February 4, 2026
Rickie Fowler brings the fans and loves the atmosphere at the WM Phoenix Open. The American golfer is capable of contending but the last five appearances have left fans wanting more. Fowler has one WD and three missed cuts. He performed well at The American Express sliding inside the Top 20 (T-18) behind a final round 68. Fowler is the truest definition of a risky play from a DFS or betting standpoint. It is a bit surprising he has shortened to +3900 via DraftKings (was +4500 to +5000 last week). People forget Fowler found a way to net consecutive Top 10 results last August before taking time off. The start will be vital for Fowler. Last year, that +3 (74) caused him to abandon ship.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
February 4, 2026
The Miami Marlins have approached young outfielder
Jakob Marsee on a potential contract extension. Marsee made his MLB debut last summer and looked quite comfortable during his first taste of the major leagues. Through 55 contests, the 24-year-old held a .292/.363/.478 slahs line with five long balls and 14 stolen bases. Under the hood, he generated a promising .347 xwOBA and .275 xBA, with a 38.9% LA sweet-spot rate. He also drew walks at an above-average 9.4% rate and struck out at a 20.5% rate. Across 98 games at Triple-A Jacksonville prior to this promotion, Marsee held a .246/.379/.438 line with 14 home runs and 47 stolen bases. Given that the Marlins have already begun pursuing long-term decisions with Marsee, it suggests they view him as a vital piece of the franchise. Managers should expect Marsee to see everyday opportunities in the center field to begin the 2026 campaign. He carries high-end breakout appeal in category formats, given his potential to steal bases at a high rate.
--Andy SmithSource: Christine De Nicola
February 4, 2026
San Antonio Spurs forward
Jeremy Sochan (quadriceps) won't play on Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 22-year-old is battling a left quadriceps strain. Even when healthy, the Spurs haven't used Sochan much since the start of December, and he doesn't appear to have a future in San Antonio. In previous seasons, Sochan has shown good all-around ability, so his career could get a restart elsewhere. Sochan has been linked to the Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks since his camp reportedly received the green light to speak with teams about finding him a new home.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 4, 2026
According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Boston Red Sox nearly acquired Chicago White Sox right-handed pitcher
Jordan Leasure in a trade. Last week, the Red Sox sent right-handed pitchers
Jordan Hicks and Davis Sandlin to the White Sox in exchange for right-handed prospect Gage Ziehl. However, it appears the Red Sox were also very interested in bolstering their bullpen with Leasure. Last season, Leasure logged 64 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.92 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. He struck out an eye-catching 81 hitters while generating an above-average 3.19 xERA. Managers should expect the 27-year-old to operate as the primary setup man for
Seranthony Dominguez on the South Side. While his save opportunities could be limited, he should be given ample opportunities to tally double-digit holds.
--Andy SmithSource: Chris Cotillo
February 4, 2026
Chicago Bulls point guard
Mike Conley isn't expected to remain in the Windy City past the trade deadline, NBA insider Chris Haynes reports. The Minnesota Timberwolves traded Conley to the Bulls on Tuesday in a three-team trade, but he won't suit up for the club. According to Haynes, Conley will be targeted by a team that needs depth at the point guard position. Conley's fantasy trajectory is unlikely to change with his move elsewhere. He is averaging career-low numbers across the board in 2025-26, notching 4.4 points and 2.9 assists per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: Chris Haynes
February 4, 2026
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, New York Mets outfield prospect
Carson Benge was never included in the package that brought right-handed pitcher
Freddy Peralta to Queens. This suggests that the Mets view Benge not only as a short-term answer but also as a long-term part of the team's future. Instead, the Mets traded right-handed pitching prospect
Brandon Sproat and top infield prospect
Jett Williams to Milwaukee. The Mets selected Benge in the opening round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Oklahoma State. Last summer, the 23-year-old posted an impressive .281/.385/.472 slash line with 25 doubles, 15 home runs, and 22 stolen bases across 116 games split between High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A. Given New York's current outfield, Benge appears to be in serious consideration for the starring role in left field.
--Andy SmithSource: Ken Rosenthal
February 4, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guards
Dennis Schroder and
Keon Ellis will be available for Wednesday's matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Cavalliers haven't included them on the injury report. The two were traded to Cleveland by the Sacramento Kings over the weekend and will make their Cavaliers debuts. Schroder and Ellis will continue as backups in Ohio, though they could have larger roles on Wednesday, depending on
James Harden's (personal) status. Even as a reserve, Schroder could offer decent fantasy value, but Ellis shouldn't be on fantasy radars.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 4, 2026
Sacramento Kings forward
De'Andre Hunter is poised to make his team debut on Wednesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies. The team has not included him on the injury report, signaling that Hunter is ready to play after arriving from Cleveland on Sunday. Hunter is projected to slot into the starting lineup, which will boost his fantasy stock. He began the year as a starter with the Cavaliers but was moved to the bench in mid-December. As a starter, Hunter has tallied 15.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game this season.
Keegan Murray (ankle) is likely to bump Hunter to the bench when he returns to the lineup, but that won't happen for at least two more weeks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 4, 2026
New York Knicks guard/forward
Josh Hart (ankle) left Tuesday's blowout win over the Washington Wizards in the third period, Phillip Martinez of SNY reports. He exited midway through the third quarter with a left ankle sprain. Hart notched four points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in 22 minutes as a starter. The Knicks also lost
Mohamed Diawara (ankle) in Tuesday's game. Luckily, both players were "moving well" postgame, so the duo likely won't miss much time. However, it's unclear whether they will be ready to play on Wednesday against the Denver Nuggets.
Mitchell Robinson (ankle) didn't feature against the Wizards and could be back in the lineup as a starter if Hart can't play.
Landry Shamet, who tallied 14 points on 4-for-6 three-point shooting Tuesday night, is also an option to start.
--Taavi PailkSource: Phillip Martinez
February 4, 2026
Seattle Mariners right-handed pitching prospect Ryan Sloan is a name to closely monitor in dynasty formats ahead of the 2026 campaign. Sloan joined the Mariners in the second round (55th overall) in the 2024 MLB Draft out of York Community HS. After just one professional campaign, Sloan is now ranked as the sport's No. 44 prospect and Seattle's No. 4 prospect on MLB.com entering spring training. Additionally, Sloan is viewed as one of the top right-handed pitching prospects in baseball, ranking sixth at his position. He made his professional debut in 2025 with Low-A Modesto, where he spent most of his campaign. Through 70 2/3 innings, the right-hander posted a 3.44 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, with a 77:15 K:BB. He was then given a short 11 1/3-inning stint at High-A, where he allowed seven earned runs. While he is likely ticketed for High-A to open the 2026 season, managers should continue to closely monitor his progression as he could develop into one of the sport's top pitching prospects.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
February 4, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James won't be on the move as the trade deadline approaches this week. Sources have told ESPN that James expects to stay with the Lakers through the season, though his plans beyond the 2025-26 campaign remain unknown. James turned 41 in December, and the Lakers must start looking ahead. Yet the four-time MVP still appears to have plenty of gas left in the tank. James is averaging 22.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.2 steals in 32.0 minutes per game. While his three-point efficiency has dropped to 32.2 percent, he is still making over half of his shots from the field (50.9 percent).
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 4, 2026
Minnesota Twins right-handed pitcher
Mick Abel has flashed immense upside in the minor leagues but has yet to show much consistency in the major leagues. Abel made his MLB debut with the Phillies in 2025 and logged 25 innings, posting a 5.04 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. He struck out 21 batters and allowed nine walks. He was then moved to Minnesota in the
Jhoan Duran trade, but saw his struggles continue. With the Twins, Abel tossed 14 innings (four games) and posted an 8.36 ERA and a 1.79 WHIP. However, at Triple-A, Abel has been nothing short of dominant. Through 98 1/3 combined Triple-A frames last summer with Lehigh Valley and Salt Lake, the former 15th overall pick posted an elite 2.20 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, with a 114:40 K:BB. He is a name to monitor in spring training as he could carve out a spot at the back of the rotation.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 4, 2026
Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect
Didier Fuentes made his MLB debut last summer but struggled during his first taste. Through 13 innings (four starts) in Atlanta, Fuentes posted a high 13.85 ERA with a 2.23 WHIP. The 20-year-old looked quite overmatched, striking out only 12 hitters and posting a high 8.7% walk rate. However, Fuentes showed solid upside as he progressed through the system and could enjoy a strong bounce-back during his first MLB stint in 2026. Fuentes began the 2025 season in High-A but progressed to Triple-A Gwinnett. He would spend the majority of his season at Triple-A, where he logged 22 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.63 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and a 29:4 K:BB. His season would be cut short by right shoulder inflammation in August. Managers should monitor his development in spring training, as he could be in the mix for an early call-up if Atlanta needs an injury replacement.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 4, 2026
Los Angeles Angels right-handed pitching prospect
George Klassen is a name to monitor during spring training. Klassen is currently considered the No. 3-ranked prospect in the system on MLB.com. In 2025, the right-hander spent the majority of the year in Double-A Rocket City before earning a brief six-inning stint at Triple-A Salt Lake. Across 102 2/3 innings at Double-A, the former sixth-round selection from the 2023 MLB Draft posted a hefty 5.35 with a 1.48 WHIP. However, over his last 23 innings at Double-A before earning the promotion, Klassen posted a dominant 1.17 ERA with 32 punchouts. At Triple-A, Klassen totaled eight strikeouts across this brief stint, while allowing two runs with one free pass. Given Los Angeles's weak pitching depth, Klassen could be in strong consideration for a promotion early in the season.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 4, 2026
New York Yankees right-handed pitcher
Cam Schlittler is expected to begin the 2026 season as a key member of the New York rotation. The right-hander reached the major leagues in July and turned in an impressive rookie season. Across his first 73 innings in the Bronx, the right-hander held a 2.96 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP. He struck out 84 batters but struggled to command his pitches, allowing free passes at a high 10.4% rate. He flashed immense upside in the postseason when he logged 14 1/3 innings to the tune of a stellar 1.26 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and a perfect 14:0 K:BB. Schlittler began the 2025 season at Double-A but quickly progressed through the upper levels to join the Yankees in the second half. With
Gerrit Cole (elbow) and
Carlos Rodon (elbow) still working their way back from injuries, Schlittler is poised to open the season as a lead option in the rotation, behind veteran
Max Fried.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 4, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers right-handed pitcher
Jacob Misiorowski is a top breakout candidate heading into the 2026 season. The hard-throwing right-hander made his MLB debut last summer and showcased his high strikeout upside during his limited stint. Through 66 innings of work, Jacob Misiorowski racked up 87 punchouts but was unable to turn in consistent performances. He would finish his debut season with a modest 4.36 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP. Much of his struggles came in his last 36 2/3 innings, when he posted a high 5.89 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. Under the hood, the former second-round selection generated a strong 3.41 xERA with an elite .202 xBA, suggesting he should see some positive regression in Year 2. Across 81 career innings at Triple-A, Misiorowski has held a dominant 2.22 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP. Given his high-end strikeout upside, the right-hander is an intriguing selection at his current 132.5 ADP on NFBC drafts.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 4, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays closer
Jeff Hoffman posted a career-high 33 saves last year, and he should continue to rack up save situations in 2026. Hoffman's first five years in the majors were skewed by ugly results at Coors Park, but he instantly posted better results upon leaving Denver. He spent two years each with the Reds and Phillies in mid-level bullpen roles. Still, prior to 2024, he had not posted more than one save in a single season. His saves total jumped to 10 in 2024 with Philadelphia, and he more than tripled that number in his first campaign north of the border last year. Barring an unforeseen bullpen splash, the Jays appear content with Hoffman in their closer role in 2026, and for good reason. He posted a 3.73 xFIP last year with 11.12 K/9, 3.57 BB/9, and a 39.4% ground ball rate. Meanwhile, three of his four pitches graded out as "above average" in FanGraphs' Stuff+ model. If anything was worth picking apart from Hoffman's profile last year, it would have been his tendency to allow home runs. His home run rate soared to 1.99 HR/9, but a gap of more than one whole point between his FIP and xFIP indicates he may have just been unlucky. We're still expecting big things from Hoffman in 2026. As it stands, he ranks as the #18 relief pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 4, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher
Dylan Cease is gearing up for his first season north of the border. He spent his first five big-league seasons with the White Sox and each of his last two in San Diego. Availability was a centerpiece of Cease's game, as he has made at least 32 starts and posted at least 3.4 fWAR in each of the last five years. His record dipped a bit last season as he went 8-12, but he still flashed an impressive 3.56 FIP with 11.52 K/9, which was his highest strikeout rate since 2021. Now 30 years old, Cease brings consistency, availability, and a track record of success with him to Toronto, where the Blue Jays are looking to win the American League pennant once again. He should slot into their rotation as the No. 2 starter behind
Kevin Gausman and ahead of
Shane Bieber. As it stands, Cease is the #21 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings for 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 4, 2026
San Francisco Giants first baseman
Rafael Devers was the center of many storylines during the 2025 season. Despite dealing with plenty of outside noise and enduring a midseason trade across the country, Devers remained one of the best power hitters in baseball while flashing solid discipline. Across 163 games split between Boston and San Francisco, Devers slashed .252/.372/.479 with 35 home runs, 109 RBI, and 135 wRC+. He also walked at a career-best 15.4% clip. While he posted at least 24 fWAR at the plate for the fourth time in the last seven years, his defense was far less impressive. He was primarily a designated hitter in 2025, but he did make 29 appearances at first base, posting -1 OAA, -1 FRV, and -16.8 fWAR there. Fortunately for fantasy managers, the jolt of the bat impacts his value far more than the glove. His raw power and ability to get on base vault him to #7 in the latest RotoBaller fantasy baseball rankings for first basemen.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 4, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays infielder
Taylor Walls will likely start at shortstop to open the season, according to Adam Berry of MLB.com. Walls is working his way back from a groin strain that cost him the final two months of the regular season. He played 101 games in 2025, slashing just .220/.280/.319 with a career-low 8.2% walk rate and 22.1% strikeout rate. He contributed just 66 wRC+, which is concerning. However, he made up for his subpar hitting with above-average production in the field. He posted 1 OAA, 1 FRV, and 3.6 fWAR on defense last year, bringing his overall total WAR contribution to 0.3 wins. While Berry reports that Walls should patrol shortstop on Opening Day, it's worth noting that the 29-year-old switch-hitter doesn't have the greatest job security. Former top prospect
Carson Williams, who debuted last year, is on the 40-man roster, and the Rays also have middle infield depth in
Brett Wisely and
Jadher Areinamo.
--Andersen PickardSource: Adam Berry
February 4, 2026
The Toronto Blue Jays remain interested in signing free agent starting pitcher
Framber Valdez, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Valdez remains the top arm on the market with spring training just a couple of weeks away. He posted double-digit wins and at least 22 starts in each of the last five seasons with Houston. He concluded his Astros tenure with an impressive 3.34 xFIP, 8.77 K/9, and 3.19 BB/9 in 2025. All the while, Valdez continued to effectively limit weak contact with just 0.7 HR/9 and a 72.9% ground ball rate. He's expected to fetch a sizable contract in free agency, but the chances of him settling for a shorter-term deal increase with each passing day. Valdez also has the qualifying offer attached to him, which adds a wrinkle to his market. Nevertheless, he is an ace who would offer a major upgrade to every rotation in baseball, including Toronto's. The American League champion's starting rotation is currently headlined by
Kevin Gausman,
Dylan Cease,
Shane Bieber, and
Trey Yesavage.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jon Heyman
February 3, 2026
Catcher
Yainer Diaz won his salary arbitration case against the Houston Astros on Tuesday, a source told Francys Romero. Diaz will make $4.5 million in 2026 after the Astros filed at $3 million. In his fourth year in the majors with the Astros in 2025, Diaz slashed .256/.284/.417 with a .701 OPS, 20 home runs, 70 RBI, and 56 runs scored in 143 games and 567 plate appearances. It was the second time that the 27-year-old backstop had 20 homers in his career, but his batting average fell more than 40 points. The free-swinging catcher still makes plenty of contact despite his lack of plate discipline, but fantasy managers certainly expect another high average after he was buoyed by a .338 BABIP in 2024. Diaz's low walk rate makes him a liability in leagues that count on-base percentage. But with plenty of pop at catcher and everyday playing time, Diaz is a low-end No. 1 catching option in fantasy baseball.
--Keith HernandezSource: Francys Romero
February 3, 2026
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
CeeDee Lamb missed three games due to injury in 2025 and was overshadowed by fellow wideout
George Pickens. Lamb still managed to reach the 1,000-yard mark for the fifth straight season, but his 1,077 yards and 75 receptions marked his lowest output since his rookie campaign in 2020. The 25-year-old was targeted 117 times and had a career-low three touchdowns in his 14 games played. Pickens' presence was definitely an issue, as quarterback
Dak Prescott targeted his new toy 137 times, which ranked eighth among WRs. Lamb should bounce back with better health in 2026, but with Pickens expected to be back at least on the franchise tag, his hopes of rebounding to high-end WR1 status might be unattainable. The four-time Pro Bowler finished last season as the WR19 in half-PPR scoring, averaging 12.6 fantasy points per game.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
February 3, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Derrick Jones Jr. (knee) is set to suit up on Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks after the team removed him from the injury report. The former dunk champion has missed a month with a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his right knee. Health issues have limited Jones Jr. to 17 appearances this season, but he's done well when active. Across 24.2 minutes per game, Jones Jr. has notched 10.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. On Wednesday, Jones Jr.'s workload may be limited due to his lengthy absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 3, 2026
Cincinnati Reds left-hander
Nick Lodolo had a career-best 3.33 ERA (3.81 FIP), a 1.08 WHIP, and 156:31 K:BB in 156 2/3 innings over 29 outings (career-high 28 starts) in his fourth year in the majors. The 6-foot-6 southpaw made another trip to the injured list due to blister issues, but overall, it was another step forward for the former first-rounder out of TCU. Perhaps the most impressive thing Lodolo did in 2025 was post a 4.8% walk rate, which ranked fourth among starting pitchers with at least 150 innings pitched. Lodolo's strikeout numbers have dropped a tad compared to his first few years in the league, but he still sports a solid 26.2% strikeout rate in his four seasons to go along with a 6.7% walk rate. If Lodolo can keep the ball in the yard more at hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark, a breakout in Year 5 could be coming in 2026. Treat him as a No. 3 starting pitcher with upside in fantasy baseball drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
February 3, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) has been upgraded to doubtful on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's encounter with the Sacramento Kings. The second-generation NBA player has been sidelined for the entire campaign so far after undergoing toe surgery in October. Recently, Pippen Jr. had a G League stint with the Grizzlies' affiliate for practice, and he appears to be nearing his season debut. After the team traded away key players, Pippen Jr. may have a big role to play for Memphis over the final stretch of the season. Last campaign, the 25-year-old averaged 9.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 3, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies forward/center
Santi Aldama (knee) is at risk of missing a fifth consecutive game, as the team has listed him as questionable for Wednesday's meeting with the Sacramento Kings. The Spanish big man is managing a knee injury. Memphis could really use Aldama on Wednesday after trading away
Jaren Jackson Jr. and
Jock Landale. When healthy, Aldama has put up solid numbers, averaging 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 3, 2026
Detroit Tigers outfielder
Riley Greene took a more aggressive approach at the plate in 2025 in his fourth year in the big leagues, which led to career highs in home runs (36) and RBI (111), but also in strikeouts (201). Greene had a career-high 30.7% strikeout rate, although his average only dropped from .262 to .258. The 25-year-old left-handed slugger's OPS also dropped over 20 points, thanks to a career-low 7.1% walk rate. He swung at more pitches and also swung and missed more, but when he did make contact, he did damage with a 17.1% barrel rate. In addition to Greene's 36 homers and 111 RBI, he added a career-high 84 runs scored but stole just two bases. Greene has a total of 14 thefts in his four seasons, so fantasy managers can't count on that as part of his game. If his aggressive approach at the plate continues in 2026, Greene should have a high floor as a power threat and run-producer while maintaining a solid but unspectacular average. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 20 outfielder.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
February 3, 2026
Sacramento Kings forward/center
Domantas Sabonis (back) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Lithuanian star has missed a couple of games due to lower back soreness. He appears to be nearing a return after participating in Tuesday's practice. Whether Sabonis plays against Memphis may not depend solely on his health, as the three-time All-Star has been linked with a move away from the team, and Sacramento might decide to protect its asset.
Maxime Raynaud and
Dylan Cardwell have been sharing center duties during Sabonis' absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 3, 2026
Sacramento Kings point guard
Russell Westbrook (foot) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Wednesday's matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies. The former MVP has shaken off foot soreness, which cost him three games. Although Westbrook has been productive with the Kings this season, he has struggled against the Grizzlies. In two games in the matchup, the veteran star has averaged 7.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, with 25.0 percent shooting from the field.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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