February 6, 2026
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher
Reese Olson (shoulder) might not be ready for the beginning of the regular season, according to Evan Petzold. Olson went down in July due to a strained shoulder and never returned to the mound. He reportedly began throwing in December, but doesn't appear quite ready to pitch yet. If Olson does miss time,
Troy Melton is the most likely candidate to take his spot in the starting rotation. Before going down last season, Olson posted a 3.15 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and a 65/25 K/BB ratio in 13 starts. He has been a viable pitcher when healthy, but hasn't pitched more than 22 games since making his debut in 2023. The Tigers should give a better timetable on Olson once Spring Training ramps up.
--Andy WebbSource: The Detroit Times
February 6, 2026
A seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Chicago Bears running back
Kyle Monangai entered his rookie season without much fanfare. However, the 23-year-old impressed in his first campaign, recording 947 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 187 touches across 17 games. Monangai showcased impressive efficiency as a rusher, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. As the season progressed, Monangai was able to steal more and more work away from established Bears RB1
D'Andre Swift. Including the postseason, Monangai recorded at least 11 touches in eight out of his final 10 games. From Week 11 through the end of the regular season, neither Monangai nor Swift played more than 59% or fewer than 41% of Chicago's offensive snaps in any contest. In 2026, Swift will be playing on the final season of his current contract. While the two backs project to share backfield work in the short term, Monangai may have done enough as a rookie for the team to feel confident in him as its long-term answer at running back. Monangai's fantasy value in dynasty formats should be on the rise after his encouraging 2025 season.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 6, 2026
The Los Angeles Angels announced on Friday that they signed free-agent left-hander
Brent Suter to a one-year, $1.25 million deal, according to Taylor Blake Ward of Baseball America. Suter spent the last two seasons pitching for the Cincinnati Reds, where he had a 3.85 ERA (4.44 FIP), 1.21 WHIP, two saves, 103 strikeouts, and 30 walks in 133 1/3 innings over 95 appearances (six starts). He had a 4.52 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 53:18 K:BB in 67 2/3 innings last year. Suter brings plenty of experience -- he's heading into his 11th season in the big leagues in 2026 -- but he can be ignored for fantasy purposes as a middle-relief arm with virtually no strikeout upside. In his 10 big-league campaigns, Suter only has a 19.9% strikeout rate in 597 1/3 total innings.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball America - Taylor Blake Ward
February 6, 2026
The Cincinnati Reds announced on Friday that catcher
Ben Rortvedt was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Rortvedt will head back to the 2025 World Series champions after the Reds previously claimed him off waivers from the Dodgers back in November. The 28-year-old left-handed-hitting backstop hit a combined .152/.240/.205 with a .445 OPS, just one home run, 10 RBI, 11 walks, and 23 strikeouts in 44 regular-season games in 2025 with the Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays. Rortvedt only appeared in 18 games for L.A. to close out the season. He actually served as the Dodgers' starting catcher for a stretch late last season, when both
Will Smith and
Dalton Rushing went down with injuries. Like most backup catchers, Rortvedt lacks any kind of real power or speed, which makes him pretty useless in fantasy. He'll enter spring training as the No. 3 catcher for the Dodgers.
--Keith HernandezSource: Cincinnati Reds
February 6, 2026
Tennessee Titans wide receiver
Calvin Ridley (leg) had by far the worst season of his career in 2025, recording 17 receptions for 303 yards and zero touchdowns on 36 targets. The 31-year-old was also limited to just seven games played. After suffering a hamstring injury in Week 6 that sidelined him for over a month, Ridley broke his fibula upon his return in Week 11, landing him on Injured Reserve and ending his season. Ridley still has two years remaining on his current contract with the Titans, but Tennessee has a potential out this offseason that would leave them with a manageable dead cap hit. As a result, Ridley may be looking for a new home as he enters his age-32 season coming off a major leg injury. Before 2025, Ridley had posted consecutive seasons with at least 120 targets and 1,000 receiving yards, so he may bounce back in 2026. However, the veteran wideout's dynasty fantasy value should be plummeting after his disastrous 2025 campaign.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 6, 2026
The New York Yankees are reportedly still interested in bringing back free-agent first baseman
Paul Goldschmidt. According to Jon Heyman, there could be competition with the San Diego Padres emerging as a candidate for Goldschmidt. The Yankees are looking for a platoon partner for
Ben Rice at first base, and Goldy seems to be a good fit. Last season, Goldschmidt slashed .274/.328/.403 with 10 home runs and 45 RBI in 146 games with the Yankees. He was excellent versus left-handed pitching, slashing .336/.411/.570 with seven homers in 168 plate appearances in 2025. The 38-year-old is an ideal platoon option at first base who is still a capable defensive player. His fantasy value will be dependent on where he ends up signing.
--Andy WebbSource: Jon Heyman
February 6, 2026
The St. Louis Cardinals claimed third baseman
Bryan Ramos off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, sources told Francys Romero. The Cuban infielder was designated for assignment two days ago by the Orioles, and he'll now head to the National League Central. The Orioles acquired Ramos in a trade with the Chicago White Sox last Sunday. The 23-year-old infielder only appeared in four games with the White Sox last year, going 2-for-12 with two RBI and four strikeouts. In his MLB debut in 2024, he went 20-for-99 (.202) with three homers, 11 RBI, seven walks, and 22 strikeouts in 32 games played. At Triple-A Charlotte last year, Ramos slashed .216/.309/.396, although he did manage to pop 16 home runs and steal 13 bases. There's still time for Ramos to develop, but as of right now, he's most likely to start the 2026 season at Triple-A Memphis as infield depth for the Red Birds.
--Keith HernandezSource: Francys Romero
February 6, 2026
Cincinnati Reds right-hander
Graham Ashcraft won his salary arbitration case against the team on Friday, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. Ashcraft will make $1.75 million in 2026. After dealing with injuries and posting an ERA just under 5.00 in his first three seasons with the Reds as a starter, Cincy converted the 27-year-old into a full-time reliever in 2025, and the results were solid. Ashcraft had a career-best 3.99 ERA and 1.42 WHIP with 64 strikeouts and 25 walks in 65 1/3 innings out of the bullpen. He will enter the 2026 campaign in a middle-relief role again, which limits his fantasy appeal, but Ashcraft did tally 23 holds last year, which was tied for 19th in the league. Injuries were still an issue -- he made two trips to the injured list. Ashcraft also had a career-high 22.5% strikeout rate in 2025, although it's still a bit underwhelming for how hard he throws.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
February 6, 2026
The Athletics have claimed infielder
Andy Ibanez off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ibanez signed a one-year, $1.2 million deal with the Dodgers in mid-January. He was recently designated for assignment by the organization, but has quickly found a new home. The expectation is that Ibanez will play in a platoon-type role with
Jeff McNeil at second base. In 2025, Ibanez slashed .239/.301/.352 with four home runs, 21 RBI, and four steals in 91 games with the Detroit Tigers. The 32-year-old is better against left-handed pitching, slashing .258/.311/.403 in 135 plate appearances versus southpaws last season. He could be a useful platoon player, but is unlikely to offer much fantasy value.
--Andy WebbSource: Fabian Ardaya
February 6, 2026
New York Yankees outfielder
Jasson Dominguez reportedly isn't a lock to make the Opening Day roster. According to Bryan Hoch, Dominguez might begin the season in the minor leagues. The starting outfield spots are currently taken by
Aaron Judge,
Cody Bellinger, and
Trent Grisham. Dominguez could play a role off the bench, but the Yankees would likely rather have Dominguez get everyday at-bats in Triple-A. The assumption is that Dominguez would be the next man up if something happens to those outfielders or
Giancarlo Stanton goes down with an injury. Last season, Dominguez slashed .257/331/.388 with 10 home runs, 47 RBI, and 23 stolen bases in 123 games with the Yankees. The 22-year-old appears ready for the next level on a full-time basis, but the Yankees don't currently have a starting spot for him at the moment.
--Andy WebbSource: Bryan Hoch
February 6, 2026
Vinicius Oliveira will look to extend his win streak when he faces off against Mario Bautista in the main event of UFC Vegas 113 on Saturday. Since his third-round TKO loss to Ali Taleb back in 2022, Oliviera has been on a tear, going 6-0 in his last six fights. Oliveira last competed in July at UFC 318, where he extended his win streak by defeating Kyler Phillips via unanimous decision. DraftKings sees Oliveira as the underdog with a salary of $7,400.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 6, 2026
Mario Bautista will look to return to the win column when he takes on Vinicius Oliveira in the main event of UFC Vegas 113 on Saturday. Bautista was last seen in action in October at UFC 321, where he lost to Umar Nurmagomedov via unanimous decision. Bautista had been closing in on title contention, but was outgrappled by Nurmagomedov. Prior to that, Bautista was on a tear, more specifically, he was on an eight-fight winning streak. DraftKings sees Volkanovski as the favorite with a salary of $8,800.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 6, 2026
Former title challenger Kyoji Horiguchi will look to extend his win streak when he takes on Amir Albazi in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 113 on Saturday. After nine long years, former title challenger Horiguchi returned to the leading promotion in his last fight in November 2025 at UFC Qatar, where he extended his win streak by defeating Tagir Ulanbekov via third-round technical submission. DraftKings sees Horiguchi as a big favorite with a salary of $9,300.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 6, 2026
Amir Albazi will look to get back in the win column when he faces off against Kyoji Horiguchi in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 113 on Saturday. Albazi last fought for the promotion back in November 2024 at UFC Edmonton, where he lost by unanimous decision to former two-time flyweight champion Brandon Moreno. Before that, Albazi was extremely close to getting a title shot, as he was on a six-fight winning streak. DraftKings sees Albazi as a massive underdog with a salary of $6,900.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 6, 2026
Rizvan Kuniev will look to get his first victory in the leading promotion when he faces off against Jailton Almeida on the main card of UFC Vegas 113 on Saturday. Kuniev made his promotional debut in his last fight in June at UFC Baku, where he lost via split decision to Curtis Blaydes. Prior to his loss to Blaydes, Kuniev defeated Hugo Cunha via first-round TKO on Dana White's Contender Series to earn his spot in the UFC heavyweight division. DraftKings sees Kuniev as the underdog with a salary of $7,700.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 6, 2026
Jailton Almeida will look to bounce back in the win column when he takes on Rizvan Kuniev on the main card of UFC Vegas 113 on Saturday. Almeida was last seen in action in October at UFC 321, where he lost by a controversial split decision to Alexander Volkov. This is a short-notice fight for Almeida who is replacing the injured Ryan Spann on less than a month's notice. Since signing with the leading promotion, Almeida has gone 8-2. DraftKings sees Almeida as the favorite with a salary of $8,500.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 6, 2026
Marc-Andre Barriault will aim to get back in the win column when he takes on Michal Oleksiejczuk on the main card of UFC Vegas 113 on Saturday. It's safe to say that Barriault isn't as durable as he once was. Since 2024, Barriault has gone 1-4 in his last five fights and has suffered two knockout losses in his last four fights. The 34-year-old was last seen in July 2025 at UFC Abu Dhabi, where he lost to Shara Magomedov via unanimous decision. DraftKings sees Barriault as the underdog with a salary of $7,100.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 6, 2026
Michal Oleksiejczuk will look to extend his win streak when he faces off against Marc-Andre Barriault on the main card of UFC Vegas 113. After losing three fights in a row, Oleksiejczuk bounced back by finishing Sedriques Dumas via first-round TKO. Oleksiejczuk was last seen in action in August 2025 at UFC 319, where he defeated UFC veteran Gerald Meerschaert via first-round TKO. DraftKings sees Oleksiejczuk as the favorite with a salary of $9,100.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 6, 2026
Atlanta Falcons quarterback
Michael Penix Jr. (knee) said on the Up & Adams Show on Friday that his recovery from knee surgery is a "little bit" ahead of schedule. Penix suffered a torn left ACL in Week 11 against the Carolina Panthers, but he's hoping he'll be ready to roll for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season this fall. The 25-year-old has already recovered from two ACL tears in his right knee in college, so he's pretty familiar with the rehab process. He's been attacking his rehab diligently since having surgery on Nov. 25, but there's no guarantee that Penix will be ready for Week 1, making him an extremely volatile QB2 target in fantasy football drafts this fall. Before his knee injury, the former eighth overall pick out of Washington was extremely inconsistent in nine starts in his first year as the full-time starter, completing 60.1% of his passes for 1,982 yards, nine TDs, and three picks.
--Keith HernandezSource: Up & Adams
February 6, 2026
Free-agent right-handed reliever
Ryan Brasier is finalizing an undisclosed deal with the Texas Rangers on Friday, sources told Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Injuries limited Brasier to only 26 relief innings in 2025 with the Chicago Cubs, and he held a 4.50 ERA (3.17 FIP) and 1.23 WHIP with 20 strikeouts and five walks in 28 appearances (one start). The 38-year-old veteran has nine years of big-league experience (six seasons with the Boston Red Sox), so he'll add some much-needed experience and depth to a Rangers' bullpen that could use some help. However, Brasier is unlikely to be much more than a middle-relief arm who might not have much left in the tank as he nears 40 years old. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect Brasier to be much of a high-leverage bullpen option, as he's recorded just 10 saves in 325 major-league appearances.
--Keith HernandezSource: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
February 6, 2026
Miami Marlins third baseman
Connor Norby began last season on the injured list and was on the IL three separate times in 2025. Overall, it was a disappointing first full season in Miami for the former second-round pick, as Norby finished with a .251/.300/.389 slash line, .689 OPS, eight home runs, 34 RBI, 42 runs scored, and eight steals in 88 games (337 plate appearances). MLB.com's Christina De Nicola writes that the right-handed-hitting Norby could fall into a platoon at third base with
Graham Pauley if neither player stands out in spring training or early in the regular season. Pauley also might have an advantage at the hot corner because of his stellar defense. Norby is expected to get some reps in the outfield this spring, so the Marlins may be grooming him for a potential utility role. Norby is merely a deep-league flier with a career strikeout rate just south of 30%.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
February 6, 2026
MLB.com's Christina De Nicola writes that Miami Marlins infielder
Graham Pauley's defense gives him an advantage in the third base competition, as his six outs above average tied for fifthmost among MLB third basemen in 2025. De Nicola suggests that Pauley, who hits left-handed, and
Connor Norby could platoon at the hot corner to open the year if neither player stands out in spring training. Along with his stellar defense, Pauley's bat picked up in the second half last year, going from a .529 OPS in the first half to an .840 OPS in nearly the same amount of plate appearances. The 25-year-old lacks power -- he has six home runs in his first 75 MLB games over the last two years -- and he's unlikely to have an everyday role. Pauley has excellent plate discipline, though, and could make for a nice corner-infield option in deep NL-only fantasy leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
February 6, 2026
Miami Marlins left-hander
Braxton Garrett (elbow), who missed all of last season while rehabbing from his second Tommy John surgery, is expected to be a full-go for spring training, according to MLB.com's Christina De Nicola. Garrett was in the Marlins' starting rotation before his left-elbow injury, but he hasn't pitched in a major-league game since June 17 of 2024. The 28-year-old southpaw is a former first-rounder (seventh overall) and has shown flashes of upside in Miami, and he should be a lock for the No. 4 rotation spot in 2026 behind
Sandy Alcantara,
Eury Perez, and
Max Meyer (hip) if he's fully healthy by Opening Day. The Marlins traded both
Edward Cabrera and
Ryan Weathers this offseason, leaving three open rotation spots to begin the 2026 season. Garrett held a 3.66 ERA with 156 K's and 29 walks in 30 starts. There's talent in Garrett's profile, but the volume is unlikely to be there in his first season back from TJ surgery.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
February 6, 2026
Miami Marlins right-hander
Max Meyer (hip) is expected to be full-go for spring training, according to Christina De Nicola of MLB.com. Meyer opened last year with a 2.10 ERA, 41 strikeouts, and seven walks through five starts before posting a 7.10 ERA over his next seven starts and eventually needing season-ending left-hip surgery. The 26-year-old should be a lock for a starting-rotation spot (if healthy) behind
Sandy Alcantara and
Eury Perez after the Marlins traded both
Edward Cabrera and
Ryan Weathers in the offseason. Meyers' hip injury in 2025 most likely contributed to him falling apart before he was shut down, so if he's completely past his hip injuries this year, there is true breakout potential for the former third overall pick. At an average ADP of 433, Meyer is going undrafted in most leagues, but he could end up being a great waiver-wire pickup in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
February 6, 2026
Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is resigning, sources told Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Schwartz told other members of Cleveland's coaching staff that he wouldn't be back with the organization when the team announced that they were hiring Todd Monken as their new head coach over him, and now it's official. The expectation is that Schwartz, who is under contract with the Browns through next season, will not coach in the NFL for the 2026 season. The Browns' defense has been one of the best units in the league the last couple of years under Schwartz, with Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett leading the charge. Although Cleveland has the personnel on the roster to continue to be dominant in 2026, losing Schwartz is a big deal. It remains to be seen if Schwartz will be in play for any head-coaching positions next cycle, but at the very least, he'll be a coveted defensive coordinator if he wants to continue coaching.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
February 6, 2026
New York Giants wide receiver
Malik Nabers (knee) told ESPN's Jordan Raanan that his rehab has been "phenomenal." Nabers suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in his right knee on Sept. 28 and had surgery in late October. The 22-year-old's recovery time will be extended due to the full meniscus repair he underwent, in addition to his ACL surgery. However, since his injury occurred so early in the previous season, Nabers has a chance to be ready for the start of training camp in late July. We will be keeping a close eye on Nabers' progress throughout the offseason. The former sixth overall pick's progress as we approach training camp will determine his 2026 fantasy value. In his rookie campaign in 2024, Nabers caught 109 passes for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns on 170 targets. With promising young quarterback
Jaxson Dart now in the picture, Nabers' fantasy ceiling could be even higher despite suffering a significant knee injury in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN New York - Jordan Raanan
February 6, 2026
Seattle Seahawks running back
Kenneth Walker III, who is in the final year of the four-year, $8.44 million deal he signed in July of 2022, said he is interested in re-signing with the team in the offseason, according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com. "I've been here four years, so you know I've gotten to know a lot of stuff about Seattle, and you know a lot of the city, and I feel like they feel good about me as well," Walker said. "So if it was my choice, though, I'd definitely stay." The 25-year-old has been key to the Seahawks' run to the Super Bowl this year, recording his second career 1,000-yard season and generating 100-plus scrimmage yards in three straight games, including the playoffs. Walker has 38 carries for 178 yards and four rushing touchdowns in two playoff games, tying for the most TDS in a single postseason in Seattle history. He matched his career high of 4.6 yards per carry while playing all 17 regular-season games for the first time in his four-year career. Walker is an explosive runner who will look to score for the third straight game in the Super Bowl against the Patriots on Sunday.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
February 6, 2026
Oklahoma football is hiring former NFL defensive tackle DeShawn Williams to an analyst role, according to George Stoia III of SoonerScoop. The 33-year-old played for Clemson from 2011 to 2014. He went undrafted in 2025, but put together a solid career with 164 tackles, 9.5 sacks, one interception, and 13.5 run stuffs in 78 career games with the Bengals, Broncos, and Panthers. He was coached by Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables for three seasons with the Tigers. This will be Williams' first coaching gig since retiring from the NFL, where he'll learn from one of the sport's greatest defensive minds.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: George Stoia III - SoonerScoop
February 6, 2026
The San Diego Padres signed free-agent first baseman/outfielder Leandro Cedeno to a minor-league contract on Thursday, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The 27-year-old spent the last three seasons playing in Japan for the Orix Buffaloes and the Seibu Lions. Cedeno, a right-handed-hitting Venezuelan, was originally signed by the St. Louis Cardinals when he was just 16 years old. In seven minor-league seasons, he hit .289/.345/.484 with an .829 OPS, 74 home runs, 306 RBI, and eight stolen bases in 461 games played. Cedeno has always been a liability on defense, so he profiles more as a designated-hitter type. At the plate, his main draw is his power from the right side. Cedeno is a flier for the Padres and will most likely be a long shot to appear at the big-league level in 2026 or beyond.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Jon Heyman
February 6, 2026
New York Mets shortstop prospect
A.J. Ewing is progressing quite quickly through the minor leagues and is a name to keep a close eye on during the 2026 campaign. Ewing joined the Mets in the 2023 Draft out of Springboro HS. The 21-year-old began the 2025 campaign with Low-A but was able to finish the season with Double-A Binghamton. At Low-A, Ewing posted an incredible .400/.506/.615 slash line with one long ball and 14 stolen bases, across a brief 18-game stint. Through his first 78 games at High-A Brooklyn, Ewing held a .288/.387/.388 line with 16 doubles, four home runs, and 44 stolen bases. He would finish the campaign at Double-A, where he would continue to hit for a high average (.339) while showing high speed, stealing 12 bags over a short 28-game stint. While he will likely open 2026 at Double-A, he is an emerging bat in the system and could reach Triple-A much sooner than expected.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
RADIO
