February 4, 2026
Sepp Straka got his 2026 season started with a lackluster performance at The American Express. The Austrian golfer saw plenty of rust two weeks ago via a 72-74 start. His third round 68 was not enough to play on Sunday but did show a little improvement. Last year, Straka started slow and built up to a T-15 result at Scottsdale. His final round 66 was one of the best on Sunday. Straka gained a ton of strokes last year in a two month run with six Top 15 finishes in seven events. If the Austrian shook off the rust, bettors are starting to believe he has. His number to win the WM Phoenix Open expects to shorten (+8000 via DraftKings). A Top 10 result is +500 which makes Straka an intriguing potential contender.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
February 4, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho left his fingerprints all over Tuesday's matchup against the Ottawa Senators, finishing a 4-3 victory with a goal and two assists. Aho scored late in the first period and helped Seth Jarvis grab a pair of goals in the second, including a power-play marker. The 28-year-old became the fourth Finnish player in NHL history to score at least 20 goals in 10 consecutive seasons. He has added 37 assists in 56 outings. Aho will attempt to post his first four-game goal streak since 2022-23 when the Hurricanes face the New York Rangers on Thursday in their final game before the Olympic break.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 4, 2026
Jordan Spieth has not won a PGA Tour event in four years. The American golfer has battled a litany of issues and injuries over the past several seasons. Going into the offseason last year healthy and coming into 2026 without mishaps was his biggest win. Spieth ended the Sony Open well and finished T-24 after a birdie-birdie finale. His driving distance was 12% better than average in Hawaii. Accuracy was a little in question at -7%. However, Spieth has been adjusting his swing and refining things. Driver and woods/iron accuracy may take time. With Spieth trending down to +5500, winning is out of the question. He is more focused on improving his overall game which means a potential fade here.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
February 4, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh scored in his fifth consecutive game and added an assist as his team defeated the Buffalo Sabres 4-3 in overtime on Tuesday night. Raddysh was a late hero, scoring with 26 seconds left in regulation to extend the game. He became only the sixth blue-liner in the past 25 years to record a five-game goal streak. Raddysh is third among defensemen with 17 goals and sixth with 51 points in 48 games. His productivity hasn't dipped since Victor Hedman's return, which is an encouraging sign for managers hoping Raddysh can keep his hot form going until the fantasy playoffs.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 4, 2026
Keith Mitchell has been improving each week as the WM Phoenix Open looms. The American golfer nearly climbed into the Top 10 last week at the Farmers Insurance Open (T-11). His solid weekend (68-69) paved the way to a nice success and nearly $200,000 payday. The one nagging concern with Mitchell has been putting so far in 2026. Small sample sizes can skew things but since late 2023, Mitchell has been outside the Top 100 in ranking metrics. This is starting to look like the 2024 campaign where Mitchell missed putts at an alarming rate. It pushed his putts per round then to 29.33. Now, that is 30.08. His 3-putt avoidance has been outside the Top 150 since 2023 as well. Mitchell is a DFS play if and only if the putter is even near tour average.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
February 4, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov made scoring look easy once again on Tuesday night, totaling four points (one goal, three assists) in a 4-3 overtime victory against the Buffalo Sabres. The Russian superstar recorded his second consecutive four-point game. He now has 39 such efforts, the fourth most among players born and trained outside North America. Kucherov has bagged an incredible 39 points (11 goals, 28 assists) since the start of January, making him a contender for his third straight Art Ross Trophy. He is now just five points behind leading scorer Connor McDavid. Across 50 outings, Kucherov has managed 90 points (29 goals, 61 assists).
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 4, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny celebrated his 700th career game with two assists in Tuesday's 4-2 win over the Washington Capitals. He managed to keep his multi-point streak alive in the final minutes. Konecny had his first helper when Jamie Drysdale scored a power-play goal with 5:23 left in regulation, and Rasmus Ristolainen's empty-net goal 17 seconds from the end gave Konecny his fourth consecutive multi-point game. The 28-year-old has been red-hot lately and will probably be disappointed that there's going to be an international break soon. Konecny has racked up 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) in his past nine outings. He has taken over the scoring lead among the Flyers, boasting 54 points (22 goals, 32 assists) in 54 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 4, 2026
According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Boston Red Sox have checked in on infielder
Ramon Urias, but currently have "lukewarm" interest in signing him ahead of spring training. The Red Sox have been linked to several infield free agents throughout the winter but have yet to agree to terms with any of them. Earlier in the offseason, they expressed significant interest in resigning
Alex Bregman or acquiring
Bo Bichette. Additionally, they have been linked to Houston's third baseman,
Isaac Paredes, in a potential trade. Urias spent the 2025 season with the Orioles and Astros. Across 112 contests, the 31-year-old held a .241/.292/.384 slash line with 11 home runs and three stolen bases. For now,
Marcelo Mayer is projected to begin the season as Boston's primary third baseman.
--Andy SmithSource: Chris Cotillo
February 4, 2026
Tom Hoge has truly been up and down in more ways than one to start of 2026. The American golfer has won once on the PGA Tour. His WM Phoenix Open results over the last five years is literally its own roller coaster. He has altered missed cuts with Top 20 results. A logical pattern dictates another good weekend finish. Hoge's 2026 so far features a T-40, T-8, and T-70. One bright spot is putting where Hoge has gained strokes compared to average every week. This is in contrast to the Fall Swing where Hoge struggled mightily putting (Sanderson Farms and The RSM Classic). January saw Hoge lose 2.1 strokes around the greens. That may be the bigger concern at Scottsdale for the golfer and a reason to still fade him.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
February 4, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins recorded his first shutout of the season on Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils, backstopping his team to a 3-0 road win with 24 saves. The Latvian netminder now has 12 shutouts with the Blue Jackets, placing him behind only Sergei Bobrovsky (33) and Steve Mason (19). After riding the hot hand of Jet Greaves for a while, Columbus has also received strong goaltending from Merzlikins lately. Following Tuesday's win, he boasts a 5-1-0 record over his last six starts. With two in-form goalies, the Blue Jackets are well-positioned to earn a playoff spot. Greaves is set to start in the final pre-Olympic break matchup against Chicago on Wednesday.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 4, 2026
Washington Nationals right-handed pitcher
Josiah Gray could get the starting nod on Opening Day, according to Jessica Camerato of MLB.com. Gray was sidelined for nearly the entire 2025 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024. He returned to the bump late in 2025 in the minor leagues. Across a brief 5 2/3-inning stint, Gray did not allow a run and helda 5:5 K:BB. During his last full season in Washington (2023), Gray logged 159 innings to the tune of a 3.91 ERA with a 1.46 WHIP. He struck out 143 hitters while allowing walks at a 11.5% rate. With
MacKenzie Gore now in Texas, Gore figures to compete for the lead role in the rotation alongside
Jake Irvin and
Cade Cavalli. Given his inconsistent command, Gray is best left for deeper 15+ team formats as a streaming option.
--Andy SmithSource: Jessica Camerato
February 4, 2026
Vancouver Canucks center Filip Chytil missed Tuesday's practice due to migraines and is unlikely to play on Wednesday against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Czech forward, who has made only 12 appearances this season, is unfortunately dealing with health issues again. Chytil couldn't finish Monday's matchup against Utah after he "tweaked something." Winger Conor Garland (illness) also missed Tuesday's practice but is expected to be in the lineup against Vegas. Jake DeBrusk is set to fill Chytil's spot on the second line, while Drew O'Connor will be promoted to the first line.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
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
Rickie Fowler brings the fans and loves the atmosphere at the WM Phoenix Open. The American golfer is capable of contending but the last five appearances have left fans wanting more. Fowler has one WD and three missed cuts. He performed well at The American Express sliding inside the Top 20 (T-18) behind a final round 68. Fowler is the truest definition of a risky play from a DFS or betting standpoint. It is a bit surprising he has shortened to +3900 via DraftKings (was +4500 to +5000 last week). People forget Fowler found a way to net consecutive Top 10 results last August before taking time off. The start will be vital for Fowler. Last year, that +3 (74) caused him to abandon ship.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
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
San Antonio Spurs forward
Jeremy Sochan (quadriceps) won't play on Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 22-year-old is battling a left quadriceps strain. Even when healthy, the Spurs haven't used Sochan much since the start of December, and he doesn't appear to have a future in San Antonio. In previous seasons, Sochan has shown good all-around ability, so his career could get a restart elsewhere. Sochan has been linked to the Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks since his camp reportedly received the green light to speak with teams about finding him a new home.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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
Chicago Bulls point guard
Mike Conley isn't expected to remain in the Windy City past the trade deadline, NBA insider Chris Haynes reports. The Minnesota Timberwolves traded Conley to the Bulls on Tuesday in a three-team trade, but he won't suit up for the club. According to Haynes, Conley will be targeted by a team that needs depth at the point guard position. Conley's fantasy trajectory is unlikely to change with his move elsewhere. He is averaging career-low numbers across the board in 2025-26, notching 4.4 points and 2.9 assists per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: Chris Haynes
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
Cleveland Cavaliers guards
Dennis Schroder and
Keon Ellis will be available for Wednesday's matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Cavalliers haven't included them on the injury report. The two were traded to Cleveland by the Sacramento Kings over the weekend and will make their Cavaliers debuts. Schroder and Ellis will continue as backups in Ohio, though they could have larger roles on Wednesday, depending on
James Harden's (personal) status. Even as a reserve, Schroder could offer decent fantasy value, but Ellis shouldn't be on fantasy radars.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 4, 2026
Sacramento Kings forward
De'Andre Hunter is poised to make his team debut on Wednesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies. The team has not included him on the injury report, signaling that Hunter is ready to play after arriving from Cleveland on Sunday. Hunter is projected to slot into the starting lineup, which will boost his fantasy stock. He began the year as a starter with the Cavaliers but was moved to the bench in mid-December. As a starter, Hunter has tallied 15.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game this season.
Keegan Murray (ankle) is likely to bump Hunter to the bench when he returns to the lineup, but that won't happen for at least two more weeks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 4, 2026
New York Knicks guard/forward
Josh Hart (ankle) left Tuesday's blowout win over the Washington Wizards in the third period, Phillip Martinez of SNY reports. He exited midway through the third quarter with a left ankle sprain. Hart notched four points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in 22 minutes as a starter. The Knicks also lost
Mohamed Diawara (ankle) in Tuesday's game. Luckily, both players were "moving well" postgame, so the duo likely won't miss much time. However, it's unclear whether they will be ready to play on Wednesday against the Denver Nuggets.
Mitchell Robinson (ankle) didn't feature against the Wizards and could be back in the lineup as a starter if Hart can't play.
Landry Shamet, who tallied 14 points on 4-for-6 three-point shooting Tuesday night, is also an option to start.
--Taavi PailkSource: Phillip Martinez
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
Los Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James won't be on the move as the trade deadline approaches this week. Sources have told ESPN that James expects to stay with the Lakers through the season, though his plans beyond the 2025-26 campaign remain unknown. James turned 41 in December, and the Lakers must start looking ahead. Yet the four-time MVP still appears to have plenty of gas left in the tank. James is averaging 22.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.2 steals in 32.0 minutes per game. While his three-point efficiency has dropped to 32.2 percent, he is still making over half of his shots from the field (50.9 percent).
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
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
RADIO
