Brewers Sign Reese McGuire to Minor-League Contract
The Milwaukee Brewers signed free-agent catcher Reese McGuire to a minor-league contract on Wednesday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. McGuire will stay in the National League Central in 2026 after slashing .226/.245/.444 with a .688 OPS, career-high nine home runs, and 24 RBI in 44 games with the Chicago Cubs. The 30-year-old backstop hasn't exactly panned out in his eight big-league seasons after the Pittsburgh Pirates took him in the first round (14th overall) back in 2013 out of high school. In 399 career games at the major-league level, the left-handed hitter has a .248/.293/.374 slash line with 25 homers, 106 RBI, and 110 runs scored. McGuire should be expected to serve as Milwaukee's backup catcher behind All-Star William Contreras, giving him little fantasy appeal.
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Buccaneers had Talks With Sean McDermott About Coaching Job
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers talked with former Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott to check about joining head coach Todd Bowles' staff, but he's expected to take this year off and reassess his options in 2027, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. McDermott overlapped with Bucs general manager Jason Licht during their time from 2003 to 2007 with the Philadelphia Eagles, and McDermott interviewed for Tampa's head-coaching job back in 2016. Buffalo surprisingly fired McDermott after nine years with the organization. He led the franchise to eight playoff wins during that time, but he was never able to get over the hump in the postseason and lead them to a Super Bowl appearance. Given his success with the Bills, McDermott should be one of the best head-coaching candidates in 2027 for the next coaching carousel.
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Christian Watson's Strong Finish Gives Optimism for 2026
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson was in the top 50 receivers in half-PPR points in 2025 despite missing the first seven games of the season while recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered late in the 2024 campaign. In 10 regular-season games played, Watson caught 35 of his 55 targets for 611 receiving yards and six touchdowns. The 26-year-old also scored a touchdown in the Wild-Card loss to the Chicago Bears. He finished second on the team behind Romeo Doubs in catches, targets, and yards. Watson was one of quarterback Jordan Love's go-to targets down the stretch. Green Bay has a crowded group of wideouts, and tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) will be back at some point next year, but when healthy, Watson, a former second-rounder, still has plenty of fantasy upside. Watson has 2,264 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns in his four NFL seasons, but he's yet to play a full season due to injuries.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Bhayshul Tuten Ready for Every-Down Role With Jags in 2026?
The Jacksonville Jaguars made a statement when they traded running back Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles early in the 2025 season, which moved rookie fourth-rounder Bhayshul Tuten to the RB2 role behind Travis Etienne Jr. Fantasy managers with stock in Tuten were probably hoping he'd have a bigger role than he did in his first year in the NFL, but the good news is that Etienne is headed for free agency and could be gone in 2026. The 22-year-old Tuten handled 83 carries for 307 yards and five touchdowns on the ground in his first 15 NFL games and added 10 catches for 79 yards and two more TDs. Tuten should have an expanded role, regardless of whether Etienne re-signs, but if Etienne leaves, Tuten will see a huge boost in his fantasy value for a rising Jags team that will return their entire coaching staff. With more volume, Tuten has the potential to be dangerous given his high-end speed and big-play abilities out of the backfield.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Ja'Marr Chase Still a First-Round Fantasy Receiver
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase wasn't as dominant in 2025 as he was in 2024, when he led the NFL in catches (127), targets (175), receiving yards (1,708), touchdowns (17), and yards per game (100.5). Chase had a league-high 185 targets, 125 catches, 1,412 yards, and eight touchdowns in his 16 games played in his fifth year in the league in 2025. Despite the step back, the 25-year-old wideout remains one of the best all-around receivers in the game. Chase was the WR4 in half-PPR scoring, behind only Puka Nacua, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. He has been a Pro Bowler in all five of his NFL seasons, as well as being named a first-team All-Pro in the last two years. The former fifth overall pick out of LSU is showing no signs of slowing down and has excellent chemistry with quarterback Joe Burrow. Chase already has a staggering 6,837 receiving yards and 54 touchdowns in his 78 games played for the Bengals.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Quentin Johnston Could be Lined up for Big Season With New Offensive Coordinator
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston took his fantasy managers on a rollercoaster ride in his third year in the league in 2025. The former first-rounder had five touchdown catches in the first four weeks of the season before cooling off and being extremely boom or bust the rest of the way. The 24-year-old was third on the team with 735 receiving yards, which was a new career high for Johnston. He had 51 catches on 84 targets and also scored eight total touchdowns for the second straight season in 14 regular-season contests. Even if it wasn't much of a step forward for Johnston in Year 3, it was encouraging that he showed more chemistry with quarterback Justin Herbert. The Chargers' entire offense could look much different under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel in 2026, but it could help Johnston be more consistent as a downfield threat.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Parker Washington Set for WR1 Duties in Jacksonville in 2026?
In his third season in the NFL, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington had a career year, setting new highs across the board in catches (58), targets (95), receiving yards (847), and touchdowns (five) in 16 regular-season games. All of those marks also led the team in 2025. Washington finished strong as well, hauling in seven of his 12 targets for 107 yards and a touchdown in the Wild-Card playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills. The 23-year-old pass-catcher developed a strong relationship with quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who had his best season as a pro under first-year head coach Liam Coen. Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr. will eat into Washington's targets, but he arguably made a case to open the 2026 campaign as the team's WR1. The former sixth-rounder was the WR31 in half-PPR scoring and had 100 receiving yards in three of the final four games. Washington is on the rise.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Breece Hall Reaches 1,000-Yard Mark in Contract Year
New York Jets running back Breece Hall quietly recorded his first 1,000-yard season in another forgettable year for the Jets in 2025. Hall had a career-high 243 rushing attempts for 1,065 yards and four touchdowns in 16 starts, adding 36 receptions for 350 yards and another score on 48 targets in the passing game. He finished as the RB19 in half-PPR scoring, averaging 11.8 points per game for fantasy managers. The Jets' offense was miserable in head coach Aaron Glenn's first season at the helm, so it was pretty impressive that Hall reached the 1,000-yard mark. Hall has 3,398 rushing yards in his four NFL seasons, but he has yet to surpass five touchdowns in a single season. New York is believed to be open to re-signing Hall in free agency this offseason, but Hall could have other ideas, and he should have a robust market. Hall's 2026 fantasy value could improve, depending on where he lands.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Romeo Doubs Heading to Free Agency After Career Year
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs surprisingly led the team in receptions (55), targets (85), and receiving yards (724) in 2025 while tying for the team lead in receiving touchdowns (six). Doubs' 724 receiving yards were a new season high in his fourth year in the league. The 25-year-old also finished strong, catching eight of his 11 targets for 124 yards and a touchdown in the Wild-Card playoff loss to the Chicago Bears. Doubs had a career high of 12 catches that went 20-plus yards in 2025. It helped that both Christian Watson and Jayden Reed missed substantial time with injuries, which allowed Doubs to maintain a steady target share throughout the season. Tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) also suffered a season-ending torn ACL. Doubs' numbers probably wouldn't have looked as great if everyone were healthy. Still, he's proven to be a reliable receiver with 2,424 yards and 21 TDs in his four seasons. The best bet for his 2026 fantasy value is for him to sign with another team and get away from Green Bay's crowded WR picture.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Gardner Minshew Avoids ACL Tear, Already Back to Full Strength
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Gardner Minshew (knee) didn't tear his ACL as initially feared, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Minshew suffered only a bone bruise and did not require surgery. The veteran signal-caller avoided any long-term damage to his knee and is already back to full strength as he heads into free agency in 2026. Minshew was forced into action late in the season after Patrick Mahomes (knee) tore his ACL in Week 15. In his first start of the season in Week 16 against the Tennessee Titans, Minshew injured his left knee and missed the final few games of the year. The 29-year-old was initially believed to have a torn ACL before the Chiefs said he had a non-displaced tibial plateau fracture. This news might make it more likely that Minshew returns to KC as QB insurance for Mahomes again. In four appearances in 2025, Minshew went 6-for-13 for 37 yards with one interception.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Michael Penix Jr. Thinks he'll be Ready by April
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) is already doing squats and said he thinks he'll be ready to go by April. Penix had successful surgery to fix a partially torn ACL in his left knee in late November and was expected to be facing a nine-month recovery. It's great news that the 25-year-old is doing well in his recovery, but even if he's ready for the start of the 2026 regular season this fall, it's hard to look past the fact that he's now had three reconstructive knee surgeries and two season-ending shoulder injuries. The Falcons will most likely be doing something to give them a fallback option in case Penix's injury woes continue, especially if they don't retain Kirk Cousins. The 25-year-old was up and down in his second NFL season in 2025 before injuring his knee, completing 60.1% of his passes for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions in only nine starts. Penix will head into Year 3 with only 12 starts under his belt.
Source: Zach Klein
Source: Zach Klein
Yankees Acquire Angel Chivilli From the Rockies
The New York Yankees acquired right-handed reliever Angel Chivilli from the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday in exchange for minor-leaguer T.J. Rumfield, according to Jack Curry of YES Network. It's a minor move that doesn't really move the needle at all in fantasy baseball. Chivilli, 23, has some raw talent as a potential future high-leverage reliever, but he wasn't very successful in two MLB seasons in Colorado the last two years. Chivilli has a 6.18 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, one save, 71 strikeouts, and 33 walks in 90 1/3 total innings of relief. Getting out of the thin air in Denver is definitely a plus for Chivilli, and now the Yankees will hope to get the most out of his right arm. He does a good job keeping the ball on the ground while also ranking in the 88th percentile in fastball velocity. Both Chivilli's slider and changeup generate plenty of whiffs.
Source: YES Network - Jack Curry
Source: YES Network - Jack Curry
Evan Carter Establishes a Goal to Steal 30 Bases
Texas Rangers outfielder Evan Carter said that he wants to steal 30 bases during the 2026 MLB season. Carter told Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News that he has something to prove this year, and reaching the 30-steal mark is one of his goals. Back spasms and a right wrist fracture limited the former second-round pick to just eight games after August 1st last season, so contributing consistently and staying healthy will be key for his fantasy value in 2026. He finished his third MLB campaign with a .247/.336/.392 slash line, five home runs, 14 stolen bases, an 8.6% walk rate, an 18.6% strikeout rate, and 107 wRC+ across 63 games. Carter hasn't stolen 30 bases in a single campaign since being drafted, but he did tally at least 26 in each of his first three minor league seasons, so that's a reasonable goal. As it stands, he ranks as the #84 outfielder in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings for 2026.
Source: Shawn McFarland
Source: Shawn McFarland
Brock Bowers Looking to Put Knee Injury in the Past in 2026
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) had a sophomore season to forget in 2025, as he only played in 12 games and ended the year on Injured Reserve. The 23-year-old former 13th overall pick in 2024 out of Georgia injured his knee in the Week 1 season opener and wasn't quite himself the rest of the year before eventually being shut down. Still, Bowers managed to finish as the TE10 in half-PPR scoring with 64 receptions for 680 yards and seven touchdowns. It was quite the disappointment for fantasy managers after Bowers had a 112-1,194-5 season in 17 games in his rookie campaign. Bowers is expected to be fully healthy for the start of the 2026 season, when he's expected to be working with Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza -- the projected first overall pick by Vegas. Even though the Raiders are expected to have a rookie QB, Bowers should be a high-end TE1 target yet again.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Twins Acquire Pitching Prospect Jace Kaminska
The Minnesota Twins have acquired right-handed pitching prospect Jace Kaminska (elbow) and cash considerations from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for infielder Edouard Julien and reliever Pierson Ohl. The Rockies originally selected Kaminska as a 10th-round pick out of Nebraska in 2023. He flashed upside early in his minor league career before missing all of 2025 due to Tommy John surgery. Across 17 games (16 starts) at Single-A in 2024, he posted a 2.78 ERA and 3.13 FIP with 10.72 K/9, 1.24 BB/9, 0.62 HR/9, and a 45% ground ball rate. The 24-year-old has an average four-pitch repertoire, but his command and control should keep him in the mix for a starting role long-term. Realistically, he could pitch as high as Double-A in 2026, if he's healthy.
Source: Aaron Gleeman
Source: Aaron Gleeman
Rockies Acquire Pierson Ohl From Twins
The Colorado Rockies have acquired right-handed pitcher Pierson Ohl and infielder Edouard Julien from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Jace Kaminska and cash considerations. Ohl is a 26-year-old reliever who was designated for assignment recently. He had a strong collegiate career at Grand Canyon University, which prompted the Twins to select him in the 14th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut last year and ultimately pitched to a 3.99 xFIP across 30 innings (11 relief appearances and three starts). He posted solid 8.1 K/9 and 2.1 BB/9 rates, but there's some concern about the quality of contact after he posted 1.5 HR/9 and a 34.7% ground ball rate in 2025. It's fair to wonder how that profile will play at Coors Field, which is incredibly unfriendly to fly-ball pitchers. At the very least, though, he offers bullpen depth for a Rockies organization that has been relatively quiet this offseason.
Source: Colorado Rockies
Source: Colorado Rockies
Jaylen Waddle Bounces Back in 2025, Now Faces Coaching-Staff Change
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle bounced back from the worst season of his career in 2024 by catching 64 of his 100 targets for 910 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 16 starts in his fifth year in the NFL in 2025. Waddle also had 28 rushing yards. It was good enough to put him as the WR22 in half-PPR scoring. It was nice to see the 27-year-old pass-catcher bounce back from a disastrous 2024 campaign, but it might have still been somewhat of a disappointment for him, considering Tyreek Hill (knee) missed most of the year with a season-ending injury. Waddle thankfully had a larger target share, but the Dolphins' offense just was unable to find its explosiveness for a second straight season, and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was benched late in the year. Waddle still has the talent to provide plenty of value in PPR fantasy leagues, but his value is in major flux heading into 2026 under a completely new coaching staff. Hill's return (whenever that may be) will also be a negative for Waddle's ceiling.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Edouard Julien Traded to the Rockies
The Colorado Rockies have acquired infielder Edouard Julien and right-handed pitcher Pierson Ohl from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Jace Kaminska and cash considerations. Julien made just 64 appearances in the majors last year, but he got back above the Mendoza line by slashing .220/.309/.324 with a 10.6% walk rate, 29.3% strikeout rate, and 81 wRC+. He posted negative fWAR at the plate and in the field, and he primarily played first or second base when he wasn't designated hitting. He combined for -7 OAA on the right side of the infield. The 26-year-old has zero options remaining, so Colorado will now be pressured to keep him on their 40-man and 26-man rosters. Despite his subpar metrics, Julien represents a potential short-term upgrade over depth infielders Ryan Ritter, Adael Amador, and Blaine Crim, all of whom possess fewer than 0.15 years of service time.
Source: Dan Hayes
Source: Dan Hayes
Braves Showing Interest in Lucas Giolito, Chris Bassitt
The Atlanta Braves have shown interest in free-agent right-handed pitchers Lucas Giolito and Chris Bassitt, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network. Giolito hit the open market after a season in Boston, and because he doesn't carry a qualifying offer, the Braves wouldn't have to forfeit a draft selection for signing him. He tossed 145 innings across 26 starts in 2025, posting a 3.41 ERA, 7.51 K/9, and 3.48 BB/9. The 31-year-old's 4.59 xFIP suggests he may have gotten lucky at times last season, but the results were enough to keep Giolito entrenched in the No. 2 starter role behind Garrett Crochet. If he joins the Braves, he'd slot in behind a different Cy Young candidate southpaw in Chris Sale. Bassitt also found success in the AL East last year, pitching to a 3.84 xFIP with 8.77 K/9, 2.75 BB/9, and a 46.5% ground ball rate with the Blue Jays. He'll be 37 by Opening Day, so he's a bit older than Giolito, but he offers consistency after making at least 30 starts in each of the last four seasons. As it currently stands, Spencer Schwellenbach and Spencer Strider are in line to pitch after Sale in the Braves' rotation.
Source: Jon Heyman
Source: Jon Heyman
Rams Request to Interview Bubba Ventrone for Special Teams Coordinator Job
The Los Angeles Rams requested to interview Cleveland Browns special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone for their special teams coordinator job, sources told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Ventrone, who is considered one of the best in the league in his role, is not expected to stay on the coaching staff in Cleveland under new head coach Todd Monken. In addition to the Rams, the Pittsburgh Steelers want to talk to him about the same job. Monken is expected to bring in all new coordinators now that he's been named the next Browns head coach. The special teams unit in Cleveland gave up the seventh-most yards per kickoff return and the fifth-most yards per punt return last season. The Rams' special teams unit was a weakness for them this past season and cost them big time in the NFC Championship loss to the Seahawks.
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Will Justin Jefferson Bounce Back in 2026?
Although Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson reached the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the sixth straight season in the NFL in 2025, he was a massive disappointment for fantasy football managers. Jefferson was a top-10 fantasy selection in most fantasy drafts last year, but he finished as only the WR25 in half-PPR scoring. The difference in 2025 was his lack of chemistry with young quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who played in only 10 games due to injuries. When McCarthy was on the field, he didn't show much chemistry with Jefferson and was way too inconsistent accuracy-wise. Jefferson caught 84 passes, which was his lowest total in six seasons, other than when he had 68 receptions in an injury-plagued 2023 season. His two touchdowns and 1,048 receiving yards were both career lows. Jefferson remains an elite fantasy wideout talent-wise, but he's going to drop in the 2026 rankings a bit until he and McCarthy can develop a more consistent connection.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Cubs Sign Trent Thornton to a Minor League Deal
The Chicago Cubs have signed veteran reliever Trent Thornton to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, according to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score. Thornton most recently appeared in the majors with Toronto last season, pitching to a 4.74 FIP across 33 appearances (42.1 innings). He limited walks but allowed a decent amount of contact with 6.80 K/9 and 1.28 HR/9. Pitch-tracking data indicate that Thornton threw seven different pitches in 2025, adding a splitter to his repertoire for the first time in his career. However, the slider/sweeper remains his best offering with 103 Stuff+, according to FanGraphs' model. The 32-year-old right-hander is working his way back from a torn Achilles, and it's currently unclear whether his recovery timetable will allow him to compete for a spot in the Cubs' Opening Day bullpen.
Source: Bruce Levine
Source: Bruce Levine
Diamondbacks Sign Derek Law to Minor-League Contract
The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed free-agent reliever Derek Law to a minor league contract, according to Aaron Hughes of Good Morning Baseball. Law last pitched in the majors in 2024, and he missed all of last season due to right forearm inflammation. The right-hander tried to return midseason in 2025, but he was shut down before he could finish his rehab assignment in Triple-A. Across 75 appearances (90 innings) with the Nationals in 2024, he posted an encouraging 3.32 FIP with 7.6 K/9, 2.4 BB/9, and a 48.5% ground ball rate. He did a good job limiting runs, walks, and loud contact, but he now has to settle for a minor league deal after missing a full season due to injury. Presumably, Law will report to spring training. Although he's not on the 40-man roster, he should compete for a spot in the Opening Day rotation.
Source: Aaron Hughes
Source: Aaron Hughes
Jim Schwartz's Future in Cleveland is Unclear
The future of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz with the Cleveland Browns is unclear after the team decided to hire former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their next head coach, sources told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Schwartz was visibly upset and told other coaches in the building that he was not coming back after the Browns informed him that they were choosing Monken over him. He remains under contract with Cleveland, and the Browns want to retain him. Unfortunately for Cleveland, the only way they were probably going to keep Schwartz around is if they promoted him to head coach after they fired Kevin Stefanski following the 2025 season. It's unclear if Schwartz will stick around and coach a talented Browns defense, but it may not be up to him, as Monken might decide to go in another direction at defensive coordinator.
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Jets Hire Brian Duker as Defensive Coordinator
The New York Jets are hiring former Miami Dolphins passing-game coordinator and secondary coach Brian Duker as their next defensive coordinator, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Duker, 36, spent time with Jets head coach Aaron Glenn on the Detroit Lions' coaching staff from 2021 to 2023, when Glenn was the defensive coordinator, and Duker was a rising assistant coach. The Jets interviewed Duker for the job less than 24 hours ago. He beat out eight other candidates, including veteran defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. The Jets are also searching for a new offensive coordinator after parting ways with Tanner Engstrand on Tuesday. Duker and Glenn have a lot of work to do on the defensive side of the ball going into next season, as the Jets became the first team in NFL history in 2025 to go an entire season without a single interception. They also ranked second-to-last with 29.6 points allowed per game.
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Adley Rutschman Poised to Rebound After Disappointing 2025?
Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman battled through both injuries and underperformance in 2025, posting a .220/.307/.366 slash line with nine home runs, 29 RBI, and 37 runs scored across 365 plate appearances. His down year was a continuation of a worrying production decline. After posting an .809 OPS across 687 plate appearances in 2023, Rutschman's OPS dipped to .709 in 2024 and a career-low .673 in 2025. It's possible that his struggles in 2025 can be attributed fully to a lack of health, as he missed time with two separate oblique strains. Still, 2026 represents somewhat of a make-or-break year for Rutschman, given that Baltimore has top catching prospect Samuel Basallo as a possible-ready-made replacement already on the roster. The Orioles will certainly give Rutschman every chance to re-establish himself, as he still profiles as a strong defensive catcher and will turn just 28 years old in February. If he can return closer to his early-career production while batting near the middle of an improved Baltimore lineup, Rustchman could be a sleeper candidate for fantasy managers at the catcher position in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Masyn Winn Entering 2026 Fully Healthy After Injury-Marred 2025 Campaign
St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (knee) had his 2025 season cut short by a meniscus tear in his knee that led to him getting shut down in mid-September. However, the 23-year-old will reportedly enter 2026 Spring Training fully healthy and could be poised for a breakout season as a result. Across 537 plate appearances in 2025, Winn posted a .253/.310/.363 slash line with nine home runs, 51 RBI, 72 runs scored, and nine stolen bases. He was significantly better in the early part of the season, recording a .276/.352/.435 slash line through the end of May. Winn was reportedly battling knee soreness for an extended stretch before eventually getting shut down, so it's possible that the ailment impacted his performance in the second half. Winn is known as one of MLB's better defensive shortstops, which should give him an extended runway of everyday playing time in St. Louis. If he can put together a full season of the production he flashed to begin 2025, Winn could be a sleeper candidate for fantasy managers to target late in drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Josh Naylor Poised to Repeat 2025 Speed Breakout in 2026?
Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor was one of the first dominoes to fall in free agency this past winter, re-signing with Seattle on a five-year contract in mid-November. Naylor posted an excellent season in 2025 across 604 plate appearances split between the Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks, slashing .295/.353/.462 with 20 home runs, 92 RBI, 81 runs scored, and 30 stolen bases. The 28-year-old's speed breakout was the most surprising aspect of his profile, as he had logged just 22 combined steals across the three seasons before 2025. 19 of Naylor's stolen bases came in the 54 games he played for Seattle, so the Mariners could be encouraging him to run even more in 2026. With just a 6.6% barrel rate in 2025, Naylor's underlying power metrics suggest that he may not provide surplus fantasy value in the home run category. However, he struck out at just a 13.7% rate last season, and should have an opportunity to collect counting stats given his everyday role in the top-heavy Mariners lineup. RotoBaller currently ranks Naylor as the number eight first baseman in traditional rotisserie scoring fantasy formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chargers Request to Interview Jim Leonhard for Defensive-Coordinator Job
The Los Angeles Chargers are requesting to interview Denver Broncos passing-game coordinator and assistant head coach Jim Leonhard for their vacant defensive-coordinator position, a source told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Leonhard has also received interest from the Buffalo Bills, among other teams. The Chargers are looking for a new defensive coordinator after Jesse Minter left to become the next head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. Leonhard has done a standout job with the Broncos' defense, one of the best units in the NFL, as they allowed the seventh-fewest passing yards per game (187.2) during the 2025 regular season. The Chargers' defense was sneaky good this past season, too, allowing the seventh-fewest yards per play and the fifth-lowest offensive success rate. Leonhard will have a lot to work with if he chooses to go to L.A.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Browns Hiring Todd Monken as Next Head Coach
The Cleveland Browns are hiring former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their next head coach, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. The 59-year-old spent the last three years running the Ravens' offense under head coach John Harbaugh in Baltimore. Monken served as the offensive coordinator for the Browns in 2019 under head coach Freddie Kitchens. This will be Monken's first head-coaching job in the NFL, although he did serve as the head coach in college at Southern Mississippi from 2013 to 2015. The Browns fired previous head coach Kevin Stefanski after six seasons at the helm after the team finished 5-12 in 2025. Monken will have his work cut out for him in his first head-coaching gig in the NFL. First and foremost, on the offensive side of the ball, the Browns must decide who their quarterback will be.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
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