February 23, 2026

The Dallas Cowboys will finalize the franchise tag for wide receiver George Pickens in the next week, according to executive vice president Stephen Jones. The Dallas Morning News' Calvin Watkins writes that if Pickens gets franchise-tagged, "there's a strong possibility he will not report to the offseason programs as the team engages in contract talks with his agents." Edge rusher Micah Parsons didn't show up for the offseason program last year while in contract talks with the club before eventually being traded to the Green Bay Packers. Pickens, 24, will be back with Dallas in 2026 after earning his first Pro Bowl berth with career-highs in catches (93), receiving yards (1,429), and touchdowns (nine). The franchise tag for receivers is projected at $28 million. A tag-and-trade scenario is possible, but both sides have an interest in a reunion in 2026 and beyond. With Pickens expected to be in Dallas again this year, he'll be firmly in the WR1 range in fantasy football drafts this fall after his big 2025 campaign.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Calvin Watkins

February 23, 2026

Uros Medic extended his win streak by beating Geoff Neal via first-round knockout in the co-main event of UFC Houston on Saturday. Medic was in control from the start, coming out of the gate aggressively as he was trying to knock Neal out, and it didn't take long for Medic to land a knockout. The 32-year old Medic only needed 79 to land a grazing left hook to the temple of Neal that knocked the UFC veteran out cold. In 1:19 of action, Medic landed 10 significant strikes. This is a massive statement by Medic, who has now won three straight by first-round finish. --Alen Kurbasic
Source: UFC

February 23, 2026

Kansas City Royals outfielder Isaac Collins (knees) received platelet-rich plasma injections in his knees this offseason, according to MLB.com's Anne Rogers. Collins didn't play in a Cactus League game over the weekend, but he's scheduled to play in Tuesday's road game against the Cincinnati Reds, and then again on Friday at home against the Athletics. He has been taking live at-bats against Royals pitchers and participating in all working, but the Royals are intentionally taking it slow with Collins. The 28-year-old has otherwise felt great. After Friday's game, he'll be a full-go and will be on a normal build-up schedule. At the time the Royals traded for Collins in December, manager Matt Quatraro said the team knew about his knee injections. Barring an injury before Opening Day, Collins projects as the Royals' fourth outfielder, limiting his fantasy appeal to deep-mixed and AL-only leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers

February 23, 2026

Dan Ige suffered a first-round TKO loss to surging Melquizael Costa on the main card of UFC Houston on Saturday. Ige landed an early takedown at the start of the first round, but it didn't take long for Costa to get back up. Just after the 10-second clacker hit, Costa landed a spinning back kick that dropped Ige, and after landing a few ground punches, the referee decided to intervene and save Ige from further damage. In 4:56 of action, Ige landed a takedown and seven significant strikes. With the loss, Ige dropped to 11-10 in the UFC.--Alen Kurbasic
Source: UFC

February 23, 2026

New York Yankees speedy infielder Jose Caballero, who hit a 402-foot home run in the Grapefruit League game on Sunday against the New York Mets, said his goal in the offseason was to "improve his average bat speed to 71 mph this season," according to Brendan Kuty and Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. Caballero also spent time working at Driveline Baseball in Tampa. In 2025, Caballero had an average bat speed of 69.1 mph, according to Baseball Savant. His average exit velocity of 86 mph last year was among the lowest in baseball. At least for the first month of the 2026 season, the 29-year-old from Panama will be the Yankees' everyday shortstop with Anthony Volpe recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Caballero's fantasy value will receive a bump early on, mainly because of his speed, but if he can add some more power, it'll be a plus. He has never hit more than nine homers in his three MLB seasons.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Brendan Kuty and Chris Kirschner

February 23, 2026

Melquizael Costa extended his win streak by defeating Dan Ige via first-round TKO on the main card of UFC Houston on Saturday. With only a few seconds left in the first round, Costa landed a spinning kick to the face of Ige, knocking him down. Costa then pounced on Ige, and after landing some punches on Ige, Referee Dan Miragliotta jumped in to stop the fight. In 4:56 of action, Costa landed a takedown and 19 significant strikes. With the win, Costa improved to 7-2 in the UFC.--Alen Kurbasic
Source: UFC

February 23, 2026

Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday (hand), who had the stitches removed from his surgically repaired right hand on Monday, doesn't have his hand wrapped, according to MASN Sports' Roch Kubatko. Holliday said he's been cleared to take ground balls and one-handed swings in camp. The 22-year-old is expected to slowly ramp up his baseball activities in spring training after having the hamate bone removed from his hand. Holliday is expected to open the 2026 regular season on the injured list, but barring a setback, it could be a minimal IL stay for the young infielder. When healthy, he'll resume starting duties at the keystone for the O's. In the meantime, offseason acquisition Blaze Alexander is expected to see most of the playing time at second base. After showing improvement in Year 2 in 2025, the former first overall pick in 2022 is RotoBaller's No. 14-ranked fantasy second baseman.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MASN Sports - Roch Kubatko

February 23, 2026

23XI Racing's Bubba Wallace had another strong performance end with promise of what could've been in Sunday's Autotrader 400 at EchoPark Speedway. The No. 23 Toyota driver started from the ninth position and quietly made his way through to the front of the pack. At the end of the first stage, he competed with Austin Cindric for the stage win and fell short behind Cindric, finishing second at the stage end and earning nine stage points. In the second stage, Wallace made a pit stop that sent him further back in the field, but he quickly made it back up to the front with his teammate, Tyler Reddick. Although he traded the lead a few times with different drivers, Wallace ended the second stage on top, winning it over William Byron after a crash between Kyle Larson and Shane Van Gisbergen ended the stage. In the final stage, Wallace continued to show plenty of speed, despite falling out of the top 10 due to pitting, he came back up and competed for the win on the last restart. On that last restart, Wallace went to block Carson Hocevar, but was shuffled to the top by Hocevar, causing Wallace to fall back. The 23XI driver did catch up to eighth position and finished there, nabbing his second consecutive top-10 finish of the year and the third of his Cup career at EchoPark Speedway.--Sean Engel - RotoBaller
Source: NASCAR.com

February 23, 2026

Spire Motorsports driver Carson Hocevar finished in fourth in Sunday's Autotrader 400 after an eventful performance at EchoPark Speedway. Hocevar began the race from the 15th position and was working his way to the top 10 until he brushed the wall on lap 32. The No. 77 Chevrolet driver then went to pit road and fell two laps down. Hocevar got one of his laps back through the stage caution at the end of stage one, where he finished 38th. In the second stage, Hocevar got his second lap back and then spent the rest of the stage working back to the top 10. He made it back to the top 10 despite another brush with the wall on lap 153 and went on to finish the second stage in sixth, obtaining five stage points. Despite a couple of pit stops off sequence for the No. 77 Chevrolet driver, he positioned himself for the win by the final restart. After making a few aggressive moves on the final restart that also prevented other drivers from winning like Bubba Wallace, he got shuffled back a few positions and then made it back up to fourth at the checkered flag. This was Hocevar's second top-5 finish at the Atlanta track and his first of the 2026 season. --Sean Engel - RotoBaller
Source: NASCAR.com

February 23, 2026

Ross Chastain of Trackhouse Racing had an up-and-down performance throughout the Autotrader 400 at EchoPark Speedway. In the first stage, he started from the 21st position, but did not move up much, finishing the stage in 14th. Chastain reached the top 10 during the second stage and even competed for the lead a few times, but he was shuffled out of the top 10 at the end of the stage, placing 11th. Although he earned no stage points, Chastain remained competitive in the final stage, as he returned to the top five in the late part of the race. He would eventually help to push Carson Hocevar on the final restart to compete for the win, but Hocevar fell back behind Chastain during the final lap. Chastain, however, did not have enough speed to move past Tyler Reddick and Chase Briscoe, leaving him to settle for third place, his best finish at EchoPark Speedway since 2022.--Sean Engel - RotoBaller
Source: NASCAR.com

February 23, 2026

Joe Gibbs Racing's Chase Briscoe finished as the runner-up in Sunday's Autotrader 400 at EchoPark Speedway. Briscoe started from the back of the pack in the 34th position and spent the first stage trying to work through the field. At the end of the first stage, Briscoe finished 20th and did not earn any stage points. In the middle portion of the second stage, Briscoe cracked the top five thanks to pit strategy and continuing to make moves through the pack. Briscoe eventually traded the lead with Bubba Wallace a few times during the end of the stage, but settled for third behind Wallace and William Byron, earning eight stage points. In the final stage, Briscoe remained competitive and led the early section. He failed to return to the lead for the rest of the race after lap 200, but he played a role in the finish as he pushed Tyler Reddick to the win on the final restart past Carson Hocevar. Briscoe could not pass Reddick for the win, but set a new career-best finish at EchoPark Speedway in the process with his second-place finish.--Sean Engel - RotoBaller
Source: NASCAR.com

February 23, 2026

Tyler Reddick won Sunday's Autotrader 400 at EchoPark Speedway in dramatic fashion. The No. 45 23XI Racing driver began the race from first after qualifying was cancelled due to the weather on Saturday. Throughout the first stage, Reddick traded the lead with several drivers, but ultimately fell out of the lead by the end of the stage. He finished stage one in sixth place and earned five stage points. In the second stage, Reddick made use of pit strategy to maintain a top-10 running position and soon returned to the front of the pack to fight for the lead. Late in the second stage, he fell behind, but thanks to a stage-ending caution between Kyle Larson and Shane Van Gisbergen, he caught back up to fourth at the end of the stage, nabbing seven more stage points. In the final stage, Reddick kept his car clean until he was involved in a late multi-car accident on lap 224. The No. 45 team repaired the damage, put on new tires, and Reddick was able to continue. Reddick worked back to the front by the end of the stage and lined up behind his teammate Bubba Wallace for the last two restarts. Although Reddick pushed Wallace to the lead on the final two restarts, Wallace got shuffled back, and Reddick continued onto the lead with a push from Chase Briscoe. Reddick then held off the field to earn his second win of the season, his first at EchoPark Speedway, and became the first driver since Matt Kenseth in 2009 to open the season by winning back-to-back races in the Cup Series.--Sean Engel - RotoBaller
Source: NASCAR.com

February 23, 2026

The Baltimore Orioles agreed to a minor-league contract with free-agent infielder Thairo Estrada on Monday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. Estrada will give the Orioles more insurance with both infielders Jackson Holliday (hand) and Jordan Westburg (elbow) set to open the 2026 regular season on the injured list due to injuries. Coby Mayo is expected to open the season as Baltimore's regular third baseman, with Blaze Alexander likely to operate as the starter at the keystone. The 30-year-old Estrada won't be a lock to make the Opening Day roster as infield depth. The Venezuelan hit .253/285/.370 with a .655 OPS, three home runs, 21 RBI, and 14 runs scored in only 39 games played last year with the Colorado Rockies. Even if Estrada breaks camp with the big-league club, he'll be a bench player who won't warrant fantasy attention in mixed leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MASN Sports - Roch Kubatko

February 23, 2026

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Sunday that no NFL team has offered a proposal to ban the tush push, and there have been no recent talks about changing the rule, competition committee co-chairman Rick McKay said. The Green Bay Packers pushed hard last year to have the play banned, but NFL rules require approval from 24 owners to enact a rule change, and only 16 supported the ban as it was written at the time. The short-yardage play has mostly been utilized by the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills, but more tush pushes occurred in 2025, with other teams experimenting with using tight ends rather than quarterbacks to take the snap. The NFL saw slightly more tush pushes last year (112) than in 2024 (101). The Eagles (27) and Bills (17) led the league by far in tush-push attempts. The conversion rate was slightly lower in 2025, with teams succeeding 76.8% of the time, which was down from 82% from 2022 through 2024.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

February 23, 2026

Houston Astros left-hander closer Josh Hader (biceps) is playing light catch off flat ground in camp as he works his way through biceps inflammation, but "it's difficult to envision Houston rushing" Hader to be ready for Opening Day, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. The 31-year-old six-time All-Star also missed time last season with a shoulder capsule strain, so the Astros are going to play it safe here. If Hader is not ready for Opening Day in late March, setup man Bryan Abreu figures to take over closing duties for the team to begin the 2026 campaign. When healthy, Hader was still one of the most dominant high-leverage relievers in baseball, posting a 6-2 record, 2.05 ERA (3.25 FIP), 0.85 WHIP, 28 saves, 76 strikeouts, and 16 walks in 52 2/3 innings. But because of his injuries going into this season, Hader carries more injury risk and has dropped to No. 15 in RotoBaller's fantasy closer rankings.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome

February 23, 2026

Free-agent outfielder Michael Conforto signed with the Chicago Cubs on a minor-league deal on Sunday, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Conforto will have to prove himself in spring training to earn an Opening Day roster spot with Chicago, likely in a bench role. The 32-year-old veteran left-handed-hitting outfielder really struggled in 2025 with the World Series-champion Los Angeles Dodgers, slashing .199/.305/.333 with 12 home runs in 486 plate appearances during the regular season. Conforto struck out 121 times in 138 games played and drove in only 36 runs. If he makes the roster, Conforto will most likely be an option against right-handed pitchers in right field if the Cubs want to give Seiya Suzuki a day off in the field. His xBA of .237 in 2025 suggests that he could bounce back in 2026, but he probably isn't going to see enough volume to be relevant in shallow mixed fantasy leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman

February 23, 2026

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Memphis Grizzlies are signing guard Rayan Rupert to a 10-day contract. The 21-year-old has appeared in 139 games across parts of three seasons with Portland and averaged 2.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 12.0 minutes this year before being waived. Memphis is navigating multiple injuries, but Rupert enters a crowded backcourt rotation that includes Scotty Pippen Jr., Walter Clayton Jr., and Cam Spencer. He projects as depth for now and is not on the fantasy radar outside of very deep leagues.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Shams Charania

February 23, 2026

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Sacramento Kings are signing former No. 7 overall pick Killian Hayes to a 10-day contract. Hayes has spent the season with the Cleveland Charge, where he posted 23.1 points, 8.1 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 2.3 threes, and 1.7 steals in 31.8 minutes per game. With Zach LaVine (finger) and De'Andre Hunter (eye) done for the year, Hayes could absorb reserve backcourt minutes behind Russell Westbrook and Devin Carter. He could surface as a deeper-league option for assists and steals if he carves out steady minutes.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Shams Charania

February 23, 2026

Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Cason Wallace produced 20 points, 10 assists, four rebounds, and three steals in 34 minutes during Sunday's 121-113 win over Cleveland, adding four triples while setting a new career high in assists. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) and Jalen Williams (hamstring) both sidelined, Wallace has operated as the primary initiator and is averaging 12.8 points, 4.7 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 2.4 steals, and 1.4 threes across nine February starts. He is a strong short-term hold and category streamer, while Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Joe should continue seeing steady usage bumps.--Brian Dailisan
Source: OKC THUNDER

February 23, 2026

Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Santi Aldama (knee) is out for Monday's matchup against the Kings, marking his seventh straight absence due to right knee injury management. His next chance to return is Wednesday versus Golden State. With Aldama sidelined, GG Jackson II erupted for 28 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in 26 minutes off the bench last game and remains the top fantasy beneficiary. Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Taylor Hendricks continue to see steady minutes, but Jackson profiles as the strongest short-term add across standard formats.--Brian Dailisan
Source: NBA Injury Report

February 23, 2026

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (ankle) will not return to Sunday's loss against the Celtics after suffering a right ankle injury in the first quarter. His availability for Tuesday against Orlando is uncertain. Hayes typically logs around 18 minutes off the bench, so his absence is unlikely to move the needle much in standard fantasy formats. Jarred Vanderbilt logged 11 minutes and posted three points and five rebounds, while Maxi Kleber saw only three minutes. Vanderbilt is the more viable deep-league streamer if Hayes misses time, though Deandre Ayton should continue handling the bulk of center minutes.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Dan Woike

February 23, 2026

Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (back) will not return to Sunday's game against the Suns after aggravating a preexisting low back issue less than one minute into the contest. His availability for Tuesday against Minnesota is uncertain. Avdija's 29.8 usage rate leaves a sizable void. Scoot Henderson logged 30 minutes Sunday and produced 11 points, six assists, and four rebounds, positioning him as a viable short-term add. Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday should see added scoring responsibility, while Sidy Cissoko and Vit Krejci profile as deeper-league streamers if Avdija misses time.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Trail Blazers PR

February 23, 2026

Boston Red Sox left-handed pitching prospect Payton Tolle tossed two innings of one-run ball in his spring training debut on Saturday afternoon. The southpaw was given the starting nod. In the opening frame, he surrendered a solo shot to Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis. In the second inning, he would toss a perfect frame and tally his lone strikeout of the contest, against outfielder Matt Wallner. Tolle is currently in contention for one of the final spots in the starting rotation and will likely need a strong showing in spring training to claim it. Last summer, the left-hander struggled in his MLB debut, posting a 6.06 ERA across his first 16 1/3 innings. However, in the minor leagues, he logged 91 2/3 innings with a strong 3.04 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and a 133:23 K:BB. Given his high-end strikeout upside, he is a name to closely watch during spring training as he could be a worthy selection in the final rounds of your draft if he were to emerge as a viable starter.--Andy Smith
Source: MLB.com

February 23, 2026

Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (calf) did not return in Sunday's loss to the Knicks after aggravating right calf tightness, finishing with 12 points, five rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 18 minutes. The injury shifts the frontcourt rotation. Guerschon Yabusele logged 30 minutes as a starter and posted 11 points, 13 rebounds, and three triples, while Nick Richards supplied nine points, 14 rebounds, and one block in 23 minutes. Patrick Williams added 10 points and eight assists in 28 minutes but remains volatile. Yabusele and Richards are priority streamers if Smith misses time.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Chicago Bulls

February 23, 2026

Tampa Bay Rays outfield prospect Jacob Melton went 1-for-3 with a home run during their loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday afternoon. Melton would launch a solo shot (his first of spring training) in the sixth frame. The team's No. 4-ranked prospect on MLB.com is in competition for one of the final spots on the MLB roster and could make a strong case with a productive spring training. Last season, Melton made his MLB debut with the Astros and spent 32 games in Houston. During this stint, the former second-round pick posted a modest .157/.234/.186 slash line with no home runs and a 29:6 K:BB. Through 35 games at Triple-A, Melton was far more productive, posting a .286/.389/.556 line with six home runs and 12 stolen bases. He is a name to monitor in deeper five-outfielder formats as he could have some sleeper appeal if he cracks the Opening Day roster, given his speed upside.--Andy Smith
Source: MLB.com

February 23, 2026

Philadelphia Phillies outfield prospect Justin Crawford went 2-for-3 with a strikeout in his spring training debut on Saturday afternoon. Crawford served as the leadoff hitter and knocked a double to center field to open the contest. Later in the game, Crawford would hit a single on a line drive. The team's top outfield prospect is currently the favorite to claim the starting center field role, and his hot start in camp further cements him as a starting option. Last season, the 22-year-old spent the entire 2025 season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley and held a .334/.411/.452 slash line with 23 doubles, seven home runs, and an eye-catching 46 stolen bases. While his power upside may be limited, Crawford could produce a high batting average with an elite stolen base total. He is a prime late-round option for those in standard leagues, as he should begin the season in an everyday role.--Andy Smith
Source: MLB.com

February 23, 2026

Chicago Cubs catching prospect Moises Ballesteros officially reported to camp on Sunday. The young backstop had his start to the 2026 campaign delayed by visa issues, but was finally able to join the Cubs. The 22-year-old is expected to immediately begin the season in a lead role on the offense, likely serving as the primary designated hitter. Last season, Ballesteros made his MLB debut and held a solid .298/.394/.474 slash line with two doubles, one triple, and two home runs across a 20-game stint. At Triple-A, Ballesteros was one of the most productive hitters in the minor leagues, posting a .316/.385/.473 line with 29 doubles, 13 home runs, and a strong .858 OPS. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in camp and should view him as a solid C2 in all formats with the solid power upside. If he is able to fully claim the DH role, he could carry starting-caliber upside in standard leagues.--Andy Smith
Source: Maddie Lee

February 23, 2026

According to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com, Cleveland Guardians left-handed pitching prospect Parker Messick is one of the names in the running for one of the final spots in the starting rotation. Messick made his spring training debut on Sunday afternoon and tossed two innings of work with no runs, no hits, and a 1:3 K:BB. Joining him in the competition will be young left-hander Joey Cantillo, Logan Allen, and Slade Cecconi. Last summer, Messick made his MLB debut and held his own, logging 39 2/3 innings to the tune of a 2.72 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP. During this stint, the southpaw struck out 38 hitters while generating an elite 5.8% barrel rate with a strong 3.6% walk rate. Messick is worth monitoring closely, as he could carry late-round sleeper appeal if he were to open the season as a starter.--Andy Smith
Source: Tim Stebbins

February 23, 2026

Miami Marlins left-handed pitching prospect Robby Snelling tossed a perfect inning in his spring debut on Saturday afternoon. Facing the top of the New York lineup, Snelling would generate three straight outs against Marcus Semien, Juan Soto, and Bo Bichette. While he was unable to tally any strikeouts, he made quick work of them, throwing only 10 pitches. The 22-year-old appeared to be in the mix to earn the final spot in the Miami rotation but now projects to be the season as the team's No. 6 option, and likely at Triple-A. With veteran Chris Paddack being named as a starter and both Max Meyer and Braxton Garrett healthy, Snelling projects to be on the outside for the time being. However, he would likely be the first name called in the case of an injury. Last summer, the southpaw looked quite comfortable in his first taste of Triple-A, tossing 63 2/3 innings to the tune of a 1.27 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP. He remains a worthy early-season stash candidate for those in deeper 12-team leagues.--Andy Smith
Source: MLB.com

February 22, 2026

Memphis Grizzlies forward Kyle Anderson (knee) is doubtful for Monday's matchup against the Kings and appears likely to miss a second straight contest due to right knee soreness. His absence should keep Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Taylor Hendricks in the rotation mix. Prosper started last game and delivered nine points, four rebounds, four assists, and four steals in 26 minutes, while Hendricks added four points, two rebounds, one steal, and one block in 24 minutes. Both remain risky deep-league streamers, with limited upside unless Memphis thins further.--Brian Dailisan
Source: NBA Injury Report