April 21, 2026

New York Mets second baseman Marcus Semien will get a shot in the leadoff spot for the struggling Mets in their contest on Tuesday against the visiting Minnesota Twins and right-hander Simeon Woods Richardson, per MLB.com. Semien's numbers don't jump off the page early on in his first year with the team, but he's been heating up and has reached base eight times in his last four games. Overall, the 35-year-old three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner is batting .234 (18-for-77) with a homer, eight RBI, three runs scored, and a stolen base in 22 games played. The good news for the Mets, who have lost 11 games in a row, is that All-Star outfielder Juan Soto (calf) is expected to rejoin the lineup on Wednesday. Semien has plenty of experience in his career in the leadoff spot, but his offensive profile has shown signs of decline in the last couple of seasons. In six career at-bats versus Woods Richardson, Semien has a solo home run and is batting .167 with an .834 OPS.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

April 21, 2026

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hand) is back in right field and in the leadoff spot for the Braves on Tuesday against the Washington Nationals and left-hander Foster Griffin, according to MLB.com. Acuna was hit by two pitches on Monday night and was removed after the second one hit his left hand. Thankfully, X-rays came back negative, and he was considered day-to-day with a hand contusion. The 28-year-old five-time All-Star and former MVP should be returned to all starting lineups immediately for the second game of the series in D.C. Acuna has gotten off to a middling start in 2026, slashing .244/.359/.360 with a .720 OPS, just one home run, five RBI, 10 runs scored, and four stolen bases, but he has five-category potential and should eventually heat up for the Braves. This will be the first time in his career that he has faced Griffin.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

April 21, 2026

Minnesota Twins infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper is performing admirably in his first taste of Triple-A, currently riding a five-game hit streak that has pushed his batting average to .275. He's also drawing walks at an above-average rate of 10.0 percent, which has produced a strong .356 on-base percentage. The Twins' second-ranked prospect does not appear to be overmatched at the minors' highest level, having tallied four doubles, three home runs, and a better-than-average strikeout rate of 20.0 percent. Additionally, the former first-round draft pick has shown off his wheels, having stolen four bases through 19 games (three in his last four). The right-handed hitter is coming off a breakout 2025 campaign in which he slashed .289/.375/.469 with 20 home runs and 25 steals. Proving his mettle at every stop along the way, the 23-year-old has put himself in position to make his major league debut this season, and given his all-around abilities, he's made himself a stash consideration in deeper fantasy leagues.--Jarod Rupp
Source: MiLB.com

April 21, 2026

The Athletic's Chad Graff writes that one of the few certainties in this year's 2026 NFL draft for the New England Patriots is that they will "exit with a tight end who is a strong receiver." The Patriots desperately need a pass-catching complement to the all-around play of Hunter Henry and the blocking prowess of Julian Hill. Vanderbilt TE Eli Stowers "would check that box in a big way," according to Graff. The Patriots last drafted a TE within the first two rounds back in 2010, when they took Rob Gronkowski. Henry is entering the final year of his contract in 2026. Stowers has some work to do as a blocker as he heads to the next level, but he could give New England a mismatch weapon in the passing game alongside Henry this year. Austin Hooper served as the pass-catching complement to Henry last year, but he left in free agency to rejoin the Atlanta Falcons. Stowers profiles as a joker tight end in the NFL, and he's generally projected to be a Day 2 pick in the second or third round, but there's a chance he could sneak into the first round this Thursday night.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Chad Graff

April 21, 2026

Arizona Diamondbacks outfield prospect Ryan Waldschmidt's MLB debut is drawing closer and closer with every multi-hit performance at Triple-A Reno. The D-backs' top-ranked prospect has eight multi-hit efforts in his last 15 contests and has reached base safely in 19 of the 20 games in which he's recorded at least two plate appearances. He's hitting .338, and a 12.4 percent walk rate, along with four hit-by-pitches, has generated an impressive .448 on-base percentage. The former first-rounder has also been showing off his base-stealing chops, with three steals in his last four games. After a breakout 2025 in which he manufactured a .289/.419/.473 slash line with 18 home runs and 29 steals, the 23-year-old appears to be on the precipice of a big league debut. Lourdes Gurriel Jr.'s return to the big league lineup this past week may delay his call-up a while longer since the team would probably prefer he get regular at-bats at Triple-A rather than sit on the big league bench, but it is just a matter of time now. With a solid all-around skillset, Waldschidt is a top stash candidate in most formats.--Jarod Rupp
Source: MiLB.com

April 21, 2026

According to On3's Pete Nakos, former Stanford and Auburn quarterback Ashton Daniels has been named Florida State's starter entering 2026. Daniels is entering Year 5 of his collegiate career after spending three seasons with the Cardinal and one with the Tigers. Overall, he has tallied 4,783 passing yards, 1,397 rushing yards, 24 passing touchdowns, 11 rushing touchdowns, and 22 interceptions in 37 career games. Daniels is joined in the Seminole quarterback room by redshirt freshman Kevin Sperry and junior transfer Malachi Marshall. Daniels flashed upside in last year's Iron Bowl, as Auburn took Alabama to the wire in the final week of the regular season. FSU head coach Mike Norvell will need a heroic performance from Daniels this season if he wants to keep his job after going 7-17 over the last two campaigns.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: Pete Nakos - On3

April 21, 2026

Milwaukee Brewers infield/outfield prospect Jett Williams' bat is showing signs of life as of late, with the Brewers' third-ranked prospect producing a three-hit game for Triple-A Nashville on April 14, and in the five games since then, the former first-rounder has recorded his first three extra-base hits of the season. Even when the bat has been cold, the right-handed hitter has been getting on base via the walk, drawing 14 free passes so far through 19 games for the Sounds, which is something he's been able to do throughout his minor league career (15.9 percent BB%). It has helped him utilize his speed, too, swiping five bags already this year after stealing 34 in 2025. The 22-year-old will likely make his MLB debut in the coming months, but he'll need to continue to produce at Triple-A. Once he gets the call, his solid bat-to-ball skills, power, and elite speed, along with his positional versatility (2B, SS, OF) in Yahoo! leagues, will make him an intriguing fantasy asset.--Jarod Rupp
Source: MiLB.com

April 21, 2026

St. Louis Cardinals outfield prospect Joshua Baez belted 20 home runs and stole 59 bases between High-A and Double-A a season ago, posting better-than-average strikeout and walk rates along the way, then parlayed that into a successful 2026 Grapefruit League showing that was capped off with home runs in three consecutive games. However, after a solid start to his season at Triple-A Memphis, the former second-round draft pick has been mired in a week-long slump, going 3-for-22 (.136) with nine strikeouts in his last seven games. For the season, the right-handed hitter is slashing .206/.308/.397 with three home runs and five steals. Concerningly, after striking out six times in his first 37 plate appearances for the Redbirds (16.2 percent), the 22-year-old has tallied 18 strikeouts in his last 41 plate appearances (43.9 percent). The 6-foot-3 slugger will likely make his MLB debut at some point this season, but the team will want to see him right the ship before penciling him into the big league lineup, so for now, he's no longer a high-priority stash.--Jarod Rupp
Source: MiLB.com

April 21, 2026

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy didn't give a firm timeframe for when in the offseason program he would want free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers to join the team, but he expressed confidence in Rodgers if the team ends up re-signing him, according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. "I think Aaron is probably more in tune than we would realize. But I have confidence in where he would be the day he would arrive, if that's his decision," McCarthy said. There is still some uncertainty as to Rodgers' future, and nothing is expected to be announced before this week's NFL draft, but all signs continue to point to the future Hall of Famer returning for another year in the Steel City to reunite with McCarthy. The 42-year-old four-time NFL MVP led Pittsburgh to the postseason in 2025, but he finished as the QB19 in fantasy scoring with 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 16 regular-season games. The Steelers added receiver Michael Pittman Jr. in a trade this offseason, but Rodgers should still be viewed as a low-upside, low-end QB2 in fantasy if he officially returns to Pittsburgh for one more year in 2026.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Mike DeFabo

April 21, 2026

Cleveland Guardians second base prospect Travis Bazzana has become a top stash candidate among minor league hitters who could soon be making their MLB debuts. The former first-overall draft pick is 13-for-32 (.406) over his last eight games at Triple-A Columbus, with five multi-hit performances mixed in there. Not only that, the left-handed slugger is hitting for power, too, collecting eight of his 12 extra-base hits over that stretch, including his first home run of 2026. In addition, the Australian continues to draw walks at an above-average rate, currently with a 13.0 percent walk rate (17.4 percent strikeout rate) and has stolen five bases in 19 games for the Clippers. In all, it has produced a .278/.374/.481 slash line that has him knocking on the door to the majors. Switch-hitting Juan Brito has been getting the majority of starts at second base after Brayan Rocchio moved to shortstop due to Gabriel Arias' (hamstring) injury, but Brito is 2-for-29 (.069) over his last nine games, and Arias isn't expected back until sometime in May. So, Bazzana could get his shot sooner rather than later, and with above-average contact, power, and speed, the 23-year-old is a worthy stash candidate in most formats.--Jarod Rupp
Source: MiLB.com

April 21, 2026

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen told the media on Tuesday that quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) is "dropping back and throwing" as he recovers from a torn Achilles that he suffered in the Week 14 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars last year, according to Mike Chappell of FOX 59. General manager Chris Ballard said on Monday in a pre-draft news conference that Jones is "progressing really well." Despite the 28-year-old's torn Achilles, the Colts doubled down on him as their starting QB this offseason by signing him to a two-year, $88 million deal to bring him back for the next two seasons. The former sixth overall pick of the New York Giants in 2019 out of Duke looked great in his 13 starts in his first year in Indy in 2025 before going down with his Achilles injury, throwing for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. There is optimism that he'll be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season, although fantasy managers should be viewing him as a risk/reward QB2 in drafts this fall.--Keith Hernandez
Source: FOX 59 - Mike Chappell

April 21, 2026

The current plan is for New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (calf) to be reinstated from the 10-day injured list on Wednesday, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Soto began a running progression last Tuesday, and apparently, he's ramped up enough for the Mets to feel comfortable reinstating him in the middle of this week. The 27-year-old four-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger winner will be a much-needed offensive boost to a Mets team that has lost 11 straight games. Before injuring his calf, Soto was slashing .355/.412/.516 with a .928 OPS, a home run, five RBI, and three runs scored in his 31 at-bats. He's not going to fix New York's offensive struggles single-handedly, but his return will certainly be a boost. Fantasy managers should be prepared to get Soto back into their lineups everywhere on Wednesday at home against the Minnesota Twins at Citi Field. Soto will be returning without playing in any minor-league rehab games.--Keith Hernandez
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman

April 21, 2026

Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy (knee) tore his ACL in January of 2025 and didn't play at all last year. The NFL Network's Tom Pelissero says that McCoy has drawn plenty of scrutiny from NFL medical people in the pre-draft process because of concerns over his surgically-repaired knee. There is a possibility that McCoy slips in this year's draft, but not because of his ACL. The concern surrounds a bone plug that was used to fix a cartilage defect in his knee. Some doctors who have seen his scans are concerned that McCoy will need another surgery to replace the bone plug, which would feature a lengthy rehab. The young defensive back looked fully healthy during the Volunteers' pro day in front of NFL scouts, but his long-term durability is certainly in question with the NFL draft just a few days away. If McCoy didn't have any knee issues, he could have been looking at being taken within the top 10 picks in this year's draft. Pelissero says there's a chance he might not even be taken in Round 1 on Thursday evening.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero

April 21, 2026

ESPN's Seth Walder thinks Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson may fall out of the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, which starts this Thursday night. The Draft Day Predictor says Simpson has a 43% chance to be available at pick No. 33 to start Day 2 on Friday. The most likely spots for Simpson to go in the first round are at Nos. 16 (New York Jets), 21 (Pittsburgh Steelers), and 24 (Cleveland Browns). If Simpson doesn't get taken in the first round, the Jets (No. 33) and Arizona Cardinals (No. 34) are possibilities at the start of the second round. The draft predictor thinks there's a 91% chance that Simpson is off the board before pick No. 50. Many draft analysts were pretty confident last month that Simpson would be a first-rounder, but the buzz on Simpson being the second QB off the board in this year's class has faded since then. Wherever Simpson lands, he projects to be a developmental QB prospect that will sit and learn behind a veteran in his first season in the NFL.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Seth Walder

April 21, 2026

ESPN's Jordan Reid is mocking Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love to the Washington Commanders in the first round of this year's NFL draft at No. 7 overall. Love is widely considered the best overall prospect in this year's draft class, and he's an explosive playmaker waiting to happen. Reid believes that Love "would unlock multiple layers" of Washington's playbook that they couldn't access in 2025. Adding Love in the backfield would be a huge boost to quarterback Jayden Daniels as he looks to bounce back from an injury-plagued year in his second season in the NFL. Love rushed for 1,372 yards and a whopping 18 touchdowns last year for the Fighting Irish and had 39 runs of 10-plus yards, which was fourth-most in college football. A landing spot in D.C. would make Love quite attractive in both dynasty and redraft leagues in 2025. Other potential landing spots for Love in the top 10 picks in this year's draft include the Cardinals, Titans, and Giants. The Commanders could represent one of the best opportunities for the clear top RB in the 2026 NFL draft.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jordan Reid

April 21, 2026

The Minnesota Twins announced on Tuesday that they reinstated infielder Royce Lewis (knee) from the 10-day injured list. Lewis is back with the Twins after spraining his knee back on April 9, and he should be back in the starting nine right away for Tuesday's series opener against the New York Mets and right-hander Nolan McLean at Citi Field. With Lewis sidelined, the Twins were using a committee at the hot corner between Tristan Gray and Ryan Kreidler. Before Lewis' knee injury, he was hitting .222/.378/.444 with an .822 OPS, two home runs, eight RBI, six runs scored, and two stolen bases in 45 plate appearances across 12 games played. He clubbed two home runs in his two minor-league rehab games, and fantasy managers will be hoping that Lewis' power stroke is on point upon his return. The former first overall pick has game-changing power, but injuries continue to get in his way.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Minnesota Twins

April 21, 2026

The Baltimore Orioles activated catcher Adley Rutschman (ankle) from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday and designated catcher Sam Huff for assignment in a corresponding move, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. Rutschman will return to the O's after a minimum stay on the IL, and he should be back in the team's starting lineup for their contest on Tuesday against the hosting Kansas City Royals and left-hander Kris Bubic. The 28-year-old's return will push young catcher Samuel Basallo back into a backup role behind the plate, but he should still see plenty of at-bats between catcher and designated hitter in Baltimore. Rutschman, a two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger winner, was off to a strong start at the plate before landing on the IL, hitting .294 (10-for-34), although he's still searching for his first home run in 2026. Get him back into your starting lineups for the rest of the week.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MASN Sports - Roch Kubatko

April 21, 2026

Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike (neck), who suffered a season-ending and career-threatening neck injury in Week 2 of last year, underwent neck surgery last week that left his doctors believing he will be able to resume playing in 2026, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Madubuike has been taking part in the team's voluntary offseason program, but to what extent is unknown. When healthy, the 28-year-old nose tackle was a big part of the interior of Baltimore's defensive line, getting named to back-to-back Pro Bowls in 2023 and 2024. In that span, he had 99 tackles (59 solo), 19.5 sacks, 23 tackles for loss, 50 QB hits, and two forced fumbles in 34 starts. Getting the former third-rounder in 2020 out of Texas A&M back for the upcoming season would be a massive boost for the Ravens' defense, and it could affect their strategy in the upcoming NFL draft.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

April 21, 2026

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said that wide receiver Kayshon Boutte is not present this week for the start of voluntary offseason workouts, according to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. The Patriots and Boutte have been in communication, but the 23-year-old wideout has chosen to stay away from the team after a report surfaced on Monday that Boutte's name has come up in trade talks as he enters the final year of his contract in 2026. The Pats signed former Packers receiver Romeo Doubs in free agency, and they are expected to complete a trade for Philadelphia Eagles pass-catcher A.J. Brown after June 1, making Boutte expendable. Boutte was the Patriots' sixth-round pick in 2023 out of LSU. He only appeared in five games in his rookie campaign, but he's gone over 500 receiving yards in each of the last two seasons, and he scored a career-high six touchdowns in 14 regular-season contests (10 starts) in 2025. If New England does indeed acquire Brown from Philly, Boutte's best chance for a boost in fantasy value will be via a trade to another organization.--Keith Hernandez
Source: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz

April 21, 2026

Carolina Panthers second-year wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan said that he dropped 10 to 15 pounds during his rookie season in 2025 and got down to around 205 pounds, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. As a result, McMillan spent the offseason working on his "power" and weight/muscle gain. The 23-year-old former eighth overall pick out of the University of Arizona was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year after catching 70 of his 122 targets for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 starts in his first year in the league. McMillan immediately became quarterback Bryce Young's go-to target in the passing game, and his arrow is firmly pointing upward in dynasty/keeper leagues as he heads into Year 2. He should grow in offensive coordinator Brad Idzik's scheme in his second season after finishing last year as the WR15 in half-PPR scoring. In redraft leagues this fall, fantasy managers should consider McMillan a low-end WR1/high-end WR2.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Joe Person

April 21, 2026

Kansas City Royals veteran right-handed reliever Carlos Estevez (foot) is still on the 15-day injured list with a left-foot contusion, and he looked awful in his first appearance of the 2026 season before getting injured, but he could still be worth stashing in fantasy leagues due to reliever Lucas Erceg's recent struggles in the closer's role in KC. Erceg was perfect in his first five save chances after Estevez went on the shelf, but since then, he's blown both of his save chances while allowing four earned runs on four hits while walking four and striking out only one. The 30-year-old now has an ugly 6.48 ERA and 1.80 WHIP over his 8 1/3 innings pitched early in the campaign, firmly putting himself on the closer hot seat. It's unclear when Estevez might return, and he has issues of his own (primarily reduced velocity), but his demise as a closer might be premature. Estevez is still rostered in 67% of Yahoo leagues. If you're hurting for saves, you should consider picking up the injured Estevez. He could be thrown right back into the closing mix for the Royals when he's cleared to come off the IL.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Baseball Reference

April 21, 2026

The New York Mets still expect All-Star outfielder Juan Soto (calf) to return from the 10-day injured list during their upcoming homestand, which begins Tuesday against the Minnesota Twins and runs through next Thursday, April 30, but they don't have an exact date in mind for the slugger's return, according to Max Ralph of MLB.com. "Yes, he's still on track," manager Carlos Mendoza said Sunday. "Not sure which day, but as of right now, the plan is for him to start playing for us at some point in the next homestand." The Mets, losers of 11 games in a row, could really use Soto's bat back in the lineup. The 27-year-old Dominican began a running progression last Tuesday, but the team now wants to see him increase the intensity of his running program while adding elements such as side-to-side shuffling and starting/stopping. Friday would represent the three-week mark from when Soto originally went on the IL. Soto was hitting a cool .355/.412/.516 with a homer and two doubles before his injury. Without him, the Mets have scored just 1.9 runs per game, including three scoreless outings.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Max Ralph

April 21, 2026

Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star closer Edwin Diaz (elbow) is expected to miss around three months now that he needs surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow, and veteran right-handed reliever Blake Treinen could benefit at the back end of the team's bullpen with save opportunities going forward. The 37-year-old veteran has 82 career saves in his 11-plus MLB seasons, although he has only had three saves since the start of the 2024 campaign. With Diaz sidelined for the foreseeable future, manager Dave Roberts could get creative in the ninth inning with Treinen and left-handers Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia. Scott figures to get the first crack at save chances going forward, but don't be surprised if Treinen is involved as well. Treinen is only rostered in 4% of Yahoo leagues currently, but that number should rise as fantasy managers desperate for saves scoop him up. He has allowed three earned runs with three walks and six strikeouts in his 6 2/3 innings pitched for L.A. so far in 2026.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Baseball Reference

April 21, 2026

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty was one of the hottest names in dynasty fantasy football just one year ago. The buzz around the Boise State product has cooled down slightly, and managers should capitalize on this opportunity to acquire the running back in dynasty fantasy football leagues. It felt like there was this perception during the regular season that Jeanty was inconsistent, or perhaps even underperforming. The former may be true, but the latter certainly isn't, as Jeanty finished his rookie campaign as the RB11 in PPR leagues with 975 rushing yards, 346 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns. The softened narrative was likely caused by the state of the Raiders' offense, as the team limped to a 3-14 record that was the worst in the NFL. That narrative will shift in the coming weeks as the Raiders embark on a new chapter with consensus No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza. The state of Vegas' offense is trending up, and Mendoza's presence should drive up the value of all Raiders skill players in fantasy football, including Jeanty. Plus, in a draft that is relatively sparse at the running back position, we don't expect the Raiders to bring in any major competition for the former first-round pick. All in all, Jeanty continues to trend up and should be in the conversation as a potential top-five fantasy running back in 2026. He has top-tier upside in dynasty fantasy football leagues, ranking as RotoBaller's overall RB3. Dynasty managers should buy now before it's too late.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 21, 2026

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough was dominant after being installed as the starting quarterback last year, especially in the weeks following his team's bye. From Week 12-18, he had 10 total touchdowns and ranked as the overall QB5 in fantasy football. That type of production in an offense that didn't have very high expectations should instantly vault Shough into the top-12 conversation for the 2026 fantasy football season. Now, his value could soar even higher if the Saints add a receiver in the first few rounds of this week's NFL Draft. Most of Shough's production last year came from throwing to Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson. Both players showed major improvement in 2025, but adding another big name to this offense could be crucial for Shough's ascension into a weekly fantasy contributor. Many media outlets and mock drafts have linked the Saints to a Day 1 or Day 2 receiver. Such a selection would give a boost to Shough's value in dynasty leagues. Managers should look to buy low on Shough before the Saints improve his supporting cast via the draft.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 21, 2026

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing is the backup to All-Star catcher Will Smith, but he might be worth a pickup off the waiver wire after his two-homer performance in the team's 12-3 win over the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Monday night. Rushing went 2-for-5 on the night with three RBI and two strikeouts while batting out of the nine-hole. He got the start at first base for the Dodgers with Freddie Freeman (personal) still away from the team while on the paternity list. The 25-year-old former second-rounder in 2022 out of Louisville only has 27 at-bats so far on the season, but he's recorded 12 hits (seven home runs) and has driven in 13 and scored 10 runs for the Blue. In 53 games in 2025 in his rookie season in the majors, Rushing slashed .204/.258/.324 with four homers and 24 RBI in his 155 plate appearances. He's currently rostered in only 17% of Yahoo leagues, but that number could continue to climb in the coming days and weeks if Rushing gets more at-bats and continues to produce at the plate.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

April 21, 2026

New York Jets tight end Mason Taylor showed flashes of upside as a rookie last season, and he's an intriguing buy-low candidate ahead of this week's NFL Draft. With two first-round picks, the Jets seem primed to select one of this year's top quarterback prospects -- if not on Day 1, then likely on Day 2. Adding a young quarterback not only gives the Jets a long-term upgrade over Geno Smith but also an improved passer for many of the team's young receivers, including Taylor. In fact, perhaps no position benefits more from a rookie quarterback than tight end. Taylor can be a reliable, short-distance outlet for the Jets' young quarterback, and the two could potentially form a strong rapport that transforms Taylor into a weekly TE1 option. There's a lot of value in trading for young pass-catchers who are about to get a quarterback upgrade. Taylor currently ranks as RotoBaller's TE16 in dynasty fantasy football, and he could jump to the top-12 range with an improved quarterback situation. The time to buy low on Taylor is now.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 21, 2026

Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) threw 31 pitches in two simulated innings in batting practice on April 17 and is scheduled to bump up to three innings on Tuesday, according to MLB.com. Lodolo is still working his way back from a blister on his left index finger that landed him on the 15-day injured list on March 25 before the start of the 2026 regular season. His timetable for a return is still to be determined, although he could be cleared to go on a minor-league rehab assignment soon if he gets through his sim game on Tuesday with flying colors. Injuries have kept the 28-year-old southpaw from reaching his true potential in the big leagues, but the former seventh overall pick in 2019 out of TCU remains worth stashing in fantasy baseball leagues because of his strikeout upside when he's healthy. The 6-foot-6, 216-pounder has struck out 26.2% of the batters he's faced in his four MLB seasons and sports an ERA just above 4.00 in 409 2/3 total innings.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

April 21, 2026

New Orleans Saints running back Devin Neal might be penciled into the third-string role for now, but he's a sneaky buy in dynasty leagues ahead of this week's NFL Draft. The Saints brought in Travis Etienne Jr. during free agency, blocking Neal from becoming the team's starting running back in 2026. However, there's still a path for him to fill the No. 2 role while maintaining fantasy relevance. As it stands, the Saints have a crowded backfield, making it unlikely that they'll spend a premium pick on a running back in this year's draft, which is sparse at the position. At the same time, Alvin Kamara's time in New Orleans seems to be coming to an end. We would not be surprised to see Kamara traded or released around the time of the draft, when key roster decisions are typically made. But even if he does stick around for another year, Kamara's role is declining. His 3.0 catches per game and 3.6 yards per carry last year both represented new career lows for the veteran. It would surprise nobody if Neal leapfrogged Kamara on the depth chart by the middle of the season, as the 22-year-old has intriguing upside as an impact running back. The Saints want to make Neal a long-term part of their backfield, so dynasty managers would be wise to buy low while he's still buried in the third spot on the depth chart.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 21, 2026

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease continued his strong start to the 2026 season in his first year with the team in his outing on Monday in Anaheim in a 5-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels, allowing two earned runs on five hits while walking two and striking out 12 in five innings to pick up his first win of the year. Cease induced 18 swings and misses among his 110 pitches on the night. He's pitched much better than his 1-0 record indicates through his first five starts with Toronto, as he's posted a career-best 2.10 ERA (1.46 FIP) and 1.29 WHIP with a league-high 44 strikeouts and 14 walks in 25 2/3 frames. Cease currently sits in the 82nd percentile in xwOBA and in the 98th percentile in strikeout rate (39.6%). His 1.46 FIP shows he's not just getting lucky early in 2026, though fantasy managers would like to see his 12.6% walk rate come down a bit. It's the first time his walk rate has been in double digits since the 2023 season, his last with the Chicago White Sox.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com