February 7, 2026
Atlanta Braves catcher
Drake Baldwin looked quite comfortable in his debut campaign in the major leagues as he took home NL Rookie of the Year honors. In his first season in Atlanta, Baldwin would hold a strong .274/.341/.469 line with an .810 OPS. Baldwin would tally 18 doubles and 19 home runs, while scoring 56 runs with 80 RBI. He would not steal any bases but showed a solid eye at the plate, carrying a 68:38 K:BB. Under the hood, the young backstop generated a .353 xwOBA, .272 xBA, and .480 xSLG, which placed him in the 81st percentile or higher among qualified batters. He was also an elite defender, sitting in the 91st percentile in Blocks Above Average. With
Sean Murphy (hip) still facing an unknown timeline, Baldwin is penciled in as the team's primary coach heading into 2026. Baldwin holds top-12 upside at the position, entering spring training.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 7, 2026
New York Yankees first baseman/catcher
Ben Rice could shift to a larger role behind the dish following the signing of veteran first baseman
Paul Goldschmidt. Goldschmidt split time at first base with Rice last season and typically kept the young first baseman in a platoon role. However, earlier this offseason, Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted that Rice would play "a lot more" against left-handed pitchers. With Goldschmidt rejoining the Bronx Bombers, Rice now faces much more competition for a consistent role. Despite this, The Athletic's Chris Kirschner noted that Goldschmidt's return could move Rice firmly into the No. 2 catcher role, behind
Austin Wells. With another infielder on the team, the Yankees could look to keep Rice as the primary first baseman and backup catcher to save an outfield spot, which could allow
Jasson Dominguez to stay on the other MLB roster. Last summer, Rice flashed immense upside, posting a .255/.337/.499 line with 26 home runs. He carries top-5 upside at the catcher position and could become a top-3 option if he were to see a full-time role.
--Andy SmithSource: Chris Kirschner
February 7, 2026
According to Meredith Marakovits of the YES Network, New York Yankees right-handed starting pitcher
Clarke Schmidt (elbow) is still targeting a second-half return. Schmidt underwent an internal brace procedure last July and remains on track to return to the bump during the back half of the 2026 campaign. Before suffering the injury last summer, Schmidt was quite productive, logging 78 2/3 innings to the tune of a 3.32 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP. During this stint, the right-hander struck out 73 batters while generating a strong 3.02 xERA and an elite .198 xBA. In 2024, Schmidt was productive as well, posting a 2.85 ERA and 1.18 WHIP across 85 1/3 innings. Managers in deeper formats with IL spots should consider stashing Schmidt closer to his return, as he could provide solid SP3/SP4 upside down the stretch.
--Andy SmithSource: Meredith Marakovits
February 7, 2026
New York Yankees shortstop
Anthony Volpe (shoulder) will start the 2026 season on the injured list after recovering from left-labrum surgery last October, and he's unlikely to return until at least May, according to Randy Miller of NJ Advance Media. Volpe's fantasy value obviously will take a pretty big hit this year with the expectation that he'll miss at least the first month of the campaign. He initially injured his left shoulder while diving for a ball on May 3 and required several cortisone shots to get through the season. It most definitely hurt Volpe's offensive production in 2025, and he finished with a depressed .212/.272/.391 slash line with a .663 OPS, career-low 19 home runs, career-high 72 RBI, 65 runs scored, and 18 stolen bases in 153 regular-season games. It could take the 24-year-old some time to work his way back as well in 2026. Until Volpe is cleared to make his season debut, speedster
Jose Caballero is expected to handle most of the work at the 6 in the Bronx.
--Keith HernandezSource: NJ Advance Media - Randy Miller
February 7, 2026
Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby (knee) said on Friday that he's ahead of schedule in his rehab from left knee surgery that he had around a month ago, according to ESPN. "I'm ahead of schedule, and it's business as usual," Crosby said. "It's my eighth surgery in seven years. It's something that I've gotten used to. It's all about perspective, about how you approach what you want to accomplish. I'm willing to run that marathon." The Raiders put the 28-year-old on Injured Reserve with two games left in the 2025 season, which started speculation about Crosby's future in Sin City. Crosby was not happy with the move and left the team's facilities. It's unclear exactly how Crosby feels, but there have been plenty of rumors that he doesn't want to go through another rebuild after the team finished 3-14 last year. Regardless of where he's playing in 2026, Crosby will remain a high-end DE in fantasy IDP leagues after posting double-digit sacks in three of the last four years.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
February 6, 2026
Former New York Jets and Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase has emerged as a possibility to be hired by the Los Angeles Chargers in an offensive assistant coach role, sources told Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. Gase last coached in the NFL in 2020 when he was with the Jets. Before his head-coaching days, he was an offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos. Gase last coached in 2019 and 2020 with the Jets. He was the Dolphins' head coach from 2016 to 2018. The Chargers fired offensive coordinator Greg Roman at the end of the 2025 season and replaced him with former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. In his time as a head coach, Gase went 32-48. He was also an offensive assistant with the Detroit Lions from 2005 to 2007 and with the San Francisco 49ers in 2008.
--Keith HernandezSource: CBS Sports - Matt Zenitz
February 6, 2026
Former New York Jets first-round linebacker Darron Lee was arrested and charged in Tennessee for allegedly murdering his girlfriend, according to Thomas Gamba-Ellis of the New York Post. The former 20th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft is being charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. Lee is currently being held without bond and has a court date set for Wednesday. The 31-year-old was also arrested and booked for assault and domestic violence in Ohio in 2023. Lee was a standout defender at Ohio State and was the Buckeyes' defensive MVP in the Sugar Bowl win over Alabama in 2015 before the Jets took him in the first round. He didn't have much success during his five-year stint in the NFL, though, with the Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, and Buffalo Bills. Lee totaled 273 tackles (178 solo), four sacks, three interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and two forced fumbles in 58 career games.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Thomas Gamba-Ellis
February 6, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays infielder
Brett Wisely was designated for assignment by the organization on Friday. Wisely was the odd man out after the team acquired outfielder
Victor Mesa Jr. from the Miami Marlins earlier in the day. Wisely never got a chance to play for the Rays, as he was acquired by the organization in a trade with the Atlanta Braves last month. The 26-year-old is slashing .214/.265/.319 with seven home runs and 49 RBI in 168 games across parts of three big league seasons. It's possible another team claims him and gives Wisely a chance to earn a spot in Spring Training.
--Andy WebbSource: Rays PR
February 6, 2026
Chicago White Sox pitcher
Mike Vasil will get a chance to compete for a starting rotation spot in Spring Training. Vasil mostly pitched as a reliever last season, but recently said on the Baseball Isn't Boring podcast that he'll get a chance to pitch as a starting pitcher. The 25-year-old registered a 2.50 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and an 82/52 K/BB ratio across 47 games (three starts) with the White Sox last season. He mostly worked as a multi-inning reliever and threw over 100 innings in 2025. The transition to a starting pitcher doesn't seem too difficult for Vasil, given he's already stretched out as a multiple-inning reliever. Before the 2025 campaign, Vasil was a full-time starting pitcher in the minor leagues with the New York Mets. The White Sox certainly need help in the starting rotation, so they might as well give Vasil a chance.
--Andy WebbSource: Baseball Isn't Boring
February 6, 2026
The San Diego Padres are reportedly not done making moves just yet. According to Dennis Lin, the Padres are still seeking another hitter and starting pitcher ahead of the 2026 season. They were finalist to land first baseman
Paul Goldschmidt before he signed with the New York Yankees on Friday. The Padres did bring in
Miguel Andujar, but would like to add another hitter to the mix. There are still some decent options available in free agency, including
Rhys Hoskins,
Marcell Ozuna, and
Nathaniel Lowe. Among the options, Hoskins makes the most sense because the Padres probably want to add a platoon bat to go alongside
Gavin Sheets at first base. They've lost out on Goldschmidt, so we'll see where they decide to pivot.
--Andy WebbSource: Dennis Lin
February 6, 2026
San Diego Padres right-handed pitching prospect
Miguel Mendez "could factor into San Diego's starting depth this season and push up his timeline with a strong spring," according to MLB.com. Mendez is still raw at 23 years old and made only six starts at Double-A San Antonio last year, but the Dominican hurler broke out in 2025. At three minor-league levels, he went 8-7 with a 3.22 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 118 strikeouts and 45 walks in 95 innings pitched over his 21 starts. General manager A.J. Preller is notoriously aggressive in promoting prospects if he feels they are deserving, so nobody should count out Mendez for his big-league debut in 2026, especially since the Padres' pitching depth is one of their glaring weaknesses. Mendez features plus pitches in his 95-98 mph fastball and mid-80s slider. Despite his slim build (6-foot-2, 165 pounds), Mendez can hit triple digits regularly and has one of the best sliders in the minors.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
February 6, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop
Konnor Griffin, the consensus top prospect in baseball entering the 2026 season, made it look way too easy in his first year of pro ball in 2025, reaching Double-A at just 19 years old. The former ninth overall pick by the Bucs in 2024 hit .333/.415/.527 with a .941 OPS, 21 home runs, 94 RBI, 117 runs scored, and 65 stolen bases in 122 games (563 plate appearances) with Single-A Bradenton, High-A Greensboro, and Double-A Altoona. The Pirates might want to practice some patience with Griffin since he has played in just 21 games above A ball, but MLB.com speculates that it might be hard for Pittsburgh to keep him off the Opening Day roster if he continues to do what he did last year in spring training. Griffin has plus-plus speed, amazing athleticism, and is physical at 6-foot-4, 225 pounds. He has all the makings of a future superstar. Griffin should already be rostered in all keeper leagues, and his current 241 ADP should only continue to rise this spring in single-year leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
February 6, 2026
After being acquired from the New York Mets in the deal that involved right-hander
Freddy Peralta in the offseason, right-handed pitching prospect
Brandon Sproat "should be right in Milwaukee's rotation mix," according to MLB.com. The 25-year-old former third-rounder in 2022 out of Florida made his MLB debut in New York last year and was inconsistent, allowing 11 earned runs on 18 hits while walking seven and striking out 17 in 20 2/3 innings over four starts. Sproat features two high-velocity fastballs and an intriguing offspeed mix of a curveball, sweeper, slider, and changeup. The Brewers could decide that Sproat needs more seasoning at Triple-A, but his chances of winning an Opening Day rotation spot increased with the move to Milwaukee. The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder will be a nice late-round flier in mixed fantasy leagues with a deep arsenal if he's on track to start the year in the majors in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
February 6, 2026
MLB.com lists New York Mets right-handed pitching prospect
Dylan Ross as a candidate to push for an Opening Day spot in the bullpen this spring. Ross, a 13th-round selection in 2022 out of Georgia, was called up by the Mets last September, but he didn't make an appearance out of the bullpen. The 25-year-old was extremely impressive at High-A Brooklyn, Double-A Binghamton, and Triple-A Syracuse, posting a 2.17 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, seven saves, 80 strikeouts, and 33 walks in 54 relief innings. At Syracuse, Ross held a 1.45 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 38:21 K:BB in 31 innings. His four-seam fastball can reach 102 mph, and his 89-91 mph, low-spin splitter is another nasty offering he features, in addition to a hard upper-80s slider. Ross is going to need to demonstrate better control if the Mets are going to give him a chance in the big-league bullpen in 2026, but he's a relief arm to keep an eye on in dynasty/keeper leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
February 6, 2026
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reiterated the team's desire to reach a long-term contract extension with impending free-agent wide receiver
George Pickens, according to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "He's better than, as far as what he contributed to our team, showing the potential that he could contribute. I'm looking forward to getting things worked out so George can be a Cowboy a long time," Jones said. In his first year with Dallas in 2025, Pickens led the Cowboys in receiving and earned second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors with a career-best 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on a career-high 93 receptions over 17 games. Jones and the Cowboys have a history of dragging out extensions for their star players, though, so nothing is guaranteed for Pickens. However, in Pickens' case, the team seems likely to use the franchise tag to keep him around in 2026 if an extension cannot be reached. If Pickens is in Dallas next season, he'll be a clear WR1 target in fantasy drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: Fort Worth Star-Telegram - Nick Harris
February 6, 2026
New England Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane (ankle) was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday this week and is officially questionable to play on Sunday in Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks, per the NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe. Linebacker Harold Landry (ankle) is also questionable. The 30-year-old Spillane injured his ankle in the AFC Championship game victory over the Denver Broncos. If Spillane is limited or unable to play at all on Sunday, it would be a pretty notable loss for the Patriots' defense. Spillane finished his first regular season with the Pats with 97 tackles (48 solo), one sack, two interceptions, five pass breakups, and a forced fumble in 13 starts. Jack Gibbens would make the start at inside linebacker against the Seahawks if Spillane is inactive.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
February 6, 2026
New England Patriots quarterback
Drake Maye (shoulder) practiced in full all week and has been cleared to play in Super Bowl LX on Sunday versus the Seattle Seahawks. Maye was listed as questionable at the end of last week after suffering a minor right-shoulder injury in the AFC Championship game against the Denver Broncos, but the Patriots were never concerned that it would affect him going into the Super Bowl. The 23-year-old second-year signal-caller out of North Carolina led the NFL with a 72% completion percentage in 17 regular-season games and finished as the QB3 in fantasy scoring, but he's completed only 55.8% of his passes for 533 yards, four touchdowns, and two picks in his first three playoff games. Maye has also fumbled six times (three lost) in the postseason. He'll need to be much better on Sunday against a Seattle defense that allowed the seventh-fewest passing TDs (20) during the regular season.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
February 6, 2026
Seattle Seahawks rookie safety Nick Emmanwori (ankle) was a full participant in Friday's practice and was removed from the final injury report for Super Bowl LX on Sunday against the New England Patriots, according to ESPN's Brady Henderson. Emmanwori suffered a low-ankle sprain in practice on Wednesday and was held out of Thursday's practice, but he's now ready to go this weekend. It's great news for a Seahawks defense that has been among the best units in the NFL all year. The 21-year-old Emmanwori was in contention for Defensive Rookie of the Year after recording 81 tackles (56 solo), 2.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, four QB hits, an interception, and 11 pass breakups in 14 regular-season games. He had a strong NFC Championship game against the Los Angeles Rams, too, with five tackles (four solo) and three pass breakups. Emmanwori will hope to make life difficult for Patriots quarterback
Drake Maye in the Super Bowl.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
February 6, 2026
Seattle Seahawks quarterback
Sam Darnold (oblique) practiced in full for a second straight day on Friday and was removed from the final injury report ahead of Super Bowl LX on Sunday versus the New England Patriots. Darnold suffered a left-oblique injury in practice just days before the team's Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers, but it hasn't affected him in two playoff victories on the road to the Super Bowl. The 28-year-old signal-caller has gone 37-for-53 for 470 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions in wins over the 49ers and Los Angeles Rams in the postseason, and his oblique injury should not be an issue at all this weekend. He'll be facing off against a Patriots defense on Sunday that allowed the ninth-fewest passing yards during the regular season, although their schedule was extremely soft. His counterpart,
Drake Maye, will be the more popular DFS play in the Super Bowl because he finished as the QB3 in fantasy during the regular season, but Darnold has looked much sharper than Maye in the playoffs.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
February 6, 2026
The New York Yankees are bringing veteran first baseman
Paul Goldschmidt back on a one-year deal, which could negatively affect the playing time for left-handed-hitting first baseman
Ben Rice in 2026. Manager Aaron Boone said last month that Rice would play a lot against left-handed pitchers this year, but that could change a bit now that Goldy is back in the fold. Although Goldschmidt isn't the hitter he once was, he did kill southpaws in 2025 to the tune of a .336/.411/.570 slash line and .981 OPS in 168 plate appearances. The 26-year-old Rice hit only .208 against lefties in 119 regular-season plate appearances, although he did slug .481 against them with seven home runs. Goldy's return isn't great news for Rice's overall fantasy upside, but he will still be on the strong side of a platoon and can also pick up playing time behind the plate. RotoBaller considers Rice a top-10 first base option in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
February 6, 2026
Free-agent first baseman
Paul Goldschmidt and the New York Yankees are finalizing an undisclosed one-year deal on Friday, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. The 38-year-old veteran and former MVP will return to the Bronx after hitting .274/.328/.403 with a .731 OPS, 10 home runs, 45 RBI, 76 runs scored, and five stolen bases in 146 regular-season games and 534 plate appearances. The seven-time All-Star continued to decline offensively since winning the National League MVP award in 2022 with the St. Louis Cardinals, with his 10 homers being his fewest total since the shortened 2020 campaign. However, Goldy was money against left-handed pitchers last year, sporting a .336/.411/.570 slash line, .981 OPS, and seven of his 10 home runs against them in 168 plate appearances. He won't be a full-time player anymore, but Goldschmidt should be on the short side of a platoon at first base with the lefty-hitting
Ben Rice.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
February 6, 2026
New York Knicks forward
OG Anunoby (toe) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Detroit Pistons. He was initially listed as probable, but has now been downgraded to out for this game. It's not shocking to see the Knicks being cautious with Anunoby after he played 48 minutes during Wednesday's game. The absence of Anunoby should mean
Mohamed Diawara will move into the starting five on Friday. The rookie forward hasn't seen a consistent role in the rotation this season. He finished with five points across 14 minutes of action on Wednesday.
Josh Hart might end up benefiting the most, even with Diawara drawing the start.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 6, 2026
Detroit Pistons forward
Tobias Harris (hip) has been upgraded to available ahead of Friday's game against the New York Knicks. Harris is returning to the court after missing Thursday's game due to a hip injury. He could see an uptick in playing time with
Jalen Duren (knee) being ruled out for this game.
Isaiah Stewart should shift over to the center spot, which could mean more total run for Harris at the forward position. This season, Harris is averaging 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 27.7 minutes per game. He's not an elite option, but he is consistent enough to be trusted in most fantasy formats.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 6, 2026
Detroit Pistons center
Jalen Duren (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the New York Knicks. Duren was forced to make an early exit from Thursday's contest due to a knee injury. As a result, Duren was questionable coming into this game and will ultimately sit out. Without Duren available,
Isaiah Stewart figures to move into the starting five. Stewart has been an inconsistent fantasy contributor this season. He should be a safer option on Friday, given Duren is unavailable. He could be worth a look for fantasy managers seeking an option for Friday's slate. Ronald Holland II and
Paul Reed could also see more minutes, but Stewart is probably the best option among the three.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 6, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks guard
Gary Harris (hamstring) has been upgraded to available ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Harris is making his return to the court after missing four games due to a lingering hamstring injury. Harris wasn't playing a huge role in the rotation before the injury, but could see more minutes now with
Amir Coffey being traded away. This season, Harris is averaging 2.7 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 14.9 minutes per game. His playing time figures to see an uptick, but it probably won't be enough to warrant rostering him in fantasy leagues right now.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 6, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Jared McCain doesn't appear on the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets. McCain was traded to the Thunder from the Philadelphia 76ers during Thursday's trade deadline. It appears McCain is set to make his team debut against the Rockets on Saturday. He could see a significant workload right away with
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) and
Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) both out. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues looking for a sneaky add might want to consider McCain. His value could fade once the Thunder gets healthy, but he figures to see consistent minutes right now.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 6, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays right-handed reliever
Nate Garkow has received an invitation to big-league spring training this year, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. The 28-year-old had a solid 2025 season at High-A Vancouver and Double-A New Hampshire, going 4-0 with a 3.19 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 86 strikeouts, and 31 walks in 53 2/3 innings out of the bullpen. He also added three saves. Garkow went undrafted out of Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, but he's impressed in his two minor-league seasons so far, going 8-0 with a 2.78 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 120:42 K:BB in 77 2/3 innings of relief. He will most likely be a long shot to win an Opening Day bullpen spot in Toronto, but if Garkow continues to get results on the farm, he could make his major-league debut for the Jays this year in a low-leverage bullpen role.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sportsnet - Shi Davidi
February 6, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Isaiah Hartenstein (eye) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets. Hartenstein is back after sitting out Wednesday's game due to a corneal abrasion. He missed significant time due to a calf injury and has only played in three games since returning on January 29. During that span, Hartenstein is averaging 9.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 21.0 minutes of action. The expectation is that he'll likely remain on a minutes restriction for Saturday's game. That will hurt his value in DFS contests, but fantasy managers in season-long formats can get Hartenstein active this weekend.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 6, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Chet Holmgren (back) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets. Holmgren sat out of Wednesday's contest for injury management reasons, but will return this weekend. He has been a key contributor for the Thunder this season. He's averaging 17.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 29.2 minutes per game this season. His return to the rotation will shift
Kenrich Williams back to the second unit. Fantasy managers can return the star big man to their lineups for Saturday's slate.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 6, 2026
Texas Rangers right-handed pitching prospect
Emiliano Teodo is fully healthy entering the 2026 season and could be a "bullpen asset with three weapons," according to MLB.com. Teodo was limited to just 30 minor-league innings last year due to a shoulder impingement, posting a 7.20 ERA and 1.87 WHIP with 38 strikeouts and 29 walks at the Rookie level, Double-A Frisco, and Triple-A Round Rock. The 24-year-old was signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2020 for just $10,000. Teodo features a 97-99 mph sinker that touches 102, a tight upper-80s slider that falls off the table, and an upper-80s changeup with fade and depth. The hard-throwing pitching prospect is a volatile stash in dynasty/keeper leagues because of his control issues, but his pure stuff could earn him a call-up to the big leagues for the first time in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
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