January 26, 2026

Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans was a big disappointment in 2025 after finishing fourth in American League Cy Young voting in 2024 with a 3.14 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and a career-high 223 strikeouts. Ragans only made 13 starts for the Royals due to groin and left-shoulder injuries -- he missed more than three months with a rotator-cuff strain. The 28-year-old southpaw had an elevated 4.67 ERA, but under the hood, he had a ridiculous 38.1% strikeout rate and 7.8% walk rate in 61 2/3 frames. Ragans made three starts in September after coming off the 60-day injured list, and he looked great with a 2.77 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, and 22:4 K:BB in 13 innings. The stats on the surface don't look great in 2025, but now that he's fully healthy going into his fifth MLB season, there should be plenty of optimism that Ragans can bounce back. Fantasy managers should treat him as a top-15 starting pitcher, potentially at a discount because of durability concerns.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Baseball Reference

January 26, 2026

Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker is an emerging power threat for fantasy managers after reaching the 30-homer mark in each of his three seasons in the Bay Area. Rooker has been named an All-Star in two of the last three years as well, and he finished his sixth year in the big leagues in 2025 by slashing .262/.335/.479 with an .814 OPS, 30 home runs, 89 RBI, 92 runs scored, and six stolen bases in all 162 regular-season games. Although the 31-year-old veteran wasn't quite as good as he was in 2024, it's worth noting that he cut down on his strikeouts (22.2%), and his .275 xBA and .509 xSLG suggest he was a little unlucky for how hard he was hitting the ball (44.5% hard-hit rate). Rooker's drop in strikeout rate suggests that he could easily return another 30-plus-homer season for fantasy managers in 2026, and he should have outfield eligibility in most leagues. He deserves consideration for his power and run production as a top-15 outfielder at hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Baseball Reference

January 26, 2026

New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto wasn't able to lead the team to a playoff appearance in his first year in Queens, but he still managed to have an extremely productive season for fantasy managers. Soto hit .263/.396/.525 with a .921 OPS, career-high 43 home runs, 105 RBI, 120 runs scored, and a career-best 38 stolen bases in 160 games played. The 27-year-old Dominican also led the league in walks (127) for the fourth time in his career and on-base percentage (.396) for the third time in his eight-year MLB career. Soto has now cleared the fences 40-plus times each of the last two years, and his 38 stolen bases tied for fourth in the National League. Fantasy managers should be pretty confident that Soto will be an elite contributor across the board, although you should expect regression in the stolen base department. Soto's previous high in steals is 12. RotoBaller has Soto ranked as the No. 4 overall player for upcoming drafts, behind only Shohei Ohtani (DH), Aaron Judge, and Bobby Witt Jr.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Baseball Reference

January 26, 2026

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (foot) won't play in Monday's rematch with Golden State. He was on the court for Sunday's loss to the Warriors, amassing 32 points and 11 rebounds in 34 minutes. The 24-year-old has been battling a right foot injury, so the team is likely playing it safe, meaning he should be back on Wednesday in Dallas. With Edwards ruled out, Bones Hyland, averaging 11 points in three starts, is the favorite to replace him in the starting lineup.--Dennis Clausen
Source: Brett Siegel

January 26, 2026

Kansas City Royals power-hitting first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino has a chance to be a 40-home run asset for fantasy managers if he stays healthy and makes some adjustments against left-handed pitchers. In his fourth MLB season in 2025, Pasquantino slashed .264/.323/.475 with a .798 OPS and career bests in home runs (32), RBI (113), and runs scored (72) in 160 games played. The 28-year-old left-handed slugger was able to top 30 homers and 100 RBI because he avoided the injured list for the first time since 2022. The only real problem is that the Pasquatch did the vast majority of his damage against righties and really struggled against southpaws. Pasquantino has top-three upside at the first base position in fantasy, but he must stop a disturbing trend of getting worse each year in the big leagues against lefty pitchers.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Baseball Reference

January 26, 2026

Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic (illness) is doubtful heading into Tuesday's game against the Clippers. He's been making frequent appearances on the injury report because of an illness. However, the 31-year-old has been playing through it, amassing a triple-double in each of the last three contests. Unfortunately, it appears Nurkic won't be out there on Tuesday, meaning Kyle Filipowski, averaging 11.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in 15 starts this season, would be the favorite to replace him in the rotation.--Dennis Clausen
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 26, 2026

Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (hamstring) is considered questionable to play on Tuesday against Brooklyn. The 23-Year-old has been battling a nagging right hamstring strain since training camp. Although he managed to suit up for the recent win over the 76ers, he experienced tightness in the hamstring in the loss to the Atlanta Hawks on January 23, limiting him to only four minutes of action. While there's a good chance he won't be available, the injury designation at least suggests things may not be as bad as initially feared. With that said, Green will likely come off the bench if he can get on the floor, so he won't be the safest fantasy option until he's back to full strength. If he isn't out there, Grayson Allen should continue to benefit, with the former Duke Blue Devil most recently amassing 18 points in Sunday's loss to Miami.--Dennis Clausen
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 26, 2026

Free-agent right-handed reliever Hector Neris signed a minor-league deal with the Kansas City Royals on Monday, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The deal includes an invitation to MLB spring training. Neris, a 36-year-old veteran, will be going into his 13th big-league campaign in 2026. The Dominican native spent the 2025 season with the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels, and Houston Astros, posting an elevated 6.75 ERA (5.35 FIP) with a 1.69 WHIP, 35 strikeouts, and 16 walks in 26 2/3 relief innings. He did not have a single save, but he does have plenty of closing experience with 107 career saves with five different teams. For his career, Neris has a 3.47 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with a 29.4% strikeout rate and 9.2% walk rate. He'll be battling for an MLB roster spot in spring training and could start the year at Triple-A Omaha if he remains in the organization.--Keith Hernandez
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman

January 26, 2026

Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (knee) will play on Monday versus the Houston Rockets after missing the last three games because of soreness. The Grizzlies are hurting, with Ja Morant (elbow), Zach Edey (ankle), and Jock Landale (personal), among others, all unavailable. As such, fantasy managers could see Aldama surpass his statistical averages of 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists despite a relatively challenging matchup on the horizon. That's also assuming he's healthy enough to log a full workload.--Dennis Clausen
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 26, 2026

Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda is a potential breakout candidate as he ascends into a full-time role for the 2026 season. The 27-year-old was named an American League All-Star for the first time in 2025. He finished the campaign with 2.5 fWAR, which is the highest mark of his four-year career so far. Aranda played a career-high 106 games, slashing .316/.393/.489 with 14 home runs and 146 wRC+ as the Rays' primary first baseman. He will likely earn even more playing time in 2026, especially as Yandy Diaz earns more starts at designated hitter and handles fewer first-base reps. Aranda currently ranks as the #16 first baseman in RotoBaller's fantasy baseball draft rankings for the 2026 season.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 26, 2026

Free agent starting pitcher Trevor Bauer is not currently pursuing a new contract in Nippon Professional Baseball, according to agent Rachel Luba. While Luba framed the decision as Bauer's choice, claiming that NPB teams asked to be notified if his plans changed, an article from ChosunBiz seems to indicate that teams aren't very interested in bringing him back. Bauer spent 2023 and 2025 pitching in the NPB, and he played in the Mexican League in 2024. With the Yokohama organization last season, he pitched to a 4.51 ERA and 2.94 xFIP. He also amassed 8.01 K/9 and 3.23 BB/9 with a 45.3% ground ball rate. The 25-year-old right-hander hasn't pitched stateside since 2021, his final season before being suspended for a violation of MLB's domestic violence policy. It's unclear where Bauer plans to pitch next if he's not returning to NPB, but there haven't been any rumblings of an MLB return lately.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Rachel Luba

January 26, 2026

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow is healthy as spring training approaches, which is a favorable development for himself, his team, and fantasy baseball managers. Glasnow has dealt with many injuries throughout his time in the majors, including a two-and-a-half-month stint on the injured list last year as he recovered from right shoulder inflammation. He also pitched through side soreness during the World Series. The 34-year-old finished the year with 90.1 innings, and he hasn't thrown more than 134.0 innings during a single big-league season in his career. Now that he's healthy, though, he could eclipse that mark, especially in his role as the No. 3 arm in the Dodgers' rotation. Although availability has been a problem for Glasnow in the past, productivity was never the issue. He posted an impressive 3.72 xFIP last year with 10.56 K/9, 4.28 BB/9, and a 44.4% ground ball rate. While the walk rate was higher than ideal, it seemed to be an anomaly since he maintained a sub-3.00 BB/9 rate every year from 2021 through 2024. As long as Glasnow stays healthy in 2026, he should produce as a top option for the Dodgers and for fantasy managers. He currently ranks as the #25 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's fantasy baseball draft rankings.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 26, 2026

The Seattle Seahawks have opened as 3.5-point favorites over the New England Patriots for Super Bowl LX, according to Doug Greenberg of ESPN. The Seahawks then quickly jumped up to 4.5-point favorites, according to DraftKings odds. If the Patriots close as underdogs for the big game in two weeks, it will break a streak of eight straight Super Bowls in which they've been favored. The last time New England was an underdog in a Super Bowl was in 2002, when they upset the St. Louis Rams for the franchise's first title. This year's Patriots and Seahawks both entered the year at +6000 to win the Super Bowl. The Patriots were as long as 120-1 to win it all in 2025 after Week 3, when they started 1-2. Underdogs have won the last three Super Bowls outright and have covered the spread in five straight. Against the spread in Super Bowls all time, underdogs are 30-27-2.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Doug Greenberg

January 26, 2026

Free-agent pitcher Framber Valdez "will probably end up in Baltimore," league sources told Jim Bowden of The Athletic. Valdez remains unsigned and is still waiting for the right offer as spring training approaches, and while he'd be an upgrade to every rotation in baseball, Bowden notes that some teams simply don't want to spend the money on the former Houston Astros ace. The southpaw accrued double-digit wins and at least 22 starts in each of the last five seasons, and he posted an impressive 3.34 xFIP with 8.77 K/9 and 3.19 BB/9 in 2025. He continued to effectively limit weak contact with just 0.7 HR/9 and a 72.9% ground ball rate. His landing spot will determine his exact ADP in fantasy baseball drafts, but for now, he's the #28 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest rankings. If he ends up with the Orioles, he'd be the No. 1 option atop a rotation that also includes Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Jim Bowden

January 26, 2026

Free agent third baseman Eugenio Suarez's market isn't very strong, according to a report from Jim Bowden of The Athletic. He says that Boston and Pittsburgh make the most sense for Suarez, but at the moment, teams haven't done anything more than kick the tires on him. When speaking with a league source, Bowden asked why a non-contender wouldn't try to sign Suarez and trade him at the deadline in July. He was told that Suarez barely fetched any sort of return when he was traded from the Diamondbacks to the Mariners amidst a 49-homer campaign last summer, and given the lack of interest in the third baseman this offseason, it's unlikely that any contender would be willing to acquire him for a significant prospect haul in the summer of 2026. To put it simply, teams are hesitant to sign Suarez, even though he slugged 49 home runs last year. The power is indisputable, but he's not a major on-base threat, and last year's 7.0% walk rate and 29.8% strikeout rate are both concerning. Furthermore, he played average-at-best defense, contributing -0.7 fWAR in the field and -3 OAA. We may see Suarez garner a little more interest as spring training gets closer and teams finalize their rosters, but as it stands, his options in free agency are limited. The 34-year-old currently ranks as the #8 third baseman in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings, and he'll likely rise or fall a couple of slots once he signs somewhere.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Jim Bowden

January 26, 2026

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams lost for the fifth time in his career in the NFC Championship game on Sunday to the division-rival Seattle Seahawks -- four of his losses in the NFC title game came as a member of the Green Bay Packers. In the back-and-forth 31-27 loss to Seattle, Adams played well, though, catching four of his six targets for 89 yards and his 15th touchdown of the year. The 33-year-old veteran has built a Hall of Fame resume in his 12 years in the NFL, earning six Pro Bowl selections, three first-team All-Pro nods, and producing 12,633 receiving yards and 117 touchdowns. Adams has led the league in receiving touchdowns, including in 2025, three times in his career. However, he has been unable to reach the promised land of the Super Bowl. Two of his five NFC title-game losses have come against Seattle.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra

January 26, 2026

Chicago Bulls point guard Tre Jones (hamstring) won't play against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. Jones is dealing with a left hamstring strain and is scheduled to be re-evaluated in two weeks. However, the 26-year-old was upgraded to doubtful ahead of tonight's contest before the Bulls made a final decision to hold him out. His next chance to suit up is Wednesday against the Pacers and he will likely be listed as doubtful before the matchup. Ayo Dosunmu and Kevin Huerter could see extra minutes on the floor while Jones is out of action.--Andrew Lennox
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 26, 2026

Baltimore Orioles right-handed reliever Ryan Helsley struggled in 2025, posting a 4.50 ERA and 1.54 WHIP with 79 strikeouts and 23 walks in 66 1/3 innings pitched. Helsley did save 21 games, the second-most in his seven-year career, but none of them came after being traded to the New York Mets, and he also had a 7.20 ERA in 22 outings for the Mets to close out the season. The 31-year-old joined the Orioles on a two-year, $28 million deal this offseason as he looks to bounce back in 2026. Helsley gave up 16 earned runs in his final 20 innings with New York, but he should be the O's primary closer entering the regular season, and he's just one year removed from career bests in ERA (2.96) and saves (49). His poor finish last year may have primarily been the result of him tipping his pitches, so if he can get that fixed, Helsley is a nice bounce-back candidate. RotoBaller has Helsley ranked as the No. 10 fantasy closer.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Baseball Reference

January 26, 2026

Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (lower body) will be sidelined for 6-8 weeks, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports. The recovery timeline began last week. Brodin was already ruled out for the Olympics, and it looks like he will also miss some time after the tournament. Minnesota's blue line is without Zach Bogosian (lower body) as well, leaving the defense without two seasoned veterans. In his 14th NHL campaign, Brodin has recorded 15 points (three goals, 12 assists), 43 shots, and 91 blocks in 42 games. Recent injuries in the Wild's backline have given Daemon Hunt and David Jiricek regular opportunities to play.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Joe Smith

January 26, 2026

Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Sam Merrill (hand) is unavailable for Monday's game against the Orlando Magic due to personal reasons. Merrill had already missed five consecutive contests due to a right-hand sprain and it is unclear if he has fully recovered from the injury. While the 29-year-old sharpshooter continues to sit out, Jaylon Tyson will continue to benefit fantasy-wise, as Darius Garland (toe) is still sidelined as well. Tyson has started five straight games and is averaging 20.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 3.2 three-pointers across 34.0 minutes per outing during that timeframe.--Andrew Lennox
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 26, 2026

Edmonton Oilers right wing Kasperi Kapanen (lower body) will be back in the lineup on Monday night against the Anaheim Ducks. He missed a week of action due to a lower-body injury, sitting out three games. The Finnish forward will grab a second-line spot, pushing Andrew Mangiapane out of the lineup. Unfortunately, Kapanen has struggled to stay healthy all season, appearing in only 14 games. He's been impactful when in the lineup, recording nine points (three goals, six assists) and 28 hits. Edmonton's frontline has an excellent fantasy matchup on Monday against the NHL's second-weakest defense.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

January 26, 2026

Utah Mammoth winger Lawson Crouse (illness) is expected to return to the lineup on Monday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. After a pair of big performances, Crouse was forced to sit out Saturday's matchup against the Nashville Predators due to illness. Liam O'Brien is set to make way for him in the lineup. Crouse has earned a spot on the first line, amassing two goals and two assists in his last two appearances. He's having a good bounce-back year, sitting on 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) through 50 outings. 10 of Crouse's 26 points have come in January.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

January 26, 2026

Golden State Warriors forward/center Draymond Green (back) is listed as questionable against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. Green may be held out to rest during the back end of this back-to-back after logging 23 minutes and collecting just two points on Sunday against Minnesota. If the 35-year-old veteran is unable suit up, the team could have to deal with a depleted frontcourt as Al Horford (rest) is already sidelined. If that's the case, Quinten Post and Gui Santos will likely be relied upon to pick up the slack during this evening's clash.--Andrew Lennox
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 26, 2026

New York Rangers defenseman Carson Soucy will miss Monday's game against the Boston Bruins for roster management purposes. He is expected to be traded to the New York Islanders. The Rangers' neighbors are looking for additional help in defense after losing Alexander Romanov (shoulder) for several months. Soucy moved to New York less than 12 months ago when he was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks for a conditional third-round draft pick. He has tallied eight points (three goals, five assists), 39 shots, 66 blocks, and 71 hits in 46 outings this season. Urho Vaakanainen is set to take Soucy's spot in the lineup on Monday.--Taavi Pailk
Source: TSN

January 26, 2026

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (upper body) was activated from Injured Reserve and will return to the lineup for Monday's tilt against the New York Islanders. The Finnish veteran has been sidelined for six games due to an upper-body injury. Ristolainen has made 13 appearances this season, registering three assists, 24 shots, 24 blocks, and 16 hits, while averaging 20:59 of ice time. He will join Emil Andrae on the second defensive pairing on Monday, bumping Noah Juulsen out of the lineup. While Ristolainen's return will be a big boost for a Flyers defense that has allowed 38 goals across the last eight games, he has minimal fantasy appeal.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

January 26, 2026

Golden State Warriors center Al Horford (rest) won't suit up against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. The 39-year-old big man doesn't play in back-to-back games and he will have the night off to rest after posting 10 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block across 23 minutes during a 111-85 win over Minnesota on Sunday. With Horford sidelined and Draymond Green (back) considered questionable, Buddy Hield and Quinten Post may take on extra minutes to help out a potentially light Warriors frontcourt.--Andrew Lennox
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 26, 2026

New York Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock (upper body) will be out for a second consecutive game on Monday against the Philadelphia Flyers. The hardworking blue-liner sustained an upper-body injury on Wednesday against the Seattle Kraken. Pulock has improved offensively in 2025-26, tallying 21 points (two goals, 19 assists) in 50 appearances. He leads the Islanders with 92 blocked shots. Isaiah George joined the lineup on Saturday against the Buffalo Sabres and is expected to make a second consecutive appearance on Monday night. George was limited to 13:56 of ice time against Buffalo and doesn't have any fantasy value.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

January 26, 2026

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders has been added to this year's Pro Bowl Games as a replacement for New England Patriots QB Drake Maye, a source told Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Sanders, who slipped to the 144th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, ended up starting the final seven games for the Browns in his first year in the NFL. The 23-year-old completed 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards with seven touchdown passes and 10 interceptions. He added 169 rushing yards and one touchdown on 21 carries while going 3-4 as the starter. Sanders did enough in training camp and the preseason last summer to earn a roster spot going into 2025, and although he had his moments as the starter late in the year, he most definitely will need to show more improvement and will be involved in a QB competition during training camp in 2026.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi

January 26, 2026

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (knee) is considered questionable for Monday's matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Curry may sit out the second leg of a back-to-back this evening after he finished with 26 points, seven assists, two rebounds and four steals across 28 minutes during Sunday's 111-85 win over the Timberwolves. If the 37-year-old star guard sits out for maintenance due to lingering knee soreness, Brandin Podziemski could be a short-term option for fantasy managers for tonight's tilt.--Andrew Lennox
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 26, 2026

New York Islanders right wing Simon Holmstrom (illness) is considered a game-time decision for Monday's meeting with the Philadelphia Flyers. The Swedish forward is battling an illness and could miss his second game of the season. Holmstrom is hoping to post a second consecutive 40-point campaign in 2025-26, sitting on 12 goals and 12 assists through 50 appearances. He has skated with Anthony Duclair and Mathew Barzal on the second line. The Islanders will turn to Maxim Tsyplakov or Calum Ritchie if Holmstrom doesn't feel well enough to play against Philadelphia.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com