January 26, 2026

Free-agent pitcher Framber Valdez "will probably end up in Baltimore," league sources told Jim Bowden of The Athletic. Valdez remains unsigned and is still waiting for the right offer as spring training approaches, and while he'd be an upgrade to every rotation in baseball, Bowden notes that some teams simply don't want to spend the money on the former Houston Astros ace. The southpaw accrued double-digit wins and at least 22 starts in each of the last five seasons, and he posted an impressive 3.34 xFIP with 8.77 K/9 and 3.19 BB/9 in 2025. He continued to effectively limit weak contact with just 0.7 HR/9 and a 72.9% ground ball rate. His landing spot will determine his exact ADP in fantasy baseball drafts, but for now, he's the #28 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest rankings. If he ends up with the Orioles, he'd be the No. 1 option atop a rotation that also includes Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Jim Bowden

January 26, 2026

Free agent third baseman Eugenio Suarez's market isn't very strong, according to a report from Jim Bowden of The Athletic. He says that Boston and Pittsburgh make the most sense for Suarez, but at the moment, teams haven't done anything more than kick the tires on him. When speaking with a league source, Bowden asked why a non-contender wouldn't try to sign Suarez and trade him at the deadline in July. He was told that Suarez barely fetched any sort of return when he was traded from the Diamondbacks to the Mariners amidst a 49-homer campaign last summer, and given the lack of interest in the third baseman this offseason, it's unlikely that any contender would be willing to acquire him for a significant prospect haul in the summer of 2026. To put it simply, teams are hesitant to sign Suarez, even though he slugged 49 home runs last year. The power is indisputable, but he's not a major on-base threat, and last year's 7.0% walk rate and 29.8% strikeout rate are both concerning. Furthermore, he played average-at-best defense, contributing -0.7 fWAR in the field and -3 OAA. We may see Suarez garner a little more interest as spring training gets closer and teams finalize their rosters, but as it stands, his options in free agency are limited. The 34-year-old currently ranks as the #8 third baseman in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings, and he'll likely rise or fall a couple of slots once he signs somewhere.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Jim Bowden

January 26, 2026

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams lost for the fifth time in his career in the NFC Championship game on Sunday to the division-rival Seattle Seahawks -- four of his losses in the NFC title game came as a member of the Green Bay Packers. In the back-and-forth 31-27 loss to Seattle, Adams played well, though, catching four of his six targets for 89 yards and his 15th touchdown of the year. The 33-year-old veteran has built a Hall of Fame resume in his 12 years in the NFL, earning six Pro Bowl selections, three first-team All-Pro nods, and producing 12,633 receiving yards and 117 touchdowns. Adams has led the league in receiving touchdowns, including in 2025, three times in his career. However, he has been unable to reach the promised land of the Super Bowl. Two of his five NFC title-game losses have come against Seattle.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra

January 26, 2026

Chicago Bulls point guard Tre Jones (hamstring) won't play against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. Jones is dealing with a left hamstring strain and is scheduled to be re-evaluated in two weeks. However, the 26-year-old was upgraded to doubtful ahead of tonight's contest before the Bulls made a final decision to hold him out. His next chance to suit up is Wednesday against the Pacers and he will likely be listed as doubtful before the matchup. Ayo Dosunmu and Kevin Huerter could see extra minutes on the floor while Jones is out of action.--Andrew Lennox
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 26, 2026

Baltimore Orioles right-handed reliever Ryan Helsley struggled in 2025, posting a 4.50 ERA and 1.54 WHIP with 79 strikeouts and 23 walks in 66 1/3 innings pitched. Helsley did save 21 games, the second-most in his seven-year career, but none of them came after being traded to the New York Mets, and he also had a 7.20 ERA in 22 outings for the Mets to close out the season. The 31-year-old joined the Orioles on a two-year, $28 million deal this offseason as he looks to bounce back in 2026. Helsley gave up 16 earned runs in his final 20 innings with New York, but he should be the O's primary closer entering the regular season, and he's just one year removed from career bests in ERA (2.96) and saves (49). His poor finish last year may have primarily been the result of him tipping his pitches, so if he can get that fixed, Helsley is a nice bounce-back candidate. RotoBaller has Helsley ranked as the No. 10 fantasy closer.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Baseball Reference

January 26, 2026

Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (lower body) will be sidelined for 6-8 weeks, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports. The recovery timeline began last week. Brodin was already ruled out for the Olympics, and it looks like he will also miss some time after the tournament. Minnesota's blue line is without Zach Bogosian (lower body) as well, leaving the defense without two seasoned veterans. In his 14th NHL campaign, Brodin has recorded 15 points (three goals, 12 assists), 43 shots, and 91 blocks in 42 games. Recent injuries in the Wild's backline have given Daemon Hunt and David Jiricek regular opportunities to play.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Joe Smith

January 26, 2026

Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Sam Merrill (hand) is unavailable for Monday's game against the Orlando Magic due to personal reasons. Merrill had already missed five consecutive contests due to a right-hand sprain and it is unclear if he has fully recovered from the injury. While the 29-year-old sharpshooter continues to sit out, Jaylon Tyson will continue to benefit fantasy-wise, as Darius Garland (toe) is still sidelined as well. Tyson has started five straight games and is averaging 20.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 3.2 three-pointers across 34.0 minutes per outing during that timeframe.--Andrew Lennox
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 26, 2026

Edmonton Oilers right wing Kasperi Kapanen (lower body) will be back in the lineup on Monday night against the Anaheim Ducks. He missed a week of action due to a lower-body injury, sitting out three games. The Finnish forward will grab a second-line spot, pushing Andrew Mangiapane out of the lineup. Unfortunately, Kapanen has struggled to stay healthy all season, appearing in only 14 games. He's been impactful when in the lineup, recording nine points (three goals, six assists) and 28 hits. Edmonton's frontline has an excellent fantasy matchup on Monday against the NHL's second-weakest defense.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

January 26, 2026

Utah Mammoth winger Lawson Crouse (illness) is expected to return to the lineup on Monday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. After a pair of big performances, Crouse was forced to sit out Saturday's matchup against the Nashville Predators due to illness. Liam O'Brien is set to make way for him in the lineup. Crouse has earned a spot on the first line, amassing two goals and two assists in his last two appearances. He's having a good bounce-back year, sitting on 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) through 50 outings. 10 of Crouse's 26 points have come in January.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

January 26, 2026

Golden State Warriors forward/center Draymond Green (back) is listed as questionable against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. Green may be held out to rest during the back end of this back-to-back after logging 23 minutes and collecting just two points on Sunday against Minnesota. If the 35-year-old veteran is unable suit up, the team could have to deal with a depleted frontcourt as Al Horford (rest) is already sidelined. If that's the case, Quinten Post and Gui Santos will likely be relied upon to pick up the slack during this evening's clash.--Andrew Lennox
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 26, 2026

New York Rangers defenseman Carson Soucy will miss Monday's game against the Boston Bruins for roster management purposes. He is expected to be traded to the New York Islanders. The Rangers' neighbors are looking for additional help in defense after losing Alexander Romanov (shoulder) for several months. Soucy moved to New York less than 12 months ago when he was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks for a conditional third-round draft pick. He has tallied eight points (three goals, five assists), 39 shots, 66 blocks, and 71 hits in 46 outings this season. Urho Vaakanainen is set to take Soucy's spot in the lineup on Monday.--Taavi Pailk
Source: TSN

January 26, 2026

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (upper body) was activated from Injured Reserve and will return to the lineup for Monday's tilt against the New York Islanders. The Finnish veteran has been sidelined for six games due to an upper-body injury. Ristolainen has made 13 appearances this season, registering three assists, 24 shots, 24 blocks, and 16 hits, while averaging 20:59 of ice time. He will join Emil Andrae on the second defensive pairing on Monday, bumping Noah Juulsen out of the lineup. While Ristolainen's return will be a big boost for a Flyers defense that has allowed 38 goals across the last eight games, he has minimal fantasy appeal.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

January 26, 2026

Golden State Warriors center Al Horford (rest) won't suit up against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. The 39-year-old big man doesn't play in back-to-back games and he will have the night off to rest after posting 10 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block across 23 minutes during a 111-85 win over Minnesota on Sunday. With Horford sidelined and Draymond Green (back) considered questionable, Buddy Hield and Quinten Post may take on extra minutes to help out a potentially light Warriors frontcourt.--Andrew Lennox
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 26, 2026

New York Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock (upper body) will be out for a second consecutive game on Monday against the Philadelphia Flyers. The hardworking blue-liner sustained an upper-body injury on Wednesday against the Seattle Kraken. Pulock has improved offensively in 2025-26, tallying 21 points (two goals, 19 assists) in 50 appearances. He leads the Islanders with 92 blocked shots. Isaiah George joined the lineup on Saturday against the Buffalo Sabres and is expected to make a second consecutive appearance on Monday night. George was limited to 13:56 of ice time against Buffalo and doesn't have any fantasy value.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

January 26, 2026

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders has been added to this year's Pro Bowl Games as a replacement for New England Patriots QB Drake Maye, a source told Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Sanders, who slipped to the 144th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, ended up starting the final seven games for the Browns in his first year in the NFL. The 23-year-old completed 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards with seven touchdown passes and 10 interceptions. He added 169 rushing yards and one touchdown on 21 carries while going 3-4 as the starter. Sanders did enough in training camp and the preseason last summer to earn a roster spot going into 2025, and although he had his moments as the starter late in the year, he most definitely will need to show more improvement and will be involved in a QB competition during training camp in 2026.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi

January 26, 2026

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (knee) is considered questionable for Monday's matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Curry may sit out the second leg of a back-to-back this evening after he finished with 26 points, seven assists, two rebounds and four steals across 28 minutes during Sunday's 111-85 win over the Timberwolves. If the 37-year-old star guard sits out for maintenance due to lingering knee soreness, Brandin Podziemski could be a short-term option for fantasy managers for tonight's tilt.--Andrew Lennox
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 26, 2026

New York Islanders right wing Simon Holmstrom (illness) is considered a game-time decision for Monday's meeting with the Philadelphia Flyers. The Swedish forward is battling an illness and could miss his second game of the season. Holmstrom is hoping to post a second consecutive 40-point campaign in 2025-26, sitting on 12 goals and 12 assists through 50 appearances. He has skated with Anthony Duclair and Mathew Barzal on the second line. The Islanders will turn to Maxim Tsyplakov or Calum Ritchie if Holmstrom doesn't feel well enough to play against Philadelphia.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

January 26, 2026

The Buffalo Bills have requested to interview Los Angeles Rams passing-game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase for their head-coaching job, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Scheelhaase is also a finalist for the head-coaching job with the Cleveland Browns and is interviewing with them on Monday. In addition to the Bills and Browns, Scheelhaase had head-coaching interviews with the Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, and Pittsburgh Steelers. The Ravens and Steelers have since hired new head coaches, but Scheelhaase, one of the fastest-rising young coaches in the NFL, is still in play with the Raiders, Browns, and now the Bills. The 35-year-old has only two years of coaching experience in the NFL, both with the Rams. Before joining the NFL, he coached at Illinois and Iowa State. The Bills are looking to replace former head coach Sean McDermott, who was with the franchise for nine years.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

January 26, 2026

The Minnesota Twins and right-hander Joe Ryan avoided salary arbitration on Monday by agreeing to a one-year, $6.1 million deal that includes a mutual option for the 2027 season, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Ryan will earn $6.1 million in 2026. His 2027 option will be worth $13 million with a $100,000 buyout. Ryan had filed for $6.35 million in arbitration, with the Twins countering at $5.85 million. The 29-year-old is likely to open the 2026 regular season in Minnesota, but that doesn't mean the Twins won't consider dangling him during this summer's trade deadline. Ryan was a first-time All-Star in 2025 in his fifth year in the big leagues with the Twins, going 13-10 with a career-best 3.42 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 194:39 K:BB in 171 innings over 30 starts. Despite below-average velocity, Ryan excels via deception and is fantasy relevant in all leagues with a strong strikeout rate and excellent control. His weakness is that he's a fly-ball pitcher, but that is mitigated at pitcher-friendly Target Field.--Keith Hernandez
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman

January 26, 2026

When asked if he wants to re-sign with the Denver Broncos in 2026, running back J.K. Dobbins said, "Yeah, I'm a Bronco... I wasn't drafted here, but I'm a Buckeye, and I'm a Bronco." Dobbins suffered a Lisfranc foot injury in Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders that required surgery, and he never played again in 2025. The 27-year-old resumed practicing last week, though, and said he was "very close" to playing in the AFC Championship against the New England Patriots on Sunday. After the year Dobbins had before his foot injury, it wouldn't be a surprise if the two sides reached an agreement on a two- or three-year deal in free agency. He played for the Broncos on a one-year deal this season and was on his way to a career year before his injury, totaling 772 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 153 carries. Fantasy managers take on considerable injury risk with Dobbins, and if he stays in Denver, he'll be splitting the backfield with RJ Harvey.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Brandon Krisztal

January 26, 2026

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, along with the rest of the offense, struggled to do much in poor conditions during a snowstorm in the 10-7 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday in the AFC Championship. Boutte was tied with receiver Stefon Diggs for the team lead in targets (six), but he hauled in just one of them for six yards. Mack Hollins, who came off Injured Reserve last week, led the Patriots with 51 receiving yards on only two catches. Quarterback Drake Maye went 10-for-21 passing for only 86 yards, with neither team really able to move the ball much in the second half after snow started to fall heavily. In the first two playoff games, the 23-year-old Boutte caught seven of his nine targets for 141 yards and a touchdown in wins over the Chargers and Texans. He was a disappointment against Denver, but he should be able to bounce back nicely in the Super Bowl in two weeks versus the Seahawks.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com

January 26, 2026

Offense was hard to come by in the AFC Championship game on Sunday in snowy Denver for the Broncos and New England Patriots, and tight end Hunter Henry finished with just two catches on three targets for 12 yards in the 10-7 low-scoring win over the Broncos. Henry has been a huge disappointment for fantasy managers who have used him the last two weeks in the postseason, as the 31-year-old veteran had just one grab for five yards in the Divisional Round victory over the Houston Texans. In the Wild-Card win over the Los Angeles Chargers, his former team, Henry caught three passes for 64 yards and a touchdown. Henry didn't have much of a chance to do anything against Denver's strong defense in adverse conditions, as quarterback Drake Maye threw for only 86 total yards. Henry and the Pats will have another difficult matchup against the Seahawks' defense in the Super Bowl, but he'll still be the TE with the most upside in fantasy.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com

January 26, 2026

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo, who caught just two passes for 20 yards during 11 games in the regular season, caught one of quarterback Sam Darnold's three touchdown passes in Sunday's NFC Championship win over the Los Angeles Rams. Bobo was targeted just once in the 31-27 victory to advance to the Super Bowl, and he capitalized on that one target to score from 17 yards out. It was the 27-year-old pass-catcher's first touchdown of the year and only his fourth TD since debuting in the NFL in 2023 with Seattle. After catching only two passes for 20 yards during the regular season, Bobo has stepped up to produce two receptions for 33 yards and one touchdown on his three targets in two playoff games. He only played 19% of the snaps on Sunday and hasn't played more than 33% of the snaps in a single game. Fantasy managers should look to avoid Bobo in the Super Bowl in two weeks against the Patriots.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com

January 26, 2026

San Francisco Giants outfielder Luis Matos could be fighting for his job during spring training next month. The Giants have a crowded outfield after signing center fielder Harrison Bader, and Matos could be the odd man out. He contributed 91 wRC+ last year while slashing .221/.266/.424 with eight homers, a 6.0% walk rate, and a 14.7% strikeout rate. While his offensive output was subpar, his defense was even more concerning. He contributed -6 OAA and -7.0 fWAR on defense while making 51 appearances across all three outfield spots. The Giants' projected outfield currently consists of Bader, Jung Hoo Lee, Heliot Ramos, and Drew Gilbert, so to make the Opening Day roster, Matos would presumably need to beat out Gilbert or capitalize on an unforeseen injury. Given that the 23-year-old is out of minor league options, a trade or DFA seems like the most probable outcome at this point.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 26, 2026

The Los Angeles Angels have signed right-handed reliever Nick Sandlin to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register. Lat and elbow injuries limited him to just 16.1 innings last year, his only campaign with the Blue Jays. He posted an impressive 2.20 ERA, but he likely overperformed his expected metrics. The 29-year-old finished the year with a 4.90 xFIP, 8.82 K/9, and 4.41 BB/9. His FIP has been 4.60 or higher in each of the last three seasons, but perhaps Los Angeles can get him back on track. His repertoire is certainly encouraging, headlined by a slider that FanGraphs' Stuff+ model grades at 109.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Jeff Fletcher

January 26, 2026

Milwaukee Brewers prospect Jett Williams "indicated that shortstop will be his focus heading into spring training," according to Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Williams came up through the Mets' system as a talented defender capable of playing anywhere up the middle, and while he won't abandon second base or center field reps with his new team, it sounds like shortstop will be the emphasis. The 22-year-old was shipped from New York to Milwaukee in last week's Freddy Peralta trade, and he should make his MLB debut in 2026 after playing 34 games at Triple-A last year. In Syracuse, he slashed .209/.285/.433 with seven homers, a 9.3% walk rate, a 23.2% strikeout rate, and 81 wRC+. The underlying offensive metrics could have been better, but his rare blend of power and speed fit the Brewers' philosophy while offering fantasy appeal.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Todd Rosiak

January 26, 2026

The Atlanta Braves have claimed left-handed pitcher Jose Suarez off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles. In a corresponding move, right-handed pitcher George Soriano was designated for assignment. Suarez joined the Braves via trade last March, was claimed off waivers by the Orioles less than two weeks ago, and is now back with Atlanta. The 28-year-old tossed 19.1 innings across seven games (one start) last year, pitching to a 1.86 ERA that masked his underlying 4.39 xFIP. He induced plenty of weak contact but had some issues with control, amassing 7.45 K/9 and 4.66 BB/9. He's not a lock to make the Braves' Opening Day roster, but his status as a left-hander with the ability to pitch multiple innings certainly helps his case.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Atlanta Braves

January 26, 2026

San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee is expected to slide over to right field for the 2026 season, according to Justice delos Santos of The Mercury News. Lee played center field during his second campaign stateside last year, but he struggled in the field with -5.7 fWAR on defense and -5 OAA. The Giants' signing of defensive standout Harrison Bader will allow the Giants to shift Lee to right field, where his fielding concerns won't be as prevalent, but keep him in the lineup on an everyday basis. Last season, he slashed .266/.327/.407 with a 7.6% strikeout rate, a 11.5% strikeout rate, and 107 wRC+. As it stands, the 27-year-old ranks as the #73 outfielder in the latest fantasy baseball draft rankings for 2026.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Justice delos Santos

January 26, 2026

Free agent starting pitcher Framber Valdez remains one of the top players on the market with spring training just a few weeks away. As Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports, Valdez isn't alone in that regard. Other top free agent arms include former Cy Young candidates Lucas Giolito and Zac Gallen, as well as future Hall of Fame inductees Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer. Valdez is looking for a new home after excelling as Houston's ace. He posted double-digit wins and at least 22 starts in each of the last five seasons, and he posted an impressive 3.34 xFIP with 8.77 K/9 and 3.19 BB/9 in 2025. He continued to effectively limit weak contact with just 0.7 HR/9 and a 72.9% ground ball rate. It's still unclear which teams are pursuing Valdez the heaviest, but there's no denying that he would offer a major upgrade to most rotations throughout the league. Currently, he's the #28 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings, but he'll presumably move up or down a few spots once he signs with a team.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Jon Heyman

January 26, 2026

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve won't participate in the World Baseball Classic, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Altuve said on Saturday that he would like to play for Venezuela, but McTaggart reports that the Astros would prefer for him to remain with the club throughout spring training, and he plans to honor that request. The former MVP would have played second base and hit third in the lineup if he had participated in the WBC, according to Venezuela manager Omar Lopez, who is also Houston's bench coach. A team asking its player to skip the WBC is rare but not completely unheard of, and it's largely precautionary in an effort to avoid injury ahead of a long MLB regular season. During his last WBC appearance in 2023, Altuve suffered a fractured right thumb after being hit by a pitch. The injury required surgery, and he missed the first 43 games of the regular season. Obviously, Houston wants to avoid a repeat scenario of 2023. Altuve is one of the best hitters in baseball, and he's coming off a .265/.329/.442 campaign that would be classified as above-average for most players, but was a down year by his standards. He added 26 home runs, an 8.4% walk rate, a 16.7% strikeout rate, and 113 wRC+. He posted 2.1 fWAR, which was his lowest mark since 2020. Last season also required Altuve to adjust to a new defensive position; he made 47 appearances in left field, as well as 66 at second base and 49 as the Astros' designated hitter. As it stands, Altuve ranks as the #6 second baseman in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings for 2026.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Brian McTaggart