Nick Pivetta a Regression Candidate Following Career-Year in 2025?
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Nick Pivetta put together a breakout season in 2025, posting a 13-5 record with a 2.87 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 190 strikeouts across 181 2/3 innings (31 starts). 2025 was the 32-year-old's first season with an ERA under 4.04, and he still holds a career ERA of 4.47 across over 1,200 career innings, even after his standout year. Much of Pivetta's success can be attributed to his diminished home run rate. After allowing 1.72 HR/9 while pitching for the Boston Red Sox in 2024, Pivetta allowed just 1.09 HR/9 in 2025. Part of those gains can be attributed to his transition from making his home starts in the hitter-friendly Fenway Park to San Diego's pitcher-friendly Petco Park. However, Pivetta's career HR/9 is 1.46, so he seems likely to regress in the category in 2026. Pivetta has posted three consecutive seasons with a WHIP of 1.13 or lower and at least a 19.4% K-BB rate, so he still profiles as a solid pitcher. However, with an average draft position of pick 93, Pivetta may currently be overvalued by fantasy managers heading into 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brusdar Graterol's Opening Day Availability in Question
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that the team is going to "slow play" relief pitcher Brusdar Graterol's (shoulder) ramp-up this spring, per Jack Harris of the California Post. Harris reports that Graterol's availability for Opening Day has yet to be determined, but that Roberts said Graterol is "going to take some time." Graterol was a dominant reliever in his last full season in 2023, posting a 1.20 ERA and 0.97 WHIP with 48 strikeouts and seven saves across 67 1/3 innings pitched. However, injuries limited him to just seven appearances in 2024 and sidelined him for the entirety of 2025. The Dodgers signed veteran closer Edwin Diaz over the offseason, and setup man Tanner Scott seems likely to take over the ninth inning if Diaz were to get hurt. As such, even a fully healthy Graterol appears to be blocked off from save chances in Los Angeles, further limiting his fantasy appeal in 2026.
Source: California Post - Jack Harris
Source: California Post - Jack Harris
Spencer Jones "Currently Blocked" from Playing Time with the Yankees
New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that outfield prospect Spencer Jones is "currently blocked" from playing time at the big-league level, per Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. A former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2022, Jones will turn 25 years old in May. He posted monster numbers split between Double and Triple-A in 2025, hitting .274/.362/.571 with 35 home runs, 80 RBI, 102 runs scored, and 29 stolen bases across 506 plate appearances. However, swing-and-miss remains a major concern in Jones' profile, as he logged a 35.4% strikeout rate. The Yankees currently have established veterans Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, and Aaron Judge penciled in as their starting outfielders, while Giancarlo Stanton is locked in as the designated hitter. Even if one of those four players were to suffer an injury, fellow Yankees outfield prospect Jasson Dominguez may be ahead of Jones in the outfield pecking order. Barring a trade or multiple outfield injuries in New York, it appears as though Jones will begin the 2026 season in the Minors.
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Jace Jung Taking Reps at First Base
Detroit Tigers infielder Jace Jung is taking reps at first base in camp, per Tigers beat writer Chris McCosky. The 25-year-old Jung has previously appeared at both second base and third base across two separate stints with Detroit in 2024 and 2025. Jung has struggled to hit at the big-league level, posting a .190/.315/.230 slash line with zero home runs, six RBI, 22 runs scored, and zero stolen bases across 149 career plate appearances. He recorded much better numbers across 495 plate appearances with Triple-A Toledo in 2025, hitting .252/.370/.447 with 17 home runs, 74 RBI, 69 runs scored, and four stolen bases. Detroit currently has the righty-swinging Spencer Torkelson penciled in as its everyday first baseman. Jung, a left-handed hitter, could potentially work his way into some at-bats at first base against tough right-handed pitchers if he can make the Tigers roster. Jung is unlikely to carry significant fantasy value in 2026, but managers interested in Torkelson may want to take note of Jung's progress at first base.
Source: Chris McCosky
Source: Chris McCosky
David Montgomery's Dynasty Value is Fading Heading into 2026
Since signing with the Detroit Lions as a free agent before the 2023 season, running back David Montgomery has been a key cog in the team's offensive resurgence. However, the 28-year-old saw a definitive downturn in his production in 2025, as star Lions back Jahmyr Gibbs took over a true lead role in the Detroit backfield. Across 17 games played, Montgomery recorded 716 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 158 carries. Over his last eight contests of 2025, Montgomery recorded more than eight rush attempts just once. At the conclusion of the regular season, Lions general manager Brad Holmes mentioned the possibility that the team could look to move on from Montgomery. While a change of scenery could help Montgomery's playing time outlook, he may no longer be able to handle a true RB1 workload as he enters his age-29 campaign. If Montgomery remains with the Lions, he likely profiles as a touchdown-dependent running back option with a limited upside for fantasy managers, unless Gibbs suffers an injury.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
DJ Moore's WR1 Days May Be Behind Him After 2025 Production Decline
Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore had the least productive season of his NFL career in 2025, recording 50 receptions for 683 yards and six touchdowns on 85 targets across 17 games played. On the bright side, Moore remains an NFL ironman, as he has played all 17 games in five consecutive seasons and has missed just two contests across his eight-year career. Moore also finished the 2025 season strong, hauling in 11 catches for 116 yards and two touchdowns on 15 targets in Chicago's two postseason games. However, Moore could be seeing some age-related decline as he enters his age-29 season, and the Bears have a strong collection of young pass-catchers coming up behind him in wide receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, as well as tight end Colston Loveland. Moore has a significant chunk of money remaining on his current contract with Chicago, so he appears likely to be with the Bears in 2026. While Moore should still play an important role in the team's passing game, his days as a lead NFL wideout and a consistent fantasy producer may be behind him.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Can Lamar Jackson Return to Full Health After Injury-Marred 2025 Season?
After back-to-back first-team All-Pro seasons in 2023 and 2024, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson suffered through an injury-marred down year in 2025. Across 13 games played, the 29-year-old completed 63.6% of his pass attempts for 2,549 yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Jackson also posted his least productive NFL season as a rusher, recording 349 yards and two scores on 67 rush attempts. In fairness, the two-time MVP dealt with both hamstring and back injuries, both of which may have impacted his performance even when he was able to take the field. Jackson will be working with an entirely new coaching staff in Baltimore in 2026. Former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is the Ravens' new head coach, and former Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle will assume the same role with Baltimore. While the coaching changes could spark some new developments in the offensive infrastructure around Jackson, a potential return to full health is likely the most important offseason development for fantasy managers to monitor. Jackson remains an elite fantasy quarterback option, but his profile carries a bit more risk after his injury issues in 2025.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Will Blake Corum's Role in Los Angeles Continue to Grow in 2026?
A third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum saw limited playing time in a reserve role behind Rams back Kyren Williams as a rookie. While Williams remained the team's RB1 in 2025, Corum saw a significant workload increase in his second NFL season. Across 17 games, Corum recorded 746 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 145 touches. He was highly efficient as a rusher when given an opportunity, averaging 5.1 yards per rush attempt. Still, Williams remains under contract with the Rams through the 2028 season, and he remained a standout performer by recording over 1,500 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025. Additionally, Corum has not shown much of an ability to impact the passing game so far in his NFL career, recording just 15 total receptions across 34 career games played. Corum proved that he can be an impact rusher at the NFL level in 2025, which is a notable development after his quiet rookie season. However, barring injury, his fantasy upside remains limited as long as both he and Williams are in Los Angeles.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zach Charbonnet Losing Dynasty Value After Injury Setback
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) spent the majority of the 2025 season in a relatively even playing time split with fellow Seahawks back Kenneth Walker III. However, Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL in his knee during Seattle's NFC Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers. Given the timing of the injury, Charbonnet could miss the start of the 2026 season, if not more. Across 16 regular-season games, the 25-year-old recorded 730 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 184 carries. Charbonnet established himself as Seattle's preferred option at the goal-line and has racked up 20 rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons. While the Seahawks are reportedly looking to re-sign him, Walker III is now set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason. If Walker III were to sign elsewhere, Charbonnet could take over as the team's lead back once he gets healthy. Still, given the nature of his injury and Walker III's standout playoff run after Charbonnet went down, it seems unlikely that Charbonnet will be ticketed for anything more than a support upon his return. Charbonnet's long-term outlook in dynasty formats should take a hit as a result of his unfortunate injury setback.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
RJ Harvey Set for Full-Time RB1 Role in Denver in 2026?
Across 17 games as a rookie in 2025, Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey recorded 896 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns on 193 touches. The 25-year-old opened the season in a relatively limited RB2 role behind veteran Broncos back J.K. Dobbins. However, Dobbins suffered a season-ending foot injury in Week 10, opening the door for Harvey to take on more backfield work. From Week 11 onwards, Harvey recorded 507 yards from scrimmage and scored six touchdowns. Heading into 2026, Harvey looks well-positioned to take over as Denver's full-time lead back as Dobbins is set to hit free agency this spring. The Broncos could easily re-sign Dobbins or bring in a different veteran back to ease Harvey's workload. Still, the trajectory of Harvey's rookie season indicates he's a player on the rise, and his fantasy stock in dynasty formats should be trending upward after 2025.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Yankees Want Everyday Reps for Jasson Dominguez
The New York Yankees want to give outfielder Jasson Dominguez everyday reps, but they might not be able to offer that at the major-league level to begin the 2026 season, according to general manager Brian Cashman. It means that Dominguez could begin the year at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 23-year-old Dominican switch-hitter lost his path to regular playing time last year when the team brought back Trent Grisham to play center field and Cody Bellinger to play left field. Aaron Judge is locked into right field, so Dominguez won't have a clear path to consistent playing time in the majors unless there's an injury to one of those three outfielders or designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton. Oswaldo Cabrera could beat Dominguez out for the last bench spot. Dominguez, who is known as the Martian, is loaded with talent and possesses speed, but his defensive limitations make it challenging for the Yankees to justify carrying him as a bench player. He slashed .257/.331/.388 with 10 homers and 23 steals in 123 regular-season games last year. Dominguez is one injury away from being very attractive in fantasy in 2026.
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Shota Imanaga Adjusting his Pitch Repertoire
Chicago Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga has teamed with pitching coach Tommy Hottovy to adjust his pitch repertoire going into the 2026 season, according to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com. Hottovy said the goal is to keep honing a sweeper from his "natural arm slot" while reintroducing a cutter and finding a sinker grip that "helps maintain velocity." The 32-year-old Japanese southpaw was an All-Star in his first year with the Cubs in 2024, going 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA. He was off to a strong start last year, too, before a left-hamstring injury on May 4 cost him seven weeks and impacted his performance down the stretch. Imanaga allowed 20 home runs in his final 12 starts for a 5.17 ERA in that span. He was even worse in two playoff appearances. If Imanaga can stay healthy and rediscover his magic from 2024, he'll be a great value pick in fantasy drafts. RotoBaller currently has him ranked as the No. 50 starting pitcher.
Source: MLB.com - Jordan Bastian
Source: MLB.com - Jordan Bastian
Andrew Chafin Signs Minor-League Deal With Twins
The Minnesota Twins signed free-agent left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin to a minor-league deal with an invitation to major-league spring training on Saturday, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Chafin, 35, will bring some much-needed high-leverage experience to the rebuilding Twins' bullpen this year, although he probably won't be an option for saves. The former first-rounder back in 2011 out of Kent State University has 12 years of big-league experience, most recently posting a 2.41 ERA (3.46 FIP) and 1.43 WHIP with 36 strikeouts and 19 walks in 33 2/3 relief innings with the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Angels last year. Chafin could be useful in deep holds leagues in his new home, and the Twins may try to flip him at this year's trade deadline if he's pitching well. Chafin holds a career 3.35 ERA and 1.28 WHIP with 20 saves and a 25.8% strikeout rate.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Griffin Canning, Padres Agree to a Deal
Free-agent right-hander Griffin Canning (Achilles) and the San Diego Padres agreed to an undisclosed contract on Saturday, pending a physical, sources familiar with the deal told Robert Murray of FanSided.com. Canning was in the midst of a breakout campaign last year with the New York Mets, going 7-3 with a career-best 3.77 ERA (4.04 FIP) and 1.38 WHIP with 70 strikeouts and 35 walks in 76 1/3 innings over 16 starts, when he ruptured his left Achilles in late June. The 29-year-old is unlikely to be ready for the start of the 2026 season, but when he is, he'll be a candidate to join the back end of the Friars' starting rotation. Canning was able to find success with the Mets by using a cut fastball and avoiding the long ball for the most part. He'll be heading to a nice pitching environment at Petco Park, but he'll be a pretty big risk in deeper leagues because of his lengthy injury history.
Source: FanSided.com - Robert Murray
Source: FanSided.com - Robert Murray
Nick Castellanos Heading to the Padres
Free-agent outfielder Nick Castellanos is joining the San Diego Padres on a league-minimum MLB deal ($780,000), according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The Athletic's Dennis Lin reports that Castellanos is expected to make his first-base debut with the Padres while also seeing time in the outfield and at designated hitter. The Philadelphia Phillies will pay Castellanos the remainder of the $20 million he's owed for 2026 after they released him earlier this week. The 33-year-old former first-rounder has been declining at the plate in recent seasons, and he has also been one of the worst defensive outfielders in the game. He hit .250/.294/.400 with a .694 OPS, 17 home runs, 72 RBI, and 72 runs for the Phils last year in 147 regular-season games. Castellanos can still contribute, but Petco Park will be a ballpark downgrade, and he's unlikely to play every day anymore.
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Joey Gallo Throwing for Interested Teams
Free-agent Joey Gallo, who is making a full-time transition as a pitcher, is starting to throw for interested teams and has been working out in Florida, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Gallo was in spring training with the Chicago White Sox last year before being released after going 2-for-20 with 11 strikeouts at the plate in nine games. The 32-year-old veteran had two 40-homer seasons with the Texas Rangers back in 2017 and 2018 and had prodigious power in his prime, but he drastically fell off as a hitter in recent seasons and is now trying to make a comeback on the mound. In 2024 with the Washington Nationals, he hit just .161/.277/.336 with 10 home runs and 102 strikeouts in 76 games (260 plate appearances). Gallo's arm strength has always been elite, but he'll probably be a long shot to contribute at the major-league level as a pitcher.
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Colts to be Aggressive in Pursuit of Trey Hendrickson?
A Cincinnati Bengals team source told NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe that it seems inevitable that All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson (hip, pelvis) will leave this offseason. The Bengals could either let Hendrickson walk in free agency or slap the franchise tag on him and try to trade him. Wolfe says to keep an eye on the Indianapolis Colts. Indy wants to be aggressive, and they made the splash move to acquire cornerback Sauce Gardner from the Jets last season. Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and defensive-line coach Marion Hobby both have familiarity with Hendrickson from their time as coaches in Cincy for four-plus seasons. The 31-year-old pass-rusher had back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons in 2023 and 2024 but played only seven games in 2025 due to hip/pelvis injuries. Hendrickson would immediately make Indy's pass rush more formidable if he were to join them in free agency or via trade.
Source: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
Source: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
Travis Hunter to be "Full-Time Defensive Back, Part-Time Receiver" in 2026
Jacksonville Jaguars two-way player Travis Hunter (knee) is expected to be 100% healthy for Week 1 of the 2026 season this fall, according to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network, although his usage will change a lot. Hunter's rookie season ended early due to an LCL knee injury that required surgery, and he finished with 28 receptions for 298 yards and one touchdown on 45 targets in seven games played. Wolfe reports that the Jaguars plan to use the former Heisman Trophy winner as a full-time cornerback and part-time wide receiver in 2026. In 2025, Hunter played more than double his snaps on offense than as a defensive back. Jacksonville thinks Hunter can be an elite cornerback while also being an impact player on offense, although this news is going to drastically affect his fantasy value in a negative way entering Year 2.
Source: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
Source: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
Jason Adam Thinks he Could be Ready for Opening Day
San Diego Padres right-handed reliever Jason Adam (quadriceps) told 97.3 The Fan on Friday that he thinks he could be available for Opening Day in late March as he works his way back from a ruptured left quadriceps tendon that he suffered late last year. Adam has been throwing bullpen sessions, but he still has some boxes to check to prove that he can field his own position and move around. The most likely scenario is that the 34-year-old veteran will start the 2026 season on the injured list before making his season debut at some point in April. Before his injury, Adam was a key piece of SD's lights-out bullpen, posting a 1.93 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 70:25 K:BB in 65 1/3 innings out of the bullpen. His 29 holds ranked seventh among relievers. Adam's strikeout rate dipped a bit to 25.9%, which was his lowest mark since 2019. If he can stay healthy in 2026, Adam should be a great asset in holds leagues yet again.
Source: 97.3 The Fan
Source: 97.3 The Fan
Diamondbacks Re-Sign Zac Gallen
The Arizona Diamondbacks re-signed right-hander Zac Gallen for around $22 million on Friday night, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. He rejected Arizona's $22.025 million qualifying offer back in November, but he'll end up making around the same amount in 2026 as he looks to bounce back in a familiar environment. Gallen will return to the desert after the 30-year-old veteran had a career-high 4.83 ERA (4.50 FIP) and 1.26 WHIP with 175 strikeouts and 66 walks in 192 innings over 33 starts in his walk year in 2025. His 31 home runs were easily a career high as well. In addition to being much more hittable last year, Gallen's strikeout rate fell to a career-low 21.5%. Gallen's cutter and sinker, which he threw more of, were just not effective enough. He could rebound by keeping the ball in the yard more often, but there's also a good chance we've already seen peak Gallen.
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Zac Veen Overcomes Substance Abuse, Adds Muscle
Colorado Rockies outfield prospect Zac Veen finished his first MLB season at an unhealthy 202 pounds, but he's now at 245 pounds after adding muscle in the offseason, according to MLB.com's Thomas Harding. "Definitely one of the bigger, main things was sobering up," said Veen, 24. "I had a pretty big substance abuse problem for a few years. But I'm completely clean and sober." The former ninth overall pick in 2020 went 4-for-34 (.118) with 14 strikeouts in 37 plate appearances in his first 12 big-league games with the Rockies last year before being sent back to Triple-A Albuquerque. Johnny Goodrich, Veen's high-school coach, said his speed, leaping ability, and hitting exit velocities have improved with the added muscle. Veen is currently in an uphill battle to win an Opening Day roster spot, especially with the offseason addition of Jake McCarthy. He can be ignored in redraft leagues to start the year, but fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues shouldn't give up on him just yet.
Source: MLB.com - Thomas Harding
Source: MLB.com - Thomas Harding
Bryce Young Shows Signs of Progress in Encouraging 2025 Campaign
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young may never fully live up to his prospect pedigree as the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, the 24-year-old made definite strides in his third NFL season in 2025 and led Carolina to its first playoff berth since 2017. Across 16 games, Young completed 63.6% of his pass attempts for 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while also adding 216 yards and two scores as a rusher. While Young averaged a middling 6.3 yards per pass attempt for the season as a whole, that number improved to a much more respectable 7.2 yards per attempt over his final seven games played of the regular season. While the Panthers are reportedly not expected to push to sign Young to an extension this offseason, the team is likely to pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie contract after his successful 2025 campaign. As such, Young should have a bit more runway in Carolina to continue to develop and establish himself as the organization's long-term answer under center. Young is far from a high-end fantasy quarterback, but his stock in dynasty formats is moderately improved following his 2025 output.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Gunnar Helm in Line for Lead Tight End Role in Tennessee?
Across 16 games as a rookie in 2025, Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm recorded 44 receptions for 357 yards and two touchdowns on 55 targets. Helm spent the majority of the year splitting playing time with veteran Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo, which limited the production upside for both players. However, Okonkwo is now set to hit unrestricted free agency. If Tennessee chooses to move on from Okonkwo, Helm could be positioned to be the team's clear top tight end option in 2026 and beyond. Additionally, the Titans' overall offensive infrastructure could be on the rise as quarterback Cameron Ward (shoulder) continues to develop. Ward largely struggled as a rookie in 2025, but he threw eight touchdown passes and just one interception over his last four full games of the season. Helm may not carry superstar upside at the tight end position. Still, his rookie year production, combined with the improving situation around him in Tennessee, should be enough to have dynasty-league fantasy managers intrigued heading into 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Yohel Pozo Drops Significant Weight Heading into 2026 Season
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yohel Pozo announced on his X account that he has dropped 33 pounds since last season. The 28-year-old Venezuelan will be battling for a big-league roster spot in spring training after he hit .231/.262/.375 with a .637 OPS, five home runs, 19 RBI, and 16 runs scored in 67 games in his first year with the Cardinals last season. St. Louis non-tendered him in the offseason before he re-signed with the club on a split contract. Pozo is obviously in much better shape this year, but he still has plenty of work to do with Ivan Herrera (elbow) and Pedro Pages ahead of him on the catching depth chart. He'll also have to beat out Jimmy Crooks to avoid starting the year at Triple-A Memphis. Pozo's 2025 campaign started well with a .312 average and four homers in his first 38 games, but he went 8-for-67 in the second half and also missed time with a concussion. For now, fantasy managers can avoid Pozo in all formats.
Source: Yohel Pozo on X
Source: Yohel Pozo on X
Sandy Alcantara Adding a Sweeper
Miami Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara is adding a sweeper to his arsenal, which already consists of a four-seam fastball, sinker, cutter, slider, and changeup, according to Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald. In his first year back from Tommy John surgery in 2025, Alcantara went 11-12 with a career-worst 5.36 ERA (4.28 FIP), 1.27 WHIP, and 142:57 K:BB in 174 2/3 innings over 31 starts. The 30-year-old former Cy Young winner and two-time All-Star looked much better down the stretch, though, recording a 2.68 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, and 52:10 K:BB in 53 2/3 innings over his final eight starts. Alcantara was also able to return to his pre-injury velocity, a good sign going into his eighth year in the big leagues. He's not in the greatest situation in Miami to rack up wins, but Alcantara's finish to the 2025 campaign should inspire confidence that he can bounce back as a fantasy ace in 2026.
Source: Miami Herald - Jordan McPherson
Source: Miami Herald - Jordan McPherson
Jack Bech's Dynasty Stock Trending Downward After Underwhelming Rookie Season
A second-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech was viewed as a potential breakout candidate heading into his rookie season. However, the 23-year-old struggled in his first NFL campaign, hauling in just 20 receptions for 224 yards and zero touchdowns on 29 targets across 16 games played. On the bright side, Bech was more productive down the stretch of the season, after Las Vegas traded away veteran wideout Jakobi Meyers at the trade deadline. Across his last five games of 2025, Bech recorded 12 catches for 132 yards on 17 targets. Outside of star tight end Brock Bowers and any possible 2026 draft day additions, no dominant pass-catchers are standing in the way of Bech earning more playing time and targets. The Raiders may also have a talent infusion under center, as Las Vegas is widely expected to take Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the number one overall selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. Still, Bech did little as a rookie to establish himself as an up-and-coming star, and his fantasy stock in dynasty leagues is trending downward after his underwhelming rookie season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Riley Minix Signs Two-Way Deal With Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed forward Riley Minix to a two-way contract on Friday, according to Michael Scotto. Minix began the season on a two-way deal with the San Antonio Spurs. He made three appearances with the team before being waived in December. The Cavs have decided to give the 25-year-old a chance after he posted impressive numbers in the G-League. Minix averaged 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 32.3 minutes in the G-League. He probably won't see much time in Cleveland, but is depth in case injuries start to pile up. For now, Minix isn't someone to bother rostering in fantasy formats.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Nate Pearson Coming Off Offseason Elbow Surgery
Houston Astros right-hander Nate Pearson (elbow) had a cleanup surgery on his right elbow in the offseason, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Pearson was scheduled to throw a bullpen session in camp on Friday, though, and appears to be just fine for the start of the 2026 season with his new team. The 29-year-old signed a one-year, $1.35 million contract with Houston in the offseason. Pearson has primarily been a reliever since 2021, but the Astros are going to stretch him out as a starter this spring. The former first-rounder by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2017 out of the College of Central Florida has a career ERA over 5.00 in five major-league seasons, and he allowed 15 earned runs with 10 walks and seven strikeouts in just 14 2/3 relief frames for the Cubbies in 2025. The hard-throwing right-hander was once one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball, but he just has not lived up to expectations. Fantasy managers will want to take a wait-and-see approach with Pearson in his return to a starting role.
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Jalen Hurts Looking to Bounce Back After 2025 Decline in Rushing Production
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has accomplished a lot in his NFL career to this point as both a real-life player and a fantasy QB. However, 2025 was a frustrating season in many respects. Across 16 games, the 27-year-old completed 64.8% of his pass attempts for 3,224 yards, 25 touchdowns, and six interceptions while averaging a career-low 7.1 yards per pass attempt. While Hurts still provided well-above-average production with his legs, his rushing production dipped in comparison to his career norms. After four straight seasons with at least 600 rushing yards and double-digit rushing touchdowns, Hurts totaled 421 yards and eight scores as a rusher in 2025. The Eagles will have a different play-caller in 2026, as the team brought in former Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach Sean Mannion in place of former offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. While the coaching change could help Hurts, the Eagles may be looking to trade away star wide receiver A.J. Brown after Brown publicly voiced his displeasure with the team at points throughout 2025. Hurts remains a quality dual-threat fantasy quarterback, but his long-term dynasty stock may be fading if his rushing production is slowing down.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Luka Doncic Likely Available for All-Star Game
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) is on track to play during Sunday's All-Star Game, according to Marc Stein. He's expected to play a short stint in the game after missing the final four games ahead of the break due to a lingering hamstring injury. Doncic reportedly looked good during a recent workout and should be available for his exhibition, barring any setbacks. His role is unlikely to be significant, but basketball fans will be happy to see Doncic involved in any capacity. The fact that he's almost certainly going to play on Sunday should mean that Doncic will play during the first game after the break.
Source: Marc Stein
Source: Marc Stein
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