January 21, 2026
The Washington Nationals acquired top catching prospect
Harry Ford from the Seattle Mariners earlier in the offseason in exchange for reliever Jose Ferrer. Ford was considered one of the top catching prospects in the sport as he was progressing through the Seattle system. However, playing in a club with superstar
Cal Raleigh was going to prevent Ford from seeing consistent at-bats. As a result, the Mariners opted to move him to Washington, where he could immediately take on a starting role in 2026. Outside of a small eight-game taste of the majors, Ford spent the majority of the 2025 campaign with Triple-A. Across 87 games, Ford posted a .283/.408/.460 line with 18 doubles, 16 home runs, seven stolen bases, and a strong 88:77 K:BB. Given
Keibert Ruiz's immense struggles last season, Ford could claim the starting role in spring training. He is named to closely monitor in two-catcher leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 21, 2026
Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen had a hat trick of assists in Tuesday's 6-2 win over the Boston Bruins. He began his night at the office with a power-play assist and set up two goals during even-strength play. This was Heiskanen's ninth career three-assist game with the Stars, and only three defensemen have managed more. Last week, Heiskanen missed a pair of games for personal reasons and recorded a minus-three rating when he returned to action in Sunday's 4-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He produced an impressive bounce-back effort on Tuesday, tying Ottawa's Jake Sanderson for eighth among defensemen in scoring. Heiskanen has posted 39 points (seven goals, 32 assists) in 48 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 21, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop prospect
Aidan Miller has seen his prospect stock rise in 2025 and could be ticketed for his MLB debut during the second half of the 2026 season. In 2025, Miller opened the season with Double-A and looked quite comfortable there, posting a solid .259/.382/.427 line with 25 doubles, 13 home runs, and 59 stolen bases. His stolen base total was a massive increase from the 23 he stole in the 2024 campaign across the lower levels of the system. This strong play earned him a brief eight-game stint with Triple-A. During this small taste, the former 27th overall pick held a .333/.514/.519 line with one home run and an eye-catching seven stolen bases. Given his elite play last summer, Miller appears ticketed to begin the season with Lehigh Valley. If he continues this trajectory, a second-half debut would be in play.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 21, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel contributed two goals and one assist during Tuesday's 4-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks. He tied the game at one late in the first period and wrapped up the scoring with an empty-net goal. In between his two strikes, Hagel helped Anthony Cirelli record the game-winning tally. Hagel has been among the hottest forwards in the league as of late, producing 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) over a 10-game stretch. The run includes four multi-point efforts. With upcoming games against the defensively weak Chicago and Columbus, Hagel is well-positioned to continue his hot spell this week. The 27-year-old leads Tampa Bay with 25 goals and has tallied 46 points across 43 appearances.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 21, 2026
New York Mets infield prospect
Jett Williams is expected to begin the 2026 regular season with Triple-A Syracuse. Last season, the team's No. 3 prospect according to MLB Pipeline took a step forward at Double-A, earning him a midseason promotion to Triple-A. With Double-A, the former 14th overall pick from the 2022 MLB Draft posted a strong .281/.390/.477 line with 29 doubles, 10 home runs, and 32 stolen bases. However, during his first look at the top level of the minor leagues, Williams took a step back, posting a much lower .209/.285/.433 line across a 34-game stint. He hit seven home runs but swiped only two bases. Additionally, given that the Mets brought in infielder
Bo Bichette, Williams will face even more competition for a role early in the season. Managers should expect Williams to begin the season with Syracuse and push for a midseason debut if he can enjoy a productive start.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 21, 2026
Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly finished Tuesday's 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres with two goals and one assist. Nashville fell four goals behind before attempting a comeback, with O'Reilly leading the charge. This was O'Reilly's fifth consecutive appearance with at least one point. He has had only one longer point streak this season. Following a rough start, it has turned out to be a good campaign for O'Reilly, who is on pace for a career-high 79 points. After 49 outings, the 17-year-old veteran sits on 18 goals and 29 assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 21, 2026
Max Homa fell off in a big way in 2025. The American golfer has won on the PGA Tour six times. However, 2025 saw just five Top 25 results and a slew of missed cuts from February into April. Five consecutive events featured opening rounds that were brutal (the 81 at the Arnold Palmer included). Some speculation suggested that Homa was not 100% for the first half of 2025. Whatever it was did seem to correct itself over the Fall part of the season. Homa finished in the Top 20 in three of his final four events. These did not feature the competition he will see this week. However, Homa also has not competed at The American Express since 2021. It might be a week to examine what he does before placing him into your DFS or betting rotation.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
January 21, 2026
Buffalo Sabres forward Konsta Helenius had a memorable night against the Nashville Predators on Tuesday, finishing a 5-3 victory with a goal and two assists. Playing in his second career game, Helenius notched his first points, becoming the seventh Finnish teenager in NHL history to record a three-point game. Buffalo recently recalled Helenius from the minors after placing Josh Norris (upper body) on Injured Reserve. Norris is considered week-to-week, so Helenius might stick with the big club for a while. The 19-year-old filled a third-line role on Tuesday, skating with Noah Ostlund and Josh Doan.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 21, 2026
Tony Finau is now facing what a steady player fears the most. The American golfer is now 36 and only had one Top 10 result in 2025. He dropped to 94th in the World Rankings and 83rd during the Fall Swing. The struggles continued in Hawaii last week as he missed the cut at the Sony Open. Finau had contended in three of the past four events in Southern California. However, 2025 saw him miss the cut behind a disastrous 74 in the third round. This seemed like a theme throughout last season. Finau missed approaches like crazy in Hawaii losing 2.16 strokes. Besides inconsistent putting, this appeared to be a new problem. Finau may need time to work out the rust and kinks in his game this 2026.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
January 21, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (undisclosed) took only one third-period shift in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the San Jose Sharks. He appeared injured after teammate Brandon Hagel's shot hit him. "I don't know. I don't want to say anything," Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said postgame about Cirelli's status. "He's a tough kid, so I'm hoping he'll be OK ... We'll see tomorrow." Before exiting, Cirelli had a goal and an assist in Tuesday's game. He has notched 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) in 44 games this season, earning him a spot on Team Canada for the Olympics. A serious injury would ruin Cirelli's Olympic dream and also be a blow to the Lightning.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 21, 2026
Cam Davis could not overcome the tee shots last week in Hawaii. The Australian golfer compounded his problems by losing 1.23 strokes to putting. That results in a two-day stay at the Sony Open. Davis is totally feast or famine in Southern California. He finished 18th in 2025 and 3rd in 2022. However, Davis missed the cut in 2022 and 2023. It was one round that derailed him each year. The key for the Aussie is avoiding trouble. Last week, Davis started off with a 68 then came unglued in Round 2 with a 74. Honestly, the round could have been even worse. Again, four rounds of balanced play is vital for Davis. Anything less makes him avoidable for Daily Fantasy.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
January 21, 2026
Free-agent outfielder
Austin Hays has several suitors in the open market, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Heyman noted that the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and St. Louis Cardinals have also expressed interest in the veteran outfielder. However, with the Mets trading for outfielder
Luis Robert Jr. on Tuesday evening, they may not continue their pursuit of Hays. The Yankees have been linked to star outfielder
Cody Bellinger throughout the winter but have yet to come to an agreement. Hays spent the 2025 season with the Reds and held a .255/.325/.453 line with 15 home runs and seven stolen bases. Under the hood, he generated a below-average .300 xwOBA with a modest 38.4% hard-hit rate, suggesting he could face some regression in 2026. Hays projects to hold a platoon role in 2026, making him best left for deeper fantasy formats.
--Andy SmithSource: Jon Heyman
January 21, 2026
Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper (upper body) exited Tuesday's 4-3 win over the New York Rangers in the first period. He was injured when Rangers forward Jonny Brodzinski made contact with Kuemper's head late in the period. Kuemper allowed two goals on eight shots in the opening frame. He was replaced in the crease by Anton Forberg, who put in an outstanding performance. The Swedish veteran finished with 27 saves and a .964 save percentage. Kuemper, who holds a 12-9-9 record, has already missed time this season due to an upper-body injury. Another multi-week absence for him would also be a blow for Team Canada, which has named him to its Olympic roster.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 21, 2026
Eric Cole had one of those short weeks in Hawaii. The American golfer was erratic off the tee and with the putter last week. As a result, he missed the cut while losing more than two strokes combined from putting and driving. His distance and accuracy were off as he was 12 and 9% off from the field average in those metrics. Worse, a three course rotation starting with the Pete Dye course is troubling. The longest course at 7,210 yards, could cause Cole some more problems especially if his driver is off again early. Playing catch up with this field inspires less hope from a DFS standpoint.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
January 21, 2026
According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Boston Red Sox made "very little traction" with top free agent third baseman
Eugenio Suarez over the past week. The Red Sox heavily pursued third baseman
Alex Bregman before he signed a contract with the Cubs. With Bregman and infielder
Bo Bichette off the board, the Red Sox were expected to turn their attention to Suarez. However, it appears that both sides have made little progress toward a potential contract. Suarez turned in a massive bounce-back season in 2025, launching 49 home runs with a .228/.298/.526 line. This was a significant jump from the 30 home runs he hit the year prior. Currently, the Red Sox are expected to rely on young infielder
Marcelo Mayer at the hot corner if they are unable to agree to terms with Suarez.
--Andy SmithSource: Chris Cotillo
January 21, 2026
Brian Campbell did not enjoy the trade winds in Hawaii. The American golfer missed the cut at the Sony Open. His second round 67 was much better but it was not enough to undo the damage of an opening 74. Even with fewer birdies being yielded at Waialae, Campbell just could not crack through and make it to the weekend. The American Express is unique in that the cut is over the course of 54 holes. It gives Campbell a little extra time. The concern is he made less than half the weekends in 2025 (11/24). One of those events was The American Express but Campbell still finished outside the Top 50 (T-51). He is probably still a fade for DFS and wagering at this juncture.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
January 21, 2026
The Los Angeles Dodgers have continued to show serious interest in acquiring right-handed pitcher
Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers. The Dodgers have had a productive offseason, bringing in top closer
Edwin Diaz and star outfielder
Kyle Tucker. However, they are still looking to improve their roster, especially their rotation. According to Kate Woo of The Athletic, the Dodgers are targeting Peralta to further protect their rotation, given the extensive injury history many of their pitchers have had. This past season,
Blake Snell,
Roki Sasaki, and
Tyler Glasnow all spent ample time on the injured list. Peralta enjoyed a strong showing in 2025, logging 176 2/3 innings with a 2.70 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and a 104:66 K:BB. If Peralta were to join Los Angeles, he could push either
Emmet Sheehan or Sasaki to a long relief role to open the season.
--Andy SmithSource: Katie Woo
January 21, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) will miss his 13th consecutive game on Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks. He has yet to play in 2026 due to a right soleus strain. Oklahoma City's frontcourt may also be without
Jaylin Williams (glute), who is considered questionable for Wednesday night.
Kenrich Williams and
Branden Carlson are looking at an opportunity to make larger contributions off the bench, but they aren't good fantasy options. Hartenstein's next chance to return will be on Friday against the Indiana Pacers. Given the lack of updates from the team, it wouldn't be surprising if Hartenstein remains out for the week.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 21, 2026
Daniel Berger took advantage of a somewhat stacked field at the Sony Open to finish inside the top 10. The American golfer finished tied for sixth, but his putting was not quite the difference-maker as expected. Berger drove the ball 7% better than average, and he gained more strokes on approach (0.97) than putting (0.88). That surprised a lot of people. The problem for Berger may be the three-course rotation (PGA West Stadium, PGA West Nicklaus, La Quinta). That could be too much for him here. Either way, Sunday is played on the Stadium course. With eight of the World's top 20 competing this week, Berger might lurk but not quite contend as far as betting purposes.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
January 21, 2026
According to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, the Philadelphia Phillies are still looking to trade outfielder
Nick Castellanos before spring training. Zolecki noted that they are looking for a suitor to pay at least part of his hefty $20 milion salary for the upcoming season. Castellanos has been on the trade block throughout the winter, and following the signing of
Adolis Garcia, he appears to be headed for a bench role to begin the 2026 season, if he were to stay in Philadelphia. Last season, Castellanos had a down season in Philadelphia, hitting for a .250/.294/.400 line with a .694 OPS. He hit just 17 home runs, his lowest total since the 2022 campaign. The 33-year-old is a name to monitor as he would likely compete for a starting role on another club during spring training if he is traded or released.
--Andy SmithSource: Todd Zolecki
January 21, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks center
Myles Turner (ankle) is considered questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is on the injury report with a left ankle sprain. Turner recently missed his first game of the season due to illness. It has been a frustrating year for Turner, who has been limited to 10.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in January. Should Turner sit out on Wednesday night,
Bobby Portis would be poised to take his place in the starting lineup, while
Pete Nance and
Jericho Sims could see extra minutes off the bench.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 21, 2026
The Chicago White Sox acquired second baseman
Luisangel Acuna from the New York Mets in exchange for outfielder
Luis Robert Jr. on Tuesday evening. Additionally, the White Sox acquired right-handed pitcher Truman Pauley. The 23-year-old second baseman received his first full stint in the big leagues last season, following a brief 14-game stint back in 2024. Through 98 games with the Mets last summer, Acuna posted a .234/.293/.274 slash line with seven doubles and 16 stolen bases. While he generated a low .271 xwOBA, he flashed immense speed upside, sitting in the 99th percentile, suggesting he could increase in that department if given a full-time role. Through 159 games with Triple-A split over the last two campaigns, Acuna has carried a .265/.307/.360 line seven home runs and 48 stolen bases. Managers should expect Acuna to compete for a starting role in the Chicago infield during spring training. If he earns a consistent role, he would have appeal in deeper category formats given his speed production.
--Andy SmithSource: Jeff Passan
January 21, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks guard
Kevin Porter Jr. (oblique) is questionable for Wednesday's tilt against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He may miss a meeting with the defending champions due to an oblique strain. Porter Jr. has had a productive year in Milwaukee, but he was dropped to the bench on Monday against the Atlanta Hawks after he had produced a zero-point outing in the previous game.
Kyle Kuzma jumped to the first unit and had 10 points with two assists. If Porter Jr. can't play against the Thunder,
Ryan Rollins' workload will likely increase, and
Cole Anthony may get back into the rotation.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 21, 2026
The New York Mets have acquired outfielder
Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for infielder
Luisangel Acuna and right-handed pitcher Truman Pauley. Robert has been linked to trade rumors for over a year and has finally found a suitor. The 28-year-old has taken a bit of a step back in terms of offensive production over the past two seasons, but a change of scenery could provide him with a much-needed spark. In 2025, Robert held a .223/.297/.344 line with 14 home runs and 33 stolen bases. In 2024, he also hit 14 home runs but stole only 23 bases. However, from 2021 through 2023, the outfielder looked like a budding star, as he held an overall .287/.331/.511 line with 21 home runs per season (and a high of 36 back in 2023). Despite modest production in 2025, Robert generated a 99th percentile bat speed with an above-average barrel rate, suggesting he still carries power upside. Managers should expect Robert to take over center field duties in Queens and see his counting stats increase, batting alongside
Francisco Lindor,
Juan Soto, and
Bo Bichette.
--Andy SmithSource: Jon Heyman
January 21, 2026
Brooklyn Nets guard/forward
Cam Thomas (hamstring) will return to the lineup on Wednesday night against the New York Knicks. He sat out the second leg of a back-to-back on Monday versus the Phoenix Suns. Since returning from a hamstring injury in late December, Thomas has struggled for consistency. He is averaging 12.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists across 23.4 minutes in January. The 24-year-old has finished three of his last four appearances with single-digit points. Still, Thomas impressed with 10 assists in Sunday's loss to the Chicago Bulls and can cook up a big line in a hurry if he gets hot.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 21, 2026
Boston Celtics guard/forward
Jaylen Brown (hamstring) is listed as probable for Wednesday's game against the Indiana Pacers. The 2024 Finals MVP is expected to play despite experiencing tightness in his left hamstring. Brown recently missed one game due to a back issue. Since returning, he has averaged 33.3 points and 8.0 rebounds over three outings. Against Indiana, Brown has put up 30.5 points per game across two prior meetings in 2025-26, shooting an impressive 53.3 percent from the field.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 21, 2026
Houston Rockets center
Steven Adams (ankle) has been ruled out indefinitely with a Grade 3 left ankle sprain. He was injured in Sunday's win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Josh Okogie started in Adams' place on Tuesday night against the San Antonio Spurs. He had a quiet outing with five points, one rebound, and one steal. Houston also brought
Clint Capela back into the rotation, and the Swiss big man finished with six points and two rebounds in 12 minutes. With Adams on the shelf,
Jabari Smith Jr. could also see time at the center position.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 21, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers center
Deandre Ayton (eye) made an early exit against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports. The big man was poked in the eye late in the second quarter and sat out the rest of the game. Ayton finished with four points and eight rebounds in 15 minutes.
Jaxson Hayes and
Drew Timme filled the gap at center in the second half. "He got poked in the eye," Lakers head coach JJ Redick said postgame. "He looks like a pirate. His eye is not in good shape, but we're hopeful that it's just the bare minimum -- just a poke in the eye -- and he'll be back tomorrow." The Lakers return to action on Thursday night against the Clippers. Although Redick seemed optimistic about Ayton's availability for the Clippers game, it wouldn't be a shock if he appeared on the injury report.
--Taavi PailkSource: Jovan Buha
January 21, 2026
NC State tight end Justin Joly has been one of the most productive players at the position over the last three college football seasons. The 21-year-old New York native began his career at UConn before spending his junior and senior seasons with the Wolfpack, hauling in 92 receptions for 1,150 yards and 11 touchdowns. He enjoyed great success at NC State, but his breakout campaign came as a sophomore with the Huskies in 2023, when he tallied 56 catches for 578 yards and two scores. The 2025 first-team All-ACC selection is viewed as one of the top five tight ends in the 2026 NFL Draft class, and he's currently projected to be a third-round selection in April. Joly thrives running intermediate and deep routes, making him a strong TE2 and second tight end in 12-personnel at the next level. His landing spot will determine his upside and placement in dynasty rookie drafts as part of a shallow incoming rookie tight end class.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Sports Reference CFB
January 20, 2026
Former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is expected to become the Los Angeles Chargers' offensive coordinator, barring a change of heart, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. McDaniel has informed other teams that he's out of the running, and he's scheduled to have dinner with the Chargers on Tuesday night. In L.A., McDaniel will be replacing Greg Roman. It will be quite the scheme change for the Bolts, going from a run-first offensive mind in Roman to McDaniel, who runs a version of Kyle Shanahan's offense in San Francisco. McDaniel went 35-33 with two playoff appearances in his four seasons in Miami, and he'll now join a Chargers team that has two 11-win seasons under head coach Jim Harbaugh. The addition of McDaniel in L.A. should be good news for both quarterback
Justin Herbert and young running back
Omarion Hampton heading into next season.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
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