Sidney Crosby Returns to Action Wednesday
Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (lower body) will rejoin the lineup for Wednesday's Metropolitan Division tilt against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Penguins captain has missed 11 games due to a lower-body injury sustained during the Olympic tournament. Crosby will join Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust on the first line and will skate on the first power-play unit. The team will scratch Ville Koivunen to make room for Crosby in the lineup. Even with the time lost to injury, Crosby still leads his team with 27 goals and 59 points in 56 games.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Naz Reid Sidelined on Wednesday
Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center Naz Reid (ankle) won't play Wednesday against the Utah Jazz. Reid rarely misses time, but a right ankle sprain will keep him sidelined for this contest. The 26-year-old has missed just one other game all season. Anthony Edwards (knee) will also be out, opening up additional minutes for Bones Hyland, Kyle Anderson, and Joan Beringer. Hyland profiles as a viable short-term streaming option after posting 22 points, five assists, two rebounds, and one steal in 29 minutes against Phoenix on Tuesday.
Source: Timberwolves PR
Source: Timberwolves PR
Kyle Harrison Leaves Game Early With Blister Issue
Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Kyle Harrison (finger) left his Cactus League outing on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels in the third inning at 59 pitches due to a blister on his left index finger, according to Brewers reporter Sophia Minnaert. Before leaving, the 24-year-old southpaw allowed four runs (one earned) while striking out three in 2 2/3 innings of work. It's unclear at this point if Harrison's injury will keep him from being ready for the start of the 2026 regular season late next week. Harrison started last year with the San Francisco Giants before eventually being sent to the Boston Red Sox in the Rafael Devers trade. He was slightly better in Boston to close out the year and finished with a 4.04 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, and 38:14 K:BB in only 35 2/3 big-league innings over 11 outings (six starts). Fantasy managers should probably only consider him as a late-round flier with strikeout upside in 15-plus team leagues. If he doesn't win a rotation spot out of spring training, Harrison will likely be a swingman for the Brewers if he's healthy. UPDATE: Manager Pat Murphy said he doesn't expect Harrison's schedule to be changed by more than a day because of his blister issue.
Source: Sophia Minnaert
Source: Sophia Minnaert
Brady Singer Leaves Wednesday's Game With a Blister
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Brady Singer (finger) left his Cactus League outing on Wednesday with a blister, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. Before being pulled, Singer threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings against the Colorado Rockies with two hits allowed, a walk, and three strikeouts. It's unclear if the 29-year-old's blister injury will prevent him from making his first start of the 2026 regular season, which is scheduled to come on March 29 against the Boston Red Sox. In his first full year in Cincy after being acquired in a trade with the Kansas City Royals, the former 18th overall pick from Florida in 2018 went 14-12 with a 4.03 ERA (3.98 FIP), 1.24 WHIP, and 163:60 K:BB in 169 2/3 innings over 32 starts. Singer pitches in a very hitter-friendly home ballpark and has a modest 22.1% strikeout rate in his six big-league seasons, so he relies heavily on his sinker to keep the ball out of the air. In shallow mixed leagues, fantasy managers should be able to find better upside pitching targets late in drafts.
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Bucks Want to Shut Giannis Antetokounmpo Down for the Rest of the Season
Shams Charania of ESPN reports that the Milwaukee Bucks want forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) to shut down for the remainder of the season after he was diagnosed Tuesday with a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise. Antetokounmpo has pushed back on that plan and wants to return to action. The superstar will be re-evaluated in a week, but for now, he and the organization appear to be at odds over ending his season. Antetokounmpo has already missed 32 games this campaign.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Greg Dortch Signs One-Year Deal With Lions
Former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch is signing an undisclosed one-year deal with the Detroit Lions on Wednesday, sources told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. It's a reunion with new Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, who coached Dortch the last three years in Arizona. In that time, the 27-year-old pass-catcher caught 90 of his 124 targets for 828 yards and eight touchdowns in 45 games (11 starts). The former undrafted free agent out of Wake Forest was a regular contributor in Arizona's offense, but he was never a priority option for fantasy football managers at any time. The speedy wideout will add depth to Detroit's pass-catching corps and will also be an asset on special teams, as he had 31 kick returns for 811 yards and 16 punt returns for 185 yards in 12 games in 2025. At best, Dortch will be the Lions' WR4 behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa to begin next season.
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Colts Sign Receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
The Indianapolis Colts announced on Wednesday that they signed free-agent wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to an undisclosed deal. Westbrook-Ikhine had a career year in 2024 in his final year with the Tennessee Titans, catching 32 of his 60 passes for 497 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 games played (nine starts). The 28-year-old spent last season with the Miami Dolphins and came back down to Earth in a big way with only 11 receptions on 20 targets for 89 yards and no touchdowns in 15 games (three starts). Michael Pittman Jr. is no longer in Indy, but at best, Westbrook-Ikhine will be the team's No. 3 wideout to begin the 2026 campaign behind Alec Pierce and Josh Downs. Target-wise, he'd be fourth on the totem pole with tight end Tyler Warren also in the mix. Expect the former undrafted free agent out of Indiana to battle for the WR3 role with Ashton Dulin, Anthony Gould, and Laquon Treadwell.
Source: Indianapolis Colts
Source: Indianapolis Colts
Kevin McGonigle in Serious Consideration to Crack Opening Day Roster?
Detroit Tigers shortstop prospect Kevin McGonigle is staying in big-league camp on Wednesday rather than playing in the spring breakout game, according to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. "Their focus is in big-league camp and continuing trying to make an impression, state their case to be part of our puzzle," manager A.J. Hinch said. With just over a week to go until Opening Day next week, McGonigle remains in the Tigers' big-league camp in spring training. The former first-rounder has hit .242 (8-for-33) with two home runs, six RBI, eight runs scored, two stolen bases, and a 7:10 K:BB in 44 plate appearances over 16 Grapefruit League games, and he continues to play well beyond his years. Even if Detroit decides to have the 21-year-old start in the minors, it shouldn't be long before he's contending for starting duties at the 6 in Detroit. McGonigle needs to be stashed in all redraft formats and should already be rostered in dynasty leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Cody Stavenhagen
Source: The Athletic - Cody Stavenhagen
Isaac Collins Serving as the DH on Wednesday
Kansas City Royals outfielder Isaac Collins (back, side) is serving as the designated hitter and batting leadoff in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Texas Rangers. It will be Collins' first spring training game since March 10 while recovering from back and left-side tightness. Barring a setback, Collins should be ready for Opening Day at the end of next week. In six Cactus League games before his injury, the 28-year-old switch-hitter went 2-for-18 (.111) with two walks and nine strikeouts in 20 plate appearances. Collins hit .263/.368/.411 with a .779 OPS, nine home runs, 54 RBI, 56 runs scored, and 16 stolen bases in 130 games over 441 plate appearances in his first full big-league season in 2025 with the Milwaukee Brewers. In deep-mixed and OBP leagues, Collins is a decent late-round flier with some speed and modest power. He will most likely be in some sort of platoon role in his first year in KC.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
Stephen Curry Hopes to Return Before End of Month
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Golden State Warriors are hopeful that guard Stephen Curry (knee) will return before the end of March. Curry has been out of action since the beginning of February due to a right knee injury. He's recently ramped up his on-court activity, but it appears the star guard will still be considered week-to-week. The 38-year-old's continued absence will keep the backcourt usage spread across Brandin Podziemski, Pat Spencer, Gary Payton II (lower leg), De'Anthony Melton and Will Richard.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Jake Rogers Suffers a "Mild Concussion," Expected to Be Ready for Opening Day
Detroit Tigers catcher Jake Rogers (concussion) has suffered a mild concussion after being struck in the face by his own bat while working in the batting cages, per MLB.com's Jason Beck. Beck reports that Rogers received stitches but that Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said the team expects him to be fine by Opening Day. Across 142 plate appearances in 2025, Rogers slashed .187/.277/.333 with three home runs, 19 RBI, and 14 runs scored. The 30-year-old posted an impressive 10.6% walk rate in 2025 and owns a double-digit barrel rate for his career, but he's also struck out at a 32.1% clip across nearly 1,100 MLB plate appearances. Once healthy, Rogers is expected to serve as Detroit's backup catcher behind Dillon Dingler. If Rogers ends up missing time to open the season, veteran backstop Tomas Nido could be the favorite to break camp with the team.
Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck
Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck
Can Dylan Crews Establish Himself as a Productive Big-Leaguer in 2026?
Once considered one of the top prospects in all of baseball, Washington Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews has struggled to be a consistently productive player early in his MLB career. Across 322 plate appearances in 2025, Crews hit .208/.280/.352 with 10 home runs, 27 RBI, 43 runs scored, and 17 stolen bases. At just 24 years old, Crews still has plenty of time to develop into a quality big-leaguer. Crews also has the benefit of playing for. a rebuilding Nationals' squad that should give him plenty of runway for everyday playing time. However, Crews posted an uninspiring 38.7% hard-hit rate in 2025, and it's worth noting that he owns a .634 OPS across 454 career MLB plate appearances. He has the potential for five-category fantasy production if it all comes together, but Crews has yet to prove he can handle big-league pitching and comes with a fair degree of downside risk heading into 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
T.Y. Hilton Officially Announces his Retirement
Wide receiver T.Y. Hilton officially announced his retirement from professional football on Wednesday. Hilton last played for the Dallas Cowboys in 2022 after 10 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. The 36-year-old only appeared in three games for the Cowboys and caught seven of his 10 targets for 121 yards and no touchdowns. In his prime, though, Hilton was one of the best receivers in the game, making four straight Pro Bowls from 2014 to 2017 and having four straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons from 2013 to 2016 with Indy. The former third-round pick in 2012 out of Florida International had five 1,000-yard seasons in his 11-year career and finished his successful stint in the NFL with a total of 638 receptions for 9,812 yards and 53 touchdowns on 1,086 targets. Hilton led the league in 2016 with 1,448 yards while also catching 91 passes and finding the end zone six times.
Source: T.Y. Hilton
Source: T.Y. Hilton
Logan Henderson Slated for Return to Game Action on Friday
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Logan Henderson (elbow) is scheduled to pitch two or three innings in a game on Friday, per Brewers beat writer Sophia Minnaert. Henderson experienced some elbow soreness in early March but seems to have avoided a major injury. The 24-year-old made his MLB debut in 2025 and dominated in a small sample size, recording a 3-0 record with a 1.78 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 33 strikeouts across 25 1/3 innings (five starts). Henderson's spring injury setback likely means he will open the season in the Minors as he builds up to a full starter's workload. Milwaukee also has a stockpile of MLB-quality pitching depth, which could delay Henderson's return to the big leagues even further. However, the young right-hander should be able to force his way to the Majors sooner rather than later if he can stay healthy and pitches as he did in 2025.
Source: Sophia Minnaert
Source: Sophia Minnaert
Marlins Reassign Robby Snelling to Minor-League Camp
The Miami Marlins announced on Wednesday that they reassigned left-handed pitching prospect Robby Snelling to minor-league camp. Snelling, the team's No. 2 prospect per MLB Pipeline, just couldn't win an Opening Day roster spot out of spring training while competing with left-hander Braxton Garrett and right-hander Janson Junk for the final two starting rotation spots. The 22-year-old southpaw will have to wait to make his major-league debut, but he doesn't have a ton left to prove down on the farm, so fantasy managers should expect him in the big leagues in 2026 sooner than later. Snelling had a 7.56 ERA in Grapefruit League play over four outings (8 1/3 innings), but he did strike out 13 batters while walking four. The 6-foot-3, 210-pounder has a high floor with a fastball that showed more velocity in 2025. Snelling also features a slider, sweeper, and changeup. Stash him in dynasty/keeper leagues as a potential mid-rotation starter.
Source: Miami Marlins
Source: Miami Marlins
Quinn Priester Scheduled to Throw a Bullpen on Saturday, Aiming for April Return
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Quinn Priester (wrist) is slated to throw a bullpen on Saturday and is targeting an April return to the big-league mound, per Brewers beat writer Sophia Minnaert. Priester is battling a nerve issue that has caused issues in his right wrist, but the team is hopeful he will be able to avoid surgery. The 25-year-old was a breakout success in 157 1/3 innings for Milwaukee in 2025, posting a 13-3 record with a 3.32 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 132 strikeouts. Priester's subpar 20.2% strikeout rate limits his fantasy appeal, but the young right-hander has demonstrated he can be a productive pitcher against MLB hitters and should have a spot in the Brewers' rotation once he returns from injury. With Priester sidelined to open the year, left-hander Kyle Harrison and right-hander Brandon Sproat appear likely to open the season in Milwaukee's rotation.
Source: Sophia Minnaert
Source: Sophia Minnaert
When Will Jesus Made Make His Major League Debut?
Milwaukee Brewers infield prospect Jesus Made earned an invitation to big league camp this spring after cruising through three levels of the minor leagues last year with a .285/.379/.413 slash line, nine home runs, and 47 steals in 115 games, finishing the year in Double-A as an 18-year-old. The Dominican slugger was reassigned to minor-league camp earlier this month, and although a 2026 debut with the Brewers is unlikely, it isn't out of the question. The soon-to-be-19-year-old has some of the highest-rated hit, power, and speed tools (fielding, too) in the minors and has risen to MLB's No. 3 prospect overall. The 6-foot-1 phenom will likely begin the year at Double-A, and even if a 2026 MLB debut ends up not being in the cards, he's likely to have an impact in 2027, so keen fantasy managers would be wise to keep tabs on his progress this year.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Brandon Woodruff Scheduled to Throw Four Innings on Thursday
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (lat) is scheduled to throw four innings on Thursday, per Brewers beat writer Sophia Minnaert. The 33-year-old's status for Opening Day is officially up in the air as he works his way back from a lat injury. However, he could be on track to be part of the team's early-season plans if he can make it through the rest of his ramp-up period unscathed. Woodruff missed all of 2024 and the first three-plus months of 2025 with a shoulder injury. He was excellent upon his return last season, pitching to a 3.20 ERA and 0.91 WHIP with 83 strikeouts across 64 2/3 innings (12 starts) before suffering a season-ending lat strain in September. Woodruff comes with significant health concerns at this point in his career, but the veteran right-hander also carries high-end fantasy upside.
Source: Sophia Minnaert
Source: Sophia Minnaert
Dylan Moore Dealing With Bruised Foot
Philadelphia Phillies infielder Dylan Moore (foot) is dealing with a bruised foot from a foul ball in spring training, manager Rob Thomson told Matt Gelb of The Athletic. It's nothing serious for Moore that will put him in danger of missing Opening Day late next week. Moore, who is pushing for the last bench spot to begin the 2026 regular season, had two hits and a walk in a Grapefruit League game against the Atlanta Braves before being removed in the top of the fifth inning. Speed is the 33-year-old Moore's greatest asset to fantasy managers in deeper leagues. He wasn't able to hit enough in 2025 in 106 games with the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers, slashing .201/.267/.374 with a .642 OPS, 11 homers, 25 RBI, 35 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases. Moore stole a career-high 32 bags in 2024 and has 118 thefts in his seven major-league seasons. Unless injuries in Philly force him into a bigger role, Moore will simply be a speed asset in NL-only leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
Eagles Acquire Andy Dalton From Panthers
The Philadelphia Eagles are acquiring veteran quarterback Andy Dalton from the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2027 NFL draft, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. The Panthers were expected to move on from Dalton this offseason, especially after adding Kenny Pickett as Bryce Young's backup. Now that Philly has the 38-year-old Dalton to back up starter Jalen Hurts, the Eagles could look to trade current third-stringer Tanner McKee. The Red Rifle is as experienced as they come as a backup QB. He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round in 2011 out of TCU, and he's started 169 of the 179 games that he's appeared in over his 15 years in the league. In the last three years in Carolina, Dalton completed 64.7% of his passes for 1,643 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 13 games (seven starts). Dalton will now back up Hurts in 2026 in his 16th year in the league with his sixth different team.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Abimelec Ortiz Optioned to Triple-A
The Washington Nationals announced on Wednesday that they optioned first baseman/designated hitter Abimelec Ortiz to Triple-A Rochester. The left-handed slugger had spent his entire career in the Texas organization before being acquired this offseason in the MacKenzie Gore trade. He showed well in his first taste of Triple-A pitching in 2025, slashing .283/.388/.565 with nine home runs and a 12.7 percent walk rate in 41 games there. The 24-year-old was just 3-for-22 (.136) in Cactus League play, though, and will have to continue his development with the team's Triple-A affiliate. It's possible the Nats' 24th-ranked prospect debuts later this season, but for now, he's off the fantasy radar.
Source: Nationals Communications
Source: Nationals Communications
Andrew Painter Fires Four Scoreless in Final Spring Tune-Up
On Wednesday, Philadelphia Phillies pitching prospect Andrew Painter made what is likely his final spring appearance before the regular season gets underway, twirling four innings of one-hit ball against the Braves, allowing just one hit and a walk while striking out three. The Phils' top pitching prospect had a bumpy outing his last time out (three earned runs), but Wednesday's performance made it three scoreless appearances out of four this spring with an 8:2 K:BB in a total of 11 2/3 innings of work. The 6-foot-7 hurler is expected to be the team's fifth starter once the regular season begins, and if he lives up to the former hype, the right-hander could remain there for the rest of the season. The former first-rounder struggled to a 5.40 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, and a 13.7 percent K-BB% in 106 2/3 innings at Triple-A in 2025, his first time pitching in minor league regular-season games since 2022 after elbow problems and eventually Tommy John surgery cost him all of 2023 and 2024. Most fantasy managers may want to wait and see before rostering the tall right-hander, but proactive managers in deeper leagues with available bench space may consider stashing him in the event his spring success carries over into the regular season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Matthew Liberatore Named Cardinals Opening Day Starter
St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Matthew Liberatore will get the nod as the team's Opening Day starter in 2026, taking on the Tampa Bay Rays at home on Thursday, March 26. The left-hander was second on the team in wins, quality starts, and strikeouts last season behind Sonny Gray, who is no longer with the club, so Liberatore will assume the role of ace of the staff. The 6-foot-5 southpaw recorded a 4.21 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 122 strikeouts in 151 2/2 innings pitched last season, which doesn't really move the needle much for fantasy. The former first-rounder has looked good so far this spring, though, as he's allowed three earned runs in 10 innings of work (2.70 ERA) while registering a 1.00 WHIP and an impressive 14:1 K:BB in his three starts, so perhaps he's ready to take a step forward in 2026. The 26-year-old is going undrafted in most fantasy leagues, owning an ADP of 359, right around his RotoBaller ranking of 341 overall.
Source: St. Louis Cardinals
Source: St. Louis Cardinals
Gerrit Cole Sees Good Velocity in Abbreviated Spring Debut on Wednesday
New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (elbow) made his first Grapefruit League start of 2026 on Wednesday against the Red Sox, and although the one-inning outing was short, it was encouraging. The veteran threw only 10 pitches, but his fastball averaged 97.1 mph and topped out at 98.7 mph; for reference, the right-hander's fastball averaged 96.7 mph in his last full season of 2023. The six-time All-Star made just 17 starts in 2024 and then missed all of 2025 after undergoing Tommy John surgery with an internal brace. Despite Wednesday's appearance, the expectation still is that the 6-foot-4 hurler will begin the regular season on the 60-day injured list, and so he will not be ready to return to the mound in the regular season until sometime in late May or early June. Fantasy managers hoping he will return to form in 2026 can grab the two-time Cy Young winner at the end of most drafts with an ADP of 249, right around his RotoBaller rank of 234 overall.
Source: Bryan Hoch
Source: Bryan Hoch
Roki Sasaki to be in Opening Day Starting Rotation
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that right-hander Roki Sasaki will be in the team's Opening Day starting rotation despite his struggles in spring training, according to Jack Harris of The Los Angeles Times. Sasaki has been a roller coaster in Cactus League action this year, and it continued in his latest outing on Tuesday night against the Kansas City Royals, when he allowed three runs on four hits, four walks, and five strikeouts in 3 1/3 innings pitched. He has shown progress with his newly-added cutter, but overall, Sasaki has been underwhelming this spring. When left-hander Blake Snell (shoulder) eventually makes his 2026 season debut, Sasaki may end up back in the bullpen, where he was thriving last fall to close out the season. Struggles with command have been the biggest issue for the 24-year-old Japanese hurler, making him a boom/bust fantasy option in 2026. In 36 1/3 innings in his MLB debut in the regular season last year, Sasaki had a 4.46 ERA with 28 K's and 22 walks in 10 outings (eight starts).
Source: The Los Angeles Times - Jack Harris
Source: The Los Angeles Times - Jack Harris
Josh Lowe Plays Six Innings in Minor-League Game
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Josh Lowe (oblique) said he played six innings on a back field in a minor-league game on Tuesday and got some outfield work in as well, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. Lowe recently returned to Cactus League action for the Halos in a designated-hitter role after initially injuring his oblique in late February. The 28-year-old left-handed slugger has a history of oblique injuries, so it makes sense for the Angels to err on the side of caution with the regular season starting late next week. Lowe, a former first-rounder in 2016 by the Tampa Bay Rays, was once a promising power/speed threat before injuries slowed him down. He had a 20-homer campaign in 2023 and also stole 32 bags that year and drove in 83 runs. Lowe has had two straight disappointing seasons since then, hitting a combined .230/.292/.378 with 21 homers, 74 RBI, and 43 stolen bases. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues can still dream on that potential, but he must stay healthy and will be battling for playing time in Anaheim.
Source: MLB.com - Rhett Bollinger
Source: MLB.com - Rhett Bollinger
Tyler Freeman Scratched From Spring Lineup With Back Tightness
Colorado Rockies infielder/outfielder Tyler Freeman (back) was scratched from Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Cincinnati Reds with lower-back tightness, according to the team. Cole Carrigg will take over for the Rockies in center field. Freeman should be considered day-to-day for now. The 26-year-old former second-rounder by the Cleveland Guardians in 2017 played in 110 games in 2025 in his first year in Colorado and looked good, slashing .281/.354/.361 with a career-best .715 OPS, two home runs, 31 RBI, 50 runs scored, and a career-high 18 stolen bases in 428 plate appearances. Freeman makes a lot of contact and has some speed, but his lack of power doesn't make him all that exciting in fantasy, even at hitter-friendly Coors Field. If healthy this year, he's expected to be in more of a super-utility role as well, which will limit his playing time.
Source: Rockies Club Information
Source: Rockies Club Information
Christopher Morel Expected to be Primary First Baseman
Miami Marlins infielder/outfielder Christopher Morel is expected to open the year as the team's primary starting first baseman, barring a "dramatic change of heart" by the team, a source told Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald. It's good news for Morel's fantasy baseball value in deeper leagues entering his first year in Miami, but just remember that there is a lot of volatility and swing-and-miss here. The 26-year-old right-handed hitter is a career .222 hitter in four big-league seasons with 538 strikeouts in 1,770 plate appearances. In 105 games last year with the Tampa Bay Rays, Morel hit .219/.289/.396 with a .684 OPS, 11 home runs, 33 RBI, 37 runs scored, and seven stolen bases. He's also gone 5-for-37 (.135) with no homers, 13 K's, and three walks in spring training. Morel has some power from the right side, but if he continues to struggle offensively, the Marlins will give other players opportunities at first base in 2026.
Source: The Miami Herald - Barry Jackson
Source: The Miami Herald - Barry Jackson
Panthers Signing AJ Dillon to One-Year Deal
The Carolina Panthers are signing former Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles running back AJ Dillon to an undisclosed one-year deal on Wednesday, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Schultz also mentions that Dillon is in incredible shape. He will help make up for the loss of Rico Dowdle in free agency and will join Chuba Hubbard. The 27-year-old missed all of the 2024 season due to injury and only played in seven games in 2025 in his lone season with the Eagles, seeing just 12 rushing attempts for 60 yards and catching all three of his targets for 21 yards. Dillon isn't guaranteed a key backup role behind Hubbard in Carolina just because he's in good shape. The veteran RB will be battling for playing time this offseason with the likes of Jonathon Brooks and Trevor Etienne. The former second-rounder in 2020 out of Boston College has 4.1 yards per carry in his five NFL seasons to go with 2,488 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in 67 games (11 starts).
Source: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
Source: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
Harry Ford Optioned to Triple-A
The Washington Nationals announced on Wednesday that they optioned catching prospect Harry Ford to Triple-A Rochester. To begin the 2026 season, Keibert Ruiz and Drew Millas will be the Nationals' catchers. Ford could have an opportunity to overtake Ruiz as the Nats' primary catcher sooner than later in 2026, but for now, the 23-year-old will begin in the minor leagues after going 3-for-14 (.214) with no homers, two RBI, a stolen base, three walks, and seven strikeouts in seven Grapefruit League games this spring. Per MLB Pipeline, Ford is considered Washington's No. 3 prospect, and he's also considered the No. 9 catching prospect in all of baseball. The trade to D.C. over the winter from Seattle did wonders for Ford's dynasty/keeper value, although some patience might be required. Ford has excellent plate discipline, on-base skills, and above-average power for a catcher.
Source: Nationals Communications
Source: Nationals Communications
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