February 4, 2026
According to Jessica Camerato of MLB.com, the Nationals could explore shifting second baseman
Luis Garcia Jr. to first base to begin the season. Last summer, Garcia was given a brief two-game stint at first base and could begin to take on a larger role there, given Washington's current roster. Additionally, the Nationals could turn to
Matt Mervis,
Andres Chaparro, or prospect
Yohandy Morales to begin the campaign as the team's starting first baseman. In 2025, Garcia spent the majority of his time at the keystone and held a .252/.289/.412 slash line with 28 doubles, 16 home runs, and 14 stolen bases. Managers should monitor his usage in spring training, as he could earn more positional eligibility if he were to appear in enough games at first base. If he were to completely shift to first base,
Jose Tena and
Nasim Nunez would likely earn starts at second base.
--Andy SmithSource: Jessica Camerato
February 4, 2026
The Miami Marlins have approached young outfielder
Jakob Marsee on a potential contract extension. Marsee made his MLB debut last summer and looked quite comfortable during his first taste of the major leagues. Through 55 contests, the 24-year-old held a .292/.363/.478 slash line with five long balls and 14 stolen bases. Under the hood, he generated a promising .347 xwOBA and .275 xBA, with a 38.9% LA sweet-spot rate. He also drew walks at an above-average 9.4% rate and struck out at a 20.5% rate. Across 98 games at Triple-A Jacksonville prior to this promotion, Marsee held a .246/.379/.438 line with 14 home runs and 47 stolen bases. Given that the Marlins have already begun pursuing long-term decisions with Marsee, it suggests they view him as a vital piece of the franchise. Managers should expect Marsee to see everyday opportunities in the center field to begin the 2026 campaign. He carries high-end breakout appeal in category formats, given his potential to steal bases at a high rate.
--Andy SmithSource: Christine De Nicola
February 4, 2026
According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Boston Red Sox nearly acquired Chicago White Sox right-handed pitcher
Jordan Leasure in a trade. Last week, the Red Sox sent right-handed pitchers
Jordan Hicks and
David Sandlin to the White Sox in exchange for right-handed prospect Gage Ziehl. However, it appears the Red Sox were also very interested in bolstering their bullpen with Leasure. Last season, Leasure logged 64 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.92 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. He struck out an eye-catching 81 hitters while generating an above-average 3.19 xERA. Managers should expect the 27-year-old to operate as the primary setup man for
Seranthony Dominguez on the South Side. While his save opportunities could be limited, he should be given ample opportunities to tally double-digit holds.
--Andy SmithSource: Chris Cotillo
February 4, 2026
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, New York Mets outfield prospect
Carson Benge was never included in the package that brought right-handed pitcher
Freddy Peralta to Queens. This suggests that the Mets view Benge not only as a short-term answer but also as a long-term part of the team's future. Instead, the Mets traded right-handed pitching prospect
Brandon Sproat and top infield prospect
Jett Williams to Milwaukee. The Mets selected Benge in the opening round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Oklahoma State. Last summer, the 23-year-old posted an impressive .281/.385/.472 slash line with 25 doubles, 15 home runs, and 22 stolen bases across 116 games split between High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A. Given New York's current outfield, Benge appears to be in serious consideration for the starring role in left field.
--Andy SmithSource: Ken Rosenthal
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
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
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