February 4, 2026
Seattle Mariners right-handed pitching prospect Ryan Sloan is a name to closely monitor in dynasty formats ahead of the 2026 campaign. Sloan joined the Mariners in the second round (55th overall) in the 2024 MLB Draft out of York Community HS. After just one professional campaign, Sloan is now ranked as the sport's No. 44 prospect and Seattle's No. 4 prospect on MLB.com entering spring training. Additionally, Sloan is viewed as one of the top right-handed pitching prospects in baseball, ranking sixth at his position. He made his professional debut in 2025 with Low-A Modesto, where he spent most of his campaign. Through 70 2/3 innings, the right-hander posted a 3.44 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, with a 77:15 K:BB. He was then given a short 11 1/3-inning stint at High-A, where he allowed seven earned runs. While he is likely ticketed for High-A to open the 2026 season, managers should continue to closely monitor his progression as he could develop into one of the sport's top pitching prospects.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
February 4, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James won't be on the move as the trade deadline approaches this week. Sources have told ESPN that James expects to stay with the Lakers through the season, though his plans beyond the 2025-26 campaign remain unknown. James turned 41 in December, and the Lakers must start looking ahead. Yet the four-time MVP still appears to have plenty of gas left in the tank. James is averaging 22.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.2 steals in 32.0 minutes per game. While his three-point efficiency has dropped to 32.2 percent, he is still making over half of his shots from the field (50.9 percent).
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 4, 2026
Minnesota Twins right-handed pitcher
Mick Abel has flashed immense upside in the minor leagues but has yet to show much consistency in the major leagues. Abel made his MLB debut with the Phillies in 2025 and logged 25 innings, posting a 5.04 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. He struck out 21 batters and allowed nine walks. He was then moved to Minnesota in the
Jhoan Duran trade, but saw his struggles continue. With the Twins, Abel tossed 14 innings (four games) and posted an 8.36 ERA and a 1.79 WHIP. However, at Triple-A, Abel has been nothing short of dominant. Through 98 1/3 combined Triple-A frames last summer with Lehigh Valley and Salt Lake, the former 15th overall pick posted an elite 2.20 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, with a 114:40 K:BB. He is a name to monitor in spring training as he could carve out a spot at the back of the rotation.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 4, 2026
Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect
Didier Fuentes made his MLB debut last summer but struggled during his first taste. Through 13 innings (four starts) in Atlanta, Fuentes posted a high 13.85 ERA with a 2.23 WHIP. The 20-year-old looked quite overmatched, striking out only 12 hitters and posting a high 8.7% walk rate. However, Fuentes showed solid upside as he progressed through the system and could enjoy a strong bounce-back during his first MLB stint in 2026. Fuentes began the 2025 season in High-A but progressed to Triple-A Gwinnett. He would spend the majority of his season at Triple-A, where he logged 22 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.63 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and a 29:4 K:BB. His season would be cut short by right shoulder inflammation in August. Managers should monitor his development in spring training, as he could be in the mix for an early call-up if Atlanta needs an injury replacement.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 4, 2026
Los Angeles Angels right-handed pitching prospect
George Klassen is a name to monitor during spring training. Klassen is currently considered the No. 3-ranked prospect in the system on MLB.com. In 2025, the right-hander spent the majority of the year in Double-A Rocket City before earning a brief six-inning stint at Triple-A Salt Lake. Across 102 2/3 innings at Double-A, the former sixth-round selection from the 2023 MLB Draft posted a hefty 5.35 with a 1.48 WHIP. However, over his last 23 innings at Double-A before earning the promotion, Klassen posted a dominant 1.17 ERA with 32 punchouts. At Triple-A, Klassen totaled eight strikeouts across this brief stint, while allowing two runs with one free pass. Given Los Angeles's weak pitching depth, Klassen could be in strong consideration for a promotion early in the season.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 4, 2026
New York Yankees right-handed pitcher
Cam Schlittler is expected to begin the 2026 season as a key member of the New York rotation. The right-hander reached the major leagues in July and turned in an impressive rookie season. Across his first 73 innings in the Bronx, the right-hander held a 2.96 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP. He struck out 84 batters but struggled to command his pitches, allowing free passes at a high 10.4% rate. He flashed immense upside in the postseason when he logged 14 1/3 innings to the tune of a stellar 1.26 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and a perfect 14:0 K:BB. Schlittler began the 2025 season at Double-A but quickly progressed through the upper levels to join the Yankees in the second half. With
Gerrit Cole (elbow) and
Carlos Rodon (elbow) still working their way back from injuries, Schlittler is poised to open the season as a lead option in the rotation, behind veteran
Max Fried.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 4, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers right-handed pitcher
Jacob Misiorowski is a top breakout candidate heading into the 2026 season. The hard-throwing right-hander made his MLB debut last summer and showcased his high strikeout upside during his limited stint. Through 66 innings of work, Jacob Misiorowski racked up 87 punchouts but was unable to turn in consistent performances. He would finish his debut season with a modest 4.36 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP. Much of his struggles came in his last 36 2/3 innings, when he posted a high 5.89 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. Under the hood, the former second-round selection generated a strong 3.41 xERA with an elite .202 xBA, suggesting he should see some positive regression in Year 2. Across 81 career innings at Triple-A, Misiorowski has held a dominant 2.22 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP. Given his high-end strikeout upside, the right-hander is an intriguing selection at his current 132.5 ADP on NFBC drafts.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 4, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays closer
Jeff Hoffman posted a career-high 33 saves last year, and he should continue to rack up save situations in 2026. Hoffman's first five years in the majors were skewed by ugly results at Coors Park, but he instantly posted better results upon leaving Denver. He spent two years each with the Reds and Phillies in mid-level bullpen roles. Still, prior to 2024, he had not posted more than one save in a single season. His saves total jumped to 10 in 2024 with Philadelphia, and he more than tripled that number in his first campaign north of the border last year. Barring an unforeseen bullpen splash, the Jays appear content with Hoffman in their closer role in 2026, and for good reason. He posted a 3.73 xFIP last year with 11.12 K/9, 3.57 BB/9, and a 39.4% ground ball rate. Meanwhile, three of his four pitches graded out as "above average" in FanGraphs' Stuff+ model. If anything was worth picking apart from Hoffman's profile last year, it would have been his tendency to allow home runs. His home run rate soared to 1.99 HR/9, but a gap of more than one whole point between his FIP and xFIP indicates he may have just been unlucky. We're still expecting big things from Hoffman in 2026. As it stands, he ranks as the #18 relief pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 4, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher
Dylan Cease is gearing up for his first season north of the border. He spent his first five big-league seasons with the White Sox and each of his last two in San Diego. Availability was a centerpiece of Cease's game, as he has made at least 32 starts and posted at least 3.4 fWAR in each of the last five years. His record dipped a bit last season as he went 8-12, but he still flashed an impressive 3.56 FIP with 11.52 K/9, which was his highest strikeout rate since 2021. Now 30 years old, Cease brings consistency, availability, and a track record of success with him to Toronto, where the Blue Jays are looking to win the American League pennant once again. He should slot into their rotation as the No. 2 starter behind
Kevin Gausman and ahead of
Shane Bieber. As it stands, Cease is the #21 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings for 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 4, 2026
San Francisco Giants first baseman
Rafael Devers was the center of many storylines during the 2025 season. Despite dealing with plenty of outside noise and enduring a midseason trade across the country, Devers remained one of the best power hitters in baseball while flashing solid discipline. Across 163 games split between Boston and San Francisco, Devers slashed .252/.372/.479 with 35 home runs, 109 RBI, and 135 wRC+. He also walked at a career-best 15.4% clip. While he posted at least 24 fWAR at the plate for the fourth time in the last seven years, his defense was far less impressive. He was primarily a designated hitter in 2025, but he did make 29 appearances at first base, posting -1 OAA, -1 FRV, and -16.8 fWAR there. Fortunately for fantasy managers, the jolt of the bat impacts his value far more than the glove. His raw power and ability to get on base vault him to #7 in the latest RotoBaller fantasy baseball rankings for first basemen.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 4, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays infielder
Taylor Walls will likely start at shortstop to open the season, according to Adam Berry of MLB.com. Walls is working his way back from a groin strain that cost him the final two months of the regular season. He played 101 games in 2025, slashing just .220/.280/.319 with a career-low 8.2% walk rate and 22.1% strikeout rate. He contributed just 66 wRC+, which is concerning. However, he made up for his subpar hitting with above-average production in the field. He posted 1 OAA, 1 FRV, and 3.6 fWAR on defense last year, bringing his overall total WAR contribution to 0.3 wins. While Berry reports that Walls should patrol shortstop on Opening Day, it's worth noting that the 29-year-old switch-hitter doesn't have the greatest job security. Former top prospect
Carson Williams, who debuted last year, is on the 40-man roster, and the Rays also have middle infield depth in
Brett Wisely and
Jadher Areinamo.
--Andersen PickardSource: Adam Berry
February 4, 2026
The Toronto Blue Jays remain interested in signing free agent starting pitcher
Framber Valdez, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Valdez remains the top arm on the market with spring training just a couple of weeks away. He posted double-digit wins and at least 22 starts in each of the last five seasons with Houston. He concluded his Astros tenure with an impressive 3.34 xFIP, 8.77 K/9, and 3.19 BB/9 in 2025. All the while, Valdez continued to effectively limit weak contact with just 0.7 HR/9 and a 72.9% ground ball rate. He's expected to fetch a sizable contract in free agency, but the chances of him settling for a shorter-term deal increase with each passing day. Valdez also has the qualifying offer attached to him, which adds a wrinkle to his market. Nevertheless, he is an ace who would offer a major upgrade to every rotation in baseball, including Toronto's. The American League champion's starting rotation is currently headlined by
Kevin Gausman,
Dylan Cease,
Shane Bieber, and
Trey Yesavage.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jon Heyman
February 3, 2026
Catcher
Yainer Diaz won his salary arbitration case against the Houston Astros on Tuesday, a source told Francys Romero. Diaz will make $4.5 million in 2026 after the Astros filed at $3 million. In his fourth year in the majors with the Astros in 2025, Diaz slashed .256/.284/.417 with a .701 OPS, 20 home runs, 70 RBI, and 56 runs scored in 143 games and 567 plate appearances. It was the second time that the 27-year-old backstop had 20 homers in his career, but his batting average fell more than 40 points. The free-swinging catcher still makes plenty of contact despite his lack of plate discipline, but fantasy managers certainly expect another high average after he was buoyed by a .338 BABIP in 2024. Diaz's low walk rate makes him a liability in leagues that count on-base percentage. But with plenty of pop at catcher and everyday playing time, Diaz is a low-end No. 1 catching option in fantasy baseball.
--Keith HernandezSource: Francys Romero
February 3, 2026
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
CeeDee Lamb missed three games due to injury in 2025 and was overshadowed by fellow wideout
George Pickens. Lamb still managed to reach the 1,000-yard mark for the fifth straight season, but his 1,077 yards and 75 receptions marked his lowest output since his rookie campaign in 2020. The 25-year-old was targeted 117 times and had a career-low three touchdowns in his 14 games played. Pickens' presence was definitely an issue, as quarterback
Dak Prescott targeted his new toy 137 times, which ranked eighth among WRs. Lamb should bounce back with better health in 2026, but with Pickens expected to be back at least on the franchise tag, his hopes of rebounding to high-end WR1 status might be unattainable. The four-time Pro Bowler finished last season as the WR19 in half-PPR scoring, averaging 12.6 fantasy points per game.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
February 3, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Derrick Jones Jr. (knee) is set to suit up on Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks after the team removed him from the injury report. The former dunk champion has missed a month with a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his right knee. Health issues have limited Jones Jr. to 17 appearances this season, but he's done well when active. Across 24.2 minutes per game, Jones Jr. has notched 10.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. On Wednesday, Jones Jr.'s workload may be limited due to his lengthy absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 3, 2026
Cincinnati Reds left-hander
Nick Lodolo had a career-best 3.33 ERA (3.81 FIP), a 1.08 WHIP, and 156:31 K:BB in 156 2/3 innings over 29 outings (career-high 28 starts) in his fourth year in the majors. The 6-foot-6 southpaw made another trip to the injured list due to blister issues, but overall, it was another step forward for the former first-rounder out of TCU. Perhaps the most impressive thing Lodolo did in 2025 was post a 4.8% walk rate, which ranked fourth among starting pitchers with at least 150 innings pitched. Lodolo's strikeout numbers have dropped a tad compared to his first few years in the league, but he still sports a solid 26.2% strikeout rate in his four seasons to go along with a 6.7% walk rate. If Lodolo can keep the ball in the yard more at hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark, a breakout in Year 5 could be coming in 2026. Treat him as a No. 3 starting pitcher with upside in fantasy baseball drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
February 3, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) has been upgraded to doubtful on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's encounter with the Sacramento Kings. The second-generation NBA player has been sidelined for the entire campaign so far after undergoing toe surgery in October. Recently, Pippen Jr. had a G League stint with the Grizzlies' affiliate for practice, and he appears to be nearing his season debut. After the team traded away key players, Pippen Jr. may have a big role to play for Memphis over the final stretch of the season. Last campaign, the 25-year-old averaged 9.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 3, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies forward/center
Santi Aldama (knee) is at risk of missing a fifth consecutive game, as the team has listed him as questionable for Wednesday's meeting with the Sacramento Kings. The Spanish big man is managing a knee injury. Memphis could really use Aldama on Wednesday after trading away
Jaren Jackson Jr. and
Jock Landale. When healthy, Aldama has put up solid numbers, averaging 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 3, 2026
Detroit Tigers outfielder
Riley Greene took a more aggressive approach at the plate in 2025 in his fourth year in the big leagues, which led to career highs in home runs (36) and RBI (111), but also in strikeouts (201). Greene had a career-high 30.7% strikeout rate, although his average only dropped from .262 to .258. The 25-year-old left-handed slugger's OPS also dropped over 20 points, thanks to a career-low 7.1% walk rate. He swung at more pitches and also swung and missed more, but when he did make contact, he did damage with a 17.1% barrel rate. In addition to Greene's 36 homers and 111 RBI, he added a career-high 84 runs scored but stole just two bases. Greene has a total of 14 thefts in his four seasons, so fantasy managers can't count on that as part of his game. If his aggressive approach at the plate continues in 2026, Greene should have a high floor as a power threat and run-producer while maintaining a solid but unspectacular average. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 20 outfielder.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
February 3, 2026
Sacramento Kings forward/center
Domantas Sabonis (back) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Lithuanian star has missed a couple of games due to lower back soreness. He appears to be nearing a return after participating in Tuesday's practice. Whether Sabonis plays against Memphis may not depend solely on his health, as the three-time All-Star has been linked with a move away from the team, and Sacramento might decide to protect its asset.
Maxime Raynaud and
Dylan Cardwell have been sharing center duties during Sabonis' absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 3, 2026
Sacramento Kings point guard
Russell Westbrook (foot) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Wednesday's matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies. The former MVP has shaken off foot soreness, which cost him three games. Although Westbrook has been productive with the Kings this season, he has struggled against the Grizzlies. In two games in the matchup, the veteran star has averaged 7.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, with 25.0 percent shooting from the field.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 3, 2026
For the second straight season, Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Tre Turner missed time with a hamstring injury, limiting him to 141 games. Turner still managed to win his second batting title (.304 batting average), but he was unable to reach the 20-homer mark (15 dingers) for the first time in a full season since 2019 with the Washington Nationals. In addition to his 15 homers and .304 average, the 32-year-old three-time All-Star had 69 RBI, 94 runs scored, and 36 stolen bases in his third season with the Phillies. Injuries are a concern for Turner, but he proved last year that he still has the sprint speed to swipe 30-plus bags as he nears his mid-30s. And if he manages to stay healthy, the counting stats should be there as the table-setter for a very potent Philly offense. Turner is a borderline top-25 fantasy asset and is the No. 5-ranked fantasy shortstop at RotoBaller going into the 2026 season.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
February 3, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Darius Garland has been traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, along with a second-round pick, in exchange for guard
James Harden. Garland's name popped up in rumors over the weekend after the Cavaliers acquired
Dennis Schroder and
Keon Ellis from the Sacramento Kings. The connection to the Clippers happened late Monday night when news of Harden's trade request came to light. Garland is averaging 18.8 PPG and 6.9 APG. He should be able to fill the facilitator role well in Los Angeles, though Clippers fans may need to wait to see him debut. He's dealing with a toe injury that's forced him to miss the last nine games for Cleveland. With his return still undetermined, Los Angeles may not see Garland suit up until after the All-Star break.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Shams Charania
February 3, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers guard
James Harden has been traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for guard
Darius Garland and a second-round pick. His trade request came as a surprise to many on Monday night, and the connection to Cleveland started immediately. The 36-year-old will join
Donovan Mitchell in the Cavaliers' backcourt. Harden is scoring 25.4 points per game this season, his highest mark since the 2019-2020 season. With Mitchell already averaging 28.8 points per game, there may be a question about how the ball will be shared, but ultimately, Harden should benefit positively from an assist perspective with intriguing weapons around him.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Shams Charania
February 3, 2026
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back
Bucky Irving had high expectations going into his sophomore season in 2025 after rushing for 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns on 207 carries in his rookie campaign in 2024. Unfortunately, the injury bug bit him, and he ended up playing in only 10 games, carrying the ball 173 times for 588 yards (3.4 yards per carry) and just one rushing touchdown. Irving added 30 receptions on 35 targets for 277 yards and three more touchdowns. Fantasy managers who drafted him were extremely disappointed in his overall production. The good news is that Irving should be fully healthy this offseason as he heads into Year 3, and a bigger role could await in Tampa's backfield with
Rachaad White expected to depart in free agency.
Sean Tucker will be involved, but Irving has already proven he has a three-down skill set. At a reduced cost, Irving will be a popular value pick in fantasy football drafts this fall.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
February 3, 2026
Indianapolis Colts tight end
Tyler Warren didn't disappoint after the Colts took him 14th overall in last year's NFL Draft out of Penn State. The 23-year-old immediately became Indy's No. 1 pass-catching tight end, and he finished his first year in the NFL as the Colts' No. 2 receiver, behind only
Alec Pierce. Warren was the TE6 in half-PPR scoring with 76 receptions on 112 targets for 817 yards and four touchdowns in 17 games played. His 112 targets were third among all TEs, behind only
Trey McBride and
Kyle Pitts Sr. Warren wasn't quite as productive down the stretch for fantasy managers after starting quarterback
Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. Still, his overall numbers were impressive, and with Jones expected to return to the Colts, Warren will have true breakout potential as a top-five fantasy TE going into Year 2 in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
February 3, 2026
Boston Celtics point guard
Payton Pritchard will come off the bench for the first time this season on Tuesday against the Dallas Mavericks.
Baylor Scheierman will start in his place. Boston has lost scoring from the second unit after trading
Anfernee Simons to Chicago, and Pritchard will help to fill that gap. Last season, he was one of the most productive bench players in the league. Scheierman has produced 8.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game in his previous four starts this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Chuck Cooperstein
February 3, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks forward
Amir Coffey will make his first start of the season on Tuesday against the Chicago Bulls. He will take
Bobby Portis' (hip) spot in the starting lineup. This could be the first of back-to-back starts for Coffey, as Milwaukee also plays on Wednesday night against the New Orleans Pelicans, and it's unclear whether Portis can rejoin the lineup. Across his previous 67 career starts, Coffey has averaged 12.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: Milwaukee Bucks
February 3, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward
Alex Caruso (adductor) will return to action on Tuesday against the Orlando Magic. The two-time NBA champion has been dealing with a right adductor strain, missing six games. Caruso has averaged 1.4 steals per game this season, while contributing 6.1 points in 18.2 minutes on the offensive end. Oklahoma City begins a back-to-back on Tuesday, so Caruso may only see limited action against Orlando, especially after being out for two weeks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 3, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Isaiah Hartenstein (illness) will play on Tuesday night against the Orlando Magic. The team has upgraded Hartenstein's status from questionable to available. He will make his third appearance since returning from a calf injury. In his first couple of games back in the lineup, Hartenstein has averaged 9.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 20.0 minutes. With Hartenstein in the lineup on Tuesday, it appears unlikely he will suit up for Wednesday's tilt against the San Antonio Spurs, which should grant
Jaylin Williams increased playing time.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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