February 10, 2026
The Athletic's Dan Hayes writes that Minnesota Twins infielder
Brooks Lee is the "leader to start at shortstop" this year, but he needs to "show improved mobility and find more consistency with his bat." Lee has good hands and a steady arm, but he was below-average as both a hitter and defender in his second year in the big leagues in 2025. The 24-year-old switch-hitter and former eighth overall pick slashed just .236/.285/.370 with a .654 OPS, 16 home runs, 64 RBI, 50 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 139 games last year. With no sure options behind Lee at the position now that
Carlos Correa is gone, the Twins could be in a serious bind if Lee doesn't show improvement in 2026.
Ryan Kreidler and
Orlando Arcia are the top internal options behind Lee. The good news for Lee is that he made contact 81.1% of the time and showed decent power, but he had just a 28% hard-hit rate and doesn't have much speed.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
February 10, 2026
A Boston Red Sox source indicated a preference for infielder
Marcelo Mayer at third base over second base, but that was before the team acquired infielder
Caleb Durbin from the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday, according to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. It's unclear whether Durbin's play at third last year will bump Mayer to second, but McCaffrey writes that wherever Durbin plays, Mayer "will man the other spot." We'll get a better idea of Boston's plans based on where Mayer and Durbin are positioned during their spring training drills. Mayer, 23, struggled in his first year in the big leagues in 2025, hitting .228/.272/.402 with a .674 OPS, four home runs, 10 RBI, eight walks, and 41 strikeouts in 136 plate appearances over 44 games. With
Alex Bregman and
David Hamilton gone, the former first-rounder should see more playing time in 2026. He'll need to lower his strikeout rate, but at the very least, he should be on the strong side of a platoon at either second or third base in Boston.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Jen McCaffrey
February 10, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks left-handed reliever
A.J. Puk (elbow) said he would "love" to be back by early May, but that's unlikely to happen, according to Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. Puk does expect to be back before July, though. Meanwhile, fellow high-leverage reliever
Justin Martinez (elbow) is targeting a late-August return in 2026. Puk, 30, underwent an internal-brace procedure on his left elbow last June, which isn't as serious as Tommy John surgery. Barring a setback, Puk should return before the All-Star break and get a shot at save chances before Martinez makes his season debut. Before his elbow injury in 2025, Puk had a 3.38 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, four saves, 12 strikeouts, and two walks in just eight innings out of the bullpen. The 6-foot-7 hurler has lots of upside as a high-leverage reliever, but durability issues make him a question mark in fantasy baseball.
--Keith HernandezSource: Arizona Sports - Alex Weiner
February 10, 2026
Atlanta Braves infielder
Nacho Alvarez Jr. was seen working out with the catchers at spring training on Tuesday, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. It's unclear if Alvarez is changing positions entirely or just adding some versatility, but Bowman writes that it "makes a lot of sense." The Braves already have
Drake Baldwin,
Sean Murphy (hip), and
Sandy Leon at catcher, and they just signed
Jonah Heim to a minor-league deal on Tuesday. Alvarez is blocked at the hot corner by
Austin Riley as long as he's healthy, though, so the 22-year-old is probably just trying to gain some versatility going into the 2026 season. Alvarez hit .234/.296/.330 with a .626 OPS, only two home runs, and 15 RBI in 58 games played for the Braves in 2025 in his second year in the majors. He doesn't have much power for a third baseman, and he's likely to operate in more of a utility role in Atlanta this year.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
February 10, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander
Corbin Burnes (elbow) said that he hopes to rejoin the team's starting rotation around the All-Star break as he rehabs from Tommy John surgery, according to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. Burnes is also expecting to throw off a mound before the end of spring training as he continues to recover from TJ surgery that he had last June. The 31-year-old four-time All-Star and former National League Cy Young winner made the All-Star team from 2021 to 2024 but then made only 11 starts for Arizona in 2025 due to his right-elbow injury. When on the mound, though, he was his usual dominant self, posting a 2.66 ERA and 1.17 WHIP with 63 strikeouts and 26 walks in 64 1/3 innings. Fantasy managers shouldn't just expect Burnes to return around the All-Star break and be his former dominant self right away.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Steve Gilbert
February 10, 2026
It has been a great run of play over the last couple of weeks for Ryo Hisatsune, coming off a T2 at the FIO before a T17 finish in Phoenix. However, he gave up the 54-hole lead at TPC Scottsdale on the first hole of Sunday's round and steadily fell as the day went on. He'll make his first appearance this week at Pebble Beach after qualifying via the Aon Swing 5. Even after two weeks of good play, the jury is still out on whether we can expect this sort of production this season or if he's caught lightning in a bottle for a little while. In terms of this week's event, he ranks poorly in proximity under 150 yards and is traditionally not very strong on and around the greens. After the collapse at the WM Phoenix Open and the statistics that will be working against him this week, it may be best to look elsewhere in such an elite field.
--Todd McGillSource: Data Golf
February 10, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks right-handed reliever
Justin Martinez (elbow) said he's tentatively targeting an August return from elbow surgery, according to Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. Martinez is recovering from Tommy John surgery that he had last June, although he did start a throwing program in the middle of last month. The 24-year-old Dominican hurler broke out in 2024 with a 2.48 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, eight saves, 91 K's, and 36 walks in 72 2/3 innings for the Snakes and was their primary closer last year before injuring his right elbow. Martinez had a 4.11 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, five saves, 22 K's, and 12 walks in 15 1/3 innings in 2025 before he was shut down. Until Martinez and left-hander
A.J. Puk (elbow) return in 2026,
Kevin Ginkel could get the majority of save opportunities in the desert, with
Ryan Thompson and
Kade Strowd potentially also in the mix for saves.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Arizona Republic - Nick Piecoro
February 10, 2026
With three events played to start his 2026 season, Chris Gotterup has already won twice and catapulted his way to No. 5 in the world rankings. The former Scarlett Knight ranks third through the early part of the year in strokes gained from tee to green at an outrageous +2.631 average. This will be his first time playing at the famed Pebble Beach, and the biggest question is, can he keep things going here? The 26-year-old isn't the greatest with low irons and wedges, as his 6.1% good shot percentage from 100 to 150 yards ranks in the 29th percentile of touring pros. He has also never gained strokes putting on poa annua green surfaces so far in his short career. Regardless of his form coming in, pivoting to different options to thwart the high ownership he'll have could be the best strategy from a DFS perspective.
--Todd McGillSource: Data Golf
February 10, 2026
Houston Astros starting pitchers
Lance McCullers Jr. and
Spencer Arrighetti have the inside track on claiming starting rotation spots to open the season, but it's expected to be a top spring training battle to watch. The Astros are going with a six-man rotation to accommodate
Tatsuya Imai's arrival from Japan and a busy early-season schedule.
Hunter Brown, Imai,
Mike Burrows, and
Cristian Javier are almost guaranteed to be in the rotation, with Arrighetti, McCullers,
Ryan Weiss,
Jason Alexander,
Nate Pearson,
Colton Gordon, and
AJ Blubaugh all in the mix for the other spots. Arrighetti and McCullers have the most MLB experience, and Pearson is still returning from a "cleanup" on his elbow. While the competition will be exciting to watch this spring, the depth is outstanding for the Astros since they've dealt with so many starting pitcher injuries in the last few seasons.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Chandler Rome
February 10, 2026
Atlanta Braves catcher
Sean Murphy (hip) is still without a timeline for his return, but he is progressing through his recovery and will start running at the Braves' spring training workouts on Tuesday. Murphy suffered a labrum tear in his hip that ended his 2025 season in early September after he hit just .199 with 16 homers and a .309 wOBA in 94 games. Murphy is expected to back up
Drake Baldwin once he's ready to return, but it looks like that will most likely be after the start of the season, sometime in May. A firmer timeline will likely be established as his recovery continues throughout spring training.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Chad Bishop
February 10, 2026
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson spent four seasons at Alabama, but the 23-year-old wasn't named the starter until his redshirt junior season in 2025. However, his lone season as the QB1 has him in a position to be a first-round draft selection in April. The Tennessee native started in 15 games in 2025, throwing for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. He tallied 93 yards and two scores as a runner. In early November, Simpson was projected to be a fringe top-five pick, as he threw 20 touchdowns to just one interception through his first eight games. He wasn't quite as efficient through the final seven games of the year, but his overall body of work and the premium placed on the QB spot in the NFL make him likely to be a mid-or-late first-round pick. The Raiders are expected to pick Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall, but the Jets, Cardinals, Browns, and Dolphins are among the teams clearly looking for a new quarterback in 2026. If Simpson is a first-round pick, he'll be a valuable rookie selection in Superflex and two-QB dynasty leagues. His lack of rushing upside limits his ceiling in single-QB setups.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
February 10, 2026
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is almost unanimously considered the No. 1 prospect at the position in the 2026 NFL Draft class, and he's widely viewed as a top-five or fringe top-five overall player. Despite many draft analysts believing running backs shouldn't be selected in the top half of the first round, we have seen
Ashton Jeanty (No. 6),
Bijan Robinson (No. 8), and
Jahmyr Gibbs (No. 12) come off the board that early just in the past three drafts. After a monster junior season, Love is primed to be a top-10 pick in April's draft. In 12 games, the 20-year-old tallied 226 touches for 1,652 yards and 21 touchdowns despite sharing the backfield with Jadarian Price, who many view as the RB2 in the 2026 class. Love has adequate workhorse size at 214 pounds, and he's a crafty and dynamic runner and receiver. If Love is picked as early as expected, he figures to be a clear second-round pick in redraft leagues next season, and he has high-end RB1 upside in his career, if not from Day 1. Love is easily the No. 1 pick in upcoming single-QB rookies drafts.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Sports Reference CFB
February 10, 2026
Free-agent catcher
Jonah Heim has agreed to a minor-league contract with the Atlanta Braves, and he could begin the year as the team's backup behind
Drake Baldwin since
Sean Murphy (hip) is not expected to be ready for Opening Day. The 30-year-old switch-hitting catcher spent the first six seasons of his MLB career in the AL West, starting with the Athletics in 2020 and spending the last five seasons with the Rangers. He hit a career-high 18 homers in 2023 when he hit .258 with a .324 wOBA. Over the last two years, his numbers have declined, and in 2025, he hit just .213 in 124 games with 11 homers and a .266 wOBA. Heim has good career splits against lefties and could get most of his at-bats on that side of the splits with Baldwin and Murphy both batting from the left side. Since he does bring a little pop from behind the plate and could earn playing time with a strong spring, he's a deep-league option to watch this spring with his new team.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Mark Bowman
February 10, 2026
Free-agent pitcher
Konnor Pilkington has agreed to a minor-league contract with the Detroit Tigers that includes an invitation to spring training. Pilkington came up with Cleveland in 2022 and 2023, and he made 11 starts in 2022, posting a 3.88 ERA and 4.49 FIP across 58 innings in 15 games. He spent 2025 in the Nationals' system and returned to the majors for 32 games in the second half of the season. He had an unremarkable 4.45 ERA and 5.96 FIP, while totaling 34 strikeouts in 28 1/3 innings. This offseason, he was designated for assignment and chose free agency after passing through waivers unclaimed. Pilkington could push his way into consideration for a roster spot with a strong spring, but it's more likely that he starts the season at Triple-A and is called up when the team needs depth mid-season.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Jon Heyman
February 10, 2026
Free agent outfielder
Nick Senzel re-signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers and will be a non-roster invitee to Major League spring training for the two-time World Series champions. Senzel was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft but hasn't been able to get regular playing time in the majors. He has played 451 career games for the Reds, Nationals, and White Sox with a career slash line of .232/.299/.363. Last year was the first year he hadn't played in the majors since 2018, as he spent the season in Double-A and Triple-A for the Dodgers. In his 99 minor-league games last year, he hit .252 with 12 homers, eight stolen bases, and a .337 wOBA. The 30-year-old will provide organizational depth and injury insurance for the Dodgers, but he isn't likely to make a significant fantasy impact unless he has a monster spring training.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Fabian Ardaya
February 10, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Klay Thompson (rest) is on the injury report with a questionable tag ahead of Tuesday's tilt against the Phoenix Suns. Luckily, the veteran isn't dealing with an injury, but the team is undecided about whether to rest Thompson for the game. Thompson has improved his productivity since the turn of the year, averaging 13.4 points over his last 14 appearances.
Khris Middleton is available for his Mavericks debut on Tuesday and will likely soak up most of Thompson's minutes if needed. Middleton is projected to be a bench contributor in Dallas, limiting his fantasy upside.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 10, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers point guard
Darius Garland (toe) doesn't have a return timeline, Law Murray of The Athletic reports. Garland has been dealing with toe injuries this season and still hasn't fully recovered from offseason left toe surgery. "We're gonna get it right and take as long as it takes," Clippers president Lawrence Frank said on Monday. Once healthy, Garland is set to form a new-look backcourt for the Clippers with
Bennedict Mathurin.
Kris Dunn will continue to start at point guard until Garland returns. He has averaged 8.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists across February.
--Taavi PailkSource: Law Murray
February 10, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward
Jimmy Butler III (knee) underwent successful surgery on his torn right ACL on Monday, the team announced. The veteran star suffered the season-ending injury on Jan. 19. Golden State added that Butler's progress won't be updated until "early next season." Butler will likely be sidelined for a large chunk of the 2026-27 campaign. With Butler III out, the Warriors brought in
Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) to bolster the frontcourt. He is expected to make his team debut after the All-Star break. In the meantime,
Gui Santos will have additional fantasy value. The Brazilian forward is averaging 15.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.3 steals this month.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 10, 2026
Golden State Warriors point guard
Stephen Curry (knee) has been ruled out for the 2026 All-Star Game. This essentially means he also won't play on Wednesday versus the San Antonio Spurs. Curry is dealing with patellofemoral pain syndrome, also known as runner's knee. He has been out for four games. Golden State hopes Curry will be back in the lineup after the All-Star break, when the team continues the season with a matchup against the Boston Celtics on Feb. 19.
Pat Spencer has taken over as the starting point guard, averaging 16.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.5 steals across the past four games.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 10, 2026
Charlotte Hornets forward
Miles Bridges and center
Moussa Diabate were ejected in the third quarter of Monday's 110-104 loss to the Detroit Pistons. With 7:09 remaining in the quarter, Diabate committed a foul on Pistons center
Jalen Duren, leading to the two players butting heads. A brawl broke out after Duren pushed Diabate in the face. Bridges threw punches at Duren and
Isaiah Stewart, who joined the altercation from the Pistons' bench. Charlotte also finished the game without head coach Charles Lee, who was ejected in the fourth quarter after losing his cool over a foul call. There are likely suspensions for players involved in the incident. The absence of Bridges and Diabate from the rotation would enhance the fantasy value of
Ryan Kalkbrenner and
Grant Williams.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 10, 2026
Detroit Pistons center
Jalen Duren and forward/center
Isaiah Stewart were ejected from Monday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. The two were involved in a brawl that erupted midway through the third quarter after Duren butted heads with Hornets big man
Moussa Diabate and pushed him in the face. Stewart joined the altercation off the bench and appeared to throw multiple punches at Hornets forward
Miles Bridges. The ugly incident is likely to result in multiple suspensions. Duren returned from a knee injury and was having a great game before he was kicked out. He finished with 15 points and five rebounds in 20 minutes.
Paul Reed's workload increased after the ejections, as he finished with 12 points, three rebounds, and two steals.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 10, 2026
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver
Darnell Mooney didn't live up to expectations during the 2025 season. Many fantasy managers viewed Mooney as one of the most intriguing No. 2 wide receivers in fantasy football coming into the year, but injuries and a lack of rapport with Atlanta's quarterbacks cost his fantasy managers in a big way. Mooney, who had 992 yards and five touchdowns in 2024, came back down to earth with just 32 catches, 443 yards, and one touchdown across 15 games this past season. The sixth-year receiver had the second-worst season of his career, letting down the managers who drafted him at his preseason ADP around 120. It will be interesting to see how the Falcons address their pass-catching unit this offseason. At the very least, we would expect them to bring in some competition for Mooney. However, the team also has a glaring hole at tight end with
Kyle Pitts headed for free agency. Plus, the quarterback position remains in limbo with
Michael Penix Jr. (knee) injured and
Kirk Cousins' future uncertain. There are a lot of moving parts here, but one thing is for certain: Mooney will be ranked a lot lower in 2026 fantasy drafts than he was in 2025. Managers shouldn't be rushing to select Mooney or acquire him in dynasty leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 9, 2026
New York Jets running back
Braelon Allen (knee) saw his 2025 season come to an abrupt end after he suffered an MCL sprain back in Week 4. New York left the door open for him to return, but that never came to fruition. He ultimately finished his second pro season with 18 carries, 76 rushing yards, two catches, 17 receiving yards, and one touchdown through parts of four games. It was a frustrating setback for a young ball-carrier who was projected to eat into
Breece Hall's workload. While that didn't pan out in 2025, we could still see Allen step into a much larger role next season. Hall is headed for free agency, and if the Jets don't franchise tag him, he could quite possibly sign elsewhere. That would leave Allen and
Isaiah Davis, who had 422 yards and one touchdown across 16 games last season, sharing a rung atop the depth chart. The fantasy surge of Allen and Davis hinges on New York letting Hall walk and failing to replace him, which is far from a guarantee. However, there's certainly a path to Allen being a top-36 fantasy running back next season. Managers should pay close attention to the Jets' free agency plans when evaluating the 22-year-old's fantasy future.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 9, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver
DeVonta Smith had another solid campaign during the 2025 season, catching 77 passes for 1,008 yards and four touchdowns. This was the lowest touchdown total of his career, but it was encouraging to see him eclipse the 1,000-yard mark for the third time in the last four years. It's also worth noting that he had more yards and just one fewer catch than teammate
A.J. Brown, indicating the gap between the two may not be as large as it seems. Of course, it's unclear if this duo will be together for long. There were rumors of drama between Brown and the Eagles throughout the year, and we wouldn't be surprised to see trade talks ramp up during the offseason. Trading Brown is far from a guarantee, but even the threat of a depth chart shakeup makes Smith a very intriguing "buy" in dynasty fantasy football leagues. If Smith were to become the top receiver in Philly, he'd have top-12 appeal among wide receivers in 2026 fantasy football drafts.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 9, 2026
Cleveland Browns wide receiver
Jerry Jeudy had an underwhelming season despite operating as the No. 1 receiver on the depth chart. Jeudy ultimately caught passes from a mix of quarterbacks, including
Joe Flacco,
Dillon Gabriel, and
Shedeur Sanders. None of those signal-callers played particularly well, and as a result, he was held to just 50 catches, 602 yards, and two touchdowns. These were his lowest marks since 2021, when he only played 10 games. The 26-year-old is a talented receiver, and the fact that he's under contract for two more seasons indicates that he'll remain with Cleveland in 2026. However, he hasn't necessarily put last year's adversity behind him. The Browns' quarterback plans remain uninspiring, and Jeudy will continue to face competition from the likes of
Cedric Tillman and
Harold Fannin Jr. As a result, managers shouldn't count on Jeudy to be a top-36 receiver ahead of 2026 fantasy football drafts.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 9, 2026
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Troy Franklin took a major step forward during his second season in the NFL. He appeared in all 17 games throughout the 2025 regular season, catching 65 passes for 709 yards and six touchdowns. Despite competing for volume with
Courtland Sutton,
Pat Bryant,
Marvin Mims Jr., and
Evan Engram, Franklin managed to finish the year as the overall WR30 in full-PPR leagues. The Broncos aren't losing any key receivers in free agency, so Franklin won't face any less competition heading into next year. However, having another full season and offseason under his belt should allow him to elevate his game and push for a 1,000-yard season. He'll also benefit from playing another year alongside quarterback
Bo Nix (ankle), who should be healthy by Week 1. Franklin is a top-36 receiver heading into 2026 fantasy football drafts.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 9, 2026
New England Patriots wide receiver
Stefon Diggs caught all three of his targets for 37 yards during Sunday's Super Bowl LX loss against the Seattle Seahawks. Diggs produced every time the ball was thrown his way, but he didn't quite live up to his expectations as New England's No. 1 receiver. Although it was a tough game for the Patriots' wide receivers all around,
Mack Hollins and
DeMario Douglas started to produce in the second half, and the two ultimately combined for nine catches, 123 yards, and a touchdown. Diggs had an up-and-down regular season, but it should be chalked up to a success given that he had 85 catches, 1,013 yards, and four touchdowns. The veteran's contract is designed to give the Patriots a potential out this offseason, but if New England chooses to bring him back, he'll remain a top-25 wide receiver in 2026 fantasy football drafts.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 9, 2026
If your strategy is looking for the most consistent player at a particular course, look no further than Jason Day this week at Pebble Beach. He's made more starts on this golf course than just about anyone else in the field, and for the last 10 years, has continually delivered without fail. Considering he hasn't finished outside of the top 25 in any event held on this property in the last decade, it's shocking that he hasn't broken through. However, this year looks ripe for the taking. Day has averaged under 10' in approach proximity from 50-125 yards in his first two starts of the season, and ranks 6th in strokes gained on approach (+1.391) as a whole. As long as he can keep it in the short grass off the tee, he'll likely be a part of the story come Thursday.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
February 9, 2026
Free-agent right-handed reliever
Hunter Strickland (shoulder) re-signed a minor-league deal with the Los Angeles Angels on Monday, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Strickland only appeared in 19 games for the Halos in 2025 and missed the entire second half with a right-shoulder strain. Before his injury, the 37-year-old veteran was decent with a 3.27 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, one save, 14 strikeouts, and 10 walks in 22 innings out of the bullpen. Going into his 12th MLB season, and third straight in Anaheim, Strickland won't really be on the fantasy radar as an aging reliever who will most likely occupy a middle-relief role. It's unclear if Strickland will be ready for the start of spring training. In the last two years with the Angels, Strickland has a weak 18.4% strikeout rate and 8.8% walk rate in his 95 1/3 innings pitched.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Jon Heyman
February 9, 2026
It has been a tremendous start to 2026 for Pierceson Coody, who has played his way into the first two Signature Events of the season via the Aon Swing 5 list. He has had four consecutive top-25 finishes, with the highest being a T2 at the FIO. Strokes gained off the tee has been the ultimate weapon for the 26-year-old. That won't necessarily be the best weapon at this famed property, but it's something. The more intriguing part of Coody's game has been his approach metrics from 150 yards and in. In terms of strokes gained metrics, he averages +0.049 strokes gained from less than 150, and 0.00 from beyond it. If you have believed in the hype train before now, there's no reason to jump off this week.
--Todd McGillSource: Data Golf
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