March 17, 2026
Jacksonville Jaguars running back
Chris Rodriguez Jr.'s new landing spot should benefit him long-term, and it also bodes well for his fantasy football managers. Rodriguez, a former Washington Commander, hit free agency this offseason and ultimately signed with the Jaguars. It was a very intriguing offseason move, as Jacksonville had recently lost
Travis Etienne Jr. and was looking for someone to share the backfield with
Bhayshul Tuten. While Tuten's one year of experience in the Jags' backfield gives him an early advantage on the lead-back role, we fully anticipate that Rodriguez will also be heavily involved. Rodriguez should play at least one-third of the snaps, and we'd have to imagine that Tuten still has somewhat of a short leash given his youth and lack of a track record. In other words, there's a path for Rodriguez to land the lead-back role if Tuten struggles or gets injured. Plus, Rodriguez already has a connection to head coach Liam Coen. At Kentucky in 2021, when Rodriguez was running for Kentucky and Coen was Kentucky's offensive coordinator, the former amassed 1,440 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns. All in all, Rodriguez is a very appealing "buy" in dynasty leagues this offseason.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 17, 2026
Detroit Red Wings winger Alex DeBrincat recorded three assists as the team ended a three-game skid with a 5-2 victory over the Calgary Flames on Monday night. DeBrincat earned all his helpers in the second period, setting up Patrick Kane twice in even-strength situations and picking up a power-play assist on a goal from Mortiz Seider. The Red Wings have had a tough time this month, but DeBrincat has remained a consistent offensive threat. He has finished scoreless just once in his last nine appearances, recording three goals and nine assists. The two-time All-Star leads his team with 69 points (33 goals, 36 assists) in 68 outings, sitting among 15 players in the league with at least 30 goals and 30 assists this campaign.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 17, 2026
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher
Kris Bubic is back at full strength after having his potential breakout season cut short last year, and he can be a solid mid-round value to add depth to your pitching staff. Last year, the 28-year-old lefty posted a 2.55 ERA, 2.89 FIP, and 2.97 K/BB ratio in 116.1 innings but was shut down in July with a shoulder injury. Bubic wasn't a hard thrower before the injury, but his velocity has returned to around 92 mph with his fastball, which is more effective due to movement than raw speed. Even though he doesn't normally overpower hitters, he did have a strong strikeout rate last season, giving him a nice ceiling in his return this year. He has allowed just one run with 10 strikeouts in his eight spring training innings, and if you can grab him to add depth to your rotation, he is set up to be a solid contributor again this season. He's RotoBaller's No. 57 SP coming into the season, so don't reach for him as an elite arm, but he can be a solid mid-rotation addition with good returns after seemingly making a full recovery.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
March 17, 2026
New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes finished Monday's 4-3 overtime win against the Boston Bruins with three assists. The Devils fell two goals behind in the first period, but Hughes' creativity helped them to tie the game before the second intermission. Hughes then completed his hat trick of assists when Paul Cotter scored deep into overtime. It was a special night for Hughes, as he became the fastest player in franchise history to record 400 career points. He has accumulated 402 points (158 goals, 244 assists) in 414 games with the Devils. This season, the 24-year-old has bagged 51 points (17 goals, 34 assists) in 46 outings. Hughes started to pick up form before the Olympics and has maintained a very high level of play since the tournament finished. In his last 10 appearances, Hughes has tallied five goals and 10 assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 17, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays first baseman
Jonathan Aranda got plenty of hype as a top prospect, and although it took longer than some people expected, he put together a breakout season last year. The 27-year-old hit an impressive .316 with 14 homers and a .381 wOBA in 106 games last year. He missed time with a fractured wrist, but returned before the end of the season and looked strong in the World Baseball Classic for Mexico. After an All-Star season last year, Aranda is still flying a little under the radar as the No. 21 first baseman in RotoBaller's rankings, but he brings excellent upside as the Rays' top left-handed power option after the departure of
Brandon Lowe this offseason. Aranda should hit in the heart of the order, and if he stays healthy, could emerge as a top value play at the position after the elite options are off the board. His power production may not match the elite options, but he is definitely someone to target in the middle rounds if you need depth at the position or missed out on the big boppers at first base.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
March 17, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin made a huge impact in his return from suspension on Monday, totaling two goals and an assist in a 7-2 road win over the league-leading Colorado Avalanche. Malkin potted two even-strength goals inside the opening 13 minutes and added a power-play assist late in the second period. His second goal of the night went down as the game-winning tally. Malkin had as many as three points in a single game for the third time this season, boosting his total to 50 points (15 goals, 35 assists) in 47 games. For the first time since 2022-23, Malkin is averaging at least one point per game, proving he still has plenty of juice left at 39.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 17, 2026
New York Mets outfielder
Luis Robert Jr. will be in a very different environment this year as he adjusts to playing for the Mets instead of the White Sox. Robert has flashed a very high ceiling and has elite raw talent, but has struggled with injuries and consistency throughout the last few seasons. 2025 was a down year for the 28-year-old, who hit .223 with 14 homers and 33 stolen bases in 110 games. His totals were very similar to his 2024 numbers but a big dropoff from his 2023 stats, when he hit .264 with 38 homers and a .358 wOBA in a career-high 145 games. He has elite power and speed upside as he joins the Mets, but he needs to cut down on his strikeouts and improve his average to be a top outfield option. The Mets have brought him along very slowly this spring, and he is 3-for-7 (.429) in his very limited playing time. If he slots into a good spot in the order on a regular basis, he will have a very high ceiling, but he'll need to improve against righties, or he could slip into a platoon. He's a boom-or-bust play with lots of upside, and he makes sense as a middle-round outfielder. He's currently ranked as RotoBaller's No. 26 outfielder, making him a nice third outfielder in most standard-sized mixed leagues.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
March 17, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson (upper body) is a game-time decision for Tuesday's meeting with the Carolina Hurricanes, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. The veteran rearguard missed three games last week due to an upper-body injury, but he has a chance to return on Tuesday night. Egor Zamula will likely make way for Gudbranson if he's ready for action. Although Gudbranson isn't a major offensive contributor for the Blue Jackets, he brings a wealth of experience and is a big presence on defense. The 34-year-old has recorded three points (one goal, two assists), 19 shots, 29 blocks, 27 hits, and a plus-six rating across 21 appearances in 2025-26.
--Taavi PailkSource: Jeff Svoboda
March 17, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander
Cody Ponce has worked eight innings in four spring training games for the Blue Jays, allowing just one run on six hits with four strikeouts. With
Jose Berrios (elbow) dealing with an injury issue, Ponce's spot in the Blue Jays rotation is even more secure heading into the season. The 31-year-old signed a three-year, $30 million contract with Toronto in December after earning MVP honors in the KBO in Korea last year while pitching for the Hanwha Eagles. Ponce put together an impressive 1.89 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 252 strikeouts in 180 2/3 innings pitched. Before heading overseas, the righty had just a 5.86 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, and 5.47 FIP in 20 appearances with the Pirates. He seems to be ready to readjust to the MLB, and even though his strikeout numbers may not translate, he has been effective in his spring training innings so far. He's a very intriguing option with good upside in mixed leagues, and he is currently the No. 72 SP in Rotoballer's rankings.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
March 17, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (lower body) won't play on Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site reports. Gostisbehere is "trending closer" but will be sidelined for a fifth consecutive game. He should also be considered questionable for Wednesday's matchup with the Pittsburgh Penguins. With Gostisbehere on the shelf, Alexander Nikishin has taken on more responsibilities, joining the first power-play unit. This situation has also benefited Mike Reilly, who has been a regular in the lineup after sitting out nearly two months as a healthy scratch.
--Taavi PailkSource: Walt Ruff
March 17, 2026
New York Islanders right wing Maxim Shabanov (lower body) is considered day-to-day after missing Monday's practice, Rachel Luscher of the Islanders' official site reports. Shabanov has seen very little action since February and might be unavailable for Tuesday's tilt against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 25-year-old rookie has tallied 16 points (four goals, 12 assists) in 42 games with the Islanders this season. 10 of his points were scored before the holiday break, so bringing in Shabanov from the KHL, where he was one of the league's top scorers, hasn't proven successful for the Islanders.
--Taavi PailkSource: Rachel Luscher
March 17, 2026
Colorado Rockies relief pitcher
Victor Vodnik finished 2025 with 10 saves in his 52 appearances last season and is expected to start the year as the team's primary closer. He earned eight of those saves over his last 17 games, stretching from Aug. 12 through the end of the year. During that run, he had a 1.06 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 2.37 FIP with 14 strikeouts in 17 innings. Despite that promising finish, Vodnik has had a rough spring so far and has an ugly 27.00 ERA in his three games. He showed the potential to be a solid source of cheap saves, but he could be on a short leash if his struggles continue into the season. The Rockies also may not give him a ton of save opportunities after losing 119 games last season. If you're desperate for saves late in your draft, he is a viable option, but he is a high-risk pick as the No. 89 relief pitcher in RotoBaller's rankings.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
March 17, 2026
Los Angeles Kings right wing Adrian Kempe (lower body) is considered day-to-day, Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site reports. He was a late scratch on Monday against the New York Rangers due to a lower-body injury. Impressively, the Kings still recorded a comfortable 4-1 road win without their top scorer. Alex Laferriere led the charge with a goal and two assists, while Kings head coach D.J. Smith picked out Mathieu Joseph for praise. The Kings are now off until Thursday, giving Kempe extra recovery time. In a close playoff race, the team needs him back as soon as possible. Kempe has 26 goals and 58 points through 66 appearances this season, while no other player has managed 20 goals or more than 40 points with the team.
--Taavi PailkSource: Zach Dooley
March 17, 2026
Sacramento Kings guard
Malik Monk (ankle) is questionable to play on Tuesday against the San Antonio Spurs. He may remain sidelined for a fourth consecutive game due to a right ankle sprain. With Monk out of the picture,
Daeqwon Plowden has secured a regular role in the rotation, logging at least 30 minutes in five consecutive contests. He has offered steady production over that stretch, averaging 12.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals. Veteran
Doug McDermott has also carved out a spot in the rotation, though his deployment as a three-point gunner has largely failed to pay off.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 17, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center
Naz Reid (shoulder) has been tagged as questionable on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's encounter with the Phoenix Suns. Reid sustained a right shoulder contusion during Sunday's loss to Oklahoma City, leaving his status uncertain for Tuesday's game. It's the first game of a back-to-back for Minnesota, and the team will want to avoid risking a more serious injury to Reid. If he doesn't play Tuesday night, more minutes will likely go to
Kyle Anderson and
Joan Beringer, although neither player has much fantasy appeal.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 17, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks center
Myles Turner (calf) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The athletic big man is nursing a right calf strain and could miss his first game since Feb. 20.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (ankle) is also considered questionable for Tuesday's matchup, so the trio of
Bobby Portis,
Jericho Sims, and
Pete Nance may need to carry Milwaukee's frontcourt. While Sims is likely to take Turner's spot in the starting lineup, Portis has more fantasy upside. The last time Milwaukee was missing both Antetokounmpo and Turner, Portis finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds, one assist, and one block.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 17, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard/forward
Aaron Nesmith (ankle) is considered questionable for Tuesday's visit to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks. Nesmith has produced a couple of big performances lately, including a 32-point effort in Sunday's loss to Milwaukee, but he's managing an ankle injury. The team will want to be cautious with Nesmith during its upcoming back-to-back set. At MSG, the Pacers may mainly rely on their reserves, with
Pascal Siakam (knee),
Ivica Zubac (ankle), and
Andrew Nembhard (calf) also listed on the injury report.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 17, 2026
Indiana Pacers center
Ivica Zubac (ankle) has been tagged as questionable for Tuesday's meeting with the New York Knicks. After recovering from an ankle injury, Zubac has suited up for three straight games, but he might miss Tuesday's contest because it's part of a back-to-back. If Indiana decides to sit Zubac,
Jay Huff and
Micah Potter (triceps) would move up on the depth chart, though the latter is also considered questionable for Tuesday's game. Both backup bigs performed well for the Pacers during Zubac's five-week absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 17, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard
Andrew Nembhard (calf) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's tilt against the New York Knicks. After dealing with back and neck injuries, Nembhard has sustained a right calf contusion, which could keep him sidelined for a second consecutive game.
T.J. McConnell (hamstring) started in Nembhard's absence on Sunday against Milwaukee, but he is also on the injury report with a questionable tag.
Quenton Jackson (calf) isn't fully healthy either, meaning
Kam Jones could have a very heavy workload in Tuesday's game, along with
Ethan Thompson.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 17, 2026
Miami Heat forward
Andrew Wiggins (toe) won't play on Tuesday against the Charlotte Hornets. He has been ruled out for a sixth consecutive game due to a toe injury. Over the last couple of games, the Heat have used
Kel'el Ware as Wiggins' replacement in the first unit. On Tuesday, there might be another change in the lineup depending on
Bam Adebayo's (calf) status. Ware averages 12.9 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks as a starter this season.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. also has a chance to make a bigger impact without Wiggins.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 17, 2026
Akshay Bhatia added to his impressive start to 2026 with a T13 finish at THE PLAYERS, marking his fifth straight finish of T16 or better this season. He now looks to keep the ball rolling at the Valspar Championship, where he has competed three times, recording a T17 finish here in 2024 along with two missed cuts in prior years. Success at Innisbrook requires precise iron play, and those in contention are often separated by elite putting. Bhatia ranks fifth in total strokes gained (+1.646 per round), ninth on approach (+0.792), and 10th in putting (+0.730). He also sits in the 87th percentile in proximity from 150-200 yards, a range that accounted for 41.2% of all approach shots here last year. Bhatia is in excellent form and showed no signs of slowing down after his victory at the API two weeks ago. He is a very solid play, even at his higher-than-usual price of $10,000 on DraftKings.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
March 17, 2026
MLB.com's Manny Randhawa writes that at this point, "it stands to reason" that right-hander
Walker Buehler "will be part" of the San Diego Padres' Opening Day starting rotation now that right-hander
Joe Musgrove (elbow) will start the year on the injured list. As camp progressed, Buehler and
German Marquez emerged as the favorites for the final rotation spot. Buehler entered his start against the Giants on Monday with a 5.40 ERA over two spring outings, and Marquez was hit hard his last time out against the Royals to push his spring ERA to 12.15. Buehler tossed five scoreless innings against the Giants on Monday with seven strikeouts to drop his Cactus League ERA to 3.09. The 31-year-old is no longer the same pitcher who throws in the high-90s after missing all of the 2023 season due to arm issues. He had an ERA over 5.00 in his final season in L.A. in 2024 and had a 5.38 ERA and 1.52 WHIP in 126 innings with Boston and Philadelphia last year. The fantasy upside is now limited with a lowered strikeout rate, but Buehler could bounce back in San Diego in a pitcher-friendly home environment. Buehler's fantasy stock in NL-only leagues is on the rise.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Manny Randhawa
March 16, 2026
Wide receiver
Darnell Mooney had a disappointing second season with the Atlanta Falcons in 2025, but he could be poised to bounce back in 2026 after signing a one-year, $10 million contract with the New York Giants in free agency on Saturday. After four years with the Chicago Bears to begin his NFL career, the 28-year-old pass-catcher looked good in Atlanta in 2024, catching 64 of his 106 targets for 992 yards and a career-best five touchdowns in 16 games played. Mooney's 992 receiving yards were the second-most of his career. It wouldn't last, though, as he played in 15 games in 2025 and finished with a 32-443-1 line before being released. Mooney will essentially be replacing
Wan'Dale Robinson in New York in 2026. Robinson had back-to-back 90-plus-catch seasons the last two years. Will Mooney come anywhere near that type of production? Probably not, especially in a new offense run by Matt Nagy, but it doesn't mean that Mooney won't bounce back as a late-round receiver sleeper in PPR formats.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
March 16, 2026
Atlanta Falcons running back
Nathan Carter went undrafted last year out of Michigan State and only saw nine carries for 60 yards in seven games played in 2025 in his first year in the NFL. Seven of his nine carries on the year came in the team's Week 3 loss to the Carolina Panthers. The 23-year-old was buried on the RB depth chart behind both
Bijan Robinson and
Tyler Allgeier. Carter should have a much bigger role in 2026, though, after Allgeier left in free agency. The Falcons could still add to the position via the NFL draft in April, but as things currently stand, Carter appears to be the handcuff option for fantasy managers who take Robinson at No. 1 overall in fantasy football drafts this fall. The only other running back on the Falcons' current roster is
Carlos Washington Jr., who hasn't played a single snap on offense in his two years in the NFL.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
March 16, 2026
Wide receiver
Jalen Tolbert could be the Miami Dolphins' new No. 2 wideout after they signed him to a one-year deal last Friday. The Dolphins also added former Los Angeles Rams receiver
Tutu Atwell in free agency, but Tolbert will be the favorite to take over as Miami's WR2 after the team released
Tyreek Hill (knee). The 27-year-old former third-round pick (88th overall) by the Dallas Cowboys in 2022 out of South Alabama had a career-best 49-610-7 line in 17 regular-season games with Dallas in 2024, but he regressed in 2025 for an 18-203-1 line in 13 games after the addition of wideout
George Pickens. With a reportedly strong relationship with new quarterback
Malik Willis, Tolbert could be in store for a breakout campaign if he opens the 2026 season as the team's WR2 behind
Jaylen Waddle. In his four seasons in Dallas, Tolbert racked up 1,093 yards and 10 touchdowns. Miami could add to the WR position in April's draft, but as of right now, Tolbert is looking like a potential under-the-radar sleeper at the position for fantasy football.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
March 16, 2026
Washington Nationals outfielder
James Wood entered Monday's Grapefruit League action in spring training hitting just .074 (2-for-27) in 11 games played. The 23-year-old left-handed slugger has not hit a home run, has driven in three, scored two runs, walked five times, and struck out 10 times in 32 plate appearances. It's worth noting, but fantasy managers shouldn't put too much stock into Wood's small spring training sample size. Remember, he was a first-time All-Star in 2025 in his first full season in the majors, slashing .256/.350/.475 with an .825 OPS, 31 home runs, 94 RBI, 87 runs scored, and 15 stolen bases in 689 plate appearances over 157 games played. However, Wood did also lead the league with 221 strikeouts. The young outfielder has elite raw power and uses the entire field, making him one of the higher-upside fantasy outfielders going into just his second full MLB season. RotoBaller has Wood ranked as its No. 12 outfielder. Don't let his slow spring cause you to devalue him in upcoming drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
March 16, 2026
Atlanta Braves right-handed reliever
Raisel Iglesias should be considered a shaky low-end No. 1 fantasy closer going into the 2026 season after a notable bullpen addition for Atlanta this offseason and following an inconsistent 2025 campaign. Iglesias had a strong 85.3% save share for the Braves last year and racked up 29 saves in 67 1/3 innings pitched in his 11th year in the big leagues. The 36-year-old veteran converted on 21 of his 22 save chances and had a stingy 1.34 ERA and 0.72 WHIP with 44 strikeouts and 10 walks in his last 40 1/3 innings, but he really struggled early on and held a 6.00 ERA into June. With the addition of All-Star closer
Robert Suarez in free agency, the Braves surely won't hesitate to give Suarez the ninth-inning role in 2026 if Iglesias falters again like he did in the first half of last season. RotoBaller has Iglesias ranked as the No. 10 fantasy closer. If you take him, landing Suarez later in your draft would be ideal.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
March 16, 2026
Texas Rangers outfielder
Wyatt Langford might be primed for a breakout season in 2026 in his third year in the league. Going into Monday's Cactus League action, the 24-year-old was hitting .481/.548/.1.000 with a ridiculous 1.548 OPS, four home runs, 12 RBI, nine runs scored, four walks, and four strikeouts in 31 plate appearances over 11 games played. The former fourth overall pick in 2023 out of the University of Florida has played in exactly 134 games in both of his two MLB seasons so far. In 268 total games, he's hit .247/.335/.423 with a .758 OPS, 38 home runs, 136 RBI, 147 runs scored, and 41 stolen bases in 1,130 plate appearances. Langford had his first 20-20 campaign last year despite three separate trips to the injured list due to oblique injuries. Durability is certainly a question, but when healthy, there's no debating that Langford's high-end power/speed upside makes him a top-15 fantasy outfielder. Fantasy managers will be hoping that he can carry over his hot hitting this spring into the regular season.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
March 16, 2026
Washington Nationals right-hander
Cade Cavalli, who will start on Opening Day on March 26 against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, continues to boost his fantasy baseball stock going into the 2026 season with a strong spring performance. Cavalli, 27, has allowed just an unearned run on one hit while walking two and striking out nine in nine innings over his three Grapefruit League starts. The former first-round pick in 2020 out of the University of Oklahoma made his major-league debut in 2022 (one start), but he didn't return to the majors until 2025 after multiple setbacks following Tommy John surgery in 2023. In his 10 starts last year, he went 3-1 with a 4.25 ERA and 1.48 WHIP with 40 strikeouts and 15 walks in 48 2/3 innings. Not only did Cavalli look solid in his return in the second half of 2025, but he also displayed better velocity than before his right-elbow surgery. With strong results this spring, Cavalli's fantasy ADP is on the rise as an intriguing late-round flier for starting pitching depth in mixed leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
March 16, 2026
Detroit Tigers infield prospect
Kevin McGonigle continues to impress in spring training as he looks to break camp with the major-league team on Opening Day in less than two weeks. McGonigle went 1-for-3 with a home run, four RBI, and two walks in Monday's 13-6 Grapefruit League win over the Philadelphia Phillies. The 21-year-old former first-round pick in 2023 has looked mature beyond his years at the plate and on defense this spring for Detroit. Offensively, McGonigle is sporting a strong 1.063 OPS with two home runs, 10 walks, and six strikeouts in 16 Grapefruit League games. It's unclear whether he'll actually make the Tigers' Opening Day roster, but even if he doesn't, McGonigle will push to make his major-league debut sooner rather than later. He proved last year that he's one of the best hitting prospects in baseball, and MLB Pipeline has him ranked as the No. 2 overall prospect, behind only the Pirates'
Konnor Griffin. McGonigle's stock continues to rise, and he's ranked as RotoBaller's No. 23 fantasy shortstop for 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
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