February 18, 2026

San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman is coming off the best season of his career in terms of plate discipline, but health and power are key storylines to monitor with the veteran infielder going forward. Chapman slashed .231/.340/.430 with 21 home runs, a 13.3% walk rate, a 23.6% strikeout rate, and 118 wRC+ last year. This was a new career-high walk rate, and also the second-best strikeout rate of his career. His power dipped slightly, but only from a 4.1% HR% in 2024 to a 3.9% HR% in 2025. Meanwhile, he continued to flash the leather at third base with 4 OAA and 4 FRV. Unfortunately, Chapman missed roughly five weeks due to right hand inflammation. He's fully healthy heading into 2026, but injury risk is always a factor to consider ahead of fantasy baseball drafts. It's a big ask, but we'd love to see Chapman continue to homer around 4% of the time, continue to showcase solid plate discipline, and stay healthy for most of the 2026 season. He currently ranks #10 among third basemen in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

February 18, 2026

Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson got back on track with 31 home runs and 118 wRC+ across 155 games in the majors last season. Torkelson's offensive contributions fell so much in 2024 that Detroit sent him to Triple-A to get right. However, he bounced back with a full season at the MLB level in 2025, delivering major contributions to the Tigers and his fantasy managers. In addition to the 31 homers and 118 wRC+, he produced a .240/.333/.456 slash line with an 11.1% walk rate and 26.0% strikeout rate. Striking out more than one quarter of the time isn't ideal, but it's a fair trade-off for a player who will hit 30-40 home runs and walk in more than 10% of their plate appearances. Torkelson finds himself at #19 among first basemen in RotoBaller's fantasy rankings for 2026, with an ADP of 186. The rankings place him just behind Willson Contreras, Alec Burleson, and Jonathan Aranda, and just ahead of Kazuma Okamoto, Christian Walker, and Sal Stewart.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

February 18, 2026

Detroit Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter has showcased impressive power through his first three-plus MLB seasons, and he'll look to continue that trend in 2026. The biggest concern for Carpenter at this point in his career is the injury risk, as he played 130 games last year -- and even that mark was a career high. If he can stay healthy, though, he has 30-plus-homer potential with an everyday spot in the Tigers' lineup. Other factors to consider with Carpenter include handedness splits and his K/BB ratio. He had an OPS of .812 against righties last year, but just .638 against lefties. Additionally, only three of his 26 home runs came against southpaws. Furthermore, he shaved his strikeout rate down to a career-best 22.8%, but he also dropped his walk rate to a career-worst 3.9%. His 5.85 K/BB ratio was the worst mark of his career, and while a discipline drop-off is expected when a player improves their power numbers, fantasy managers would like to see him at least walk a little more. Carpenter isn't one of the flashiest names among power hitters, but he's still an impact power bat against right-handed pitching with tremendous upside if he can stay healthy. He's somewhat of a value pick at the moment, ranking #57 among RotoBaller's outfielders for 2026 with an ADP of 217.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

February 18, 2026

Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday (hand) will get the stitches removed from his surgically-repaired right hand on Monday, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN. The former No. 1 pick tore up the minors and debuted in 2024, but struggled upon getting the call. He fared better over a full season in 2025, slashing .242/.314/.375, but he still mustered just 96 wRC+. He posted a 8.6% walk rate and 21.6% strikeout rate with 17 home runs and 17 stolen bases. Defensively, he contributed -8 OAA and -6 FRV at second base. Still, he was a source of consistency for the Orioles, playing 149 games in the majors. He didn't suffer his hand injury until arriving at spring training this February; during live at-bats nearly two weeks ago, he suffered a broken hamate bone that required surgical removal. He recently got his cast off, and the stitches will follow next week. At that point, he can begin sweating and gradually resume baseball activities. It's unlikely that he'll be ready for Opening Day, but he's making good progress and figures to return sometime in April. The injury concern dropped Holliday to #15 among second basemen in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Roch Kubatko

February 18, 2026

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola is coming off the worst season of his big-league career. Injuries limited him to just 17 starts and fewer than 100 innings in 2025, and he ultimately finished the year with a staggering 6.01 ERA and 4.58 FIP. His 9.25 K/9 and 2.67 BB/9 rates were fine, but his home run rate ballooned to a whopping 1.72 HR/9, which is a career high. Meanwhile, his ground ball rate dipped to 42.5%, the second-lowest mark of his career. Understandably, managers are worried about the 11-year veteran's outlook going forward. However, some of the underlying metrics suggest he's due to bounce back. Most notably, Nola had a 3.71 xFIP last year, indicating that he was unlucky and vastly underperformed expectations. His 4.12 xERA suggests similar. Still armed with an elite knuckle curve and above-average fastball, Nola has the skill set to bounce back and meet or exceed his expected metrics in 2026. His rough 2025 is baked into his current ranking as the #59 starter in RotoBaller's draft rankings, and managers should consider drafting him as a low-risk, high-upside rotation piece.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

February 18, 2026

Milwaukee Brewers reliever Abner Uribe could be a candidate to earn save situations in 2026. The right-hander had a terrific season last year, posting a 1.67 ERA and 2.75 FIP across 75.1 innings of work. He racked up 10.75 K/9 and 3.23 BB/9, and he limited loud contact with 0.48 HR/9 and a 53.2% ground ball rate. Milwaukee's incumbent closer is Trevor Megill, who had 30 saves last year with a 2.49 ERA and 2.50 FIP. Megill was effective, but he also blew six saves and allowed hard contact at a greater rate than Uribe. Presumably, the Brewers want to at least open the season with a clearly defined closer, rather than operating out of a committee. Uribe has a chance to parlay a strong 2025 and a potentially strong spring training in 2026 into first dibs on save situations during the regular season. He currently ranks #20 among RotoBaller's relievers for the upcoming season, with additional upside.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

February 18, 2026

The Arizona Cardinals have not put a timetable on when they want to decide on the future of quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) this offseason, according to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. "Just like everything else on our roster, just open conversations right now throughout this building. No time frame on that," head coach Mike LaFleur said. Reports this offseason have suggested that the Cardinals want to try to trade the 28-year-old as part of their rebuild going into 2026. The former first overall pick in 2019 out of Oklahoma had another disappointing showing in 2025, playing in only five games due to a foot injury while completing 68.3% of his passes for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. The fact that Arizona was in no rush to have Murray return in the second half last year speaks volumes about how they feel about Murray. A change of scenery might be best for him at this point, and Murray won't be anything more than a QB2 in fantasy this fall.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Arizona Sports - Tyler Drake

February 18, 2026

Houston Astros left-handed closer Josh Hader (biceps) was seen playing catch in camp from around 90 feet on Wednesday, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Left-biceps inflammation was the reason Hader was shut down going into spring training, but the fact that he's already throwing means that he should be ready for Opening Day in late March, barring a setback. The 31-year-old veteran high-leverage reliever carries much more risk in fantasy baseball heading into the 2026 season, though, after also missing the final month and a half last year due to a left-shoulder strain. The six-time All-Star was one of the most dominant closers in the game when he was healthy in 2025, posting a 2.05 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 28 saves, 76 strikeouts, and 16 walks in 52 2/3 innings pitched. Because of his injuries, Hader has slipped to the No. 15 closer ranking at RotoBaller. Bryan Abreu would likely be first in line for saves if Hader were to miss time this year.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart

February 18, 2026

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts called shortstop Mookie Betts' disappointing 2025 season an "outlier," according to Jack Harris of The California Post. "The way he played shortstop last year, and expecting him to be better offensively this year, he will be in the MVP conversation this year," Roberts said. The skipper is also leaning towards using Betts as his everyday No. 3 hitter in 2026, and it won't change, regardless of the opposing pitcher's handedness. The 33-year-old former MVP mostly hit in the two-hole for the Blue last year, when he had career lows in batting average .258 and ISO (.148). Betts dealt with a pretty bad illness just before the start of the regular season, which got him into bad habits at the plate, and he never really recovered. His eight stolen bases last year were also his fewest since his rookie campaign in 2014. Expecting MVP numbers like Roberts might be a reach, but if healthy, Betts should still have a solid floor for counting stats in the heart of the best lineup in baseball.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris

February 18, 2026

Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect Hurston Waldrep (elbow) will have surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow on Monday, according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman. The Braves have not provided a return timeline for Waldrep, but manager Walt Weiss said he hopes that the young hurler will be able to pitch again this year. The 23-year-old will go on the 60-day injured list and probably will miss at least three months. It's a huge blow for Waldrep, who was looking like a candidate to open the 2026 season in the Braves' starting rotation due to a similar elbow injury to Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow). In 10 outings (nine starts) last year, Waldrep looked the part with a 2.88 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with 55 strikeouts and 22 walks in 56 1/3 innings. The young right-hander's development will now be pushed back, and there's a chance we won't see him in the big leagues again until 2027. UPDATE: Bowman reports that there is reason to believe that Waldrep could be pitching competitively at some point in June or July.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman

February 18, 2026

Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow) underwent surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow on Wednesday, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. The Braves are not providing a return timeline, but manager Walt Weiss said he hopes Schwellenbach will be able to pitch again this year. Atlanta already placed the 25-year-old on the 60-day injured list, so he will at least miss the first two months of the 2026 season, and possibly more. Pitching prospect Hurston Waldrep (elbow) is also undergoing surgery, so the Braves have even fewer starting pitching options available to them for the start of the 2026 campaign. Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo Lopez, and Grant Holmes will be the team's top four starters on Opening Day, with either Bryce Elder or veteran Martin Perez holding the No. 5 spot now that both Schwellenbach and Waldrep are sidelined. UPDATE: Bowman reports that there is reason to believe that Schwellenbach could be pitching competitively at some point in June or July.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman

February 18, 2026

Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson said that right-handed pitching prospect Andrew Painter's command is back in spring training, according to Devan Kaney of 94WIP.com. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said that command was the main aspect of Painter's game that needed to improve after his season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2025. The 22-year-old has a legitimate shot to win an Opening Day rotation spot with the Phillies out of camp after going 5-6 with a 5.40 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, and 111:46 K:BB in 106 2/3 innings over 22 starts for the Iron Pigs last year. Understandably, his command wasn't in top form since it was his first full year back from Tommy John surgery. Command issues aside last year, Painter's stuff was intact, making him an attractive buy-low candidate in redraft leagues. Painter is MLB Pipeline's No. 28 overall prospect going into 2026 and could be part of Philly's rotation for most, if not all, of the season.--Keith Hernandez
Source: 94WIP.com - Devan Kaney

February 18, 2026

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is being sued by his long-time partner and mother of his children for choking, strangling, scratching, hitting, and headbutting her over a 19-month period, TMZ reports. "Rashee Rice continued to repeatedly [assault] Dacoda Jones over the course of their relationship," the lawsuit claims. Jones also claims she was subject to "other violent and abusive behaviors," which included Rice throwing things at her, "punching walls, and breaking furniture." She also says that most of the abuse occurred while she was pregnant. The NFL launched an investigation into Rice for possible violations of the league's personal-conduct policy after Jones accused Rice of getting physical with her last month on social media. It's not the first time Rice has had off-the-field issues, as he was suspended six games last year after pleading guilty to multiple felonies for his role in a multi-vehicle crash. Rice is KC's No. 1 receiver when healthy, but another suspension could be coming in 2027. Stay tuned.--Keith Hernandez
Source: TMZ

February 18, 2026

Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler (knee) is in the final stages of rehab from offseason knee surgery and will likely be held out of Cactus League games until mid-spring, according to MLB.com's Martin Gallegos. Butler, 25, had surgery last October to fix a torn patellar tendon in his right knee, and he also needed a platelet-rich plasma injection for tendinitis in his left knee. It's not exactly what you want to hear from a power/speed outfielder in his prime, but the good news is that Butler is expected to be ready for Opening Day in late March as an everyday player for the A's. The former sixth-rounder in 2018 saw his batting average drop significantly in his second full season in the big leagues, but he still hit 21 homers, drove in 63 runs, and stole 22 bases in 152 games while playing through knee issues. An elevated strikeout rate (28.4%) was to blame for his drop in average. There's lots of risk here, but a healthy Butler has 30-30 potential in one of the most hitter-friendly ballparks in Sacramento.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos

February 18, 2026

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert ended up getting buried on the depth chart during a crucial contract year in 2025. Tolbert opened the year as the presumptive No. 3 receiver behind CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, but he fell down the picking order as Ryan Flournoy and KaVontae Turpin took on larger roles. Pickens' breakout in Dallas also reduced Tolbert's volume. Tolbert ultimately finished the year sixth on the team in receiving yards (203) and seventh in receptions (18). Both represented a major step backward from 2024, when he had 49 catches, 610 yards, and seven touchdowns while finishing as the WR45 in PPR leagues. Tolbert's strong 2024 season will generate some interest in free agency, but the fact that he was essentially reduced to a non-factor in 2025 really hurts his stock. Plus, at 26 years old, teams will be looking to round out their depth chart with younger upside receivers. Tolbert can be dropped in most dynasty leagues. In very deep formats, he can be held for now, then traded when he signs somewhere this offseason.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

February 18, 2026

Athletics second baseman Zack Gelof will miss the start of the Cactus League schedule in spring training because he is still building up his swing progression, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. Gelof is healthy heading into the 2026 campaign after missing significant time last year with hand, shoulder, and rib injuries, and with newcomer Jeff McNeil in line to see everyday playing time at second base, the 26-year-old is working in center field in camp to become more versatile and give him a better shot at making the Opening Day roster. In addition to working in the outfield, Gelof is ironing out his swing after playing in just 30 big-league games in 2025. He struggled at the plate in that small sample size, going 16-for-92 (.174) with two homers, seven RBI, and 46 strikeouts. Gelof led the majors with 188 strikeouts in 2024, and his batted-ball metrics don't paint a pretty picture. He has a lot of work to do to get back onto the fantasy radar in mixed leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos

February 18, 2026

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III had a clear path to production in 2025, but he failed to capitalize on his opportunities and ultimately turned in a disappointing season. It seemed like Austin had a chance to break out this past season after Pittsburgh traded away George Pickens and signed quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The DK Metcalf addition certainly added a wrinkle to Austin's outlook, but it theoretically should have worked in his favor because he's more of a No. 2 receiver anyway. In the end, Austin's productivity actually took a step backward. He had 31 catches (five fewer than 2024), 372 yards (176 fewer than 2024), and three touchdowns (one fewer than 2024). He was the overall WR74 in PPR leagues, and managers never really knew when to start him. He was heavily dependent on scoring touchdowns, as he found the end zone in three of the four games where he produced double-digit fantasy points. Austin will have an opportunity for a fresh start in 2026, as he'll hit free agency next month. However, it was really crucial for him to produce in a contract year, and he wasn't able to do so. As a result, he might end up signing somewhere as a No. 3 receiver, which will severely limit his upside in fantasy football. He's off the redraft radar in most leagues. Dynasty managers should hold onto him for now, and then trade him as soon as he signs somewhere.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

February 18, 2026

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet's value is declining ahead of the 2026 season. Kmet never really established himself as a top fantasy threat through his first five years in the league, but he did have two top-eight finishes at the tight end position during that span. However, his fantasy production took a major step backward in 2025 (his sixth season in the league) as the Bears shook up their personnel. New head coach Ben Johnson made plenty of changes on the offensive side of the ball, with the most notable being the addition of rookie tight end Colston Loveland. Chicago started feeding Loveland after the Week 5 bye, which resulted in Kmet's snap share dropping from 100% in Week 4 to just 52% in Week 6. Kmet ultimately finished the year with a modest stat line of 30 catches, 347 yards, and two touchdowns across 16 games. The reception and yardage totals both represented his lowest marks since his rookie campaign in 2020. Kmet is under contract for two more years, and while the Bears do have a potential out this offseason, it seems like he'll remain in Chicago through 2027. That would mean he'll nestle into the No. 2 tight end role next season, severely limiting his fantasy value and upside. He's not worth drafting in 2026 redraft leagues, and dynasty managers should absolutely look to trade him within the next couple of months, even though it's too late to completely "sell high."--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

February 18, 2026

Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis sought guidance from outside hitting coach Jeremy Isenhower, recommended to him by Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., in the offseason in search of a solid base and more consistent performance, according to MLB.com's Matthew Leach. The 26-year-old former first overall pick in 2017 played in a career-high 106 games last year but hit a disappointing .237/.283/.388 with a career-low .671 OPS, 13 home runs, 52 RBI, 36 runs, and a career-high 12 stolen bases in 403 plate appearances. Lewis' primary focus while working with Isenhower has been pre-swing preparation to get Lewis into the best possible position before he begins his swing. Isenhower is hoping a quieter stance will help Lewis, who already has elite bat speed, improve his pitch recognition, swing decisions, and quality of contact. If he can apply his mechanical fixes in 2026, Lewis could be a nice value pick in fantasy drafts at third base. Remember, he hit .303 with 27 homers in his first 94 big-league games.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Matthew Leach

February 18, 2026

Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby's short-term value might have dwindled upon his midseason trade from Jacksonville to Philadelphia, but he solidified himself as a top-tier handcuff with the potential for long-term upside. Bigsby spent most of 2025 in a special teams role, as touches were limited behind Saquon Barkley. However, he did have some opportunities to produce out of the backfield, especially when the Eagles jumped out to an early lead and rested some starters. In Week 8 against the Giants, he exploded for 104 yards on nine carries. He added another 209 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns over the final four games of the season. Bigsby has established himself as one of the most appealing handcuffs in fantasy football, as he'd become a potential top-12 fantasy running back if Barkley were to get hurt. Plus, the Eagles have a potential out in Barkley's contract next offseason, so if the front office believes this is his final year in Philadelphia, we could see the coaching staff give Bigsby more touches in preparation for a prominent role in 2027. These are all hypotheticals at this point, but at the very least, Bigsby is an intriguing handcuff option with top-12 upside. He's absolutely worth buying in dynasty leagues this offseason, especially for managers who have Barkley on their roster already.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

February 18, 2026

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman had a very underwhelming 2025 season, catching just 19 of his 38 targets for a career-low 224 yards and two touchdowns. Missing four games impacted his stats slightly, but it's concerning that he had fewer yards over 13 games in 2025 than yards over just six games in 2022. His 1.5 catches and 4.3 fantasy points (PPR) per game are both new career lows. Interestingly enough, Bateman remains under contract with the Ravens through 2029, so he'll have plenty of opportunities to bounce back next season and beyond. It does work in his favor that DeAndre Hopkins and Isaiah Likely are both free agents, but Bateman will still have to compete for targets behind Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, and any other pass-catchers the Ravens bring in. He can be avoided in all redraft leagues next year, and dynasty managers should be willing to drop him when the 2026 roster crunch comes around.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

February 18, 2026

Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan (triceps) will throw to live hitters in camp for the first time on Saturday, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Pitching coach Kyle Snyder said earlier this month that McClanahan has looked "really, really good," and the expectation is that he'll be ready to be in the team's Opening Day starting rotation, barring a setback this spring. The 28-year-old southpaw was an All-Star in 2022 and 2023, but he's a massive in fantasy baseball in 2026 since he has not pitched in the big leagues since 2023. He made only two minor-league rehab starts last year before eventually undergoing surgery to fix a nerve issue in his triceps in August. McClanahan has shown ace potential before for the Rays, but he's RotoBaller's No. 69 fantasy starting pitcher because of the injury risk. Even if McClanahan bounces back nicely, workload restrictions will likely limit his upside.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin

February 18, 2026

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth had a productive season, but the crowded nature of the team's tight end room pushed him off the radar in fantasy football. Despite being a top-nine fantasy tight end in two of his three previous seasons, Freiermuth dropped down to TE25 in PPR leagues in 2025. He played in all 17 games, catching 41 passes for 486 yards and four touchdowns. Part of Freiermuth's underwhelming season can be attributed to the crowded tight end room surrounding him. Jonnu Smith saw 54 targets after Pittsburgh deliberately went out and traded for him during the offseason, and Darnell Washington had a breakout year with 31 catches. Neither Smith nor Washington is a free agent this offseason, so we could expect a similar story of Freiermuth's volume being capped in 2026. As a result, he's not worth drafting in most 12-team redraft leagues next year, and he could be worth selling in dynasty formats.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

February 18, 2026

After a breakout year in 2025, Ben Griffin has taken a slight step back to start 2026, recording just one top-20 finish through his first four events. He now turns to The Genesis Invitational, where he finished T37 the last time it was held at Riviera in 2024. Success here requires a well-rounded game, and Griffin has shown some of that this year. He currently ranks 48th in total strokes gained (+0.761 per round) and 70th in putting (+0.214), though he is only 104th on approach (-0.065) and 103rd off the tee (-0.109). He's also 51st in greens in regulation and 37th in scrambling, helping him make up lost opportunities with his ball-striking. At $8,700 on DraftKings, Griffin profiles as a player with a high floor and upside that has yet to fully show this season.--Dakota Legg - RotoBaller
Source: PGA Tour

February 18, 2026

ESPN's Adam Schefter and Field Yates report that the San Francisco 49ers will play a regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia, a home regular-season game in Mexico City, and have a schedule that includes two cross-country road games at the Atlanta Falcons and the New York Giants in 2026. The 49ers' opponent for the Mexico City game has yet to be announced, but they will square off against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams in Australia. San Francisco was eliminated by the Seattle Seahawks, who went on to win Super Bowl LX, in the Divisional Round of the postseason in a 41-6 rout. It was an impressive feat for the Niners to even make it to the playoffs last season, considering all the key players who missed extensive time due to injuries for them. Led by head coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brock Purdy, the 49ers will be Super Bowl contenders going into 2026, although their schedule certainly won't do them any favors.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter and Field Yates

February 18, 2026

Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk had arguably his best MLB season in 2025, hitting .282/.348/.421 with 15 home runs, 76 RBI, 45 runs scored, and one stolen base across 506 plate appearances. Kirk posted an elite 11.7% strikeout rate, in line with his career mark of 11.6%. However, the 27-year-old made major strides in terms of contact quality, upping his barrel rate from 6.7% in 2024 to 10.1% in 2025 and posting the best hard-hit rate (50.8%) of his career. Speed will never be an asset for Kirk, as he's logged one career stolen base. His poor base-running ability also impacts him in terms of runs scored, as he's never recorded more than 59 runs in a season and has racked up 45 runs or fewer in three straight years. Still, Kirk's ability to make contact makes him one of the best options for batting average at the catcher position in all of fantasy. If he can hold the power gains he made in 2025, Kirk should be a solid power and RBI producer relative to his position as well. With a current average draft position of pick 150, Kirk profiles as a high-floor, low-end starting catcher for fantasy managers.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

February 18, 2026

The Kansas City Chiefs restructured quarterback Patrick Mahomes' contract this week to create some much-needed salary cap space going into the 2026 season, according to ESPN. The restructuring converts $54.45 million of Mahomes' 2026 salary into a signing bonus, lowering his cap number to $34.65 million. The move creates $43.65 million in cap space and marks the fourth straight year the Chiefs have restructured Mahomes' contract. KC entered the offseason more than $57 million over the salary cap and will still need to make some financial maneuvers after restructuring Mahomes' contract. The Chiefs missed the playoffs in 2025 for the first time in a decade after reaching the Super Bowl in each of the previous three seasons. Mahomes will now count for an additional $11 million against KC's cap in each of the next four seasons, bringing his total cap number to $85 million for 2027.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com

February 18, 2026

Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson may not be a standout fantasy producer in any one area, but he's been a remarkably consistent player since signing with Chicago heading into the 2023 season. Across 645 plate appearances in 2025, Swanson hit .244/.300/.417 with 24 home runs, 77 RBI, 84 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases. Swanson carries a limited batting average ceiling. In 2025, he struck out in 26% of his plate appearances, in line with his career strikeout rate of 24.4%. However, he's hit at least 22 home runs in four out of his last five seasons and swiped at least 18 bases in three out of the last four years. Swanson is also locked in as the everyday shortstop in what profiles as an excellent Chicago lineup, so he should continue to rack up counting stats. He's topped 80 runs in all three of his seasons with the Cubs, and has collected at least 77 RBI in four out of his last five campaigns. Swanson is entering his age-32 season, which brings about some risk of age-related decline. Still, his steady track record and max-playing time profile should allow him to pay off his current average draft position of pick 142.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

February 18, 2026

Keegan Bradley has started to turn things around after a missed cut to open the season, finishing T43 at Torrey Pines and T29 at Pebble Beach. He now looks to build on that momentum at The Genesis Invitational, which returns to Riviera after a temporary move to Torrey Pines in 2025. In 14 career starts at Riviera, Bradley has six missed cuts and just four finishes inside the top 20. His success here has often hinged on putting, and so far this season, he ranks 82nd in strokes gained putting (+0.040 per round). He's also 64th in total strokes gained (+0.457), 27th off the tee (+0.542), but only 145th on approach (-0.721). With one of the lowest greens-in-regulation rates on Tour, approach play is crucial, and so far, Bradley hasn't done enough with his irons or flat stick to inspire strong confidence this week.--Dakota Legg - RotoBaller
Source: PGA Tour

February 18, 2026

In his first season with the team after signing a mega-contract in free agency, San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames posted a solid season in 2025. Across 686 plate appearances, the 30-year-old hit .225/.318/.421 with 30 home runs, 87 RBI, 94 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases. While Adames' 2025 line is slightly worse than the career year he posted with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024, he's established a steady production floor over the past four seasons. With a career strikeout rate of 27% (26.1% in 2025), Adames is likely to be a drain on the batting average category for fantasy managers. However, he's posted barrel rates north of 12% for four consecutive seasons and has reached the 30-home run mark in three of those four years. He's also locked in as the everyday shortstop in San Francisco and should rack up counting stats as long as he can stay healthy. Adames is now on the wrong side of 30 years old, so he could be hitting the start of a gentle decline phase. Still, he's an above-average power source at the shortstop position for fantasy managers and comes with a reasonable average draft position of pick 117.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller