March 22, 2026
After missing the entire 2024 season with a shoulder injury, Cincinnati Reds second baseman
Matt McLain managed to log 577 plate appearances in 2025. However, the 26-year-old had his struggles at the plate, slashing .220/.300/.343 with 15 home runs, 50 RBI, 73 runs scored, and 18 stolen bases. McLain struck out in 28.9% of his plate appearances while also recording a middling 7.7% barrel rate. Now nearly two years removed from his shoulder troubles, McLain is starting to show signs of a breakout. He has dominated Cactus League action to a .529/.571/1.020 slash line with seven home runs across 56 plate appearances. If McLain can get back to the 10.8% barrel rate he posted as a rookie in 2023, he could emerge as a legitimately high-end power/speed threat relative to his peers at second base. McLain's impressive spring should have him rising up draft boards, and he has the type of high-upside profile that could be worth gambling on for fantasy managers.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 22, 2026
Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com writes that "it'll be a while" before the Jacksonville Jaguars' backfield dynamic gains any clarity. Jacksonville lost
Travis Etienne Jr. in free agency and replaced him with
Chris Rodriguez Jr., who will compete for the lead-back role with
Bhayshul Tuten. Although it might seem like Tuten has an early leg up on the competition because of his familiarity with the Jaguars' offense, we must also acknowledge that Jacksonville deliberately went out and paid Rodriguez $10 million, so they want to get him involved. He also has a connection to head coach Liam Coen, who was his offensive coordinator at Kentucky in 2021. The Jaguars are no strangers to complicated backfields. They entered last season with no clear frontrunner between Etienne, Tuten, and
Tank Bigsby. The good news is that there are now only two names in the mix, instead of three. Still, it sounds like it will be a while before we gain any clarity in this backfield. Both Rodriguez and Tuten should be viewed as low-end RB3/flex options, and whichever player wins the starting role will jump to the low-end RB2 tier given how strong Jacksonville's offense looked last year.
--Andersen PickardSource: Michael DiRocco
March 22, 2026
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher
Kris Bubic had a breakout start to the 2025 season, posting an 8-7 record with a 2.55 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 116 strikeouts across 116 1/3 innings (20 starts). However, the 28-year-old lefty's season was cut short after he suffered a rotator cuff injury in late July. Bubic is now healthy and has been impressive so far this spring, recording a 0.75 ERA and 14 strikeouts across 12 Cactus League innings. While Bubic's fastball isn't overpowering, he still struck out nearly one batter per inning in 2025 and did a good job limiting the long ball with a 0.46 HR/9. Bubic has never logged more than 130 innings in a season and is coming off a shoulder injury, so fantasy managers may be wise to limit their expectations for his workload. Still, Bubic could be an undervalued source of quality starting pitcher production in the later rounds of drafts heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 22, 2026
New York Mets outfield prospect
Carson Benge is reportedly on the verge of being named the team's Opening Day starter in right field after turning heads with his Spring Training production. Across 43 Grapefruit League plate appearances, the 23-year-old has hit .368/.442/.447. Benge may not offer much in the power category, as he has yet to homer this spring and hit just 15 long balls across 519 minor league plate appearances in 2025. However, Benge showed an advanced understanding of the strike zone and some speed in the minors, posting a 13.1% walk rate and a 17.7% strikeout rate while swiping 22 bags in 2025. If the lefty-swinging Benge does indeed make New York's Opening Day roster, he could start the year on the big side of a platoon. Still, Benge's well-balanced profile at the plate makes him an intriguing late-round target for fantasy managers entering 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 22, 2026
The Green Bay Packers will likely bring in an external addition to fill the backup running back role in 2026, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Schneidman writes that he doesn't expect
MarShawn Lloyd or
Chris Brooks to be the No. 2 option behind
Josh Jacobs in Week 1. He mentioned free agents
Kareem Hunt and
Michael Carter as potential candidates, but he also wrote that he expects the Packers to select a running back in the 2026 NFL Draft. "My best guess is they pick someone in the middle of the draft to be this year's backup and maybe even a future No. 1," Schneidman wrote. This year's draft class is notably thin at the running back position, so it's possible that Green Bay will have to overpay a little to select a running back that they believe can make an impact in the NFL. Jacobs is under contract through 2027, but his contract is structured to allow the Packers to cut him next season with minimal cap penalties, if they desire. As a result, it makes sense for Green Bay to add a promising rookie at the position.
--Andersen PickardSource: Matt Schneidman
March 22, 2026
Across 151 2/3 innings (29 starts) in 2025, St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher
Matthew Liberatore recorded an 8-12 record with a 4.21 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 122 strikeouts. While Liberatore's numbers do not jump off the page, the 26-year-old was recently named the Cardinals' 2026 Opening Day starter and appears likely to be entrusted as an innings-eating workhorse this season. Liberatore has also had an impressive Spring Training. Across 15 innings of Grapefruit League action, he's 1.80 ERA and 0.80 WHIP with 19 strikeouts and just two walks. Liberatore owns an 18.9% career strikeout rate, so the 33.9% rate he's posted this spring is sure to regress. Still, if he can boost his strikeout rate from the high teens to the low twenties, Liberatore's profile becomes much more attractive to fantasy managers. In the very late rounds of drafts, Liberatore could be worth taking a flier on heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 22, 2026
After trading quarterback
Justin Fields to the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason, the New York Jets still need a veteran backup QB for
Geno Smith.
Carson Wentz re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings, and the Philadelphia Eagles acquired
Andy Dalton from the Carolina Panthers. Options are dwindling, but ESPN's Rich Cimini writes that the 32-year-old
Cooper Rush could be in play after the Baltimore Ravens recently released him. Re-signing
Tyrod Taylor is another option, but the 36-year-old is injury-prone. Other free-agent QBs include
Joe Flacco and
Russell Wilson. A trade can never be ruled out, but the asking prices remain high around the league. Rush is an eight-year NFL veteran who spent his first seven years with the Cowboys before going 34-for-52 for 303 yards, no touchdowns, and four picks in four games (two starts) for the Ravens in 2025. Taylor replaced Fields as the starter last year in New York but played only six games (four starts) due to injuries and was lackluster, completing 59.7% of his pass attempts for 779 yards, five touchdowns, and five interceptions.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN New York - Rich Cimini
March 22, 2026
The Los Angeles Rams are interested in bringing back veteran free-agent quarterback
Jimmy Garoppolo, but the market for him is fluid, according to Nate Atkins of The Athletic. If the Rams don't retain Jimmy G, they could opt for another trusted veteran to back up
Matthew Stafford, or they could look to the NFL draft to find both a backup and an heir apparent to replace Stafford once he retires. It's unlikely that the Rams will use the No. 13 overall pick in the first round in this year's draft on a QB when next year's draft appears to be much stronger at the position. The 34-year-old Garoppolo has appeared in just four games and has made one start for the Rams in his two seasons with the team. Since the start of the 2023 season, Garoppolo has attempted just 210 passes for 1,539 yards, nine touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in eight games (seven starts). He has completed 67.4% of his passes in his 12-year NFL career, though, and he remains one of the most experienced backup QBs in the league.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Nate Atkins
March 22, 2026
The Los Angeles Rams had one of the top wide receiver duos in the league last year in
Puka Nacua and
Davante Adams. Nacua led the league with 129 catches, and Adams led the NFL with 14 touchdowns. However, The Athletic's Nate Atkins writes that the position is a "sneaky need on this roster for the present and the future." There isn't much depth behind Nacua and Adams, who each missed three games in 2025 due to injury. He goes on to say that a receiver "looks like a strong spot for the No. 13 pick in the draft," but the Rams could also fill the need with a Day 2 selection. Any receiver in this year's draft who also offers abilities as a return man on special teams "should shoot up the Rams' draft board." Right now,
Jordan Whittington and
Konata Mumpfield are the No. 3 and 4 wideouts for L.A. behind Nacua and Adams, so if the Rams add to the position in April's draft, those two pass-catchers would be affected the most in terms of battling for playing time in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Nate Atkins
March 22, 2026
The Athletic's Nate Atkins believes that Los Angeles Rams tight end
Terrance Ferguson's first offseason in an NFL strength program should lead to a "significant uptick" in the former second-rounder's 39% snap share and 25 targets from his rookie campaign. The Rams leaned into three-tight-end sets for the first time under head coach Sean McVay in 2025 and had the highest rate in the league. It's clear they plan to run that approach back after re-signing veteran
Tyler Higbee this offseason. Ferguson should help to offset the Rams' lack of depth at receiver behind
Puka Nacua and
Davante Adams.
Colby Parkinson is the Rams' third TE who will continue to be involved in the rotation. Ferguson, 23, finished his first year in the league with 11 receptions on 25 targets for 231 yards and three touchdowns in 14 regular-season games. He battled through a hamstring down the stretch, which hurt his playing time, but he could be a bigger part of a high-scoring Rams' offense in 2026. Still, with both Higbee and Parkinson involved, Ferguson's fantasy ceiling will be limited.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Nate Atkins
March 22, 2026
New York Yankees starting pitcher
Will Warren emerged as a rotation staple in 2025, recording a 9-8 record with a 4.44 ERA and 1.37 WHIP with 171 strikeouts across 162 1/3 innings (33 starts). While the 26-year-old had a few notable blowup outings that impacted his ratios, Warren also led all rookies in strikeouts and proved he could handle a full season's worth of a starter's workload. With Yankees starters
Gerrit Cole (elbow) and
Carlos Rodon (elbow) both on the Injured List to open 2026, Warren has a rotation spot in New York locked up to start the year. He has also recorded strong numbers so far this spring, pitching to a 1.77 ERA and 0.74 WHIP while allowing just three walks across 20 1/3 Grapefruit League innings. If Warren can do a better job limiting start-ruining damage while maintaining an above-average strikeout rate in his second full MLB season, he could easily outperform his current average draft position of SP95.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 22, 2026
With running back
Travis Etienne Jr. no longer in town, the Jacksonville Jaguars could be eyeing a timeshare in their backfield in 2026 with
Bhayshul Tuten and newcomer
Chris Rodriguez Jr. ESPN's Michael DiRocco writes that "it'll be a while before it's determined what the workload share between Tuten and Rodriguez will be." Behind Tuten and Rodriguez is second-year back
LeQuint Allen Jr., seven-year veteran
DeeJay Dallas, and
Ja'Quinden Jackson, an undrafted rookie free agent in 2025 who spent all of last year on the practice squad. Tuten, a fourth-rounder last year, ran for 305 yards and five touchdowns while catching 10 passes for 79 yards and two scores as a rookie. Rodriguez had 4.8 yards per carry and ran for 500 yards and six rushing touchdowns in 2025 with Washington. He had 920 yards and 10 TDs in mostly a reserve role in his three years in D.C., which makes him the Jags' most experienced back. He also has experience in head coach Liam Coen's offense after working with him in 2021 at Kentucky. DiRocco writes that could make Rodriguez "an early leader to be the Jags' No. 1 back" going into the summer.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Michael DiRocco
March 22, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder
Daulton Varsho's 2025 season was marred by injury, as he started the year on the Injured List due to offseason shoulder surgery and then missed 52 games in the middle portion of the season with a hamstring strain. However, the 29-year-old posted a quietly excellent season in the time he was on the field. Across 271 plate appearances, Varsho slashed .238/.284/.548 with 20 home runs, 55 RBI, 43 runs scored, and two stolen bases. Varsho recorded an elite 15.3% barrel rate in 2025 and has backed up his power surge by slugging five home runs in 50 plate appearances so far this spring. Varsho also struck out in 28.4% of his plate appearances in 2025, so his batting average is likely to be a negative in his profile. Still, if Varsho can continue to slug at the rate he did last season and avoid injury, he could easily threaten the 30-homer mark while racking up counting stats in an above-average Toronto lineup.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 22, 2026
The Athletic's Daniel Popper thinks that Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Ladd McConkey could have a bounce-back season in 2026 in offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's offense. Popper also believes that for McConkey to bounce back, the Chargers need to avoid re-signing veteran
Keenan Allen, who led the team in targets and catches in 2025. McConkey and Allen both thrive in similar areas of the field, so in the absence of Allen in McDaniel's offense, McConkey could become a fantasy football stud again. Popper sees McDaniel maximizing McConkey's "shiftiness and yards-after-the-catch ability" with pre-snap motion and linebacker manipulation. The 24-year-old former second-rounder in 2024 out of Georgia caught 82 of 112 targets for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games in his rookie season, but he fell to a 66-789-6 line in 16 games in 2025. With more targets and a focus on the offense under McDaniel, McConkey definitely can become a strong WR2 for fantasy managers going into his third year in the NFL.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Daniel Popper
March 22, 2026
In recent seasons, Houston Astros relief pitcher
Bryan Abreu has established himself as one of the better high-leverage arms in all of baseball. Across 71 innings in 2025, the 28-year-old recorded three wins and seven saves while pitching to a 2.28 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 105 strikeouts. Despite his dominance, Abreu has never worked as a full-time closer in Houston, limiting his fantasy value in traditional rotisserie scoring formats. However, Astros closer
Josh Hader (biceps) is set to open 2026 on the Injured List, providing Abreu a chance to work in the ninth inning. Hader is not expected to miss too much time, so Abreu's time in the closer role in Houston could be brief. Still, Abreu profiles as an extremely valuable arm for as long as he's racking up saves. If Hader suffers a setback or struggles upon his return, Abreu could emerge as a high-end fantasy reliever in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 22, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher
Cody Ponce has not pitched in an MLB game since 2021. Nevertheless, Toronto signed the 31-year-old right-hander to a three-year, $30 million contract over the winter after Ponce dominated the KBO in 2025. Across 180 2/3 innings (29 starts) for the Hanwha Eagles, Ponce recorded a 17-1 record with a 1.89 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 252 strikeouts. With Blue Jays starters
Shane Bieber (forearm),
Trey Yesavage (shoulder), and
Jose Berrios (elbow) all set to open 2026 on the Injured List, Ponce is locked into a rotation role in Toronto to start the year. He's been effective in a limited sample size this spring, recording a 0.66 ERA and 0.80 WHIP with 12 strikeouts across 13 2/3 innings pitched. Ponce should not be expected to replicate the prodigious strikeout rate he produced in Korea last season. However, he could emerge as a solid innings eater with upside and may be worth targeting in the later rounds of fantasy drafts heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 22, 2026
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher
Mick Abel won a spot in his team's starting rotation to open 2026 with an impressive performance in Grapefruit League action. The 24-year-old recorded a 2.00 ERA and 0.83 WHIP with 23 strikeouts across 18 innings pitched. Abel was one of the key pieces the Twins received from the Philadelphia Phillies in last year's trade deadline deal for star reliever
Jhoan Duran. However, Abel struggled in a small sample size in 2025, posting a 6.23 ERA and 1.51 WHIP with 39 strikeouts across 39 innings split between Philadelphia and Minnesota. Walks have been a persistent issue for Abel to this point in his career. He recorded a 10.1% walk rate across 98 1/3 minor-league innings in 2025 and never recorded a single-digit walk rate in any of his four minor league seasons. Still, Abel logged an impressive 28.6% strikeout rate in the minors in 2025. If he can keep his walk rate under control, Abel could be an undervalued source of strikeouts for fantasy managers in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 22, 2026
Seattle Seahawks running back
Kenny McIntosh (knee) could be in the mix to lead the team's backfield in 2026. According to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic, "McIntosh is as talented as any running back on the roster and should get an opportunity to be one of the two lead guys." This is an interesting development out of Seattle. While McIntosh, who is working his way back from a torn ACL, is a near-lock to make the roster out of camp, there hadn't been much buzz for him to push his way to the top of the depth chart until now. Dugar said that he believes the 26-year-old's contact balance, breakaway speed, and reliable hands could vault him into a lead role over
Emanuel Wilson and
Zach Charbonnet (knee). There's still plenty of time between now and Week 1, and we could see this backfield go in any direction depending on external additions, injuries, or individual camp performances. At the very least, though, McIntosh suddenly becomes an intriguing buy-low target in dynasty leagues, especially if he has a path to earning more than half of the snaps and rushing attempts in the season opener.
--Andersen PickardSource: Michael-Shawn Dugar
March 22, 2026
Veteran relief pitcher
Craig Kimbrel has been told he will not be on the New York Mets' Opening Day roster, per Mike Puma of the New York Post. Kimbrel signed a minor league deal with New York over the offseason in hopes of earning a role in the team's bullpen, but it appears he will start the year on the outside looking in. Across six appearances this spring, the 37-year-old recorded a 4.50 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, and five strikeouts. While Kimbrel has extensive experience as a high-leverage reliever, command has become an issue for him in recent seasons. He posted a 14.3% walk rate across a limited 12-inning sample size in 2025 and a 13.4% walk rate across 52 1/3 innings in 2024. Kimbrel's closing experience makes him a candidate to earn some ninth-inning work wherever he lands, but he profiles better in middle relief at this point in his career.
--Will BradySource: New York Post - Mike Puma
March 22, 2026
The Washington Commanders "would have no reason to hesitate" selecting Notre Dame running back
Jeremiyah Love with the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. Washington already has
Jacory Croskey-Merritt and
Rachaad White in its backfield, but Love is an entirely different breed of running back, offering workhorse potential and massive playmaking ability. He took college football by storm last season, totaling 1,372 rushing yards, 280 receiving yards, and 21 total touchdowns. Given how well he played in 2025, there's no guarantee that Love even makes it to the Commanders at No. 7 overall. If he does, though, it sounds like Washington would be very interested. Depending on his landing spot, Love could be an RB1 in redraft leagues during his rookie season. He has even more value in dynasty leagues, where he's in the conversation to be the 1.01 in rookie drafts.
--Andersen PickardSource: Nicki Jhabvala
March 22, 2026
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
Ryan Flournoy is expected to be third on the depth chart when the 2026 season begins, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. Machota's roster projection indicates that the Cowboys won't make any major additions at wide receiver this offseason, leaving Flournoy in the No. 3 role behind
CeeDee Lamb and
George Pickens. This is an unsurprising development, as the Cowboys already have $61.3 million allocated to Lamb and Pickens, so an external addition at wide receiver wouldn't make much sense. Plus, Flournoy had an impressive 2025 season, catching 40 passes for 475 yards and four touchdowns across 16 games. He stepped up when teammates went down, such as when he caught nine passes for 115 yards and one touchdown in Week 14. Realistically, Flournoy is one of the better No. 3 receivers in the NFL, and he could handle the jump to being a fantasy-relevant No. 2 receiver if Lamb or Pickens miss any time in 2026. As a result, he's a low-cost trade target in deep dynasty leagues this offseason.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jon Machota
March 22, 2026
Free-agent left-hander
Ryan Borucki and the San Francisco Giants agreed to an undisclosed one-year major-league deal on Saturday, sources told Robert Murray of FanSided. Borucki drew strong interest around the league over the winter and eventually signed with the Chicago White Sox before opting out after not being added to the Opening Day roster. The 31-year-old veteran threw six scoreless innings in the Cactus League with the White Sox with eight strikeouts and one walk in six appearances before he opted out of his deal with Chicago. The veteran southpaw will give the Giants another lefty in their bullpen. He has eight years of big-league experience and a 4.28 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 19.7% strikeout rate, and 8.9% walk rate in 187 appearances (21 starts) in his career with the Toronto Blue Jays, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Seattle Mariners. Borucki had a 4.63 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 35 innings with Pittsburgh and Toronto a season ago.
--Keith HernandezSource: FanSided - Robert Murray
March 22, 2026
Utility man
Dylan Moore and the Philadelphia Phillies agreed to an undisclosed major-league deal on Saturday, league sources told Will Sammon of The Athletic. Moore triggered the opt-out clause in his previous contract earlier this week, but he's now back with the organization and is expected to be on the team's Opening Day roster. The 33-year-old veteran recently fouled a ball off his foot during spring training, but it wasn't serious, and he should be fine for Opening Day on Thursday. The former seventh-round pick by the Texas Rangers in 2015 out of Central Florida will mostly be a bat off the bench for the Phillies in 2026, limiting his fantasy appeal to deeper leagues for his speed primarily. Moore struggled with a .201/.267/.374 slash line, .642 OPS, 11 home runs, 25 RBI, and 14 steals in 2025 with the Mariners and Rangers, but he did have a career-high 32 stolen bases in 2024 and is worth a bench stash in NL-only leagues for his speed on the basepaths.
UPDATE: Moore is back in the Grapefruit League lineup on Sunday against the Yankees.--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Will Sammon
March 22, 2026
New York Mets outfielder
Mike Tauchman (knee) is dealing with a meniscus tear in his left knee and will require surgery, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post. Tauchman will begin the 2026 season on the injured list and, at the very least, will miss the first month of the year. If the 35-year-old veteran needs a full trim of his meniscus, it will be a much longer absence for the veteran outfielder. It's a tough way for Tauchman to begin his tenure in New York after he was hitting well in spring training, going 7-for-29 (.241) with a homer, three doubles, six RBI, and five runs scored in 13 Grapefruit League games. Tauchman was likely ticketed for a platoon role, at best, in right field with the Mets to begin the season if he wasn't injured. His injury should open up more consistent playing time for outfield prospect
Carson Benge. Tauchman has double-digit home runs in just one of his eight major-league seasons, and it came all the way back in 2019 with the Yankees.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Mike Puma
March 22, 2026
Houston Astros manager Joe Espada hasn't ruled out shortstop
Jeremy Pena (finger) from being ready for Opening Day next week, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Pena will hit again on Sunday in camp as he tries to get himself ready for Thursday's game against the division-rival Los Angeles Angels. The 28-year-old suffered a fracture in the tip of his right ring finger while playing in an exhibition game for Team Dominican Republic in the lead-up to the World Baseball Classic. Pena was cleared to swing a bat with both hands on Friday, though. The next step will be for Pena to face live pitching, and it's unclear if there is enough time for the team to clear him to play on Opening Day. If Pena isn't ready for Thursday, it shouldn't be long before he's cleared to return to his duties as Houston's starting shortstop. Despite the injury, Pena is still in play as a low-end starting fantasy shortstop. He was a first-time All-Star in 2025, slashing .304/.363/.477 with an .840 OPS, 17 homers, 62 RBI, and 20 steals in 125 games played.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
March 22, 2026
The Philadelphia Eagles are showing interest in Minnesota Vikings edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic. Berman notes that the team is monitoring his availability even after signing edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie. Greenard is coming off his sixth season in the NFL, during which he appeared in 12 games with three sacks, one forced fumble, and 59 tackles. It was a step backward for the veteran defender, who had combined for 24.5 total sacks between 2023 and 2024. Adding a player of his caliber would be huge for an Eagles defense that lost Jaelan Phillips and Joshua Uche in free agency. As Berman notes, any sort of Greenard trade would have its complications. Not only do the Eagles and Vikings need to agree on trade compensation, but a deal could also require Philadelphia to replace the pass rusher's existing contract with a new, long-term extension.
--Andersen PickardSource: Zach Berman
March 22, 2026
Houston Astros outfielder
Zach Dezenzo (elbow) will not travel back to Houston with the team after their Grapefruit League game on Sunday, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Dezenzo will remain in West Palm Beach, Fla., to rehab his elbow. The good news is that Dezenzo can hit without issue, but he's not going to be ready for Opening Day next week after injuring his right elbow while playing for Team Italy during the World Baseball Classic. When fully healthy, the 25-year-old is merely a backup at designated hitter behind
Yordan Alvarez and at the corner-outfield spots in Houston. The former 12th-round pick in 2022 out of Ohio State has played in only 53 games at the major-league level the last two years and has hit .244/.305/.369 with a .673 OPS, four home runs, 18 RBI, and 22 runs scored in 174 plate appearances. Fantasy managers in mixed leagues can ignore Dezenzo for the start of the 2026 season.
UPDATE: Manager Joe Espada said on Sunday that Dezenzo will remain at extended spring training and will not be part of the team's Opening Day roster.--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
March 22, 2026
The Philadelphia Eagles' acquisition of veteran quarterback
Andy Dalton does not appear indicative of the trade market for quarterback
Tanner McKee, according to Brooks Kubena of The Athletic. While previous reporting suggested McKee might be available for trade, Kubena notes that the addition of Dalton is not an "immediate step" toward another move. It remains to be seen how this entire situation will unfold as the offseason continues. The NFL Draft is a popular time for backup quarterback trades, so we can't rule out the possibility of McKee still being dealt within the next month or so. He has flashed upside at times in Philadelphia, starting the Eagles' Week 18 game in each of the last two seasons. During his start this past year, he completed 21 of 40 pass attempts for 241 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Among all of McKee's suitors, the Jets have been discussed the most. New York is still looking for a backup to
Geno Smith.
--Andersen PickardSource: Brooks Kubena
March 22, 2026
Miami Marlins outfielder
Esteury Ruiz (oblique) has been diagnosed with a high-grade left oblique strain and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks, according to Christina De Nicola of MLB.com. Ruiz will be placed on the 10-day injured list prior to Opening Day, and given his timeline, it seems like the team could at least consider a shift to the 60-day injured list. This is a devastating blow for the Marlins, who will be without both Ruiz and
Kyle Stowers (hamstring) for an extended period of time. Ruiz, who was acquired from the Dodgers over the offseason, has never been a major threat at the plate, but he offers blazing speed and brought his walk rate up to an encouraging mark of 14.6% this spring. With Stowers and Ruiz sidelined, the Marlins will likely turn to a rotation of
Griffin Conine,
Javier Sanoja, and
Heriberto Hernandez in left field.
--Andersen PickardSource: Christina De Nicola
March 22, 2026
The Philadelphia Phillies and starting pitcher
Cristopher Sanchez have agreed to a six-year extension with $107 million guaranteed, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. The deal spans from 2027 through 2032, taking effect after he earns his existing $3.5 million salary in 2026. The new extension also offers the Phillies a potential extra year of control with a club option for the 2033 season. This pact reflects the Phillies' desire to preserve Sanchez as their ace long-term. As it stands, Sanchez is the front line of a very strong Phillies rotation that also features
Aaron Nola,
Jesus Luzardo,
Taijuan Walker, and
Andrew Painter. The left-hander was absolutely stellar in 2025, finishing as the National League Cy Young runner-up and an MVP finalist with a 2.55 FIP, 9.45 K/9, 1.96 BB/9, and a 58.3% ground ball rate across 32 starts. He currently ranks #4 among starting pitchers in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: Matt Gelb
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