February 28, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals first baseman/outfielder
Alec Burleson had a rock-solid season in 2025, hitting .290/.343/.459 with 18 home runs, 69 RBI, 54 runs scored, and five stolen bases across 546 plate appearances. The 27-year-old upped his barrel rate from 6.5% in 2024 to 9.8% in 2025 while still limiting his swing-and-miss and posting a 14.5% strikeout rate. The lefty-swinging Burleson has been limited to big-side platoon duties at certain points in his Cardinals' tenure, but that does not appear as though it will be an issue in 2026. St. Louis traded veteran first baseman
Willson Contreras to the Boston Red Sox over the offseason, opening the door for everyday first base duties to Burleson. Burleson's underlying power metrics are more good than great, so he may not provide fantasy managers with 30-home run power. However, he's a good bet to be one of the better batting average assets at his position and could be a player worth targeting in the middle rounds of drafts heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 28, 2026
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher
Luis Castillo has long been one of MLB's most durable and reliable right-handers. The 33-year-old started to show some signs of decline in 2025, but still posted solid numbers overall. Across 180 2/3 innings (32 starts), Castillo posted an 11-8 record with a 3.54 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts. Castillo's 21.7% strikeout rate was by far the lowest of his career, and he also allowed the highest barrel (10.4%) and hard-hit (46.4%) of his nine-year MLB tenure. Castillo has the benefit of making his home starts in one of the game's most pitcher-friendly environments in Seattle. In 2025, he posted a 2.60 ERA and 0.97 WHIP across 100 1/3 innings at home compared to a 4.71 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in 80 1/3 innings on the road. Castillo's days of being a high-end fantasy starting pitcher are likely behind him, but he's still a savvy veteran who should be usable in all of his home starts. He checks in as RotoBaller's SP49 heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 28, 2026
Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith writes that a best-case scenario for Toronto Blue Jays right-hander
Trey Yesavage is to "have him ready to pitch five-plus innings when the season begins," according to manager John Schneider. The Jays will ramp Yesavage up deliberately, which could mean that he's only going three to four innings to start the 2026 regular season. Nicholson-Smith reports that Yesavage will ramp up in Toronto's starting rotation and not at Triple-A Buffalo. The 22-year-old is one of the top arms in baseball and debuted to plenty of fanfare in 2025, posting a 3.21 ERA with 16 K's in 14 innings over his first three regular-season starts. In 27 2/3 postseason innings, he had a 3.58 ERA with 39 strikeouts and 11 walks, including a 12-K performance in the World Series against L.A. Yesavage threw 139 2/3 frames in 2025 after throwing 93 1/3 innings in college the year prior. The 22-year-old's control needs to improve, but he has as much upside as any young starter once he's fully stretched out.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sportsnet - Ben Nicholson-Smith
February 28, 2026
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon stopped 27 of 29 shots on goal in Friday's 3-2 victory against the Panthers. Lyon was excellent throughout the contest in his first start since the Olympic break, with the second Panthers goal coming with just 33 seconds remaining in the game after Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin put the puck into his own net. Lyon has enjoyed a career-best season with a record of 14-8-3 to go along with two shutouts, a 2.69 goals-against average, and a .913 save percentage through 28 appearances.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
February 28, 2026
Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (lower body) will likely be unavailable for more than two weeks, according to head coach Glen Gulutzan. Rantanen suffered a lower-body injury at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games while representing Finland, with the injury taking place in the semifinal game versus Canada. Rantanen's injury will have an impact on the Stars' offensive production, as the star forward has totaled 20 goals and a team-high 69 points through 54 games.
--Marko23Source: Robert Tiffin
February 28, 2026
The New England Patriots "have explored trade talks" involving Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver
A.J. Brown, but they feel the current asking price is "unserious," a source told Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald. The return could be a step above what the Seattle Seahawks received when they traded receiver
DK Metcalf and a sixth-rounder to the Pittsburgh Steelers last offseason for a second-rounder (52nd overall) and a seventh-rounder. Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said that the team would be willing to trade their first-round pick "in the right situation." New England is looking to add more offensive firepower to help quarterback
Drake Maye, and they could be forced to cut top wideout
Stefon Diggs for salary cap reasons. Brown was unhappy with his role in Philly's offense in 2025, but he still managed to reach 1,000 receiving yards for the fourth straight season while also scoring seven times. Brown is familiar with head coach Mike Vrabel from their time together in Tennessee, and he's been public about his lifelong fandom of the Patriots. There is some smoke here, so stay tuned.
--Keith HernandezSource: Boston Herald - Andrew Callahan
February 28, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander
Shane Bieber (forearm) is still throwing at 120 feet in camp, but he has yet to throw off a mound, manager John Schneider told MLB.com's Keegan Matheson. Everything appears to be going according to plan, but Matheson writes that it's hard to chart out any sort of timeline for Bieber's return until he throws a real bullpen session for the first time. The 30-year-old former American League Cy Young winner pitched through right-forearm fatigue during last year's run to the World Series, so the Blue Jays are slow-playing him this spring, and it's already been announced that he'll open the 2026 campaign on the injured list. We should have a better idea of his timetable once he starts throwing off the mound in the next two weeks. Bieber didn't debut in 2025 until August while recovering from Tommy John surgery, but he pitched well when he returned and was an asset in the postseason. Fantasy managers should not be counting on him to return to ace form, but he's worth stashing in an IL spot in deep-mixed leagues for rotation depth.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
February 28, 2026
Los Angeles Angels outfielder
Josh Lowe (oblique) has been shut down for a few days because of his oblique, according to Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register. It's an injury that has bothered Lowe for the past two years. Manager Kurt Suzuki said the team is "going to give him a few more days to be cautious." The 28-year-old missed time with the Tampa Bay Rays each of the last two seasons due to oblique injuries, so it's not a great sign that he's still bothered by it this spring. The former 13th overall pick in 2016 has never been able to reach his full potential in the big leagues due to injuries, but if he can stay healthy, he's an outfielder sleeper in deeper fantasy leagues because of his power/speed upside. Lowe will need to stay healthy and figure out a way to improve against left-handers, though. He has yet to play in more than 135 games in a season, and he hit .220/.283/.366 with a .650 OPS, 11 home runs, 40 RBI, 56 runs, and 18 steals in 108 games in Tampa last year.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Orange County Register - Jeff Fletcher
February 28, 2026
The Kansas City Royals are talking to free-agent outfielder/designated hitter
Starling Marte about a possible deal, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. If Marte were to land in Kansas City, he'd be a right-handed option in the outfield to face left-handers and give either
Jac Caglianone or
Kyle Isbel a day off. The 37-year-old Dominican veteran is better suited to be a full-time designated hitter at this point in his career, though. Injuries have been an issue for Marte, who is nearing the end of what has been a very successful 14-year career in the big leagues. Marte hasn't played over 98 games in each of the last three seasons with the Mets, although he was an All-Star for the second time in his career in 2022. He has always made a lot of contact and has six seasons of 30-plus steals, but he can't be counted on for much power or speed at this point in his career with limited playing time.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Jon Heyman
February 28, 2026
Boston Red Sox outfielders
Roman Anthony and
Ceddanne Rafaela had a scary moment on Friday when they collided in the outfield during the Grapefruit League game against the Atlanta Braves, but the two outfielders both ended up staying in the game. They are back in action on Saturday versus the Minnesota Twins, an excellent sign for Boston. Anthony, who was the top prospect in baseball at this time last year, will join Team USA soon for the World Baseball Classic. The 21-year-old has gone 3-for-16 at the plate with a double and four strikeouts so far in Grapefruit League play. He is set to be Boston's leadoff hitter in his first full year in the big leagues. Anthony looked the part in 257 at-bats in 2025, hitting .292/.396/.463 with eight homers and 32 RBI. He can be a top-10 fantasy outfielder in 2026. Rafaela, 25, is another rising Red Sox outfielder who already has two homers this spring. He's ranked as RotoBaller's No. 37 fantasy outfielder.
--Keith HernandezSource: Boston Red Sox
February 28, 2026
Houston Astros infielder
Isaac Paredes (hamstring) is making his Grapefruit League debut on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, serving as the designated hitter and batting second, according to Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. Paredes has been a trade candidate going into the 2026 season, since the Astros have
Carlos Correa locked in as the starter at third and
Jose Altuve returning to second base on a more full-time basis. The 27-year-old remains in Houston, though, perhaps because teams are wary about his durability after he missed two months in 2025 with a hamstring tear. Paredes has recovered from the hamstring injury, but his fantasy value remains in limbo with questions about his playing time. Second base may ultimately be his best path to at-bats if he stays with the Astros, but even then, he wouldn't profile as an everyday player. A trade out of town before Opening Day is still Paredes' best path to fantasy value in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
February 28, 2026
Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said on Saturday that third baseman
Josh Jung (adductor) has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 adductor strain, according to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. Jung will be down for about 10 days in camp. Originally, the belief was that Jung would be able to return to Cactus League action this weekend after being scratched from the spring training lineup the other day. After imaging, the Rangers have opted to take the more cautious route and shut the oft-injured Jung down for at least 10 days. The former eighth overall pick in 2019 out of Texas Tech University has intriguing power and was an All-Star in 2023 (the year the Rangers won the World Series), but he just hasn't been able to stay on the field enough to be considered a legitimate starting third baseman in fantasy. Jung's availability for Opening Day is now up in the air, making him more of a risk as a corner-infield depth in upcoming fantasy drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
February 28, 2026
Baltimore Orioles infielder
Jackson Holliday (hand) said he has started throwing a baseball again after having his broken hamate bone removed from his right hand, according to Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. Holliday is scheduled to begin swinging a bat on Thursday as part of a steady buildup. The 22-year-old had the stitches removed from his surgically repaired hand earlier this week and was also cleared for fielding and one-handed swings. The Orioles will continue to slowly build him back up this spring, but he will open the 2026 regular season on the injured list. Barring a setback, Holliday should be ready to go by mid-April. Holliday is an ascending young second baseman, but fantasy managers have to wonder if his hand injury will sap him of some power early this year. The former first overall pick in 2022 showed improvement in his first full big-league season in 2025, hitting .242/.314/.375 with a .690 OPS, 17 homers, 55 RBI, 70 runs, and 17 steals in 149 games played.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Baltimore Banner - Andy Kostka
February 28, 2026
Miami Marlins outfielder
Kyle Stowers (hamstring) has been scratched from the team's Grapefruit League lineup on Saturday due to hamstring tightness, and he will undergo imaging, according to Christina De Nicola of MLB.com. Until we know more about the severity of Stowers' hamstring injury, he'll be considered day-to-day. If the 28-year-old suffered a strained hammy, his availability for Opening Day in late March could be in jeopardy. The left-handed-hitting outfielder broke out in 2025 and was an All-Star for the first time in his career in his fourth year in the league, slashing .288/.368/.544 with a .912 OPS, 25 home runs, 73 RBI, 61 runs scored, and five stolen bases in 457 plate appearances over 117 games played. Stowers has dealt with injuries in the past and has also struggled at times to make contact, but his batted-ball metrics show a hitter on the rise. As long as his injury doesn't cause him to miss significant time to begin the 2026 season, Stowers is a fine No. 3 outfield target in fantasy drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
February 28, 2026
New Orleans Saints running back
Alvin Kamara had his 2025 season cut short due to a knee sprain suffered during Week 12. Before his injury, Kamara was already performing below fantasy managers' expectations with just one touchdown and a career-low 3.6 yards per carry. Most notably, Kamara's targets per game dropped to an average of 3.5 compared to 6.7 and 6.4 targets in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The veteran running back also had a 19.1% missed tackle rate this season, his lowest since at least 2018. Kamara is still under contract for the 2026 season, and his cap hit is expected to rise, making him a prime candidate for restructuring. If he suits up as a Saint in 2026, Kamara profiles as a low-end RB2, buoyed mainly by name recognition, due to his drop in efficiency and decline in passing game involvement.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN
February 28, 2026
New York Giants running back
Tyrone Tracy Jr. may be on the outside looking in during the 2026 season. The team expects fellow running back
Cam Skattebo (ankle) to make a full recovery by Week 1, and may target other backs in free agency or the NFL draft. Tracy was unable to replicate his electric rookie season during his sophomore year and lost playing time, seeing just 31.5% of offensive snaps until Skattebo's season-ending injury in Week 8. Starting in Week 9, his playtime nearly doubled to 61.9% of team snaps, and Tracy did have two RB1 performances, including a career-high 24.7 PPR points against the Washington Commanders during the fantasy playoffs in Week 15. Tracy is a young, talented back who has demonstrated his RB1 ability, but his dynasty value could plummet this offseason if he drops further down the depth chart.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN
February 28, 2026
The Dallas Cowboys will restructure quarterback
Dak Prescott's contract heading into the 2026 season, according to sources of ESPN's Adam Schefter. Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones intends to be "aggressive in free agency" this offseason. Dallas has already made other moves on the offense by placing a non-exclusive franchise tag on wide receiver
George Pickens on Friday and signing running back
Javonte Williams to a three-year extension earlier this week. In the 2025 season, Prescott had a career-high 4,552 passing yards and led the league with his 404 completions. Dallas is making a concerted effort to keep Prescott's weapons going into 2026, making the 32-year-old play-caller a viable option for those looking for value in late-round quarterbacks.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN.com – Adam Schefter
February 28, 2026
Sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter that the Dallas Cowboys will restructure wide receiver
CeeDee Lamb's contract. This news comes on the heels of the team's decision on Friday to place the non-exclusive franchise tag on fellow wide receiver
George Pickens, who is expected to seek a long-term deal with Dallas. Lamb missed three games in 2025 due to injuries and had a disappointing end to the season in Weeks 16 through 18, but finished just inside the top 20 for the year. Playing on the opposite side of Pickens in 2025, Lamb saw a 23% target share, which is a slight drop from his 28% average since 2022. The 26-year-old receiver is still the lead pass catcher in Dallas and is a bona fide WR1 on an offense that has proven its ability to sustain two top wide-outs.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN.com – Adam Schefter
February 28, 2026
At the NFL Combine on Thursday, sources told Jenna Laine of ESPN that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will "aggressively pursue" attempts to re-sign wide receiver
Mike Evans ahead of the 2026 season. The 32-year-old pass catcher played in a career-low eight games in 2025 due to collarbone and hamstring injuries, and was unable to extend his streak of 1,000-yard seasons to 12. When active and healthy in Weeks 1 through 3 and 15 through 18, however, Evans was quarterback
Baker Mayfield's preferred target, averaging eight targets and 39% air yards share per game. If Evans does return to Tampa, he profiles as a low-end WR2 due to his target volume and the likelihood that he will lead a packed wide receiver room.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN.com – Jenna Laine
February 28, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward
Deni Avdija (back) is listed as doubtful for Saturday's game against the Hornets and is tracking toward a third straight absence. His 29.0 usage rate leaves a sizable offensive gap. In Thursday's win over Chicago,
Kris Murray started and logged 28 minutes with 10 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while
Jerami Grant posted 27 points with three triples in 35 minutes. Murray is a viable short-term streamer for minutes and modest across-the-board production, while Grant carries a higher scoring ceiling if Avdija remains sidelined.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 28, 2026
Free agent guard
Tyus Jones is expected to be released by the Dallas Mavericks before the March 1 deadline, allowing him to pursue a roster spot with a contender. The 29-year-old moved multiple times before landing in Dallas and saw limited action, appearing in eight games with two starts. In that stretch, he averaged 3.9 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 16.6 minutes. Jones should attract interest from playoff teams seeking steady point guard depth. His departure could open additional runs for
Brandon Williams and create flexibility for Dallas to elevate
Ryan Nembhard.
--Brian DailisanSource: Brett Siegel
February 28, 2026
Free agent guard
Cole Anthony was released by the Phoenix Suns on Friday after being acquired at the trade deadline and never suiting up for the team. The 25-year-old logged 35 games this season, averaging 6.7 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.5 rebounds in 15.0 minutes, but struggled to carve out a steady role. Anthony has shown flashes as a scoring spark and secondary playmaker in past stops, which should generate interest from guard-needy teams. For fantasy managers, he is off the radar in standard leagues but is worth monitoring if he lands in a situation with an immediate backcourt opportunity.
--Brian DailisanSource: Shams Charania
February 28, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard
Quenton Jackson had his two-way agreement converted to a three-year standard deal Friday. The 27-year-old is in his third season with Indiana and has steadily grown from a little-used two-way guard into a trusted reserve ball handler. His athleticism and ability to pressure the paint have made him a natural fit in the Pacers' up-tempo system, and he has also knocked down 39.5 percent of his 114 three-point attempts over the past two seasons. That progression ultimately earned him a standard three-year deal. Over his last four games, Jackson is averaging 15.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 26.2 minutes with 1.5 triples, carving out a meaningful role on a 15-45 squad. He is more of a watchlist option for now, but his value would climb quickly in deeper leagues if regular starters are sidelined.
--Brian DailisanSource: Shams Charania
February 28, 2026
San Antonio Spurs center
Mason Plumlee is signing a deal to remain with the team for the remainder of the season. The veteran big man finished a recent 10-day agreement without appearing in a game and now profiles strictly as frontcourt insurance. With
Victor Wembanyama logging 32 minutes and
Luke Kornet handling backup duties, Plumlee is unlikely to enter the rotation barring injury. He can be ignored in standard formats, while Wembanyama and Kornet retain stable roles.
--Brian DailisanSource: Shams Charania
February 28, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Devin Booker (hip) is trending toward a return Tuesday in Sacramento or Thursday against Chicago after missing four straight games with a right hip strain. The All-Star has appeared sparingly since late January and is likely to face some form of minutes management once cleared. In 44 games, Booker is averaging 24.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists in 33.0 minutes with a 31.5 usage rate. His return would cut into
Collin Gillespie and
Jamaree Bouyea's workloads while easing pressure off
Jalen Green as a primary scorer. Booker remains a firm hold in all formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: John Gambadoro
February 28, 2026
Sacramento Kings forward
Keegan Murray (ankle) aggravated his sprained left ankle during Wednesday's loss to the Rockets and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. Sacramento will likely play the long game with him, so his fantasy return hinges on how the ankle responds over the next couple of weeks in rehab. Murray averages 34.5 minutes with an 18.3 usage rate, leaving a clear void on the wing.
Nique Clifford logged 39 minutes with 13 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in his last start and profiles as the top short-term add.
Daeqwon Plowden and
Malik Monk also gain streaming appeal in deeper formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Matt George
February 28, 2026
Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers (not injury-related) is unlikely to play on Saturday against the Seattle Kraken, Patrick Johnston of The Province reports. He will miss a second consecutive contest as Myers continues to be linked to a trade. The Detroit Red Wings and Dallas Stars reportedly have interest in Myers, who has a full no-movement clause in his contract. Due to his limited offensive skills, Myers has minimal fantasy value, but he boasts 17 years of NHL experience and is a physical force. In 57 games this season, Myers has recorded eight points (one goal, seven assists), 71 shots, 91 blocks, and 65 hits.
--Taavi PailkSource: Patrick Johnston
February 28, 2026
New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (shoulder) could be activated from long-term Injured Reserve ahead of Saturday's encounter with the St. Louis Blues. The talented blue-liner has missed 10 games with a shoulder injury. Hughes has managed 26 points (five goals, 21 assists) with 104 shots in 49 contests this season. Johnathan Kovacevic has played regularly during Hughes' absence and could come out of the lineup against St. Louis. The Blues allow the fourth-most goals in the league and struggle on the penalty kill, making Saturday's game an attractive fantasy matchup for Hughes.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 28, 2026
St. Louis Blues center Oskar Sundqvist (upper body) is an option for Saturday's contest against the New Jersey Devils, Lou Korac of NHL.com reports. The Swedish forward underwent surgery during the Olympic break and wasn't available for Thursday's matchup with the Seattle Kraken. In 43 outings this season, Sundqvist has registered 14 points (four goals, 10 assists), 34 shots, and 53 hits. He is likely to fill a bottom-six role if he returns on Saturday, limiting Sundqvist's fantasy appeal.
--Taavi PailkSource: Lou Korac
February 28, 2026
Florida Panthers defenseman Uvis Balinskis (undisclosed) was unable to finish Friday's 3-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. He exited the game with an undisclosed injury in the second period, finishing with 8:38 of ice time. Balinskis recorded two shots and one block in the contest. The team plans to evaluate Balinskis on Saturday. The Latvian blue-liner has logged 14 points (five goals, nine assists), 61 shots, 37 blocks, and 63 hits in 50 outings across the season. If Balinskis can't suit up on Sunday against the New York Islanders, the Panthers will likely turn to Tobias Bjornfot to fill in for him.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
RADIO
