 plate appearances over 102 games played. Seager definitely has the skills to return to the 30-homer mark in Texas in 2026, but durability concerns are real, dropping him to No. 13 in RotoBaller's fantasy shortstop rankings.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
February 27, 2026
Cincinnati Reds shortstop
Elly De La Cruz is fully healthy this spring, which is evident by the way the ball is bouncing off his bat in spring training and by the way he's gliding around the bases, according to Charlie Goldsmith. "I've always been healthy," De La Cruz said. "It feels good to be healthy. That's for everybody. Everybody wants to be healthy to be able to play every day. I'm excited. I feel proud of my work. I put a lot of work in the offseason. It feels good to see it working." He has five hits in his first nine Cactus League at-bats, which includes three doubles, a triple, and a homer. It appears the 24-year-old's work in the offseason to get stronger is already paying off at the plate. De La Cruz battled a significant quad injury in the second half of 2025 and went into a prolonged slump where he didn't homer over a 74-game stretch. The Dominican was still an All-Star and stole 37 bases and hit 22 home runs, but it was a drop from his 2024 numbers. With better health this year, De La Cruz could easily end up being the most valuable fantasy shortstop in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Charlie Goldsmith
February 27, 2026
Kansas City Royals right-handed pitcher
Stephen Kolek (oblique) has been diagnosed with a Grade 1-plus left oblique strain and will be shut down for the next week or so, according to Anne Rogers of MLB.com. Kolek's timeline for a recovery will depend on how he responds to rest and recovery, putting his availability for Opening Day in late March very much up in the air. The 28-year-old's injury definitely hurts his chances of winning a spot in the starting rotation to begin the 2026 regular season. Kolek ended up making 19 starts with the Royals and San Diego Padres last year while going 5-7 with a 3.51 ERA (3.82 FIP), 1.14 WHIP, and 77:31 K:BB in 112 2/3 innings pitched. He started the year off with an impressive 14 1/3 straight scoreless innings and even threw a shutout at Coors Field before posting a 5.10 ERA in 12 starts. Kolek is a ground-ball artist with limited strikeout upside, limiting his fantasy appeal to AL-only leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
February 27, 2026
New York Giants running back
Cam Skattebo (ankle) emerged as a rookie in 2025, recording 617 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns on 125 touches across eight games. Unfortunately for Skattebo and the Giants, his first NFL campaign was cut short in Week 8 by a season-ending ankle injury. While Skattebo is expected to make a full recovery in time for the start of 2026, his physical style of play may lead to long-term durability concerns. Additionally, a recent report from Dan Benton of Giants Wire suggests that New York may be targeting University of Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the number five overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft. If the Giants add Love or another talented running back this offseason, the team's running back room will be very crowded heading into 2026. Skattebo's fantasy upside is largely dependent on his ability to handle a high volume of touches as both a rusher and receiver, so his dynasty outlook would be significantly impacted by the possible addition of Love in New York.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 27, 2026
Even entering his age-32 season, Baltimore Ravens running back
Derrick Henry remains one of the most dominant players at his position in the NFL. Across 17 games in 2025, Henry recorded 1,595 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on 307 carries. As Henry continues to age, his ability to handle a large workload while remaining productive is uncertain. However, any signs of significant age-related decline are difficult to spot in his statistical profile. Henry has now played 17 games and recorded over 300 touches in three straight seasons, and has logged over 3,500 rushing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns since joining the Ravens in 2024. Henry's lack of receiving work limits his PPR fantasy upside, as he recorded just 15 receptions on 21 targets in 2025. Still, he appears to be a lock for 1,000-plus rushing yards and double-digit touchdowns in Baltimore as long as he remains healthy. Henry's long-term dynasty value fades with each passing season, but it's hard to bet against him in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 27, 2026
Baltimore Ravens tight end
Mark Andrews has been one of the better players in the NFL at his position since entering the league in 2018. However, Andrews is now entering his age-31 season, and he had one of the least productive years of his career in 2025. Across 17 games played, Andrews recorded 48 receptions for 422 yards and five touchdowns on 70 targets. Andrews' path to target share and playing time could be clearer in 2026, as fellow Ravens tight end
Isaiah Likely is set to hit free agency and may not return to the team. However, Andrews will also be working with an entirely new Baltimore coaching staff for the first time in his career in 2026. Additionally, Andrews has now recorded three consecutive seasons with fewer than 60 receptions and 700 receiving yards. While he will likely remain a security blanket for Ravens quarterback
Lamar Jackson in the red zone, Andrews' days as a high-end fantasy tight end may be behind him.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 27, 2026
Lone'er Kavanagh will look to get back in the win column when he takes on former two-time flyweight champion Brandon Moreno in the main event of UFC Mexico City on Saturday. Kavanagh was originally scheduled to face Bruno Silva at UFC Vegas 114, but he was pulled from the fight to replace an injured Asu Almabayev. The 26-year old Kavanagh was last seen in action in August at UFC Shanghai, where he suffered the first loss of his career after getting knocked out by Charles Johnson in the second round. DraftKings sees Kavanagh as the underdog with a salary of $7,500.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 27, 2026
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Jayden Reed had his 2025 season thrown off track by injury, as collarbone and foot ailments limited him to just seven games played. Across those contests, the 25-year-old hauled in 19 catches for 207 yards and one touchdown on 22 targets. Before 2025, Reed flashed upside in his first two NFL seasons, recording over 1,900 scrimmage yards and 17 total touchdowns. However, he's struggled to carve out a high-volume role in the Packers offense, which typically spreads the ball around to multiple pass-catchers. Across 40 career games with Green Bay, Reed is averaging 4.8 targets per contest. Packers wideout
Romeo Doubs is set to hit free agency, and start tight end
Tucker Kraft (knee) is currently recovering from a torn ACL, so Reed's path to playing time could be clearer in 2026. He will still have to contend with Green Bay wideouts
Christian Watson and
Matthew Golden for targets, but a fully healthy offseason could put Reed in position for a breakout year. In dynasty formats, Reed could be a solid buy-low candidate coming off his injury-marred 2025 campaign.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 27, 2026
Former two-time flyweight champion Brandon Moreno will look to get back in the win column when he faces off against Lone'er Kavanagh in the main event of UFC Mexico City on Saturday. The former flyweight champion was originally scheduled to take on Asu Almabayev, but Almabayev was forced to pull out of the fight due to an injury. Moreno was last seen in the Octagon back in December 2025 at UFC 323, where he suffered the first stoppage loss of his career, a TKO defeat to Tatsuro Taira. DraftKings sees Moreno as the favorite with a salary of $8,700.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 27, 2026
Three seasons into his NFL career, Detroit Lions running back
Jahmyr Gibbs has established himself as one of the premier players at his position. Across 17 games in 2025, the 23-year-old recorded 1,839 yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns on 320 touches. Gibbs is averaging nearly six yards per touch for his career and has recorded back-to-back seasons with at least 1,800 scrimmage yards and 18 scores. 2025 also brought about a couple of notable changes in Gibbs' profile. After starting just seven of his first 32 NFL games while sharing the Lions' backfield with veteran back
David Montgomery, Gibbs started all 17 contests in 2025 and established himself as the team's clear RB1. Gibbs also saw the heaviest receiving workload of his career, setting single-season highs in targets (94), receptions (77), and receiving yards (616). In 2026, Gibbs appears likely to once again be relied upon as a heavily featured piece in the Lions' offense. Gibbs' ability to rack up fantasy production as both a rusher and receiver makes him an elite dynasty running back option heading into the prime years of his career.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 27, 2026
Baltimore Orioles catcher
Samuel Basallo (abdomen) said he's "feeling good" after being checked by the medical team on Thursday, according to Jake Rill of MLB.com. Basallo felt "cramping" as part of the discomfort that he felt while tagging a runner out at home plate in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Detroit Tigers. The good news is that it's not a serious injury, and he won't go for additional testing. Basallo thinks he'd be ready to play this weekend, but it's up to the team. "Everything is good," Basallo said through an interpreter. The 21-year-old backstop appears to have dodged a bullet and should be ready for the start of his first full season in the big leagues, and he's expected to play regularly behind the dish against right-handers. Basallo is one of the more intriguing up-and-coming young catchers with plenty of power upside. Target him as a high-end No. 2 catcher.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Jake Rill
February 27, 2026
After a down year in 2024 in which he missed nine games due to injury, New Orleans Saints wide receiver
Chris Olave bounced back to form in 2025. Across 16 games, the 25-year-old hauled in 100 receptions for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns on 156 targets. Olave's production reached a new level after
Tyler Shough took over as the Saints' starting quarterback in Week 8. Across nine games alongside Shough, Olave hauled in 56 catches for 723 yards and six touchdowns on 85 targets. With a full season's worth of games playing with Shough in 2026, Olave could be in line for the best year of his career. Injuries remain a concern for Olave, as he's missed 13 games across four NFL seasons and ended 2025 sidelined by a blood clot in his lung. However, he's expected to make a full recovery heading into 2026, and he's proven a safe per-game production floor throughout the course of his career. In dynasty formats, Olave's fantasy stock is rising as a result of his encouraging 2025 season.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 27, 2026
David Martinez will aim to remain undefeated in the UFC and extend his win streak when he takes on former title challenger Marlon Vera in the co-main event of UFC Mexico City on Saturday. Martinez was last seen in action in September 2025 at Noche UFC 3, where he extended his win streak to nine by beating Rob Font via unanimous decision. He made his UFC debut in the fight prior in March 2025 at UFC Mexico City, where he finished Saimon Oliveira by first-round TKO. DraftKings sees Martinez as the favorite with a salary of $8,900.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 27, 2026
Former title challenger Marlon Vera will look to return to the win column when he takes on David Martinez in the co-main event of UFC Mexico City on Saturday. Vera enters this contest on the first three-fight skid of his career. He came up short against Sean O'Malley and Deiveson Figueiredo, losing via unanimous decision and more recently, he lost to Aiemann Zahabi via controversial split decision. DraftKings sees Vera as the underdog with a salary of $7,300.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 27, 2026
King Green will look to win back-to-back fights when he faces off against Daniel Zellhuber on the main card of UFC Mexico City on Saturday. After suffering back-to-back first-round losses, Green got back in the win column in his last bout by defeating Lance Gibson Jr. via split decision. Prior to beating Gibson, Green suffered a first-round knockout loss to Mauricio Ruffy. DraftKings sees Green as a massive underdog with a salary of $6,800.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 27, 2026
Daniel Zellhuber will aim to bounce back in the win column when he faces off against King Green on the main card of UFC Mexico City on Saturday. Despite beginning his UFC run at a respectable 3-1, Zellhuber is now in a tough spot because he lost his last two fights. Zellhuber was last seen in action in July 2025 at UFC 318, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Michael Johnson. DraftKings sees Zellhuber as a massive favorite with a salary of $9,400.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 27, 2026
Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky had a quality performance in Thursday's 5-1 victory against the Maple Leafs. The veteran goalie stopped 28 of 29 shots on goal and allowed just one goal in the contest, which was a power-play goal in the opening minute of the third period by Maple Leafs center John Tavares. Bobrovsky has struggled throughout the 2025-26 season, with totals of a 3.08 goals-against average and .874 save percentage through 41 appearances, but the two-time Vezina trophy-winning netminder is worth rostering across standard formats.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
February 27, 2026
Florida Panthers winger Brad Marchand scored two goals in Thursday's 5-1 victory against the Maple Leafs. Marchand opened the scoring in the first period to give the Panthers the lead, and he added an empty-net goal with just over three minutes remaining in the contest while finishing with a plus-two rating. Marchand now has 27 goals through 47 games, which ties him for the team lead, while the veteran forward has totaled 52 points on the season and remains a valuable option across all fantasy leagues.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
February 27, 2026
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Noah Dobson scored twice in a 4-3 overtime loss versus his former team, the New York Islanders, on Thursday. The goals were his 11th and 12th of the season, and he now has 40 points total on the campaign. The first goal was on even strength in the first period, and the second goal came on the power play halfway through the second frame. Dobson's next game will be on Saturday versus the Washington Capitals.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
February 27, 2026
New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer scored two goals in a 4-3 overtime win versus the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night. The first goal came at 17:56 into the second period, and the following goal came just 55 seconds later. The rookie now has 18 goals and 23 assists in 59 games played this season. His next game is on Saturday night versus the Blue Jackets.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
February 27, 2026
The New York Giants are "seriously looking" at some of the top running backs in both the NFL draft and free agency this offseason, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN. Raanan specifically notes players like Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love and free-agent RBs
Travis Etienne Jr. and
Kenneth Walker III. Even though they already have
Cam Skattebo (ankle) and
Tyrone Tracy Jr. in their backfield, there "seems to be a clear focus on becoming a more physical run-heavy team" under new head coach John Harbaugh. Skattebo, 24, was a fourth-round pick out of Arizona State last year and is a pretty physical back, but the Giants may have concerns about his long-term durability after he suffered a season-ending ankle injury in his rookie campaign. Love, meanwhile, has the skills to be a top-five pick in this year's NFL draft and be a difference-maker at the next level for years to come.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN New York - Jordan Raanan
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