March 14, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher
Merrill Kelly (back) expects to open the regular season on the injured list, according to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. Kelly experienced back discomfort on February 21, and while he was able to throw 1.2 innings in a Cactus League game this past Friday, it sounds like he won't be in the Snakes' rotation on Opening Day. On one hand, it's unfortunate news for the Diamondbacks and Kelly, who was projected to be the Opening Day starter after posting an impressive 3.76 FIP with 3.48 K/BB last year. On the other hand, Gilbert notes that the Diamondbacks can backdate Kelly's IL placement to three days before Opening Day, so he'd only miss the first 12 days of regular-season action. All things considered, that's just a few starts and should be enough to ensure he's fully healthy for a long season. Managers can afford to be a little patient with Kelly if it means that he'll be at peak health and productivity going forward. He currently ranks as the #72 starter in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 14, 2026
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa said he expects Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander
Paul Skenes' pitch limit to be around 75 to 80 pitches for the World Baseball Classic semifinals on Sunday against the Dominican Republic, according to Rowan Kavner of FOX Sports. It will be a high-intensity, difficult matchup for Skenes before the 2026 regular season even begins. The 23-year-old former first overall pick in 2023 out of LSU is already one of the top big-league pitchers as he heads into his third MLB campaign. Skenes was as advertised with a quick rise to the big leagues, earning National League Rookie of the Year honors in 2024 and winning the NL Cy Young in his second season last year. He led the big leagues in ERA (1.97), FIP (2.36), WHIP (0.95), and home runs allowed per nine innings (0.5) while throwing 187 2/3 innings over 32 starts last year. Skenes has all the ingredients needed to finish as the overall SP1 in fantasy baseball when all is said and done in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Rowan Kavner
March 14, 2026
Free agent wide receiver
Christian Kirk is coming off the least productive season of his career in 2025, as he hauled in 28 receptions for 239 yards and a touchdown on 52 targets across 13 games with the Houston Texans. The 29-year-old was able to provide impressive production in the postseason, recording 10 catches for 164 yards and a touchdown on 15 targets across two contests. Still, Kirk has now recorded just two combined touchdown grabs over the past two regular seasons and has logged back-to-back years with fewer than 30 receptions. He's also had his struggles staying on the field in recent years, missing 18 games over the past three seasons. While Kirk should eventually find a home for 2026, it seems unlikely that he will be counted on to play a significant role in any team's passing game as he enters his age-30 season. Kirk's fantasy value in dynasty formats is fading after his production decline in 2025.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 14, 2026
Texas Rangers first baseman
Jake Burger had an uncharacteristically poor year at the plate in 2025, but a strong performance this spring has sparked some optimism about his outlook for 2026. Through 103 games last year -- his first in Texas -- Burger slashed .236/.269/.419 with 16 home runs, a 3.2 walk rate, and a 24.7% strikeout rate. He amassed a career-low 89 wRC+ and, for the first time in his career, produced negative fWAR at the plate and in the field. This spring, however, his slash line is up to .355/.429/.645 with an 11.4% walk rate and 180 wRC+, and he has slugged three home runs in 35 plate appearances. We shouldn't invest too much stock into spring stats, but it's refreshing to see that his home run and walk rates have improved in Grapefruit League play, even if some of the pitchers he's facing aren't MLB-caliber arms. Managers should be optimistic that Burger, who launched 63 home runs between 2023 and 2024, might be able to mash around 20-25 homers this upcoming season, even though the Rangers' park is very pitcher-friendly.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 14, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman
Brandon Lowe (back) is starting at second base and batting second on Saturday in the Grapefruit League game against the Baltimore Orioles. Lowe was scratched as a precaution from Wednesday's spring training game, but the 31-year-old veteran is back on the field this weekend as he prepares to start his first season in Pittsburgh. The Tampa Bay Rays sent the left-handed-hitting second baseman to the Steel City in December as part of a three-team deal. Lowe will give the Bucs more power upside at the keystone in 2026, and he's coming off his second All-Star season in 2025, in which he slashed .256/.307/.477 with 31 home runs, 83 RBI, 79 runs, and three steals in 553 plate appearances over 134 games played. He'll be the team's everyday second baseman, and he offers 30-homer potential despite carrying plenty of risk and a low batting-average floor. Right now, RotoBaller has Lowe ranked just inside the top 15 fantasy second basemen for the 2026 campaign.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pittsburgh Pirates
March 14, 2026
The Green Bay Packers are a "team to monitor" regarding Indianapolis Colts quarterback
Anthony Richardson Sr., per ESPN's Stephen Holder. Holder reports that no deal is imminent, but that Richardson Sr. is known to be available via trade. The former number four overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft lost his starting role to
Daniel Jones (Achilles) heading into the 2025 season, and the Colts recently re-signed Jones to a lucrative new contract. The Packers have
Jordan Love firmly in place as their QB1 of both the present and the future. However, Green Bay recently lost former backup quarterback
Malik Willis, who signed with the Miami Dolphins in free agency. Richardson Sr. owns a similar dual-threat profile to Willis, so the Packers could be viewing him in a similar mold. Based on the job Green Bay did to rehab Willis after he flamed out with the Tennessee Titans, a trade to the Packers might be the best-case scenario for Richardson Sr.'s long-term outlook.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Stephen Holder
March 14, 2026
The Toronto Blue Jays announced on Saturday that right-hander
Kevin Gausman will be their Opening Day starter in 2026. Gausman is going into his fifth year with the Blue Jays. He's been their ace all along and was an All-Star for the second time back in 2023. The 35-year-old veteran went 10-11 last year with a 3.59 ERA (3.41 FIP), 1.06 WHIP, and 189:50 K: BB in a career-high 193 innings over 32 starts. Not only has Gausman been a solid fantasy starter in his time in Toronto, but he's been reliable, making at least 31 starts in five straight seasons with a 3.34 ERA and 1.15 WHIP during that span. RotoBaller has Gausman ranked as its No. 27 fantasy starting pitcher because of his pedigree and durability through the year. We know Gausman has a high fantasy floor and elite command of the baseball when pitching, but there is inherent risk in going with a pitcher near the end of his career as your No. 2 or 3 arm. Gausman will face an up-and-coming young Athletics lineup on Opening Day on March 27.
--Keith HernandezSource: Toronto Blue Jays
March 14, 2026
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher
Chase Burns is fully healthy as the 2026 MLB regular season approaches, according to manager Terry Francona. Burns threw a limited pitch count during spring training action on Friday, but Francona explained that the reduced workload was a result of him "working through some of his routines and stuff." Burns reportedly put in plenty of work over five days leading up to his spring training appearance, which led to a shorter outing on Friday. He could experience similar workload management during the regular season, with Charlie Goldsmith of FOX19 speculating that Burns might not consistently approach 100 pitches during his starts this year. Nevertheless, the Reds are confident that Burns is healthy and will be a staple in their starting rotation throughout the regular season. He's trending upward after a 2025 rookie campaign in which he posted a fantastic 2.65 FIP with 13.92 K/9 and 3.32 BB/9.
--Andersen PickardSource: Charlie Goldsmith
March 14, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers tight end
Oronde Gadsden emerged as an exciting young pass-catcher as a rookie in 2025, recording 49 receptions for 664 yards and three touchdowns on 69 targets across 15 games. The 22-year-old established himself as the Chargers' primary receiving tight end by the middle of the season, pushing out veteran tight end
Tyler Conklin. Conklin departed Los Angeles for the Detroit Lions in free agency, further clearing the way for Gadsden to dominate tight end snaps in 2026. Los Angeles signed former Baltimore Ravens tight end
Charlie Kolar for some depth at the position, but Kolar profiles as a blocking specialist with just 30 total receptions across 47 career NFL games. Based on what he showed as a rookie, Gadsden could easily grow into a high-volume role in the Los Angeles offense. His stock in dynasty formats should be rising heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 14, 2026
Miami Marlins outfielder
Kyle Stowers (hamstring) is back in the team's Grapefruit League lineup on Saturday against the St. Louis Cardinals, playing left field and hitting leadoff. Stowers will finally return to game action after missing the last two weeks with a strained right hamstring. Hopefully, the 28-year-old can get back in the swing of things over the next two weeks and hit the ground running for Opening Day later this month. The young left-handed-hitting outfielder is looking for an encore in 2026 after slashing .288/.386/.544 with a .912 OPS, 25 home runs, 73 RBI, 61 runs scored, and five stolen bases in 117 games in his first full season in South Beach. Stowers broke out in his fourth year in the big leagues and was named an All-Star for the first time in his career. Durability is definitely a concern, but when healthy, his 30-homer power potential makes him a high-upside No. 3/4 outfield target in fantasy drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: Miami Marlins
March 14, 2026
Athletics designated hitter
Brent Rooker has continued to produce impressive stats at the plate this spring training, headlined by four home runs through just 35 plate appearances. The 31-year-old has turned into one of MLB's most impressive power hitters, producing 30 homers in each of the last three seasons, so we shouldn't be too surprised by his power output so far. Nevertheless, it's encouraging to see him mix in other base hits amid the home runs, as he owns a .324/.343/.765 slash line during Cactus League play. The biggest red flag for Rooker this spring has been his discipline numbers. He currently owns a 2.9% walk rate and a 31.4% strikeout rate, neither of which will be acceptable during the regular season. We expect power hitters to have above-average strikeout rates, but ideally, Rooker will get back down to last year's walk and strikeout rates of 9.3% and 22.2%, respectively. Volatility is common during spring training, so managers should expect Rookier's discipline numbers to improve while maintaining his power when the regular season arrives.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 14, 2026
Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher
Hunter Gaddis (forearm) threw a 15-pitch bullpen session on Thursday as he recovers from right forearm tightness. Gaddis hasn't appeared in a spring training game since February 27, and it's unclear whether he'll be able to face opposing batters again before Cactus League action concludes. The Guardians will certainly be smart with his recovery, especially since Gaddis is a pivotal part of their bullpen. He tossed 66.2 innings last year, amassing a 3.50 FIP with 9.86 K/9 and 2.84 BB/9. We could even see him pick up some more saves this season with
Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz on non-disciplinary leave, but for now, the primary closer role belongs to
Cade Smith. At the moment, Gaddis lacks fantasy appeal, slotting in as the #83 reliever in RotoBaller's latest rankings.
--Andersen PickardSource: Guardians Prospective
March 14, 2026
The Washington Commanders agreed with former Cleveland Browns running back
Jerome Ford on an undisclosed one-year deal on Saturday, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Ford will head to the NFC East after spending the first four years of his career playing in Cleveland, where he averaged 4.3 yards per carry for 1,463 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 340 carries over 57 games (18 starts). The 26-year-old played in a career-low 13 games for the Browns in 2025 and had just 24 rushing attempts for 73 yards and no touchdowns while adding 26 catches for 103 yards through the air on 32 targets. The former fifth-rounder in 2022 out of Cincinnati will now join a Washington backfield that also features
Jacory Croskey-Merritt and
Rachaad White. Ford is likely to serve in a rotational RB3 role yet again in 2026 behind JCM and White, leaving him very little fantasy appeal to those in very deep leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
March 14, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop
Jordan Lawlar has put together a very impressive spring training at the plate, sparking optimism about his outlook for the 2026 regular season. Lawlar produced a measly .182/.257/.288 slash line with zero home runs and a 35.1% strikeout rate in the majors last year. This spring, however, he seems to have turned a corner with a .323/.432/.742 slash line, four home runs, 199 wRC+, a 16.2% walk rate, and a 27.0% strikeout rate. We don't want to put too much stock into spring training stats due to sample size and matchup factors, but it's encouraging nonetheless, especially for a player who attracted so much hype as a prep first-round pick back in 2021. Fantasy managers should also be intrigued by the fact that Lawlar has spent plenty of time in center field this spring, and he's looked good there. If the Diamondbacks are willing to introduce a position change just to get him in the lineup, that's an encouraging sign that the team is very excited about his bat in 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 14, 2026
The San Francisco 49ers did a simple restructure on All-Pro pass-rusher Nick Bosa's contract on Saturday, clearing $17.172 million in salary cap space for this year, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Bosa is still due $23.18 million this year, but his 2027 camp number is now a whopping $54,866,753. The Niners are clearly prioritizing winning now over long-term cap relief. The 28-year-old defensive end only played in three games in 2025 in his seventh year in the league due to a torn ACL that he suffered in late September. The 49ers are hopeful that the five-time Pro Bowler will be back in time for training camp this summer. Bosa's health will be crucial in determining whether the Niners' defense can bounce back in 2026. Before his torn ACL last year, he had 17 tackles (nine solo) and two sacks. Injuries have been an issue for him in his career, but if Bosa is healthy, he's one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL. He has 64.5 sacks in 85 regular-season games (83 starts).
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
March 14, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop
Konnor Griffin has endured an up-and-down spring at the plate, but his power production so far has been quite impressive. Griffin owns a .200/.273/.533 slash line in Grapefruit League play, accruing a 0.0% walk rate and 24.2% strikeout rate. The latter two numbers are concerning, but it's been a small sample size, and we anticipate the discipline metrics will revert to the mean over a larger period of time. What's more impressive are his power numbers, as he's slugged three home runs through 33 plate appearances so far. Still just 19 years old, Griffin has a bright MLB future ahead of him, even though he's unlikely to break camp with the big-league club. He remains a very intriguing prospect to monitor in dynasty leagues, especially if he continues to produce MLB-caliber power.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 14, 2026
Baltimore Orioles catcher
Samuel Basallo has been off to an impressive start to spring training, offering plenty of optimism for his performance during the regular season. He currently owns a .320/.414/.560 slash line with one home run, seven RBI, and a 13.8% walk rate. His strikeout rate is an alarming 27.6%, but that's a fair trade-off if the bat continues to play. The improved slash line is a welcome sign for fantasy managers, given that Basallo slashed .165/.229/.330 with 55 wRC+ across 31 games in the majors last year. The Orioles are still optimistic that Basallo can be their catcher of the future, so his solid spring is encouraging. He'll likely split catching duties with
Adley Rutschman this year.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 14, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks guard
Kevin Porter Jr. (knee) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Hawks after recently returning from a four-game absence due to the same issue. If he sits,
Ryan Rollins could continue seeing an elevated role after posting 16 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds in 33 minutes off the bench last game, making him a strong fantasy option and a viable hold as the fantasy season winds down.
AJ Green and
Cam Thomas could also see more time, though both remain risky options due to inconsistent roles.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 14, 2026
Sacramento Kings guard
Devin Carter (calf) will miss Saturday's game against the Clippers, marking his second straight absence due to the injury. With
Russell Westbrook back in the lineup,
Killian Hayes is expected to handle backup point guard duties, though his fantasy appeal remains limited to low-end assists and occasional steals in a reserve role. Carter being out could help
Malik Monk (ankle) hold steady minutes if he's able to suit up. With most fantasy playoffs underway and the season winding down, Carter is becoming a tougher hold outside of deeper formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 14, 2026
Sacramento Kings guard
Russell Westbrook (quadriceps) is off the injury report and expected to return Saturday against the Clippers after missing one game. The veteran is likely to reclaim starting point guard duties, which should send
Killian Hayes back to a reserve role after he filled in during Westbrook's absence. Westbrook remains a strong fantasy option when active, averaging 17.6 points, 8.6 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.4 steals over five March appearances in nearly 30 minutes per game. His return should slightly reduce
DeMar DeRozan's secondary ballhandling while lowering Hayes' short-term streaming appeal.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 14, 2026
Boston Celtics guard
Derrick White (knee) is probable for Saturday's game against the Wizards after missing one game with a right knee contusion. The veteran is expected to resume his starting role, likely sending
Payton Pritchard back to the bench after filling in the last game. White has been a reliable fantasy contributor when available, averaging 21.4 points, 2.4 three-pointers, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists over his last five outings in 34 minutes per game. His return should help settle Boston's guard rotation, with Payton Pritchard going back to his usual bench scoring role while
Jaylen Brown takes on a bit less playmaking.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 14, 2026
Brooklyn Nets forward
Michael Porter Jr. (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Saturday's game against the 76ers and appears likely to miss a second straight contest. His absence should continue to open minutes for
Danny Wolf, who started last game and posted eight points, eight rebounds, and two assists in 28 minutes, making him a safer deep-league streamer with Brooklyn thin up front.
Josh Minott broke out for 24 points with four triples, three steals, and three blocks in 24 minutes, but his inconsistent role still makes him a risky fantasy play.
Noah Clowney could also see a slight usage bump.
--Brian DailisanSource: Erik Slater
March 14, 2026
Brooklyn Nets center
Nicolas Claxton (rest) will sit out Saturday's matchup against the 76ers for routine maintenance, with the expectation he returns Monday against Portland.
Danny Wolf is positioned to handle most of the center minutes after starting the previous game, where he posted eight points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one three-pointer in 28 minutes. With
Day'Ron Sharpe (thumb) already ruled out for the season, Wolf could remain a deep-league streaming option for rebounds and modest all-around production.
Noah Clowney and
Josh Minott may also see slight workload increases in Brooklyn's thin frontcourt rotation.
--Brian DailisanSource: Erik Slater
March 14, 2026
Utah Jazz guard/forward
Ace Bailey (concussion) did not return in Friday's loss to the Trail Blazers after experiencing symptoms following an early exit. The rookie logged just seven minutes, finishing with eight points on perfect shooting, plus one rebound, one assist, one steal, and one block. If Bailey misses time, Utah may lean more on
Elijah Harkless and
Andersson Garcia, though both remain risky deep-league streamers after modest production in expanded runs.
Cody Williams and
Kyle Filipowski could also see slight usage bumps as the Jazz continue prioritizing youth development amid multiple rotation injuries.
--Brian DailisanSource: Utah Jazz
March 14, 2026
Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas was handed a five-game suspension for a knee-on-knee hit on Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (knee) during Thursday's 6-4 loss. Matthews sustained a season-ending injury from the hit. Gudas, who received his fifth career suspension, will exit the lineup on Saturday against the Ottawa Senators and won't be eligible to return until Anaheim's matchup with the Vancouver Canucks on March 24. The 35-year-old veteran has made 52 appearances this season, recording 13 points (two goals, 11 assists), 60 shots, 82 blocks, and 156 hits. John Carlson (lower body) is expected to make his Ducks debut this weekend and could take Gudas' spot in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 14, 2026
Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (knee) will miss the rest of the 2025-26 season, the team announced Friday. The Maple Leafs captain was injured on Thursday against the Anaheim Ducks and has been diagnosed with a Grade 3 MCL tear and a bruised quadriceps muscle. Toronto will re-evaluate him in two weeks. Matthews finishes his 10th NHL campaign with 53 points (27 goals, 26 assists) in 60 games. It's his first season without averaging at least a point per game since his rookie year in 2016-17. John Tavares will take over the top-line center job for the rest of the season.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 14, 2026
New York Yankees catcher
Austin Wells hit a game-ending three-run home run in the seventh inning on Friday for Team Dominican Republic to help them beat South Korea 10-0 to reach the World Baseball Classic semifinals. Wells' homer was the 14th for the Dominicans in the tournament, tying the record set by Mexico in 2009. The 26-year-old left-handed hitting backstop also hit a home run for the Dominican Republic in pool play in a win over the Netherlands. Wells is the Yankees' primary catcher going into the 2026 season after he hit .219/.275/.436 with a .712 OPS, a career-high 21 home runs, 71 RBI, 51 runs scored, and five stolen bases in 448 plate appearances over 126 games in his third year in the big leagues. If you wait at the catching position, Wells is a solid No. 2 catching target for his power in a strong Yankees' lineup. He should have a pretty solid counting-stat floor as New York's primary option behind the dish.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Associated Press
March 14, 2026
Kansas City Royals infielder
Jonathan India (groin) left Friday night's Cactus League game against the Arizona Diamondbacks with right-groin tightness, the team announced. Before leaving with the injury, India was 1-for-1 at the plate with a double and a run scored. The 29-year-old was pulled in the third frame. For now, fantasy managers should consider India day-to-day, but with two weeks until Opening Day, his availability for the start of the 2026 regular season is certainly in question. If India's injury lands him on the injured list to begin the year,
Michael Massey is the most likely candidate to take over playing time in KC at the keystone. India, a former fifth overall pick by the Cincinnati Reds in 2018 out of the University of Florida, had the worst year of his career in 2025 in his first season with the Royals, slashing .233/.323/.346 with a .669 OPS, career-low nine home runs, 45 RBI, and 63 runs in 136 games played. He hasn't returned to the 20-homer mark since he won National League Rookie of the Year honors in 2021. His batted-ball metrics support a rebound, but you can get India at a low price late in deep-mixed leagues as middle-infield insurance.
--Keith HernandezSource: Kansas City Royals
March 14, 2026
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Tory Horton (shin, groin) continues to face plenty of competition for targets, forcing dynasty managers to exercise additional patience. Horton was an exciting name to watch last year, largely due to his fifth-round price tag and the Seahawks' willingness to trade away
DK Metcalf. He certainly flashed some intriguing production, including four touchdowns over the first five games of his rookie season. However, even in the post-Metcalf era of Seahawks football, Horton faces stiff competition for targets.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is one of the best players in the entire NFL, and
Rashid Shaheed figures to have a sizable role after signing an extension.
Cooper Kupp is also under contract, leaving Horton in line for the No. 4 receiver role -- and that's only if he's healthy. Horton had surgery and won't be ready for the start of offseason programs. It seems like there's a decent chance he's ready for Week 1, but even so, his somewhat discouraging role on the depth chart makes him tough to trust in fantasy football. He's worth holding in dynasty leagues and will likely require significant patience from his fantasy managers.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 14, 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers running back
Kaleb Johnson had an incredibly disheartening rookie season in 2025, tallying just 69 rushing yards and nine receiving yards. He was a healthy scratch seven times, and he didn't register a single return on special teams after Week 2. The Iowa product quickly became a non-factor on the Steelers' roster, which was somewhat surprising since the team drafted him in the third round of last year's draft. Johnson's outlook with the Steelers could be dissipating as quickly as it was ignited. Between his subpar 2025 season and the arrival of a new coaching staff that has no pre-existing ties to him, Johnson seems like he could be the odd man out in Pittsburgh's backfield next year. The Steelers signed
Rico Dowdle to pair with
Jaylen Warren, so at best, Johnson will be the team's No. 3 running back. It's only been a year, but he's already droppable in most dynasty leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
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