February 20, 2026
The Baltimore Orioles placed right-handed reliever
Felix Bautista (shoulder) on the 60-day injured list on Friday and claimed third baseman
Bryan Ramos off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals in a corresponding move, according to Cordell Woodland of 105.7 The Fan. Bautista had surgery on his right shoulder in August of last year and isn't guaranteed to pitch in the big leagues in 2026. With Bautista potentially out for the entire season, the Orioles signed right-hander
Ryan Helsley in the offseason and are hoping he can bounce back as their closer after a tough finish to last season with the New York Mets. The 30-year-old Bautista also had Tommy John surgery in October of 2023 and missed the entire 2024 campaign. He struggled with control (6.0 BB/9) but struck out 50 in 34 2/3 innings last year while recording 19 saves. Fantasy managers can obviously avoid Bautista in redraft leagues, and he may never be as dominant as he once was after major shoulder surgery.
--Keith HernandezSource: 105.7 The Fan - Cordell Woodland
February 20, 2026
The San Diego Union-Tribune's Kevin Acee reports that San Diego Padres infielder
Sung-Mun Song (oblique) is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut in spring training in the coming days after recovering from a minor oblique injury that he suffered while taking batting practice last month. The 29-year-old took live batting practice in camp on Thursday and is itching to make his spring training debut for the Friars. San Diego has had Song move around this spring in preparation for a super-utility role that could see him play some third base, second base, shortstop, and even left field. Barring injuries around the field for the Padres in 2026, Song will likely be a bench player in his first year in the United States, making him avoidable in mixed fantasy leagues. Song makes plenty of contact and has decent power, but we've seen Korean hitters in the past struggle initially with the velocity of MLB pitchers.
--Keith HernandezSource: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee
February 20, 2026
San Diego Padres right-handed reliever
Jason Adam (quadriceps) "remains on track to potentially be ready" for Opening Day in late March, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune's Kevin Acee. Adam said last week that he feels it's realistic for him to be ready for the start of the 2026 season, and he said on Friday that he thinks the team's medical staff is "on board." The 34-year-old veteran is making great progress since suffering a torn left quad late last season that required surgery. He has been throwing bullpen sessions since early December. When back to full health, Adam will be the Padres' top setup man in front of superstar closer
Mason Miller. Adam was a first-time All-Star in 2025 and finished seventh among relievers with 29 holds while recording a sub-2.00 ERA for the third time in the last four years. He won't really see save chances as long as Miller stays healthy, but Adam should once again be very valuable in holds leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee
February 20, 2026
San Diego Padres manager
Craig Stammen said that left-handed reliever
Yuki Matsui (groin) had his live batting practice session cut short in camp on Thursday due to left-groin tightness, according to Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune. Although the injury doesn't sound very serious, it could keep Matsui from participating for Team Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. If he's feeling better, the 30-year-old southpaw could resume playing catch on Saturday. Matsui has been solid out of the Padres' bullpen in his first two years in the big leagues in middle relief, but he doesn't really move the needle in fantasy baseball without much of a high-leverage role. In his 125 appearances (126 innings), he has a 3.86 ERA (4.40 FIP), 1.26 WHIP, one save, 130 strikeouts, and 60 walks in San Diego.
--Keith HernandezSource: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee
February 20, 2026
The Boston Red Sox want right-hander
Johan Oviedo's delivery "to be more explosive," according to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com. The team wants him to "create more force down the mound." "The extension," manager Alex Cora said. "And that's kind of key for him. We saw him last year, he did a good job against us, and that's his uniqueness. If the velo goes up, great. But I think just maximize who you are and his extension is elite." If the 6-foot-6, 275-pounder can make the necessary fixes to his delivery that the team is looking for, he could be the favorite for one of the final spots in the starting rotation to begin the 2026 season, with
Kutter Crawford (knee, wrist) potentially opening the year on the injured list. Oviedo looked good last year in his return from Tommy John surgery, although he made only nine starts (40 1/3 frames). Durability and walks are the biggest concerns with Oviedo, but if he can generate more force with his delivery, he could see an uptick in velocity and K's in Boston.
--Keith HernandezSource: MassLive.com - Christopher Smith
February 20, 2026
The Dallas Cowboys waived linebacker Logan Wilson on Friday, according to Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News. With the release, the Cowboys will create $6.5 million in salary cap space for the 2026 season. Wilson was traded from the Cincinnati Bengals to the Cowboys midway through the season last year, but he didn't see much playing time in Dallas, with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus using Kenneth Murray over Wilson. The 29-year-old linebacker had 70 total tackles (34 solo) in 15 combined games in 2025 after reaching 100-plus total tackles in the four previous seasons with the Bengals. Wilson has struggled in pass coverage in the NFL and only has 5.5 sacks in his six seasons, but he's proven he's a reliable tackler when given enough playing time. In the right fit in 2026, he could put himself back on the IDP fantasy radar as a tackling machine.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Dallas Morning News - Calvin Watkins
February 20, 2026
The Athletic's Jesse Newell writes that Kansas City Chiefs impending free-agent running back
Isiah Pacheco is "likely to sign elsewhere" in free agency this offseason. Pacheco did not show his pre-injury burst out of the backfield in 2025, averaging 3.9 yards per carry while rushing for 462 yards and just one touchdown on 118 rushing attempts in 13 games played. He ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the 2022 NFL scouting combine, but he hasn't shown that same speed after a productive first two seasons in the NFL. In addition to his declining speed, he hasn't established himself as a receiving threat out of the backfield, with his 44-catch season in 2023 looking like an outlier. On top of injuries the last two seasons, Pacheco's fantasy stock is down as he enters free agency. Pacheco's 2026 fantasy value will depend on where he's playing, but most likely, he'll be involved in some sort of timeshare after struggling the last two seasons.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Jesse Newell
February 20, 2026
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said on Friday that the team has been communicating with impending free-agent tight end
Travis Kelce, according to Nate Taylor of ESPN. "There is communication. That's the main thing. That means people want to move forward. I [think] that's where Travis is," Reid said. The 36-year-old 11-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro is contemplating retirement for the second straight offseason, but if he decides to return for a 14th season in the NFL, he'll most likely re-sign with KC. The Chiefs have made it clear that they want Kelce back if he doesn't hang up his cleats. Despite his age, Kelce remained productive for fantasy managers in 2025, finishing as the TE4 in half-PPR scoring with 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns on 108 targets. If Kelce comes back, he'll be a midrange TE1 target in fantasy with more risk of injury because of his age.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Nate Taylor
February 20, 2026
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that "nothing is happening there" when discussing whether the Chiefs were in contact with free-agent wide receiver
Tyreek Hill (knee), according to Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star. "I don't know if Tyreek is healthy right now to do anything. I'm sure he's working hard on that part of it to get that straightened out," Reid said. The 31-year-old eight-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro dislocated his knee and tore multiple ligaments in Week 4 of last year, but he plans on continuing his playing career in 2026 as he heads into free agency. Hill was originally a fifth-round pick by the Chiefs in 2016 and spent the first six years of his career in KC, but as of right now, it doesn't sound like the Chiefs have interest in a reunion with the Cheetah, at least until they know more about his health. Hill's fantasy value going into his 11th NFL campaign will depend on his health and where he lands, but it sure would be intriguing to see him back in KC working with quarterback
Patrick Mahomes.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Kansas City Star - Sam McDowell
February 20, 2026
For the second straight season, the Denver Broncos are going into the offseason with a priority to boost their running game, according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN. The Broncos were third in the league win run-block win rate (73.9%), but it didn't result in much production on the ground in 2025. Denver was 15th in plays of 20-plus yards (run and pass combined), 15th in runs of 10-plus yards, and 11th in runs of 20-plus yards. They were 21st in the NFL in rushing yards over expected. Losing lead back
J.K. Dobbins to a season-ending foot injury midway through the year likely played a part, and rookie RB
RJ Harvey rushed for 540 yards and averaged 3.7 yards per tote. The Broncos were first in run-block win rate in 2024 and also struggled to run the football. Specifically, running the ball under center will be a "point of emphasis," per head coach Sean Payton. Dobbins is a free agent this offseason, so if he doesn't come back, Harvey could be the Broncos' RB1 in 2026. Quarterback
Bo Nix could also be given more designed runs next season as Denver looks to become more effective running the football.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Legwold
February 20, 2026
Detroit Tigers right-hander
Sawyer Gipson-Long (oblique) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session in camp on Friday, according to Evan Petzold of MLive.com. Gipson-Long is battling through a left-oblique injury in spring training, but barring a setback, he should be ready for Opening Day in late March. The 28-year-old missed all of the 2024 season after having Tommy John surgery, and he returned last year to record a rough 7.18 ERA and 1.28 WHIP with 26 strikeouts and only six walks in 31 1/3 innings pitched over eight appearances (three starts) at the big-league level. He also dealt with some neck problems last year, so injuries have been an issue. For now, Gipson-Long is off the fantasy baseball radar in single-year leagues, and he'll likely begin the 2026 season at Triple-A Toledo. However, when healthy, he throws strikes and can generate whiffs with his offspeed pitches.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLive.com - Evan Woodbery
February 20, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander
Drew Rasmussen, who has been named the team's Opening Day starter in 2026, is a pretty good bet to see a career-high in innings pitched this year, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Rasmussen exceeded expectations in his first full year back from Tommy John surgery in 2025, going 10-5 with a 2.76 ERA (3.84 FIP), 1.02 WHIP, and 127:37 K:BB in 150 innings over 31 starts to become a first-time All-Star. For obvious reasons, the Rays closely monitored the 30-year-old's workload, and he still set a new career high in innings. Rasmussen has already had three serious elbow surgeries, dating back to his college days, but barring an injury this year, he should easily surpass the 150-inning mark he set in 2025. With more volume comes higher fantasy upside for Rasmussen, who is ranked as RotoBaller's No. 44 fantasy starting pitcher in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
February 20, 2026
After a record-breaking rookie campaign in 2024, Las Vegas Raiders tight end
Brock Bowers battled through injury and a less-than-ideal offensive environment in 2025. Across 12 games, Bowers recorded 64 receptions for 680 yards and seven touchdowns on 86 targets. The 23-year-old suffered a knee injury in Week 1 that he battled through for multiple months before finally being shut down and ending the season on Injured Reserve. However, Bowers should be fully healthy for the start of the 2026 season. The Raiders could also have an improved team around him, as the team appears likely to select University of Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the number one overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. Las Vegas also made coaching staff changes, bringing in former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as their new head coach. With renewed health and a better supporting cast, Bowers should return to elite fantasy tight end status in 2026 and beyond.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 20, 2026
The Seattle Times' Ryan Divish reports that Seattle Mariners right-hander
Bryce Miller (elbow) has no pain in his right elbow and has two improved breaking pitches this spring. Miller is "excited to pitch a full season" and to help the Mariners "go even further" in 2026. The 27-year-old did not need surgery to have bone spurs in his elbow removed despite going on the injured list two separate times last year due to elbow problems. It's great news, but Miller goes into the 2026 campaign with a little more risk. Miller struggled in his third year in the big leagues, most likely due to his elbow issues, going 4-6 with a career-worst 5.68 ERA (5.17 FIP) and 1.41 WHIP with 74 strikeouts and 34 walks in 90 1/3 innings over 18 starts. It was promising that he had a 2.51 ERA in the playoffs in a small sample size, as well as the fact that he's feeling 100% in camp. Miller will slowly start to rise up draft boards as a bounce-back candidate if he can avoid further elbow injuries.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Seattle Times - Ryan Divish
February 20, 2026
Miami Dolphins wide receiver
Jaylen Waddle rebounded from a down 2024 season in 2025, recording 64 catches for 910 yards and six touchdowns on 100 targets across 16 games played. After fellow Dolphins wideout
Tyreek Hill (knee) suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 4, Waddle took over as the team's undisputed WR1 for the remainder of the year. Miami released Hill earlier this week, so Waddle profiles as the team's lead pass-catcher once again heading into 2026. The Dolphins will have a different look in 2026, as the team fired former head coach and play-caller Mike McDaniel and is reportedly looking to trade quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa as well. The changes around Waddle muddle his fantasy outlook a bit, but could also be a good thing for the 27-year-old as he heads into his sixth NFL campaign. In dynasty formats, Waddle re-established his value in 2025 and could be in line for the best year of his career in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 20, 2026
Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said that outfielder
Brandon Nimmo will be ramped up slowly in spring training, like he always does, according to MLB.com's Kennedi Landry. Nimmo is unlikely to play in any Cactus League games until March. The Rangers acquired Nimmo in a trade from the New York Mets in the offseason, and he's expected to replace
Josh Smith as the team's primary leadoff hitter in 2025. The 32-year-old lefty hitter batted in the heart of the Mets' order last year, so he will lose out on valuable RBI opportunities, but he should be an excellent source of runs with the move to the top of the order in Texas. Nimmo is also a great asset in fantasy leagues that count on-base percentage, considering his career .350 OBP. He had career highs in homers (25) and RBI (92) last year at the expense of some OBP. Despite battling nagging injuries over the years, Nimmo has played in 150-plus games for four straight years. He's a good bet to steal double-digit bases for the third year in a row if he's past his plantar-fasciitis issues. Nimmo is ranked as the No. 36 fantasy outfielder at RotoBaller.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
February 20, 2026
After a down year in 2024, Jacksonville Jaguars running back
Travis Etienne Jr. rebounded with arguably the best season of his career in 2025. Across 17 games, the 27-year-old recorded 1,399 scrimmage yards and 13 touchdowns on 296 touches. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry, his best mark since his rookie season in 2022, and set a career high with six receiving touchdowns. Etienne Jr. will now hit free agency and could command a lucrative, multi-year pact on the open market. Without knowing for sure where Etienne Jr. will be playing, it's difficult to determine his fantasy value for 2026 and beyond. If he remains in Jacksonville, he may end up splitting touches with Jaguars back
Bhayshul Tuten. Etienne Jr. may see a larger workload elsewhere, but he could also land in a less favorable offensive environment. Still, Etienne Jr re-established his fantasy value in 2025 and profiles as a quality starting running back option in dynasty formats.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 20, 2026
Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said that outfielder
Wyatt Langford won't play in a Cactus League game until a few days in, according to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. Langford is fine physically, but the Rangers are slowly ramping him up this spring. The 24-year-old power-hitting outfielder dealt with an oblique injury in spring training last year and ended up going on the injured list three separate times for the injury during the 2025 regular season. He is Texas' everyday left fielder and should be considered a top-20 fantasy outfielder for his blend of power and speed. The former fourth overall pick out of the University of Florida in 2023 hit .241/.344/.431 with a .775 OPS, 22 home runs, 62 RBI, 73 runs scored, and 22 stolen bases in 573 plate appearances over 134 games in his second MLB season last year. If Langford can stay healthy over a full season, he has easy top-10 potential as an outfielder.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
February 20, 2026
New England Patriots wide receiver
Mack Hollins has mostly been a journeyman throughout his career, playing for six different teams across eight NFL seasons. The 32-year-old established a consistent role with New England in 2025, hauling in 46 catches for 550 yards and two touchdowns on 65 targets, his most productive statline since the 2022 season. Hollins is known as one of the NFL's best run-blocking wide receivers, which helps him stay on the field despite his limited pass-catching ability. The veteran wideout is under contract with the Patriots for the 2026 season and should continue to play a role with the team. However, New England could look to shift more playing time towards young wideouts
Kayshon Boutte and
Kyle Williams, both of whom flashed upside at different points in 2025. Even if Hollins sees a significant snap share again in 2026, he's never recorded 60 catches or 700 receiving yards in a season and carries limited upside for fantasy managers in dynasty leagues
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 20, 2026
Minnesota Twins right-hander
Pablo Lopez (elbow) will have season-ending Tommy John surgery next Wednesday, according to Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic. This was the expectation after it was announced earlier this week that Lopez suffered a tear in his right UCL. Fantasy managers can now officially cross the 29-year-old off their 2026 draft boards, and he might not be ready for the start of next season either, depending on how his rehab goes. It's a massive blow to a rebuilding Twins team, as they will be without their ace all year. His injury could open up a rotation spot for right-hander
Zebby Matthews, who has struggled so far in two major-league seasons.
Joe Ryan,
Bailey Ober,
Simeon Woods Richardson, and
Taj Bradley are the other starters that should be locked into Minnesota's Opening Day rotation.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Aaron Gleeman
February 20, 2026
Across 16 games as a rookie in 2025, Chicago Bears tight end
Colston Loveland recorded 58 receptions for 713 yards and six touchdowns on 82 targets. Loveland's season-long numbers are strong, but the 21-year-old truly took off down the stretch of the season. Including the playoffs, Loveland hauled in 39 catches for 500 yards and three scores on 63 targets over his final seven contests. Loveland showed off an improved chemistry with Bears quarterback
Caleb Williams, and could be primed for a superstar breakout in his second NFL season. Between wide receivers
DJ Moore,
Rome Odunze, and
Luther Burden III, Chicago has plenty of capable pass-catchers who could provide significant target competition for Loveland. Still, the young tight end should be a focus of his team's offense and could dominate playing time at his position in 2026 if the Bears move on from veteran tight end
Cole Kmet over the offseason. Loveland profiles as an elite fantasy tight end in dynasty formats after his rookie campaign.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 20, 2026
Buffalo Bills quarterback
Josh Allen (foot) recently underwent foot surgery to repair a broken bone in his right foot. Despite suffering the injury in Week 16, Allen finished the 2025 season without missing a game and is expected to recover long before the start of 2026. The 29-year-old posted another excellent campaign in 2025, completing a career-high 69.3% of his pass attempts for 3,668 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Allen also remains one of the NFL's best rushing quarterbacks, as he logged 579 yards and 14 touchdowns with his legs, his third straight season with at least 500 rushing yards and 12 rushing scores. Provided he can make a full recovery from his current foot injury, there's little reason to think Allen will slow down heading into his age-30 season in 2026. The Bills also appear likely to prioritize adding pass-catching help around Allen over the offseason after the team's wide receiver corps underperformed throughout this most recent year. Allen remains an elite fantasy quarterback option in both redraft and dynasty formats heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 20, 2026
In his first season with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, running back
Saquon Barkley tallied nearly 2,300 yards from scrimmage and finished third in the NFL MVP voting while leading his team to a Super Bowl ring. While Barkley was still an impact player in 2025, he wasn't able to reach anywhere near the same heights in his second season in Philadelphia. Across 16 games played, Barkley recorded 1,413 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns on 317 touches. After averaging a ridiculously efficient 5.8 yards per carry in 2024, Barkley logged a much more pedestrian 4.1 yards per carry in 2025. As he enters his age-29 season in 2026, it's fair to wonder how much Barkley still has left in the tank. Including the postseason, the veteran back has logged over 800 touches over the past years. The Eagles' strong offensive line also took a step back in 2025, although the team did get some positive news on star right tackle Lane Johnson, who recently announced he plans to return for another season in 2026. In the short term, Barkley remains one of the top running back options in fantasy football. However, his dynasty stock is trending in the wrong direction due to the possibility of age-related decline.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 20, 2026
Across 17 games played in 2025, Miami Dolphins wide receiver
Malik Washington hauled in 46 receptions for 317 yards and three touchdowns on 65 targets. The 25-year-old also showed an ability to make an impact in the running game, recording 17 carries for 110 yards and a score. Washington's role in Miami grew after star Dolphins wide receiver
Tyreek Hill (knee) suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 4. Miami released Hill earlier this week, so Washington may enter 2026 as the team's WR2 alongside star wideout
Jaylen Waddle. However, the Dolphins will have an altered offensive infrastructure in 2026, as former head coach and play-caller Mike McDaniel has been replaced, and quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa is reportedly on the trade block. Washington has also been a highly inefficient wide receiver to this point in his career, averaging just 7.5 yards per reception. His dual-threat ability gives him some fantasy intrigue, but Washington's dynasty value is neutral at best after his modest output in 2025.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 20, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander
Jose Berrios, who has been the team's Opening Day starter in three of the last four seasons, is "once again looking like the pitcher who built the reputation as one of the most reliable workhorses in the sport," according to MLB.com's Keegan Matheson. Despite Berrios' dip in velocity at the end of last year and a trip to the injured list, he's locked into Toronto's rotation. "José is fully healthy. He's looked sharp," manager John Schneider said. "His stuff is back to where it was probably two years ago in terms of velocity and his breaking ball. He changed his breaking ball a bit to make it a little bigger, so I love that guys are trying to evolve a bit, too." The 31-year-old Puerto Rican is looking to bounce back after throwing only 166 innings in 2025 -- his fewest since 2017 with the Twins. Berrios might not have the velocity to blow hitters away anymore, and the mileage on his arm is a concern, but if he can limit walks and keep the ball in the yard more, a bounce-back could be coming.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
February 20, 2026
A seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Jacksonville Jaguars running back
LeQuint Allen Jr. established himself as his team's RB3 as a rookie. Allen Jr. played a minimal role on offense, recording 148 scrimmage yards on 33 touches across 17 games played. The 21-year-old's path to playing time was blocked by the Jaguars' strong running back tandem of
Travis Etienne Jr. and
Bhayshul Tuten. However, Etienne Jr. is set to hit free agency this spring and may not be back in Jacksonville in 2026. Tuten flashed high-end upside in 2025 and would likely take over the Jaguars' RB1 role should Etienne Jr. sign elsewhere in free agency. Still, Allen Jr. could be in line for a significant playing time increase and might establish himself as Jacksonville's primary third-down and receiving back in his second NFL season. In dynasty formats, Allen Jr. might be worth stashing until the backfield picture in Jacksonville becomes clearer.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 20, 2026
MASN Sports' Brendan Mortensen writes that Baltimore Orioles infielder
Blaze Alexander is likely to be the team's starter at second base on Opening Day, with
Jackson Holliday (hand) starting the year on the injured list after having surgery to remove the hamate bone from his hand. Mortensen mentions
Jeremiah Jackson and
Weston Wilson as other options at the keystone until Holliday returns. Once Holliday comes off the injured list, Alexander will be an option for at-bats at third base, with
Jordan Westburg (elbow) out through April due to a partially torn UCL in his right elbow. The O's acquired the 26-year-old from the Diamondbacks in a trade this offseason after he hit .230/.323/.383 with seven home runs and four steals in 74 games last season. Alexander will mostly be in a utility role in his new digs, but with more playing time coming early in the year, his fantasy stock in AL-only leagues is on the rise.
--Keith HernandezSource: MASN Sports - Brendan Mortensen
February 20, 2026
A sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Cincinnati Bengals running back
Tahj Brooks played a minimal role on offense in his first professional season. Across 16 games, the 23-year-old recorded just 54 yards from scrimmage on 17 total touches. Bengals running back
Chase Brown has logged nearly 600 touches over the past two seasons combined and is locked in as the RB1 in Cincinnati for at least 2026, blocking Brooks off from significant playing time. The Bengals also have steady veteran back
Samaje Perine under contract for the 2026 season. Perine recorded 469 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns across 15 games with Cincinnati in 2025, and his reputation as a solid pass blocker and receiver should keep him secure in the team's third-down role. Post 2026, Brooks could have a pathway to more playing time in Cincinnati. However, it appears unlikely that he will have a chance to prove himself in the short term, barring an injury to Brown or Perine. Brooks' value in dynasty formats should be trending downward after his quiet rookie campaign.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 20, 2026
The Detroit Tigers have paused shortstop
Trey Sweeney's (shoulder) throwing activities in camp due to a right-shoulder strain, according to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. Sweeney's injury doesn't mean he won't be ready in time for Opening Day in late March, but it definitely hurts his chances of winning a big-league roster spot out of camp. The 25-year-old has struggled to hit at the big-league level since debuting with the Tigers in 2024, slashing .202/.261/.313 with a .573 OPS, 10 home runs, 49 RBI, and a 124:33 K:BB in 445 plate appearances. He's probably fourth in the pecking order at shortstop this spring, behind prospect
Kevin McGonigle,
Javier Baez, and
Zach McKinstry. Sweeney doesn't have enough power at the plate to be a realistic fantasy option, and he looked overmatched offensively in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Cody Stavenhagen
February 20, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander
Jared Jones (elbow) is scheduled to throw live batting practice on Friday in camp and will face designated hitter
Marcell Ozuna and outfielder
Oneil Cruz, according to Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. It's a significant development since it will be the first time that Jones will face hitters since having surgery on his right elbow last May. The 24-year-old won't be an option for the Pirates' starting rotation or for fantasy managers until at least late May, but he continues to make progress in his rehab. Among all of Pittsburgh's promising young arms, it might be easy for Jones to get lost in the shuffle after his elbow injury. In his MLB debut in 2024, Jones was impressive, going 6-8 with a 4.14 ERA (4.00 FIP) and 1.19 WHIP with 132 strikeouts and 39 walks in 121 2/3 innings over 22 starts. Because Jones won't have a full season in 2026 and he'll likely be on a strict workload, he'll only be a late-round flier to stash in fantasy drafts, at best.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Colin Beazley
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