January 7, 2026
The Los Angeles Dodgers are continuing to monitor the free agent market and remain interested in signing one of the top remaining free agents on a shorter contract. Buster Olney of ESPN reported that the Dodgers are "hovering" in the open market and waiting for either
Kyle Tucker or
Bo Bichette to fall to them on a shorter contract with a higher annual value. This offseason, their lone massive swing was signing top relief pitcher
Edwin Diaz to a three-year $69 million contract. However, their batting order is expected to remain quite similar to that of their 2025 roster, which won the World Series. If Bichette were to join Los Angeles, he would likely shift
Mookie Betts to another infield position, potentially second base, while Tucker would see an everyday role in a corner outfield position, potentially limiting
Andy Pages' or
Tommy Edman's playing time.
--Andy SmithSource: Buster Olney
January 7, 2026
According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the Toronto Blue Jays could be the "best option" on the market for free agent outfielder
Kyle Tucker. Olney noted that the Blue Jays remain in high interest for the top remaining free agents, and if Tucker is looking for the largest contract possible, the Blue Jays would likely be the "best option" for him. The Blue Jays have already shown a willingness to spend money this offseason, as they signed
Dylan Cease to a seven-year $120 million contract and infielder Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year $60 million contract last week. Last summer, Tucker had a bit of a down year by his standards as he posted a .266/.377/.464 line with 22 home runs and 25 stolen bases. However, in the first half, he was on pace to enjoy an impressive season, holding a .280/.384/.499 line but dealt with a lingering calf strain down the stretch, which likely affected his play. Tucker will continue to carry near top-5 upside at the outfield position heading into 2026.
--Andy SmithSource: Buster Olney
January 7, 2026
The New York Yankees and free agent outfielder
Cody Bellinger have a "sizeable gap" in their current contract negotiations, according to Buster Olney of ESPN.com. Bellinger enjoyed an impressive debut season in the Bronx but has been unable to come to an agreement with the Yankees on an extension. Last season, Bellinger posted a .272/.334/.480 line with 29 home runs and 13 stolen bases. His 29 home runs were the most since his 2019 breakout campaign, in which he launched 47 long balls. While he only generated a low .322 xwOBA under the hood, his left-handed swing is built for Yankee Stadium, and he should be able to carry 25+ HR upside if he were to return there in 2026. If the 30-year-old were to join a different club, the Yankees would likely rely on
Jasson Dominguez,
Trent Grisham, and
Aaron Judge to cover the outfield on most days.
--Andy SmithSource: Buster Olney
January 7, 2026
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews (upper body) is expected to miss a minimum of two weeks. He was unavailable for a second straight game on Tuesday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Samuel Girard has replaced Toews on the first defensive pairing, with Ilya Solovyov slotting into the lineup on the third pairing. While Girard has yet to make a significant fantasy impact despite an expanded role, Solovyov produced an assist in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to Tampa Bay. It was his first point in 11 appearances this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: TSN
January 7, 2026
Colorado Avalanche winger Gabriel Landeskog (upper body) will be sidelined for several weeks. "He's going to miss some weeks," Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said on Tuesday. "I don't know exactly how long [he'll be out]; we'll have a better idea when we get back. We'll see how he's feeling, but he's going to miss some time." Landeskog suffered an upper-body injury on Sunday in a collision with the goalpost in a matchup against the Florida Panthers. In Landeskog's absence, Artturi Lehkonen was promoted to the top line in Tuesday's loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, while Victor Olofsson shifted up to the second line.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 7, 2026
Buster Olney of ESPN.com reports that it "seems inevitable" that either starting pitchers
Ranger Suarez or
Framber Valdez will sign with the New York Mets, given their current rotation. Olney noted that Suarez "makes a lot of sense" in New York, given that he has already pitched for a big-market team during his career. Before entering free agency, the southpaw has spent his entire eight-year MLB career with the Phillies. Last summer, Suarez turned in a strong campaign, logging 157 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.20 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP. He generated a stellar 3.16 xERA with a 5.5% barrel rate and a 31.1% hard-hit rate, placing him in the 84th percentile or higher. However, his strikeout production remained pedestrian as he only tallied 151 during the campaign. If Suarez were to sign with the Mets, he should slide in near the top of the rotation and hold high-floor SP3 value in standard leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: Buster Olney
January 7, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale (undisclosed) was injured during Tuesday's 5-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks. The 23-year-old was limited to 5:56 of ice time, exiting the contest after absorbing a big open-ice hit from Ducks forward Ross Johnston, who was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for interference. Drysdale is having a nice bounce-back campaign in 2025-26, with 18 points (three goals, 15 assists) and 41 blocks in 41 outings. He needs only three more points to surpass his scoring total from last season. If Drysdale misses time, Noah Juulsen will likely be used as his replacement in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: Philadelphia Flyers
January 7, 2026
The St. Louis Cardinals have designated right-handed pitcher
Zak Kent for assignment on Tuesday afternoon. In a corresponding move, the Cardinals acquired left-handed pitcher
Justin Bruihl from the Cleveland Guardians. Kent made his MLB debut last summer with the Cleveland Guardians. Across his first 17 2/3 innings of work in the big leagues, the former ninth-round pick posted a 4.58 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP. He struck out 16 hitters and served up eight walks. However, he generated a promising 3.33 xERA, suggesting he should be due for some positive regression in his second stint in the majors. Through 122 2/3 innings at the Triple-A level, Kent has held a 3.74 ERA, 1.32 WHIP with a 136:63 K:BB. If he were to pass through waivers, he would likely begin the 2026 season in the minor leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: St. Louis Cardinals
January 7, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers right wing Bobby Brink (upper body) had a very brief night at the office on Tuesday against the Anaheim Ducks, leaving the game after his first shift. He suffered an upper-body injury on a hit. Brink has notched 11 goals and 20 points in 41 appearances this season. His spot in the lineup could be filled by Matvei Michkov (foot), who missed Tuesday's 5-2 win after being a game-time call. If the Russian forward needs more time to recover from his foot injury, Nicolas Deslauriers is another option to step into the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: Philadelphia Flyers
January 7, 2026
According to Joel Sherman of The New York Post, free agent right-handed pitcher
Erasmo Ramirez is set to throw for interested clubs on Wednesday in Tampa Bay. Sherman noted that the 35-year-old pitcher has been training as a starting pitcher in the offseason and hopes to transition from being a primary relief option. Ramirez began his career as a starter but has been shifted to the bullpen for most of his last seven campaigns. In 2025, Ramirez logged 11 innings of relief with the Twins and held a 2.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, with one save. Since 2022, he has only eclipsed the 65.5 inning mark in one season and has held a modest 4.24 overall ERA during this four-year stretch. Given that he has not been used as a full-time starter in several seasons, Ramirez will likely have to open the 2026 season in the minor leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: Joel Sherman
January 7, 2026
Edmonton Oilers center Adam Henrique (undisclosed) is expected to miss time after sustaining an injury during Tuesday's 6-2 win over the Nashville Predators, Robert Tychkowski of the Edmonton Journal reports. The veteran logged only 2:26 of ice time in the contest before leaving with an undisclosed injury. After the game, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said Henrique might be out "a little while." Working as Edmonton's third-line center, Henrique has contributed two goals and eight assists in 43 games this season. Trent Frederic and Andrew Mangiapane, both healthy scratches on Tuesday, are candidates to fill Henrique's spot in the lineup on Thursday versus the Winnipeg Jets.
--Taavi PailkSource: Robert Tychkowski
January 7, 2026
Florida Panthers winger Brad Marchand (undisclosed) did not play in the third period of Tuesday's 4-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Panthers head coach Paul Maurice told reporters postgame that Marchand is dealing with a lingering issue. "He's been dealing with something," Maurice said. "It just got to the point we didn't want to make it worse. We're a little sensitive about injuries here now and do our best to keep guys healthy. So, that was a coach's decision." Marchand has so far missed only one game this season. He recently had a 10-game point streak and has been a regular scorer all year, leading the Panthers with 46 points (23 goals, 23 assists) in 41 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 7, 2026
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Haydn Fleury (upper body) was hospitalized on Tuesday after he was injured in a matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights. Fleury had to be stretchered off the ice in the first period after Golden Knights forward Keegan Kolesar shoved him, causing him to crash back-first into the boards. On Tuesday, Fleury filled in for Logan Stanley (suspension) in the Jets' defense. He only recently returned from a concussion and could now be looking at another extended spell on the sidelines. Fleury has made 17 appearances this season, recording 26 blocks and 23 hits but no points.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 7, 2026
Charlotte Hornets center
Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) has been ruled out for Wednesday's matchup against the Toronto Raptors, while center
Moussa Diabate (wrist) is listed as probable on the injury report. Kalkbrenner will sit out his ninth consecutive game due to a sprained left elbow. Diabate skipped a couple of games last week due to a wrist sprain, but it looks like he will be good to go against Toronto. With Kalkbrenner sidelined, Diabate has stepped into a regular starting role, averaging 8.8 points and 11.0 rebounds per game with the first unit. Facing a Raptors team missing
Jakob Poeltl (back) on Wednesday, Diabate is well-positioned for another productive outing.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 7, 2026
Charlotte Hornets guard/forward
Brandon Miller (knee) is considered probable for Wednesday's matchup against the Toronto Raptors. He is on the injury report with a left knee contusion, but the issue isn't expected to keep Miller off the floor. Miller struggled against Toronto earlier in the season, posting only 19 points across two games. However, he has looked like a different player in recent weeks. Through his first outings in 2026, Miller has posted 23.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 7, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward
Alex Caruso (back) won't take the court on Wednesday night against the Utah Jazz. The defensive specialist is dealing with a lower back issue and is missing a second consecutive game. Caruso's absence opens up additional playing time for
Aaron Wiggins,
Cason Wallace, and
Isaiah Joe. Of the trio, Wiggins appears to be the safest bet to deliver fantasy value, as he had a starting role in Monday's victory over the Charlotte Hornets, filling in for
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf).
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 7, 2026
Brooklyn Nets center
Nicolas Claxton (personal) will return from a two-game absence on Wednesday against the Orlando Magic. He missed a pair of games last week for personal reasons. While Claxton wasn't at Tuesday's practice, the team has not listed him on the injury report, indicating that he is ready to rejoin the lineup. Claxton's return will bump
Day'Ron Sharpe to the bench, significantly lowering his fantasy value. Orlando has done a decent job defensively against centers this season and limited Claxton to 13 points and five rebounds earlier in the campaign.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 7, 2026
Orlando Magic forward/center
Moritz Wagner (knee) will remain on the shelf on Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets. The German big man is expected to make his season debut this week, but he won't be available for the second leg of a back-to-back. Wagner's next chance to return will come on Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers. Orlando also has a meeting with the New Orleans Pelicans scheduled for Sunday. Given Wagner's extended absence due to a knee injury, he's likely to be eased back into action with a strict minutes restriction upon his return, limiting his fantasy appeal.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 7, 2026
Orlando Magic forward
Franz Wagner (ankle) will remain sidelined on Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets. He has missed 13 games with a high ankle sprain, but the German star appears to be nearing his comeback. Last Friday, it was reported that Orlando expects Wagner to be available "within the next week." With
Jalen Suggs (knee) also out on Wednesday, players like
Tristan da Silva,
Anthony Black,
Tyus Jones, and
Jase Richardson will have additional fantasy value. That said, this isn't a good matchup from a fantasy standpoint, as Orlando will face a slow-paced team that has the fourth-best defensive record in the Eastern Conference.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 7, 2026
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (knee) has been ruled out for Wednesday's matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. On Tuesday, Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said Suggs has not been cleared for on-court activities, so this probably won't be his last absence. With Suggs sidelined,
Tristan da Silva made a second consecutive start in Tuesday's loss to the Washington Wizards, scoring 13 points and snagging two steals.
Tyus Jones and
Jase Richardson also had increased roles, with the latter scoring a team-high 20 points. The Magic struggled in the first half, leading to bench players like Jones and Richardson seeing a lot of action.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
The Las Vegas Raiders requested an interview with Denver Broncos quarterbacks coach
Davis Webb for their head-coaching job, sources told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Webb is only 30 years old and spent six years as an NFL QB before going straight into coaching. Pelissero thinks Webb is a "fascinating candidate" who "has been on the fast track." After firing veteran head coach Pete Carroll on Black Monday, minority owner
Tom Brady and general manager John Spytek might be going the unconventional approach to hiring their next head coach, especially since they are expected to draft Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in April. Webb has worked with
Russell Wilson (one season) and
Bo Nix in his three years in Denver. This will be his first head-coaching interview. The Raiders are also expected to interview Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak for the position.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
January 6, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Quentin Johnston took fantasy managers on a rollercoaster ride in 2025. After recording 28 receptions for 407 yards and five touchdowns over his first six games of the season, Johnston hauled in just 14 catches for 126 yards and two scores over his next six contests. However, Johnston re-emerged late in the year. Across his final two games played of the regular season, the 24-year-old recorded nine catches for 202 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets. Johnston was also among the players Los Angeles chose to rest in Week 18 in preparation for the playoffs, signifying his value in the eyes of Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh. Los Angeles will face one of the league's better pass defenses in their Wild Card Weekend matchup against the New England Patriots. Still, Johnston has proven he can have success against challenging opponents, recording at least 14.9 PPR fantasy points in matchups during the regular season against the Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, and Kansas City Chiefs. Fantasy managers in playoff leagues should view Johnston as a high-upside wide receiver option entering the postseason.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 6, 2026
Buffalo Bills wide receiver
Brandin Cooks has mostly played a minimal role since signing with the team in late November. However, Cooks had a breakout game in Week 17 against the Philadelphia Eagles, recording four catches for 101 yards on six targets. The Bills have been searching for a reliable wide receiver option to pair with wideout
Khalil Shakir for most of the season. Notably, Cooks was among the players Buffalo chose to rest during their Week 18 regular-season finale against the New York Jets. While the Bills will likely continue to rotate wide receivers, Cooks' Week 18 status could indicate the team plans to heavily feature him in its Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 32-year-old has postseason experience, recording 35 receptions for 494 yards across seven career playoff games. Cooks had just five total catches across five games played for Buffalo this season, so expectations should remain limited. However, Cooks could be an under-the-radar wide receiver option for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 6, 2026
Across 16 games played in 2025, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback
Aaron Rodgers completed 65.7% of his pass attempts for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Rodgers delivered a bit of a vintage performance in Week 18 to help power Pittsburgh into the playoffs, completing 31 of 47 pass attempts for 294 yards and a touchdown in a win over the Baltimore Ravens. Entering Wild Card Weekend, Rodgers will get some much-needed pass-catching help in the form of wide receiver
D.K. Metcalf, who missed the final two games of the regular season due to a suspension. However, Rodgers will face one of the league's best defenses in the Houston Texans in the first round of the AFC playoffs. In the regular season, Houston ranked seventh among NFL defenses in both passing yards (3,486) and passing touchdowns (20) allowed. Rodgers has played some of his best football of the season in recent weeks, but fantasy managers in playoff leagues may want to be cautious given his matchup against Houston.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 6, 2026
After missing Week 17 due to a knee injury, Buffalo Bills tight end
Dalton Kincaid returned in Week 18 and recorded three catches for 48 yards on three targets in his team's blowout win over the New York Jets. Multiple injuries limited the 26-year-old to just 12 games played in 2025, and he finished the season with 39 receptions for 571 yards and five touchdowns on 49 targets. On a per-play basis, Kincaid is a highly efficient and productive tight end. However, playing time and target volume are issues for Kincaid's fantasy outlook. He has not played more than 38% of Buffalo's offensive snaps in any game since Week 5 and has not earned more than five targets in a game since Week 9. Heading into his Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kincaid profiles as a high-ceiling, low-floor tight end option for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 6, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward/center
Draymond Green (ankle) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Green could already miss his second game this month after spraining his left ankle during Monday's loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Quinten Post and
Trayce Jackson-Davis are candidates for increased playing time if Green misses Wednesday's action. That said, it's a difficult fantasy matchup for the duo, as Milwaukee allows the third-fewest fantasy points to centers.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward/center
Jalen Smith (concussion) will be sidelined for a second consecutive game on Wednesday night against the Detroit Pistons. Smith entered concussion protocol over the weekend after sustaining a head injury during a game against the Charlotte Hornets. Chicago's frontcourt is also currently without
Zach Collins (toe), opening up a spot in the rotation for
Lachlan Olbrich. The 22-year-old rookie failed to impress on Monday night against the Boston Celtics, finishing scoreless in 12 minutes and recording two rebounds and two assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate is leaving school early and declaring for the 2026 NFL draft, per ESPN's Pete Thamel. Tate is expected to be one of the top wide receivers off the draft board and could be an early first-round selection in April. Across 11 games for the Buckeyes in 2025, Tate recorded 51 receptions for 875 yards and nine touchdowns. He established himself as one of the premier downfield threats in college football, averaging over 17 yards per reception in 2025 and 15.5 yards per reception across 39 career college games. Speculatively speaking, Tate could be a good fit for a wide receiver-needy team with a top ten pick like the Cleveland Browns or the New Orleans Saints. Regardless of where he ends up, Tate is a name for fantasy managers in all league formats to monitor heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Pete Thamel
January 6, 2026
The San Francisco Giants have designated outfielder
Justin Dean for assignment to make room for right-hander
Tyler Mahle, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. Dean never appeared in a game for the Giants after being claimed off waivers in early November. The 29-year-old most recently played for the World Series-champion Los Angeles Dodgers, appearing in 18 games last season, primarily as a pinch-runner. Mahle joins a Giants starting rotation that includes
Logan Webb,
Robbie Ray,
Adrian Houser, and
Landen Roupp. The 31-year-old righty spent the past two seasons with the Texas Rangers, where he posted a 2.54 ERA with 76 strikeouts across 99 1/3 innings. However, durability remains a major concern. Since 2022, Mahle has undergone Tommy John surgery and hasn't made more than 20 starts in a season. In 2025, he missed 85 games with right-shoulder fatigue, and his declining velocity only adds to the concerns. His fastball, which averaged around 94 mph in 2021, dipped to roughly 92 mph last season. While Mahle still does a solid job locating the ball, and Oracle Park is pitcher-friendly, he's mainly a fantasy option for deeper formats, like 15-team leagues. Even then, it's best to leave him on the waiver wire to start the season until he proves he can stay healthy and that his stuff can still play at the major-league level.
--Marty TallmanSource: Susan Slusser
January 6, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward
Matas Buzelis (illness) has been tagged as questionable on the injury report for Wednesday's game against the Detroit Pistons. He is dealing with an illness, and if Buzelis can't shake it off before tip-off, he would miss his first game of the season. The 21-year-old sophomore has taken an impressive leap in 2025-26, averaging 14.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks.
Patrick Williams and
Julian Phillips will likely be called upon to take on larger roles Wednesday night if Buzelis is unavailable.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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