February 3, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom said on Tuesday that infielders
Thomas Saggese and
Freddy Fermin could play into the competition in the outfield during spring training, according to Brandon Kiley of 101 ESPN. Entering the mix in the outfield would give Saggese a better path to more playing time, but he hasn't spent any time in the outfield yet in his professional career. The 23-year-old former fifth-round pick by the Texas Rangers in 2020 debuted in the majors in 2024 but played in only 18 games. Last year in 82 games (295 plate appearances), Saggese hit .258/.299/.342 with a .641 OPS, two home runs, 25 RBI, 25 runs scored, and three stolen bases for the Red Birds. Saggese still has time to develop, but he has so far disappointed with an elevated strikeout rate and limited power. His 44.1% hard-hit rate and 90.2 average exit velocity give hope that he can build on his offensive performance in 2026, but consistent playing time could be hard to come by.
--Keith HernandezSource: 101 ESPN - Brandon Kiley
February 3, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals infielder
Nolan Gorman will have "plenty of opportunity" this year to make an impact, according to president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom. "It's a big year for him... He should have plenty of opportunity this year. We've seen it (before). He has power everywhere. He can drive the baseball to any part of the field... He knows this is a big opportunity (for him)," Bloom said. The Cardinals have two openings on the infield going into spring training at third base and second base after they traded both
Nolan Arenado and
Brendan Donovan this offseason. The 25-year-old Gorman is expected to take over at the hot corner, with infield prospect
JJ Wetherholt having a clear path at the keystone. We know there is power in Gorman's bat after he hit a career-high 27 homers in 2023, but he has struck out 35% of the time the last two seasons while hitting 33 combined homers. If Gorman can lower his strikeout rate in 2026, he could be a nice sleeper source of power with regular playing time.
--Keith HernandezSource: 101 ESPN - Brandon Kiley
February 3, 2026
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier did not live up to preseason expectations in 2025, throwing for just 1,927 yards, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions in nine games. However, the redshirt senior was dealing with abdominal and torso injuries that reportedly limited his core strength and mechanics. His 2024 season was far more productive, as the veteran tossed for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions after replacing
Jayden Daniels in Baton Rouge. Once viewed as a potential top-20 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Nussmeier now has a third-round projection. That said, the 2026 rookie quarterback class is lacking depth, as Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and Alabama's Ty Simpson appear to be the only first-round locks. Fresh off a Senior Bowl MVP appearance, Nussmeier could be pushed into the second round if he performs well during the pre-draft process. If that happens, he should be expected to see starting playing time at some point in his first few seasons in the NFL. Four of the last five quarterbacks selected in Round 2 (
Tyler Shough,
Will Levis,
Jalen Hurts, and
Drew Lock) have had their shots at the starting role. If Nussmeier falls to Round 3 or 4, his chances to see the field early in his career diminish greatly.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: MockDraftDataBase.com
February 3, 2026
The Colorado Rockies signed former Athletics catcher
Kyle McCann to a minor-league deal on Tuesday with a non-roster invitation to spring training, major-league sources told Thomas Harding of MLB.com. McCann will head to Colorado to give the Rockies additional catching depth. The 28-year-old left-handed-hitting backstop did not play in the majors at all last year after making his MLB debut with the A's in 2024. In his first 54 big-league games that season, McCann hit .236/.318/.371 with a .690 OPS, five home runs, 15 RBI, and 13 runs scored in 157 plate appearances. He split last season between Triple-A Las Vegas and the Mexican League. McCann will not be on the fantasy baseball radar in 2026 and is fully expected to begin the season at Triple-A Albuquerque.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Thomas Harding
February 3, 2026
The Houston Astros and third baseman
Isaac Paredes avoided an arbitration hearing by settling on a one-year, $9.35 million deal on Tuesday, a source told Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Both sides met in the middle after exchanging figures last month. The 26-year-old's fantasy stock is down heading into the 2026 campaign, as he might not have a path to an everyday role in his second year in Houston. Paredes slashed .254/.352/.458 with 20 home runs, 53 RBI, and 53 runs scored in 438 plate appearances over 102 games played. A hamstring injury was the reason why he didn't play a full season, and he wasn't 100% percent when he returned in the final month. In addition to Paredes not having a clear path to a starting role in 2026, there's a chance he's not ready for Opening Day as the Astros bring him along slowly. A trade out of town would most likely be the best thing for Paredes' fantasy value.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
February 3, 2026
Indiana Pacers forward
Aaron Nesmith (hand) will be sidelined for his team's Tuesday matchup with the Jazz due to a left hand strain. The team also ruled out
Andrew Nembhard (back),
Pascal Siakam (rest), and
Bennedict Mathurin (rest), so it's hard to know if Nesmith's injury is something that will cost him time going forward or not. He has scored at least 14 points in each of his last five games, and he's establishing himself with a regular role in the lineup. Without so many starters on Tuesday, the team will likely lean heavily on
Ben Sheppard,
Johnny Furphy,
Jarace Walker, and
Quenton Jackson to help fill minutes and production on the wings.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
February 3, 2026
Athletics pitching prospect Jamie Arnold, the 11th overall pick in 2025, added a cutter and a kick changeup to his arsenal this offseason while working at Driveline in the offseason, according to Jesus Cano of Baseball America. The 21-year-old southpaw also features a mid-90s fastball, slider, and splitter. Arnold stands at 6-foot-1, 188 pounds and has a strong track record in college from his time at Florida State, where he was a top-two ACC pitcher in consecutive seasons. His fastball-slider combination was already pretty devastating, but now with a more diverse arsenal, he's a name to monitor in dynasty/keeper leagues entering the 2026 campaign. Arnold has drawn comparisons to
Chris Sale due to his lower arm slot from the left side. Depending on how he performs in the minors this year, Arnold could make his big-league debut this summer.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball American - Jesus Cano
February 3, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard
Andrew Nembhard (back) will not play on Tuesday, as the team listed him as out due to lower back injury management. Nembhard played 32 minutes against the Rockets on Monday, finishing with seven points and eight assists in the team's four-point defeat. He has dished out at least eight assists in six straight games and has been running the offense with lots of efficiency. Without him and
T.J. McConnell (knee) on Tuesday,
Quenton Jackson,
Kam Jones, and
Ethan Thompson could all get work at point guard, with Thompson and Jackson probable on their two-way contracts. Without Nembhard,
Pascal Siakam (rest),
Bennedict Mathurin (rest), and
Aaron Nesmith (hand), the Pacers will provide elite value for DFS value plays and streaming options against the Jazz on Tuesday night.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
February 3, 2026
Indiana Pacers forward
Pascal Siakam (rest) will not play Tuesday night against the Jazz when his team closes out a back-to-back set. Siakam played 33 minutes on Monday against the Rockets and had 27 points, five assists, and four rebounds. He's been carrying the load for the Pacers' offense this season, and he's one of several key starters getting Tuesday's game off. In his absence,
Jarace Walker,
Jay Huff, and
Micah Potter (hip, questionable) could get more work at power forward, with
Isaiah Jackson getting more work at center. It will definitely be a makeshift rotation for the Pacers on Tuesday, but the replacement players should bring DFS and streaming value in a favorable matchup against Utah.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
February 3, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard/forward
Bennedict Mathurin (rest) will not play on Tuesday when his team finishes their back-to-back with a home game against the Jazz. Mathurin has played four games since returning from a three-week absence due to a thumb injury, and he played 34 minutes and chipped in 25 points in Monday's close loss to the Rockets. Mathurin's minutes restriction seems to be lifting, and he should be able to continue his return to a full workload on Friday in Milwaukee. It's good news for his future availability that this is being listed as rest and not injury management. Since Mathurin is one of many Pacers getting the night off on Tuesday,
Ben Sheppard,
Quenton Jackson, Jerace Walker, and
Ethan Thompson will all likely get big minutes.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
February 3, 2026
Brooklyn Nets forward
Noah Clowney (back) has been upgraded to available for his team's Tuesday night home game against the Lakers. Clowney has missed the last five games with a lower back sprain, and he could play limited minutes in his return. He was averaging 13.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 0.8 blocks in 29 minutes per game across his first 43 games this season, and he'll likely regain his spot in the starting lineup while pushing
Danny Wolf back to the bench. The 21-year-old Clowney has flashed lots of upside and potential, but he is still inefficient and unrefined at times. As the Nets play out the rest of this season, they'll probably continue to give him all the work he can handle to evaluate his role going forward.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
February 3, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Norman Powell (personal) was downgraded from questionable to doubtful on Tuesday before his team's game against the Atlanta Hawks. He looks likely to miss his third straight game away from the tea. In the games he missed,
Myron Gardner and
Simone Fontecchio each picked up a start. Since Miami is also without
Tyler Herro (ribs), but
Davion Mitchell was able to return on Sunday. Without Powell, though,
Pelle Larsson,
Jaime Jaquez Jr., and
Bam Adebayo will continue to carry more work in the offense. The matchup is a good one for the Heat, so if Powell is ruled out, those other options could be great lineup options on Tuesday.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
February 3, 2026
Free-agent pitcher
Eduardo Salazar signed a minor-league deal with the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman. The right-hander has a foreign team inquiry clause. The 27-year-old Venezuelan right-hander appeared in 30 games out of the bullpen for the Washington Nationals in 2025 and pitched to a rough 8.38 ERA, 2.17 WHIP, and 23:16 K:BB in 29 innings. Salazar made his debut in the big leagues back in 2023 with the Cincinnati Reds and had an 8.03 ERA (11 earned runs allowed in 12 1/3 innings). In his three seasons in the majors with the Nationals, Reds, and Los Angeles Dodgers, Salazar has a 5.99 ERA, 1.87 WHIP, and weak 16% strikeout rate in 70 2/3 relief innings. Salazar is unlikely to make Minnesota's Opening Day roster and should serve as organizational relief depth if he sticks around.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Jon Heyman
February 3, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers guard
James Harden is working with his current team to line up a trade that sends the veteran guard to a new home before the trade deadline this Thursday. According to Chris Haynes of NBA on Prime, the Clippers have ramped up conversations with the Cleveland Cavaliers regarding a package that would be built around
Darius Garland heading to the Clippers. Both teams are motivated to execute the deal relatively soon, so it could be one of the first major deals to go down in the next few days. Harden would join forces with
Donovan Mitchell,
Evan Mobley, and the rest of the Cavs, who are looking to make a push in the Eastern Conference. Harden missed the Clippers' last two games for personal reasons, and he may have already played his last game in an LA uniform if this deal gets finalized. Harden has averaged 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.1 three-pointers made in 35.4 minutes per game in his 44 games so far this season.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Chris Haynes
February 3, 2026
Free-agent reliever
Daniel Robert re-signed a minor-league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday that includes an invite to major-league spring training camp, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Robert missed the final month of the 2025 season with a forearm strain, and it's uncertain if he'll be limited at all for the start of spring training in a couple of weeks. The 31-year-old veteran right-hander made only 15 appearances in relief for the Phillies last year and gave up seven runs (six earned) on 11 hits (two homers) while walking 10 and striking out 15 in 13 innings pitched. He debuted in the big leagues in 2024 with the Texas Rangers, but threw only 5 2/3 frames of relief. Robert was originally a 21st-round selection by the Rangers in 2017 out of Auburn. He won't carry any fantasy value into the 2026 season.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Jon Heyman
February 3, 2026
Cleveland Guardians left-hander
Joey Cantillo has plenty of experience pitching in relief, but MLB.com's Tim Stebbins writes that Cantillo will compete for a rotation job in spring training. In 13 starts (67 innings) for the Guardians in the second half of last season, Cantillo had a solid 2.96 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 72 strikeouts, and 28 walks. The 26-year-old southpaw will primarily be competing with pitching prospect
Parker Messick for one of the final spots in the rotation in camp. If Messick impresses more, Cleveland can just slide Cantillo back into a relief role. He had a 3.81 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 21 outings out of the Guardians' bullpen in 2025. Although he may have had some luck as a starter to close out the year, Cantillo did have a 25.9% strikeout rate and 10.8% walk rate while holding hitters to a .214 average. As more of a swingman than a locked-in starter, Cantillo can be ignored in mixed fantasy leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins
February 3, 2026
As time goes on and Scottie Scheffler continues to wreak havoc on the rest of the PGA Tour roster, the question of whether you take him or literally anyone else becomes the weekly discussion. He's so good in every area that if he shows up firing on all cylinders, everyone else is playing for second place. This feeling can't be felt more than at TPC Scottsdale (or Augusta), as he won back-to-back in 2022 and 2023 and averages a sickening +2.897 total strokes gained over his last 20 rounds. There isn't any other explanation needed. If you believe in a third victory for the 29-year-old, he's in your lineup without question.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
February 3, 2026
The New York Post's Jon Heyman said on MLB Network that the New York Yankees are looking to add another right-handed bat this offseason. Heyman mentions first basemen
Paul Goldschmidt and
Ty France, and outfielders
Austin Slater and
Randal Grichuk as players that are "on their list." The Yankees are heavily left-handed right now and only have three projected starters that hit right-handed --
Aaron Judge,
Giancarlo Stanton, and
Jose Caballero. Goldy might make the most sense for the Yanks since he played in the Bronx in 2025, but he'd have to take a salary cut and would become a part-time player. Goldschmidt has been declining the last several years offensively, but he still hit .274 last year and was particularly successful against left-handed pitchers. Heyman believes the Yankees will "definitely" sign one of Goldy, France, Slater, or Grichuk.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Jon Heyman
February 3, 2026
The impressive start that Maverick McNealy has gotten off to this season has a chance to throw a W in the mix this week at the WM Phoenix Open. The 30-year-old has demonstrated supreme comfort on this track in two previous starts (WD'd in 2023), with T9 and T6 finishes coming in the last two years. Through eight rounds, he ranks fourth in the field in total strokes gained average (+2.364) at TPC Scottsdale and second in strokes gained putting (+1.156). There is little reason to doubt him ahead of Thursday's round, and if you can find room on some DFS lineups for the former Stanford Cardinal, he's a must-add.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
February 3, 2026
New Orleans Saints quarterbacks coach Scott Tolzien plans to remain with the team after interviewing for the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive-coordinator job, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Tolzien was a top candidate for the Steelers' job, but he will instead remain with head coach Kellen Moore in New Orleans to continue developing quarterback
Tyler Shough. If Shough takes a step forward in Year 2 in 2026 under Tolzien, he'll almost certainly leave for an OC job next cycle. Tolzien sticking around in the Big Easy is great news for Shough, who was taken in the second round in 2025 out of Louisville. The 26-year-old ended up taking over as the starting QB early in the season from
Spencer Rattler, and he went on to appear in 11 games (nine starts), completing 67.6% of his passes for 2,384 yards, 10 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Shough also ran for 186 yards and three scores on the ground.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
February 3, 2026
It felt like a special occasion with Brooks Koepka back on the tee sheet for the Farmers Insurance Open, and this week will likely feel like much of the same. The WM Phoenix Open was the site of his first career victory on the PGA Tour in 2015, and it often feels like one of the few regular events he gets amped up to play in. His return last week was more positive than many expected, as he played all four rounds to end the four days at T56. Koepka showed signs of life by ranking 11th in the field in strokes gained from tee to green (+2.02). The putter didn't cooperate, however, how much stock can we give it on unpredictable Poa annua greens? In five career appearances at TPC Scottsdale, Brooksie has managed to gain strokes with the flat stick in all of them. It's still up in the air on what kind of fantasy asset he'll be in his returning season, but this is as good a spot as any to take a chance on him this week.
--Todd McGillSource: Data Golf
February 3, 2026
The Tampa Bay Rays have joined the list of teams interested in signing free-agent outfielder/designated hitter
Marcell Ozuna, sources told MLB insider Mike Rodriguez. In addition to the Rays, the San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates are looking at the three-time All-Star slugger. Ozuna was fourth in the MVP voting in 2024 but really struggled in 2025 in his sixth season with the Atlanta Braves, slashing .232/.355/.400 with a .756 OPS, 21 home runs, 68 RBI, and 61 runs scored in 145 games and 592 plate appearances. The 35-year-old veteran Dominican was bothered by a hip injury that he suffered in June, which may have been the big reason why he struggled. Ozuna did increase his walk rate to a career-high 15.9%, but at this point in his career, he's most likely a full-time DH. There's potential for a bounce-back 2026 campaign, but at his age, Ozuna is also a pretty big risk.
--Keith HernandezSource: Mike Rodriguez
February 3, 2026
Even after a handful of starts under his belt after returning from injury, Billy Horschel still seems to be getting back to playing form after a missed cut last week at Torrey Pines. He averaged -0.85 strokes putting and -1.75 strokes gained from tee to green. The most glaring metric was from around the green, with an average of -1.43. However, the scary part for Horschel this week at TPC Scottsdale will be off the tee, as the FMI was his first time gaining strokes in this area since September of last year. It's imperative to hit the fairways at the Stadium Course to have chances to score. If that isn't improved, it could be a long week for Billy Ho.
--Todd McGillSource: Data Golf
February 3, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals infield prospect
JJ Wetherholt now has a clear path to playing time at second base in 2026 after the team traded
Brendan Donovan to the Seattle Mariners on Monday night, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Before the Donovan trade, Wetherholt was expected to compete for the third base job after St. Louis traded
Nolan Arenado to the Arizona Diamondbacks this offseason. Nothing is guaranteed for Wetherholt, but all signs point to the No. 5 overall prospect in baseball, per MLB Pipeline, being on the Cardinals' Opening Day roster in 2026. Between Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis last year, the 23-year-old hit .306/.421/.510 with 17 home runs and 23 stolen bases in 109 games played. The former seventh overall pick in 2024 has 20-homer power as he matures, and he could play regularly right from the start of the season in St. Louis in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Derrick Goold
February 3, 2026
After a T6 finish to open the season, followed by a T24 the following week, Harry Hall should be pleased with how his game is trending ahead of this week at TPC Scottsdale. He's making a ton of putts, averaging +1.123 strokes gained through his first two starts. That number will surely fall, just as his -0.076 strokes gained on approach will rise. However, ball striking hasn't been good here. Over his eight competitive rounds on the Stadium Course, he's lost an average of 0.687 strokes between off-the-tee and on approach metrics. Ranking third last season in birdie average (4.56) and having a tidy short game, there's plenty of reason to think he'll improve on his best finish of T41 in this event come Sunday.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
February 3, 2026
New York Mets right-handed reliever
Adbert Alzolay (elbow) is expected to be healthy as a full-go at the start of spring training, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic. The Mets signed Alzolay to a two-year minor league deal in January of last year, and the 30-year-old Venezuelan hurler spent all of 2025 rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. The 30-year-old made his major-league debut with the Chicago Cubs back in 2019 and has gone 12-25 with a 4.04 ERA (4.30 FIP), 1.16 WHIP, 27 saves, a 25.7% strikeout rate, and a 7.4% walk rate in 254 innings pitched over 121 appearances (27 starts) in six years with the Cubbies. If Alzolay stays healthy throughout spring training, he'll have a real shot to earn a spot in the Mets' Opening Day bullpen as a middle-relief arm.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Will Sammon
February 3, 2026
Detroit Tigers right-hander
Troy Melton is set to compete for a rotation spot in 2026 coming off his impressive stretch run last year, according to MLB.com's Jason Beck. Melton was a valuable swing man for Detroit late last year, but the 25-year-old's workload will be monitored closely after he threw 129 1/3 innings in 2025 between the minor leagues, the Tigers, and the playoffs. As a rookie last year, the 25-year-old had a strong 2.76 ERAand 1.01 WHIP in 45 2/3 innings in the big leagues over 16 appearances (four starts). The top of Detroit's rotation is set with
Tarik Skubal,
Casey Mize,
Jack Flaherty, and
Reese Olson (shoulder), so Melton will be battling for the fifth and final spot to begin the season. Melton only had a 20% strikeout rate in his first taste of the big leagues, but he showed his upside down the stretch, and his fantasy arrow is pointing up now that he should be a full-time starter.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Jason Beck
February 3, 2026
Detroit Tigers right-hander
Reese Olson (shoulder) is on track to be ready for spring training after suffering a season-ending right-shoulder strain last year, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com. Olson was shut down in late July and didn't pitch again in 2025. The 26-year-old went 4-4 with a career-low 3.15 ERA and 1.21 WHIP with 65 strikeouts and 25 walks in 68 2/3 innings over his 13 starts. He hasn't exceeded 112 innings in his three years in the big leagues with the Tigers, but he has a solid 3.60 ERA (3.55 FIP) and 1.17 WHIP with a 23% strikeout rate and 7.8% walk rate in 284 2/3 total innings. Olson should have a rotation spot locked up in 2026 and has proven he can be a pretty reliable starting option for fantasy managers. If Olson can stay healthy, a step forward in his fourth big-league season is possible. He's ranked as the No. 86 starting pitcher at RotoBaller.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Jason Beck
February 3, 2026
It has been an incredible run for Chris Gotterup over the last seven months. From winning the Scottish Open last year to being the first winner on tour this season, he's established himself as one of the bright young players. After competing on TGL Monday night, the 26-year-old made the trek out to TPC Scottsdale for his third career appearance. The first two ended early, missing the cut both times and failing to really gain strokes anywhere besides on the green. However, we are now two wins and a slew of good finishes later, and this time feels like a much different story. Through his first two events, the 26-year-old is averaging +1.169 strokes gained off the tee and +0.628 on approach. Everything about his game is more refined and exudes more confidence than when he was here last season. Play Gotterup with confidence this week, but understand that his streaky putting limits his upside a little bit.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
February 3, 2026
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, like former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, was not selected for entry into this year's Pro Football Hall of Fame class, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Kraft bought the team for $172 million in 1994, and the Patriots have appeared in 11 Super Bowls (six wins) since he purchased the team. They have a chance to win their seventh Super Bowl this Sunday versus the Seattle Seahawks, which would give New England the most Lombardi trophies in league history. Kraft has been a centerpiece of the team's 24-year dynasty. He hired Belichick in 1999, and Belichick went on to lead the Patriots to a 266-121 record while winning 17 AFC East titles. Kraft is attempting to become the 17th owner in NFL history to be inducted into the HOF, joining Jerry Jones, Eddie Debartolo Jr., Pat Bowlen, Ralph Wilson, Dan Rooney, and Al Davis.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
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