January 15, 2026
Miami Marlins top pitching prospect
Thomas White could make a case to push for an earlier-than-expected MLB debut. The Miami Marlins have traded two of their current starting pitchers this past week, which will open the door for their budding prospects to compete for a job in spring training. The Marlins shipped
Edward Cabrera to the Chicago Cubs in return for top outfield prospect
Owen Caissie and then moved left-hander
Ryan Weathers to the Yankees in return for several hitting prospects. While
Robby Snelling appears to be a favorite to claim one of the openings as he finished this season pitching at a high level with Triple-A, managers should also monitor White, the team's top arm. MLB.com's No. 22-ranked prospect logged 89 2/3 innings last season, spent primarily with High-A and Double-A before earning a brief stint at Triple-A. Through these innings, White held a stellar 2.31 ERA, 1.18 WHIP with a 145:51 K:BB. If White can turn in a dominant spring training, the left-hander could make a case to begin the 2026 season in Miami or join the Marlins relatively early in the first half.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 15, 2026
New York Mets outfield prospect
Carson Benge is a name to closely monitor during spring training. As reported by Sam Dykstra of MLB.com, Benge is in the mix to win a starting job in the outfield out of spring training. Following the departure of
Brandon Nimmo, Benge could make a strong case in spring training to claim the open role in the outfield. Currently, the Mets are slated to put
Tyrone Taylor in center field and
Juan Soto in right field. While they have been linked to free agents like
Kyle Tucker, as of now, a corner outfield position appears to be open for the taking. Last season, Benge opened the campaign with High-A but was able to end the season with Triple-A. Across 116 total games, the No. 21-ranked prospect in the sport posted a .281/.385/.472 line with an .857 OPS. Managers should closely monitor Benge's production in the spring, as he could be a top late-round target in drafts if he can claim the open role in the outfield.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 15, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect
Bubba Chandler has seen his fantasy stock rise following his strong conclusion to the season, as he appears poised for a breakout campaign in 2026. Chandler made his MLB debut with the Pirates in late August of 2025. Through his first 31 1/3 innings in the big leagues, the right-hander posted a modest 4.01 ERA with a stellar 0.93 WHIP. However, his ERA is significantly inflated due to the nine-run outing on September 7. Removing this one fluke outing, the 23-year-old would have instead carried a dominant 1.57 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and a 28:1 K:BB across 28 2/3 innings in the big leagues. While Chandler struggled at times at Triple-A before his promotion, once he reached Pittsburgh, the top prospect looked like his typical self. Seeing that he showed elite command and above-average strikeout upside, Chandler could enjoy an impressive first full season in the big leagues and is worth viewing as an SP3/SP4 with upside.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 15, 2026
Baltimore Orioles catching prospect
Samuel Basallo could see nearly every day at-bats with the Orioles to open the 2026 season. The top catching prospect in the sport and the overall No. 7-ranked per MLB Pipeline, made his long-awaited MLB debut in August of the 2025 season. Through his first 31 games in Baltimore, Bassalo showed some growing pains, posting a .165/.229/.330 line with a modest .559 OPS. He hit four home runs but carried a 30:6 K:BB. Through 70 games with Triple-A Norfolk, Basallo posted an impressive .270/.377/.589 line with 17 doubles and 23 home runs. During his brief stint with the Orioles last season, Basallo logged 22 games behind the dish with seven at DH and two at first base. With
Pete Alonso now on the roster, Basallo will likely only rotate between catcher and DH. Managers should expect Basallo to open the campaign, rotating with
Adley Rutschman behind the dish and at DH, given his usage last summer. However, if Basallo sees these struggles continue, he could lose DH at-bats to
Tyler O'Neill or
Ryan Mountcastle.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 15, 2026
Detroit Pistons forward
Tobias Harris (hip) is likely to rejoin the lineup on Thursday against the Phoenix Suns, as the team has listed him as probable on the injury report. Harris has yet to play in 2026, missing five games with a left hip sprain. The veteran has been a regular starter throughout the campaign.
Javonte Green started on Saturday versus the Clippers and is set to return to the bench with Harris's return. However, there is also a chance Detroit eases Harris back by using him as a reserve to better manage his minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Kansas City Royals catching prospect
Carter Jensen made his MLB debut late in the 2025 season and immediately flashed high upside. With the Royals, Jensen posted a .300/.391/.550 line with six doubles, three home runs, and a 12:9 K:BB across a 20-game stint. Under the hood, the No. 1-ranked prospect in the system per MLB.com generated a remarkable .447 xwOBA, .336 xBA, and a .633 xSLG, suggesting he was not only making contact with the ball. but was flashing high raw power. Earlier in 2025, Jensen began the season with Double-A but needed only 68 games to earn the call to Triple-A. Through 43 games with the top level of the Kansas City system, Jensen held a .288/.404/.647 line with 14 home runs. In 2026, Jensen is expected to split the job with
Salvador Perez behind the dish and likely shift to the DH spot on his off days from catching. In his brief stint last summer, he logged 10 games behind the dish and nine at DH. If he continues to perform at this level, Jensen has the upside to be an everyday player and carry high-end sleeper appeal at the catching position.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 15, 2026
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the New York Giants are finalizing a deal with former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh to make him the franchise's next head coach. Schefter noted that while the deal is not finalized, barring a setback, Harbaugh is expected to take over coaching duties in New York. Harbaugh interviewed with the Giants on Wednesday and was expected to visit other teams, but appears to have already found his next job. Harbaugh had a disappointing 2025 season with the Ravens as they missed the postseason and finished with just eight wins, his lowest total since the 2016 season, which ultimately led to his firing. With the Ravens, Harbaugh won Super Bowl XLVII and led them to 11-double-digit-win seasons, including a 14-win campaign back in 2019. Harbaugh was also named AP Coach of the Year in that season. Harbaugh will now look to develop a young Giants team centered on QB
Jaxson Dart, whom the Giants drafted with the 25th overall pick in last year's NFL Draft. Given his success with
Lamar Jackson, dynasty managers should feel confident rostering Dart for the long term, as he will have a head coach with nearly two decades of success leading the way.
--Andy SmithSource: Adam Schefter
January 15, 2026
Detroit Pistons forward/center
Isaiah Stewart (illness) practiced on Wednesday and is expected to rejoin the lineup on Thursday night against the Phoenix Suns, as the team has listed him as probable for the game. Stewart was unavailable on Saturday against the Los Angeles Clippers due to illness. The 24-year-old had a big 31-point outing in his last appearance, but that came as Detroit's starting center.
Jalen Duren (ankle) is on track to return on Thursday and will start ahead of Stewart. As a reserve, Stewart has contributed 9.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Detroit Pistons center
Jalen Duren (ankle) is considered probable for Thursday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns. He has been out for four games due to a right ankle sprain.
Isaiah Stewart (illness) is also expected back on Thursday, pushing
Paul Reed further down the depth chart. At the same time,
Tolu Smith may end up outside the rotation. Duren is having a big campaign, averaging 17.9 points and 10.6 rebounds. However, he has managed a double-double only once in his last four appearances.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Top Texas Rangers shortstop prospect
Sebastian Walcott is expected to make a strong push to join Triple-A at the start of the 2026 regular season. Last summer, the No. 6-ranked prospect in all of baseball (according to MLB Pipeline) spent the entire campaign with Double-A Frisco and was able to hold his own, suggesting he is ready for a promotion. Across 125 contests, the infielder posted a .255/.355/.386 slash line with 19 doubles, 13 home runs, and an eye-catching 32 stolen bases. He held a 108:70 K: BB and scored 71 runs. In 2024, Walcott spent most of his time with High-A and held a similar .261/.342/.443 line before earning a brief five-game taste of Double-A. If the 19-year-old can join Triple-A Round Rock early in the campaign, he could push for a second-half MLB debut. He is worth closely monitoring in all dynasty leagues and deeper redraft leagues, as he could be in the mix to debut in the back half of the regular season.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 15, 2026
Washington Wizards guard/forward
Bilal Coulibaly (back) played only 10 minutes in Wednesday's 119-105 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. He was forced to make an early exit due to lower back tightness. Coulibaly finished with three points and two rebounds. Washington also lost
Alexandre Sarr early to an ejection, causing havoc in the rotation.
Will Riley tied a season high with 27 minutes and could be more involved again if Coulibaly misses Friday's matchup against the Sacramento Kings.
--Taavi PailkSource: Washington Wizards
January 15, 2026
Dallas Mavericks center
Daniel Gafford (ankle) left Wednesday's loss to the Denver Nuggets early in the third period. He's been battling a right ankle sprain all season and couldn't continue after logging 18 minutes. Gafford had six points and 10 rebounds. The early exit leaves Gafford questionable for Thursday's second leg of a back-to-back against the Utah Jazz.
Dwight Powell, who filled in for Gafford in the starting lineup on Monday night against the Brooklyn Nets, could move back into the first unit. In a starting role, Powell provided five points, 10 rebounds, and three assists on Monday.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 15, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Cooper Flagg (ankle) was limited to 15 minutes of action in Wednesday's loss to the Denver Nuggets, exiting the game early with a left ankle sprain. Flagg injured his ankle midway through the second quarter. He was initially able to return, but Dallas ruled him out for the rest of the contest early in the third quarter. It was the second straight game that Flagg twisted the ankle. He was able to finish Monday's win over the Brooklyn Nets after getting his ankle retaped. The Mavericks have a short turnaround, facing the Utah Jazz on Thursday night. Flagg's early exit from Wednesday's game leaves him questionable for the matchup.
Ryan Nembhard started the second half in Flagg's place on Wednesday and could have a larger role against Utah.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 15, 2026
New York Knicks point guard
Jalen Brunson (ankle) exited Wednesday's loss to the Sacramento Kings in the first quarter with a right ankle sprain. Brunson logged only five minutes, finishing with four points. In November, Brunson missed two games with a right ankle sprain, and he was out for nearly a month with the same injury last March. Brunson didn't use a walking boot after the game and reportedly didn't have a noticeable limp, suggesting the Knicks star avoided a serious injury. However, fantasy managers should consider him questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Golden State Warriors.
Miles McBride and Tyler Kolak will get an uptick in playing time if Brunson isn't available.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 14, 2026
Former Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson will fly to Detroit to interview for the Lions' offensive-coordinator job on Thursday, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Robinson is also a strong candidate for the same position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but could have a leg up in Detroit because of their successful history with quarterback
Jared Goff from their time with the Los Angeles Rams. Robinson worked with the Rams for five seasons, starting as an assistant quarterbacks coach under head coach Sean McVay. He was the assistant QBs in L.A. in 2019 when Goff was the team's starting QB. Robinson is looking for a new gig after the Falcons fired head coach
Raheem Mostert following the 2025 season. Detroit is also looking at Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka, former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, and Seahawks passing-game coordinator Jake Peetz for the OC position.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 14, 2026
The Minnesota Twins have claimed utility man
Vidal Brujan off waivers from the Atlanta Braves, designating catcher/utility man
Mickey Gasper for assignment as the corresponding move. Brujan, who will turn 28 in February, has already appeared for five different MLB teams across five seasons in the big leagues. Across 94 plate appearances split between the Braves, Chicago Cubs, and Baltimore Orioles in 2025, Brujan posted a .253/.305/.310 slash line with zero home runs, eight RBI, 14 runs scored, and two stolen bases. Brujan's main appeal at this point in his career is defensive versatility, as he spent time at every position other than first base and catcher this past season. If he's able to stick on the Twins roster, Brujan is likely headed for a bench role. Neither Brujan nor Gasper, who has a career .133 batting average across 133 big-league plate appearances, projects to carry much fantasy value in 2026.
--Will BradySource: Minnesota Twins
January 14, 2026
Adam Jude of The Seattle Times reports that the Seattle Mariners "remain interested" in acquiring Chicago Cubs second baseman
Nico Hoerner. With the Cubs' recent addition of third baseman
Alex Bregman, Chicago could be looking to shuffle pieces around in its infield, and Hoerner will reach free agency at the end of the 2026 season. Across 156 games for the Cubs in 2025, Hoerner posted a .297/.345/.394 slash line with seven home runs, 61 RBI, 89 runs scored, and 29 stolen bases. The 28-year-old is widely considered one of the best defensive second basemen in baseball and has logged at least 640 plate appearances in three straight seasons. Seattle currently has
Cole Young penciled in as its opening day second baseman, who posted a .607 OPS across 257 plate appearances in 2025. Jude also reports that the Mariners have strong interest in St. Louis Cardinals utility man
Brendan Donovan, so it appears that the team is actively seeking infield upgrades.
--Will BradySource: The Seattle Times - Adam Jude
January 14, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers point guard
Darius Garland (foot) missed the end of Wednesday's win over the Philadelphia 76ers due to injury, Chris Fedor of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. Garland hurt his right foot during the third quarter. Despite his early exit, Garland finished the game as one of Cleveland's top scorers. He had 20 points on 8-for-13 shooting, adding seven assists and grabbing three rebounds. If Garland misses additional time,
Donovan Mitchell will have an increased role as a playmaker, while
Craig Porter Jr. and
Lonzo Ball are expected to see their minutes rise.
--Taavi PailkSource: Chris Fedor
January 14, 2026
The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey reports that "at least one person with the Red Sox suggested this week that there's still an opportunity to trade from the outfield group," and that outfielder
Jarren Duran "remains a likely trade candidate." Boston has at least four capable outfielders currently on the roster between Duran,
Roman Anthony,
Wilyer Abreu, and
Ceddanne Rafaela. While the Red Sox could simply prioritize outfield depth and keep all four, the team's needs elsewhere on the roster could necessitate a trade. Across 696 plate appearances with Boston in 2025, Duran posted a .256/.332/.442 slash line with 16 home runs, 84 RBI, 86 runs scored, and 24 stolen bases. He's entering his age-29 season and will remain under team control through 2028. A Duran trade could potentially provide a playing time boost for Abreu, Rafaela, and Red Sox designated hitter
Masataka Yoshida.
--Will BradySource: The Athletic - Jen McCaffrey
January 14, 2026
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (knee) won't be in action in Berlin, Germany, against the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday. He continues to recover from a right MCL contusion, missing his sixth straight game.
Anthony Black will continue to carry additional fantasy value on Thursday, though his role on offense could change with the imminent return of
Franz Wagner (ankle). Still, with back-to-back 20-point games under his belt, Black has plenty of fantasy appeal.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 14, 2026
Orlando Magic center
Wendell Carter Jr. (hip) will return to the lineup on Thursday against the Memphis Grizzlies. The two teams clash in Berlin, Germany, after Carter Jr. missed Sunday's win over the New Orleans Pelicans due to a hip problem.
Goga Bitadze started in Carter Jr's place on Sunday and notched a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double. Sunday also brought the season debut of
Moritz Wagner, adding more frontcourt depth for the Magic. However, with Carter Jr. back in the fold, Bitadze and Wagner are likely to see fewer minutes in Berlin.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 14, 2026
The Boston Red Sox "quietly shopped" starting pitcher
Brayan Bello earlier in the offseason, per Ken Rosenthal and Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. While Bello remains a member of the Red Sox for the time being, Boston's recent big-money agreement with lefty starter
Ranger Suarez could lead to renewed willingness to trade from their starting pitching depth. Across 166 2/3 innings (29 starts) for the Red Sox in 2025, Bello posted an 11-9 record with a 3.35 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 124 strikeouts. Bello, who turns 27 years old in May, is locked up on a team-friendly extension through at least the 2029 season. He would almost certainly generate interest on the trade market, and the presence of young arms such as
Connelly Early and
Payton Tolle in Boston could lead the team to move Bello in pursuit of a bat.
--Will BradySource: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal, Jen McCaffrey
January 14, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks center
Myles Turner (illness) is not on the injury report for Thursday's contest against the San Antonio Spurs. He battled an illness earlier in the week and didn't play on Tuesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Bobby Portis took Turner's spot in the starting lineup and will likely return to the second unit on Thursday. Turner has been a disappointment in Milwaukee, and his performances have dipped further in 2026. Over five January appearances, Turner has managed 10.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 14, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward
Deni Avdija (back) is listed as doubtful for Thursday's matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, meaning he is likely to miss a second consecutive game. The Israeli talent was forced to exit the lineup earlier this week after suffering a back injury in Sunday's loss to the New York Knicks. With Avdija absent on Tuesday against the Golden State Warriors,
Caleb Love stepped into the starting lineup. Love has recently built up a lot of positive momentum and will be an appealing fantasy option on Thursday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 14, 2026
Boston Celtics guard/forward
Jaylen Brown (back) is expected to return to the lineup on Thursday against the Miami Heat, as the team has removed him from the injury report. The Celtics leader missed Monday's loss to the Indiana Pacers due to lower back spasms. His absence allowed
Baylor Scheierman make his first start of the season. Brown has recently taken his game to a new level, averaging 29.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists since the calendar flipped. When Boston and Miami met for the first time this season, Brown finished with 30 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, and one steal.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 14, 2026
Denver Nuggets guard/forward
Spencer Jones (ankle) and guard/forward
Bruce Brown (knee) will remain in the lineup on Wednesday versus the Dallas Mavericks. Jones and Brown were both listed on Denver's injury report -- Jones as probable and Brown as questionable. In Tuesday's win over New Orleans, they had similar workloads: Jones started and played 23 minutes, while Brown logged 24 minutes off the bench. Neither offers much fantasy upside at this time.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 14, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward/center
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) will be in the lineup on Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite managing a hamstring strain, Gordon is ready to play in the second leg of a back-to-back after logging 30 minutes in Tuesday's win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Gordon played an active role in the victory, finishing with 16 points, seven rebounds, one assist, and two steals. He is averaging 17.0 points and 6.8 rebounds for the month.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 14, 2026
Denver Nuggets point guard
Jamal Murray (ankle, illness) will play on Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks. Murray had 35 points in 37 minutes during a busy night against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, and it was initially uncertain whether he would suit up for the second leg of a back-to-back. However, he has been officially cleared for action. With
Nikola Jokic (knee) out of the picture, Murray is the main man offensively for Denver and could go for another big scoring night against Dallas.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 14, 2026
Detroit Pistons point guard
Cade Cunningham (wrist) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Thursday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns. The talented playmaker appears ready to return from a two-game absence. Cunningham's return is bound to push
Jaden Ivey back to the bench, while
Daniss Jenkins will also have a smaller role. Cunningham has been outstanding all season, and his recent form is particularly noteworthy. Detroit's ascending star has recorded five double-doubles in his last seven appearances, averaging 27.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 11.7 assists, and 2.0 steals.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 14, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Devin Booker (ankle) is considered questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Detroit Pistons. He injured his left ankle during Tuesday's loss to the Miami Heat, though Booker finished the game and logged heavy minutes. The Suns star reached the 40-minute mark for only the second time this season, which may indicate that Booker isn't dealing with a bad injury. However, if he must take some time off to recover,
Jordan Goodwin and
Ryan Dunn will be in line for more work on Thursday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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