March 13, 2026
The Texas Rangers have designated relief pitcher
Alexis Diaz for assignment, per Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. Diaz served as the primary closer for the Cincinnati Reds in 2023 and 2024, collecting 65 total saves and 141 strikeouts across 123 2/3 innings. However, the right-hander struggled mightily in 2025, posting an 8.15 ERA across 17 2/3 innings split between the Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Atlanta Braves. Texas took a flyer on Diaz by signing him to a one-year deal in free agency, but the Rangers have apparently decided to bail out early on the 28-year-old. Diaz looked completely lost in his three Spring Training appearances for Texas, walking four and allowing eight earned runs across 1 2/3 innings pitched. The former closer will now either accept an outright assignment to the Minor Leagues or search for a new home as he looks to resurrect his MLB career.
--Will BradySource: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
March 13, 2026
Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
Jalen Tolbert is signing an undisclosed one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins on Friday, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Miami's new quarterback,
Malik Willis, was Tolbert's QB at the Senior Bowl when they were entering the league, and they are close friends. The versatile 27-year-old pass-catcher had over 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns with Dallas in his four seasons with the team. Tolbert's big season came in 2024 before
George Pickens arrived, when he caught 49 of his 79 targets for a career-high 610 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. The former third-rounder in 2022 out of South Alabama only had 18 grabs last year for 203 yards and one touchdown on 34 targets. With
Tyreek Hill leaving South Beach, Tolbert will have a prime opportunity to become the Dolphins' new WR2 behind
Jaylen Waddle, barring any additions to the WR room in the draft. Tolbert could be shaping up as a late-round sleeper target in fantasy football, especially if his chemistry with Willis is strong.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
March 13, 2026
The Denver Broncos agreed to an undisclosed one-year deal on Friday to re-sign running back
Jaleel McLaughlin, a source told Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post. In addition to McLaughlin, the Broncos already brought back
J.K. Dobbins (foot), so they'll have a very similar backfield going into the 2026 campaign, depending on what they do in April's NFL draft. The 25-year-old had a career-low 37 carries last year for 187 yards and one touchdown in eight regular-season games, even with Dobbins suffering a season-ending foot injury halfway through the year. The Broncos also have last year's second-rounder,
RJ Harvey, who could have an even bigger role next to Dobbins next season. Unless injuries strike one of Dobbins or Harvey in 2026, McLaughlin probably isn't going to see the field all that often and could be a healthy scratch on game days more often than not. His dynasty/keeper stock is quickly plummeting.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Denver Post - Parker Gabriel
March 13, 2026
Baltimore Orioles left-hander
Trevor Rogers will get the nod on Opening Day this year for the team, manager Craig Albernaz told Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun. Rogers will take the hill to get things kicked off on March 26 against the Minnesota Twins. The 28-year-old southpaw was traded from the Miami Marlins to Baltimore in the middle of the 2024 season and struggled so much with the O's that he was sent to the minors. 2025 was a different story for Rogers, though, as he went 9-3 with a 1.81 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, and 103:29 K:BB in 109 2/3 innings pitched over his 18 starts for the team. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect similar numbers in 2026 if Rogers can pitch for a full season, but he showed last year that he still has plenty left in the tank. He's worth considering as a No. 4 or 5 starter later in fantasy drafts with the upside to be a SP2 if everything goes right. In his season debut against the Twins, Rogers will be a cheap DFS play in a good matchup.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Baltimore Sun - Jacob Calvin Meyer
March 13, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (knee) is expected to be out until at least mid-April after having surgery to fix a torn ACL in his knee, according to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. Gurriel has already said that he's hopeful to be ready for Opening Day at the end of March, but the D-backs have other plans and plan to bring him along a bit more slowly. Still, the 32-year-old veteran is making excellent progress, and he could even serve as a designated hitter in Cactus League games before the end of spring training. With Gurriel set to open the 2026 regular season on the injured list,
Jordan Lawlar is "all but certain" to make the Opening Day roster and get regular playing time for the Snakes. When Gurriel does return, he'll provide the D-backs with a platoon bat in left field. He has a three-year streak of 75-plus RBI, but Gurriel is undraftable in shallow mixed redraft leagues coming off the torn ACL that he suffered in the final month of last season.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Steve Gilbert
March 13, 2026
UFC prospect Kevin Vallejos will look to remain undefeated in the leading promotion when he takes on former interim title challenger Josh Emmett in the main event of UFC Vegas 114 on Saturday. Vallejos was last seen in action in December at UFC Vegas 112, where he extended his win streak to six by finishing Giga Chikadze via second-round highlight-reel knockout. Known as a finisher, Vallejos boasts 12 career knockouts with eight of them coming in the first round. DraftKings sees Vallejos as a massive favorite with a salary of $9,600.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
March 13, 2026
Former interim title challenger Josh Emmett will look to bounce back in the win column when he takes on UFC prospect Kevin Vallejos in the main event of UFC Vegas 114 on Saturday. Since 2023, Emmett hasn't looked the same, albeit he did lose to elite featherweights. In his last five bouts, Emmett has gone 1-4, only managing to beat Bryce Mitchell via highlight reel knockout. He was last seen in action in October at UFC 320, where he suffered a first-round submission loss to Youssef Zalal. DraftKings sees Emmett as a massive underdog with a salary of $6,600.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
March 13, 2026
Gillian Robertson will look to extend her win streak when she faces off against former title challenger Amanda Lemos in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 114 on Saturday. Since losing by unanimous decision to Tabatha Ricci back in 2023, Robertson has quietly put together a four-fight winning streak, beating Luana Pinheiro, Michelle Waterson-Gomez, and Polyana Viana. Robertson was last seen competing back in May at UFC Des Moines, where she extended her win streak by beating Marina Rodriguez via second-round TKO. DraftKings sees Robertson as the favorite with a salary of $8,600.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
March 13, 2026
Former women's strawweight title challenger Amanda Lemos will look to return to the win column when she takes on Gillian Robertson in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 114 on Saturday. For quite some time, Lemos hasn't been able to stay consistent as she's been alternating wins and losses since 2022. She was last seen in action in September 2025 at Noche UFC 3, where she dropped a unanimous decision to former title challenger Tatiana Suarez. Noche UFC 3. DraftKings sees Lemos as the underdog with a salary of $7,600.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
March 13, 2026
Oumar Sy will look to win back-to-back fights when he takes on Ion Cutelaba on the main card of UFC Vegas 114 on Saturday. Sy was last seen in the Octagon in September at UFC France, where he got back in the win column by beating Brendson Ribeiro via first-round TKO. Prior to his fight with Ribeiro, Sy suffered his first loss since signing with the UFC, a unanimous decision loss to Alonzo Menifield. DraftKings sees Sy as the favorite with a salary of $8,800.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
March 13, 2026
Ion Cutelaba will aim to get back in the win column when he faces off against Oumar Sy on the main card of UFC Vegas 114 on Saturday. Cutelaba was last seen in action in May 2025 at UFC 315, where he suffered a split decision loss to Modestas Bukauskas. Prior to that, Cutelaba defeated Ibo Aslan via first-round submission. Cutelaba has compiled an 8-10-1 UFC mark since making his promotional debut in 2016. DraftKings sees Cutelaba as the underdog with a salary of $7,400.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
March 13, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander
Jose Berrios (elbow), who is dealing with right-elbow inflammation, will go to Texas for an in-person assessment with Dr. Keith Meister on Tuesday, according to Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet. Berrios will not throw before then. The 31-year-old also dealt with elbow inflammation and a biceps injury late last season. This isn't a good sign for a veteran pitcher with a ton of tread already on his tires. He had made three appearances in the Grapefruit League in spring training, posting a 3.38 ERA with seven strikeouts and four walks in 10 2/3 innings pitched. Berrios, a 10-year MLB vet, went 9-5 last year in his fourth full season with the Jays, posting a 4.17 ERA (4.65 FIP) and 1.30 WHIP with 138 K's and 56 walks in 166 innings over 31 regular-season outings (30 starts). The two-time All-Star was a depth starter in mixed fantasy leagues before more elbow issues cropped up. Until we know more, it's probably best to avoid Berrios in upcoming drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sportsnet - Arden Zwelling
March 13, 2026
Free-agent linebacker Arnold Ebiketie signed a one-year deal worth a maximum of $7.3 million with the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, his agent told Adam Schefter of ESPN. The deal includes $4.3 million in guarantees. Ebiketie will help the Eagles' pass rush after they lost edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to the Carolina Panthers in free agency this week. The 27-year-old had a career-worst two sacks last year with the Atlanta Falcons as he became a rotational pass-rusher. Despite his low sack total, he was 10th in the NFL in quarterback pressure rate (16.4%) among players with at least 150 pass-rush snaps, according to Next Gen Stats. Ebiketie led Atlanta with six sacks in 2024 and also had six sacks in 2023. He was selected in the second round by the Falcons in 2022 out of Penn State. Ebiketie will certainly give Philly more pass-rush help, and he could be used more often than he was by the Falcons last year.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
March 13, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers reliever
Abner Uribe is competing to be the team's primary closer in 2026. While that role belonged to
Trevor Megill last season, Uribe has simply been the stronger bullpen arm and offers tremendous upside in save scenarios. Uribe finished 2025 with a 1.67 ERA, 10.75 K/9, and 3.23 BB/9 over 75 games (75.1 innings). He touched 100 mph with his fastball and racked up seven saves. Megill had 30 saves, but he was less effective overall with a 2.49 ERA and 3.23 xERA. The Brewers are lucky to have two capable closers competing for one job; there are very few teams in MLB that find themselves in that position. At the same time, though, this is a very important decision for the Brewers to make, and all things being equal, it seems like Uribe may be the favorite. He's the cheaper fantasy option, too, currently holding an ADP of 170 (compared to Megill's ADP of 135).
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
Los Angeles Angels reliever
Kirby Yates should have an opportunity to earn saves in the Halos' wide-open bullpen this season. Yates inked a deal with the Angels during the offseason after a successful season in the Dodgers' bullpen. Through 50 appearances (41.1 innings) in 2025, he posted 11.32 K/9, 3.70 BB/9, and 1.96 HR/9. That staggering home run rate likely explains his 5.23 ERA, but it should be noted that his 3.90 xFIP indicates that he's due for a significant bounce-back campaign. Yates ultimately racked up three saves in a non-closer role with the Dodgers, but he has a much clearer path to save opportunities with the Angels. Los Angeles' closer competition currently consists of
Jordan Romano,
Robert Stephenson,
Drew Pomeranz, and Yates, with all four arms seemingly still in the mix at this point in spring training. Yates isn't a lock for the closer role, but he could end up providing managers with low-cost saves at his current ADP of 367. The reward outweighs the risk here.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
The Dallas Cowboys agreed to a one-year, $5.5 million deal with free-agent cornerback Cobie Durant on Thursday, his agent told Todd Archer of ESPN. DaRon Bland (foot) is coming back from foot surgery, and second-year corner
Shavon Revel continues to learn on the job after missing the first nine games of his rookie season last year while recovering from a torn ACL, so Dallas could use the help at cornerback. Durant spent the last four seasons playing for the Los Angeles Rams. He has seven career interceptions, with two of them returned for touchdowns. The 28-year-old tied his career-high with three picks last season. Durant was expendable in L.A. after the Rams acquired Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs last week. The Cowboys also signed safety Jalen Thompson in free agency, and Durant will give Dallas' secondary flexibility, as he has the ability to move inside to play the nickel spot, if needed. The former fourth-rounder in 2022 out of South Carolina State has 141 career tackles (96 solo), two sacks, six tackles for loss, five QB hits, 26 pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in 61 games (39 starts).
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN Dallas - Todd Archer
March 13, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks reliever
Kevin Ginkel hasn't previously been a full-time closer, but he could be the early favorite to earn save opportunities during the 2026 season. His primary competition at this point is veteran reliever
Paul Sewald, who was the Snakes' closer in 2023 and 2024 but then struggled while splitting time with the Guardians and Tigers last year. Sewald finished 2025 with a 5.00 xFIP, two saves, and two blown saves, leading him back to Arizona this offseason. Now that Sewald has shown he no longer has high-leverage save appeal, the closer job may be Ginkel's to lose. Ginkel tossed 25.2 innings in the majors last year, posting 10.17 K/9, 4.56 BB/9, and 0.70 K/9. He had an atrocious 7.36 ERA, but his 3.64 FIP suggests he was extremely unlucky and should bounce back this year. The walk rate isn't ideal, either, but we're encouraged by his high strikeout rate and low home run rate. In all likelihood, the D-backs will operate in a "closer by committee" situation, giving saves to whichever leverage arm has been most successful lately. There's a good chance the first dibs go to Ginkel, though.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. was charged with three felonies and a misdemeanor on Thursday in relation to a Feb. 7 incident involving WNBA player Rickea Jackson, according to ESPN's Marc Raimondi and Michael Rothstein. The 22-year-old has been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence to his or her person. A fourth arrest charge of felony aggravated stalking was changed to a misdemeanor. An arrest charge of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer was dropped. Pearce allegedly followed the car of Jackson, his ex-girlfriend, and repeatedly used his vehicle to collide with hers as she attempted to reach the police station. He was arrested and spent a night in a county correctional center before paying a $20,500 bond and being released on Feb. 8. Pearce's legal team wrote in a statement that he "maintains his innocence." It remains to be seen if the NFL will suspend Pearce for his actions.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Marc Raimondi and Michael Rothstein
March 13, 2026
The Los Angeles Rams discussed trading for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver
A.J. Brown last week before dealing for cornerback Trent McDuffie, sources told Dianna Russini of The Athletic. The talks slowed, but the Rams "continue to monitor the status" of the three-time Pro Bowler "with interest." The New England Patriots have been the team most linked to a potential Brown trade, but they put their talks with Philly on the back burner after they signed former Green Bay Packers receiver
Romeo Doubs this week. The Rams sent a first-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs for McDuffie, and the Eagles are looking for a first-rounder and more for Brown, so it's probably unlikely the Rams would fork over even more valuable draft capital when they already have stars
Puka Nacua and
Davante Adams at wideout. The Eagles don't have any incentive to lower their asking price on Brown, who is still on the right side of 30 and has four straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
March 13, 2026
Texas Rangers shortstop
Corey Seager is fully healthy ahead of the 2026 season, making him a very intriguing option in fantasy baseball leagues. Seager was held to just over 100 games last year due to a hamstring injury and appendectomy. He still had a solid campaign, slashing .271/.373/.487 with 21 home runs, 138 wRC+, a 13.0% walk rate, and a 19.6% strikeout rate. However, it's evident that he could have been far more impactful for the Rangers and fantasy managers if he had played a full season. Seager hasn't eclipsed 123 games since 2022, so it's not a given that he'll be fully healthy this year. With that said, the fact that he has a clean bill of health is a step in the right direction. With 30-homer potential and solid discipline numbers, Seager is an appealing option in fantasy baseball leagues and currently ranks as RotoBaller's #12 overall shortstop.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
Houston Astros designated hitter
Yordan Alvarez is fully healthy ahead of the 2026 season, and he's likely ready to put last year's two injuries behind him. Alvarez missed more than 100 games in 2025 due to a fractured left hand and right ankle sprain. As a result, he produced just six home runs and 118 wRC+ with a 14.1% walk rate and a 16.6% strikeout rate. The discipline numbers are impressive, and we expect that he can return to his 30-plus-homer form if he stays healthy for most of the 2026 season. He has appeared in just six games this spring; he went 1-for-13 with five strikeouts over the first five contests, but then delivered an impressive 3-for-3 showing with a double on Thursday. We're not going to put much stock in spring stats—good or bad—and the main takeaway should be that Alvarez is healthy and ready to contribute. He offers significant power upside with both outfield and designated hitter eligibility.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
Las Vegas Raiders running back
Ashton Jeanty finished as the RB13 in his rookie season, despite being first contacted less than 0.7 yards beyond the line of scrimmage on average. By almost all metrics, the Raiders had one of the worst offensive lines in the league in 2025, an area they've made a concerted effort to improve in the early stages of free agency. Las Vegas made former Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum the highest-paid offensive player in this year's free agent class, committing to a three-year deal with a guaranteed $81 million, adding stability and identity to the pivot position. An unfortunate drawback to the Maxx Crosby trade debacle is that without the 14th pick in this year's draft, the Raiders are likely out of range to add top interior lineman, Olaivavega Ioane, but in a relatively deep class, they should be able to further bolster the trenches. With left tackle Kolton Miller also expected back at full health, Jeanty should find much-needed operating space in 2026 and a realistic chance to crack into RB1 territory.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
San Diego Padres starting pitcher
Joe Musgrove (elbow) is currently working his way back from Tommy John surgery he underwent in October of 2024. He didn't pitch at all in 2025, and his last time on the mound was against Team Great Britain in an exhibition game. Ahead of Thursday's game, Padres manager
Craig Stammen said Musgrove is nearing a return, but is in "a bit of a holding pattern" right now. It sounds like the organization is waiting for Musgrove to get over the hump before they ramp up his activities. Stammen didn't hint at Musgrove not being ready for Opening Day, but given his recent activities, it's hard to imagine he'll be ready by then. Fantasy managers should still consider Musgrove a late-round option despite a possible delayed start to the season.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
March 13, 2026
Two-time All-Pro wide receiver
Justin Jefferson is coming off the worst season of his career, his sixth with the Minnesota Vikings. Following a season of uninspired quarterback play from
J.J. McCarthy,
Carson Wentz, and
Max Brosmer, which led to career lows for Jefferson in terms of receiving yards and touchdowns, the team made a splash on Thursday by agreeing to a one-year deal with former first overall pick
Kyler Murray. While Murray has never topped 4,000 passing yards in a season and has a spotty track record of supporting number one receivers, if he can reach anything approaching league-average quarterback play, Jefferson can thrive. A 31.4% target share in 2025 kept Jefferson afloat with some of the worst quarterback play in the league, while his lifetime average of 9.27 targets per game is a top-10 all-time number and one that Murray would be wise to continue bumping up if he wants to hit 2027 free agency on a high note.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays infielder
Richie Palacios (back) is returning to the lineup ahead of Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Boston Red Sox. Palacios appears ready to play after missing over a week of action due to back tightness. He has been off to an ugly 2-for-15 start at the plate during Spring Training. He's hopeful to turn that around and earn a utility/bench role on the Rays' 26-man roster to begin the season. The 28-year-old posted solid numbers during a 13-game sample size with the Rays last season. He slashed .223/.346/.318 with five home runs, 21 RBI, and 19 steals in 92 games with Tampa Bay in 2024. He could offer some deep league value if he's able to make the big league team.
--Andy WebbSource: Marc Topkin
March 13, 2026
Two-time Pro-Bowl running back
James Conner (foot) and the Arizona Cardinals agreed to a restructured contract that will keep him in the desert for the 2026 season. One day later, the team agreed to a two-year deal with
Tyler Allgeier, adding depth to a running back room that already featured 2024 third-round pick
Trey Benson. None of the three backs has a guaranteed salary above $2.1 million in 2026, and with a new coaching staff, this committee situation profiles as one of the murkiest in the league. Allgeier has the most experience in the type of wide-zone scheme expected to be implemented by offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, while Benson offers the most explosiveness, and Conner still boasts the best hands and receiving ability. With the Cardinals coming off a 3-14 season and expected to return
Jacoby Brissett as the starting quarterback, this backfield may not find itself in a position to deliver much overall value, regardless of the division of labor.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays first baseman
Yandy Diaz (hand) is back in the lineup ahead of Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Boston Red Sox. Diaz is back in the mix after missing more than a week of action due to left-hand soreness. He has been increasing his workouts in recent days and is feeling good enough to play now. Diaz looks to continue his reliable ways after slashing .300/.366/.482 with 25 home runs and 83 RBI in 150 games last season. His power numbers could see a regression with the move back to Tropicana Field in 2026. The 34-year-old still hits well enough to be a useful corner infield bat for fantasy managers heading into the 2026 campaign.
--Andy WebbSource: Marc Topkin
March 13, 2026
After what was essentially a redshirt rookie season, Minnesota Vikings quarterback
J.J. McCarthy struggled through his first year in a starting role in 2025, dealing with injuries and inefficiencies that kept him out of seven games. With the Vikings officially agreeing to a one-year deal with
Kyler Murray on Thursday, McCarthy now faces legitimate competition for the starting job. Both first-round picks in their respective draft classes, with Murray going first overall in 2019, an upside case can be made for either player, though consistency has proven to be more of an issue for both. Head coach Kevin O'Connell has long been praised for elevating his quarterbacks, and with a solid supporting cast and playoff aspirations, he now has nearly six months to pull a starter out of the highly flawed but arguably most talented room he's ever coached.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
Baltimore Orioles first baseman
Ryan Mountcastle (hand) appears to have avoided a major injury after being hit by a pitch earlier in the week. Mountcastle told reporters that he's fine after taking a pitch off the right hand on Wednesday. The X-rays came back negative, which is good news for the right-handed slugger. According to Roch Kubatko, Mountcastle should be back in the lineup on Saturday. The 29-year-old is looking to rebound after a tough season in 2025. Last season, Mountcastle slashed .250/.285/.367 with seven home runs and 35 RBI in 89 games with the O's. The addition of
Pete Alonso isn't going to do Mountcastle any favors. The expectation is that Mountcastle will primarily serve as the designated hitter, and he could become a part-time player if his struggles continue.
--Andy WebbSource: Roch Kubatko
March 13, 2026
Saints running back
Devin Neal was a popular late-season waiver pickup in 2025 when injuries pushed him into a starting role from Weeks 13 through 15, but with New Orleans' signing of
Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year deal, he has to be viewed as one of fantasy's biggest fallers in the opening week of free agency. Neal handled 15 opportunities per game during his brief starting stint, scoring twice in those three games before a hamstring injury landed him on injured reserve to end the year. Now he profiles as a clear backup to Etienne, and with most of the obvious running back-needy teams already bolstering the position through free agency, there is no guarantee the Saints find a trade partner for veteran
Alvin Kamara, potentially pushing Neal further down the depth chart.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
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