January 9, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Brendan Smith (knee) underwent surgery and is expected to be out for 3-4 months. He had a procedure to repair a torn meniscus in his knee. Smith suffered the injury on Dec. 29 against the Ottawa Senators. Columbus placed him on Injured Reserve last week. Smith, a 15-year veteran, has made 15 appearances this season for the Blue Jackets, registering two assists, 10 shots, 11 blocks, and 12 hits. Given his recovery timeline, Smith might be done for the rest of the 2025-26 regular season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 9, 2026
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (knee) will not play Friday against Philadelphia, sidelined for a fourth consecutive game with an MCL contusion. Orlando ruled him out a day in advance, and his next possible return is Sunday against New Orleans.
Anthony Black continues to start and showed strong early production in Suggs' absence, but has cooled lately, averaging 5.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists over his last two games with shaky efficiency.
Noah Penda has quietly emerged as a deep-league watch after posting 13 points and 11 rebounds in 31 minutes on Tuesday.
Tyus Jones remains a low-ceiling assists streamer in deeper formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
The San Jose Sharks have acquired goaltender Laurent Brossoit from the Chicago Blackhawks. In the deal, the Sharks gave up defensemen Ryan Ellis (back) and Jake Furlong, along with a 2028 fourth-round pick, for Brossoit, defenseman Nolan Allan, and a 2028 seventh-round pick. Brossoit didn't make a single appearance for the Blackhawks. After signing a two-year, $6.6 million deal as a free agent with the team in 2024, he missed the 2024-25 campaign due to a knee injury. This season, the 32-year-old has been limited to AHL appearances, posting a 3-3-0 record and even scoring a goal. Given the Sharks' goaltending struggles this year, Brossoit could get a chance to return to NHL action at some point.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 9, 2026
Free agent reliever
Cionel Perez is viewed as a potential option for the Boston Red Sox bullpen, according to Chris Cotillo of Mass Live. The Red Sox are looking to add another left-handed pitcher to their bullpen as
Justin Wilson is considering retirement. They have also been linked to
Danny Coulombe and
Tim Mayza. Perez has spent his last four MLB seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. In 2025, Perez struggled, posting an 8.31 ERA and a 2.12 WHIP across 21 2/3 innings. However, during his first three seasons as an Oriole, the left-hander was far more effective, posting a 3.12 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP. During this three-year stretch, he tallied 58 holds but was rarely used as a pure closer, earning just six saves. If he agrees to terms with the Red Sox, Perez could earn some high-leverage opportunities that put him on the fantasy radar in deeper holds leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: Chris Cotillo
January 9, 2026
According to Chris Cotillo of Mass Live, the Boston Red Sox remain engaged with free agent left-hander
Danny Coulombe. Cotillo reported that with
Justin Wilson considering retirement, the Red Sox have begun to shop the market for other free-agent southpaws for the bullpen. Last season, Coulombe was highly effective in Minnesota, logging 31 innings with a stellar 1.16 ERA and 0.97 WHIP. During this stint with the Twins, the left-hander struck out 31 hitters and allowed nine free passes. However, Coulombe was shipped to the Rangers before the deadline and saw his production decline. With the Rangers, Coulombe posted a much higher 5.25 ERA and a 1.67 WHIP across 12 innings. Given his strong production with the Twins, Coulombe could earn a high-leverage role in the Boston bullpen and be a viable target for those in deeper leagues that reward holds.
--Andy SmithSource: Chris Cotillo
January 9, 2026
Free agent relief pitcher
Ryne Stanek is drawing interest from several clubs on the open market, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Feinsand noted that much of the interest is coming from the National League Central. Last summer, Stanek spent his entire season with the Mets and logged 56 innings to the tune of a 5.30 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP. He struck out 58 hitters but showed weak command, posting a high 12.5% walk rate. He also allowed hard contact at a high 43.6% rate, which placed him in the 23rd percentile among qualified pitchers. If the 34-year-old were to find a suitor, managers should expect to open the season in a middle relief role. However, he could eventually earn an opportunity in the later innings, as he tallied 11 holds and three saves with the Mets last season.
--Andy SmithSource: Mark Feinsand
January 9, 2026
The Philadelphia Phillies could look to trade third baseman
Alec Bohm if they were to come to an agreement with top infield free agent
Bo Bichette. The Phillies have been expressing interest in Bichette and are set to meet with the starting infielder in the coming days. However, Matt Gelb and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that if the Phillies were to sign the former Blue Jay, they would need to not only open a spot in the infield but also some salary. Bohm agreed to a one-year $10.2 million contract on Thursday to avoid arbitration and is set to hit the open market following the 2026 season. Last season, Bohm posted a .283/.331/.409 line with 11 home runs and just two stolen bases. His 11 home runs were his lowest total in a full season since 2021. If Bohm were to be shopped, Bichette would likely slide in as the everyday third baseman in Philadelphia, leaving
Bryson Stott at second base and
Trea Turner at shortstop.
--Andy SmithSource: Matt Gelb and Ken Rosenthal
January 9, 2026
According to Matt Gelb and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Philadelphia Phillies could look to move off longtime catcher
J.T. Realmuto if they were to sign top free agent infielder
Bo Bichette. Gelb and Rosenthal reported that if Bichette and the Phillies agree to a deal, it would likely result in the franchise moving on from Realmuto. The backstop is currently a free agent but has been in discussions with the Phillies in hopes of returning. However, both sides have yet to come to an agreement, and the Phillies have begun to express interest in the top hitters on the market. Realmuto saw his offensive production continue to decline last season, posting a .257/.315/.384 line with 12 home runs and eight stolen bases. His .699 OPS was a significant drop from the .751 and .762 he posted in the previous two seasons. Currently, the other catchers on the roster are
Rafael Marchan and
Garrett Stubbs.
--Andy SmithSource: Matt Gelb and Ken Rosenthal
January 9, 2026
The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed right-handed pitcher
Chris Devenski to a minor-league contract. The 35-year-old spent the entire 2025 campaign with the New York Mets. He spent the majority of his campaign with Triple-A Syracuse as he logged just 16 2/3 innings in Queens. However, during his brief stint in the majors, the veteran was effective, posting a strong 2.16 ERA with a 0.90 WHIP. He struck out 14 hitters and allowed only five walks. Through 37 2/3 innings of relief in the top level of the minor leagues, Devenski earned four saves and held a 3.35 ERA with a 1.25 WHIP. Managers should expect Devenski to compete for a low-leverage role in the Mets bullpen during Spring Training. If he can earn a spot, he would likely not hold much fantasy value, as he would be projected to be deployed in a low-leverage role.
--Andy SmithSource: Ken Rosenthal
January 8, 2026
According to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, the New York Yankees' latest multi-year contract offer to free-agent outfielder
Cody Bellinger was for an average annual value of more than $30 million per year, according to sources briefed on the ongoing talks. Bellinger's camp continues to push for seven years, though, and there remains a gap in talks. The AAV of $30 million-plus would rank among the five highest-paid outfielders in the game. The Yankees want to re-sign Bellinger, who would be insurance for the team in center field, right field, and first base. The 30-year-old lefty slugger hit .272 with 29 homers, 98 RBI, and a 5.1 WAR, making him just one of three Yankees outfielders with a WAR over 5.0 in the last decade. The Yankees are expected to prefer a deal for five years, which is what both
Kyle Schwarber and
Pete Alonso received this offseason in free agency. Returning to the Bronx would be best for Bellinger's 2026 fantasy value, where he'd be a top-15 outfielder as a five-category contributor.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Brendan Kuty
January 8, 2026
The Seattle Mariners and right-hander
George Kirby have agreed to a $6.55 million contract for 2026 to avoid arbitration, according to MLB insider Robert Murray. In 2025, Kirby went 10-8 with a 4.21 ERA (3.39 SIERA) while recording 137 strikeouts in 126 innings. Most notably, the 27-year-old, long known as a command-focused pitcher, posted a career-high 26.1% strikeout rate last year. Although right-shoulder inflammation sidelined him for nearly three months at the start of the year, he is expected to be fully healthy for the 2026 season. From a fantasy perspective, Kirby has the potential to be a top-10 starting pitcher if he can remain healthy and maintain a strikeout rate above 25%. That said, to guard against any lingering shoulder issues, it would be wise to hedge your bet by drafting a few more reliable starting pitchers.
--Marty TallmanSource: Robert Murray
January 8, 2026
Outfielder
Riley Greene and the Detroit Tigers have agreed to a $5 million contract for 2026, avoiding arbitration, according to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. In 2025, Greene set a career high with 36 home runs, 111 RBI, and 84 runs while slashing .258/.313/.493, good for a 121 wRC+. Greene's new power-focused approach came with a cost, though, as he posted a career-high 30.7% strikeout rate, setting the record for most strikeouts in a single season in Tigers history. Looking ahead to 2026, if the 28-year-old from Florida maintains this approach, he is expected to hit around 30 home runs with a .250 batting average. At his current ADP of 73, he is a safe bet to return value as one of your top outfielders.
--Marty TallmanSource: Evan Petzold
January 8, 2026
Catcher
William Contreras (finger) and the Milwaukee Brewers were unable to agree on a contract for 2026, and Contreras is now likely headed for an arbitration hearing, according to MLB insider Mark Feinsand. Contreras played through a broken left middle finger for the entire 2025 season and underwent surgery to repair it in November. Despite the injury, the 28-year-old backstop slashed .260/.355/.399 with 17 home runs, 76 RBI, 89 runs scored, and six stolen bases. Contreras is expected to be a full participant in spring training, and if he can stay healthy, he has the upside to be the No. 1 catcher in fantasy for 2026. He should be drafted as a top-four catcher in all fantasy drafts.
--Marty TallmanSource: Mark Feinsand
January 8, 2026
The Athletics and catcher
Shea Langeliers have agreed to a $5.25 million contract for 2026 to avoid arbitration, according to MLB insider Robert Murray. Langeliers has now posted back-to-back seasons with at least 29 home runs and 70 RBI. In 2025, Langeliers hit a career-high 31 home runs with 72 RBI, 73 runs scored, and seven stolen bases, good for a 132 wRC+. He has also improved his plate discipline, posting a career-low 19.7% strikeout rate. Langeliers ranks among the best offensive catchers in baseball and benefits from playing half of his games at Sutter Health Park, which has a 108 park factor, according to Baseball Savant, making it the second-most hitter-friendly environment in MLB. Over the last month, Langeliers has been the fourth catcher off the board in early drafts with an ADP of 55. Looking ahead to 2026, Langeliers has legitimate 30-home run upside. However, his biggest drawback is his durability. Langeliers has never played more than 137 games in a season, but if he stays healthy, he will be worth his ADP.
--Marty TallmanSource: Robert Murray
January 8, 2026
The Houston Astros and right-hander
Hunter Brown agreed to a $5.71 million salary for 2026, avoiding arbitration, according to a source who spoke with Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Brown is coming off the best season of his young career. In 2025, he posted a 2.43 ERA (3.39 SIERA), a 28.3% strikeout rate, and a 1.03 WHIP across a career-high 185 1/3 innings. The 27-year-old Michigan native is entering the prime of his career, and that hasn't gone unnoticed in fantasy drafts. Over the past month, Brown has carried an ADP of 37, making him the seventh starting pitcher off the board. While some ERA regression is likely, given the gap between his ERA and SIERA, his strikeout ability, workload, and team context point to the fact that he should be a top-10 fantasy starter in 2026. Brown is worth his ADP.
--Marty TallmanSource: Chandler Rome
January 8, 2026
The Detroit Tigers and left-hander
Tarik Skubal did not reach an agreement on a contract on Thursday and may be headed to salary arbitration, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale. Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press confirmed that the two sides are expected to go to court, and that will become official at 8 p.m. EST on Thursday. Skubal is coming off back-to-back American League Cy Young Awards, and in 2025, he posted a 2.72 ERA (2.71 SIERA) with a career-high 241 strikeouts and a 0.89 WHIP across 195 1/3 innings. Despite offseason trade rumors suggesting the Tigers were willing to listen to offers, Skubal appears set to open the 2026 season in Detroit. Barring injury, he remains poised for another elite fantasy season and will most likely be the first pitcher drafted in all fantasy leagues.
--Marty TallmanSource: Bob Nightengale
January 8, 2026
The Detroit Lions have reached out to former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel about their vacant offensive-coordinator position, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. After being fired by Miami on Thursday morning, McDaniel is now a top candidate for any of the open offensive-coordinator positions around the league. The Lions fired Johnny Morton after one season with the team, and head coach Dan Campbell took over offensive play-calling duties late in the year. McDaniel would be a strong fit for an already strong offense in Motown, with the Lions ranking fifth in points per game (28.3), fifth in total yards per game (373.2), third in passing yards per game (253.1), and 14th in rushing yards per game (120.1). Before joining the Dolphins as the head coach in 2022, McDaniel served as the OC for the 49ers. McDaniel would likely call plays if he were to be hired by the Lions for next season.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 8, 2026
The Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, and Tennessee Titans have requested to interview Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley for their head-coaching jobs, sources told Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. Hafley cannot interview with those three teams until next week, with the Packers facing the division-rival Chicago Bears this Saturday night in the Wild-Card round. He's done a great job building up Green Bay's defense the last two seasons, and it was definitely boosted in 2025 with the trade to acquire All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys right before the start of the regular season. Before becoming a defensive coordinator, Hafley spent seven years in the NFL coaching defensive backs, and he was also a head coach for four years at Boston College.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sports Illustrated - Albert Breer
January 8, 2026
Dallas Mavericks forward
P.J. Washington (ankle) has been downgraded to out ahead of Thursday's game against the Utah Jazz. Washington will miss his second game in a row after spraining his ankle during Saturday's contest. The Mavs will likely use a committee approach with
Klay Thompson,
Naji Marshall, and
Caleb Martin to fill the void on Thursday. Marshall posted 15 points, seven rebounds, and two steals in 32 minutes of action on Tuesday. He's looking like a viable streaming option while Washington is on the bench. Thompson could also be worth a look, but he's more of a low-end option at the moment.
--Andy WebbSource: Joey Mistretta
January 8, 2026
Former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was requested to interview for the head-coaching positions for the Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The former Arizona Cardinals head coach is a popular head-coaching candidate this cycle after he and the Commanders "mutually" agreed to part ways following the 2025 regular season. The 46-year-old went 28-37-1 in the regular season and 0-1 in the playoffs in his four years as the head coach in Arizona. He is one of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL, though, and he'd be a nice addition for either Ravens quarterback
Lamar Jackson or Titans QB
Cameron Ward because of his extensive experience with dual-threat QBs. In addition to helping
Jayden Daniels to an outstanding rookie year in 2024, Kingsbury worked with QBs
Patrick Mahomes and
Baker Mayfield in college at Texas Tech.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 8, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (ankle) will suit up for Thursday's game against the Chicago Bulls. Jaquez will make his return to the court after missing each of the last two games due to a right ankle sprain. The return of Jaquez should mean less playing time for
Pelle Larsson and
Simone Fontecchio. This season, Jaquez is averaging 16.2 points, 4.7 assists, and 5.3 rebounds across 29.1 minutes per game. Jaquez is having a breakout season for the Heat as his averages in points, assists, and rebounds are all career highs. He's flying under the radar and is worth looking at as a streaming option.
--Andy WebbSource: Ira Winderman
January 8, 2026
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) will not play in the Wild-Card matchup on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, but he was seen running on a side field during practice on Thursday, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. The 29-year-old has been on Injured Reserve since injuring his ankle in Week 6, but if the 49ers pull the upset and beat Philadelphia this weekend, it's possible that Warner could return to provide a big boost to a depleted defensive unit. He could be an option to return as soon as the NFC Divisional Round next weekend, depending on whether the Niners advance, and how much progress he makes in practice next week. The 49ers' defense is down to its fourth middle linebacker after Tatum Bethune (groin) suffered a season-ending injury in last week's loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the Week 18 regular-season finale. San Fran's defense/special teams unit will be one to fade in fantasy on Wild-Card weekend.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
January 8, 2026
Detroit Lions running back
David Montgomery is under contract through the 2027 season, but his future with the team could be up in the air this offseason. "Those are discussions that we're gonna have to have in-depth. We love David Montgomery. He's a good football player. ...He deserves to be in a situation where his skill set can be utilized," general manager Brad Holmes said when asked if Montgomery will remain with the team. If the Lions cut the 28-year-old in the offseason, they'll save $11.26 million but will also take on $8.6 million in dead money. Monty took a clear back seat to
Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit's backfield in 2025. He was still a weekly RB3/flex consideration in fantasy football, though, and finished with a career-low 158 carries for 716 yards and eight rushing touchdowns in 17 games, adding 24 catches for 192 yards. Monty's 2026 fantasy value could look drastically different if he's playing in another city.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Colton Pouncy
January 8, 2026
Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard said the team plans to re-sign quarterback
Daniel Jones (Achilles) this offseason, according to Stephen Holder of ESPN. "I'm looking at him both near and long [term]," Ballard said of Jones, adding, "When you're chasing the quarterback all the time, it makes it very hard. Your margin for error really shrinks down. And I feel very good about Daniel Jones and where he's at, where he's going. Yes, he's got the Achilles. But I think Daniel Jones has got a really bright future here in Indianapolis." The 28-year-old tore his Achilles in Week 14, and the Colts ended up missing the playoffs after starting 8-2. Meanwhile, former first-rounder
Anthony Richardson Sr.'s future in Indy is in question after losing the starting job to Jones and then suffering a season-ending orbital fracture in October. Jones threw for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight picks in 13 starts before his season-ending Achilles tear. He proved in 2025 that he has QB1 upside in the Colts' offense, but his lengthy injury history makes him more of a QB2 target in fantasy drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Stephen Holder
January 8, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Darius Garland (hand) is officially cleared to suit up for Thursday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Garland was a late addition to the injury report due to a right-hand contusion. It doesn't appear to be serious enough to force Garland to miss any action. Garland finished with 29 points, six assists, and two rebounds during Tuesday's game against the Indiana Pacers. This hand injury didn't seem to impact him during that game, so fantasy managers shouldn't have anything to worry about. Garland is safe to start in all fantasy formats ahead of Thursday's contest.
--Andy WebbSource: Chris Fedor
January 8, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward
Anthony Edwards (foot) is available to suit up for Thursday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Edwards was previously tagged questionable due to right foot injury management, but he has since cleared to play. The 24-year-old star guard posted 26 points, five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal across 29 minutes during Tuesday's 122-94 win over the Heat during his last appearance. Edwards is averaging 31.3 points per contest in his previous seven outings and continues to be a fantasy force across all formats this season.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Timberwolves PR
January 8, 2026
New England Patriots wide receiver
Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) was added to the injury report on Thursday and was listed as a limited participant in practice due to a hamstring injury. Mid-week additions to the injury report can be a bad sign, but it's unclear if the 23-year-old suffered a new injury in practice on Thursday. Boutte's status on Friday will give us a little more clarity on whether he can play on Sunday night in the Wild-Card tilt against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers. If he's active, Boutte should be considered a low-end, low-ceiling WR2 for fantasy football playoff lineups. The Patriots' offense was one of the most efficient units in the NFL this year, but Boutte was outside the top-50 receivers in half-PPR points per game with 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games. If Boutte is limited or out this weekend, it would open the door for both
DeMario Douglas and rookie
Kyle Williams for more targets behind
Stefon Diggs.
--Keith HernandezSource: New England Patriots
January 8, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Coby White (calf) will return to action for Thursday's game against the Miami Heat. White played on Monday after missing three games due to a calf injury. He sat out of Wednesday's game for injury maintenance, but is cleared to suit on for the second leg of the back-to-back set. According to K.C. Johnson, White is going to play roughly 24-26 minutes during Thursday's game. The Bulls want to be cautious with White, who has been limited to 16 games this season due to injuries. The 25-year-old is averaging 18.4 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.4 rebounds in 27.8 minutes per game this season. His value will take a slight hit with the limitations, but it's not far off his normal allotment of minutes. Fantasy managers should be safe to get White back into their lineups on Thursday.
--Andy WebbSource: K.C. Johnson
January 8, 2026
The Tennessee Titans will interview former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy next Saturday, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. McCarthy also has an interview lined up for the New York Giants' head-coaching vacancy. The veteran head coach knows Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker well from their time together in Green Bay. After being fired by the Cowboys following the 2024 season, McCarthy took the year off from coaching in 2025, but he's ready to return to a head-coaching gig. It remains to be seen if McCarthy's relationship with Brinker will give him a leg up in Tennessee, but general manager Mike Borgonzi will lead the team's search for a new coach after firing Brian Callahan during the regular season.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 8, 2026
According to Ben Anderson of KSL News, Salt Lake City, Utah Jazz guard/forward
Ace Bailey (hip) is unavailable for Thursday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. Bailey will be out of action for the second game of a back-to-back set this evening. The 19-year-old rookie should be back on the floor for Saturday's matchup with the Hornets. With Bailey sidelined,
Brice Sensabaugh could be a solid streaming option across most fantasy formats during tonight's tilt.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Ben Anderson
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