February 4, 2026
The New Jersey Devils acquired center Nick Bjugstad from the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday in exchange for minor-league forward Thomas Bordeleau and a conditional 2026 fourth-round draft pick. Bjugstad is moving on from St. Louis only a few months after signing a two-year, $3.5 million contract with the team as a free agent. He appeared in 35 games for the Blues, recording seven points (six goals, one assist) and 73 hits. Adding Bjugstad gives New Jersey more muscle and some additional depth at center. He will remain a bottom-six piece with his new squad.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 4, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers center
Ivica Zubac (personal) won't be with the team on Wednesday night when the team hosts the Cleveland Cavaliers. Near the trade deadline, a personal tag raises some red flags about a potential deal. Zubac fantasy managers and Clippers fans need not worry, however. The 28-year-old and his wife had a newborn last night.
Brook Lopez is likely to get the start on Wednesday. Zubac will likely rejoin the team Friday night when they visit the Sacramento Kings.
--Andrew BallSource: Joey Linn
February 4, 2026
Winger Artemi Panarin was traded to the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday and signed a two-year, $22 million contract extension. In the transaction, the New York Rangers received prospect forward Liam Greentree, a conditional third-round pick in 2026, and a conditional fourth-round pick in 2028. The Rangers are retaining 50 percent of Panarin's 2025-25 salary, giving the Kings a $5.8 million cap hit. Panarin was linked to several Eastern Conference teams, but sources told ESPN that the Russian star wanted to play in L.A. Picking up Panarin should give the Kings' offense a much-needed boost; only five teams have averaged fewer goals this season. Panarin is only a couple of years removed from a huge 120-point campaign. This season, he has notched 57 points (19 goals, 38 assists) in 52 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 4, 2026
Center
Jock Landale is on the move again, now being traded to the Atlanta Hawks, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Landale was traded from Memphis to Utah just a day ago as part of the larger
Jaren Jackson Jr. deal. The trade clears up a logjam in Utah's frontcourt and allows Landale to be part of the center rotation in Atlanta, alongside oft-injured
Kristaps Porzingis (illness) and
Onyeka Okongwu (teeth), who missed Tuesday's game against the Heat due to a dental fracture. Landale averaged career-highs in points (11.3) and rebounds (6.5) in 45 games as a member of the Grizzlies.
--Andrew BallSource: Shams Charania - ESPN
February 4, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Lonzo Ball is being traded to the Utah Jazz at the NBA's trade deadline, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The Cavaliers are also sending two second-round picks to the Jazz as part of the deal. Ball, however, isn't expected to play a game for his new team. Charania notes that Utah is expected to waive the veteran guard, allowing him to become a free agent. Ball averaged 4.6 points on 30% shooting in his 35 games in a Cavaliers' jersey and was set to fall out of the rotation with
James Harden,
Keon Ellis, and
Dennis Schroder added to the roster in the last week.
--Andrew BallSource: Shams Charania - ESPN
February 4, 2026
Veteran guard
Chris Paul is being traded to the Toronto Raptors in a three-team deal, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Paul, however, won't be required to report to the team, and the Raptors will explore further trade scenarios. The Raptors escape the luxury tax by sending
Ochai Agbaji and a second-round pick to the Nets as part of the deal. The 40-year-old Paul hasn't played since early December, when he and the Clippers parted ways. He is averaging 2.9 points and 3.3 assists per game this season, both career-low marks, so there may not be a buyer for his services at the trade deadline.
--Andrew BallSource: Shams Charania - ESPN
February 4, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Coby White is being moved east to the Charlotte Hornets, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
Mike Conley Jr. will also be traded to Charlotte for
Collin Sexton,
Ousmane Dieng, and three second-round picks. The score-first point guard will operate similarly to the man he was traded for, Sexton, and should be a top option off the bench, playing behind
LaMelo Ball,
Kon Knueppel, and
Brandon Miller. White is averaging over 18.5 points per game for the third-straight season, but likely won't have enough touches to maintain that average with the Hornets. The Bulls, meanwhile, are in sell mode, trading away White,
Nikola Vucevic, and
Kevin Huerter in the last two days.
--Andrew BallSource: Shams Charania - ESPN
February 4, 2026
Oklahoma City guard
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) will miss at least five games with an abdominal strain, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The report states that the reigning MVP will be reevaluated after the All-Star break, so his absence could extend further into February. SGA suffered the injury Tuesday night in the blowout win over the Orlando Magic. Following the news that SGA would miss the Wednesday night tilt against the San Antonio Spurs, most of the Oklahoma City rotation was ruled out with various injuries.
Cason Wallace, one of the few healthy rotation players, will handle the ball-handling responsibilities for the Thunder on Wednesday.
--Andrew BallSource: Shams Charania - ESPN
February 4, 2026
Second-year guard
Jared McCain is on the move just before the NBA trade deadline, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The Oklahoma City Thunder used four picks (one first and three seconds) from its war chest to acquire the shooting guard. McCain's numbers have dipped compared to his 23 games in his rookie season. Shooting 37 percent from three and 38 percent from the field this season, McCain fell behind
VJ Edgecombe and
Quentin Grimes in the rotation. He still could struggle to find playing time on a deep Thunder squad, but should see some minutes while
Ajay Mitchell (abdomen),
Jalen Williams (hamstring), and
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) miss time.
--Andrew BallSource: Shams Charania - ESPN
February 4, 2026
34-year-old small forward
Khris Middleton is being dealt to the Dallas Mavericks as part of the larger
Anthony Davis trade, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Now in the twilight of his career, Middleton won't be much more than a rotational piece behind
Cooper Flagg,
P.J. Washington, and
Naji Marshall on his new team. Middleton averaged 10.3 points on 33% shooting from three-point land in 34 games (all starts) for the Wizards this season.
AJ Johnson,
Malaki Branham,
Marvin Bagley III, two first-round picks, and three second-rounders will also be sent to Dallas for Davis,
Jaden Hardy,
D'Angelo Russell, and
Dante Exum.
--Andrew BallSource: Shams Charania - ESPN
February 4, 2026
Five-time All-Pro forward
Anthony Davis is being traded to the Washington Wizards, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The deal comes just over a year after he was sent to the Mavericks as part of the
Luka Doncic trade. The Wizards will also acquire guards
Jaden Hardy,
D'Angelo Russell, and
Dante Exum. The Mavericks, in return, will get
Khris Middleton,
AJ Johnson,
Malaki Branham,
Marvin Bagley III, two first-round picks, and three second-round selections. Davis (hand) is still without a clear timetable for return, although he will reportedly be reevaluated six weeks from January 13th. Once cleared, he'll presumably start next to Alex Sarr in the frontcourt and catch lobs from
Trae Young (knee) when both are healthy. That, however, has been a rare occurrence this season. Davis has only played in 20 games so far this year.
--Andrew BallSource: Shams Charania - ESPN
February 4, 2026
LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt (undisclosed), who transferred from Arizona State this month, is expected to be limited in spring practice ahead of the 2026 season with the Tigers. Leavitt played in just seven games last season with the Sun Devils due to an undisclosed injury. LSU head coach Lane Kiffin said Leavitt will throw and take part in seven-on-seven drills, but he won't participate in team drills. While this is not ideal, Leavitt should have plenty of time to heal up and be ready for preseason practices and the Week 1 matchup against Clemson in Baton Rouge. With the 21-year-old leading Kiffin's offense and surrounded by elite talent, the Tigers are expected to be a College Football Playoff contender right away. In 20 games with ASU, Leavitt threw for 4,642 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He added 749 yards and ten touchdowns as a runner. Assuming he's healthy, he should produce big-time numbers in Kiffin's QB-friendly offense.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Shea Dixon - On3
February 4, 2026
The Arizona Cardinals are hiring former New York Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as their offensive coordinator on Wednesday, sources told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The 46-year-old was the offensive coordinator for three seasons under head coach Matt LaFleur for the Green Bay Packers and will now team up with LaFleur's brother, Mike, in Arizona. Hackett initially joined the Miami Dolphins this offseason to be the quarterbacks coach, but he's departing for a better opportunity in the desert. Hackett's offenses have been nothing special since his time in Green Bay while working with future Hall of Fame QB
Aaron Rodgers, so it's an underwhelming hire for first-year head coach LaFleur, especially for a Cardinals team that is currently at a crossroads at QB with
Kyler Murray (foot). LaFleur announced on Tuesday that he will be calling the offensive plays in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
February 4, 2026
The Baltimore Ravens will not be retaining quarterbacks coach Tee Martin under the new coaching staff, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. It's a big change for the Ravens offense and quarterback
Lamar Jackson, as Martin has been with the organization since 2021 and is one of the people closest to Jackson within the organization. Martin initially joined Baltimore as the wide receivers coach before eventually being promoted under former head coach John Harbaugh. He'll now be moving on, but he shouldn't have trouble finding another coaching gig in the NFL in 2026, potentially following Harbaugh to the New York Giants. The Ravens had a very disappointing 2025 season and failed to make the postseason, with Jackson enduring an injury-plagued campaign. Baltimore is hoping that new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle can motivate the two-time MVP to bounce back in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
February 4, 2026
The Pittsburgh Steelers are finalizing a deal to hire Minnesota Vikings passing-game coordinator/tight ends coach Brian Angelichio as their new offensive coordinator, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Angelichio will reunite with new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy after the two previously worked together with the Green Bay Packers. Under McCarthy in Green Bay, Angelichio was the Packers' TEs coach for three seasons. Although this will be his first OC job, Angelichio has been an NFL coach for almost 20 years with six different teams. McCarthy will most likely call the offensive plays in his first year as the Steelers' head coach. The Steelers have plenty of question marks on offense going into next season, particularly at the quarterback position, but the addition of Angelichio as OC should be good news for tight end
Pat Freiermuth's 2026 fantasy value.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
February 4, 2026
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst acknowledged on Wednesday that the team is likely to lose quarterback
Malik Willis to a team that will at least allow him to compete for a starting job in 2026, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Willis will be an unrestricted free agent in March and should have a decent amount of suitors after he completed 85.7% of his passes for 422 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions in four appearances (one start) in 2025 in his second year in Green Bay. The 26-year-old also completed 74.1% of his passes for 550 yards, three TDs, and no picks in seven games (two starts) in 2024. The former third-rounder by the Tennessee Titans also ran the ball 42 times for 261 yards and three more scores over the last two seasons. There's no guarantee he sees similar success in a new location, but Willis' fantasy stock as a QB2 option in fantasy will inevitably rise if he wins a starting job in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
February 4, 2026
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said that quarterback
Jordan Love didn't require any surgeries after the 2025 season, according to Jason B. Hirschhorn of NFL.com. Love had surgery on his left thumb during training camp last summer and injured his left (non-throwing) shoulder during the season, but he'll head into training camp this year fully healthy. The Packers made it to the postseason in 2025, but Love was outside the top-12 QBs in overall fantasy points in his fifth year in the NFL, completing 66.3% of his passes for 3,381 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 15 starts. The 27-year-old was solid but unspectacular as the leader of the Packers' offense. It's great news that he won't be rehabbing any injuries this offseason, but as far as fantasy rankings go for 2026, Love will be more of a high-end QB2 target than a No. 1 QB as he heads into his sixth NFL campaign.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL.com - Jason B. Hirschhorn
February 4, 2026
The St. Louis Cardinals signed free-agent first baseman
Bligh Madris to a minor-league deal on Wednesday, according to Chase Ford of MiLB Central. Madris has 247 extra-base hits and 403 RBI in his minor-league career. The 29-year-old was taken in the ninth round in 2017 out of Colorado Mesa University by the Pittsburgh Pirates, and he made his big-league debut with the Bucs in 2022, going 20-for-113 (.177) at the plate with a homer, seven RBI, 10 runs, two steals, 10 walks, and 31 strikeouts in 39 games and 123 plate appearances. Madris played in 12 games with the Houston Astros in 2023 and hit a career-high .269 (18-for-67) with a homer and five RBI in 21 games with the Detroit Tigers in 2024. He hit .232/.320/.384 with five homers in 50 games with Triple-A Toledo in 2025. Expect Madris to open the 2026 campaign at Triple-A Memphis.
--Keith HernandezSource: MiLB Central - Chase Ford
February 4, 2026
The Boston Red Sox announced on Wednesday that they claimed catcher/infielder
Mickey Gasper off waivers from the Washington Nationals. Gasper will return to the team with which he made his major-league debut in 2024, although he appeared in just 13 games and was hitless with eight strikeouts in 23 plate appearances. The 30-year-old appeared in 45 games last season with the Minnesota Twins and slashed just .158/.257/.232 with a .488 OPS, two home runs, 11 RBI, 15 runs scored, and two steals in 110 plate appearances. In addition to catcher, Gasper can play first base, second base, and the outfield. He has minor-league options remaining, so he will most likely open the 2026 campaign at Triple-A Worcester as catching depth behind
Carlos Narvaez and
Connor Wong.
--Keith HernandezSource: Boston Red Sox
February 4, 2026
The New York Yankees claimed outfielder
Yanquiel Fernandez off waivers from the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday, sources told Francys Romero. Fernandez was designated for assignment by the Rockies last week. The 23-year-old Cuban outfielder made his major-league debut with Colorado in 2025 and hit .225/.265/.348 with a .613 OPS, four home runs, 11 RBI, 13 runs scored, eight walks, and 44 strikeouts in 52 games and 147 plate appearances. While Fernandez will begin the 2026 campaign in the minors, he'll be an intriguing name to watch if he eventually makes his way to the Bronx because of his raw power from the left side of the plate. Fernandez has hit .279/.336/.478 with an .813 OPS, 77 home runs, and 338 RBI in 469 games over five minor-league seasons in the Rockies' system.
--Keith HernandezSource: Francys Romero
February 4, 2026
The San Francisco Giants signed free-agent right-hander
Michael Fulmer to a minor-league deal with a non-roster invitation to major-league spring training, according to the team. The 32-year-old veteran and former American League Rookie of the Year back in 2016 with the Detroit Tigers only appeared in three games (all in relief) in 2025 with the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs, throwing 5 2/3 innings. In 66 1/3 innings in the minors, he had a 3.39 ERA with 86 strikeouts and 29 walks. Fulmer has eight years of big-league experience with four different teams and has appeared in 265 games (90 starts), but he'll merely be competing for a spot in San Fran's Opening Day bullpen this spring. If Fulmer makes the major-league roster in 2026, he will most likely work in a long-relief/mop-up role for the Gigantes.
--Keith HernandezSource: San Francisco Giants
February 4, 2026
Chicago White Sox right-hander
Grant Taylor has a goal of reaching 100 innings pitched in 2026 in his second big-league season, and MLB.com's Scott Merkin suggests that the 23-year-old could be an option to start again in 2027. "Having got through last year, adding [Seranthony] Domínguez, being able to slot guys in different areas, we are going to have more freedom to use Grant to win games, as opposed to fulfill some innings limit," manager
Will Venable said. The addition of
Seranthony Dominguez to the bullpen should free Taylor up to work multiple innings more out of the bullpen this year after he threw 36 2/3 frames in his first taste of MLB in 2025. Taylor had 37 pitches at 100 mph or faster, and he topped out at 102.2 mph on June 22. He had 54 strikeouts but an ERA of 4.91. The 23-year-old threw a career-high 63 1/3 innings last year between the minors and majors. Although high-leverage opportunities could come, most of Taylor's work this year is expected to come in long relief. Taylor's strikeout upside is obvious, but durability is a concern.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
February 4, 2026
The Pittsburgh Pirates have emerged as one of the most aggressive teams to pursue free-agent left-hander
Framber Valdez, people briefed on the matter told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The 32-year-old is the biggest name left on the open market this offseason, and adding him would enhance the Pirates' biggest strength -- their starting rotation, which is led by National League Cy Young winner
Paul Skenes. The Pirates' new pitching coach, Bill Murphy, worked with Valdez as both a minor-league and major-league coach with the Houston Astros. In addition to the Pirates, the Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays, Atlanta Braves, and San Diego Padres have been linked to Valdez this offseason. The 32-year-old southpaw would give the Bucs not only another strong arm but plenty of experience and durability, as he's just one of five pitchers to throw at least 900 innings in the last four seasons.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal
February 4, 2026
New Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur announced on Tuesday that he will call the offensive plays in his first year as head coach in 2026, according to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN. LaFleur is replacing Jonathan Gannon, who was fired on Jan. 5 after going 3-14 in 2025. The Cardinals have yet to hire a new offensive coordinator, who will be working under LaFleur. The last time that LaFleur called plays was in 2021 and 2022, when he was the New York Jets' offensive coordinator. He did not call plays the last three seasons under Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay. The Jets went 11-23 during LaFleur's two seasons with the team while starting five different quarterbacks. The biggest order of business for LaFleur and the Cardinals' front office this offseason will be to decide if QB
Kyler Murray (foot) is viewed as the long-term option under center.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Josh Weinfuss
February 4, 2026
The Atlanta Braves announced on Wednesday that they signed free-agent right-hander
Tayler Scott to a minor-league deal with a non-roster invitation to spring training, according to Grant McAuley of 929 The Game. Scott, 33, split the 2025 season with the Houston Astros and Arizona Diamondbacks, posting a rough 7.90 ERA (6.32 FIP), 1.90 WHIP, 24 strikeouts, and 18 walks in 27 1/3 innings out of the bullpen. The South African native has a career 5.51 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, and 21.2% strikeout rate in five major-league seasons with eight different teams. Scott will compete for an Opening Day bullpen spot for the Braves in spring training, but he's most likely going to begin at Triple-A Gwinnett. He was originally a fifth-round selection by the Chicago Cubs in 2011 out of high school.
--Keith HernandezSource: 929 The Game - Grant McAuley
February 4, 2026
The Detroit Tigers invited outfield prospect
Max Clark to major-league spring training this year, according to the Detroit Free Press' Evan Petzold. Clark, who is considered the No. 10 overall prospect in baseball this year, hit a combined .271/.403/.432 with an .835 OPS, 14 home runs, 67 RBI, 85 runs scored, and 19 stolen bases in 111 games with High-A West Michigan and Double-A Erie last year. The left-handed-hitting former third overall pick in 2023 has plus tools with his bat, legs, arm, and glove. Power from the left side might be his biggest weakness, but he figures to develop more of it as his 6-foot, 205-pound frame matures. Clark had a 135 wRC+ AND 16.7% strikeout rate at Double-A, so he figures to open the 2026 season at Triple-A Toledo. If Clark picks up where he left off in the minors in 2026, it may not be long before he's starting in center field in Motown at the major-league level.
--Keith HernandezSource: Detroit Free Press - Evan Petzold
February 4, 2026
The Detroit Tigers have invited shortstop prospect
Kevin McGonigle to big-league spring training this year, according to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Per MLB Pipeline, McGonigle is the No. 2 prospect in all of baseball entering the 2026 season, behind only the Pirates'
Konnor Griffin. The 21-year-old is an advanced hitter for his age and slashed an impressive .305/.408/.583 with 19 home runs and 10 stolen bases in 88 games over three minor-league levels last season. In addition to being able to play the 6, he'll be an option at second and third base for the Tigers at the next level. However, McGonigle is expected to stick at short for now, which is the biggest need in Detroit. The left-handed hitter might need some time to mature and develop his power and speed, but there's no question he's already among the best pure hitting prospects in baseball.
--Keith HernandezSource: Detroit Free Press - Evan Petzold
February 4, 2026
The Pittsburgh Pirates have interest in signing free-agent outfielder/designated hitter
Marcell Ozuna, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic. The Pirates' lineup has enough versatility to accommodate a player like Ozuna, who at 35 years old profiles mostly as a DH at this point in his career. However, a potential addition of Ozuna could affect the playing time for
Jake Mangum and
Spencer Horwitz, who are projected to play left field and first base, respectively.
Ryan O'Hearn would likely split time between 1B and left field if Ozuna were signed. Ozuna, a three-time All-Star, would give the Bucs more thump in the middle of their lineup. The right-handed Dominican slugger clubbed a career-high 31 homers in 2024 with Atlanta, but he dropped off significantly last year with a .232/.355/.400 slash line and only 21 dingers in 145 games. He's a declining power bat that might see less playing time if he lands in Pittsburgh.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Katie Woo
February 4, 2026
The Kansas City Royals announced on Wednesday that they have signed free-agent veteran infielder
Brandon Drury to a minor-league deal with an invitation to major-league spring training. Drury will compete for a roster spot this spring with the Royals after hitting a miserable .169/.242/.228 with a .469 OPS, four home runs, 15 RBI, 28 runs scored, 27 walks, and 81 strikeouts in 97 games (360 plate appearances) with the Los Angeles Angels in 2024. He didn't appear at all in the big leagues in 2025. In 53 games in the minors with the Angels and Chicago White Sox last year, he hit .214/.338/.323. The 10-year veteran has a career .245/.297/.421 slash line with a .717 OPS, and 109 home runs with seven different teams. Even if Drury sticks around in KC in 2026, he'll be a long shot for any kind of fantasy value.
--Keith HernandezSource: Kansas City Royals
February 4, 2026
If healthy, The Athletic's Keith Law thinks that Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitching prospect
Rhett Lowder (forearm, oblique) could be a mid-rotation starter in 2026. The 23-year-old former seventh overall pick in 2023 out of Wake Forest began the 2025 season on the injured list with a forearm injury and then strained an oblique muscle during his rehab, which kept him out all year. However, during a stint in the Arizona Fall League, Lowder was back in the 93-95 mph range on his sinker and four-seam fastball while also displaying a plus changeup and a sharper slider that missed plenty of bats. He threw his slider more than any other pitch. Lowder will have to compete for a rotation spot this spring, but even if he doesn't win one out of camp, he'll be a name to watch given his pedigree. With four plus offerings, Lowder can keep hitters off balance.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Keith Law
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