February 21, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander
Merrill Kelly's (back) live batting practice session in camp on Saturday was scratched due to mid-back tightness, and he will undergo testing in the next 24 hours, manager Torey Lovullo told Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. It's an ominous sign for a 37-year-old veteran, but we'll know more about the severity of his injury soon. Kelly began the 2025 campaign in Arizona before being traded to the Texas Rangers to close out the season. He was better with the D-backs in 22 starts, posting a 3.22 ERA (3.58 FIP) and 1.06 WHIP with 121 K's and 38 walks in 128 2/3 innings. In Texas, he had a 4.23 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 46:10 K:BB in 10 starts. Kelly knows how to command the baseball, but he lacks a ton of fantasy upside because of his lack of strikeout upside, and home runs have also been an issue. Depending on the severity of his back injury, he could fall off the radar in mixed fantasy leagues entirely entering the 2026 regular season.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Arizona Republic - Nick Piecoro
February 21, 2026
Across 16 games in 2025, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Kendrick Bourne recorded 37 receptions for 551 yards on 53 targets. A significant chunk of Bourne's production came in a two-game stretch in Weeks 5 and 6, when he hauled in 15 receptions for 284 yards on 20 targets. As the 49ers' pass-catching corps got healthier in the later part of the season, Bourne's role faded out of fantasy relevance. Bourne is now set to hit free agency ahead of 2026, which will be his age-31 season. Fellow 49ers wideout
Jauan Jennings is also a free agent, and star San Francisco tight end
George Kittle (Achilles) could miss a chunk of 2026 with a torn Achilles tendon. As a result, a return to San Francisco could mean Bourne has a role in the team's passing game, especially early in the year. However, the veteran wideout's best days appear to be behind him, and he may not play a fantasy-relevant role in 2026 and beyond.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 21, 2026
The Los Angeles Dodgers claimed outfielder
Jack Suwinski off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday, a source told Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Suwinski could be back on waivers before the start of the 2026 regular season, as he's out of minor-league options and is likely to face an uphill battle to make the Dodgers' Opening Day roster out of spring training. The 27-year-old center fielder has hit under .200 in his four big-league seasons in Pittsburgh and slashed just .147/.281/.253 with a career-worst .534 OPS, three home runs, 10 RBI, 15 runs scored, seven steals, and 57 strikeouts in 178 plate appearances over a career-low 59 games in 2025. Suwinski has decent plate discipline, but he has simply been overmatched by big-league pitchers, especially the last two seasons. If he sticks around with the Dodgers, he'll provide minor-league outfield depth at Triple-A Oklahoma City.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
February 21, 2026
Once a former top prospect with the Chicago White Sox, Milwaukee Brewers first baseman
Andrew Vaughn was demoted to Triple-A while still with the White Sox organization in the middle of 2025. A mid-season trade to Milwaukee provided the 27-year-old with a second chance, and he took advantage of the opportunity. Across 254 plate appearances with the Brewers, Vaughn hit .308/.375/.493 with nine home runs, 46 RBI, and 26 runs scored. With a career 46.5% hard-hit rate, Vaughn has always carried intriguing underlying numbers, so the change of scenery may have been all he needed to unlock his potential. Heading into 2026, Vaughn should have a chance to lock down the starting first base job in Milwaukee. While he's not a speed threat, Vaughn has the chance to provide fantasy managers with four-category production and comes at a reasonable average draft position of pick 284.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 21, 2026
After emerging as a high-level fantasy contributor in 2024, Colorado Rockies outfielder
Brenton Doyle came crashing back down to Earth in 2025. Across 538 plate appearances, the 27-year-old hit .233/.274/.376 with 15 home runs, 57 RBI, 57 runs scored, and 18 stolen bases. With a career 28.1% strikeout rate and a questionable eye at the plate, Doyle carries significant batting average risk for fantasy managers. However, he remains an intriguing power/speed threat even after his down year in 2025. Doyle's barrel rate rose from 10.5% in 2024 to 10.8% in 2025, and his hard-hit rate jumped from 41.1% to 44.6%. He also has the benefit of playing his home games at the hitter-friendly Coors Field, which could help his batting average on balls in play improve from the .289 mark he posted in 2025. While the Rockies once again project to be one of the worst teams in baseball, Doyle's excellent defense in center field should keep him in the lineup every day and help him rack up counting stats. With an average draft position of pick 157, Doyle could be a buy-low candidate for fantasy managers to target heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 21, 2026
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher
Jack Flaherty struggled throughout most of the 2025 season, finishing the year with an 8-15 record, 4.64 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 188 strikeouts across 161 innings pitched (31 starts). With a 27.6% strikeout rate, the 30-year-old still provided fantasy managers with plenty of whiffs. However, his walk rate jumped from 5.9% in 2024 to 8.7% in 2025, and he allowed a 10.3% barrel rate, the worst mark of his career. Flaherty has an established issue with allowing home runs, as he has logged a HR/9 of 1.29 or worse in each of the past two seasons. If his walk rate continues to climb towards the double-digits, he may have a difficult time keeping his ERA to a manageable number. Detroit owes Flaherty $20 million in 2026, so his spot in the rotation should be secure as long as he stays healthy. Flaherty's ability to rack up strikeouts gives him fantasy appeal as long as he remains in a high-volume role. However, Flaherty has posted an ERA north of 4.60 in two of his last three seasons and represents real risk in the ERA and WHIP categories for fantasy managers.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 21, 2026
After a breakout 2024 campaign, Baltimore Orioles outfielder
Colton Cowser battled through an injury-marred 2025 season that saw him post underwhelming numbers across the board. Thumb, rib, and head injuries limited Cowser to just 92 games, and he hit .196/.269/.385 with 16 home runs, 40 RBI, 36 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases. When healthy, Cowser profiles as an intriguing power/speed threat for fantasy managers. He posted an excellent 14.1% barrel rate in 2025 and upped his stolen base total from nine in 2024 to 14 in 2025 despite playing over 60 fewer games. However, swing-and-miss is a major issue. The 25-year-old recorded a 35.6% strikeout rate in 2025 and owns a 32.3% strikeout rate across nearly 1,000 career MLB plate appearances. As a left-handed hitter, Cowser may also lose playing time against same-handed pitching, given Baltimore's crowded outfield depth chart. With a current average draft position of pick 249, Cowser profiles as a high-floor, low-ceiling outfield option for fantasy managers heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 21, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays first baseman/designated hitter
Yandy Diaz had an excellent season in 2025, hitting .300/.366/.482 with 25 home runs, 83 RBI, 79 runs scored, and three stolen bases across 651 plate appearances. Diaz has established himself as one of fantasy baseball's best sources of batting average, particularly relative to his position. He's hit .291 across almost 3,500 plate appearances since joining the Rays in 2019, and has hit .296 or better in three out of the last four years. Diaz logged a 52.4% hard-hit rate while striking out in just 14.1% of his plate appearances in 2025, so he appears to have plenty left in the tank as he enters his age-34 season. Where he might regress is in the power category, as Tampa Bay will move back into Tropicana Field for the 2026 season after playing its home games at the hitter-friendly Steinbrenner Field last year. 18 of Diaz's 25 home runs came at home in 2025, and he's hit more than 14 bombs just twice in nine big-league seasons. Still, Diaz has proven himself to be a reliable producer and should be locked into everyday playing time in Tampa Bay in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 21, 2026
Cincinnati Reds infielder
Sal Stewart is playing second base and batting cleanup in the team's first Spring Training matchup of 2026 on Saturday against the Cleveland Guardians. Stewart, who made his Major League debut as a 21-year-old in 2025, played both corner infield spots in his first stint with the Reds. However, it appears as though the team is shifting him to the right side of the infield heading into 2026, as he's reportedly taken reps at both first and second base so far this spring. The Reds have
Matt McLain locked in as the everyday second baseman, but McLain has dealt with injuries throughout his MLB career. Stewart could eventually settle in as the team's regular first baseman, but Cincinnati also has veteran first baseman/outfielder
Spencer Steer to work into the lineup. Still, Stewart's positional versatility should help him get regular playing time, even if it's spread across multiple positions. He currently ranks as RotoBaller's #22 fantasy first baseman and carries an average draft position of pick 207.
--Will BradySource: Cincinnati Reds
February 21, 2026
Chicago Bulls center
Zach Collins (toe) will undergo surgery to repair a sprained right toe and miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season. The veteran big man has been sidelined since late December and was limited to 10 games, averaging 9.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.9 three-pointers in 18.4 minutes. With Collins out,
Jalen Smith is the clear fantasy winner and projects as a long-term hold if he stays healthy after posting nine points, 10 rebounds, two assists, three steals, and one block in 24 minutes in his return.
--Brian DailisanSource: Chicago Bulls
February 21, 2026
Sacramento Kings forward
De'Andre Hunter (eye) will undergo surgery to repair a detached retina, ending his 2025-26 campaign. The veteran wing played just two games for Sacramento after the trade before being sidelined. He finishes the season averaging 13.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.7 three-pointers in 26.1 minutes across 45 appearances. With Hunter out and both
Zach LaVine (finger) and
Domantas Sabonis (knee) already sidelined, minutes are available.
Nique Clifford and
Daeqwon Plowden are fringe fantasy options for now, though the path to larger roles exists.
Precious Achiuwa also stands to benefit after a 14-point, 10-rebound, four-steal, two-block outing in 34 minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: Chris Haynes
February 21, 2026
Washington Wizards forward/center
Tristan Vukcevic (hand) did not return to Friday's game against Indiana after sustaining a hand contusion. He recorded 14 points on 7-of-12 shooting with eight rebounds, one assist, and one block in 20 minutes as a starter before exiting. His status for Sunday against Charlotte is uncertain. It's a tough stretch for Washington, which is already dealing with several injuries to key pieces. If Vukcevic is sidelined,
Anthony Gill becomes a deep-league streaming option after posting 11 points, six assists, and three blocks in 23 minutes in the last outing.
--Brian DailisanSource: Tony East
February 21, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward/center
John Collins (head) left Friday's game against the Lakers after taking a hard fall in the second quarter and did not return. He was ruled questionable to come back but remained sidelined for the rest of the contest, placing his status for Sunday's matchup against Orlando in doubt. If Collins misses time,
Bennedict Mathurin stands to gain the most after posting 26 points and seven rebounds in 32 minutes off the bench.
Nicolas Batum could see a modest minutes bump, while
Kobe Sanders may re-enter the rotation. Mathurin profiles as the priority add.
--Brian DailisanSource: Law Murray
February 21, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) did not return to Friday's game against the Lakers after leaving in the fourth quarter due to left-ankle soreness. Before exiting, he delivered 31 points on 11-of-19 shooting with four threes and five assists in 31 minutes. If he misses additional time,
Bennedict Mathurin becomes the primary scoring option after posting 26 points and seven rebounds in 32 minutes off the bench.
Kris Dunn added eight assists in 35 minutes and would handle more playmaking, while
Derrick Jones Jr. could see elevated usage. Leonard's status warrants close monitoring.
--Brian DailisanSource: Law Murray
February 21, 2026
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Jaxon Smith-Njigba isn't in a rush to sign a new deal after winning Super Bowl LX, but the 2025 Offensive Player of the Year did say that he thinks he deserves to "be the highest-paid in my position," according to ESPN's Brady Henderson. It would mean an extension worth more than $40 million in new-money average. The Seahawks can exercise a fifth-year option on the former first-rounder's contract by May 1, but they plan to work out a new deal with JSN this offseason. The 24-year-old picked a great time to have the best year of his career, setting a franchise record and leading the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards despite the fact that the Seahawks ran the ball more than any other team. Smith-Njigba also had 10 touchdowns and went for 199 yards and two touchdowns in three playoff games. He finished second to only
Puka Nacua in overall fantasy points in 2025 and will surely be a first-round fantasy selection in drafts this fall.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
February 21, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Devin Booker (hip) has been ruled out for Saturday's matchup against Orlando after aggravating a right hip strain. His absence again funnels usage to
Jalen Green and
Collin Gillespie. In the last game, Green posted 26 points with four threes and three steals in 26 minutes, while Gillespie handed out eight assists across 30 minutes.
Jordan Goodwin added 10 points in 27 minutes. Green profiles as a potential long-term hold if he stays healthy. Gillespie offers assists value in deeper formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 21, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) will not play Saturday in New Orleans, marking his fourth straight absence. With the All-Star big man sidelined,
Tyrese Maxey remains the primary usage driver, while the frontcourt minutes continue to split between
Andre Drummond and
Adem Bona. In the last game, Drummond logged 28 minutes and posted 10 points, 14 rebounds, and three assists, while Bona added nine points and seven rebounds in 20 minutes. Both remain volatile options, though Drummond profiles as the stronger rebound streamer. Embiid's absence boosts Maxey and
Kelly Oubre Jr. in scoring formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 21, 2026
Detroit Tigers infield prospect
Kevin McGonigle is starting at shortstop and is hitting second in the team's Grapefruit League opener on Saturday against the New York Yankees, according to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. The Tigers have moved McGonigle around to third and second base in camp to increase his chances of making the Opening Day roster, but shortstop remains the focus for the 21-year-old long-term, and it's his clearest path to regular playing time in the big leagues in 2026. McGonigle is the consensus No. 2 prospect in baseball, behind only the Pirates'
Konnor Griffin, due to his elite ability to make contact and drive the ball with authority.
Javier Baez and
Zach McKinstry are better suited for utility roles than for regular duties at the 6, so if McGonigle handles himself well in spring training games, he's likely to win the starting job at short. He hit .305/.408/.583 with 19 home runs and 10 steals in 88 games in three minor-league stops last year and should be drafted in all single-year fantasy leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: Detroit Free Press - Evan Petzold
February 21, 2026
New York Mets infielder
Bo Bichette is starting at third base and batting third in the team's Grapefruit League opener on Saturday against the division-rival Miami Marlins, according to Max Goodman of NJ.com. Despite the injury to
Francisco Lindor (hand) that could keep him sidelined to start the 2026 season, the Mets will keep Bichette at the hot corner. The 27-year-old former second-rounder in 2016 had an injury-plagued year for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2024 but bounced back nicely and led them to the World Series last season, slashing .311/.357/.483 with an .840 OPS, 18 home runs, 94 RBI, 78 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 139 regular-season games (628 plate appearances). The move to Queens should be good for his run production near the top of a strong lineup, and as long as he stays healthy, he should provide around 20 long balls. Adding third base eligibility will help, too. RotoBaller has Bichette ranked as the No. 14 fantasy shortstop to begin 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: NJ.com - Max Goodman
February 21, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals infield prospect
JJ Wetherholt is starting at second base and batting fifth on Saturday in the team's Grapefruit League opener against the Washington Nationals, according to Jeff Jones of the Belleville News. The offseason trades of both
Nolan Arenado and
Brendan Donovan have cleared a path for Wetherholt to be an everyday player on the infield for St. Louis in 2026, and he's expected to be their Opening Day second baseman. The 23-year-old is the No. 5 overall prospect in the game, per MLB Pipeline, after hitting .306/.421/.510 with 17 home runs and 23 stolen bases in 109 games last year with Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis. The former seventh overall pick in 2024 doesn't have an obvious weakness at the plate, although in his first big-league season, fantasy managers should temper expectations for his power and speed. Still, Wetherholt can hit 15-plus homers right away as St. Louis' starting second baseman.
--Keith HernandezSource: Belleville News - Jeff Jones
February 21, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays infielder
Kazuma Okamoto is starting at third base and batting sixth in the team's Grapefruit League opener on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies, according to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. The Blue Jays will get Okamoto as many at-bats in spring training as they can before the 29-year-old reports to Team Japan for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Third base is his job to lose as he enters his first year in the major leagues, especially since Toronto could use
Addison Barger more in the outfield with
Anthony Santander (shoulder) potentially missing all of 2026. The biggest question is whether Okamoto's power will translate to MLB immediately. He hit at least 27 home runs in each of his first seven seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball, but he only managed 15 in 2025 due to an elbow injury. Still, his combination of contact and power skills makes him intriguing near the heart of the Blue Jays' batting order.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
February 21, 2026
New York Mets manager
Carlos Mendoza said the designated hitter spot will be in play "big" time as the team tries to keep infielder
Jorge Polanco healthy in 2026, according to Chelsea Janes of SNY. Mendoza also expects infielders
Mark Vientos and
Brett Baty to get playing time at first base when Polanco is the DH. The Mets are also slow-playing the 32-year-old switch-hitting Dominican early in Grapefruit League games. Polanco has played in 100-plus games in six of his 12 seasons in the big leagues, although he did manage to play in 138 contests while hitting .265/.326/.495 with an .821 OPS, 26 home runs, 78 RBI, 64 runs scored, and six steals for the Seattle Mariners last year.
Marcus Semien will be locked into Polanco's primary position at second, so most of his at-bats figure to come as New York's DH. Fantasy managers need to expect Polanco to miss time due to injury in 2026, but when healthy, he hits the ball hard and has solid pop with second base eligibility.
--Keith HernandezSource: SNY - Chelsea Janes
February 21, 2026
Calgary Flames forward Blake Coleman (upper body) was activated from Injured Reserve, Ryan Pike of Flames Nation reports. This indicates Coleman will be ready to return to action when Calgary continues its season on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks. Coleman hasn't played since suffering an upper-body injury on Jan. 8. The 34-year-old has totaled 21 points (13 goals, eight assists) in 44 appearances and boasts 110 hits for the campaign. John Beecher (upper body) was also activated from Injured Reserve on Friday, giving the Flames two additional options up front.
--Taavi PailkSource: Ryan Pike
February 21, 2026
Free-agent infielder
Ramon Urias is in agreement with the St. Louis Cardinals on a one-year, $2 million contract on Saturday, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Urias will have a $1.5 million salary in 2026 with a $500,000 buyout on a 2027 mutual option. The deal also includes $2 million in incentives based on plate appearances. The 31-year-old veteran will give the Cardinals infield depth behind
JJ Wetherholt at second base and
Nolan Gorman at third base this year. The Mexican infielder is coming off one of his worst offensive seasons, slashing .241/.292/.384 with a .675 OPS, 11 home runs, 44 RBI, 33 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 112 total games played with the Baltimore Orioles and Houston Astros. Urias is mostly valuable for his glove and doesn't offer much of a skill set for fantasy managers. You can avoid him in all mixed leagues in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal
February 21, 2026
New York Rangers right wing Matt Rempe (thumb) will be placed on Injured Reserve. Rempe injured his left thumb in October during a fight with San Jose Sharks forward Ryan Reaves and will now undergo a second procedure to get it fixed. It's unclear when Rempe will be ready to return to action, but the team hasn't ruled him out for the season. The 23-year-old enforcer has managed one goal in 26 outings this season, with 11 penalty minutes and 86 hits.
--Taavi PailkSource: TSN
February 21, 2026
Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that he sees outfielder
Roman Anthony as the team's leadoff hitter this year, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. True to his word, Cora put Anthony in the leadoff spot for the team's Grapefruit League opener on Saturday versus the Minnesota Twins. It's not a huge surprise after the 21-year-old former top prospect hit atop Boston's order after making his major-league debut last year. Before an oblique strain cut his season short late in the year, Anthony was as advertised, slashing .292/.396/.463 with an .859 OPS, eight home runs, 32 RBI, 48 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 257 at-bats. The Red Sox could move Anthony down in the batting order when they face left-handed pitchers, but even so, he has the upside of a top-10 fantasy outfielder going into his first full season in the majors. Anthony became one of just two Red Sox players to have 20-plus extra-base hits and 25-plus walks in their first 52 career games, joining the legendary Ted Williams.
--Keith HernandezSource: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
February 21, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (lower body) is a game-time call for Sunday's Olympic final, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports. After missing Friday's semifinal win over Finland, Crosby skated on Saturday. However, Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper didn't confirm whether Crosby would be good to go for Sunday's mouth-watering matchup against Team USA. Getting Crosby back for the gold-medal game would be a big boost for Canada. The team has a 24-2 record at best-on-best tournaments with Crosby in the lineup. Crosby, who is chasing his third Olympic gold, has contributed two goals and four assists in four appearances in Milan.
--Taavi PailkSource: Elliotte Friedman
February 21, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash said that right-handed reliever
Edwin Uceta was diagnosed with shoulder inflammation and a slight impingement in his right shoulder, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Uceta got a cortisone shot, and the plan is for him to start throwing next weekend. Topkin writes that Uceta could be cutting it close to be ready for Opening Day on March 26. The 28-year-old figures to be squarely in the mix for save chances in Tampa alongside
Griffin Jax and
Garrett Cleavinger this year after posting a 3.79 ERA (3.69 FIP), 1.17 WHIP, one save, a career-high 103 strikeouts, and 27 walks in 76 innings for the Rays in 2025. He was even better the year prior with a 1.51 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, and a career-high five saves. Uceta was one of just five relievers last season to reach 100 K's.
--Keith HernandezSource: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
February 21, 2026
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey (upper body) won't be available for Sunday's Olympic final against Team USA. The Canadian blue-liner suffered an upper-body injury in the tournament opener. Since he won't be available for Sunday's game, Morrissey may also miss some action for the Jets. Winnipeg will resume play on Wednesday against the Vancouver Canucks. Despite his team's tough campaign, Morrissey has enjoyed a solid season, recording 42 points (10 goals, 32 assists) in 56 games. The Jets' defense has already been without Neal Pionk (lower body), Colin Miller (knee), and Haydn Fleury (upper body).
--Taavi PailkSource: TSN
February 21, 2026
Vancouver Canucks center Filip Chytil will be out indefinitely after sustaining a facial fracture in practice this week. During Wednesday's practice session, Chytil was hit in the cheek by a puck. Chytil missed Vancouver's last game before the Olympic break due to migraines and was out for three months earlier this season with a concussion. He has been limited to 12 appearances in 2025-26, scoring three goals. With Chytil out, Aatu Raty is set to get regular playing time with the Canucks. The Finnish forward does not hold any fantasy value.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
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