January 30, 2026
The Cleveland Browns are hiring former Baltimore Ravens run-game coordinator Travis Switzer as their new offensive coordinator on Friday, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Switzer coached for the Ravens for the last nine years, serving as the run-game coordinator each of the previous three seasons. He becomes one of a handful of former Ravens assistants to join Monken, who was the Ravens' offensive coordinator, in Cleveland. With Monken and Switzer coordinating Baltimore's offense, running back
Derrick Henry had 1,921 yards in 2024 and 1,595 yards in 2025. Switzer also has experience working with wide receivers and tight ends. Both Monken and Switzer will have their work cut out for them in Cleveland, a team that will most likely be holding a quarterback competition this summer.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot
January 30, 2026
The Seattle Seahawks were a bit worried several weeks ago when quarterback
Sam Darnold (oblique) tweaked his left oblique in practice while preparing to take on the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, but general manager John Schneider said that Darnold "hasn't flinched" about his injury this postseason. He played through the injury for the second week in a row in the NFC Championship win over the Los Angeles Rams, throwing for a season-high 346 yards while also tossing three touchdown passes. "I think we were all more panicked in what was going on than he was," Schneider said. "He was kind of looking at us like we had three heads, like, 'What's everybody so worried about?' He's like, 'I'll be good.'" Darnold has been listed as limited in practice so far this week, and he'll have another week to heal up before the Super Bowl versus the Patriots on Feb. 8. Fantasy managers setting playoff lineups shouldn't be concerned about Darnold's oblique.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
January 30, 2026
When healthy, Texas Rangers shortstop
Corey Seager remains one of the best left-handed hitters in baseball. Across 445 plate appearances in 2025, the 31-year-old posted a .271/.373/.487 slash line with 21 home runs, 50 RBI, 61 runs scored, and three stolen bases. Unfortunately, consistent health has been elusive for Seager for the majority of his MLB career. Since 2018, Seager has topped 550 plate appearances in a season just once. From a fantasy perspective, the lack of availability limits Seager's ability to rack up counting stats across all categories and minimizes the benefit of his strong batting average. He's also never recorded more than four stolen bases in a season, so building a roster around Seager means accepting below-average speed from the shortstop position. All that being said, Seager should be healthy entering 2026 Spring Training. If he can somehow manage a full season's worth of playing time, Seager could easily out-produce his current average draft position of pick number 88. He's a risky selection, but one that could pay off in a big way for fantasy managers in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 30, 2026
Atlanta Braves right-handed pitcher
Robert Suarez was one of the top closers in fantasy baseball while pitching for the San Diego Padres in 2025, posting a 2.97 ERA and 0.90 WHIP across 69 2/3 innings and racking up 40 saves, 75 strikeouts, and four wins. Suarez's stellar performance was enough to land him a three-year $45 million contract with Atlanta this past December. However, the Braves have long-time closer
Raisel Iglesias in place in the ninth inning, and reportedly plan to use Suarez in a high-leverage setup role. Suarez profiles as the lead candidate to assume the closer role if Iglesias struggles or suffers an injury. Still, Suarez's fantasy value is greatly diminished for as long as he remains siloed to a setup role, at least in redraft formats. In dynasty leagues, Suarez could jump right back into the ninth-inning role in Atlanta in 2027, as Iglesias will hit free agency at the end of 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 30, 2026
Across 589 plate appearances in 2025, Milwaukee Brewers outfielder
Jackson Chourio posted a .270/.308/.463 slash line with 21 home runs, 78 RBI, 88 runs scored, and 21 stolen bases. The 21-year-old's overall output was solid, but he didn't quite deliver on the full-scale breakout that some were hoping for heading into the year. Chourio missed time during the year due to a hamstring injury, which held down his counting stats and may have impacted his performance. Heading into 2026, Chourio should be fully recovered and locked into an everyday spot at or near the top of a Brewers lineup that finished second in the National League in runs scored (806) in 2025. While Chourio's top-level production in 2025 looks similar to the numbers he posted in 2024, he improved his barrel rate from 7.8% to 9.7% while cutting his strikeout rate from 21.1% to 20.5%. With improved health in 2026, Chourio could provide first-round caliber five-category fantasy production.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 30, 2026
Chicago Cubs outfielder
Pete Crow-Armstrong had a spectacular season overall in 2025, posting a .247/.287/.481 slash line with 31 home runs, 95 RBI, 91 runs scored, and 35 stolen bases across 647 plate appearances. However, the 23-year-old's production fell off in the second half of the year. Across 246 plate appearances after the All-Star break, Crow-Armstrong hit .216/.262/.372 with just six home runs and struck out at a 25.6% rate, up from 22.9% in the first half. The lefty-swinging Crow-Armstrong also showed a notable platoon split throughout the season, logging a .594 OPS across 188 plate appearances against left-handed pitching. Heading into 2026, Crow-Armstrong should remain an everyday staple in the Cubs lineup thanks to his elite defense in center field. He also posted a 13% barrel rate in 2025 and has 64 career stolen bases across 293 MLB games, so his power/speed profile appears legit. However, fantasy managers may want to anticipate a drop in counting stats and potentially a decline in batting average in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 30, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher
Paul Skenes established himself as one of MLB's premier hurlers in 2025, posting a 10-10 record with a 1.97 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 216 strikeouts across 187 2/3 innings pitched. The 23-year-old was unanimously named the National League Cy Young Award winner in just his second big-league season. With a career K-BB rate of 25% across 320 2/3 MLB innings, Skenes' underlying numbers support his dominance. From a fantasy perspective, wins are the one category where Skenes provided middling production in 2025, particularly relative to other high-end starting pitching options. While the Pirates don't profile as a juggernaut in 2026, they have made some steps towards contention this offseason by adding veteran infielders
Brandon Lowe and
Ryan O'Hearn. With a better supporting cast around him, Skenes could reach yet another level in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 30, 2026
New Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken told quarterback
Shedeur Sanders that he tried to draft him last year as a member of the Baltimore Ravens' coaching staff, according to Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal. Baltimore was interested in taking Sanders out of the University of Colorado in last year's draft, but Sanders said he wasn't interested in sitting behind two-time MVP
Lamar Jackson. The Ravens ended up passing on Sanders, and he fell all the way to the fifth round when the Browns took him at No. 144 overall. The 23-year-old appeared in eight games (seven starts) in his rookie season in 2025, completing 56.6% of his pass attempts for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He added 21 carries for 169 yards and a TD on the ground. Sanders mostly struggled, but he also showed playmaking upside. The Browns are expected to bring in at least one QB this offseason, so Sanders won't be a lock to win the starting gig under center going into Week 1.
--Keith HernandezSource: Akron Beacon Journal - Chris Easterling
January 30, 2026
The Buffalo Bills are hiring Denver Broncos senior offensive assistant Pete Carmichael as their offensive coordinator, sources told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Carmichael had new Bills head coach Joe Brady on his coaching staff for two seasons in New Orleans with the Saints during a 15-year run as offensive coordinator. Carmichael will head to Buffalo to coach quarterback
Josh Allen after spending the last two years working with Broncos head coach Sean Payton. Although Carmichael won't be calling plays himself as the OC -- Brady will do that -- he'll bring a wealth of experience and knowledge as the Bills try to get over the hump and get to the Super Bowl with Allen at the helm. Carmichael becomes the fourth assistant coach to depart the Broncos' staff this offseason, as OC Joe Lombardi, receivers coach Keary Colbert, and cornerbacks coach Addison Lynch were all fired this week.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
January 30, 2026
Wake Forest wide receiver transfer Sterling Berkhalter has signed with Texas, according to Pete Nakos of On3. The rising sixth-year senior spent two seasons at North Carolina A&T before one year at Cincinnati and one year with the Demon Deacons. Last year, he set career highs in receptions (30), receiving yards (416), and receiving touchdowns (two). He'll join a talented WR room headlined by Cam Coleman and Ryan Wingo, and he'll help improve last year's offensive unit, which did not meet expectations under first-year starter Arch Manning.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Transfer Portal on X
January 30, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Darius Garland (toe) will miss Friday's game against Phoenix as he continues to recover from a right toe sprain, with his status for the upcoming road trip still uncertain. His absence has elevated
Jaylon Tyson into a steady starting role, and he has responded with 16.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists across his last five games, making him a strong short-term add.
Sam Merrill is still ramping up but profiles as a viable standard-league option as his minutes stabilize, especially with
Evan Mobley (calf) sidelined for multiple weeks. Garland remains a clear hold.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 30, 2026
Atlanta Hawks forward/center
Onyeka Okongwu (mouth) is being evaluated on a day-to-day basis after undergoing a dental procedure and has already been ruled out for Thursday against Houston, with Saturday's game in Indiana also off the table. His next chance to return comes Tuesday in Miami. Atlanta unexpectedly turned to
Christian Koloko as a starter, and he logged 26 minutes with six points, seven rebounds, one steal, and one block, while
Mouhamed Gueye played 21 minutes off the bench with two points, three rebounds, and two assists. Both Koloko and Gueye remain difficult to trust, given the small sample and fluctuating roles, keeping Okongwu as the clear hold.
--Brian DailisanSource: Atlanta Hawks
January 30, 2026
Utah Jazz forward
Lauri Markkanen (rest) will sit out Friday against Brooklyn after appearing in two straight games, giving Utah a scheduled night off for its leading scorer. His absence creates a short-term rotation adjustment, with
Kyle Filipowski expected to step into the starting power forward role. The second-year big has shown efficiency in limited minutes, including 12 points and four rebounds in 17 minutes Wednesday.
Brice Sensabaugh should see a usage bump after scoring 22 points in 26 minutes last game, while
Kyle Anderson and
Taylor Hendricks remain situational pieces.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 30, 2026
Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect
JR Ritchie is an emerging arm in the Atlanta system and is expected to make his MLB debut in 2026. Ritchie began the campaign with High-A Rome but was able to reach Triple-A Gwinnett in the second half. At High-A, the right-hander was impressive, logging 41 2/3 innings to the tune of a 1.30 ERA and a 0.79 WHIP. At Double-A, Ritchie took a slight step back, carrying a 3.49 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP across 38 2/3 innings of work. However, during his first look at Triple-A, the 22-year-old rounded back into form, posting a strong 3.02 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP. During these 59 2/3 innings, Ritchie struck out 61 hitters while allowing 27 walks. Managers should keep a close eye on his status during camp as he could contend for an early 2026 debut.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 30, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward
Cameron Johnson (knee) is hopeful to be cleared before the All-Star break after missing time since late December with a right knee bone bruise. While no firm date is set, the update tightens the window and puts his return on the near-term radar. Johnson is averaging 11.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game across 28 starts, a modest fantasy profile. His return would squeeze
Jalen Pickett and
Spencer Jones, who have handled spot starts but remain volatile. Johnson profiles as a cautious hold, with limited upside unless his minutes climb quickly.
--Brian DailisanSource: Vinny Benedetto
January 30, 2026
Denver Nuggets guard/forward
Christian Braun (ankle) is aiming to return before the All-Star break after missing time with a left ankle sprain and sitting out Thursday against Brooklyn. The update provides a general target without a defined timetable, leaving his status fluid. The fourth-year guard has yet to find traction this season, averaging 9.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 28.9 minutes across 14 games. Denver has turned to
Jalen Pickett during Braun's absence, though his recent production has dipped.
Spencer Jones,
Bruce Brown, and
Tim Hardaway Jr. have each taken turns filling the rotation, with fluctuating minutes and output.
--Brian DailisanSource: Vinny Benedetto
January 30, 2026
The Chicago White Sox have invited top outfield prospect
Braden Montgomery to big-league spring training. Montgomery joined the White Sox with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Texas A&M. He made his professional debut in 2025 with Low-A, but quickly progressed through the lower levels, ending the regular season at Double-A Birmingham. Through 87 total games shared between Low-A and High-A, Montgomery posted a .269/.360/.455 line with 11 long balls and 11 stolen bases. During his first 34 contests at Double-A, the 22-year-old continued to play well, posting a .272/.364/.416 line. However, he would only hit one long ball during this stint. While Montgomery may not reach the majors until later in the second half, a strong showing in spring training could earn him a ticket to Triple-A.
--Andy SmithSource: Chicago White Sox
January 30, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Samuel Ersson (lower body) left Thursday's 6-3 loss to the Boston Bruins after two periods of play. He suffered a lower-body injury and was replaced by Dan Vladar for the final frame. It was a miserable night for Ersson, who allowed five goals on 20 shots. Fortunately for Philadelphia, Vladar returned from injury on Wednesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, giving the team a proven option between the pipes if Ersson misses time. Last week, Ersson beat the league-leading Colorado Avalanche, but he has posted a disappointing .856 save percentage this season and holds an 8-10-5 record with a 3.51 goals-against average.
--Taavi PailkSource: Philadelphia Flyers
January 30, 2026
Texas Rangers top prospect
Sebastian Walcott has received an invite to big-league spring training. The young infielder is currently considered the team's top prospect and the No. 6 overall-ranked prospect in the sport on MLB.com. The 19-year-old spent the entire 2025 campaign with Double-A Frisco and is quickly approaching his MLB debut. Across this stint, Walcott posted a strong .255/.355/.386 line with 19 doubles, 13 home runs, and an impressive 32 stolen bases. He held a 108:70 K:BB. In 2024, Walcott spent the majority of the campaign with High-A, where he posted a .261/.342/.443 line across 116 games. While Walcott is unlikely to compete for an early MLB debut, he could begin the season at Triple-A, which would keep him in play for a second-half promotion to Texas.
--Andy SmithSource: Shawn McFarland
January 30, 2026
Boston Bruins forward Pavel Zacha (upper body) didn't finish Thursday's 6-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. He exited the contest in the second period, and the Bruins ruled Zacha out for the rest of the game at the beginning of the third. Zacha scored Boston's second goal of the night in the first frame. He has potted 15 goals during the season, adding 22 assists in 54 appearances. The Bruins may have to finish the week without their top-two centers, as Elias Lindholm (upper body) was already out on Thursday. Fraser Minten moved up in the lineup, and the same may happen with Matthew Poitras on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 30, 2026
According to Jake Rill of MLB.com, Baltimore Orioles catching prospect
Samuel Basallo has lost 15 pounds in the offseason. Basallo is poised to spend the entire 2026 season in the major leagues and appears to have entered camp in great physical shape. Basallo began the 2025 season with the Norfolk Tides and posted a strong .270/.377/.589 slash line with 17 doubles and 23 home runs across a 76-game stint. He was then promoted to Baltimore in the second half and held a modest .169/.229/.330 line over his first 31 games. During this brief taste, the game's top catching prospect hit four home runs, added six doubles, but carried a 30:6 K:BB. Basallo is expected to split time behind the dish and at DH with
Adley Rutschman. With the potential to see an everyday role in the lineup, Basallo is a top breakout pick at the catcher position, given his elite raw power.
--Andy SmithSource: Jake Rill
January 30, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward/center
Jalen Smith (calf) was ruled out for the remainder of Thursday's game against Miami due to right calf tightness after exiting at halftime. Smith finished with 11 points and five rebounds in 15 minutes, leaving Chicago thin up front behind
Nikola Vucevic.
Patrick Williams is the next man up, but remains difficult to trust after posting zero points in 12 minutes and averaging minimal production across his last five games. If the Bulls lean small,
Ayo Dosunmu stands to benefit after delivering 23 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Smith is a short-term hold pending updates.
--Brian DailisanSource: Chicago Bulls
January 30, 2026
Washington Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren (lower body) was injured during Thursday's 4-3 shootout win over the Detroit Red Wings, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports. Lindgren was hurt late in overtime but remained in the net for the shootout. He eventually needed assistance from his teammates to leave the ice. Lindgren didn't stop any shots in the shootout, but he had 18 saves in the game and improved to 8-6-3. The Capitals had inexperienced Clay Stevenson serving as the backup after losing Logan Thompson (upper body) for the game. While Thompson is considered day-to-day, it's unclear whether he will be able to return this week, putting the team in a tough spot if Lindgren also has to miss time.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sammi Silber
January 30, 2026
Washington Wizards guard/forward
Tre Johnson (ankle) was ruled out for the rest of Thursday's game against Milwaukee after turning his left ankle on a jump shot late in the second quarter. The rookie logged just 11 minutes and finished with eight points and two assists before heading to the locker room, putting his short-term availability in question.
Bub Carrington saw a noticeable minutes bump after halftime and posted 13 points, six assists, and four rebounds in 29 minutes, putting him on the streaming radar.
Bilal Coulibaly and
Justin Champagnie should see steadier roles if Johnson misses time, while Johnson himself shapes up as a cautious hold until more clarity arrives.
--Brian DailisanSource: Chase Hughes
January 30, 2026
Miami Marlins top pitching prospect
Thomas White has earned an invite to MLB spring training. This is an excellent sign for the budding southpaw, who now appears to be in serious consideration for a spot on the Opening Day roster. According to MLB.com, White is viewed as the No. 22-ranked prospect in the entire sport. Last summer, the 21-year-old opened the season with High-A but was able to reach Triple-A Jacksonville in the second half. Across 80 1/3 innings with High-A and Double-A, White posted a strong 2.13 ERA with a 1.16 WHIP. He tallied an eye-catching 128 punchouts with 41 walks during this stretch. In his brief 9 1/3-inning stint at Triple-A, White struck out 17 batters and allowed five runs. With the Marlins trading two starters this winter in
Ryan Weathers and
Edward Cabrera, White is a name to closely monitor in camp as he could begin the season in the big leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: Miami Marlins
January 30, 2026
New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes (lower body) left Thursday's 3-2 overtime victory versus the Nashville Predators in the first period. Hughes took only three shifts in the game, heading to the locker room twice within the first 7:30 of action. His attempts to return may indicate the injury isn't serious. After the game, Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe also suggested Hughes isn't dealing with anything serious. The team will re-evaluate the star forward on Friday. Hughes has missed a significant chunk of the season due to a hand injury, skating in only 36 games. He has recorded 12 goals and 24 assists. If Hughes is unable to suit up for Saturday's matchup with the Ottawa Senators, Nico Hischier will take over first-line center duties, while Dawson Mercer will also move up the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 30, 2026
The Miami Marlins have invited left-handed pitching prospect
Robby Snelling to big league spring training. Snelling was on the verge of making his MLB debut last summer and is now in serious contention to break camp with the MLB roster. He began the 2025 season with Double-A Pensacola, where he logged 72 1/3 innings with a 3.61 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. During this stint, the southpaw struck out 85 hitters and allowed only 22 walks. However, once he moved up to Triple-A, he took a massive step forward. During his first 63 2/3 innings at Triple-A, Snelling posted an impressive 1.27 ERA with a stellar 0.99 WHIP. He struck out 81 hitters while allowing only 17 free passes. With
Ryan Weathers and
Edward Cabrera shipped to new clubs this winter, Snelling appears to be in a great position to break camp with the MLB roster. He is a prime late-round target with high strikeout upside.
--Andy SmithSource: Miami Marlins
January 30, 2026
Florida Panthers winger Brad Marchand (undisclosed) missed the third period of Thursday's 5-4 loss to the St. Louis Blues. The veteran winger has been banged up all season, but he recently returned from a seven-game absence. Unfortunately, it looks like Marchand might land back on the shelf just four games after rejoining the lineup. When in action, Marchand has performed well, logging 50 points (25 goals, 25 assists) in 45 games. Ahead of Thursday's game, Florida had already lost Anton Lundell (upper body) from the third line. Lundell could be ready to return on Saturday against Winnipeg and replace Marchand in the lineup. Jesper Boqvist is another option.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 30, 2026
Detroit Red Wings right wing Patrick Kane had a historic outing on Thursday night against the Washington Capitals, becoming the NHL's all-time leading scorer among U.S-born players. Kane surpassed Mike Modano, reaching 1,375 career points with an assist in a 4-3 shootout loss. The 2016 MVP has managed 500 goals and 875 assists in 1,342 career games. Modano had held the record since 1997. It's an incredible achievement for Kane, who has notched 32 points (eight goals, 24 assists) in 40 outings this term. He has finished three consecutive games with an assist and can match his longest point streak of the season in Saturday's meeting with the Colorado Avalanche.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 30, 2026
According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, the Houston Astros could look to target Boston Red Sox outfielder
Wilyer Abreu before spring training. The Astros have expressed interest in adding a left-handed bat and would have the assets to acquire Abreu from Boston. Their infield is currently quite crowded, and third baseman
Isaac Paredes has also been linked to Boston throughout the winter, as they have a need at the hot corner. Abreu turned in a solid 2025 campaign, posting a .241/.317/.469 line with 22 home runs and six stolen bases. He generated an above-average .355 xwOBA with a strong .475 xSLG. He is also an elite defender, placing in the 94th percentile in range and 77th percentile in arm value. If Abreu were to join Houston, he would likely take on a full-time role in right field, which would limit the playing time of both
Jesus Sanchez and
Cam Smith.
--Andy SmithSource: Chandler Rome
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