February 6, 2026
Kansas City Royals right-hander
Luinder Avila made his major-league debut last year for 13 relief appearances and thrived, posting a 1.29 ERA and 0.93 WHIP with 16 strikeouts in 14 innings. The Royals see Avila as a potential starter down the road, but the team's rotation is too crowded going into the 2026 season. The 24-year-old could force the Royals' hand for another bullpen spot on Opening Day, though, if he continues to impress during spring training. The Venezuelan hurler primarily features an 82-85 mph curveball that generated whiffs on 50% of swings last year. He also has mid-90s fastballs (four-seamer and sinker), and an occasional 86-88 mph changeup. Before getting his first big-league call-up last year, Avila had a 5.01 ERA and 1.31 WHIP with 71 strikeouts and 26 walks in 59 1/3 innings over 17 outings (12 starts) for High-A Quad Cities and Triple-A Omaha. He's an intriguing pitching prospect to watch in dynasty/keeper leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
February 6, 2026
Denver Nuggets center
Nikola Jokic (ankle) is considered questionable for Saturday's meeting with the Chicago Bulls. After returning from a knee issue, Jokic has picked up an ankle injury. Since rejoining the lineup, Jokic has averaged 25.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in 33.0 minutes per game. His absence on Saturday would open the door for extended minutes for
Jonas Valanciunas and
Zeke Nnaji, with the former set to move into the starting unit. As a starter this season, Valanciunas has pushed his productivity to 15.3 points and 10.8 rebounds per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 6, 2026
Golden State Warriors point guard
Stephen Curry (knee) doesn't have a timeline for his return, ESPN's Anthony Slater reports. The former MVP is set to miss a third straight game on Saturday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Curry has been dealing with "runner's knee" for a while. With Curry sidelined,
Gui Santos has made back-to-back starts, providing a little bit of everything. At the same time, backcourt players like
De'Anthony Melton and
Pat Spencer also have more fantasy appeal. They slotted into the starting lineup as well on Thursday against Phoenix, with Spencer producing a team-high 20 points.
--Taavi PailkSource: Anthony Slater
February 6, 2026
New York Yankees right-hander
Cade Winquest, the team's Rule 5 pick from the St. Louis Cardinals, is trying to become the first Rule 5 pick to stick with the Yankees since Billy Parker in 1973. The 25-year-old former eighth-round pick in 2022 from the University of Texas at Arlington went 5-7 with a 3.99 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with 110 strikeouts and 39 walks in 106 innings over 25 appearances (23 starts) with High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield last year in the Cardinals organization. Winquest relies mostly on a mid-90s fastball and a big-breaking upper-70s curveball. He has a 4.19 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 219:92 K:BB in 212 2/3 frames in his three seasons in the minor leagues. MLB.com lists Winquest as a candidate to make a push for an Opening Day roster spot this year, but fantasy managers in single-year leagues can ignore him for now.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
February 6, 2026
New York Knicks guard
Miles McBride (abdomen) will miss 6-8 weeks, SNY's Ian Begley reports. He could be out for the rest of the regular season following core muscle surgery. McBride's absence will leave the Knicks without an important rotational piece. The 25-year-old has averaged a career-high 12.9 points this season, along with 2.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists. However, the arrival of
Jose Alvarado from New Orleans will help fill the backcourt void.
Landry Shamet and
Jordan Clarkson could also be more involved in the rotation going forward.
--Taavi PailkSource: Ian Begley
February 6, 2026
Despite having only 14 2/3 innings of minor-league experience on his resume due to elbow and back injuries, Toronto Blue Jays right-hander
Spencer Miles could be a candidate to win an Opening Day bullpen spot if he impresses the coaching staff at spring training. The former fourth-rounder by the San Francisco Giants in 2022 out of Missouri went to Toronto in the Rule 5 draft primarily because of a mid-90s fastball, a high-spin curveball, a solid low-90s cutter, and an upper-80s changeup that he showed in the Arizona Fall League, according to MLB.com. Miles struck out 12 and only walked one in 8 2/3 frames in the AFL and has the stuff to make an impact at the big-league level. The lack of a track record probably makes him a long shot to be on the Opening Day roster, but the 25-year-old is a relief arm to keep an eye on in the Blue Jays' system in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
February 6, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks forward
Kyle Kuzma (calf) won't play on Friday against the Indiana Pacers. The team has ruled him out with left calf soreness. Milwaukee has also listed
Bobby Portis (hip) as questionable for the game, meaning the frontcourt could be thin on Friday night. As a result,
Jericho Sims and
Pete Nance could see extended minutes, while newly arrived
Ousmane Dieng will also be available against the Pacers. Additionally, there would be additional offensive touches available if Portis joins Kuzma on the shelf.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 6, 2026
The Boston Red Sox are still trying to make a "prospect-based trade for a legit bat," several sources told Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe. The Red Sox are looking for more offense despite already acquiring first baseman
Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals in December. They also spent $130 million on left-handed starter
Ranger Suarez, but adding more infield depth is a priority after third baseman
Alex Bregman departed in free agency. Given Boston's outfield depth, the team is likely focusing on adding either a second or third baseman in a potential trade. A trade package could center around pitching prospects
Payton Tolle or
Connelly Early, and their potential targets could include Astros infielder
Isaac Paredes, Cubs infielders
Nico Hoerner and
Matt Shaw, Nationals shortstop
CJ Abrams, or Mets infielders
Brett Baty and
Mark Vientos.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Boston Globe - Peter Abraham
February 6, 2026
Sacramento Kings forward/center
Domantas Sabonis (back) has been ruled out for Friday's matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. On Wednesday, Sabonis returned from a back problem against the Memphis Grizzlies, but he will be out again on Friday night. This will mark his third absence in four games.
Maxime Raynaud is set to return to the first unit against the Clippers, while fellow rookie
Dylan Cardwell should also see healthy minutes at the No. 5 spot. As a starter, Raynaud has provided 11.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 6, 2026
The Los Angeles Dodgers designated left-hander
Anthony Banda for assignment on Friday after claiming catcher
Ben Rortvedt off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds, according to MLB.com. Banda, 32, pitched for seven different organizations before latching on with the Dodgers in May of 2024. In his two seasons in L.A., he was very solid, going 8-3 with a 3.14 ERA (4.15 FIP), 1.23 WHIP, two saves, 111 strikeouts, and 52 walks in 114 2/3 innings over 119 appearances (three starts) during the regular season. He gave up just one run in eight innings during the team's championship run in 2024, although he struggled in the 2025 World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. In his nine major-league seasons, Banda has a career 4.44 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, three saves, a 21.5% strikeout rate, and a 9.9% walk rate. He will most likely be claimed off waivers.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
February 6, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward
Peyton Watson (hamstring) will be re-evaluated in four weeks, the team announced on Friday. Watson was injured in Wednesday's double-overtime loss to the New York Knicks and has been diagnosed with a right hamstring strain. The injury will pause Watson's breakout season, as he is averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 1.0 steals. Watson's absence will improve the fantasy outlook for
Spencer Jones,
Bruce Brown, and
Tim Hardaway Jr. While Jones has held a regular starting role this season, Brown and Hardaway Jr. have more fantasy upside.
--Taavi PailkSource: Denver Nuggets
February 6, 2026
NFL.com's Matt Okada ranks the Kansas City Chiefs as No. 1 on his list of teams that are positioned to be hit the hardest by free agency in 2026. In addition to having 30 impending free agents (tied for fifth-most in the league), the Chiefs are projected to be $54.7 million over the salary cap this year. They are coming off a six-win season (fewest wins since 2012), and superstar quarterback
Patrick Mahomes (knee) is recovering from a torn ACL. The most notable Chiefs players scheduled to hit free agency are tight end
Travis Kelce (retirement is a possibility), starting defensive backs Jaylen Watson and Bryan Cook, pass-rusher Charles Omenihu, running backs
Isiah Pacheco and
Kareem Hunt, and a good chunk of their receivers. To save cap space, the Chiefs could cut starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor, but it's not an ideal move for a team looking to shore up their offensive line. If anyone can work magic, it would be general manager Brett Veach, but things are looking bleak for KC after they missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL.com - Matt Okada
February 6, 2026
Free-agent right-handed reliever
Scott Barlow and the Athletics agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract on Friday that includes $1.3 million in performance bonuses, a source told Robert Murray of FanSided.com. Barlow was originally a sixth-round pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2011, and he made his major-league debut in 2018. He spent the first five years of his career in KC before bouncing around with the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, and Cincinnati Reds for the last three years. In a career-high 75 outings (one start) with the Reds last year, the 33-year-old veteran held a 4.21 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, one save, 75 strikeouts, and a career-high 45 walks in 68 1/3 innings. He'll immediately become the most experienced reliever in Sacramento in terms of career saves (59), but he hasn't had a sub-4.00 ERA since 2022 and could be involved in a closer-by-committee situation in one of the most hitter-friendly ballparks in the majors.
--Keith HernandezSource: FanSided.com - Robert Murray
February 6, 2026
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the presumptive first overall pick in this year's NFL Draft, said on The Pat McAfee Show on Friday that throwing at the NFL scouting combine isn't a "priority" and that he's more focused on throwing at his school's pro day to help out "his guys." Mendoza previously said he would attend the combine, which takes place in Indianapolis from Feb. 23 to March, but he wouldn't participate in any drills. The 22-year-old won the Heisman Trophy in 2025 and led the Hoosiers to the national title during an undefeated season. He is the overwhelming favorite to be taken first overall in April by the Las Vegas Raiders. Mendoza completed 72% percent of his passes last year for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions, adding 276 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. The 6-foot-5, 225-pounder probably won't be much of a runner at the next level, but he has all the other attributes to make him a franchise QB in the NFL.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
February 6, 2026
South Dakota head coach Travis Johansen is leaving the program to become the defensive coordinator at Rutgers, according to On3's Pete Nakos. Johansen spent just one season with the Coyotes, posting a 10-5 record and a trip to the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs. He has nine years of collegiate experience as a defensive coordinator at Grand View and South Dakota. Last season, the Scarlet Knights ranked last in the Big Ten in total defense (432.8 YPG) and tied for second-to-last in points per game allowed (31.8). Johansen will be tasked with turning the defense around in a hurry to help Rutgers be more competitive in the conference next season.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Pete Nakos - On3Sports
February 6, 2026
The Los Angeles Rams are adding former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury to their coaching staff under head coach Sean McVay, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Kingsbury and McVay are close and have talked about working together for a full season, and Kingsbury wants to continue to grow as a coach and learn more about what it takes to be a head coach in the NFL again. Kingsbury and the Commanders parted ways early in the offseason, and he was in consideration for a couple of head-coach openings, but nothing materialized. He will now head to Hollywood and learn under the best in the business in McVay. It's unclear exactly what role Kingsbury will fill for the Rams, but it is interesting since previous offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur left for the Cardinals' head-coaching job. Regardless, the already potent Rams offense will have another bright offensive mind on its staff in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
February 6, 2026
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Alec Pierce had arguably the best season of his young career in 2025, recording 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns across 15 games played. Pierce remains one of the NFL's most dangerous downfield threats, as he averaged 21.3 yards per reception in 2025 and has led the league in that stat for two years running. However, the 25-year-old also showed signs of becoming a more consistent feature of the Colts' offense this past year. After averaging 4.3 targets per game over the first three seasons of his career, Pierce averaged 5.6 targets per contest in 2025. Pierce is now set to hit unrestricted free agency this spring, but it appears Indianapolis will be looking to bring him back after trading away 2024 second-round wide receiver
Adonai Mitchell in the middle of the 2025 season. With the Colts, Pierce profiles as the team's WR2, a role he has proven he can produce in. He may never be an ultra-high volume target earner, but Pierce's fantasy value in dynasty formats should be on the rise after 2025, particularly in leagues that use half and non-PPR scoring.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 6, 2026
The Athletics designated infielder
Max Schuemann for assignment on Friday, according to A's Communications. The move was made to clear a spot on the team's 40-man roster after the A's claimed infielder
Andy Ibanez off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 28-year-old former 20th-round pick in 2018 out of Eastern Michigan gets booted off the roster after hitting just .197/.295/.273 with a .568 OPS, two home runs, 13 RBI, 20 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 101 games played in Sacramento last year. Schuemann was only slightly better in 2024 in his first MLB season, when he hit .220/.311/.308 with seven long balls, 34 RBI, 55 runs, and 14 steals in 133 games played. It remains to be seen if another MLB team will scoop him up off waivers for infield depth heading into spring training in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: A's Communications
February 6, 2026
A fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Jacksonville Jaguars running back
Bhayshul Tuten flashed high-end upside at points throughout his rookie season. The 22-year-old's overall stat line does not jump off the page, as he finished the year with 386 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns on 93 touches across 15 games played. However, Tuten spent the year behind Jaguars running back
Travis Etienne Jr. on the depth chart. While Jacksonville may choose to re-sign him, Etienne Jr. is now set to hit unrestricted free agency and might command a pricy contract on the open market after producing nearly 1,400 scrimmage yards and 13 touchdowns in 2025. If the Jaguars let Etienne Jr. walk, Tuten may be in line to take on the team's RB1 role in 2026. Between Etienne Jr. 2025 and Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back
Bucky Irving in 2024, Jacksonville head coach and play-caller Liam Coen has proven the ability to manufacture high-value seasons for his running backs. Given the potential opportunity for him in Jacksonville, Tuten should be a player whose value is on the rise in dynasty fantasy formats.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 6, 2026
The Atlanta Braves offered infielder
Kyle Farmer a non-roster invitation to major-league spring training this year, according to 680 The Fan. Farmer joins the Braves in 2026 after hitting .227/.280/.365 with a .645 OPS, eight home runs, 31 RBI, and 24 runs scored in 97 games (300 plate appearances) with the Colorado Rockies last year. The 35-year-old veteran has nine years of major-league experience with the Rockies, Cincinnati Reds, Minnesota Twins, and Los Angeles Dodgers, but he's expected to open the 2026 campaign at Triple-A Gwinnett. Farmer's best seasons were with the Reds in 2021 and 2022, when he combined to hit .259/.316/.400 with a .716 OPS, 30 home runs, and 141 RBI in 292 games played. He's a career .247/.306/.388 hitter with a .694 OPS in his nine MLB seasons. Fantasy managers can ignore Farmer everywhere.
--Keith HernandezSource: 680 The Fan
February 6, 2026
The Boston Red Sox claimed infielder
Tsung-Che Cheng off waivers from the Washington Nationals on Friday, according to Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald. The Red Sox are the fifth team to have picked up Cheng so far this offseason. The 24-year-old Taiwanese infielder made his major-league debut last year with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he played in just three games and was hitless with three strikeouts in seven plate appearances. He wasn't much better in the minors at Triple-A Indianapolis over 107 games, slashing .209/.307/.271 with a .578 OPS, one home run, 36 RBI, 36 runs scored, and 18 stolen bases in 397 plate appearances. Cheng is known mostly for his speed and reliable glove on defense, so he can be ignored for fantasy purposes. He will most likely open the year at Triple-A Worcester if he sticks around with Boston beyond spring training.
--Keith HernandezSource: Boston Herald - Gabrielle Starr
February 6, 2026
In his first season with the team in 2024, Minnesota Vikings running back
Aaron Jones Sr. recorded over 1,500 yards from scrimmage and played 17 games, earning himself a second contract. However, Jones Sr. struggled through injuries and a production decline in 2025, logging just 747 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns on 160 touches across 12 games played. Even when Jones Sr. was healthy, Minnesota split backfield work between him and
Jordan Mason, limiting the production upside for both players. If Jones Sr. is back with the Vikings in 2026, he figures to work in a timeshare with Mason once again. Minnesota could also save $8 million against the cap by releasing Jones Sr., so the veteran running back may find himself in a new home come September. Regardless of where Jones Sr. is playing in 2026, his days as a true lead back for an NFL team may be coming to an end as he hits his age-32 season.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 6, 2026
The Tampa Bay Rays claimed outfielder
Victor Mesa Jr. from the Miami Marlins on Friday, sources told Francys Romero. The athletic Cuban outfielder will have a real opportunity to win an Opening Day roster spot out of spring training with the Rays. The 24-year-old left-handed hitter made his major-league debut in 2025 with the Marlins and really struggled at the plate, going 6-for-32 (.188) with one home run, six RBI, five walks, and five strikeouts in a small sample size of only 16 games played. Mesa looked a lot better at Triple-A Jacksonville in 171 plate appearances, posting an OPS of .887 while hitting .301 with seven home runs and 30 RBI. If Mesa wins a roster spot with the Rays to begin the 2026 regular season, he'll most likely be an extra outfielder off the bench.
--Keith HernandezSource: Francys Romero
February 6, 2026
The Chicago Cubs have signed infielder
Owen Miller to a minor-league contract with an invite to spring training. Miller figures to compete for a bench role during camp. He spent most of his time in Triple-A Albuquerque in the Colorado Rockies organization last season. He slashed .277/.329/.429 with 11 home runs, 65 RBI, and 13 steals in Triple-A last season. The 29-year-old is capable of playing multiple positions, which is always a plus as a role player. Miller hasn't seen much MLB action since playing 90 games with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2023. He's unlikely to offer much fantasy value even if he does end up making the 26-man roster.
--Andy WebbSource: Milb Central
February 6, 2026
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Courtland Sutton posted another rock-solid season in 2025, recording 74 receptions for 1,017 yards and seven touchdowns on 124 targets across 17 games played. His 2025 line is nearly identical to his 2024 production, when he hauled in 81 grabs for 1,081 yards and eight scores on 135 targets. While Sutton may not carry elite fantasy upside, he's established himself as the number one pass-catcher in an above-average Broncos' offense and has proven he can provide a consistent production floor. However, Sutton's long-term fantasy outlook may be dimming heading into 2026. For one, Sutton will be entering his age-31 season. Additionally, Denver has multiple wide receivers on rookie contracts in
Pat Bryant,
Troy Franklin, and
Marvin Mims Jr., who are all candidates to take a step forward next year. Sutton will likely remain a safe wide receiver option for redraft leagues in 2026, but dynasty managers may be wise to anticipate the start of his decline phase.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 6, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays right-handed reliever
Edwin Uceta won his salary arbitration case against the team on Friday, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. Uceta will make $1.525 million in 2026 after the Rays offered him $1.2 million. The 28-year-old Dominican hurler will return to the Rays for his third season this year after going 10-3 with a 3.79 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, one save, and a 103:27 K:BB in 76 relief innings. His 103 punchouts were a new career high in his fifth year in the big leagues. Uceta was even better for the Rays in 2024, with a 1.51 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, a career-high five saves, and a 57:8 K:BB in 41 2/3 frames. He gets plenty of swings and misses with his fastball/changeup combination, and he's expected to open the 2026 campaign in a closer-by-committee role in Tampa. Uceta was one of just five relief pitchers last year to reach the 100-strikeout mark, so even if he's not racking up many save chances, he should be useful for his strikeout ratios.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
February 6, 2026
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher
Reese Olson (shoulder) might not be ready for the beginning of the regular season, according to Evan Petzold. Olson went down in July due to a strained shoulder and never returned to the mound. He reportedly began throwing in December, but doesn't appear quite ready to pitch yet. If Olson does miss time,
Troy Melton is the most likely candidate to take his spot in the starting rotation. Before going down last season, Olson posted a 3.15 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and a 65/25 K/BB ratio in 13 starts. He has been a viable pitcher when healthy, but hasn't pitched more than 22 games since making his debut in 2023. The Tigers should give a better timetable on Olson once Spring Training ramps up.
--Andy WebbSource: The Detroit Times
February 6, 2026
A seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Chicago Bears running back
Kyle Monangai entered his rookie season without much fanfare. However, the 23-year-old impressed in his first campaign, recording 947 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 187 touches across 17 games. Monangai showcased impressive efficiency as a rusher, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. As the season progressed, Monangai was able to steal more and more work away from established Bears RB1
D'Andre Swift. Including the postseason, Monangai recorded at least 11 touches in eight out of his final 10 games. From Week 11 through the end of the regular season, neither Monangai nor Swift played more than 59% or fewer than 41% of Chicago's offensive snaps in any contest. In 2026, Swift will be playing on the final season of his current contract. While the two backs project to share backfield work in the short term, Monangai may have done enough as a rookie for the team to feel confident in him as its long-term answer at running back. Monangai's fantasy value in dynasty formats should be on the rise after his encouraging 2025 season.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 6, 2026
The Los Angeles Angels announced on Friday that they signed free-agent left-hander
Brent Suter to a one-year, $1.25 million deal, according to Taylor Blake Ward of Baseball America. Suter spent the last two seasons pitching for the Cincinnati Reds, where he had a 3.85 ERA (4.44 FIP), 1.21 WHIP, two saves, 103 strikeouts, and 30 walks in 133 1/3 innings over 95 appearances (six starts). He had a 4.52 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 53:18 K:BB in 67 2/3 innings last year. Suter brings plenty of experience -- he's heading into his 11th season in the big leagues in 2026 -- but he can be ignored for fantasy purposes as a middle-relief arm with virtually no strikeout upside. In his 10 big-league campaigns, Suter only has a 19.9% strikeout rate in 597 1/3 total innings.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball America - Taylor Blake Ward
February 6, 2026
The Cincinnati Reds announced on Friday that catcher
Ben Rortvedt was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Rortvedt will head back to the 2025 World Series champions after the Reds previously claimed him off waivers from the Dodgers back in November. The 28-year-old left-handed-hitting backstop hit a combined .152/.240/.205 with a .445 OPS, just one home run, 10 RBI, 11 walks, and 23 strikeouts in 44 regular-season games in 2025 with the Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays. Rortvedt only appeared in 18 games for L.A. to close out the season. He actually served as the Dodgers' starting catcher for a stretch late last season, when both
Will Smith and
Dalton Rushing went down with injuries. Like most backup catchers, Rortvedt lacks any kind of real power or speed, which makes him pretty useless in fantasy. He'll enter spring training as the No. 3 catcher for the Dodgers.
--Keith HernandezSource: Cincinnati Reds
RADIO
