March 6, 2026
San Diego Padres outfielder
Jackson Merrill needs a bounce-back campaign after injuries plagued him throughout the 2025 season. Merrill came into the league in 2024 and was outstanding as he finished ninth in MVP voting. His excellent rookie season led to many drafting him in the first three rounds during last year's drafts. Sadly, the 2025 season didn't go as planned for Merrill. He only played in 115 games due to injury. Many of his offensive numbers took a hit, but his walk rate and barrel rate both improved. His overall mechanics are solid, which means he should be able to bounce back, assuming he stays healthy. The 22-year-old said during the offseason that he feels more comfortable and physically prepared for the 2026 season. Given his age and upside, Merrill is looking like a steal at his current ADP.
--Andy WebbSource: Baseball Reference
March 6, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junor Caminero is coming off an excellent breakout campaign in 2025. The 22-year-old burst onto the scene with a .264/.311/.535 slash line with 45 home runs and 110 RBI in 154 games. His defense wasn't great, but Caminero has the potential to be a superstar in this league for a long time. The biggest question for Caminero next season will be can continue this success in a new field? Last season, Caminero enjoyed playing his home games in hitter-friendly Steinbrenner Field. His home run distribution was fairly even with (22) homers at home and (23) on the road. He sported a .313 batting average playing at home with a lousy .218 average in road games. The expectation is that his power numbers and overall offensive success will regress with the move back to Tropicana Field in 2026. Caminero is still a stud, but he's sitting around 15.7 ADP in some fantasy formats. That might be a little high for a player that is more than likely going to face an offensive regression this season.
--Andy WebbSource: Baseball Reference
March 6, 2026
The Vegas Golden Knights acquired center Nic Dowd from the Washington Capitals in exchange for goaltender Jesper Vikman, a 2027 third-round pick, and a 2029 second-round pick. Serving in a bottom-six role, Dowd registered 16 points (four goals, 12 assists), 48 shots, 43 blocks, and 113 hits in 55 outings with the Capitals this season. He led all forwards on the team with an average of 2:40 short-handed ice time. Dowd is on track to record a fifth consecutive 20-point campaign, adding depth in the middle for the Golden Knights, who have lost Brett Howden (lower body) and William Karlsson (lower body) to injuries.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 6, 2026
The Minnesota Wild have brought in defenseman Jeff Petry from the Florida Panthers ahead of Friday's trade deadline. The 16-year veteran was acquired in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick. Petry is averaging a career-low 14:51 of ice time this season, and his offensive output was limited to eight assists in 58 games with the Panthers. Additionally, he has recorded 135 shots, 57 blocks, and 59 hits. Petry, who turned 38 in December, no longer has any fantasy value in the later stages of his career, but he will bring veteran experience and depth to the Wild's blue line, which has struggled with injuries for much of the season.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 6, 2026
The Toronto Maple Leafs traded forward Nicolas Roy to the Colorado Avalanche for a conditional first-round pick in 2027 and a conditional fifth-round pick in 2026. Roy, who arrived in Toronto during the offseason as part of the deal that saw Mitchell Marner move to Vegas, posted 20 points (five goals, 15 assists) in 59 outings with the Maple Leafs. If Roy can't improve his scoring rate in Colorado, he will finish with fewer than 30 points for the first time in five years. The 29-year-old will strengthen a forward line that has recently lost Artturi Lehkonen (upper body) and Joel Kiviranta (concussion).
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
March 6, 2026
The Detroit Red Wings re-acquired winger David Perron (groin) from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a conditional 2026 fourth-round draft pick. The veteran forward enjoyed a good two-year spell in Motown a few campaigns back before moving to Ottawa, amassing 103 points (41 goals, 62 assists) in 158 appearances. As a member of the Senators, his points per game average dropped from 0.65 to 0.45. It would be a big boost for Detroit's offense if Perron can rekindle some of the old magic he once had on the team. Perron, who has tallied 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) in 49 appearances this season, is currently recovering from a sports hernia surgery, which is expected to keep him out for at least one more week.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 6, 2026
The Dallas Stars have bolstered their frontline by acquiring left wing Michael Bunting from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2026 draft. Dallas has won a franchise-record 10 consecutive games and is preparing for a deep playoff run, having also picked up defenseman Tyler Myers from the Vancouver Canucks this week. Bunting is packing his bags at the trade deadline for a third consecutive year. The Predators acquired the 30-year-old 12 months ago from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Bunting had 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists) in 61 games with the team this campaign. With the Stars' frontline banged up, Bunting could be an intriguing fantasy pickup for the final stretch of the season. He is joining the league's sixth-best offense and a deadly 30 percent power play, albeit in a second-unit role.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 6, 2026
Right wing Conor Garland was traded by the Vancouver Canucks to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a couple of draft picks. The Canucks will receive a 2026 third-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick. Garland was moved despite inking a signed a six-year, $36 million contract extension last summer, which will kick in next season. Mere months ago, Garland was seen as a core piece in Vancouver, but the team is having a terrible season and has started selling players ahead of the trade deadline. Garland has been limited to 28 points (seven goals, 19 assists) in 50 games this season. Playing on a much better team, he is poised to enjoy a stronger finish to the campaign.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 6, 2026
The Anaheim Ducks acquired defenseman John Carlson (lower body) from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a conditional first-round draft pick in 2026 or 2027, along with a 2027 third-round pick. This marks the end of an era in D.C., as Carlson has been part of the Capitals' defense since the 2009-10 season. He ranks second in franchise history with 1,143 regular-season games played and is also among Washington's all-time top scorers, with 771 points (166 goals, 605 assists). This season, Carlson has tallied 46 points (10 goals, 36 assists) in 55 games. Anaheim hopes to end a seven-year playoff drought and is getting a high-caliber defenseman to help the cause.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 6, 2026
Miami Marlins outfield prospect
Owen Caissie has struggled in his first taste of action in spring training. The former 45th overall pick has posted an underwhelming .111/.273/.111 slash with a .384 OPS. Caissie has struck out six times (over nine at-bats) and only drawn two walks. Caissie was shipped to Miami earlier in the winter as the headliner piece in the deal that sent right-hander
Edward Cabrera to the Chicago Cubs. Caissie made a brief debut in the majors last summer and posted a similar .192/.222/.346 line over his first 12 games. At Triple-A, Caissie held a .286/.386/.551 line with 28 doubles and 22 home runs over a 99-game stint. While Caissie may endure some growing pains as he finds his footing in the majors, he is a viable late-round depth outfielder with upside as he should face little competition for everyday at-bats in Miami.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
March 6, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers right-handed pitcher
Logan Henderson has been quite sharp in his first two appearances in spring training and remains in a prime position to begin the regular season in the starting rotation. Over his first four innings of work, Henderson has allowed just two runs (one earned) while posting a strong 0.50 WHIP. He has only struck out one batter but has yet to allow a free pass. Henderson made his MLB debut last summer and looked very comfortable in Milwaukee, tossing 25 1/3 innings to the tune of a 1.78 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP. He struck out 33 hitters and allowed free passes at a solid 8.1% rate. While Henderson has yet to be officially named to the rotation, he appears to be in a great position to slot in as the No. 4/No. 5 option, especially with
Brandon Woodruff (lat) in danger of missing the start of the season.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
March 6, 2026
Miami Marlins left-handed pitching prospect
Robby Snelling was sharp in relief on Thursday afternoon, tossing three scoreless frames with one hit and one walk. He struck out six. The prospect entered the contest after
Sandy Alcantara got the starting nod and logged three innings himself. This was a nice bounce-back outing for Snelling as he allowed five runs (four earned) in his most recent outing on February 27 against the Phillies. Overall, Snelling has tossed 5 1/3 innings this spring and allowed four earned runs with a 1.69 WHIP. Last summer, the left-hander looked quite comfortable during his first taste of Triple-A, tossing 63 2/3 innings to the tune of a 1.27 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and an 81:17 K:BB. While Snelling appears to be on the outside of the current five-man rotation, he is still a top stash option in deeper 12+ team leagues, as he should earn the call to Miami early in the first half.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
March 6, 2026
San Francisco Giants first base prospect
Bryce Eldridge has looked quite strong during his first taste of spring training and is carrying some solid momentum into his first full MLB season. Through nine games in camp, the team's top hitting prospect has posted a .263/.391/.579 slash line with three doubles, a home run, and a 7:3 K:BB. Last summer, the Giants provided the slugging first baseman with a short 10-game stint in San Francisco, and he struggled, posting a low .107 AVG with a .476 OPS. However, during this small taste, Eldridge generated a new. 362 xwOBA, suggesting his results should have been far more impressive. Through 66 games at Triple-A, Eldridge held a .249/.322/.514 line with 18 lone balls. The former 16th overall pick is a strong selection in the final rounds as a deep-league corner infielder, as he should see nearly every day at-bats sharing first base and the DH spot with
Rafael Devers.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
March 6, 2026
Baltimore Orioles outfield prospect
Dylan Beavers has continued to hold his own through the opening weeks of spring training. Over his first six games of camp, the team's No. 2-ranked prospect (according to MLB.com) has hit .250/.294/.563 line with an .857 OPS. During this stretch, Beavers has tallied three doubles with a triple. However, he has struck out seven times and only drawn one walk. Beavers is competing for an everyday role in a crowded Baltimore outfield that welcomed
Taylor Ward in the offseason. Last summer, Beavers had a brief 35-game stint in the majors, during which he hit for a.227/.375/.400 line with five doubles and four long balls. At Triple-A, Beavers hit 18 home runs and swiped 23 bags, suggesting he could hold a solid five-category upside in a full-time position. He is a viable late-round sleeper candidate if he can carve out everyday at-bats in the starting nine.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
March 6, 2026
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher
Chase Burns has contended to flash immense upside throughout the early part of spring training, but has still struggled to command his pitches. Over his first 4 1/3 innings of work, the hard-throwing right-hander has walked five batters while striking out seven. He has surrendered only one run and held a modest 1.62 WHIP. Last summer, Burns made his MLB debut and had a similar outcome, posting an elite 35.6% K% but carrying a 4.57 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. However, under the hood, Burns generated a much lower 3.48 xERA with a .218 xBA, suggesting he may have gotten a bit unlucky during his first stint in the majors. Managers should continue to monitor his progress in camp, as his short-term upside could take a hit if he continues on this trajectory. Nonetheless, the former No. 2 overall pick is a prime breakout candidate in 2026, given his expected workload and immense strikeout potential.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
March 6, 2026
Houston Texans wide receiver
Tank Dell (knee) missed all of the 2025 season as he works his way back from a torn ACL, MCL, LCL, and meniscus. Dell was the overall WR39 with seven touchdowns as a rookie in 2023, and he maintained similar volume with fewer scoring opportunities in 2024. His chance to make a third-year leap was squashed by the injury, and he'll face an uphill battle to take that jump in 2026. Not only could Dell's recovery push him through some adversity and growing pains when he returns to action, but he could also find himself lower down the pecking order.
Jayden Higgins had a big rookie campaign in 2025, while
Nico Collins continued to establish himself as a top-10 fantasy receiver. If Higgins is essentially the No. 2 receiver in Houston now, that pushes Dell down to No. 3, which will make it tough for him to produce in fantasy football, especially while operating in a
C.J. Stroud-led offense. Managers should hold Dell for now. We've seen that the upside is enormous, but he's also quite risky due to his extended injury absence.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 6, 2026
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver
Jordan Addison had an underwhelming 2025 season, largely due to inconsistent and subpar quarterback play. Addison played 14 games last year, amassing 42 catches, 610 yards, and three touchdowns, all of which were career-low marks. The former first-round pick will now head into his final guaranteed year under contract, with the Vikings set to make a key decision on his fifth-year option for 2027 in the near future. Looking even more short-term, Addison's fantasy outlook for 2026 is up in the air. He likely struggled last year due to the poor quarterback play of
J.J. McCarthy, and he could be headed down a similar path if things don't change quickly. However, there is a chance the Vikings could make a quarterback upgrade this offseason, which would bode well for Addison's ability to produce as the No. 2 receiver behind
Justin Jefferson. The 24-year-old was a top-24 fantasy receiver during his first two years in the league, so managers will hope he can return to that solid form in 2026. He's a decent buy-low candidate in dynasty leagues, but managers should still temper expectations in case it's another year of McCarthy throwing passes in Minnesota.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 6, 2026
Carolina Panthers running back
Chuba Hubbard lost hold of his lead-back role during the 2025 season, but he has a glaring opportunity to win back the starting job in 2026.
Rico Dowdle supplanted Hubbard atop the depth chart for a decent portion of last year, but with Dowdle headed for free agency and unlikely to re-sign, the job appears to be Hubbard's to lose. We can't rule out the Panthers drafting or signing a different running back to work alongside Hubbard, especially as more and more teams trend toward the shared backfield approach. However, it's worth noting that the Panthers have
Trevor Etienne and
Jonathon Brooks (knee) on the verge of making an impact, so perhaps Carolina will proceed with Hubbard atop the depth chart and Etienne and Brooks gradually taking on larger roles. The Panthers are also motivated to feed plenty of touches to Hubbard, as they signed him to a four-year extension just over a year ago. He was a top-28 fantasy running back in 2023 and 2024, but he dropped to RB38 with 511 rushing yards, 223 receiving yards, and four touchdowns last year. Hubbard's job security and the imminent departure of Dowdle should push him back into the top-25 range. As a result, he's a very appealing buy-low candidate in dynasty leagues this offseason.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 6, 2026
Tennessee Titans tight end
Gunnar Helm is on track to emerge atop the team's depth chart in 2026.
Chig Okonkwo is expected to depart in free agency this offseason, which means that Helm will step up as the No. 1 tight end in Tennessee, barring a different signing or draft selection. It's a much-deserved promotion for Helm, who had 44 catches, 357 yards, and two touchdowns as a rookie in 2025. His strong year is likely playing a large role in the Titans' anticipated decision to move on from Okonkwo. Dynasty managers have a terrific opportunity to buy low on Helm before his price soars. His price has settled down a little from his late-season emergence, creating a favorable buy-low opportunity. However, we expect his price to increase significantly if and when Okonkwo signs elsewhere in free agency, as managers will be reminded that this tight end room belongs to Helm. Before that happens, dynasty managers should send out trade offers for the 23-year-old tight end, because he's a projected top-24 option at his position with top-15 upside.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 6, 2026
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Jalen McMillan could be headed for increased opportunities next season due to a teammate's impending departure.
Mike Evans is slated for free agency, and all signs point to him signing elsewhere this offseason. Wide receiver depth is one reason why the Buccaneers can feel comfortable letting Evans walk in free agency. McMillan is one of the key pieces of that depth chart, slotting into an impressive wide receiver room alongside
Chris Godwin Jr. and
Emeka Egbuka. An injury sidelined McMillan for most of his second pro season in 2025, but he did return for the final four games of the regular season. He caught seven passes for 114 yards in Week 17, showcasing some of the upside we saw from him as a rookie in 2024 when he caught 37 passes for 461 yards and eight touchdowns. Evans has produced four double-digit touchdown seasons since 2020, so we can expect McMillan to acquire a large portion of those vacated targets around the goal line. McMillan's price tag in dynasty and redraft leagues could soar when Evans officially signs elsewhere. Dynasty managers are encouraged to beat this rush and buy low on McMillan before NFL free agency begins, as he has legitimate WR3/flex appeal for 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 5, 2026
The Seattle Seahawks retained inside linebacker Drake Thomas by signing him to a two-year, $8 million contract on Thursday, a source told Brady Henderson of ESPN. With incentives, Thomas can make up to $9 million. The 26-year-old former undrafted free agent out of North Carolina State became a full-time starter for Seattle in 2025 in his third year in the league and finished the regular season with a career-high 96 tackles (47 solo), 3.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, six QB hits, one interception, eight pass breakups, and a fumble recovery in 17 games (14 starts). Thomas finished as the No. 35 linebacker in IDP fantasy formats. He had 18 more tackles (one for loss) in Seattle's three playoff games to help the team win the Super Bowl over the New England Patriots. After his breakout 2025 campaign, Thomas will open 2026 as a starter for one of the best defenses in the league.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
March 5, 2026
New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan will become a free agent when the new league year begins next week, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Jordan's contract will automatically void if he doesn't have a new deal in place before Wednesday at 4 pm ET. The 36-year-old veteran has played 15 seasons and became the Saints' franchise sack leader in 2022. He has 132 career sacks, all with the Saints. If Jordan's contract voids, the Saints will absorb $18.76 million in dead money on the 2026 salary cap. If they sign him to a new contract after that deadline, the dead money from the previous contract and any money from the new deal would both count against the salary cap. His 10.5 sacks in 2025 were his most since the 2021 campaign. Jordan has said he would like to finish his career in New Orleans, but if the Saints don't want him back at his price, he may hang up his cleats.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
March 5, 2026
New York Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere scored a goal and added two assists in Thursday's 6-2 victory against the Maple Leafs. The 24-year-old earned the first star of the game honors for his impact performance, as he did all of his work in the third period, where he totaled three points, and the Rangers scored four times in the frame to win the contest. Lafreniere ranks fourth on the Rangers with 14 goals scored on the season, and he carries fantasy value in deeper formats and dynasty leagues.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
March 5, 2026
New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin stopped 29 of 31 shots on goal in Thursday's 6-2 victory against the Maple Leafs. The Rangers' netminder was beaten twice at even strength in the first and second period respectively, but he was at his best in the third period when the team scored four times to secure the win on home ice. Shesterkin is having a quality bounce-back season despite the team having a very disappointing campaign, as the former Vezina Trophy winner has posted a 2.50 goals against average and .912 save percentage to go with one shutout through 38 appearances.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
March 5, 2026
New York Rangers winger Will Cuylle scored two goals and finished with a plus-three rating in Thursday's 6-2 victory against the Maple Leafs. Cuylle provided the response in the opening period as his goal tied the game at one apiece, while his second tally of the game was an empty-netter in the closing minutes of the contest with the score already out of reach. It was the second multi-goal game of the season for Cuylle, who has totals of 15 goals and 31 points through 61 games.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
March 5, 2026
San Diego Padres infielder
Sung-Mun Song (oblique) was pulled from Thursday's Cactus League game early against the Seattle Mariners with tightness in his right oblique, according to AJ Cassavell of MLB.com. It's the same oblique that Song injured in the offseason, but manager
Craig Stammen said his exit on Thursday was "precautionary." For now, the 29-year-old South Korean is day-to-day, but his availability for Opening Day in late March could be in question if his oblique continues to be an issue. Going into his first year in the big leagues in the U.S., Song figures to be a utility infielder for the Friars. Most of Song's production in the KBO in Korea came recently, with him hitting .315/.387/.530 with a .917 OPS, career-high 26 home runs, 90 RBI, 103 runs scored, and 25 steals in 144 games in 2025. Song has a nice combination of power and contact, but playing time will be limited, and fantasy managers in deeper leagues should expect an adjustment to the velocity of MLB pitching.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - AJ Cassavell
March 5, 2026
Buffalo Bills tight end
Dalton Kincaid had a disappointing finish to the 2025 season due to hamstring and knee injuries, and his dynasty fantasy stock continues to fall after the announcement on Thursday that the Bills traded for receiver
DJ Moore. Despite playing in a career-low 12 games last year due to injuries, Kincaid had a career-high five touchdowns. However, he also finished with a career-low 39 receptions for 571 yards on 49 targets. It was revealed after the season that he played through a PCL injury that he initially suffered in 2024. Kincaid didn't play over 50% of the offensive snaps after Week 5 and missed five games down the stretch of the regular season. The 26-year-old has teased upside so far in his three NFL seasons. Kincaid should be better if he's healthier in 2026, but the addition of Moore won't do him any favors.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
March 5, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Mathieu Olivier scored twice in Thursday night's 4-2 victory over the Florida Panthers. Olivier is a player who gets most of his fantasy value by racking up hits and penalty minutes, but he had a strong two-goal performance to help his team get a big win in their hunt for a playoff spot. He now has 11 goals and 20 points on the season and is a solid end-of-the-roster guy in deep fantasy leagues.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
March 5, 2026
Chicago Bears tight end
Colston Loveland took a little while to get going in his rookie season in 2025 after the Bears took him 10th overall out of Michigan. In his first six NFL games, Loveland caught 11 of 18 targets for 116 yards and no touchdowns. Everything changed when the 21-year-old had six catches for a season-high 118 yards and two touchdowns against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9, though. Loveland was on the map in 12-team fantasy football leagues, and he was a much bigger part of Chicago's offense the rest of the way, ultimately finishing with a 58-713-6 line on 82 targets to finish as the No. 12 TE in half-PPR scoring. He caught 12 of 25 targets for 193 yards in the team's two playoff games. Following the trade of receiver
DJ Moore on Thursday, Loveland should easily be a top-12 fantasy TE in 2026, and his dynasty stock is looking even brighter after his strong first season in the NFL.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
March 5, 2026
Utah Mammoth goaltender Vitek Vanecek stopped all 16 shots he faced in a 3-0 shutout win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday. Vanecek was drawing just his 14th start of the season, but he turned in an elite performance and earned his second victory in a row. He did not face many shots, but he stopped all of them and helped the Mammoth earn a big two points in the standings. Utah plays a back-to-back on March 9 and 10, so he will most likely suit up in one of those games.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
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