February 10, 2026
New York Mets shortstop
Francisco Lindor (hand) is set to be evaluated on Wednesday for a stress reaction in his left hamate bone, according to president of baseball operations David Stearns. The 5x All-Star may need surgery, and if he does, it typically comes with a six-week recovery timeline. The Mets are still optimistic that, even if surgery is needed, the 32-year-old would be ready in time for Opening Day on March 26. Despite a prolonged two-month downturn in midseason of last year, the switch-hitter finished with a strong .267-31-86-117-31 stat line with a .350 wOBA and 129 wRC+. That type of multi-category production has made him expensive in early 2026 fantasy drafts, going around pick 16, but with no less than a 120 wRC+ and no less than 152 games played over the last four seasons, the price is justified so long as he's ready to go when the season begins.
--Jarod RuppSource: Jorge Castillo
February 10, 2026
New York Jets tight end
Mason Taylor finished his rookie campaign with 44 receptions for 369 yards and a single touchdown across 13 games, missing the final four weeks with a neck injury. While he saw his value peak after an early-season, two-game stretch that saw him targeted 17 times for 132 yards, his first season in New York never amounted to much of a fantasy impact, spending most of the year bouncing around the waiver wire in redraft leagues. In dynasty formats, his value is more difficult to peg down, as it's unclear just how the blame should be split between a routinely underperforming Jets offense and Taylor himself. While the Jets ranked dead last in both passing yards and passing touchdowns in 2025, Taylor did not do much to help his cause, finishing the year without a single missed tackle forced. He enters 2026 just outside the TE1 conversation, with the potential to plummet quickly if drastic changes don't take shape early in New York.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
February 10, 2026
Free-agent pitcher
Justin Verlander agreed to a one-year, $13 million contract with the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, $11 million of which is deferred. The veteran pitcher spent 2025 with the Giants, going 4-11 with a 3.85 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and a 12.8 percent K-BB% in 152 innings pitched. Although it was an improvement on an injury-marred 2024, the three-time Cy Young award winner would be hard to trust for fantasy, with a high SIERA (4.44) and low strikeout rates (8.11 K/9) last season. The switch from pitcher-friendly Oracle Park to Comerica Park doesn't do him any favors either. The soon-to-be-43-year-old is going undrafted in most 2026 fantasy leagues, although there are probably riskier options at the end of deep-league drafts if managers want to roll the dice to see if a return to the place where he broke into the majors brings about some sort of revival.
--Jarod RuppSource: Jon Heyman
February 10, 2026
Pending free agent running back
Austin Ekeler signed a two-year deal with the Washington Commanders before the 2024 season, but has struggled with injuries since. The 30-year-old back managed fewer than 70 offensive snaps in 2025 before a devastating Achilles injury ended his season in Week 2. While his touchdown numbers have dropped precipitously from his fantasy glory days with the Chargers, he continued to prove himself a valuable part of the Commanders' passing game. With almost a full year of recovery before the start of the 2026 season and a work ethic second to none, it should come as no surprise if he signs a minimal short-term deal when free agency opens in March, potentially carving out a dedicated third-down role. While his RB1 days are clearly behind him, he could represent a next-to-nothing dynasty buy with the occasional spike week still in his future.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
February 10, 2026
It wasn't the outcome many expected for most of the day at last week's WM Phoenix Open. Hideki Matsuyama looked to be in control until a wayward tee shot and a poorly executed bunker shot left him needing to get up and down for par from 50 yards out, ultimately resulting in a playoff with Chris Gotterup. He would go on to lose on the first playoff hole after hitting the opening tee shot in the water hazard. The 33-year-old will now have to dust himself off for this week's event at Pebble Beach. He is one of the most well-established iron players in professional golf, averaging +1.365 strokes gained on approach to start the new season. However, last week's driving accuracy was an issue on all four days. If that isn't rectified, he won't have as much effectiveness through the rest of his bag. His recent form is enough reason to believe he'll improve on the mediocre history he's compiled at Pebble Beach, but it likely won't be enough to justify his pricetag.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
February 10, 2026
Michael Thorbjornsen finished tied for third at last week's Waste Management Phoenix Open, and this was followed up by a tied for 18th at the Farmers Insurance Open the week prior. Thorbjornsen gained strokes across the board last week, including 1.38 strokes off the tee and 0.69 strokes on approach. This will be Thorbjornsen's first appearance at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Over the past 12 months, Thorbjornsen ranks in the 56th percentile in greens in regulation percentage on approach shots from 100-150 yards in the fairway. This is important because at last year's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am over 32% of approach shots came from this distance.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
February 10, 2026
Scottie Scheffler finished tied for third at last week's Waste Management Phoenix Open, and this was followed by a win at the American Express two weeks prior. Scheffler has been lights out in both of his appearances so far this season and has gained strokes across the board. Scheffler has gained over 3.25 strokes total in both of his starts, and what's more worrying for the field is that Scheffler has gained over 0.83 strokes putting in each of those appearances. Scheffler finished tied for ninth at last year's AT&T Pebble Beach-Pro Am. Over the past 12 months, Scheffler ranks in the 96th percentile in greens in regulation percentage on approach shots from 100-150 yards in the fairway. This is important because at last year's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am over 32% of approach shots came from this distance.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
February 10, 2026
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Puka Nacua finished as the WR1 in Half-PPR formats in 2025, and the 24-year-old wideout belongs in the conversation at the top of the position in dynasty startups. His 95.3 receiving yards per game since his record-breaking 2023 rookie campaign is the highest in NFL history, and with quarterback
Matthew Stafford insinuating his return during NFL Honors, the Rams appear poised for another all-in title push in 2026. Nacua, Ja'Marr Chase, and
Jaxon Smith-Njigba comprise the top tier at the position. While youth slightly favors Smith-Njigba, and long-term quarterback stability belongs to Chase, Nacua enters 2026 in the most favorable overall position and is the most likely to see his value rise throughout the season. While drafters can't go wrong with any of the three, Nacua makes sense at the top of the draft for those building both an instant contender or long-term juggernaut.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
February 10, 2026
Rory McIlroy will make his first PGA Tour start of the 2026 season at this week's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. McIlroy has played in three DP World Tour events so far this season and has two top-15 finishes, including one tie for third. McIlroy made his first appearance on the PGA Tour at this event last year and walked away as the eventual winner. Over the past 12 months, McIlroy ranks in the 75th percentile in greens in regulation percentage on approach shots from 100-150 yards in the fairway. This is important because at last year's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am over 32% of approach shots came from this distance.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
February 10, 2026
Robert MacIntyre sat out the last two events due to the birth of his first child and will return to action for this week's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. MacIntyre finished tied for fourth at the Sony Open in Hawaii and tied for 38th at the American Express. MacIntyre has gained strokes putting in both of his starts so far this season, gaining 1.32 strokes at the American Express and 0.31 at the Sony Open in Hawaii. MacInytre finished tied for 40th at last year's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am but lost 0.9 strokes putting. Over the past 12 months, MacInytre ranks in the 60th percentile in greens in regulation percentage on approach shots from 100-150 yards in the fairway. This is worth mentioning because at last year's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am over 32% of approach shots came from this distance.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
February 10, 2026
Si Woo Kim finished tied for third at last week's Waste Management Phoenix Open, and this was followed up by a tied for second at the Farmers Insurance Open the week prior. Kim already has three top-five finishes in five starts in the 2026 season. Kim's worst finish so far was a tie for 11th at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Kim finished 12th at last year's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and will look to replicate the form he showed at last year's edition. Over the past 12 months, Kim ranks in the 24th percentile on approach shots from 100-150 yards in the fairway. This is worth pointing out because at last year's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am over 32% of approach shots came from this distance.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
February 10, 2026
Rickie Fowler finished tied for 18th at last week's Waste Management Phoenix Open, and that was followed up by a tied for 18th finish at the American Express two weeks prior. Fowler has gained strokes on approach in both of his starts this season, gaining 1.56 at the American Express and 0.83 at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Fowler finished tied for 53rd at last year's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and with the form he has been in, he has a real shot to best that. Over the past 12 months, Fowler ranks in the 58th percentile in greens in regulation percentage on approach shots from 100-150 yards in the fairway. This is important because at last year's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am over 32% of approach shots came from this distance.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
February 10, 2026
Matt Fitzpatrick finished ninth at the Waste Management Phoenix Open last week, and that was followed up by a tied for 63rd finish at the American Express two weeks prior. Fitzpatrick was lights out at the Waste Management Phoenix Open and gained over 1.20 strokes on approach, but lost 0.35 strokes putting. Fitzpatrick finished tied for 48th in last year's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and will have a chance to compete if he can get hot with the putter. Over the past 12 months, Fitzpatrick ranks in the 28th percentile in greens in regulation percentage on approach shots from 100-150 yards in the fairway. This is important because at last year's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am over 32% of approach shots came from this distance.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
February 10, 2026
Patrick Cantlay missed the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open two weeks ago, and that was followed up by a tied for 13th finish at the American Express the week prior. Cantlay has played well and gained strokes across the board except for putting. He lost 0.27 strokes putting at the American Express and 1.16 strokes putting at the Farmers Insurance Open. Cantlay finished tied for 33rd at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am last year. Over the past 12 months, Cantlay ranks in the 99th percentile in greens in regulation percentage from 100-150 yards in the fairway. This is worth mentioning because at last year's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am over 32% of approach shots came from this distance.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
February 10, 2026
Ludvig Aberg missed the cut two weeks ago at the Farmers Insurance Open and withdrew from the American Express the week prior due to illness. It's possible he was still feeling some lingering effects from the illness that forced him to withdraw. Aberg lost over 1.80 strokes on approach and over 2.61 strokes putting at the Farmers Insurance Open. Aberg played in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am last year, but was forced to withdraw. Over the past 12 months, he ranks in the 46th percentile in greens in regulation percentage on approach shots from 100-150 yards in the fairway. This is worth pointing out because at last year's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am over 32% of approach shots came from this distance.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
February 10, 2026
After two so-so events to start the season, Kurt Kitayama had a more productive week at the WM Phoenix Open. He finished T24 and averaged +1.02 strokes gained on approach. It was also the first event he gained strokes with the putter in his last five starts. The 33-year-old is making his fourth appearance this week at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, with not much positive course history to draw on. He's averaged -1.09 strokes gained putting in his four prior events, and his distance off the tee doesn't give him much of an advantage here. If the usual driver accuracy issue is a problem this week, he likely can't do enough with his dominant iron play to be a useful DFS asset. His time is coming, but it probably isn't here.
--Todd McGillSource: Data Golf
February 10, 2026
Baltimore Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said that
Coby Mayo's focus will be at first base in spring training, but that the coaching staff will also talk to him about the possibility of additional positional focus, such as the corner outfield, according to Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. The 24-year-old could also see time at third base, a position he played coming up in the farm system. Most of Mayo's playing time in 2025 came at first base, but the Orioles signed
Pete Alonso in the offseason, and
Samuel Basallo and
Ryan Mountcastle are also options there. Mayo became an everyday player in Baltimore in the final two months of last season and finished with a .217/.299/.388 slash line, .687 OPS, 11 home runs, 28 RBI, 30 runs, and three steals in 85 games. He hit the ball hard (34.5% hard-hit rate), but he also struck out over 30% of the time. Playing time could be an issue in Baltimore if Mayo struggles at the plate. He's ranked as RotoBaller's No. 46 fantasy first baseman.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Baltimore Banner - Andy Kostka
February 10, 2026
Washington Commanders tight end
Ben Sinnott's role could change in 2026 with new offensive coordinator
David Blough calling plays, according to JP Finlay of NBC Sports. "It seemed pretty clear that Kliff didn't see him as a long-term piece of the offense, just because he didn't get many looks," The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala said. Sinnott only had 11 catches on 13 targets for 114 yards and one touchdown in 16 games for the Commanders in 2025 in his second year in the NFL, even though Ertz missed four games after tearing his ACL. Ertz probably won't be ready for the start of the 2026 campaign and is also a free agent, so Sinnott's role could grow significantly in Washington's offense in his third year in the league. That could change, depending on who the team adds via the draft and free agency in the offseason, but as of right now, Sinnott could be a TE sleeper to monitor.
--Keith HernandezSource: NBC Sports Washington - JP Finlay
February 10, 2026
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Mike Evans' agent, Deryk Gilmore, hinted that his client is leaning toward playing again in 2026, according to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. "Mike started the season in great shape. Most people in the organization said he probably had the best camp of everyone. He finished feeling better than he has in several seasons. I think his competitive nature leads to more football. That is my hope," Gilmore said. The 32-year-old future Hall of Famer fell under 1,000 yards receiving for the first time in his 12 NFL seasons in 2025 because of a broken collarbone that caused him to miss half the season. Evans finished with a 30-368-3 line on 62 targets in eight starts, but it sounds like he doesn't have any intention of hanging up his cleats just yet. If Evans plays in 2026, it will most likely be back in Tampa, although it might not be the most ideal spot for fantasy purposes, given their crowded WR corps.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
February 10, 2026
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler suggests that the Indianapolis Colts could use the franchise tag on impending free-agent wide receiver
Alec Pierce as a way to facilitate a long-term deal. The Colts' offseason priority is to sign quarterback
Daniel Jones (Achilles) to a long-term extension, but Pierce is a 1B option, according to Fowler. The only problem with the franchise tag for Pierce is that it would be a steep price tag ($25 to $28 million) for receivers in 2026. The 25-year-old broke out in 2025 in his fourth year in the NFL, leading the Colts with 1,003 receiving yards on 47 receptions. He also caught six touchdown passes on a career-high 84 targets over 15 games played. Pierce's fantasy stock will continue to rise if Jones re-signs, which is expected, and if the Colts cut fellow receiver
Michael Pittman Jr., who has one year left on his current deal.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
February 10, 2026
Los Angeles Angels right-handed reliever
Ben Joyce (shoulder) is playing catch at spring training, but manager Kurt Suzuki said it's too early to tell if Joyce will be ready for Opening Day, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. The Angels are taking it day by day with Joyce for now. The hard-throwing 25-year-old missed most of last season after having surgery to fix the labrum in his right shoulder. He appeared in only five games, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits (one homer) while walking one and striking out one in 4 1/3 innings. There are plenty of question marks for the back end of the Angels' bullpen going into the 2026 season with
Kenley Jansen no longer around. Right now,
Robert Stephenson,
Drew Pomeranz, and
Kirby Yates are set to work in a closer committee, but Joyce will be involved as well, depending on his health.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Rhett Bollinger
February 10, 2026
Boston Red Sox infielder
Kristian Campbell will primarily work in the outfield during spring training, according to manager Alex Cora. In addition to outfield work, Campbell will work one-on-one with infield coach Jose Flores at both second and third base. The addition of work at third is new, but Campbell played there minimally in the minors. The vast majority of Campbell's playing time in his first year in the majors in 2025 came at second base, but he also saw a handful of starts in left and center field. A move to the outfield is now possible after the acquisition of infielder
Caleb Durbin. Some combination of Durbin and
Marcelo Mayer should handle third and second base regularly in 2026, pushing Campbell to the outfield. The problem with that is Boston already has a crowded outfield picture with
Jarren Duran,
Roman Anthony,
Ceddanne Rafaela, and
Wilyer Abreu. A trade could be coming for the BoSox this spring.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
February 10, 2026
The Colorado Rockies reached an undisclosed one-year deal with veteran free-agent right-hander
Tomoyuki Sugano on Tuesday, according to Thomas Harding of MLB.com. After 12 seasons with the Yomiuri Giants in Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan, Sugano went 10-10 with a 4.64 ERA and 1.33 WHIP with 106 strikeouts and 36 walks in 157 innings over 30 starts with the Baltimore Orioles in 2025 in his first year in the United States. The 36-year-old hurler led the league with 33 home runs allowed, and that's likely going to continue to be an issue with his move to hitter-friendly Coors Field. In addition to allowing way too many home runs, Sugano also had a weak 15.7% strikeout rate. He doesn't miss many bats, which is going to cause problems for him in Denver. The one thing that Sugano does very well is control the baseball, but that probably won't be enough to make him fantasy relevent in Colorado.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Thomas Harding
February 10, 2026
Free-agent talks for right-handed starter
Zac Gallen are starting to heat up with spring training workouts underway across the league, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports. Gallen is the best remaining free agent on the market, and the San Diego Padres, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, and Arizona Diamondbacks are the teams showing the most interest in the 30-year-old veteran. He picked a bad time to post a career-worst 4.83 ERA (4.50 FIP) in his walk year in 2025 with Arizona, going 13-15 with a 1.26 WHIP, 175 strikeouts, and 66 walks in 192 frames over his 33 starts. Gallen's career-high ERA was fueled by a career-worst 1.5 HR/9 mark. His strikeout rate also dropped to a career-worst 21.5% in 2025. His fantasy stock is obviously down (No. 65 starting pitcher at RotoBaller), but a rebound could come if he were to go to a place like San Diego.
--Keith HernandezSource: USA TODAY Sports - Bob Nightengale
February 10, 2026
Free-agent right-hander
Aaron Civale and the Athletics agreed to a one-year, $6 million deal on Tuesday, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. The 30-year-old will add a veteran arm to an A's team with postseason aspirations in 2026. He can make an additional $1.5 million this year through incentives. Civale spent the 2025 campaign pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox, and Chicago Cubs, going 4-9 with a 4.85 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 88:33 K:BB in 102 innings over 23 appearances (18 starts). With the move to Sacramento, he should be a lock to open the season in the starting rotation for the A's. Civale struggled with home runs as a starter with both the Brewers and White Sox last year, and things won't be any easier in his new home ballpark, which was one of the most hitter-friendly environments in baseball.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
February 10, 2026
San Francisco Giants first base prospect
Bryce Eldridge (wrist) said he's a full-go for spring training after having left-wrist surgery in October of last year to remove a bone spur, according to Justice delos Santos of MLB.com. Eldridge initially injured his wrist in spring training last year and played through the injury for several months before eventually being shut down. The 21-year-old former 16th overall pick in 2023 hit a combined .260/.333/.510 with an .843 OPS, 25 home runs, and 84 RBI in 102 games at three-minor league levels last year despite playing through his wrist injury. During a brief MLB debut, the left-handed hitter went just 3-for-28 (.107) with no homers, seven walks, and 13 strikeouts. Between first base and designated hitter, Eldridge should be a regular for the Giants in 2026, and his plus raw power makes him attractive in all fantasy leagues. Eldridge is RotoBaller's No. 37 first baseman.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Justice delos Santos
February 10, 2026
San Diego Padres manager
Craig Stammen said that
Gavin Sheets is currently the team's No. 1 option at first base, according to Annie Heilbrunn of The San Diego Union-Tribune. Sheets was a big success for the Friars last year in his first season with the team, but he split his time between left field (64 games) and designated hitter (63 games). The 29-year-old left-handed slugger hit .252/.317/.429 with a .746 OPS, career-high 19 home runs, 71 RBI, 57 runs scored, and two steals in 145 regular-season games. Sheets came up as a first baseman in the minors, though, so it's not like he doesn't have some experience at the position.
Jake Cronenworth,
Will Wagner, and
Sung-Mun Song are other options to play first base in SD now that
Luis Arraez is in San Francisco. Most of Sheets' damage came against right-handed pitchers, but he'll be a decent option for power as corner-infield depth in fantasy, and gaining first base eligibility will be a bonus.
--Keith HernandezSource: San Diego Union-Tribune - Annie Heilbrunn
February 10, 2026
Atlanta Braves right-hander
Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow)is dealing with right-elbow inflammation at the start of spring training, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. The Braves are just hoping that Schwellenbach is dealing with bone spurs, but he's going to miss significant time and will begin the 2026 regular season on the 60-day injured list. The 25-year-old was already a question mark to be ready for this season after suffering a small fracture in his right elbow at the end of June. It's an ominous sign that he's still having right-elbow issues this spring. With it now official that Schwellenbach won't be in the Opening Day rotation, it should lock in right-hander
Hurston Waldrep for a rotation spot to begin the year. Pitching prospect
JR Ritchie is another arm to watch for a rotation spot if either
Reynaldo Lopez or
Grant Holmes aren't ready in time.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
February 10, 2026
Texas Rangers right-hander
Kumar Rocker will compete for the final spot in the team's Opening Day starting rotation this spring, according to MLB.com's Kennedi Landry. The 2022 first-rounder had a less-than-stellar first full year in the majors in 2025, going 4-5 with a 5.74 ERA and 1.46 WHIP with 56 strikeouts and 23 walks in 64 1/3 innings over 14 starts. Rocker was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Aug. 1 and was shut down for the rest of the year shortly after that to refine his mechanics and work on his delivery. General manager Ross Fenstermaker thinks Rocker is in a "really good spot" going into the 2026 season, though, and he'll primarily be competing with
Jacob Latz for the No. 5 and final rotation spot. Given his draft pedigree (former 10th overall pick), the 26-year-old will get another shot this year, but if he continues to struggle against lefties, he could be relegated to a bullpen role.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
February 10, 2026
Despite the offseason acquisition of left-hander
MacKenzie Gore, Texas Rangers right-hander
Jack Leiter is likely locked into a starting rotation spot in Texas as he enters his second full big-league season, according to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. Along with Leiter and Gore, the Rangers' Opening Day rotation will consist of
Jacob deGrom,
Nathan Eovaldi, and
Kumar Rocker. Leiter, 25, improved as the year went on in 2025 and finished with a 10-10 record, 3.86 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 148:67 K:BB in 151 2/3 innings over 29 starts for the Rangers. While there were some ugly outings for the former second overall pick, it was mostly a successful season in his first full year in the big leagues. Walks are still the biggest issue for Leiter, but he made strides in that area in the second half. If he can display better control on the mound, Leiter could be in for a breakout campaign at a low cost in fantasy baseball drafts. He's currently ranked as the No. 74 starting pitcher at RotoBaller.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
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