Reynaldo Lopez Will Open Season in Starting Rotation
Atlanta Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos confirmed that right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (elbow) will be in the team's Opening Day starting rotation, according to Gabe Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Lopez is healthy after having arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder last year that limited him to just one start. The 32-year-old Dominican was a first-time All-Star for the Braves in 2024 as he transitioned back to a starting role, posting a 1.99 ERA and 1.11 WHIP with 148 strikeouts and 42 walks in 135 2/3 innings over 26 outings (25 starts). It was the first time that he went over 70 innings since 2019, and his 3.44 xFIP suggested he was a bit fortunate to have the numbers he did. The Braves will treat Lopez as a starter to begin the season, but he may end up back in the bullpen by the end of 2026. At the very least, fantasy managers should expect regression from his 2024 numbers.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Gabe Burns
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Gabe Burns
Blue Jays Acquire Jesus Sanchez From Astros
The Toronto Blue Jays acquired outfielder Jesus Sanchez from the Houston Astros on Friday in exchange for outfielder Joey Loperfido, general manager Dana Brown told The Athletic's Chandler Rome. It was a money-saving move for the Astros, with Sanchez owed $6.8 million in 2026, while Loperfido is making the league minimum. The move to acquire Sanchez will give Toronto more outfield depth, with Anthony Santander (shoulder) potentially missing the entire season. The 28-year-old was traded to Houston from the Miami Marlins last year, and he hit just .199/.269/.342 down the stretch (48 games) with four home runs and 12 RBI. Sanchez's production was underwhelming despite a 43.4% hard-hit rate, 11.1% barrel rate, and 91.3 mph average exit velocity. He'll have a positive hitting environment in Toronto, but Sanchez might be ticketed for a platoon role in left field with the Jays. The acquisition of Sanchez is bad news for the lefty-hitting Nathan Lukes.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Astros Not Done Dealing After Joey Loperfido Trade
Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown commented on Friday, "We're not done yet," after completing the trade with the Blue Jays that brought outfielder Joey Loperfido back to the organization that drafted him. The Astros have been in talks with multiple teams about possibly trading corner infielder Isaac Paredes, who appears to be the odd man out in terms of regular at-bats, with Carlos Correa expected to man third and Christian Walker at first. Paredes had a good year in 2025 for the Astros despite missing significant time due to injury, blasting 20 home runs in just 102 games with a .353 wOBA and 128 wRC+. He looks like a decent value in drafts right now, currently ranked at 181 at RotoBaller, while the 26-year-old has an NFBC ADP of 193. Keep an eye out for news, as his landing spot could have a positive (Boston) or negative (Pittsburgh) impact on his fantasy value.
Source: Chandler Rome
Source: Chandler Rome
Shoulder Injury hasn't Impacted Cameron Ward's Offseason Training
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cameron Ward (shoulder) sprained his right shoulder in the Week 18 regular-season finale, but the injury has not impacted his offseason training since he has been working mostly on footwork. However, ESPN's Turron Davenport writes that Ward's rehab, paired with learning offensive coordinator Brian Daboll's new offense, will likely be a challenge. The Titans are hoping that Daboll can help Ward make a Year 2 jump after he helped Bills QB Josh Allen go from a raw rookie to an All-Pro. Ward showed flashes in his first year in the NFL and finished on a high note, but overall, he was too inconsistent and struggled with accuracy. The first overall pick in 2025 completed 59.8% of his passes for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while adding 159 rushing yards and two TDs in 17 starts. The good news is that Ward's throwing shoulder should be 100% for training camp this summer.
Source: ESPN.com - Turron Davenport
Source: ESPN.com - Turron Davenport
Mike Evans Less Likely to Retire
Tampa Bay Buccaneers impending free-agent wide receiver Mike Evans has not discussed his future with the team yet as an unrestricted free agent, but ESPN's Jenna Laine writes that Evans, 32, is "less likely to retire," based on conversations with those closest to him. The future Hall of Famer had the worst year of his career in 2025, thanks to a broken collarbone that limited him to just eight games. Evans finished his 12th year in the league with 30 receptions on 62 targets for 368 yards and three touchdowns. With limited time remaining in his NFL career, will he choose to go elsewhere for a better shot at a Super Bowl ring? It remains to be seen, but at the moment, he appears to be leaning toward returning for the 2026 season. The six-time Pro Bowler began his career with 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons before last year's injury-plagued campaign. If he stays in Tampa in 2026, he should be the No. 1 wideout again, albeit in a crowded receiving room that also includes Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, and Jalen McMillan.
Source: ESPN.com - Jenna Laine
Source: ESPN.com - Jenna Laine
Joey Loperfido Traded to the Astros
Outfielder Joey Loperfido was sent from the Toronto Blue Jays to the Houston Astros on Friday in exchange for outfielder Jesus Sanchez. Loperfido heads back to the team that drafted him back in 2021 and the team he debuted with in 2024. In 122 career games in the big leagues, the former seventh-round draft pick has slashed .248/.297/.392, but has some big power that could prove fantasy-worthy if he gets regular at-bats, although he'll likely begin the season in a platoon role. Sanchez has even bigger power, with 93rd-percentile bat speed, which produced the longest home run of the 2024 season, a 480-foot blast that came off the bat at 116.4 mph. The 28-year-old has some base-stealing ability, too, swiping 13 in 134 games last season, but the left-handed slugger struggles versus left-handed pitching (career .181 AVG), so he will likely be relegated to a platoon role early in the year as well. Without regular at-bats, neither player is draftable in most fantasy formats.
Source: Ben Nicholson-Smith
Source: Ben Nicholson-Smith
Munetaka Murakami Will Primarily Play First Base, Could See Some Time at Third
Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami is expected to get some run at third base over the course of the season, per manager Will Venable. Chicago's skipper stated that the Japanese slugger will play mostly first base, though, as the complementary pieces around him fit better that way. The 26-year-old's main position over the last few seasons has been the hot corner while playing for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), however, he played mostly first base during his first two years in the NPB (2019-20). He's eligible for both positions in Yahoo! leagues. The left-handed slugger is known for some big power that also comes with a lot of swing and miss, so he represents a high-risk, high-reward lottery ticket toward the end of 2026 fantasy drafts. Murakami is currently ranked 222 overall in RotoBaller's latest rankings, right around his NFBC ADP of 220.
Source: Scott Merkin
Source: Scott Merkin
Jordan Westburg's Oblique is Progressing, Still on Track for Opening Day
Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg (oblique) continues to rehab his strained oblique and feels "pretty good," per Andy Kostka of the Baltimore Banner. The 26-year-old Westburg missed large chunks of time in both 2024 and 2025 due to injury, so to pick up an injury already in the preseason is concerning, especially since the right-handed slugger stated that he tried to prepare his body this offseason so that he could avoid the injury bug this year. When on the field, though, the former 30th-overall draft pick has been productive, slashing .265/.312/.470 with a .336 wOBA and 120 wRC+ in 192 games over the last two years. Currently slotted in at third base for the O's, the Mississippi State product could also occupy second base for the injured Jackson Holliday (hand) if need be, both of which he's position-eligible for on Yahoo!. As it stands, Westburg is not in jeopardy of missing Opening Day, but it's a situation to monitor. RotoBaller has him ranked at 139 overall for fantasy, a bit lower than his NFBC ADP of 128.
Source: Andy Kostka
Source: Andy Kostka
Owen Caissie in Position to Claim Everyday Role?
Miami Marlins outfield prospect Owen Caissie appears to be in a great position to claim a lead role in the Miami offense out of spring training. Caissie was the headliner piece in the trade that sent right-hander Edward Cabrera to the North Side of Chicago earlier this winter. Caissie is now viewed as Miami's No. 3-ranked prospect and the overall No. 47 in baseball, per MLB.com. Last summer, the Cubs gave Caissie a brief taste of the majors, where he logged five hits over a 12-game stint. He spent most of the time with Triple-A Iowa, where he posted a .286/.386/.551 line with a strong .937 OPS across 99 games. During this stint, the outfitter swept five bags and added 22 round-trippers. Caissie is expected to compete for the starting job in the right field alongside Griffin Conine and Esteury Ruiz, both of whom have not shown consistent production in the majors. Given his prospect pedigree, Caissie appears to be the favorite to land a lead role in the Miami offense on Opening Day.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dylan Beavers a Name to Watch in Spring Training
Baltimore Orioles outfield prospect Dylan Beavers is a name to closely monitor in spring training. Beavers reached Baltimore last summer and posted a modest .237/.375/.400 line over his brief 35-game stint. During this stretch, the California product hit four home runs and swiped two bases. In the minor leagues, Beavers showed five-category upside, which makes him an intriguing sleeper candidate heading into the 2026 season. Through 94 games at Triple-A prior to his MLB promotion, Beavers held a .304/.420/.515 line with a .935 OPS, 18 home runs, and 23 stolen bases. However, the 24-year-old is not guaranteed an everyday role in a crowded Baltimore offense. During camp, managers should expect him to compete for at-bats alongside Tyler O'Neill, Colton Cowser, Taylor Ward, and Leody Taveras. However, if he were to claim a lead role, he carries high-end sleeper appeal in the later rounds, given his ability to hit for power and show solid speed on the basepaths.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Deandre Ayton Remains Day-to-Day for Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against Dallas and is considered day to day after imaging showed no structural damage. He has now missed two straight contests. In his absence on Thursday, Jaxson Hayes started and delivered 16 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block in 34 minutes, making him the clear streaming option if Ayton remains sidelined. Jarred Vanderbilt can chip in rebounds and defensive stats, but he is a fringe add. Ayton remains a hold in all formats.
Source: Law Murray
Source: Law Murray
Ryan Waldschmidt has Easier Path to Make Opening Day Roster?
Arizona Diamondbacks top outfield prospect Ryan Waldschmidt could have an easier path to crack the Opening Day roster following the injury to Corbin Carroll (hand). With the team's top outfielder on the shelf with a fractured hamate bone and in serious danger of missing the start of the season, Waldschmidt could emerge as a top replacement if he has a productive spring training. Entering camp, Waldschmidt was identified as a potential candidate to make the Opening Day roster, and now, with a starting outfielder injured, his path becomes much clearer. The Kentucky product joined the Diamondbacks in the 2024 MLB Draft and quickly progressed through the system last summer. Through 134 games (shared between High-A and Double-A), Waldschmidt held a .289/.419/.473 line with 18 home runs and 29 stolen bases. Even though he does not have experience at Triple-A, a strong showing in camp could be enough to earn a spot in the Opening Day lineup.
Source: Arizona Diamondbacks
Source: Arizona Diamondbacks
LeBron James Posts Historic Triple-Double in Win
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James delivered 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists in 35 minutes in Thursday's 124-104 win over Dallas, becoming the oldest player to record a triple-double. With Luka Doncic (hamstring) sidelined and Austin Reaves still ramping up, James has steadied the offense and kept the Lakers' role players slotted cleanly. Doncic's eventual return could trim James' usage slightly, but the 41-year-old remains a must-start given his current playmaking spike. Rui Hachimura, Jake LaRavia, and Luke Kennard are the most likely to lose touches.
Source: Dan Woike
Source: Dan Woike
Carter Jensen a Prime Breakout Candidate in 2026
Kansas City Royals catching prospect Carter Jensen is a top breakout candidate heading into the 2026 regular season. Jensen made his MLB debut later in the second half last summer and immediately flashed upside. Through his first 20 MLB games, the former third-round selection posted a .300/.391/.550 slash line with three long balls. Under the hood, Jensen's production was even more impressive as he generated an elite .447 xwOBA, .336 xBA, and a .633 xSLG. Earlier in the campaign, the 22-year-old looked just as dominant in the upper minor leagues, across 111 games shared between Double-A and Triple-A. In this stint, Jensen posted a .290/.377/.501 line with 20 home runs and 10 stolen bases. With Jensen ticked for a near every-day role, sharing time at DH and behind the dish, he possesses immense five-category upside at the catcher position in his first full season in the big leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ja Morant Still Without Clear Return Date
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (elbow) is ramping up, but the team still is not sure he will be ready to play coming out of the All-Star break, general manager Zach Kleiman said Friday. Morant has been sidelined since Jan. 21 with a UCL sprain and is due for a recheck soon. In the meantime, Ty Jerome is the best streamer after logging 19 points and seven assists in 21 minutes Tuesday. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Cam Spencer round out the minutes, with steals and assists as their main appeal.
Source: Clay Bailey
Source: Clay Bailey
JR Ritchie Could Compete for Starting Role in Atlanta Rotation?
Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect JR Ritchie is a name to closely monitor during spring training, as he could break camp with the MLB roster following the injury to Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow). With Schwellenbach on the 60-day IL with an elbow injury, Ritchie could make a strong push to open camp in the starting rotation. Last summer, the team's No. 2-ranked prospect began the season at High-A and was able to progress through Triple-A by the second half. He looked sharp at High-A, logging 41 2/3 innings to the tune of a 1.30 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, and a 38:10 K:BB. Across 98 1/3 innings at the upper levels (Double-A and Triple-A), Ritchie posted a 3.20 ERA with a solid 1.10 WHIP. While the Braves may turn to veterans like Bryce Elder or Martin Perez, Ritchie could make a strong case if he turns in a successful spring training.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Luka Doncic Expected Back After All-Star Break
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) is expected to return Feb. 20 against the Clippers. Coach JJ Redick indicated Thursday that Doncic is trending in the right direction, with the team taking a cautious approach given the soft-tissue nature of the injury. Doncic has missed the last four games. His return would reclaim a 37.7 percent usage role, trimming minutes for Rui Hachimura, Jake LaRavia, Marcus Smart, and Luke Kennard. LeBron James and Austin Reaves could see slight usage dips, though both remain strong fantasy plays once Doncic is active.
Source: Dave McMenamin
Source: Dave McMenamin
Colt Emerson in Consideration to Break Camp with MLB Roster
Seattle Mariners top prospect Colt Emerson is in serious consideration to break camp with the MLB roster. According to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com, the team's President of Baseball Operations, Jerry Dipoto, noted that it's "not out of the question" that the top shortstop prospect begins the season in Seattle. According to MLB.com, Emerson, the former 22nd overall pick from the 2023 MLB Draft, is viewed as the team's No. 1-ranked prospect and the overall No. 9 prospect in the sport. Last summer, the 20-year-old spent most of his time with High-A and Double-A and performed at an elite level. With High-A, Emerson held a .281/.388/.453 line with 11 long balls and six stolen bases. Through 40 games shared between Double-A and Triple-A, Emerson posted a .293/.373/.470 line. He is a top name to watch in camp as he could be worthy of a late-round selection.
Source: Daniel Kramer
Source: Daniel Kramer
Oscar Tshiebwe Enters Concussion Protocol Thursday
Utah Jazz forward/center Oscar Tshiebwe (concussion) will not return to Thursday's loss to Portland after entering the league's concussion protocol. The two-way big logged five minutes before exiting and has appeared in just three games this season. With Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) out for the year and Jusuf Nurkic (rest) questionable, Utah's frontcourt is thin. Kyle Filipowski stepped up with 15 points, nine rebounds, and six steals in 29 minutes and profiles as the primary beneficiary. Kevin Love could reenter the rotation if Tshiebwe misses time, but Filipowski is the clear fantasy add.
Source: Utah Jazz
Source: Utah Jazz
Naji Marshall Exits Early with Foot Strain
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Naji Marshall (foot) has been ruled out for the remainder of Thursday's game against the Lakers. Marshall produced 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting with two rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 29 minutes before exiting. He was already dealing with the foot issue entering the game, which raises concern about a potential aggravation. If he misses time, P.J. Washington should absorb more frontcourt responsibility, while Caleb Martin (ankle) could see an expanded role if cleared.
Source: Mavs PR
Source: Mavs PR
Daniel Gafford Leaves Game with Ankle Issue
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (ankle) will not return to Thursday's game against the Lakers. He finished with two points, six rebounds, and one block in 28 minutes before being ruled out late in a 124-104 loss. Dallas is already thin in the frontcourt, so any missed time would tighten the rotation. Marvin Bagley III logged 20 minutes and has produced 16 points and 12 rebounds in one of his last three games, giving him short-term streaming appeal. P.J. Washington could also absorb more small-ball center minutes if needed.
Source: Mavs PR
Source: Mavs PR
Jordan Walker to Run More in 2026?
St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said that he thinks outfielder Jordan Walker could steal more bases in 2026, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. It might be a make-or-break year for Walker, who has stolen only 18 bases in 279 games in his first three seasons in the big leagues. The former first-rounder is surprisingly fast despite standing 6-foot-6, 250 pounds, and the Cardinals could give him more opportunities to run this year. The 23-year-old is still young, but so far, he's been a bust at the major-league level, slashing .240/.302/.378 with a .680 OPS, 27 home runs, 112 RBI, 107 runs, and a 26.9% strikeout rate. Walker's 66 wRC+ in 2025 ranked 270th out of 277 qualifying hitters, although he did make loud contact along the way. There have been positive reports about Walker's swing changes this offseason. Taking a chance on Walker will be cheap if you're hoping for a post-hype breakout.
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Derrick Goold
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Derrick Goold
Royals Acquire Mitch Spence From A's
The Kansas City Royals announced on Thursday that they acquired right-hander Mitch Spence from the Athletics in exchange for right-hander AJ Causey. In a corresponding move, the Royals moved right-hander Alec Marsh (shoulder) to the 60-day injured list. Spence, 27, will be battling for a spot in KC's bullpen in spring training after posting a bloated 5.10 ERA (5.10 FIP) and 1.44 WHIP with one save, 66 strikeouts, and 26 walks in 84 2/3 innings over 32 appearances (eight starts) in 2025 in Sacramento. He wasn't much better the year before for the A's in his major-league debut, going 8-10 with a 4.58 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, and 126:44 K:BB in 151 1/3 frames covering 35 appearances (24 starts). With minor-league options remaining, Spence will most likely open the 2026 season at Triple-A Omaha as pitching depth for the Royals.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
Tylor Megill Moves to 60-Day Injured List
The New York Mets placed right-hander Tylor Megill (elbow) on the 60-day injured list on Thursday to make room for new outfielder MJ Melendez on the 40-man roster, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Megill will miss the entire 2026 campaign while recovering from Tommy John surgery that he had in September of last year. The 30-year-old veteran stepped up in the Mets' starting rotation in 2025 with both Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas injured, and he went on to go 5-5 with a career-best 3.95 ERA (3.43 FIP) and 1.36 WHIP with 89 strikeouts and 33 walks in 68 1/3 innings over 14 starts. Megill even had two starts with 10-plus strikeouts, but he landed on the IL in June with a right-elbow sprain and never pitched again. He has a career 4.46 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, and 435:163 K:BB in 409 2/3 innings over his 88 outings (81 starts) with the Mets over five seasons.
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
Christian Encarnacion-Strand May Miss First Few Spring Games
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand (hamstring) tweaked his hamstring in January, according to Charlie Goldsmith. Encarnacion-Strand is on a running progression in camp and may be forced to miss the first few Cactus League games. The 26-year-old is off to a bad start in spring training after struggling to the tune of a .208/.234/.377 slash line with a .610 OPS, six home runs, 19 RBI, and 13 runs scored in just 36 games played in 2025 in his third year in the big leagues. He was eventually sent down to Triple-A Louisville on July 12 and never made it back to Cincy. CEH's plate discipline was awful, and it didn't improve much down on the farm, as he struck out nearly 25% of the time. He has 21 home runs in his three years in the big leagues, but his 27.1% strikeout rate and high chase rate haven't helped his cause. Barring a strong spring training, Encarnacion-Strand could find himself back at Louisville to begin the 2026 season.
Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Charlie Goldsmith
Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Charlie Goldsmith
Seth Lugo Throws a Bullpen on Thursday
Kansas City Royals right-hander Seth Lugo (back) was seen throwing a bullpen session at camp on Thursday, according to Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star. It's good to see the veteran hurler throwing again after he was shut down for the final month of last season due to a nagging back injury. Lugo doesn't have any restrictions this spring and mentioned that he wants to use his fastball more in early counts in 2026. The 36-year-old started the year off strong last season but really struggled down the stretch (likely due to his back) to finish with a 4.15 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 125 strikeouts in 145 1/3 innings pitched over 26 starts in his second year in KC. Lugo could bounce back in 2026 with better health, but nobody should be expecting another career year from him at this stage of his career, especially with a 21.1% strikeout rate since the start of 2024. The heavy workload may be catching up to him after he transitioned to a full-time starting role three years ago.
Source: The Kansas City Star - Jaylon T. Thompson
Source: The Kansas City Star - Jaylon T. Thompson
Keibert Ruiz Cleared From Concussion Restrictions
Washington Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz (concussion) has been cleared from concussion restrictions after dealing with head injuries last year, according to Jessica Camerato of MLB.com. Now healthy, Ruiz enters spring training this year in a competition with No. 2 overall prospect Harry Ford, who was acquired from the Seattle Mariners in December, for the starting role in D.C. Riley Adams and Drew Millas will be battling for a backup role. The 27-year-old Ruiz was initially hit by a pitch in the head in late June of last year, which limited him to 68 games played. The Venezuelan backstop hit .247/.277/.318 with a career-worst .595 OPS, only two home runs, 25 RBI, and 19 runs scored in 267 plate appearances. Ruiz is hard to strike out, but when he makes contact with the baseball, it's usually weak. He might open the year as the Nats' starting catcher, but he also grades out poorly defensively, and it's only a matter of time before Ford takes over.
Source: MLB.com - Jessica Camerato
Source: MLB.com - Jessica Camerato
Ryan Bliss Back in Action at Spring Training
Seattle Mariners infielder Ryan Bliss (knee, biceps) was part of a full infield workout at second base at spring training on Thursday, according to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. It's a promising sign for Bliss after he missed most of last year with significant meniscus and biceps injuries. The 26-year-old only appeared in 11 games at the big-league level in 2025 with Seattle, going 7-for-35 (.200) with a homer, three RBI, and two stolen bases. Bliss had surgery on his biceps last April and then tore his meniscus in September. The former second-round pick by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2021 out of Auburn hit just .222/.290/.397 with a .687 OPS, two home runs, nine RBI, 10 runs scored, and five stolen bases in 71 games for the M's in his rookie campaign in 2024. Bliss will be competing at the keystone this spring, but in all likelihood, he'll begin the year as infield depth at Triple-A Tacoma.
Source: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
Source: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
Lars Nootbaar Will be Delayed in Reporting to Camp
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (heels) will be a couple of days delayed in reporting to camp due to his rehab, according to Jeff Jones of the Belleville News. Nootbaar is in a spot in his progression where he's running on an altered-gravity treadmill, and the Cardinals have not had one delivered yet to their spring training facilities. The 28-year-old had surgery on both of his heels in early October of last year. We should have a better idea of Nootbaar's timetable for a return when he reports to camp, but as of now, it's looking likely that he won't be ready for Opening Day in late March. In addition to playing through heel issues, Nootbaar missed three weeks with a rib-cage injury and finished with a mediocre .234/.325/.361 slash line, career-low .686 OPS, 13 homers, and 48 RBI in 135 games. Nootbaar has teased fantasy managers with his batted-ball metrics, but his health has not cooperated.
Source: Belleville News - Jeff Jones
Source: Belleville News - Jeff Jones
Cowboys Looking to Tag and Trade George Pickens?
It's a foregone conclusion that the Dallas Cowboys will place the franchise tag on impending free-agent wide receiver George Pickens this offseason after his breakout 2025 season. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport wonders if the Cowboys would be willing to slap the franchise tag on Pickens and then turn around and trade him. Dallas acquired the 24-year-old from the Pittsburgh Steelers for a third-rounder, so in theory, the Cowboys could entertain the idea of flipping Pickens for a potential second-rounder. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has shown in the past that he's not afraid of trading star players (see Micah Parsons just last year) for high-end draft capital. Alongside CeeDee Lamb, though, Pickens took Dallas' offense to another level in 2025, and he finished with a career-high 1,429 yards, 93 receptions, and nine touchdowns in 17 games. If Pickens stays in Dallas in 2026, he'll be a strong WR1 target in fantasy football drafts.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
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