February 5, 2026

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Wyatt Kaiser (lower body) exited Wednesday's 4-0 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first period. He appeared to injure his left leg after getting tangled with Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski. Chicago also finished the contest without forward Colton Dach (undisclosed), who left in the second frame. "If we were playing tomorrow, Dach wouldn't play, but he'd be kind of day to day-ish," Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill said postgame. "Kaiser would be out for a little bit. Kaiser, I don't want to put out an exact timeline. We'll know more after getting examined tomorrow, but we'll see after the break." Due to the Olympic break, the Blackhawks won't return to action until Feb. 25, giving Kaiser plenty of time to recover. However, he might still miss action if it's a major injury. The 23-year-old has registered 12 points (five goals, seven assists), 58 shots, 47 blocks, and 36 hits in 57 appearances this season.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

February 5, 2026

Florida Panthers left wing Sandis Vilmanis (upper body) left Wednesday's 5-4 shootout win over the Boston Bruins early, Adam Lichtenstein of the Sun Sentinel reports. The Latvian forward was limited to four shifts and 2:35 of ice time. Vilmanis has contributed two goals and two assists through his first 13 career games this season. He had three points in four games before Wednesday's contest. Given his early exit against Boston, Vilmanis should be considered questionable for Thursday's tilt against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Florida also lost defenseman Tobias Bjornfot (undisclosed) in Wednesday's game.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Adam Lichtenstein

February 5, 2026

New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes (lower body) won't play on Thursday against the New York Islanders, missing a third consecutive game. After sitting out most of December with a hand injury, Hughes is dealing with a lower-body ailment. Hughes is scheduled to play for Team USA at the Olympics and will have an additional week to recover before the tournament opener against Latvia. The Devils have used Cody Glass in the top six since Hughes landed on the shelf. Before going scoreless in Tuesday's loss to Columbus, Glass had averaged a point per game over a 10-game stretch.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Sportsnet

February 5, 2026

The Chicago Bulls have acquired forward/center Guerschon Yabusele from the New York Knicks in exchange for forward Dalen Terry, SNY's Alex Smith reports. Sources have told SNY's Ian Begley that the Bulls plan to keep Yabusele and see how he fits with the team's guards. After a good comeback campaign in the NBA with Philadelphia in 2024-25, Yabusele had a frustrating time in New York. He was limited to 8.9 minutes per game, averaging 2.7 points and 2.1 rebounds. The Frenchman should have a larger role in the Bulls' frontcourt after the team traded Nikola Vucevic to Boston, at least until Zach Collins (toe) returns to the rotation. However, Yabusele still won't offer much fantasy value as Jalen Smith's backup.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Alex Smith

February 5, 2026

Pittsburgh Pirates outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia is expected to be in serious competition for a starting job during spring training. The Pirates acquired Garcia from the Red Sox earlier in December in a package that sent Johan Oviedo to Boston. Garcia made a brief debut in the major leagues last season, posting a .143/.333/.286 line in a short five-game stint. The 23-year-old spent the majority of his season in the minor leagues. At Double-A, he would post a .256/.355/.393 slash line with three home runs and four stolen bases, across a 33-game stint. Over an 81-game look at Triple-A, Garcia took a step further, posting a .271/.334/.498 line with a .832 OPS and 18 long balls. Given his power upside, he is worth monitoring in deeper five-outfielder leagues.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller

February 5, 2026

The Charlotte Hornets have acquired point guard Tyus Jones from the Orlando Magic for cash considerations. The team also picked up a couple of second-round draft picks in the deal. Jones is a skilled playmaker, but things didn't work out for him in Orlando after he signed with the team as a free agent during the offseason. Across 48 appearances, he made only eight starts and averaged 3.0 points and 2.4 assists in 15.7 minutes. With LaMelo Ball entrenched as the starting point guard and the arrivals of Coby White and Mike Conley from Chicago, Jones' fantasy prospects are unlikely to improve in Charlotte.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA.com

February 5, 2026

New York Yankees outfield prospect Spencer Jones will have a much tougher task to crack the Opening Day roster during spring training, following the signing of Cody Bellinger. Before Bellinger was slated to return to the Bronx, Jones was expected to be considered for a role in left field, competing alongside switch-hitter Jasson Dominguez. However, with Bellinger now back in the mix, the outfield seems quite crowded for the time being. Last summer, Jones opened the season with Double-A but needed just 49 games to prove he was ready to make the jump to the top level in the Yankee system. Through his first 67 games at Triple-A, Jones blasted 19 home runs with a .274/.342/.555 slash line. Even though he is unlikely to break camp with the Yankees, he could become a top stash option and would be the first name called following an injury.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller

February 5, 2026

The Toronto Raptors have picked up center Trayce Jackson-Davis from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for a 2026 second-round draft pick. The 25-year-old is departing his original team after being the 57th pick in the 2023 draft. As a reserve big, Jackson-Davis did some good work in San Francisco, averaging 6.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in 15.1 minutes per game. This season, he was limited to 4.2 points and 3.1 boards in 11.4 minutes. Toronto has played much of the season without its starting center, Jakob Poeltl (back), with rookie Collin Murray-Boyles shouldering a heavy workload alongside Sandro Mamukelashvili. Jackson-Davis adds depth at center, but he won't have any fantasy value unless Toronto's injury situation worsens.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Sportsnet

February 5, 2026

Detroit Tigers top catching prospect Josue Briceno was invited to MLB spring training. Briceno will join the team's other two top hitting prospects, Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark. Per MLB.com, Briceno is ranked as the sport's No. 33 prospect while he sits as Detroit's No. 3, sitting behind the two previously noted hitters. Briceno opened the 2025 campaign with High-A but needed only 55 games to prove he was ready to make the jump to Double-A. At High-A West Michigan, Briceno posted a .296/.422/.602 slash line with 13 doubles and 15 long balls. Through his first 45 games at Double-A, the young backstop took a slight step back, posting a lower .232/.335/.381 line with a modest .716 OPS. Given his growing pains, managers should expect Briceno to begin 2026 with Double-A Erie. However, if he enjoys a dominant start, he should be in the mix to join Triple-A before the All-Star break.--Andy Smith
Source: MLB Pipeline

February 5, 2026

Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect Eduardo Quintero is emerging as a top dynasty asset ahead of the 2026 campaign. According to MLB.com, Quintero is currently listed as the team's No. 3 overall prospect and the No. 34-best prospect in the entire sport. Quintero spent most of the 2025 campaign in Low-A but earned a brief promotion to High-A later in the second half. Across 81 games with Low-A Rancho, Quintero held a dominant .306/.426/.533 slash line with 14 home runs and 34 stolen bases. During this stretch, Quintero carried a solid 88:65 K:BB. This productive play earned him a 32-game stint in High-A. Through this short look, Quintero posted a .259/.384/.440 line with five home runs and 12 stolen bases. Managers should monitor his status early this season as he could make a case to join Double-A in the first half.--Andy Smith
Source: MiLB.com

February 5, 2026

The Atlanta Hawks acquired guard/forward Buddy Hield from the Golden State Warriors, ESPN's Anthony Slater and Shams Charania report. He was traded alongside Jonathan Kuminga (knee) in a deal to land Kristaps Porzingis (illness). Hield moved to San Francisco in 2024 and had a solid debut campaign. However, he couldn't build on it and became expendable for the Warriors. This season, Hield has averaged 8.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 17.5 minutes per game. His workload is unlikely to improve in Atlanta unless he improves his career-low 34.4 percent three-point shooting.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

February 5, 2026

St. Louis Cardinals outfield prospect Joshua Baez is a name to monitor during spring training as he could push for an early MLB promotion. Baez is currently ranked as the No. 14 prospect in the St. Louis system on MLB.com. Baez began the 2205 season in High-A, where he held a .317/.404/.483 slash line with eight doubles, four home runs, and an impressive 20 stolen bases, across a 38-game stint. He was then bumped up to Double-A Springfield, where he spent the majority of the campaign. Over his last 79 games, the outfielder held a .271/.374/.509 line an .883 OPS. During this stint, the former second-round pick hit 16 home runs while swiping 34 bags. While the Cardinals will likely look to give him a taste of Triple-A early in 2026, given St. Louis' current outfield situation, Baez could be in the mix for a first-half MLB debut. Given his five-category potential, he is a top name to monitor in deeper five-outfielder leagues.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller

February 5, 2026

Forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (illness) will end the season with the Golden State Warriors, who acquired him from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield. The Warriors attempted to lure Giannis Antetokounmpo away from the Milwaukee Bucks but failed, settling for the Latvian big man. According to ESPN's Anthony Slater and Shams Charania, Porzingis has been on Golden State's radar since his Boston days. Unfortunately, it has been another season marked by health issues for Porzingis, who appeared in only 17 games for the Hawks after they brought him in from Boston in the summer. He has done well when healthy, averaging 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.3 blocks. Golden State sees him as a good fit in the frontcourt next to Draymond Green, so Porzingis could enjoy a big finish to the season if he can stay healthy.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

February 5, 2026

New York Mets right-handed pitching prospect Nolan McLean is expected to operate in a lead role in the upcoming season. With the Mets missing out on left-handed starter Framber Valdez in free agency, their rotation looks set entering spring training. While newly-acquired right-hander Freddy Peralta will serve as the ace, McLean will likely slide in as the No. 2 option. Last summer, the former third-round selection made his MLB debut and looked quite comfortable in the major leagues. Across his first 48 innings of work, the right-hander struck out 57 hitters while posting a 2.06 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP. Progressing through the minor leagues, McLean carried a 2.41 ERA with a 1.13 WHIP across 113 2/3 innings split between Double-A and Triple-A. McLean is a top breakout pick in drafts this season, as he should be given a massive workload this summer.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller

February 5, 2026

The Atlanta Hawks have acquired forward Jonathan Kuminga (knee) from the Golden State Warriors, ESPN's Anthony Slater and Shams Charania report. Golden State also departed with Buddy Hield in the deal to pick up Kristaps Porzingis (illness). According to team sources, this transaction ends the Warriors' attempts to acquire Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Kuminga had a difficult contract negotiation with Golden State during the offseason and never appeared to be part of the team's long-term plans. The 23-year-old won't be in a comfortable spot in Atlanta either, as his playing time will mostly come as Jalen Johnson's backup.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

February 5, 2026

Washington Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews continued to show flashes of upside in the majors last year, but for the most part, struggled to produce at a very high level and looked like he could use some more time in Triple-A. The former top prospect played 85 of his 98 games in MLB last season, slashing a frustrating .208/.280/.352 with a 7.5% walk rate and 23.6% strikeout rate. He is starting to show signs of the plus power we've expected all along, and the baserunning has come along quite well, as he stole 17 bags. Still, a blend of experience and generally poor results makes him a riskier name entering the 2026 season. ZiPS projects him for 1.8 fWAR in 2026, and he currently ranks #43 in the latest RotoBaller fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

February 5, 2026

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Logan Gilbert is coming off a strong 2025 season, during which he posted a 2.95 xFIP with 11.89 K/9 and 2.13 BB/9. Along the way, he tied for second among Mariners pitchers in fWAR. The biggest blemish against Gilbert last year was his susceptibility to loud contact, as he surrendered home runs at a 1.37 HR/9 clip while his ground ball rate dropped to 38.9%. Outside of a few minor concerns, Gilbert has established himself as one of the best MLB arms in terms of control and results. He also has a fascinating pitch mix headlined by the splitter, which earned a 144 Stuff+ grade by FanGraphs' model. Meanwhile, he sat in the mid-to-upper-90s with his fastball. Gilbert currently projects as the Mariners' #2 starter behind Bryan Woo, and he ranks at #6 in the latest RotoBaller fantasy baseball draft rankings.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

February 5, 2026

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene remains with the team ahead of spring training, despite countless trade rumors and speculation throughout the offseason. At times, it sounded like Greene might be a legitimate trade candidate, but in the end, he'll remain the ace in Cincinnati's rotation for at least one more year. He's coming off a solid season that was abbreviated due to injury. Across 19 starts (107.2 innings), he posted a 3.04 xERA, 11.03 K/9, and 2.17 BB/9. Loud contact was a slightly concerning subject as his home run rate jumped to 1.25 HR/9 and his ground ball rate dropped to 32.9%. Still, his impressive control and ability to blow his 100 mph fastball by batters make him one of the most exciting players to watch and roster in fantasy baseball. He remains atop the Reds' rotation and is on track for a 3.56 FIP with 3.2 fWAR in 2026, according to the ZiPS projections. As it stands, Greene ranks as the #9 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

February 5, 2026

Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Endy Rodriguez (elbow) might have to move to second base or the outfield this season, according to Kevin Gorman of TribLIVE. Rodriguez was developed as a catcher and made his MLB debut in 2023, but injuries limited him to just 18 minor league games and 18 major league games across the last two years. At the big-league level in 2025, he slashed just .173/.246/.250 with an 8.8% walk rate, a 24.6% strikeout rate, and 38 wRC+. It's not like his glove was enough to justify putting his bat in the lineup, either. He threw out just two of 10 baserunners and finished the year with -2 FRV. As Gorman notes, Joey Bart and Henry Davis are Pittsburgh's primary catchers right now. The spoils of the starting role will belong to whichever backstop has a better spring, while the other catcher slots into a backup role. That doesn't leave much clarity for Rodriguez and fellow depth catcher Rafael Flores. Presumably, only one of Rodriguez or Flores can make the team. In the past, first base would have been a natural Plan B for either player. However, Pittsburgh is all set there with Spencer Horwitz and Ryan O'Hearn, forcing the club to get creative. As of now, Gorman projects that it'll be Rodriguez who makes the team. He has a little more defensive versatility and is expected to make appearances at second base and in the outfield. His disappointing results at the plate leave him off the fantasy radar in most leagues.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Kevin Gorman

February 5, 2026

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Braxton Ashcraft is projected to earn a spot in the starting rotation, according to Alex Stumpf of MLB.com. Injuries plagued Ashcraft for several consecutive seasons, but he got over the injury bug with a healthy season in 2025. He made 26 appearances (eight starts) in the majors last year, pitching to a 2.78 FIP with 9.17 K/9 and 3.10 BB/9. He also made 10 starts at the Triple-A level, where he logged an additional 48.1 innings of work. Ashcraft's ability to remain effective and stay healthy has put him in the mix for a 26-man roster spot, and Stumpf's article seems to confirm that the Pirates' fourth rotation spot is his to lose. He'll join Paul Skenes, Bubba Chandler, and Mitch Keller in this impressive Pittsburgh pitching staff. He currently ranks as the #96 starting pitcher in the latest RotoBaller fantasy baseball draft rankings for 2026.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

February 4, 2026

Free-agent outfielder Miguel Andujar and the San Diego Padres agreed on a one-year, $4 million contract on Wednesday evening, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. Andujar, 30, will join the Friars after a solid 2025 campaign with the Athletics and Cincinnati Reds. He hit .298/.329/.436 with six homers and 27 RBI in 60 games for the A's before being traded to Cincy at the deadline. Andujar was even better in 34 regular-season games with the Reds, slashing .359/.400/.544 with a .944 OPS, four homers, and 17 RBI. The move to San Diego will be a bit of a downgrade ballpark-wise, and the Dominican will probably be stuck on the short side of a platoon in the outfield against lefties, whom he posted a ridiculous .986 OPS against last year. Since 2003, Andujar has a .967 OPS versus southpaws. Heading into his age-31 season, is unlikely to be as good as he was in 2025, but he could make for a nice role player in San Diego.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan

February 4, 2026

Houston Astros right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. threw a bullpen session on Tuesday and will be built up as a starter during spring training, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. McCullers, one of the most injury-prone pitchers in baseball, returned to the Astros in 2025 after missing two full seasons following surgery on his right forearm. The 32-year-old veteran went on the injured list three separate times last year and appeared in 16 games (13 starts), going 2-5 with a 6.51 ERA (5.77 FIP) and 1.81 WHIP with 61 strikeouts and 39 walks in 55 1/3 innings. Perhaps McCullers will be more effective another year removed from his flexor-tendon surgery, but at this point, it's hard to imagine him making it through a full season with a starter's workload. He does a good job of keeping the ball out of the air, but his serious durability concerns will keep most fantasy managers far away, even in the deepest of formats.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart

February 4, 2026

Wide receiver DK Metcalf's first year in Pittsburgh with the Steelers didn't go as planned after he signed a four-year, $132 million contract with the team in March of last year. Metcalf was the team's leading receiver, but he finished under 1,000 yards for the second straight year while catching 59 of a career-low 99 targets for 850 yards and six touchdowns in 15 regular-season games. A two-game suspension to close out the year for punching a fan didn't help his cause. The 28-year-old didn't show much chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but in Metcalf's defense, the Steelers' lack of WR led to plenty of double-teams. The two-time Pro Bowler is still one of the most physically gifted receivers in the game, but the Steelers need to get him some help. His two-year decline will drop his fantasy value in 2026, especially since there's a good chance Metcalf will be working with a new QB in his eighth year in the NFL.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Pro Football Reference

February 4, 2026

Left-handed starting pitcher Framber Valdez has agreed to a three-year, $115 million contract with the Detroit Tigers, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. Valdez was viewed as the top free agent starting pitcher on the market and will now join a rotation that features the two-time reigning AL Cy Young winner, Tarik Skubal. Passan noted that this contract features an opt-out following the second season. The southpaw has spent his entire eight-year MLB career with the Houston Astros. Last summer, the 32-year-old logged 192 innings to the tune of a 3.66 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and a 187:68 K:BB. Since 2022, the left-hander has been one of the most consistent workhorses in the sport, logging at least 190 innings in three of the four seasons. During this four-year stretch, Valdez has posted an overall 3.21 ERA with a strong 1.16 WHIP. While his strikeout upside is limited, Valdez remains a high-end SP2 in all formats, given his ability to produce high-end ratios while taking on a large workload.--Andy Smith
Source: Jeff Passan

February 4, 2026

The Houston Texans selected wide receiver Jayden Higgins in the second round in 2025 out of Iowa State, and he finished his rookie season in the NFL with 41 receptions on 68 targets for 525 yards and six touchdowns in 17 regular-season contests. Higgins was the Texans' third leading receiver behind Nico Collins and tight end Dalton Schultz. In the team's two playoff games, the 23-year-old caught nine of his 14 targets for 98 yards. Higgins' success going forward will be tied to whether quarterback C.J. Stroud can bounce back following a couple of disappointing campaigns after his outstanding rookie year, but either way, he should be Houston's No. 2 behind Collins with Christian Kirk hitting free agency this March. Higgins has the size (6-foot-4, 215 pounds) and speed to take a big step forward with more targets in his sophomore season.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Pro Football Reference

February 4, 2026

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams signed a three-year, $33 million contract extension with the team last fall before the start of the 2025 season and then went on to post his third straight 1,000-yard rushing season, along with 10 rushing touchdowns on 259 carries over 17 regular-season games. Williams didn't see as many carries as he did in 2024, but he was more efficient (4.8 yards per carry) and added a career-best 36 catches for 281 yards and three more scores on 50 targets. The 25-year-old has now had double-digit rushing TDs in each of the last three seasons, and he ended the 2025 campaign as the RB8 in half-PPR scoring. Backfield mate Blake Corum took on a bigger role late in the year as the Rams tried to keep Williams fresh for their playoff run, and he out-touched Corum in all three playoff games, which means he should maintain his lead-back role in 2026. As long as quarterback Matthew Stafford returns for another season, Williams figures to be a top-10 RB target in fantasy.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Pro Football Reference

February 4, 2026

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (shoulder) was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, per The Athletic's Michael-Shawn Dugar. It's not much of a surprise after Maye said he felt good while throwing the football around on Monday. The 23-year-old second-year signal-caller put in two limited practices last week before picking up a DNP on Friday due to an illness. The Patriots listed him as questionable on last week's final injury report, but barring a setback this week, he should be fully cleared to suit up for Super Bowl LX this Sunday in Santa Clara, Calif., against the Seattle Seahawks. Maye will be an MVP finalist after throwing for 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns, and eight interceptions with a league best 72% completion percentage during the regular season. It's been a different story in three playoff games, though, as he's completed only 55.8% of his passes for 533 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions while fumbling six times (three lost).--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Michael-Shawn Dugar

February 4, 2026

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (oblique) remains on the injury report and was listed as a limited practice participant on Wednesday, according to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic. Darnold injured his left oblique in practice days before the team's Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers, but he wasn't tagged on last week's final injury report and is fully expected to play this Sunday in Super Bowl LX versus the New England Patriots. The 28-year-old signal-caller only attempted 17 passes in the 41-6 blowout win over the Niners, but he went 25-for-36 for a season-high 346 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions in the NFC Championship win over the Los Angeles Rams. The former third overall pick by the New York Jets in 2018 out of USC will look to put the finishing touches on an incredible career resurgence.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Michael-Shawn Dugar

February 4, 2026

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Lakers. As has been the norm, Embiid didn't suit up for Tuesday's 113-94 win over the Golden State Warriors, the second of back-to-back outings for the club. As expected, Andre Drummond got the start, finishing with 12 points, 12 boards, one steal, and one block. If all goes according to plan, Embiid should be on the court on Thursday. However, if he's not, Drummond is a must-start in all fantasy setups.--Dennis Clausen
Source: NBA Injury Report

February 4, 2026

Philadelphia Eagles offensive-line coach and run-game coordinator Jeff Stoutland announced on X on Wednesday that his time coaching with the Eagles "has come to an end." Stoutland joined the organization back in 2013 when Chip Kelly was the head coach, and ever since then, the Eagles have had one of the best offensive lines in the league. The Eagles won both of their Super Bowl titles with Stoutland on the coaching staff, and he was instrumental in the offense's success with the tush push in recent years. It won't be an easy task for new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion and head coach Nick Sirianni to replace Stoutland, and it will be interesting to see how this affects the Eagles' tush-push success going forward.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Jeff Stoutland on X