February 6, 2026
Atlanta Falcons quarterback
Michael Penix Jr. (knee) said on the Up & Adams Show on Friday that his recovery from knee surgery is a "little bit" ahead of schedule. Penix suffered a torn left ACL in Week 11 against the Carolina Panthers, but he's hoping he'll be ready to roll for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season this fall. The 25-year-old has already recovered from two ACL tears in his right knee in college, so he's pretty familiar with the rehab process. He's been attacking his rehab diligently since having surgery on Nov. 25, but there's no guarantee that Penix will be ready for Week 1, making him an extremely volatile QB2 target in fantasy football drafts this fall. Before his knee injury, the former eighth overall pick out of Washington was extremely inconsistent in nine starts in his first year as the full-time starter, completing 60.1% of his passes for 1,982 yards, nine TDs, and three picks.
--Keith HernandezSource: Up & Adams
February 6, 2026
Free-agent right-handed reliever
Ryan Brasier is finalizing an undisclosed deal with the Texas Rangers on Friday, sources told Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Injuries limited Brasier to only 26 relief innings in 2025 with the Chicago Cubs, and he held a 4.50 ERA (3.17 FIP) and 1.23 WHIP with 20 strikeouts and five walks in 28 appearances (one start). The 38-year-old veteran has nine years of big-league experience (six seasons with the Boston Red Sox), so he'll add some much-needed experience and depth to a Rangers' bullpen that could use some help. However, Brasier is unlikely to be much more than a middle-relief arm who might not have much left in the tank as he nears 40 years old. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect Brasier to be much of a high-leverage bullpen option, as he's recorded just 10 saves in 325 major-league appearances.
--Keith HernandezSource: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
February 6, 2026
Miami Marlins third baseman
Connor Norby began last season on the injured list and was on the IL three separate times in 2025. Overall, it was a disappointing first full season in Miami for the former second-round pick, as Norby finished with a .251/.300/.389 slash line, .689 OPS, eight home runs, 34 RBI, 42 runs scored, and eight steals in 88 games (337 plate appearances). MLB.com's Christina De Nicola writes that the right-handed-hitting Norby could fall into a platoon at third base with
Graham Pauley if neither player stands out in spring training or early in the regular season. Pauley also might have an advantage at the hot corner because of his stellar defense. Norby is expected to get some reps in the outfield this spring, so the Marlins may be grooming him for a potential utility role. Norby is merely a deep-league flier with a career strikeout rate just south of 30%.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
February 6, 2026
MLB.com's Christina De Nicola writes that Miami Marlins infielder
Graham Pauley's defense gives him an advantage in the third base competition, as his six outs above average tied for fifthmost among MLB third basemen in 2025. De Nicola suggests that Pauley, who hits left-handed, and
Connor Norby could platoon at the hot corner to open the year if neither player stands out in spring training. Along with his stellar defense, Pauley's bat picked up in the second half last year, going from a .529 OPS in the first half to an .840 OPS in nearly the same amount of plate appearances. The 25-year-old lacks power -- he has six home runs in his first 75 MLB games over the last two years -- and he's unlikely to have an everyday role. Pauley has excellent plate discipline, though, and could make for a nice corner-infield option in deep NL-only fantasy leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
February 6, 2026
Miami Marlins left-hander
Braxton Garrett (elbow), who missed all of last season while rehabbing from his second Tommy John surgery, is expected to be a full-go for spring training, according to MLB.com's Christina De Nicola. Garrett was in the Marlins' starting rotation before his left-elbow injury, but he hasn't pitched in a major-league game since June 17 of 2024. The 28-year-old southpaw is a former first-rounder (seventh overall) and has shown flashes of upside in Miami, and he should be a lock for the No. 4 rotation spot in 2026 behind
Sandy Alcantara,
Eury Perez, and
Max Meyer (hip) if he's fully healthy by Opening Day. The Marlins traded both
Edward Cabrera and
Ryan Weathers this offseason, leaving three open rotation spots to begin the 2026 season. Garrett held a 3.66 ERA with 156 K's and 29 walks in 30 starts. There's talent in Garrett's profile, but the volume is unlikely to be there in his first season back from TJ surgery.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
February 6, 2026
Miami Marlins right-hander
Max Meyer (hip) is expected to be full-go for spring training, according to Christina De Nicola of MLB.com. Meyer opened last year with a 2.10 ERA, 41 strikeouts, and seven walks through five starts before posting a 7.10 ERA over his next seven starts and eventually needing season-ending left-hip surgery. The 26-year-old should be a lock for a starting-rotation spot (if healthy) behind
Sandy Alcantara and
Eury Perez after the Marlins traded both
Edward Cabrera and
Ryan Weathers in the offseason. Meyers' hip injury in 2025 most likely contributed to him falling apart before he was shut down, so if he's completely past his hip injuries this year, there is true breakout potential for the former third overall pick. At an average ADP of 433, Meyer is going undrafted in most leagues, but he could end up being a great waiver-wire pickup in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
February 6, 2026
Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is resigning, sources told Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Schwartz told other members of Cleveland's coaching staff that he wouldn't be back with the organization when the team announced that they were hiring Todd Monken as their new head coach over him, and now it's official. The expectation is that Schwartz, who is under contract with the Browns through next season, will not coach in the NFL for the 2026 season. The Browns' defense has been one of the best units in the league the last couple of years under Schwartz, with Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett leading the charge. Although Cleveland has the personnel on the roster to continue to be dominant in 2026, losing Schwartz is a big deal. It remains to be seen if Schwartz will be in play for any head-coaching positions next cycle, but at the very least, he'll be a coveted defensive coordinator if he wants to continue coaching.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
February 6, 2026
New York Giants wide receiver
Malik Nabers (knee) told ESPN's Jordan Raanan that his rehab has been "phenomenal." Nabers suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in his right knee on Sept. 28 and had surgery in late October. The 22-year-old's recovery time will be extended due to the full meniscus repair he underwent, in addition to his ACL surgery. However, since his injury occurred so early in the previous season, Nabers has a chance to be ready for the start of training camp in late July. We will be keeping a close eye on Nabers' progress throughout the offseason. The former sixth overall pick's progress as we approach training camp will determine his 2026 fantasy value. In his rookie campaign in 2024, Nabers caught 109 passes for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns on 170 targets. With promising young quarterback
Jaxson Dart now in the picture, Nabers' fantasy ceiling could be even higher despite suffering a significant knee injury in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN New York - Jordan Raanan
February 6, 2026
Seattle Seahawks running back
Kenneth Walker III, who is in the final year of the four-year, $8.44 million deal he signed in July of 2022, said he is interested in re-signing with the team in the offseason, according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com. "I've been here four years, so you know I've gotten to know a lot of stuff about Seattle, and you know a lot of the city, and I feel like they feel good about me as well," Walker said. "So if it was my choice, though, I'd definitely stay." The 25-year-old has been key to the Seahawks' run to the Super Bowl this year, recording his second career 1,000-yard season and generating 100-plus scrimmage yards in three straight games, including the playoffs. Walker has 38 carries for 178 yards and four rushing touchdowns in two playoff games, tying for the most TDS in a single postseason in Seattle history. He matched his career high of 4.6 yards per carry while playing all 17 regular-season games for the first time in his four-year career. Walker is an explosive runner who will look to score for the third straight game in the Super Bowl against the Patriots on Sunday.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
February 6, 2026
Oklahoma football is hiring former NFL defensive tackle DeShawn Williams to an analyst role, according to George Stoia III of SoonerScoop. The 33-year-old played for Clemson from 2011 to 2014. He went undrafted in 2025, but put together a solid career with 164 tackles, 9.5 sacks, one interception, and 13.5 run stuffs in 78 career games with the Bengals, Broncos, and Panthers. He was coached by Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables for three seasons with the Tigers. This will be Williams' first coaching gig since retiring from the NFL, where he'll learn from one of the sport's greatest defensive minds.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: George Stoia III - SoonerScoop
February 6, 2026
The San Diego Padres signed free-agent first baseman/outfielder Leandro Cedeno to a minor-league contract on Thursday, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The 27-year-old spent the last three seasons playing in Japan for the Orix Buffaloes and the Seibu Lions. Cedeno, a right-handed-hitting Venezuelan, was originally signed by the St. Louis Cardinals when he was just 16 years old. In seven minor-league seasons, he hit .289/.345/.484 with an .829 OPS, 74 home runs, 306 RBI, and eight stolen bases in 461 games played. Cedeno has always been a liability on defense, so he profiles more as a designated-hitter type. At the plate, his main draw is his power from the right side. Cedeno is a flier for the Padres and will most likely be a long shot to appear at the big-league level in 2026 or beyond.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Jon Heyman
February 6, 2026
New York Mets shortstop prospect
A.J. Ewing is progressing quite quickly through the minor leagues and is a name to keep a close eye on during the 2026 campaign. Ewing joined the Mets in the 2023 Draft out of Springboro HS. The 21-year-old began the 2025 campaign with Low-A but was able to finish the season with Double-A Binghamton. At Low-A, Ewing posted an incredible .400/.506/.615 slash line with one long ball and 14 stolen bases, across a brief 18-game stint. Through his first 78 games at High-A Brooklyn, Ewing held a .288/.387/.388 line with 16 doubles, four home runs, and 44 stolen bases. He would finish the campaign at Double-A, where he would continue to hit for a high average (.339) while showing high speed, stealing 12 bags over a short 28-game stint. While he will likely open 2026 at Double-A, he is an emerging bat in the system and could reach Triple-A much sooner than expected.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 6, 2026
Cleveland Guardians top catching prospect
Cooper Ingle is expected to be in the mix for an early MLB debut in 2026. Ingle joined the Guardians in the fourth round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of Clemson. Ingle began 2025 by making his second appearance at the Double-A level. Through 92 games, the young backstop looked quite comfortable, posting a .273/.391/.441 line with a strong .882 OPS. He would hit nine home runs, while showing a strong eye at the plate, posting a 70:65 K:BB. He would then earn a second-half ticket to Triple-A Columbus. However, Ingle stumbled in his first look facing the top pitching in the minor leagues, posting a modest .207/.383/.329 line. He would hit just one round-tripper during this stint. Given his struggles, managers should expect MLB.com's No. 99-ranked prospect to begin the season at Triple-A. However, if he can find his footing early, he should contend for a first-half 2026 promotion.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 6, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers infield prospect
Luis Pena will likely begin the 2026 season at High-A Wisconsin. Pena is considered one of the top prospects in the sport. On MLB.com, the 19-year-old infielder sits as the No. 2-ranked prospect in the system, behind only
Jesus Made, and is the sport's No. 18 overall prospect. Pena joined the Brewers in 2024 and made his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League. In 2025, Pena began the campaign with Low-A Carolina. Throughout this 71-game stint, Pena held his own, posting a .308/.375/.469 line with six home runs and 41 stolen bases. He was then bumped up to High-A, where he took a step back, carrying a .168/.220/.297 line through 25 games. Given his struggles to adjust to High-A pitching, dynasty managers should expect the young infielder to spend most of the first half of 2026 there. If he can find his footing quickly, he could reach Double-A later in the summer.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 6, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers forward/center
Dominick Barlow signed a standard deal ahead of Thursday's matchup with the Lakers, securing his place in the rotation after recent starts. Over his last five games, Barlow is averaging 12.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals on 56.1 percent shooting in 26.5 minutes, offering efficient low-usage production. His short-term role benefits from
Paul George's suspension, but touches still funnel through
Tyrese Maxey,
Joel Embiid, and
Kelly Oubre Jr., with
VJ Edgecombe also involved. Barlow remains a fringe option, with clearer upside on nights Embiid rests.
--Brian DailisanSource: Adam Aaronson
February 6, 2026
The New York Yankees have invited right-handed pitching prospect
Carlos Lagrange to MLB spring training. Lagrange is currently viewed as the team's No. 2-ranked prospect on MLB.com and the No. 74 overall prospect in baseball. Lagrange began the 2025 campaign with High-A Hudson Valley, but would eventually spend the second half with Double-A Somerset. Through 41 2/3 innings at High-A, the right-hander would hold a modest 4.10 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP. He would rack up 64 punchouts during this stint. However, once he made the jump to Double-A, Lagrange looked far more productive. Across 78 1/3 innings, the right-hander struck out 104 hitters while carrying a 3.22 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. While his strikeout upside remained high, Lagrange walked 50 batters. If Lagrange can improve his command, he should be in the mix to reach Triple-A early in 2026, opening the door for a midseason MLB promotion.
--Andy SmithSource: New York Yankees
February 6, 2026
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs stuffed the box score in Thursday's 118-98 win over Brooklyn, finishing with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in 29 minutes while adding three steals and a career-best four blocks. The do-it-all line underscores Suggs' fantasy profile as a high-impact guard who contributes across categories, averaging 14.3 points, 5.2 assists, 4.0 rebounds, 1.9 three-pointers, 1.8 steals, and 0.6 blocks. His physical style carries an injury risk, but the upside is clear.
Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane, and
Franz Wagner (ankle) hold steady as usage leaders, with
Anthony Black soaking up enough touches to cap fringe guard upside.
--Brian DailisanSource: Orlando Magic
February 6, 2026
Colorado Rockies left-handed pitching prospect
Sean Sullivan will attend MLB spring training. Sullivan is one of the top budding arms in the Colorado system and now has a path to make his MLB debut later in 2026. The southpaw is currently ranked as the team's No. 12 prospect on MLB.com. The former second-round selection out of Wake Forest spent the majority of his 2025 campaign with Double-A Hartford. Across 97 1/3 innings, the southpaw posted a strong 3.14 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP. While he only struck out 95 hitters, he continued to keep his ratios low. In 2024, Sullivan carried a similar 2.11 ERA with a 0.91 WHIP across 115 1/3 innings split between Low-A and High-A. If he turns in a productive camp, managers should expect the left-hander to be in the mix for a first-half MLB debut.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB Pipeline
February 6, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers center
Isaiah Jackson will not be available Friday in Sacramento as his move to Los Angeles has yet to be finalized, keeping his team debut on hold until at least Sunday against Minnesota. In the meantime, the Clippers will continue to split frontcourt minutes between veteran
Brook Lopez and rookie
Yanic Konan Niederhauser. Lopez and Niederhauser are both fringe plays short-term, though Niederhauser carries more upside in the late-season rotation after logging 25 minutes for 10 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks last game. Once active, Jackson's strong per-minute profile of 13.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.6 blocks per 36 minutes could quickly crowd the center rotation.
--Brian DailisanSource: Law Murray
February 6, 2026
Virginia wide receiver Jahmal Edrine was arrested on Thursday and charged with one count of rape and one count of abduction, following an investigation that began on August 25. The school stated that he is no longer enrolled. The investigation is ongoing, and he is being held without bond at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail. The former FAU and Purdue transfer caught 46 passes for 564 yards and one touchdown last year for the Cavaliers and was expected to be a starting wideout again in 2026. The legal process will continue to play out, but he's unlikely to be with the team for his senior campaign.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Pete Thamel - ESPN
February 6, 2026
Colorado Rockies outfield prospect
Jared Thomas earned an invite to big-league spring training. Thomas will join several of the other top prospects in the Colorado system, including
Charlie Condon and
Cole Carrigg. Thomas is currently ranked as the team's No. 8 prospect on MLB.com. Thomas joined the Rockies in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Texas and is quickly progressing through the minor leagues. After a short taste of Low-A in 2024, Thomas would spend the 2025 campaign splitting time between High-A and Double-A. With High-A, Thomas posted a .330/.427/.495 slash line with 11 home runs and 22 stolen bases. At Double-A, Thomas took a step back, holding a .245/.347/.374 line with only three long balls, across a 45-game stint. Given his struggles at Double-A, managers should expect Thomas to begin the 2026 season there, but he has the path to push for a second-half MLB debut.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB Pipeline
February 6, 2026
Washington Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun recorded a game-high three points in Thursday's 4-2 victory over the Nashville Predators. He potted two goals, including a power-play marker to ice the game, and had one assist. This made Chychrun only the second defenseman in Capitals history with back-to-back 20-goal campaigns. He has lit the lamp 21 times, adding 25 assists in 57 contests. Chychrun leads all defensemen in goals scored and needs just two more points to set a new career high. Despite his fantastic form, Chychrun won't be part of Team Canada's roster at the Olympics, giving him three weeks to recharge for the most important part of the season.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 6, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward/center
Kristaps Porzingis (illness) traveled with the team to Los Angeles on Friday but is unlikely to play Saturday against the Lakers as he continues to recover. Acquired on Wednesday in a trade that sent
Jonathan Kuminga and
Buddy Hield out, Porzingis has not appeared since Jan. 7. He has played just 17 games this season, averaging 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.8 three-pointers, and 1.3 blocks in 24.3 minutes. When healthy, Porzingis would command significant frontcourt usage, reducing
Al Horford's minutes and easing the scoring burden on
Stephen Curry, though durability remains a concern.
--Brian DailisanSource: Dalton Johnson
February 6, 2026
Indiana Pacers center
Ivica Zubac will not play Friday against Milwaukee as his move from Los Angeles continues to be finalized, leaving his Indiana debut on hold. Zubac averaged 14.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 61.3 percent shooting in 30.9 minutes this season, and he is expected to slide into the starting center role once available. That likely creates short-term pressure on
Jarace Walker, who has been productive recently with expanded minutes. Walker's role could tighten initially, though his strong play may still earn him featured opportunities later.
Pascal Siakam remains locked into heavy usage, while
Jay Huff profiles as a rotation casualty.
--Brian DailisanSource: Tomer Azarly
February 6, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Brandon Bussi had to make only 16 saves for his second shutout of the season in Thursday's 2-0 victory over the New York Rangers. Jordan Staal and Andrei Svechnikov took care of the offense for the streaking Hurricanes, who are on a 10-game point streak. Bussi has been pivotal to the team's success, winning each of his last seven starts. He is now only the second goaltender in franchise history with multiple seven-game winning streaks in a single season. The 27-year-old has come out of nowhere to rank second in the NHL with a 2.16 goals-against average. Additionally, Bussi is tied for the third most wins among all goalies, carrying an outstanding 23-3-1 record with a .908 save percentage.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 6, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard/forward
Grayson Allen (knee) did not return late in Thursday's loss to Golden State after suffering a right knee injury, finishing with 21 points, five rebounds, four assists, and one steal in 33 minutes. His status for Saturday against Philadelphia remains uncertain. If Allen misses time, Phoenix's short-handed backcourt would lean more heavily on
Collin Gillespie,
Dillon Brooks, and
Jordan Goodwin. Gillespie has averaged 17.0 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.8 three-pointers over his last five games, while Brooks has posted 24.8 points and 5.0 rebounds. Goodwin offers streaming value as a source of three-pointers, rebounds, and steals if his minutes tick up.
--Brian DailisanSource: Duane Rankin
February 6, 2026
Kansas City Royals relief pitcher
Carlos Estevez surpassed all expectations during the 2025 campaign. In his debut season in Kansas City, Estevez would tally 42 saves, which were the most in the major leagues. Through 66 innings, the right-hander would post a strong 2.45 ERA with a 106 WHIP. Even though he would strike out only 54 batters (at a low 20.1% rate), he would be a must-start option given his effectiveness in the closer role. However, managers should expect Estevez to see some significant regression in 2026. The 33-year-old generated a 3.69 xERA with a .228 xBA, suggesting his ratios could take a step back. Additionally, he generated a 10.6% barrel rate (14th percentile) and a low 25.4% ground-ball rate (first percentile), suggesting his 2025 production is not sustainable. While he remains a safe bet for 20+ saves, managers should draft him expecting his ratios to return to his career averages of a 3.97 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 6, 2026
Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar reached a special milestone on Thursday, collecting his 1,300th career point in a 4-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. The Slovenian veteran became only the eighth player born outside North America to record 1,300 career points. He did so in his 1,495th career game with an assist. It was Kopitar's first point in four games since returning from a lower-body injury. He currently boasts 22 points (six goals, 16 assists) in 41 appearances for his final NHL campaign, a sharp decline from his usual production. With Slovenia not at the Olympics, Kopitar will get a few weeks to rest before the final stretch of the season, which could help improve his scoring form.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 6, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers guard
Luka Doncic (hamstring) was limited to 16 minutes Thursday against Philadelphia before exiting with soreness in his left hamstring, prompting the team to schedule imaging to clarify his status. The Lakers are still determining whether this is an injury or a precautionary issue, but any missed time would significantly reshape the fantasy landscape. Doncic carries a massive 38.3 percent usage rate, and his absence would funnel offense toward
Austin Reaves, who erupted for 35 points in relief, while
Marcus Smart would see added ball-handling duties.
Luke Kennard offers spacing and three-point shooting appeal if he is available immediately after the deadline deal that sent
Gabe Vincent out.
--Brian DailisanSource: Dan Woike
February 6, 2026
Atlanta Braves first baseman
Matt Olson continues to carry a high floor for fantasy purposes heading into the 2026 regular season. Olson has played in all 162 games since joining the Braves in 2022 and has continued to deliver high-end counting stats. Since 2022, Olson has hit at least 29 home runs in each campaign and even surpassed the 30-HR mark in two of them, including a career-best 54-HR season. During this four-year stretch, Olson has logged at least 95 RBI in each season and scored over 85 runs in all but one. Even though he fell short of the 30-HR mark for the second-straight season in 2025, managers should still be looking to invest in the 31-year-old this summer. He generated a strong 53.5% hard-hit rate with a .360 xwOBA, both of which were increases from 2024. Additionally, he drew walks at 12.4% rate, the second-highest mark during his time in Atlanta. With a healthy
Ronald Acuna Jr. leading the lineup, Olson has a clear path to remain a high-end contributor for counting stats and could even see a slight uptick in power.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
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