January 7, 2026
The New York Giants are scheduled to interview Super Bowl-winning coach Mike McCarthy for their head-coaching job next Tuesday, sources told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. McCarthy has a .608 career winning percentage, 12 playoff appearances in 18 seasons, and a strong quarterback development background. Pelissero writes that he's a "logical fit with
Jaxson Dart." At the top of the Giants' wish list is John Harbaugh, who was surprisingly fired by the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday. Other candidates for the Giants' head-coaching job include Kevin Stefanski, Vance Joseph, and Lou Anarumo. The 62-year-old McCarthy won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers in 2010, but he did not coach at all in 2024 after being fired by the Cowboys. During his 18 years as an NFL head coach, McCarthy has gone 174-112-2.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
January 7, 2026
The Baltimore Sun's Brian Wacker expects the Baltimore Ravens to look at former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter for their vacant head-coaching position after they fired John Harbaugh on Tuesday. One person in Baltimore's building told Wacker that the Ravens just needed a "reset" and not a complete "overhaul." Wacker also mentions Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula as a potential candidate for the opening in Baltimore. The Ravens are specifically looking for a new coach who will "invigorate" and get the most out of quarterback
Lamar Jackson, who just didn't look like himself in 2025. Among the three names that Wacker mentions, Kingsbury would be the most intriguing for his bright offensive approach and experience working with talented dual-threat QBs like Jackson.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Baltimore Sun - Brian Wacker
January 7, 2026
The Baltimore Ravens surprisingly fired long-time head coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons at the helm on Tuesday, and they are looking for a new head coach who will "reach and "invigorate" quarterback
Lamar Jackson, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Baltimore wants to find someone who can get the "absolute most" out of Jackson going forward. The two-time MVP QB seemed disinterested during the 2025 season, but he also missed a few games with a hamstring injury and was constantly listed on the injury report with nagging lower-body injuries. The 28-year-old dual-threat QB also missed a game late in the year with a back contusion. There were reports of a rift between Jackson and Harbaugh this year, and there were even rumors that Jackson could be traded in the offseason. With Harbaugh now out in Baltimore, it appears that the Ravens are moving forward with the plan to keep Jackson as the face of the franchise.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 7, 2026
The Buffalo Bills announced on Wednesday that they placed defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (ankle) on Injured Reserve. Phillips returned in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the New York Jets on Sunday after missing the previous two games with an ankle injury. The 33-year-old veteran apparently aggravated his ankle injury and now won't be available at all for the Bills' defensive line during the postseason. It's a hit to Buffalo's interior defensive line depth the rest of the way. Phillips, a former second-round pick in 2015 out of Oklahoma, had just nine tackles (five solo) and one sack in his 11 games played for the Bills during the 2025 season. The Bills' defense/special teams unit will be a middle-of-the-pack option for those in fantasy playoff leagues while going up against a surging Jaguars offense in the Wild-Card round this Sunday.
--Keith HernandezSource: Buffalo Bills
January 7, 2026
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that cornerback/wide receiver
Bo Melton (knee) will be placed on Injured Reserve and won't be available in the playoffs, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Melton doesn't have a torn ACL, but it will take him too long to recover from the knee injury that he suffered in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Minnesota Vikings. The 26-year-old was mostly a contributor on special teams for the Packers in 2025, as he caught just four passes on offense for 107 yards and one touchdown on 13 targets over 16 games (one start). In his three NFL seasons with the Packers, Melton has only 28 catches on 54 targets for 416 yards and two touchdowns in 38 games played.
--Keith HernandezSource: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Tom Silverstein
January 7, 2026
When asked if
Tyler Shough is the team's starting quarterback going forward in 2026, New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore said, "Yeah, we feel great about Tyler." Shough continued to get better in his first NFL season and went 23-for-35 passing for 259 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the regular-season finale against the Atlanta Falcons, adding 34 rushing yards and another score on the ground. The 26-year-old second-rounder out of Louisville completed 67.6% of his 327 pass attempts in 11 games played (nine starts) for 2,384 yards, 10 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Shough added 45 carries for another 186 rushing yards and three touchdowns. At the very least, Shough cemented himself as New Orleans' starting QB going into the 2026 season, and he should profile as a solid QB2 in superflex leagues and a nice backup with upside in single-QB formats.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Erin Summers
January 7, 2026
Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch has officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. Branch began his career at USC before spending his third and final collegiate season in Athens. Overall, the dynamic playmaker tallied 159 receptions for 1,634 yards and nine receiving touchdowns in 37 career games. He also rushed 15 times for 94 yards and a touchdown and tallied over 1,300 yards and two touchdowns as a kick and punt returner. Branch didn't have the most productive career as a pure receiver, but he has elite speed and athleticism that NFL decision-makers should get excited about. His fantasy football ceiling could be limited if he's relegated to a gadget role in an offense, but in the right setting, he could produce boom weeks right away in his 2026 rookie campaign.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Sports Reference CFB
January 7, 2026
Chicago Bears wide receiver
DJ Moore (knee) had an underwhelming season in 2025, recording 50 receptions for 682 yards and six touchdowns on 85 targets across 17 games. With Bears wideout
Rome Odunze (foot) missing the team's final five games of the regular season due to a foot injury, Moore seemingly had a chance to re-emerge as Chicago's WR1. However, Moore struggled down the stretch, recording just two receptions for 18 yards on seven targets over his final two outings. Heading into Chicago's Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Green Bay Packers, Moore was listed as a limited practice participant on Tuesday due to a knee issue. Additionally, Odunze was able to get back to practice in a limited capacity, which could signal his return for the first round of the playoffs. Between Moore's fading play and uncertain health, as well as Odunze's possible return, fantasy managers in playoff leagues may find Moore tough to trust entering the postseason.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 7, 2026
NFL insider Josina Anderson reports that Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken could follow his recently-fired head coach, John Harbaugh, to Harbaugh's next destination. The Ravens fired Harbaugh after 18 seasons at the helm in Baltimore on Tuesday. While Monken currently remains in place as the team's offensive coordinator, it appears that could be set to change with Harbaugh a premium head coaching candidate for multiple different teams. Monken took over as the play caller in Baltimore in 2023, leading the Ravens to top-five finishes in total yardage in each of his first two seasons. However, the Ravens regressed to 16th in total yardage and 27th in passing yardage in 2025. As the offseason progresses in Baltimore, it appears as though Ravens quarterback
Lamar Jackson will likely be working with a significantly different coaching infrastructure around him in 2026.
--Will BradySource: Josina Anderson
January 7, 2026
The Miami Dolphins have been in touch with former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, per NFL insider Josina Anderson. Harbaugh was fired by the Baltimore Ravens earlier this week after 18 seasons with the organization. The Dolphins have a head coach in place in Mike McDaniel, who has been at the helm in Miami since 2022. However, McDaniel is thought to be on shaky ground after missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, and Harbaugh's availability could spur Miami to make a change if they can land a commitment. Harbaugh may be the most sought-after head coaching candidate on this offseason's open market, and for good reason. In his time with the Ravens, Harbaugh won 61.4% of his regular-season games. He led Baltimore to the playoffs 12 times and won a Super Bowl in the 2012-13 season. Anderson also reports that Miami's quarterback situation "will be a big factor" in Harbaugh's decision-making process, so the Dolphins' willingness to move on from current quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa could be a precursor to landing Harbaugh.
--Will BradySource: Josina Anderson
January 7, 2026
The New York Giants are "all-in" on hiring former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh to fill their open head-coaching role, per Connor Hughes of SNY. The Ravens fired Harbaugh on Tuesday after 18 years at the helm in Baltimore. Harbaugh, who will turn 64 years old in September, has one of the most impressive resumes of any potential coach on the open market. He won 61.4% of his games during his time with the Ravens, leading the team to 11 double-digit win seasons and 12 playoff berths. He also coached Baltimore to a Super Bowl ring in the 2012-13 season. In New York, Harbaugh would have a chance to take over an organization that has struggled mightily in recent years, but could be on the rise behind promising quarterback
Jaxson Dart. Harbaugh is sure to have other suitors, but it appears the Giants could be the favorite to land his services.
--Will BradySource: SNY - Connor Hughes
January 7, 2026
Across 17 games in 2025, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver
DeVonta Smith recorded 77 receptions for 1,008 yards and four touchdowns on 113 targets. While the 27-year-old's season-long numbers are solid, he ended the year on somewhat of a cold streak. Over his last six games played, Smith recorded more than 10 PPR points just once. However, Smith remains the clear second option in the Eagles' passing game alongside wideout
A.J. Brown. Philadelphia also has a relatively favorable matchup in the first round of the NFL playoffs against the San Francisco 49ers. In the regular season, San Francisco's defense ranked 23rd among all NFL units in passing yards allowed (4,110) and tied for 21st in passing touchdowns allowed (29). Smith should have a chance to make plays, particularly if the 49ers' high-powered offense forces Philadelphia into a shootout. Fantasy managers in playoff leagues can view Smith as a solid wide receiver option entering the postseason.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 7, 2026
University of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, per Pete Nakos of On3 Sports. Simpson has a chance to be selected in the first round as one of the first quarterbacks off the board. Across 15 games for the Crimson Tide in 2025, Simpson completed 64.5% of his pass attempts for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He spent four years at Alabama, but did not earn significant playing time until his redshirt Junior season. Simpson, who will turn 24 years old in December of his rookie year, should be on the radar of fantasy managers in both redraft and dynasty leagues. While he's not guaranteed to land a starting NFL job right away, there appears to be a solid chance that Simpson will have an opportunity to start games early in his NFL career.
--Will BradySource: On3 Sports - Pete Nakos
January 7, 2026
Former Oklahoma and Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold has signed with UNLV, according to On3. The Rebels just lost starter Anthony Colandrea to Nebraska, so its QB1 job is open heading into 2026. Arnold, a big-time recruit in the Class of 2023, has underwhelmed in two seasons with the Sooners and one season with the Tigers. Overall, he has tallied 3,293 passing yards, 22 passing touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 27 game appearances. He's averaged just over six yards per pass attempt. While this is a clear step down for the 21-year-old, landing with Dan Mullen could be a great outcome for his career. Mullen is credited with helping develop big names like Tim Tebow, Alex Smith, Dak Prescott, and Kyle Trask during his time as an offensive coordinator and head coach. UNLV should be back in the thick of the Mountain West Championship race with an outside shot of a College Football Playoff appearance.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: On3 on X
January 7, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver
A.J. Brown really took fantasy managers for a roller coaster ride in the 2025 regular season. For the first 11 weeks of the season, including the Eagles' Week 10 bye, Brown scored three or fewer fantasy points in three of those 10 games played. However, from Week 11 on, which was seven games played for him, he had 595 receiving yards and four touchdowns. On the season as a whole, Brown eclipsed 1,000 yards with 1,003 and seven touchdowns, finishing as the WR14. Although frustrating given his second-round ADP coming into the season, he was much better in the second half than in the first, and the Eagles are hoping that carries into the playoffs to help them make a run. From a playoff fantasy perspective, the Eagles have the third-best odds, according to Novig (+465), to win the NFC, and are favorites (-4.5) against the San Francisco 49ers in Wild Card weekend. What this means is that fantasy managers drafting for these leagues may want to invest in Eagles players, such as Brown, as they have a better chance of continuing to score points as the team goes deeper into the playoffs. The 49ers' defense has been horrible against receivers of late, making Brown an excellent round one play.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
January 7, 2026
Chicago Bears running back
D'Andre Swift was one of fantasy football's best running back picks in the mid rounds, as he finished the 2025 season as the RB15, and rushed for 1,087 yards on 223 attempts (4.87 YPC) and added 34 receptions for 299 yards in the receiving game as well. As the season progressed, the Rutgers rookie running back,
Kyle Monangai, started to make an impact, and the Bears' backfield became more of a running-back-by-committee approach, leaving Swift managers frustrated. However, in his somewhat limited workload down the stretch, Swift still was averaging closer to 60 percent of the snaps to Monangai's 40, and is still the clear lead back averaging 14.4 fantasy points per game on the season, and with the Bears in their first playoff game with second-year quarterback
Caleb Williams, and first time head coach Ben Johnson, it's likely they will make an emphasis to try and run the ball effectively against a depleted Packers defense who last Micah Parson's (knee) for the season. The Bears are underdogs (+1) in this contest, but have shown all season that they can win close games. Although Swift is not one of the top running back options to own in fantasy payoff leagues, he is a solid option and would only become more valuable if the Bears can continue to advance in the playoffs.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
January 7, 2026
Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver
Tetairoa McMillan had a fantastic rookie NFL season, with 1,014 receiving yards and 70 receptions on 122 targets. He also scored seven touchdowns and finished as the WR15 on the season. McMillan clearly established himself as the alpha wide receiver for the Panthers over
Xavier Legette and
Jalen Coker. McMillan's inconsistencies in 2025 were largely due to third-year quarterback
Bryce Young, who was very inconsistent throughout the season. Additionally, for those playing in playoff fantasy leagues, according to Novig, the Panthers have the worst odds (+6150) to win the NFC and are viewed as a guaranteed one-and-done in the playoffs after winning the NFC South with a sub-.500 record at 8-9. Now, this is the NFL, and anything can happen, but it may be smart to stay away from any Panthers players, even McMillan, who is clearly the best fantasy asset to own on this team. That being said, the matchup for him in the Wild Card round against the Los Angeles Rams is a good one, as the Rams have been vulnerable to the wide receiver position in the second half of the season. McMillan should have a good game in the first round.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
January 7, 2026
Los Angeles Rams running back
Kyren Williams is gearing up to be a legit fantasy playoff running back option for fantasy managers playing in a playoff league. According to Novig, the Rams have the second-best odds to make the Super Bowl in the NFC, behind the Seattle Seahawks, who currently hold the No. 1 seed. For those playing in playoff fantasy leagues, you want to target guys like Williams, who is going to be on a team that has a better chance to make a deep run. The Rams open up as favorites (-10.5) against the Carolina Panthers in round one, and Williams should be viewed as one of the better running back options in this contest. Williams put together another nice 2025 season, rushing for 1,252 yards on 259 carries (4.83 YPC) and 10 touchdowns. He finished as the RB9 on the season, and the only risk you run with Williams is the running back by committee approach with
Blake Corum, who, since Week 7, has seen 11 carries or more seven times. That being said, Williams is the veteran running back and has been the lead back, even with Corum chipping away at his overall workload, and it's likely Sean McVay will want to lead with his veteran, given the important nature of these playoff games.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
January 7, 2026
Arizona State transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt is expected to visit Tennessee this week, according to Austin Price of On3 and Volquest. Leavitt visited LSU on Tuesday and is still evaluating his options for 2026. Many view the 21-year-old as the top available transfer quarterback after Brendan Sorsby committed to Texas Tech. In 20 games with the Sun Devils, Leavitt totaled 4,513 passing yards, 749 rushing yards, and 44 touchdowns. He threw just nine interceptions. Leavitt helped lead Arizona State to the College Football Playoff in 2024 after the team was picked to finish last in the Big 12. Tennessee is a great landing spot for a veteran quarterback, as Josh Heupel's offense has proven to be QB-friendly since he arrived in Knoxville. Heupel has helped turn quarterbacks Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton into NFL Draft picks, and Tennessee posted 292.8 passing yards per game in 2025 despite starting Joey Aguilar, who didn't join the program until after Spring practice.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Austin Price - On3/Volquest
January 7, 2026
Chicago Bears quarterback
Caleb Williams finished the 2025 regular season as the QB5 for the year under first-year head coach Ben Johsnon. He completed 330 of 568 (58%) for 3,942 yards and a 27:7 TD: INT ratio. From a fantasy standpoint, he also contributed 383 rushing yards and three touchdowns, giving him a solid rushing floor. Although there were some lower moments on the season where he scored 12 or fewer fantasy points in three of his 17 contests, for the most part, Williams was a solid fantasy option, and should continue to be so in the playoffs. The Bears take on division opponent, the Green Bay Packers, in round one, who struggled to stay healthy down the stretch and have a very beatable defense after losing Micah Parsons (knee) for the season. This will be Williams' first career playoff start, and the Bears are currently underdogs(+1) to the Packers at home, so there is some risk for Fantasy managers in playoff leagues. However, if the Bears do make a run, it will likely be because the second-year signal-caller is performing at an elite level, making him a solid fantasy option for the playoffs.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
January 7, 2026
The Los Angeles Dodgers are continuing to monitor the free agent market and remain interested in signing one of the top remaining free agents on a shorter contract. Buster Olney of ESPN reported that the Dodgers are "hovering" in the open market and waiting for either
Kyle Tucker or
Bo Bichette to fall to them on a shorter contract with a higher annual value. This offseason, their lone massive swing was signing top relief pitcher
Edwin Diaz to a three-year $69 million contract. However, their batting order is expected to remain quite similar to that of their 2025 roster, which won the World Series. If Bichette were to join Los Angeles, he would likely shift
Mookie Betts to another infield position, potentially second base, while Tucker would see an everyday role in a corner outfield position, potentially limiting
Andy Pages' or
Tommy Edman's playing time.
--Andy SmithSource: Buster Olney
January 7, 2026
According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the Toronto Blue Jays could be the "best option" on the market for free agent outfielder
Kyle Tucker. Olney noted that the Blue Jays remain in high interest for the top remaining free agents, and if Tucker is looking for the largest contract possible, the Blue Jays would likely be the "best option" for him. The Blue Jays have already shown a willingness to spend money this offseason, as they signed
Dylan Cease to a seven-year $120 million contract and infielder Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year $60 million contract last week. Last summer, Tucker had a bit of a down year by his standards as he posted a .266/.377/.464 line with 22 home runs and 25 stolen bases. However, in the first half, he was on pace to enjoy an impressive season, holding a .280/.384/.499 line but dealt with a lingering calf strain down the stretch, which likely affected his play. Tucker will continue to carry near top-5 upside at the outfield position heading into 2026.
--Andy SmithSource: Buster Olney
January 7, 2026
The New York Yankees and free agent outfielder
Cody Bellinger have a "sizeable gap" in their current contract negotiations, according to Buster Olney of ESPN.com. Bellinger enjoyed an impressive debut season in the Bronx but has been unable to come to an agreement with the Yankees on an extension. Last season, Bellinger posted a .272/.334/.480 line with 29 home runs and 13 stolen bases. His 29 home runs were the most since his 2019 breakout campaign, in which he launched 47 long balls. While he only generated a low .322 xwOBA under the hood, his left-handed swing is built for Yankee Stadium, and he should be able to carry 25+ HR upside if he were to return there in 2026. If the 30-year-old were to join a different club, the Yankees would likely rely on
Jasson Dominguez,
Trent Grisham, and
Aaron Judge to cover the outfield on most days.
--Andy SmithSource: Buster Olney
January 7, 2026
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews (upper body) is expected to miss a minimum of two weeks. He was unavailable for a second straight game on Tuesday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Samuel Girard has replaced Toews on the first defensive pairing, with Ilya Solovyov slotting into the lineup on the third pairing. While Girard has yet to make a significant fantasy impact despite an expanded role, Solovyov produced an assist in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to Tampa Bay. It was his first point in 11 appearances this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: TSN
January 7, 2026
Colorado Avalanche winger Gabriel Landeskog (upper body) will be sidelined for several weeks. "He's going to miss some weeks," Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said on Tuesday. "I don't know exactly how long [he'll be out]; we'll have a better idea when we get back. We'll see how he's feeling, but he's going to miss some time." Landeskog suffered an upper-body injury on Sunday in a collision with the goalpost in a matchup against the Florida Panthers. In Landeskog's absence, Artturi Lehkonen was promoted to the top line in Tuesday's loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, while Victor Olofsson shifted up to the second line.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 7, 2026
Buster Olney of ESPN.com reports that it "seems inevitable" that either starting pitchers
Ranger Suarez or
Framber Valdez will sign with the New York Mets, given their current rotation. Olney noted that Suarez "makes a lot of sense" in New York, given that he has already pitched for a big-market team during his career. Before entering free agency, the southpaw has spent his entire eight-year MLB career with the Phillies. Last summer, Suarez turned in a strong campaign, logging 157 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.20 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP. He generated a stellar 3.16 xERA with a 5.5% barrel rate and a 31.1% hard-hit rate, placing him in the 84th percentile or higher. However, his strikeout production remained pedestrian as he only tallied 151 during the campaign. If Suarez were to sign with the Mets, he should slide in near the top of the rotation and hold high-floor SP3 value in standard leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: Buster Olney
January 7, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale (undisclosed) was injured during Tuesday's 5-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks. The 23-year-old was limited to 5:56 of ice time, exiting the contest after absorbing a big open-ice hit from Ducks forward Ross Johnston, who was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for interference. Drysdale is having a nice bounce-back campaign in 2025-26, with 18 points (three goals, 15 assists) and 41 blocks in 41 outings. He needs only three more points to surpass his scoring total from last season. If Drysdale misses time, Noah Juulsen will likely be used as his replacement in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: Philadelphia Flyers
January 7, 2026
The St. Louis Cardinals have designated right-handed pitcher
Zak Kent for assignment on Tuesday afternoon. In a corresponding move, the Cardinals acquired left-handed pitcher
Justin Bruihl from the Cleveland Guardians. Kent made his MLB debut last summer with the Cleveland Guardians. Across his first 17 2/3 innings of work in the big leagues, the former ninth-round pick posted a 4.58 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP. He struck out 16 hitters and served up eight walks. However, he generated a promising 3.33 xERA, suggesting he should be due for some positive regression in his second stint in the majors. Through 122 2/3 innings at the Triple-A level, Kent has held a 3.74 ERA, 1.32 WHIP with a 136:63 K:BB. If he were to pass through waivers, he would likely begin the 2026 season in the minor leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: St. Louis Cardinals
January 7, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers right wing Bobby Brink (upper body) had a very brief night at the office on Tuesday against the Anaheim Ducks, leaving the game after his first shift. He suffered an upper-body injury on a hit. Brink has notched 11 goals and 20 points in 41 appearances this season. His spot in the lineup could be filled by Matvei Michkov (foot), who missed Tuesday's 5-2 win after being a game-time call. If the Russian forward needs more time to recover from his foot injury, Nicolas Deslauriers is another option to step into the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: Philadelphia Flyers
January 7, 2026
According to Joel Sherman of The New York Post, free agent right-handed pitcher
Erasmo Ramirez is set to throw for interested clubs on Wednesday in Tampa Bay. Sherman noted that the 35-year-old pitcher has been training as a starting pitcher in the offseason and hopes to transition from being a primary relief option. Ramirez began his career as a starter but has been shifted to the bullpen for most of his last seven campaigns. In 2025, Ramirez logged 11 innings of relief with the Twins and held a 2.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, with one save. Since 2022, he has only eclipsed the 65.5 inning mark in one season and has held a modest 4.24 overall ERA during this four-year stretch. Given that he has not been used as a full-time starter in several seasons, Ramirez will likely have to open the 2026 season in the minor leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: Joel Sherman
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