February 25, 2026
Across 544 plate appearances split between the Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres in 2025, Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman/outfielder
Ryan O'Hearn posted a .281/.366/.437 slash line with 17 home runs, 63 RBI, 67 runs scored, and three stolen bases. O'Hearn's solid season landed him a two-year deal with the Pirates, where he could lock down an everyday spot in the middle of an improved batting order. The lefty-swinging O'Hearn owns a career .642 OPS against same-handed pitching, which has largely limited him to a platoon role for most of his career. However, the 32-year-old made significant strides against southpaws in 2025, hitting .278/.358/.474 in 109 plate appearances. The Pirates reportedly plan to play him primarily in right field this season, but O'Hearn's ability to work in at multiple positions gives him a few avenues to regular playing time. O'Hearn's fantasy production may not jump off the page in any one area, but as a steady compiler who could see a career high in plate appearances in 2026, he has value in deep leagues.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 25, 2026
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher
Bailey Ober had a season to forget in 2025. Across 146 1/3 innings (27 starts), the 30-year-old posted a 6-9 record with a 5.10 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 120 strikeouts. Ober's strikeout rate plummeted from 26.9% in 2024 to 19.2% in 2025, and he allowed a whopping 1.85 HR/9. On the plus side, Ober's control continues to be a major asset. He allowed just a 5% walk rate in 2025 and owns a career walk rate of 5.3%. If Ober can push back up closer to his 24% career strikeout rate in 2026, he could be in line for a bounce-back season. Coming into 2025, Ober had posted two straight 140-plus inning seasons with a WHIP of 1.07 or lower, so he has the potential to be a real asset in the category for fantasy managers. Ober should also hold a secure spot in the Minnesota rotation, particularly after the Twins lost starter
Pablo Lopez (elbow) to Tommy John surgery earlier this month. With a current average draft position of pick 296, Ober may end up being a value selection for fantasy managers in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 25, 2026
Seattle Mariners shortstop
J.P. Crawford (shoulder) is dealing with a minor shoulder issue that has kept him from playing in a Cactus League game early in spring training, manager Dan Wilson told Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. Kramer writes that the Mariners' concern level "appears low," and Crawford dealt with something similar last spring. The 31-year-old veteran is expected to make his spring debut at some point next week, so this isn't an injury that should affect his availability for the start of the 2026 regular season. Crawford's injury will open up more opportunities early on for top prospect
Colt Emerson, who is battling for a spot on the team's Opening Day roster. Although Crawford didn't really stand out in any one area, he bounced back in 2025 to slash .265/.352/.370 with a .722 OPS, 12 home runs, 58 RBI, 69 runs scored, and a career-high eight steals in 157 regular-season games. Plate discipline is Crawford's strength, but his lack of power and speed makes him mostly middle-infield depth in deep-mixed fantasy leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
February 25, 2026
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said that right-hander
Troy Melton (arm) is dealing with some arm soreness in camp, which is why he hasn't gotten a Grapefruit League start yet in spring training, according to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News. The Tigers are giving Melton some time for the soreness to subside. For now, it's something to monitor with the 25-year-old, who will most likely be ticketed to start the 2026 season at Triple-A Toledo, even if he's fully healthy. The former fourth-rounder in 2022 out of San Diego State University made his major-league debut last year and handled himself nicely, going 3-2 with a 2.76 ERA (4.60 FIP) and 1.01 WHIP with 36 strikeouts and 15 walks in 45 2/3 frames over 16 appearances (four starts). His strikeout rate wasn't very impressive (20%), but he was a key arm in the playoffs and should get a look as more of a full-time starter if/when he's back in Detroit in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Detroit News - Chris McCosky
February 25, 2026
Boston Red Sox left-hander
Patrick Sandoval (elbow), who is in the mix for the No. 5 spot in the Opening Day starting rotation, threw what manager Alex Cora called an "eye-opening" live batting practice session in camp the other day, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com. Cora said that Sandoval's velocity was up to 94-95 mph. The 29-year-old southpaw missed all of the 2025 season after having an internal-brace procedure on his left elbow, which is why he has yet to appear in a Grapefruit League game early in spring training. Boston signed Sandoval to a two-year, $18.25 million deal before last season, even though they knew he'd miss all of the 2025 campaign. There's a possibility that he'll begin the 2026 season on the injured list, but if not, there is financial incentive to give Sandoval the fifth rotation spot if he's healthy.
--Keith HernandezSource: MassLive.com - Christopher Smith
February 25, 2026
New York Mets shortstop
Francisco Lindor (hand) had the stitches removed from his surgically repaired hand on Tuesday and can restart some "impact" activities in the next two to three days, manager
Carlos Mendoza told Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Lindor had surgery two weeks ago to fix a stress reaction in his left hamate bone. The 32-year-old five-time All-Star appears to be making good progress, though, and barring a setback, he has a good chance to be ready to roll in time for Opening Day on March 26 against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates. The Mets will ease Lindor back into spring training activities when he's ready. There's a chance he's not ready for the start of the 2026 regular season, but if Lindor opens with a stay on the injured list, it's likely to be a minimum absence. Lindor is a bit more risky now in fantasy baseball drafts because of his hand injury, but he should still be considered a top-10 option at the shortstop position.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
February 25, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander
Paul Skenes said he expects to make two starts for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, assuming they advance out of pool play, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The reigning National League Cy Young winner is scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut in spring training on Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves, and he's also scheduled to pitch in one of Team USA's exhibition contests next week in Arizona. The 23-year-old will most likely take the ball on Opening Day on March 26 for the Pirates against the New York Mets on the road at Citi Field. The former first overall pick in 2023 out of LSU has lived up to the hype early in his MLB career and went 10-10 while leading the league in ERA (1.97), FIP (2.36), WHIP (0.95), and home runs allowed per nine innings (0.5) in 32 starts (187 2/3 innings) in his second year in the majors. Skenes is one of the most dominant pitchers in the game already and is ranked as RotoBaller's No. 3 starting pitcher in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal
February 25, 2026
Colorado Rockies outfielder
Mickey Moniak (oblique) has been cleared to make his spring debut on Wednesday afternoon. The outfielder will serve as the team's designated hitter and bat in the leadoff spot. Moniak has been dealing with some lingering oblique tightness, but did not have to wait long to make his spring debut. Managers should continue to monitor his status as he may be cleared to return to the outfield in the coming days. Last season, the former first overall pick put together a career season with the Rockies, posting a .270/.306/.518 line with a strong .824 OPS. Across 135 games, Moniak launched 24 home runs while adding nine stolen bases. Managers should expect Moniak to continue to see a close to an everyday role in the Colorado lineup in 2026. However, he may occasionally sit against southpaws, which could limit his overall upside.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
February 25, 2026
Boston Red Sox infielder/outfielder
Romy Gonzalez (shoulder) does not see himself being ready for Opening Day, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com. Gonzalez expressed that his ramp-up would be "too quick" if he tried to be ready for Opening Day. Last season, Gonzalez appeared in a career-high 96 games at the MLB level and looked rather comfortable, posting a .305/.345/.483 slash line with nine home runs and six stolen bases. Under the hood, Gonzalez generated a strong .344 xwOBA with an elite .276 xBA, a 12.6% barrel rate, and a 57.3% hard-hit rate. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he works his way back from shoulder inflammation. While he remains sidelined,
Marcelo Mayer could carve out a larger role in the infield.
--Andy SmithSource: Christopher Smith
February 25, 2026
Kansas City Royals outfielder
Jac Caglianone launched his first home run of spring training during Tuesday's contest against the Cincinnati Reds. The former top prospect hit a 460-foot long shot off Reds left-handed pitcher
Brandon Williamson. Per Statcast, Caglianone hit the ball 115.2 mph. Caglianone made his MLB debut last summer but was unable to find much consistency during his first taste of the major leagues. Through 62 games, Caglianone held a .157/.237/.295 line with six doubles, seven home runs, and a modest 52:18 K:BB. However, in the minor leagues, the former Florida standout flashed immense upside, holding a .337/.408/.617 line with 20 home runs in a 66-game stint. Given his elite raw power, Caglianone is a prime post-hype breakout candidate heading into the 2026 season, as he should see an everyday role in the Kansas City lineup.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
February 25, 2026
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher
Joe Ryan (back) was able to play catch from 90 feet on Tuesday, according to Matthew Leach of MLB.com. The right-hander underwent an MRI over the weekend after feeling soreness in his lower back. However, it appears Ryan is not facing a serious injury, as he has already resumed baseball activities. Managers should keep an eye on his status, as he may be cleared to return to the mound in the coming days. Last season, Ryan logged a career-high 171 innings to the tune of a 3.42 ERA with a stellar 1.04 WHIP. He struck out 194 hitters while posting an elite 5.7% walk rate, which placed him within the 87th percentile among qualified pitchers. The 29-year-old remains a top target when looking to improve your WHIP ratio, given his stellar command. He carries solid SP2 upside in all formats in 2026.
--Andy SmithSource: Matthew Leach
February 25, 2026
Detroit Tigers right-handed pitcher
Jackson Jobe (elbow) is set to play catch up to 105 feet three times this week, according to MLB.com. The former top pitching prospect is still working his way back from the Tommy John surgery he underwent last June. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progress, but he still has a long way to go before he is cleared to return to the mound. Before undergoing surgery last season, the former No. 3 overall pick logged 49 innings in Detroit while posting a 4.22 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP. During this stint, Jobe struck out only 39 hitters and held a high 12.4% walk rate. In 2024, Jobe flashed high upside in the minor leagues, logging 91 2/3 innings to the tune of a 2.36 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and a 96:45 K:BB. Given his current trajectory, Jobe may contend for a late-season return.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
February 25, 2026
Detroit Tigers catcher
Dillon Dingler (elbow) is working through a return-to-play throwing progression this week and is quickly approaching his return. The backstop is expected to be a full-go for Opening Day. Dingler had a delayed start to the offseason after undergoing arthroscopic surgery in January. Managers should continue to monitor the 27-year-old's status, but he appears well-positioned to avoid a delayed start to the regular season. Last summer, Dingler spent the entire campaign in the majors and did not disappoint, posting a .278/.327/.425 line with 21 doubles and 13 home runs. Under the hood, Dingler generated an elite .290 xBA with a 42.3% LA sweet-spot%, which placed him in the 98th percentile among qualified hitters. When active, managers should expect Dingler to carry solid No. 2 catcher upside, as he should see most of the starting opportunities in Detroit.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
February 25, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals outfield prospect
Nathan Church went deep in his spring debut over the weekend and is a name to follow amid the team's current outfield depth. With starting left fielder
Lars Nootbaar (heel) expected to miss the start of the season, Church could claim a starting role with a productive showing in camp. Last summer, the 25-year-old made his MLB debut but did not find much success over his first stint, holding a .179/.254/.250 line with a double and a home run across 27 games. However, at Triple-A, Church showcased his five-category profile, which makes him an intriguing sleeper for deeper formats in 2026. Through his lone 53-game stint at Triple-A, Church posted an impressive .335/.400/.521 line with seven home runs and nine stolen bases. If he continues to hit for power in camp, he could be worth a late-round pick in deep 15-team formats.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
February 25, 2026
Houston Astros right-handed pitching prospect
AJ Blubaugh is in competition for the final rotation spot, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. The team's No. 13-ranked prospect on MLB.com will be competing alongside the favorites,
Spencer Arrighetti and
Lance McCullers Jr.; however, Rome has noted that Blubaugh,
Peter Lambert, and
Ryan Weiss have begun to "open eyes." Blubaugh made his MLB debut last summer and looked quite impressive, logging 32 innings with a 1.69 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP. During this stint, Blubaugh was deployed both as a starter and a reliever, tallying 35 punchouts while posting a modest 9.6% BB%. However, his elite .184 xBA helped keep runners off base. He is a name to monitor in camp as he could push McCullers or Arrighetti, given their struggles last season and lengthy injury histories.
--Andy SmithSource: Chandler Rome
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