Sonny Gray Set Up for Strong First Season in Boston
After two seasons as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, veteran starting pitcher Sonny Gray was acquired by the Boston Red Sox in late November. With Boston, the 36-year-old looks locked in as the team's number three starter behind ace Garrett Crochet and fellow offseason acquisition Ranger Suarez. Across 180 2/3 innings (32 starts) with St. Louis in 2025, Gray posted a 14-8 record with a 4.28 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 201 strikeouts. While Gray's ERA represented his worst mark since 2018, he still recorded strong numbers under the hood with a 21.6% K-BB rate. Gray's 5% walk rate was the best mark of his career, so he could be in for a better overall line if his opponent batting average on balls in play of .329 regresses closer to his career mark of .288. Gray should also be in a good position to rack up wins while pitching in front of a strong Boston lineup. As long as he stays healthy, Gray profiles as a solid fantasy SP3 for 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Busch Looking to Repeat Standout 2025 Performance
After breaking out as a solid regular in 2024, Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch took his game to another level in 2025. Across 592 plate appearances, the 28-year-old posted a .261/.343/.523 slash line with 34 home runs, 90 RBI, 78 runs scored, and four stolen bases. Busch slashed his strikeout rate from 28.6% in 2024 to 23.5% in 2025 while boosting his barrel rate from 11.2% to 17.1%. If there's one negative in the lefty-swinging Busch's profile, it's his lopsided platoon splits. Across 95 plate appearances against left-handed pitching in 2025, Busch hit .207/.274/.368 with a 27.4% strikeout rate. Chicago signed right-handed hitting first baseman Tyler Austin over the offseason, so Busch appears likely to lose playing time against lefties for a second straight season. Still, Busch was able to rack up counting stats in the potent Cubs lineup even while being platooned in 2025. He's a legit power bat whose current average draft position of pick 112 could be a value selection for fantasy managers in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Red Sox Acquire Pitching Prospect Gage Ziehl From White Sox
The Boston Red Sox are acquiring right-handed pitching prospect Gage Ziehl from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for right-handed pitchers Jordan Hicks and David Sandlin, per Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Cotillo reports that Boston's main motivation in the deal is getting off a portion of the money still owed to Hicks, who will make $25 million over the next two seasons. The Red Sox acquired Hicks from the San Francisco Giants as part of the return for infielder Rafael Devers in last year's midseason blockbuster. However, Hicks struggled to an 8.20 ERA across 21 appearances for Boston last season and also missed time with a shoulder injury. Ziehl is a 22-year-old right-hander who was initially selected by the New York Yankees in the fourth round of the 2024 MLB Draft. He reached Double-A with New York in 2025, but spent all of his time in the White Sox system at High-A Winston-Salem after Chicago acquired him from the Yankees last July. Ziehl appears unlikely to factor for Boston in 2026.
Source: MassLive - Chris Cotillo
Source: MassLive - Chris Cotillo
White Sox to Acquire Jordan Hicks, David Sandlin From Red Sox
The Chicago White Sox are set to acquire right-handed pitcher Jordan Hicks and right-handed pitching prospect David Sandlin from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Gage Ziehl, per Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Cotillo characterizes the trade as a "salary move" for Boston, as the White Sox are reportedly absorbing the majority of the money still owed to Hicks. Boston acquired Hicks from the San Francisco Giants as part of the return for infielder Rafael Devers in the middle of the 2025 season. Hicks has worked as both a starter and a reliever in his career to this point, so he gives Chicago some innings-eating versatility. However, the 29-year-old struggled across 67 1/3 innings split between Boston and San Francisco in 2025, posting a 6.95 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, and 58 strikeouts. Sandlin is a 24-year-old pitching prospect who split the 2025 season between Boston's Double-A and Triple-A affiliates. Across 106 innings pitched (32 games) in the Minors last year, he posted a 9-6 record with a 4.50 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, and 107 strikeouts. Sandlin has experience as both a starter and a reliever in his pro career, so he profiles as a versatile depth piece for Chicago.
Source: MassLive - Chris Cotillo
Source: MassLive - Chris Cotillo
Chase Burns Poised for 2026 Breakout?
Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitcher Chase Burns got his first taste of the big leagues in 2025, posting an 0-3 record with a 4.57 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 67 strikeouts across 43 1/3 innings pitched (13 games, eight starts). Burns worked as a starter for his first eight appearances with Cincinnati before suffering an elbow injury that caused him to miss just over a month. Upon his return in early September, Burns worked out of the bullpen and aided Cincinnati's late-season playoff push. Entering 2026, the 23-year-old appears ticketed for a spot in the starting rotation. While his surface-level numbers as a rookie don't jump off the page, Burns's elite 35.6% strikeout rate is indicative of his significant upside. Opponents also hit .360 against Burns, which is a number that could easily regress in 2026. Given his age and considerable strikeout upside, Burns profiles as a borderline fantasy SP2 heading into his second MLB season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Vic Fangio Considering Retirement
The Philadelphia Eagles had a scare recently when defensive coordinator Vic Fangio informed the team that he was retiring from coaching, multiple sources told Jimmy Kempski of Philly Voice. Fangio was then convinced by the team's brass to stay for at least one more season in 2026. For now, Fangio is still the team's DC, but that could change. When the Eagles were unsure if Fangio would return, they reached out to former DC Jonathan Gannon to gauge his interest in a return. Gannon eventually landed the DC job with the Green Bay Packers. The Eagles were also planning on checking on the availability of disgruntled Cleveland Browns DC Jim Schwartz, who was also a former DC for the Eagles. Fangio reportedly also retired after Philly won the Super Bowl last year. The 67-year-old helped lead an Eagles defense in 2025 that ranked fifth in points allowed and 13th in total yards allowed.
Source: Philly Voice - Jimmy Kempski
Source: Philly Voice - Jimmy Kempski
Brian Callahan, Kliff Kingsbury in Play for Giants Offensive-Coordinator Job
Former Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan and former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury are involved in the New York Giants' search for a new offensive coordinator, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Callahan was a candidate for several other OC openings around the league before they were filled, and he's also a candidate to return to the Cincinnati Bengals if current OC Dan Pitcher leaves. New Giants head coach John Harbaugh wanted to bring Todd Monken along with him after leaving Baltimore, but Monken took the Cleveland Browns' head-coaching job. Callahan was Cincy's OC from 2019 to 2023 before becoming the Titans' head coach. Kingsbury was the Commanders' OC last year and previously was the head coach for the Arizona Cardinals. The Giants' OC opening is a highly coveted position, given the young and talented core of offensive players in New York, starting with first-round quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Darrell Bevell to Have Second Interview for Jets Offensive-Coordinator Job
Former Miami Dolphins quarterbacks coach and passing-game coordinator Darrell Bevell is scheduled for an in-person interview with the New York Jets on Monday for their offensive-coordinator position, a league source told NFL insider Josina Anderson. Bevell worked for the Dolphins from 2022 to 2025. The Jets have narrowed their search for a new OC down to three names, with Bevell and former Los Angeles Chargers OC Greg Roman being two of them. Like Roman, Bevell has plenty of play-calling experience in the NFL, most recently as the offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021. He also worked with the Seattle Seahawks from 2011 to 2017. The 56-year-old began his coaching career as an assistant QBs coach in 2000 with the Green Bay Packers and got his first OC job in 2006 with the Vikings. Former Panthers and Colts head coach Frank Reich has been linked to the Jets' OC opening as well.
Source: Josina Anderson
Source: Josina Anderson
Greg Roman a Finalist for Jets Offensive-Coordinator Job
Former Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman will be part of the New York Jets' in-person interviews for their offensive-coordinator job early next week, sources told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The Jets interviewed five candidates virtually and are whittling their list down to three finalists, with Roman being one of them. Former Miami Dolphins quarterbacks coach and passing-game coordinator Darrell Bevell is another finalist. Roman only lasted one year as the Chargers' OC under head coach Jim Harbaugh, with the Bolts' offense ranking 20th in scoring and 12th in total yards. The Jets are a mess right now and have a lot of question marks on the offensive side of the ball, most notably at the all-important quarterback position. Roman wouldn't be an inspiring choice for second-year head coach Aaron Glenn, but he certainly has plenty of experience running offenses in the NFL.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
De'Von Achane a Refreshing Constant in Miami's Offense
The Miami Dolphins offense faces plenty of question marks this offseason, but running back De'Von Achane offers refreshing consistency. Achane is under contract for the 2026 season and has been playing the best football of his young career. He finished last season with a career-high 1,350 rushing yards, and he also caught 67 passes for 488 receiving yards. For the second year in a row, he scored 12 touchdowns and was the overall RB5 in full-PPR leagues. This past year, he accomplished those marks despite missing one game. Miami did make a concerted effort to get Ollie Gordon II and Jaylen Wright more involved, but that decision didn't really detract from Achane's role. If anything, it kept his legs fresh and allowed him to remain as dominant as ever. The Dolphins did make a coaching staff change this offseason, replacing offensive-minded head coach Mike McDaniel with the defensive-minded Jeff Hafley. Achane also got a new offensive coordinator in Bobby Slowik, who was with the Dolphins as a senior passing game coordinator in 2025. Miami has some key questions to answer surrounding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill this offseason. As a result, the passing game faces major uncertainty. However, we expect the running game to remain unchanged, leaving Achane in line for another fantastic season in 2026. He should be a top-five running back in fantasy football drafts next summer.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Alvin Kamara Carries an Iffy Outlook Into 2026
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara is trending downward ahead of the 2026 NFL season. While Kamara is under contract for one more year with the Saints, he's losing his grasp on the New Orleans backfield due to his age, injury issues, and the emergence of younger teammates. Kamara was the overall RB46 in full-PPR leagues during the 2025 season, which was the first time he ever finished lower than RB16. While part of his slip can be attributed to Kamara missing six games, he also showcased reduced volume and effectiveness. He averaged fewer than 15 touches per game, he finished with a career-low 3.6 yards per carry, and he only scored one touchdown all year. He is now 30 years old and suffered a knee sprain in Week 12, so age and injuries may be catching up to him. He also faces more competition than ever, as Devin Neal (hamstring) and Kendre Miller (knee) both flashed the ability to occupy lead-back roles before landing on season-ending injured reserve. Trade rumors have circled around Kamara for several years, but he has indicated that he wants to remain a Saint for life. Now, it's a question of whether New Orleans wants to keep him on the books for 2026. This team is looking to get younger, and cutting Kamara post-June 1 would create $8.5 million in cap space.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Wan'Dale Robinson "Likely" Returning to the Giants
Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com expects the New York Giants to re-sign impending free agent wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson. "A return seems likely considering he has always been a favorite of [general manager] Joe Schoen and the Giants need to add playmakers, not let the ones they drafted and developed walk," writes Ranaan. Robinson had the best season of his young career in 2025, catching 92 passes for a career-high 1,014 yards and four touchdowns. He was the overall WR14 in full-PPR leagues, and while part of his ascension can be attributed to the absence of Malik Nabers (knee), it was also the result of a constant upward trend that Robinson has exhibited ever since being drafted. He has continuously taken on a larger role on offense, showcasing excellence when lining up inside or outside. With Nabers, Jaxson Dart, and Cam Skattebo (ankle) all on their rookie deals, New York can afford to hand out a larger contract to Robinson. A quartet of Nabers, Robinson, Dart, and Skattebo provides plenty of weapons to head coach John Harbaugh during his first season in New York.
Source: Jordan Raanan
Source: Jordan Raanan
Cowboys to Use Franchise Tag on George Pickens?
There is a "strong belief" that the Dallas Cowboys will utilize the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens, according to Todd Archer of ESPN.com. Pickens had an excellent first season in Dallas, catching 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. All three of those marks were career-highs, as was his finish as the overall WR5 in full-PPR leagues. Pickens surpassed teammate CeeDee Lamb in all of those categories, too, but it's worth noting that the former played three additional games. Nevertheless, Pickens showed that he is absolutely capable of being a superstar No. 1 wide receiver in any NFL offense. As a result, he would fetch an enormous contract in free agency if he makes it that far. Archer speculates that Pickens could make more than Lamb ($34 million per year) in free agency, so the Cowboys will likely use the franchise tag to bring him back on a one-year, $28 million deal. While $62 million is a lot of money tied up to two receivers, a combination of Lamb and Pickens helps give Dallas one of the best offenses in the NFL, especially with quarterback Dak Prescott playing at a high level. Of course, the franchise tag is just a temporary fix, as it would push Pickens' free agency one year down the road. According to Archer, the last time that Dallas signed a franchise-tagged player to a long-term deal before the July extension deadline was 2015 (Dez Bryant).
Source: Todd Archer
Source: Todd Archer
Devin Lloyd Expected to Depart in Free Agency
The Jacksonville Jaguars are not expected to bring back free agent linebacker Devin Lloyd, according to Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com. Lloyd is headed to the open market for the first time in his career after Jacksonville declined his fifth-year option. DiRocco writes that the Jaguars aren't expected to pay Lloyd the money he'll fetch in free agency, nor do they want to pay him the $27.5 million attached to the franchise tag. As a result, he'll likely play elsewhere in 2026 and beyond. If his time in Jacksonville is indeed over, he finishes his four-year stint with 429 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, five fumble recoveries, and nine interceptions. He tallied 1.5 sacks and a career-high five interceptions through 15 games in the 2025 regular season.
Source: Michael DiRocco
Source: Michael DiRocco
Kenneth Gainwell Not Expected Back in Pittsburgh?
According to Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com, "it seems more likely" that Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell will sign with a new team during free agency. He had an impressive one-year stint in Pittsburgh, totaling 537 rushing yards, 73 catches, 486 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. He finished as the overall RB16 in full-PPR leagues, which was the best mark of his career. Gainwell's strong campaign in Pittsburgh raised his anticipated market value this offseason. While the Steelers would presumably be open to bringing him back, he's expected to fetch a decent-sized contract in free agency. "The Steelers haven't typically given big contracts to running backs," Pryor writes. She also notes that the vision for the backfield could look different with head coach Mike McCarthy replacing ex-offensive coordinator Arthur Smith as the team's play-caller. All signs point to Gainwell playing somewhere else in 2026.
Source: Brooke Pryor
Source: Brooke Pryor
Jets Want to Re-Sign Breece Hall, Could Use Franchise Tag
The New York Jets "would like to work out a long-term deal" with running back Breece Hall, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com. New York had an opportunity to move Hall at last season's trade deadline, but they ultimately kept him in hopes of extending him long-term. He finished his fourth NFL campaign with a career-high 1,065 rushing yards, but he scored just five touchdowns. Meanwhile, he finished the year with 350 receiving yards, the lowest mark since his rookie campaign. Still, Hall reportedly won over head coach Aaron Glenn, who wants the 24-year-old to remain the focal point of New York's run-heavy offense going forward. The former Iowa State standout could stir up a bidding war on the open market, though. As a result, Cimini writes that the Jets "could utilize the franchise or transition tag on him." The franchise has until 4 p.m. on March 4 to tag him. The NFL's legal tampering period for free agents begins at 12 p.m. on March 9.
Source: Rich Cimini
Source: Rich Cimini
Geraldo Perdomo Carries Plenty of Momentum Into 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo had the best season of his young career in 2025, enjoying a .290/.389/.462 slash line with 20 home runs, 27 stolen bases, more walks than strikeouts, and a 138 wRC+. He ascended into an everyday role, playing 161 games while posting positive fWAR on both sides of the ball. Perdomo's 20 homers represent a solid power output for a 200-pound shortstop. Meanwhile, his 27 steals and 13.1% walk rate are very exciting for both the Diamondbacks and the 26-year-old's fantasy managers. However, the ZiPS and Steamer projections have Perdomo due for a little regression next season. Both projection systems expect him to record around a dozen homers and around 20 stolen bases in 2026. As it stands, he ranks as the #10 shortstop in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Bobby Witt Jr. a Candidate to Return to the 30-30 Club?
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. finished with 23 homers last season, knocking him out of the 30-30 club for the first time since his rookie campaign in 2022. The 30-30 club comprises players who hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases. Witt was a member of the prestigious group in 2023 and 2024, totaling 62 homers and 80 steals across those two years. He had enough steals (38) to qualify last season, too, but his power output fell short. Still, he slashed an impressive .295/.351/.501 with 130 wRC+. He kept his walk rate at a solid 7.1%, but his strikeout rate soared to 18.2%, the worst mark since his rookie season. Hitting fewer homers and striking out more is not an ideal combination, so managers will hope that Witt can fix one or both issues in 2026. As it stands, he ranks as the #1 shortstop in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s Fantasy Managers Looking for a Power Surge
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remains one of the best hitters in baseball, but his power output declined in 2025. Now, fantasy managers are hoping that he can boost his power numbers higher in 2026. Guerrero finished last season with a .292/.381/.467 slash line, a .384 xwOBA, and 137 wRC+. He walked 11.9% of the time, setting his highest rate since 2021. However, he also launched just 23 homers, his lowest mark since the shortened 2020 season. Meanwhile, his 3.38% home run rate was his lowest mark since he was a rookie in 2019. As Mitch Bannon of The Athletic documented last July, Guerrero is looking to find his "A-Swing," an ideal swing and launch angle that punishes pitches the best. If he can find that swing, he has the potential to return to his 2021 form, when he hit 48 homers over 161 games. For now, Guerrero ranks as the #2 first baseman in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings, trailing only Nick Kurtz at the position.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
River Ryan Adds 30 Pounds During Injury Rehab
Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher River Ryan (elbow) said that he has gained 30 pounds as part of his rehab from Tommy John surgery, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Ryan has been sidelined since 2024, when he made 12 starts between the majors and minors. We don't have official confirmation that he'll be ready for Opening Day in 2026, but the team previously said that he'll go through a normal build-up process during spring training. Barring any setbacks during that process, he should be ready to handle a full workload by the season opener. During his first and only taste of big-league action in 2024, Ryan allowed just three earned runs over 20.1 innings (four starts), pitching to a 3.36 FIP with 7.97 K/9, 3.98 BB/9, and a 50% ground ball rate. There's not really a spot for him in the Dodgers' projected six-man rotation, but he should be the first player called upon when a current starter suffers an injury.
Source: Fabian Ardaya
Source: Fabian Ardaya
Shohei Ohtani Won't Pitch in the World Baseball Classic
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani has decided that he will not pitch in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, according to manager Dave Roberts. Ohtani will still play for Team Japan, slotting into the lineup as their designated hitter. Roberts said that the Dodgers would have been open to Ohtani pitching, but that won't happen because he is only going to be covered by the league's third-party injury insurance as a hitter and not as a pitcher. Less strain on Ohtani's arm might work out better for Los Angeles in the long run, anyway. The 31-year-old didn't throw a pitch in 2024 due to elbow surgery, and he was limited to just 47 innings on the mound across 14 starts. He was as dominant as ever, pitching to a 1.90 FIP with 11.87 K/9, 1.72 BB/9, 0.57 HR/9, and a 41.4% ground ball rate. He said that he will be healthy to start the 2026 season, making him the consensus 1.01 pick in fantasy baseball draft rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Darius Garland Ruled Out Again vs. Portland
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (toe) will not play Sunday against Portland as he continues to recover from a Grade 1 right big toe sprain and awaits re-evaluation. His absence keeps Donovan Mitchell in a usage-heavy role and continues to open minutes for Jaylon Tyson, who has averaged 16.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over his last five starts. Lonzo Ball has struggled with efficiency and remains unreliable. Cleveland is still integrating newly acquired Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder, leaving Tyson as the most stable short-term fantasy option.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Brandon Williams Exits Early With Lower-Leg Injury
Dallas Mavericks guard Brandon Williams (lower leg) exited Saturday's game against Houston after suffering a contusion and did not return. Williams collided with Reed Sheppard and was clearly limited before heading to the locker room, though he was efficient in a brief stint, posting 13 points in nine minutes. His status moving forward is unclear, putting Dallas' backcourt depth in focus. Ryan Nembhard is the next man up for short bursts if Williams misses time, while Cooper Flagg would absorb added ball-handling. Williams remains a watch-list player only in deeper formats.
Source: Christian Clark
Source: Christian Clark
P.J. Washington Leaves with Head Contusion vs. Rockets
Dallas Mavericks forward/center P.J. Washington (head) exited Saturday's loss to Houston after sustaining a head contusion and did not return. He logged 25 minutes before leaving, finishing with nine points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal, leaving his status uncertain for Tuesday's matchup against Boston. If Washington misses time, Dallas would lean more heavily on Naji Marshall and Daniel Gafford in the frontcourt. Marshall has averaged 19.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over his last five starts, while Gafford offers steady rebounding and efficient scoring. Caleb Martin could see more minutes, though his fantasy value remains volatile.
Source: Mavs PR
Source: Mavs PR
Dario Saric Traded to Chicago
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Chicago Bulls acquired center Dario Saric from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for two second-round picks as part of a three-team deal. The thirty-one-year-old saw limited action in Sacramento, appearing in five games and averaging 8.3 minutes. Even with Nikola Vucevic resting at times and Zach Collins (toe) and Jalen Smith (calf) dealing with injuries, Saric is far from guaranteed consistent minutes. The uncertainty surrounding his role makes him too risky to consider outside the deepest fantasy formats.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
De'Andre Hunter Traded to Sacramento
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Sacramento Kings acquired forward De'Andre Hunter from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for guards Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis. Hunter fills a wing need for Sacramento after falling out of Cleveland's rotation. The twenty-eight-year-old averaged 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.7 three-pointers in 26.2 minutes this season. His fantasy outlook improves if Keegan Murray (ankle) remains sidelined, though DeMar DeRozan's presence and Malik Monk's usage cap consistency. With Sacramento potentially still active on the trade front, the added uncertainty keeps Hunter in the hold range rather than a clear breakout add.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Dennis Schroder Traded to Cleveland
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired guard Dennis Schroder from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for forward De'Andre Hunter, with Keon Ellis also included in the deal. Cleveland has been searching for backcourt stability with Darius Garland (toe) battling injuries, giving Schroder a path to early minutes. The thirty-two-year-old averaged 12.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 26.4 minutes with Sacramento, though his role fluctuated. Schroder could handle short-term playmaking duties, but a crowded rotation featuring Donovan Mitchell, Jaylon Tyson, and Sam Merrill caps his ceiling, keeping him more useful as a deep-league assist streamer.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Keon Ellis Traded to Cleveland
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired guard Keon Ellis from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for forward De'Andre Hunter, with Dennis Schroder also heading to Cleveland as part of the deal. Ellis struggled to find consistent opportunities in Sacramento, where a crowded backcourt kept him on the fringe of the rotation. Cleveland values his point-of-attack defense, but his fantasy outlook remains shaky given the Cavaliers' guard and wing depth. If Darius Garland (toe) continues to miss time, Ellis could see spot minutes, though Sam Merrill and Jaylon Tyson are already holding steady roles, limiting Ellis to deep-league consideration.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Matt Thaiss Signs Minor-League Deal With Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox have signed catcher Matt Thaiss to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. Thaiss figures to compete for the backup catching gig in camp. The 30-year-old slashed .218/.349/.288 with one home run and 16 RBI in 60 games between the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays last season. Thaiss is a former first-round pick of the Los Angeles Angels during the 2016 draft. He has been given multiple chances at the big league level, but has never been a consistent hitter. He'll likely serve as organizational depth to begin the season.
Source: Chris Cotillo
Source: Chris Cotillo
Fernando Tatis Jr. Believes He'll Improve in 2026
San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. recently admitted that his offensive struggles were mainly mechanical last season. He feels that he's made the correct adjustments and that the 2026 season will be special for him. Tatis says his head is in the right place and his best seasons are ahead of him. On paper, Tatis really didn't struggle during the 2025 season. He slashed .268/.368/.446 with 25 home runs, 71 RBI, and 32 steals in 155 games. He produced a 5.9 WAR, so if that's a down year, then fantasy managers should be excited to see what Tatis can do in 2026.
Source: 97.3 The Fan
Source: 97.3 The Fan
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