January 30, 2026
Miami Marlins top pitching prospect
Thomas White has earned an invite to MLB spring training. This is an excellent sign for the budding southpaw, who now appears to be in serious consideration for a spot on the Opening Day roster. According to MLB.com, White is viewed as the No. 22-ranked prospect in the entire sport. Last summer, the 21-year-old opened the season with High-A but was able to reach Triple-A Jacksonville in the second half. Across 80 1/3 innings with High-A and Double-A, White posted a strong 2.13 ERA with a 1.16 WHIP. He tallied an eye-catching 128 punchouts with 41 walks during this stretch. In his brief 9 1/3-inning stint at Triple-A, White struck out 17 batters and allowed five runs. With the Marlins trading two starters this winter in
Ryan Weathers and
Edward Cabrera, White is a name to closely monitor in camp as he could begin the season in the big leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: Miami Marlins
January 30, 2026
New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes (lower body) left Thursday's 3-2 overtime victory versus the Nashville Predators in the first period. Hughes took only three shifts in the game, heading to the locker room twice within the first 7:30 of action. His attempts to return may indicate the injury isn't serious. After the game, Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe also suggested Hughes isn't dealing with anything serious. The team will re-evaluate the star forward on Friday. Hughes has missed a significant chunk of the season due to a hand injury, skating in only 36 games. He has recorded 12 goals and 24 assists. If Hughes is unable to suit up for Saturday's matchup with the Ottawa Senators, Nico Hischier will take over first-line center duties, while Dawson Mercer will also move up the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 30, 2026
The Miami Marlins have invited left-handed pitching prospect
Robby Snelling to big league spring training. Snelling was on the verge of making his MLB debut last summer and is now in serious contention to break camp with the MLB roster. He began the 2025 season with Double-A Pensacola, where he logged 72 1/3 innings with a 3.61 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. During this stint, the southpaw struck out 85 hitters and allowed only 22 walks. However, once he moved up to Triple-A, he took a massive step forward. During his first 63 2/3 innings at Triple-A, Snelling posted an impressive 1.27 ERA with a stellar 0.99 WHIP. He struck out 81 hitters while allowing only 17 free passes. With
Ryan Weathers and
Edward Cabrera shipped to new clubs this winter, Snelling appears to be in a great position to break camp with the MLB roster. He is a prime late-round target with high strikeout upside.
--Andy SmithSource: Miami Marlins
January 30, 2026
Florida Panthers winger Brad Marchand (undisclosed) missed the third period of Thursday's 5-4 loss to the St. Louis Blues. The veteran winger has been banged up all season, but he recently returned from a seven-game absence. Unfortunately, it looks like Marchand might land back on the shelf just four games after rejoining the lineup. When in action, Marchand has performed well, logging 50 points (25 goals, 25 assists) in 45 games. Ahead of Thursday's game, Florida had already lost Anton Lundell (upper body) from the third line. Lundell could be ready to return on Saturday against Winnipeg and replace Marchand in the lineup. Jesper Boqvist is another option.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 30, 2026
Detroit Red Wings right wing Patrick Kane had a historic outing on Thursday night against the Washington Capitals, becoming the NHL's all-time leading scorer among U.S-born players. Kane surpassed Mike Modano, reaching 1,375 career points with an assist in a 4-3 shootout loss. The 2016 MVP has managed 500 goals and 875 assists in 1,342 career games. Modano had held the record since 1997. It's an incredible achievement for Kane, who has notched 32 points (eight goals, 24 assists) in 40 outings this term. He has finished three consecutive games with an assist and can match his longest point streak of the season in Saturday's meeting with the Colorado Avalanche.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 30, 2026
According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, the Houston Astros could look to target Boston Red Sox outfielder
Wilyer Abreu before spring training. The Astros have expressed interest in adding a left-handed bat and would have the assets to acquire Abreu from Boston. Their infield is currently quite crowded, and third baseman
Isaac Paredes has also been linked to Boston throughout the winter, as they have a need at the hot corner. Abreu turned in a solid 2025 campaign, posting a .241/.317/.469 line with 22 home runs and six stolen bases. He generated an above-average .355 xwOBA with a strong .475 xSLG. He is also an elite defender, placing in the 94th percentile in range and 77th percentile in arm value. If Abreu were to join Houston, he would likely take on a full-time role in right field, which would limit the playing time of both
Jesus Sanchez and
Cam Smith.
--Andy SmithSource: Chandler Rome
January 30, 2026
Free agent starting pitcher
Zac Gallen remains linked to the Chicago Cubs, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Baltimore Orioles. Gallen is one of the top remaining starting pitchers on the open market. Last season, the 30-year-old logged 192 innings to the tune of a modest 4.83 ERA with a 1.26 WHIP. He struck out just 175 hitters. However, he held a slightly improved 4.26 xERA under the hood, suggesting he could face some positive regression in 2026. The previous summer, Gallen posted a much stronger 3.65 ERA with a 1.26 WHIP across 148 frames. In 2023, he showed similar success, logging 210 innings with a strong 3.47 ERA. Managers should expect Gallen to hold mid-end SP4/SP5 upside in 2026, given his inconsistencies last season.
--Andy SmithSource: Jon Heyman
January 30, 2026
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (lower body) will be out for a week, Michael Augello of The Hockey News reports. The Finnish netminder suffered a lower-body injury on Tuesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Luukkonen will be desperate to make a quick recovery, with his Olympic hopes on the line. If he can make it back in a week, Luukkonen could be available for selection for Buffalo's final game before the Olympics on Feb. 5 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Luukkonen has posted an 11-7-2 record in 2025-26, forming a great tandem with Alex Lyon, who set a new franchise record with a 10th consecutive victory on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Kings.
--Taavi PailkSource: Michael Augello
January 30, 2026
According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman/outfielder
Tommy Edman (ankle) will have a delayed start to spring training and is in danger of missing Opening Day. Edman is currently recovering from a right ankle operation. According to Woo, there is a "growing likelihood" that Edman will not be ready for Opening Day. The 30-year-old appeared in 97 regular-season games for the Dodgers and held a .225/.274/.382 line. He hit 13 home runs and swiped three bags. He logged 66 starts at the keystone, one as a DH, and spent his other 25 appearances in center field. With Edman likely missing the start of the season, it appears
Andy Pages will face minimal competition for the starting job in center field, while
Teoscar Hernandez and newly-acquired
Kyle Tucker cover the corners.
--Andy SmithSource: Katie Woo
January 30, 2026
Athletics shortstop
Jacob Wilson prioritized increasing his strength during the offseason. Wilson noted that it was the "main focus" and spent the entire offseason in the Athletics facility, adding strength. The 23-year-old shortstop enjoyed an impressive rookie season in the majors, posting a .311/.355/.444 line with 13 home runs and five stolen bases. He generated an elite 90th percentile xBA with a 100th percentile strikeout rate. However, he rarely made hard contact, as evidenced in his low 2.2% barrel rate and a 24.7% hard-hit rate, both of which placed him in the second percentile among qualified hitters. However, with Wilson prioritizing improving this aspect of his game, he could take a step forward in the power department in 2026. Managers should continue to view Wilson as an elite batting-average contributor with the upside to push for double-digit home runs in the upcoming season.
--Andy SmithSource: Martin Gallegos
January 30, 2026
Colorado Rockies infielder/outfielder
Tyler Freeman is being viewed primarily as an "outfielder" ahead of spring training. In 2025, Freeman saw time at several positions, logging 17 stats at second base, 66 in the outfield, 28 as a DH, and even one as a third baseman. Through 110 games, Freeman showed strong contact skills, posting a .281 AVG with an elite 11.9% K%. However, he hit only two home runs and posted a modest .715 OPS. He did show upside on the basepaths, stealing a career-high 18 bags while placing in the 80th percentile in sprint speed. Freeman was typically deployed as the team's leadoff hitter and scored 50 runs, despite batting in one of the worst lineups in the sport. However, with Freeman ticketed for a primary outfield role in 2026, he could be in danger of losing at-bats as the Rockies brought in
Jake McCarthy this offseason. Managers in deep five-outfielder leagues should monitor his usage in camp. If Freeman can earn a prominent role, he would be a solid late-round target when looking to improve your steals total and batting average.
--Andy SmithSource: Thomas Harding
January 30, 2026
According to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News, the Texas Rangers have signed right-handed pitcher
Cal Quantrill to a minor-league deal that includes an invite to spring training. The 30-year-old spent the 2025 season with the Marlins and Braves and finished the campaign in Triple-A Round Rock, in the Texas organization. Through his 117 2/3 innings in the majors last summer, Quantrill posted a 6.04 ERA with a 1.45 WHIP. He struck out only 85 hitters and generated a high 5.81 xERA. With Triple-A Round Rock, the veteran showed some improvement, posting a 1.64 ERA and a 0.82 WHIP across 11 innings. Managers should expect Quantrill to serve as a depth option in Texas and could win a role as a bulk reliever out of camp. However, given his low strikeout upside and struggles last season, Quantrill is not expected to carry much fantasy value in standard formats.
--Andy SmithSource: Evan Grant
January 30, 2026
The New York Giants will interview Los Angeles Chargers quarterbacks coach Shane Day for their vacant offensive-coordinator position on Saturday, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Day is regarded as one of the best QB coaches in the league and has been instrumental in
Justin Herbert's career in L.A. He was a serious candidate to be promoted to OC for the Chargers before they hired former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. Day has never been an offensive coordinator in the NFL, but he's held various offensive roles with the San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, Chargers, and Houston Texans. The 51-year-old has been with the Chargers for the last two years under head coach Jim Harbaugh. Day would be coaching under Jim's brother, John, if he gets the job in New York. Day, who has ties to Kyle Shanahan, would be an intriguing hire for the development of first-round quarterback
Jaxson Dart.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
January 29, 2026
Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has verbally agreed to become the next Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive coordinator, a league source told Josina Anderson. Graham will replace former DC Teryl Austin, whose contract expired after the 2025 season. It's the first hire for new head coach Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh. The 47-year-old Graham was the Raiders' DC since 2022. Before coaching in Vegas, Graham had his first DC job with the Miami Dolphins in 2019. After that, he was the New York Giants' DC and assistant head coach in 2020. Pittsburgh's defense/special teams was better in the fantasy football realm than the real-life one, as they ranked third in overall fantasy points thanks to three defensive touchdowns, but they were in the middle of the pack in terms of points allowed per game. Graham will have plenty to work with in defensive stars T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, and Jalen Ramsey.
--Keith HernandezSource: Josina Anderson
January 29, 2026
New Orleans Saints wide receiver
Chris Olave will be in WR1 territory in 2026 fantasy football drafts in what will be quarterback
Tyler Shough's first full year as the starter. In his fourth year in the NFL in 2025, Olave set career-highs across the board in targets (156), receptions (100), receiving yards (1,163), and touchdowns (nine) despite failing to play in a full season for the fourth time. The 25-year-old former first-rounder missed the Week 18 season finale due to a blood clot in his lung. Thankfully, the expectation is that Olave will be fully ready for the start of next season. If not for an injury last year, Olave most likely would have reached the 1,000-yard mark in all four of his campaigns. Injuries might be a deterrent for fantasy managers, but the chemistry that Olave showed with Shough is a great sign. Olave will come off the board in the early rounds of fantasy drafts later this year.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 29, 2026
In his first year with the Dallas Cowboys in 2025, wide receiver
George Pickens had a career year, catching 93 of his 137 targets for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 games in his fourth year in the NFL. It earned the 24-year-old former second-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 his first Pro Bowl nod. Only
Jaxon Smith-Njigba and
Puka Nacua had more receiving yards than Pickens, and his 93 receptions ranked sixth among all wideouts. Despite
CeeDee Lamb's presence, Pickens was Dallas' leading receiver and had the eighth-most targets among all WRs in the NFL. Because of the big year he had for the Cowboys, they will almost certainly keep him around in 2026, via either a long-term extension or franchise tag. Pickens always had high-end talent, but the move to Dallas with quarterback
Dak Prescott and a pass-happy offense was the perfect fit. Another big year could be in store in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 29, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander
Blake Snell admitted that his arm was "tired" and "exhausted" after five playoff starts and a relief appearance in Game 7 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays last fall, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. The Dodgers have stressed the importance of managing their starting rotation's workload in 2026, which will include Snell. The 33-year-old southpaw has slow-played his winter throwing program. The plan is to be ready for Opening Day in late March, but Harris writes that it is "not seen as a certainty within the organization." Snell still has plenty of strikeout upside and pitches for the back-to-back World Series-champion Dodgers, but he missed four months in 2025 with shoulder inflammation. The two-time Cy Young winner has only reached the 30-start mark twice in his 10-year career. Snell is a risk/reward No. 2 fantasy starter going into his second year in L.A.
--Keith HernandezSource: The California Post - Jack Harris
January 29, 2026
The Atlanta Falcons are hiring Chicago Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham on Thursday as their new general manager, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Cunningham will replace Terry Fontenot, who was fired after the 2025 season. In his first-ever NFL GM job, Cunningham will work closely with former quarterback and president of football
Matt Ryan moving forward. He got his start in the NFL in 2008 as a personnel assistant with the Baltimore Ravens and was promoted to area scout in 2013. Cunningham has also been the Philadelphia Eagles' director of scouting in 2017 before being promoted to director of player personnel in 2020. He has been with the Bears as the assistant GM since 2021. The Falcons went 37-48 in the five years that Fontenot was the GM. Cunningham will now try to help Atlanta get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 29, 2026
New England Patriots wide receiver
Mack Hollins (abdomen) was listed as limited again on Thursday in practice, according to the team's official website. Hollins has been limited in practice so far this week after he was activated from Injured Reserve last week. The 32-year-old veteran made his return in the AFC Championship victory over the Denver Broncos and led the team with 51 receiving yards on two catches on a snowy day in Denver, in which quarterback
Drake Maye threw for under 100 yards. Hollins has some chemistry with Maye deep down the field, but he'll be a boom/bust fantasy asset in the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 8, against a nasty Seattle Seahawks defense. During the regular season, Hollins was merely a bye-week streamer in fantasy, catching 46 of his 65 targets for 550 yards and two touchdowns in his first year in New England.
--Keith HernandezSource: Patriots.com
January 29, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves point guard
Mike Conley (back) will sit out the second leg of a back-to-back on Thursday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The veteran logged 23 minutes of action off the bench in Wednesday's win over the Dallas Mavericks, but will rest his back on Thursday night. With
Anthony Edwards returning to action,
Bones Hyland was limited to 12 minutes against Dallas. On Thursday, Hyland is likely to have a larger workload, but this is an uncomfortable matchup against a Thunder team that boasts a league-best 105.3 defensive rating.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
Denver Broncos quarterbacks coach
Davis Webb plans to withdraw from the Las Vegas Raiders' head-coaching search and is considered a prime candidate to be promoted to offensive coordinator in Denver, a source told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Webb has also received several offensive-coordinator requests around the league, including with the Buffalo Bills. In addition to interviewing for the Raiders' head-coaching job, Webb interviewed with the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills before they hired Jesse Minter and Joe Brady, respectively. The Broncos fired OC Joe Lombardi earlier this week, likely with the intention of promoting Webb under head coach Sean Payton. A former backup QB, Webb has been a hot name in the coaching cycle this year. Given his experience working with quarterback
Bo Nix (ankle) the last two years, keeping Webb around in 2026 would be a big win for the Broncos.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 29, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward
Cason Wallace (hip) will return from a one-game absence on Thursday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He recently hurt his left hip and didn't play in Tuesday's win over the New Orleans Pelicans. With
Alex Caruso (adductor) and
Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) out of the lineup, Wallace is a welcome addition to the rotation. His return will likely bump
Aaron Wiggins to the second unit, but both players should have a similar workload. Across January, Wallace has averaged 23.0 minutes per game, contributing 5.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.8 steals.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves center
Rudy Gobert (ankle) will be in the lineup on Thursday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The French giant played 21 minutes in Wednesday's win over the Dallas Mavericks and was initially listed as questionable for the second leg of a back-to-back. Gobert was quiet on Wednesday with six points and six rebounds, but he's had a strong month overall. Still, it won't be easy for Gobert to meet fantasy expectations on Thursday, as the Thunder give up the second-fewest fantasy points in the league to centers,
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Collin Gillespie (hand) will return to action on Thursday night against the Detroit Pistons. He has shaken off a right-hand sprain, which kept Gillespie out on Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets. Gillespie's return will be huge for a Suns backcourt that's without
Devin Booker (ankle) and
Jalen Green (hamstring). On Thursday, Gillespie faces a difficult matchup against the NBA's second-best defense, but he has been among Phoenix's best performers all season. In January, the Villanova product has posted 11.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
Denver Nuggets center
Jonas Valanciunas (calf) has officially been cleared for Thursday's matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. He was initially listed as probable as Denver kicks off a back-to-back. Valanciunas has racked up 16.0 points and 12.5 rebounds per game since returning from a calf injury. He's in line for another solid outing on Thursday, as centers have been productive against Brooklyn all season. It's unlikely Valanciunas plays in both games of the back-to-back set, making
Zeke Nnaji an appealing fantasy option for Friday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
Denver Nuggets point guard
Jamal Murray (hamstring, hip) will suit up on Thursday night against the Brooklyn Nets. The team has upgraded Murray from probable to available, and the Canadian star will continue to lead Denver's offense, with
Nikola Jokic (knee) still out. Murray has averaged 28.5 points and 8.8 assists in January, shooting 50.5 percent from the floor. That said, Murray faces a potential banana skin on Thursday, as Brooklyn has allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to point guards in 2025-26.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
Dallas Mavericks point guard
Brandon Williams (ankle) will play on Thursday against the Charlotte Hornets. He was initially listed as questionable for the game following a 24-minute outing in Wednesday's loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Williams has been among Dallas' main offensive threats in 2026, averaging 17.4 points over his last seven appearances. On Thursday, Williams may see even more scoring opportunities than usual with
Naji Marshall (rest) out of the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Klay Thompson (knee) will return to the lineup for Thursday's matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. The former All-Star sat out the first game of a back-to-back set on Wednesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With Thompson out,
Jaden Hardy returned to the rotation and logged 24 minutes against Minnesota. His minutes will take a hit on Thursday night. After enjoying a brief hot streak earlier this month, Thompson has scored only 12 points across his last two outings, and fantasy managers shouldn't expect much from him against Charlotte.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
The Kansas City Royals are signing free-agent reliever
Eli Morgan to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. Morgan is looking for a bounce-back season after missing most of the year due to elbow issues. He posted an ugly stat line in 12 appearances with the Chicago Cubs. In 2024, Morgan registered a 1.93 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and a 34/11 K/BB ratio in 32 appearances with the Cleveland Guardians. The 29-year-old has posted multiple successful seasons during his time in Cleveland. This is a low-risk move by the Royals, who could end up getting a steal if Morgan can get back to form.
--Andy WebbSource: Kansas City Royals
January 29, 2026
Charlotte Hornets forward/center
Grant Williams (knee) will sit out Thursday's meeting with his former team, the Dallas Mavericks. The Hornets conclude a back-to-back set, and, understandably, Williams won't feature on Thursday after returning from a serious knee injury only a few weeks ago. Across his first eight outings of the campaign, Williams has contributed 4.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 17.4 minutes. His numbers should pick up soon once Williams gets more comfortable on the court, as he is currently making under 32 percent of his field-goal attempts. With Williams out on Thursday,
Tidjane Salaun could re-enter the rotation.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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