January 29, 2026
The Baltimore Ravens requested to interview Denver Broncos defensive passing-game coordinator and assistant head coach Jim Leonhard for their defensive-coordinator job, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Leonhard played for the Ravens in 2008 and has already interviewed for the Chargers' defensive-coordinator job. He's also expected to interview for the same position with the Buffalo Bills. Before working with the Broncos the last two seasons, Leonhard was in the collegiate ranks, mostly at the University of Wisconsin. He has drawn a lot of attention with the Broncos' defense becoming one of the best units in the league over the last two seasons. If he were to land in Baltimore, Leonhard would be working under new head coach Jesse Minter, who was previously the DC for the Los Angeles Chargers. He is expected to be the front-runner to land the DC job in Buffalo.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 29, 2026
The Los Angeles Chargers are hiring Western Michigan defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary as their defensive coordinator on Thursday, sources tell Adam Schefter of ESPN. O'Leary will be returning to the Chargers after working under Jesse Minter as the safeties coach in 2024. Before working in L.A., he coached the secondary at Notre Dame under Marcus Freeman. O'Leary is replacing Minter, who got the head-coaching job with the Baltimore Ravens. He spent six seasons with the Fighting Irish, and his defense at Western Michigan was one of the best scoring defenses in college football in 2025. While this isn't the sexiest hire for the Chargers, it makes sense because of O'Leary's already deep knowledge of the team's roster on the defensive side. When he was with the Bolts in 2024, they led the league in scoring defense and allowed just 17.7 points per game.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 29, 2026
Boston Red Sox outfielder
Wilyer Abreu has been the subject of plenty of trade rumors this offseason, due to his team's apparently overcrowded outfield. However, Boston hasn't been willing to part with him at his current value on the open market, and Abreu has also drawn praise for his work this offseason. Both GM
Craig Breslow and manager Alex Cora have talked about getting Abreu regular at-bats against lefties. The two-time Gold Glove winner slashed .247/.317/.469 last season and hit a career-high 22 home runs. He was very streaky throughout the season, but he showed lots of upside when he was locked in. His outlook for 2026 is extremely volatile since his role on the roster is uncertain, but if the Sox make a move to open space for him or if he's moved to a place where he plays every day, he could end up delivering very nice value if you can get him late in drafts.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Rob Bradford
January 29, 2026
Michigan running back Bryson Kuzdzal, who entered the transfer portal on January 5, has decided to come back to the Wolverines program, according to On3's Pete Nakos. The Michigan native is entering his redshirt junior season after seeing his first action in 2025. In nine games last season, he tallied 336 total yards and four touchdowns on 80 touches. The 20-year-old is likely to work in a committee backfield alongside Jordan Marshall and Oklahoma transfer Taylor Tatum in 2026 under new head coach Kyle Whittingham. Michigan should be expected to continue to have a strong rushing attack, and if quarterback Bryce Underwood takes a step forward as a sophomore, it will only help its ground game.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Pete Nakos - On3
January 29, 2026
Free agent pitcher
Gabe Klobosits will look to earn a spot in the bullpen for the Chicago Cubs after agreeing to a minor-league deal with the team before the start of spring training. While he hasn't pitched in the majors since 2021, when he went 0-1 with a 5.56 ERA in 11 games for the Nationals, the 6-foot-8 righty has posted some good numbers in independent ball with a 2.14 ERA over 80 innings. He split time last season between the Cleburne Railroaders in the American Association and the High Point Rockers of the Atlantic League. Reports are that he is up to 98 miles-per-hour on his fastball this offseason, which would be an improvement from the last time he was in the majors. The 30-year-old will look to work his way back to the majors and will be an interesting arm to watch due to his non-traditional development path and potential to contribute to the bullpen at some point this season.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Ari Alexander
January 29, 2026
Free-agent infielder
Jordan Groshans joined the Atlanta Braves organization on a minor-league deal, and the former top prospect will look to get back on track with a new team. After being the No. 12 overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays, Groshans eventually made his big-league debut with the Marlins in 2022, going 16-for-61 (.262) with a homer, two RBI, and nine runs scored in just 17 games played. He hasn't been back to the majors since then, though, spending 2025 in Double-A and Triple-A for the Royals. In 67 games, he hit .284 with three homers, a .340 wOBA, and no stolen bases. He spent 2024 with the A's and Yankees in the minors and seems to be a minor-league journeyman at this point. He does provide organizational depth and positional versatility for the Braves, though, since he played every spot in the infield for the Royals last season.
--Zach ThompsonSource: MLB.com
January 29, 2026
Ottawa Senators goaltender James Reimer saved 16 of 18 shots in Wednesday's 5-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. The veteran netminder faced a difficult matchup but came through it with flying colors. Reimer has had a decent start to his Senators career, going 2-2-1 across five appearances. However, he has allowed 3.05 goals with a lowly .874 save percentage. The 37-year-old must definitely improve these numbers to earn more action now that Linus Ullmark (personal) is back with the team.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 29, 2026
Free-agent pitcher
Darren McCaughan will try to earn a spot with the Cincinnati Reds after signing a minor-league contract that includes an invite to spring training. The right will be 30 years old at the start of the season and has spent time with the Mariners and Twins over the last several seasons. He pitched in just three games in the majors for the Twins in 2025, allowing one run on five hits with six strikeouts and a hold over 5 1/3 innings. In Triple-A, he was both a starter and reliever, appearing in 26 games with 12 starts and spanning 97 innings with a 5.10 ERA, 5.47 FIP, and 8.9 K/9. McCaughan will likely serve as organizational depth, especially since he can provide some length, but he seems unlikely to be a major contributor.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Charlie Goldsmith
January 29, 2026
Ottawa Senators forward Tim Stutzle recorded his fourth multi-point game of the month on Wednesday night, finishing a 5-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche with a goal and an assist. The German star helped Nick Cousins open the scoring in the second period and wrapped up the game with an empty-net goal. Stutzle has been hot during the latter half of the month, tallying five goals and five assists in nine games. He leads the Senators with 24 goals and 55 points in 53 contests. Stutzle and the Senators will complete the week on Saturday against a New Jersey Devils squad that has allowed four goals in three consecutive games.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 29, 2026
New York Islanders left wing Ondrej Palat had a productive debut for his new team on Wednesday, contributing a goal and an assist in a 5-2 victory over the New York Rangers. Palat scored on the power play to open the scoring and collected an assist when Emil Heineman put the fifth puck past Spencer Martin in the Rangers' net. Palat became the fourth active player to record multiple points in their Islanders debut. Palat started the game on the first line but was limited to 11:53 of ice time. The Czech veteran will try to terrorize the Rangers again on Thursday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 29, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher
Kevin Gausman has been extremely reliable and consistent for the Blue Jays in the first four years of his five-year deal signed as a free agent before the 2022 season. The 36-year-old righty is entering the final year of his contract, and over the last five seasons (including his last with the Giants), he has racked up 1,020 strikeouts in 925 2/3 innings while making 158 starts and posting a 3.34 ERA and 16.4 WAR. Gausman has made at least 30 starts in each of those five seasons and won at least 10 games. He could be an intriguing veteran free agent next offseason, or the Blue Jays could try to extend their workhorse before he hits the open market. His consistency and reliability make him an undervalued fantasy asset coming into this year in many leagues.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Buster Olney
January 29, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski notched two assists in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers, recording his fifth multi-point game of the month. Thanks to Werenski's playmaking, Charlie Coyle scored in the opening minute of the first period, and Kirill Marchenko netted a goal in the last minute of the same frame. With the two-assist effort, Werenski reclaimed the top spot in scoring among defensemen. He boasts 57 points (19 goals, 38 assists) in 48 games, putting him one ahead of Colorado's Cale Makar and Edmonton's Evan Bouchard. Werenski has tallied 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) in January alone.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 29, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny (foot) is questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Boston Bruins, Jackie Spiegel of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Konency scored his third career hat trick in Wednesday's 5-3 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, but he injured his foot blocking a shot. On Wednesday, Konency took over the scoring lead on his team, boasting 48 points (20 goals, 28 assists) through 51 appearances. His potential absence on Thursday could give Matvei Michov a first-line role. Bobby Brink is also a candidate to step into the top six.
--Taavi PailkSource: Jackie Spiegel
January 29, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (lower body) logged only 1:01 of action in Wednesday's 5-3 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Finnish veteran recently returned from an upper-body injury and was in the lineup for the second time after a six-game absence. Unfortunately, he may now have to miss time again. Ristolainen also sat out the start of the season and has played just 15 times in 2025-26. He has recorded three assists, 24 shots, 25 blocks, and 16 hits with a minus-five rating. If Ristolainen is unavailable on Thursday against the Boston Bruins, Emil Andrae will rejoin the Flyers' backline.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBC Sports Philadelphia
January 29, 2026
Calgary Flames forward Blake Coleman (upper body) won't return to action until after the Olympic break. He has missed eight games with an upper-body injury and will be absent for four more contests. While Calgary has struggled as a team for most of the season, Coleman has enjoyed a positive year. He ranks second among forwards on his team with a plus-10 rating and has recorded 21 points (13 goals, eight assists) and 110 hits. Flames head coach Ryan Huska wants to see other players step up on and off the ice during Coleman's absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 29, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward/center
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) will miss a second consecutive game on Thursday against the Brooklyn Nets. Last week, he reinjured his right hamstring, and the team hasn't provided any updates on Gordon. He was out for six weeks the first time he dealt with this injury. Denver is dealing with several injuries at the moment, which has increased the workload for Payton Watson,
Tim Hardaway Jr., and
Bruce Brown. All three made an impact in Tuesday's loss to Detroit and have a good chance to replicate their efforts on Thursday in a much more favorable matchup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) will make his first appearance of 2026 on Thursday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The team has removed Hartenstein from the injury report ahead of the game. The 27-year-old big man has been out for a month with a right calf strain. His return means
Chet Holmgren can shift back to the power forward position, while
Jaylin Williams will drop to the second unit. Hartenstein's comeback game pits him against
Rudy Gobert, a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. In their last meeting, Hartenstein settled for one point and 10 rebounds.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
Sacramento Kings point guard
Russell Westbrook (foot) is on the injury report with a questionable tag ahead of Thursday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The former MVP is experiencing soreness in his right foot. Considering Westbrook's nature as a player, this doesn't appear to be a serious enough issue to keep him off the court. However, he hasn't yet missed any games this season and may need some rest to heal from bumps and bruises.
Malik Monk (ankle) is also questionable for Thursday's game, so there could be a huge amount of available minutes in Sacramento's backcourt.
Dennis Schroder,
Keon Ellis, and
Nique Clifford are all candidates for larger roles, with Schroder expected to step into the starting lineup in place of Westbrook if he's unavailable.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
Sacramento Kings guard/forward
Zach LaVine (back) is not listed on the injury report for Thursday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The former dunk champion is set to return to the lineup after missing two contests due to a back issue.
Nique Clifford started in his absence and will return to a bench role on Thursday night. LaVine has not been a good fit in Sacramento, averaging 19.5 points and a career-low 2.3 assists per game this season. In January, he has been limited to 18.0 points per game despite shooting 43.3 percent from downtown.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays first base prospect
Tre' Morgan is expected to be in contention for an early promotion to the major leagues in 2026. Morgan is currently considered the No. 11-ranked prospect in the Tampa Bay system on MLB.com. Last summer, the former third-round pick from the 2023 MLB Draft spent the entire campaign with Triple-A Durham, playing at a high level. Through 92 games, Morgan held a .274/.398/.412 line with a strong .810 OPS. Morgan hit 15 doubles, three triples, and added eight round-trippers. He swiped eight bags and showed strong eye at the plate, posting a 77:64 K:BB. While
Jonathan Aranda will likely serve as the primary first baseman in Tampa Bay, Morgan has experience in the outfield, which could be an easier path to the majors. Given his strong play last season, he is a top name to monitor during spring training.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 29, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward
Paul George (knee) is considered probable for Thursday's matchup against the Sacramento Kings. George has been in and out of the Sixers' lineup recently while managing a knee injury. However, he looked at 100 percent in Tuesday's win over the Milwaukee Bucks, leading all scorers with 32 points in 33 minutes. This was George's second-highest scoring performance of the season. Additionally, the two-time NBA All-Defense First Team member had a fourth consecutive appearance with multiple steals. With George back in the lineup,
Dominick Barlow has lost his starting spot and most of the little fantasy value he had.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals catching prospect
Leonardo Bernal is progressing through the system and should be in the mix to compete for a 2026 MLB debut. Last summer, Bernal spent the entire campaign with Double-A Springfield. Across 107 contests, the backstop posted a .247/.332/.394 line with 19 doubles, 13 home runs, and 13 stolen bases. He enjoyed a dominant first half, posting a .290/.368/.527 line but stumbled over the final months, carrying a much lower .210/.300/.276 line. Bernal is currently considered the No. 4-ranked prospect in the system and the No. 92 overall prospect in the sport on MLB.com. While he will likely not compete for an MLB role in spring training, he could begin the season with Triple-A, which would open the door for a midseason call to St. Louis.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 29, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) is listed as probable for Thursday's tilt against the Sacramento Kings. This points to Embiid being ready to play, but if he has a setback,
Andre Drummond and
Adem Bona would again step into larger roles. In January, Embiid has skipped only three contests and has looked near his best when on the court. "Every single time I step on the floor, I become emotional because the last few years have been extremely tough. So I'm just happy," Embiid said after Tuesday's win over Milwaukee. "Finally being consistent, being on the floor. I don't take it for granted." On Tuesday night, Embiid fell one point short of recording his fifth consecutive 30-point performance.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
San Diego Padres catching prospect
Ethan Salas is a name to watch in spring training as he could contend for an early promotion to Triple-A. Salas had a disappointing 2025 season while dealing with a stress fracture in his back. This injury limited him to only 10 total games in the minor leagues. Across this brief 10-game stint with Double-A, Salas held a .188/.325/.219 slash line with one double and two stolen bases. In 2024, Salas spent the entire season with High-A, where he struggled at times, holding an overall .206/.288/.311 line with a low .599 OPS. However, Salas was able to play in the Arizona Fall League, suggesting he should be a full-go to open 2026. While he had a disappointing season, the backstop is still only 19 years old and appears poised for a resurgent campaign in 2026. He will likely begin the season with Double-A, but may only need a few months of action to earn the call to Triple-A.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 29, 2026
Houston Rockets center
Steven Adams (ankle) will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on his left ankle on Wednesday. The veteran big man hurt his ankle in a contest against the New Orleans Pelicans on Jan. 18. Adams ends the campaign with averages of 5.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. He made 32 appearances, starting 11 times. Moving forward,
Clint Capela figures to have a regular role in the rotation, while the likes of
Jabari Smith Jr. and
Tari Eason may also see an increased workload.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 29, 2026
Chicago Cubs top infield prospect
Jefferson Rojas is expected to begin the 2026 campaign with Double-A Knoxville. Rojas is considered the No. 4-ranked prospect in their system on MLB.com. Rojas began the 2025 season with High-A South Bend and was quite productive, posting a .278/.379/.492 line with an .871 OPS. During this 67-game stint, Rojas hit 13 doubles, 11 home runs, and swiped 14 bases. He was then bumped up to Double-A, where he saw his production take a decline. Through his first 39 games in the upper levels, Rojas stumbled to a .164/.279/.205 line with no long balls and only five stolen bases. Given his struggles against Double-A pitching in the second half, managers should expect Rojas to spend most of the 2026 season there. If he were to turn the corner, he could push for a second-half taste of Triple-A.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 29, 2026
The Athletics have invited left-handed pitching prospect
Gage Jump to MLB spring training. Jump was drafted by the Athletics in the 2024 MLB Draft and has quickly progressed through their system. Jump made his professional debut in 2025 with High-A Lansing but needed only 31 innings to prove he was ready to make the leap to Double-A. With High-A, the southpaw struck out 45 hitters while holding a 2.32 ERA with a 0.84 WHIP. During his first stint at Double-A, Jump would log 81 2/3 innings to the tune of a 3.64 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. Jump would tally 89 punchouts and serve up 29 free passes. Given his inconsistent play at Double-A, managers should expect him to remain at Midland to start 2026. However, if he can join Triple-A Las Vegas in the first half, he could compete for a late-season MLB debut.
--Andy SmithSource: Athletics
January 29, 2026
The Athletics have invited top infield prospect
Leodalis De Vries to big-league spring training. De Vries is considered the No. 3-ranked prospect in the entire sport on MLB.com. He was the top piece included in the trade that sent
Mason Miller to San Diego last season. De Vries began his 2025 season with High-A Fort Wayne but finished it with Double-A. Through 97 games at High-A (split between Fort Wayne and Lansing), De Vries posted a .249/.354/.426 line with 21 doubles, 10 home runs, and nine stolen bases. He was then given a short 21-game stint at Double-A Midland, where he posted a .281/.359/.551 line with five long balls. Managers should closely monitor De Vries' progression as he could make a strong case to begin the season at Triple-A, which would open the door for a 2026 MLB debut.
--Andy SmithSource: Athletics
January 29, 2026
Not much went right for second baseman
Marcus Semien in 2025 in what ended up being his final season with the Texas Rangers. The 35-year-old three-time All-Star continued to decline offensively and finished with a .230/.305/.364 slash line, career-worst .669 OPS, 15 home runs, 62 RBI, 62 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases in 127 games. Semien's 127 games played were his fewest in a full season since 2017 with Oakland, and his 15 homers were his fewest in a full season since 2018. The iron man -- Semien has played in a full 162 games three times in the last six full seasons -- might be succumbing to Father Time. A foot injury ended his season prematurely, but he should be ready for the start of 2026 with the Mets. While fantasy managers shouldn't be banking on a late-career resurgence like
George Springer in 2025, Semien can still provide moderate power/speed numbers as the Mets' starter at the keystone. Semien is best drafted as middle infield insurance now rather than a starting 2B in 12-team fantasy leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
January 29, 2026
With right-hander
Emmanuel Clase out of the saves picture in Cleveland, Guardians right-handed reliever heads into the 2026 season as the team's likely closer. Smith took over for Clase in the middle of last season and finished out the year with a 2.93 ERA (1.95 FIP), 1.00 WHIP, a career-high 16 saves, 104 strikeouts, and 19 walks in 73 2/3 innings pitched out of the bullpen. He had earned 76.4% of the team's save share, and he was one of just five relievers in major-league baseball to strike out 100-plus batters. The 26-year-old has proven pretty dominant in high-leverage situations in his two MLB seasons in Cleveland, striking out 207 batters and walking 36 in 149 innings pitched. Smith relied mostly on his fastball to post a 28.3 K-BB percentage, which ranked sixth among all qualified relievers. His fantasy value has skyrocketed from last year to this year, and RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 5 fantasy reliever.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
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