Jack Bech's Dynasty Stock Trending Downward After Underwhelming Rookie Season
A second-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech was viewed as a potential breakout candidate heading into his rookie season. However, the 23-year-old struggled in his first NFL campaign, hauling in just 20 receptions for 224 yards and zero touchdowns on 29 targets across 16 games played. On the bright side, Bech was more productive down the stretch of the season, after Las Vegas traded away veteran wideout Jakobi Meyers at the trade deadline. Across his last five games of 2025, Bech recorded 12 catches for 132 yards on 17 targets. Outside of star tight end Brock Bowers and any possible 2026 draft day additions, no dominant pass-catchers are standing in the way of Bech earning more playing time and targets. The Raiders may also have a talent infusion under center, as Las Vegas is widely expected to take Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the number one overall selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. Still, Bech did little as a rookie to establish himself as an up-and-coming star, and his fantasy stock in dynasty leagues is trending downward after his underwhelming rookie season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Riley Minix Signs Two-Way Deal With Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed forward Riley Minix to a two-way contract on Friday, according to Michael Scotto. Minix began the season on a two-way deal with the San Antonio Spurs. He made three appearances with the team before being waived in December. The Cavs have decided to give the 25-year-old a chance after he posted impressive numbers in the G-League. Minix averaged 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 32.3 minutes in the G-League. He probably won't see much time in Cleveland, but is depth in case injuries start to pile up. For now, Minix isn't someone to bother rostering in fantasy formats.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Nate Pearson Coming Off Offseason Elbow Surgery
Houston Astros right-hander Nate Pearson (elbow) had a cleanup surgery on his right elbow in the offseason, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Pearson was scheduled to throw a bullpen session in camp on Friday, though, and appears to be just fine for the start of the 2026 season with his new team. The 29-year-old signed a one-year, $1.35 million contract with Houston in the offseason. Pearson has primarily been a reliever since 2021, but the Astros are going to stretch him out as a starter this spring. The former first-rounder by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2017 out of the College of Central Florida has a career ERA over 5.00 in five major-league seasons, and he allowed 15 earned runs with 10 walks and seven strikeouts in just 14 2/3 relief frames for the Cubbies in 2025. The hard-throwing right-hander was once one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball, but he just has not lived up to expectations. Fantasy managers will want to take a wait-and-see approach with Pearson in his return to a starting role.
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Jalen Hurts Looking to Bounce Back After 2025 Decline in Rushing Production
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has accomplished a lot in his NFL career to this point as both a real-life player and a fantasy QB. However, 2025 was a frustrating season in many respects. Across 16 games, the 27-year-old completed 64.8% of his pass attempts for 3,224 yards, 25 touchdowns, and six interceptions while averaging a career-low 7.1 yards per pass attempt. While Hurts still provided well-above-average production with his legs, his rushing production dipped in comparison to his career norms. After four straight seasons with at least 600 rushing yards and double-digit rushing touchdowns, Hurts totaled 421 yards and eight scores as a rusher in 2025. The Eagles will have a different play-caller in 2026, as the team brought in former Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach Sean Mannion in place of former offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. While the coaching change could help Hurts, the Eagles may be looking to trade away star wide receiver A.J. Brown after Brown publicly voiced his displeasure with the team at points throughout 2025. Hurts remains a quality dual-threat fantasy quarterback, but his long-term dynasty stock may be fading if his rushing production is slowing down.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Luka Doncic Likely Available for All-Star Game
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) is on track to play during Sunday's All-Star Game, according to Marc Stein. He's expected to play a short stint in the game after missing the final four games ahead of the break due to a lingering hamstring injury. Doncic reportedly looked good during a recent workout and should be available for his exhibition, barring any setbacks. His role is unlikely to be significant, but basketball fans will be happy to see Doncic involved in any capacity. The fact that he's almost certainly going to play on Sunday should mean that Doncic will play during the first game after the break.
Source: Marc Stein
Source: Marc Stein
Clarke Schmidt Seen Throwing on Friday
New York Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt (elbow), who is on the 60-day injured list as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery last July, was seen throwing in the outfield in camp on Friday, according to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. Schmidt won't be an option for the Yankees' starting rotation until some point after the All-Star break in mid-July. The 29-year-old also opened last year on the IL due to a shoulder injury that he suffered in spring training. He struck out only 73 batters in 78 2/3 total innings over 14 starts in 2025, but Schmidt held a solid 3.32 ERA (3.95 FIP) and 1.09 WHIP in his sixth year in the big leagues with the Bombers. Schmidt does a great job of keeping hitters off balance and inducing weak contact, but durability has been a concern, and he's only gone over 100 innings pitched in one of his five MLB seasons. Fantasy managers should have better stash candidates in single-year leagues in 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Chris Kirschner
Source: The Athletic - Chris Kirschner
Chris Paul Retires From Basketball
According to Chris Haynes, Toronto Raptors guard Chris Paul has announced his retirement from the NBA after 21 seasons. Paul was waived by the organization after being acquired during the trade deadline. The veteran guard already announced that he's retiring after the season, but he has decided to step away now after being released. Paul was hopeful to retire as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers, but that didn't work out as planned. He'll finish his career as a 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA point guard, and with nine All-NBA defensive team honors. He'll certainly be a Hall of Famer and will be missed from the game of basketball.
Source: Chris Haynes
Source: Chris Haynes
Isaiah Bond a Breakout Candidate Heading into 2026?
Across 16 games as a rookie in 2025, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Isaiah Bond hauled in 18 receptions for 338 yards on 44 targets. While Bond's overall numbers don't jump off the page, he showcased an ability to make plays down the field by averaging 18.8 yards per reception. However, the 21-year-old failed to earn more than four targets in any game from Week 6 onwards. Across seven games started by Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Bond recorded seven catches for 215 yards. In 2026, Cleveland will have a new play-caller at the helm after replacing long-time head coach Kevin Stefanski with former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Still, the offensive environment around Bond remains a question mark, as Cleveland remains without a clear answer at the quarterback position. Bond should have an opportunity to carve out a consistent role in the Browns' offense in 2026, but he still has plenty to prove to dynasty fantasy managers after his quiet rookie campaign.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Spencer Steer's Quad Injury a Thing of the Past?
Cincinnati Reds infielder/outfielder Spencer Steer (quadriceps) played through a sore right quadriceps that bothered him for most of last season, and he finished with a .238/.312/.411 slash line, 21 home runs, and 75 RBI in 146 games. Steer also dealt with a sore right shoulder that lingered after the 2024 campaign. To avoid re-injuring his quad this year, Steer said he cleaned up some of his sprinting mechanics. The 28-year-old will see time at first base in 2026 and could occasionally spell Matt McClain at second base, but most of his playing time is expected to come in either left or right field. Steer's drop in stolen bases from 25 in 2024 to just seven last year likely had a lot to do with his quad issue. Steer will be more of a super-utility player in 2026, and his stolen base numbers could bounce back with better help, giving fantasy managers some hope that he can post another 20-20 season. He's hit at least 20 homers in each of the last three seasons, being propped up by a very hitter-friendly home ballpark.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Sheldon
Source: MLB.com - Mark Sheldon
Zach LaVine to Undergo Season-Ending Hand Surgery
According to Chris Haynes, Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (hand) will undergo season-ending surgery on his hand. LaVine missed the last three games before the All-Star break due to this issue. It appears to be more serious than they expected, and now LaVine won't suit up during the second half of the season. In 39 games, LaVine averaged 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 31.4 minutes per game. He has a player option worth nearly $50 million for the 2026-2027 campaign. It's almost guaranteed that LaVine will accept that option, but the Kings might attempt to trade him in the off-season. In the meantime, Nique Clifford should remain in the starting five for the rest of the season. The rookie guard has been inconsistent as a scoring option, but is worth rostering in certain formats with LaVine no longer in the picture.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Royals Agree to Two-Year Minor-League Deal With John Means
The Kansas City Royals announced on Friday that they agreed to a two-year minor-league deal with left-hander John Means (Achilles). It feels like ages ago when Means was an All-Star with the Baltimore Orioles in 2019 in his second major-league season. The 32-year-old veteran southpaw didn't see the mound in the big leagues at all in 2025 and has made just 10 starts since the beginning of the 2022 season due to various injuries. Means was recovering from his second Tommy John surgery last year and will miss all of the 2026 campaign as well due to a torn Achilles that he suffered in the offseason. The Royals will keep Means around going into next season in hopes that he can put his injury woes behind him for good. Fantasy managers in all formats should take a wait-and-see approach with Means in 2027.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
Gleyber Torres Should be Good to Go for Opening Day
Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres (groin) should be ready to go on Opening Day this year after the Detroit Free Press' Evan Petzold reported in December that Torres had been cleared for all baseball activities. The 29-year-old had sports-hernia surgery in October after playing injured in the final month of the regular season and into the playoffs. He accepted the team's one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer for the 2026 campaign and will reprise his role as the team's starting second baseman as they look to get back to the postseason. In his first year in Motown, the Venezuelan infielder was named an All-Star for the third time in his career while hitting .256/.358/.387 with a .745 OPS, 16 home runs, 74 RBI, 79 runs, and four stolen bases in 145 regular-season contests. Torres doesn't have a high ceiling in fantasy, but he should have a stable floor in an improved Tigers lineup. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 22 fantasy second baseman.
Source: Detroit Free Press - Evan Petzold
Source: Detroit Free Press - Evan Petzold
Kyle Manzardo Packs on Muscle in Offseason
The Athletic's Zack Meisel wrote in December that Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo added 14 pounds of muscle since the end of the 2025 season. The Guardians want him to hold up better physically and be a candidate for more reps at first base in 2026. The 25-year-old former second-rounder by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021 out of Washington State played in 142 regular-season games last year in his first full year in the big leagues, hitting .234/.313/.455 with a .768 OPS, 27 home runs, 70 RBI, 47 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 531 plate appearances. Manzardo appeared in 84 games as the designated hitter while manning first base 55 times. He'll be a legitimate late-round source of power and should start at first base more often with Carlos Santana no longer around. If Manzardo can improve against lefties -- he hit just .186/.253/.419 against them -- he'll have true breakout potential in 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Zack Meisel
Source: The Athletic - Zack Meisel
David Pastrnak Gets Off the Mark at Olympics
Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak finished with a goal and an assist as Czechia beat France 6-3 at the Milano Cortina Olympics on Friday. Pastrnak and Czechia were shut out by Team Canada on Thursday, but the offense got going in Friday's game. Only 5:56 into the game, Pastrnak assisted on Martin Necas' power-play goal, and he tied the game at three in the second period after France had scored three quick goals to take the lead. Pastrnak is on track for his fourth consecutive 100-point campaign with the Bruins and is also expected to finish among the top scorers in the Olympics. Next, he will face Team Switzerland on Sunday.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Macklin Celebrini Pots Another Goal Friday
San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini made it two goals in two games at the Olympics on Friday, helping Team Canada to a 5-1 victory over Switzerland. Celebrini potted Canada's third goal early in the second period to make it 3-1, becoming only the third teenager to score in consecutive games in an Olympic tournament featuring NHL players. It's not easy to stand out on a stacked Canada squad, but Celebrini has been one of the leading players on the team. Across the first two games, he has recorded two goals, one assist, six shots, and a plus-four rating.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Kevin Fiala Stretchered Off Against Canada
Los Angeles Kings left wing Kevin Fiala (lower body) left Switzerland's 5-1 loss to Canada on a stretcher on Friday. He appeared to injure his left leg late in the third period during a collision with Canada's Tom Wilson. Fiala, who has posted 40 points (18 goals, 22 assists) in 56 games with the Kings this season, finished scoreless on Friday. He had one assist in Thursday's 4-0 victory over France. This looked like a serious injury, and Fiala was transported to the hospital after the game. His Olympic tournament could be over, and the injury might also prevent him from playing for the Kings when the NHL season resumes.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Bryan Woo Turns Down WBC as he Eyes Larger 2026 Workload
Seattle Mariners right-hander Bryan Woo said he turned down an invitation to pitch for Team USA in this year's World Baseball Classic as he looks to reach the 200-inning mark in 2026, according to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. The former sixth-round pick out of Cal Poly in 2021 had a breakout 2025 campaign with Seattle, going 15-7 with a 2.94 ERA (3.47 FIP) and 0.93 WHIP with a career-high 198 strikeouts and 36 walks in 186 2/3 innings pitched over 30 starts. It was nice to see Woo make 30 starts after some of his early career injury woes, and even though he's healthy this spring, the Mariners might ease him into Cactus League action. Woo led Seattle's rotation in innings, K's, WHIP, and ERA while posting a 128 ERA+, putting him in the running to start on Opening Day in 2026. He's a starting pitcher on the rise in a very favorable pitching environment at T-Mobile Park. Consider him a top-15 fantasy starting pitcher.
Source: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
Source: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
Giants Agree With Rowan Wick on One-Year Deal
The San Francisco Giants announced on Friday that they agreed with free-agent reliever Rowan Wick (elbow) on an undisclosed one-year deal with a club option for the 2027 season, according to Justice delos Santos of MLB.com. Wick will miss the entire 2026 season after having Tommy John surgery in November of last year. The 33-year-old right-hander has not appeared in the major leagues since 2022 with the Chicago Cubs, and he last pitched in the U.S. in 2023 at Triple-A Iowa. Wick has pitched in Japan in Nippon Professional Baseball the last two years and had a sharp 1.13 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, and 58:13 K:BB in 47 2/3 innings in 2025 before having TJ surgery. The Canadian reliever made his big-league debut in 2018 with the San Diego Padres, and he holds a career 3.82 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 20 saves, 160 K's, and 66 walks in 146 relief outings in his five MLB seasons.
Source: MLB.com - Justice delos Santos
Source: MLB.com - Justice delos Santos
Luis Rengifo Agrees to One-Year Deal With Brewers
Free-agent infielder Luis Rengifo agreed to an undisclosed one-year major-league deal with the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday, a source told Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Rengifo, 28, will give the Brewers a super-utility option in 2026 with the ability to play multiple positions on the infield and in the outfield. The Venezuelan struggled in his seventh and final season with the Los Angeles Angels last year, batting .238/.287/.335 with a .622 OPS, nine home runs, 43 RBI, 55 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases in 147 games over a career-high 541 plate appearances. Rengifo has never been much of a power hitter at 5-foot-10, 195 pounds (his career high in homers is 17), but he did hit .300 with 24 stolen bases in Anaheim in 2024. The switch-hitter has dual eligibility at second and third base and could bounce back with Milwaukee as a utility man, although he can probably be ignored in mixed fantasy leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Feinsand
Source: MLB.com - Mark Feinsand
Francisco Alvarez Drops 10 Pounds
New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez said that he lost around eight or 10 pounds in the offseason by focusing on his nutrition, according to Laura Albanese of Newsday. Alvarez also worked with director of hitting Jeff Albert and will be keeping the batting stance he re-adopted after returning from his demotion to Triple-A Syracuse in 2025. The 24-year-old Venezuelan backstop was sent to the minors to work on his swing last year, and after he returned, he hit .276/.360/.561 with eight home runs in his final 40 games. The Mets are hoping that he can pick up where he left off this year. Alvarez finished 2025 with a .256/.339/.447 slash line, .787 OPS, 11 home runs, 32 RBI, and 32 runs scored in 76 games with the Mets. He suffered a torn UCL in his right thumb in August and also missed the first few weeks with a left-hand fracture. Durability concerns are obvious, but he's a starting catcher with plenty of pop in a strong Mets' lineup. Alvarez will be a low-cost No. 2 fantasy catcher with plenty of bounce-back appeal.
Source: Newsday - Laura Albanese
Source: Newsday - Laura Albanese
Seahawks Hire Zachary Orr as Inside Linebackers Coach
The Seattle Seahawks are hiring former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Zachary Orr as their inside linebackers coach, sources told Clarence Hill Jr. of DLLS Sports. Orr will reunite with Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, who preceded him as the Ravens' defensive coordinator. Orr had the opportunity to take the same position with the Dallas Cowboys, but he chose to join the defending Super Bowl-champion Seahawks. He also interviewed for the Los Angeles Chargers' defensive-coordinator position this offseason after former DC Jesse Minter was hired as the Ravens' new head coach. Before becoming a coach at the NFL level, Orr spent nine seasons in the college ranks before joining the Arizona Cardinals in 2023.
Source: DLLS Sports - Clarence Hill Jr.
Source: DLLS Sports - Clarence Hill Jr.
Raiders Request to Interview Aubrey Pleasant for Defensive-Coordinator Job
The Las Vegas Raiders requested to interview Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach and passing-game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant for their defensive-coordinator job, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Raiders will interview Pleasant on Friday. In addition to the Raiders, Pleasant has interviewed for the same job with the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns this cycle. Pleasant joined the Rams in 2023 as their defensive backs coach before being promoted to assistant coach. He played safety at Wisconsin from 2005 to 2008 before getting into coaching. Before joining the Rams, Pleasant had coaching stints with the Browns, Commanders, Lions, and Packers. The Rams' defense finished in the top 10 in points allowed in 2025 and also ranked 12th in yards per attempt allowed under Pleasant.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Seahawks to Interview Conner Senger for Offensive-Coordinator Position
The Seattle Seahawks will interview Arizona Cardinals passing-game specialist Conner Senger for their offensive-coordinator position, a source told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The 30-year-old interviewed for the Chicago Bears' offensive-coordinator job recently, in addition to other QB coaching jobs. If the Seahawks don't give Senger the job, the Cardinals plan to retain him under new head coach Mike LaFleur. Senger has been coaching for the Cardinals since the 2022 season. Seattle is looking for a new OC after Klint Kubiak left to become the head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders following the Seahawks' Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots. In addition to Senger, Seahawks assistant coaches Andrew Janocko, Jake Peetz, Justin Outten, and Mack Brown are in contention for promotions to OC.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Cardinals Expected to Hire Matt Schaub as Quarterbacks Coach
The Arizona Cardinals are expected to hire former NFL Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Schaub as their new QBs coach, sources told Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. Schaub played in the NFL from 2004 to 2020 and made 93 career starts with the Houston Texans, Atlanta Falcons, Oakland Raiders, and Baltimore Ravens. He threw for a league-high 4,770 yards on a league-high 583 passing attempts in 2009 with the Texans. The 44-year-old was an offensive analyst for the Falcons in 2023, but this will be his first coaching job in the NFL as he joins new head coach Mike LaFleur's offense in Arizona. LaFleur was on Atlanta's staff from 2015 to 2016 when Schaub was the backup for Matt Ryan. It's unclear exactly what direction the Cardinals will go in at the QB position going into next season, as they've been rumored to be looking to trade Kyler Murray (foot).
Source: CBS Sports - Matt Zenitz
Source: CBS Sports - Matt Zenitz
Cardinals Expected to Retain Defensive Coordinator Nick Rallis
The Arizona Cardinals are expected to retain defensive coordinator Nick Rallis under new head coach Mike LaFleur, sources told Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. Rallis was the defensive coordinator under previous head coach Jonathan Gannon for the last three seasons, and he will remain in Arizona under LaFleur in 2026. The 32-year-old was the youngest DC in the NFL when he was hired by the Cardinals three seasons ago. Although Gannon shouldered most of the blame, the Cardinals had one of the worst defenses in the league under Callis in two of the last three years. Arizona's defense allowed the fourth-most points per game (28.7), the sixth-most total yards per game (357.7), the ninth-most passing yards per game (230.8), and the eighth-most rushing yards per game (126.9) under Callis during the regular season in 2025.
Source: CBS Sports - Matt Zenitz
Source: CBS Sports - Matt Zenitz
Stefon Diggs Pleads Not Guilty to Assault Allegation
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs pleaded not guilty on Friday to felony strangulation and other criminal charges stemming from an alleged dispute with his personal chef, according to ESPN. According to court records, the chef told officers that she and Diggs argued about the money he owed her for her work. During a Dec. 2 encounter at his home, she said Diggs "smacked her across the face" and "tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck." Diggs' attorney said he "categorically denies these allegations." "He is completely innocent. He will be completely exonerated," Diggs' attorney, Mitchell Schuster, said. The 32-year-old wideout is next scheduled to appear for a pretrial hearing on April 1. In his first year in New England in 2025, Diggs helped the Pats reach the Super Bowl, finishing the regular season as the WR18 in half-PPR scoring with 85 catches for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns. He should be one of quarterback Drake Maye's top targets again in 2026.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Aaron Rodgers Likely to Return to Steelers?
ESPN's Brooke Pryor reports that she gets the sense that Pittsburgh Steelers impending free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers is "more likely to come back than not" in 2026. The Steelers probably want an answer sooner rather than later from Rodgers, especially with the scouting combine coming up in a few weeks. The difference between this year and last year is that Pittsburgh has QB Will Howard on the roster after they drafted him in the sixth round in 2025. Mason Rudolph is also in the QB room, but new head coach Mike McCarthy is apparently a big fan of Howard and laid out plans to develop the young QB during his head-coaching interview. Rodgers led Pittsburgh to the playoffs and threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 16 regular-season games in his first year with the team, but he finished as the QB19 in fantasy in what was an underwhelming offense. If Rodgers returns to the Steel City for a 22nd NFL season, he'll be a low-end QB2 again with a limited ceiling for fantasy purposes.
Source: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
Source: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
Emmanuel Clase Used Coded Language for Pitch-Rigging Plans
Federal prosecutors said that Cleveland Guardians right-handed reliever Emmanuel Clase and co-conspirators used coded language to discuss pitch-rigging plans, according to The Athletic's Mike Vorkunov and Zack Meisel. Clase received a text message hours before a game against the Reds on May 18 of last year that read, "Throw a rock at the first rooster in today's fight." Unsealed court documents on Friday also allege that Clase engaged in an illegal sports gambling scheme during the 2024 postseason. It was all part of an alleged effort by Clase and others to rig pitches during Guardians games for over two years. Co-conspirators netted winnings of at least $450,000, and Clase and teammate Luis L. Ortiz allegedly received kickbacks for their involvement. Clase and Ortiz were placed on non-disciplinary leave last July amid allegations of sports gambling, and they remain on leave and are not permitted to report to spring training.
Source: The Athletic - Mike Vorkunov and Zack Meisel
Source: The Athletic - Mike Vorkunov and Zack Meisel
Kyle Teel to be Chicago's Everyday Catcher?
It sounds like the Chicago White Sox view catcher Kyle Teel as their everyday catcher. "We do view Teel as an everyday guy. But at the catching position, we know that doesn't mean you're actually in there every day. It's a demanding role. And Edgar is a guy that we like the bat against lefties, so there's DH opportunities for him. He's going to be able to catch, too, so there should be plenty of at-bats for those guys," manager Will Venable said when asked about splitting at-bats for Teel and Edgar Quero in 2026. Teel, a 23-year-old left-handed-hitting backstop, made his major-league debut last year and held his own with a .273/.375/.411 slash line, .786 OPS, eight home runs, 35 RBI, 38 runs scored, and even three steals in 78 games played in Chicago. Teel didn't look great against left-handed pitchers, but he's clearly the team's preferred catcher, and the rest of his profile makes him an attractive low-end starting catching target with upside.
Source: Sox Showdown - Noah Phalen
Source: Sox Showdown - Noah Phalen
Chris Paddack to be in Opening Day Starting Rotation
Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough confirmed that right-hander Chris Paddack will be part of the team's Opening Day starting rotation, according to Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald. The first three spots in Miami's rotation are locked down with Sandy Alcantara, Eury Perez, and Paddack. The 30-year-old veteran joined the Marlins last week to little fanfare after going 5-12 with a 5.35 ERA (5.03 FIP) and 1.28 WHIP with 112 strikeouts and 37 walks in 158 innings over 33 appearances (28 starts) with the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers. Paddack allowed a league-high 94 earned runs on 166 hits. He wasn't much better the two previous seasons with the Twins, and if he continues to pitch poorly in 2026 with the Fish, a move to the bullpen won't be far off. Opposing hitters continue to tee off against Paddack, as he's allowed 45 long balls the last two years. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere, even in NL-only formats.
Source: Miami Herald - Jordan McPherson
Source: Miami Herald - Jordan McPherson
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