February 27, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher
Orion Kerkering (hamstring) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday. This will mark the first time that Kerkering has thrown since suffering a Grade 1 hamstring strain earlier this month. If everything goes well, Kerkering should progress to facing live hitters. After that, Kerkering should get back to pitching in live games. The right-hander has plenty of time to ramp up at his own pace before Opening Day. Last season, Kerkering posted a 3.30 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and a 65/27 K/BB ratio across 69 games with the Phillies. He figures to be an important late-inning option, but his fantasy value is limited due to the lack of save opportunities.
--Andy WebbSource: Charlotte Varnes
February 27, 2026
New York Mets infielder
Grae Kessinger (knee) is reportedly getting imaging done after suffering a left knee injury during Friday's Grapefruit League contest against the St. Louis Cardinals. Mets manager
Carlos Mendoza said the injury didn't look too good, but the team will wait until the MRI comes back before they decide the next step. Normally, Kessinger's presence wouldn't be a huge factor, but he's currently in the running for the starting shortstop gig.
Francisco Lindor (hand) is uncertain for Opening Day, so the Mets might need to pivot once again if Kessinger misses significant time. The 28-year-old was unlikely to make a big impact on the Mets, given his .131/.243/.213 career slash line. However, the injury to Kessinger gives the Mets less depth going forward.
--Andy WebbSource: SNY Mets
February 27, 2026
The National Football League informed its clubs in a memo on Friday that the salary cap number for the 2026 season is $301.2 million per team, which is up $22 million from last year. It's the first time in the history of the NFL that the salary cap has topped $300 million. The cap has increased 40% in just five years since it dropped coming off the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Teams must be under the new salary cap by March 11, which is the first day of the new league year. The biggest year-to-year increase in the salary cap was $31 million from 2023 to 2024. The wide receiver position is the second-most lucrative franchise tag at $27.3 million. Quarterback sits at $43.9 million.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
February 27, 2026
The Denver Broncos told agent Deryk Gilmore this week that they will place a second-round restricted free-agent tender on nickel cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian, which comes with a $5.77 million salary, according to Mike Klis of 9 News. It's a big raise for the ball-hawking defensive back, as he made $1.03 million in 2025 as a third-year player. He led the team with three interceptions (61 return yards) and two forced fumbles while leading all secondary players with four sacks as well. If an interested team wants to try to pry McMillian away from Denver, they'd have to give up a second-round draft pick and also sign him to an extension. The former undrafted free agent out of East Carolina University also had 56 tackles (40 solo) and nine pass breakups last year in his fourth year in the league. McMillian will be a key piece of the Broncos' secondary again in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: 9 News - Mike Klis
February 27, 2026
Houston Astros outfielder
Jake Meyers (back) was scratched from the starting lineup ahead of Friday's Grapefruit League game versus the Washington Nationals. It's early in camp, so teams are going to play it safe even with minor issues. It sounds like Meyers is dealing with back spasms, so he should be considered day-to-day. This injury shouldn't be something that impacts his status for Opening Day. Meyers is looking to build off his breakout campaign in 2025. He slashed .292/.354/.373 with three home runs, 24 RBI, and 16 steals in 104 games with the Astros last season.
Kellen Strahm figures to see more time in center field until Meyers is ready to return.
--Andy WebbSource: Brian McTaggart
February 27, 2026
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza said that he had a "fantastic meeting" with the Las Vegas Raiders at the NFL scouting combine on Friday, according to Levi Edwards of Raiders.com. Mendoza also called head coach Klint Kubiak and his coaching staff "football savvy." Barring something totally out of the blue, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner will go first overall to the Raiders in April in the 2026 NFL draft after he led the Hoosiers to an undefeated season and the national championship. Mendoza can do it all on the football field and should start on Day 1 in his rookie season in the NFL. He completed over 70% of his 379 pass attempts last year for a career-high 3,535 passing yards, an NCAA-high 41 touchdown passes, and only six interceptions in 16 games last year. Mendoza will be the consensus No. 1 overall pick in rookie-only drafts this fall, and he could be on the radar in two-QB superflex fantasy leagues in 2026 as well.
--Keith HernandezSource: Raiders.com - Levi Edwards
February 27, 2026
San Francisco Giants outfielder
Harrison Bader (thumb) was removed early during Friday's Cactus League game versus the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bader was taken out of Friday's contest after his lone at-bat due to a right thumb contusion. It's unclear how Bader suffered the injury, but there should be more information later. At the moment, fantasy managers should consider Bader as day-to-day, but the organization should give another update on him soon. He signed a two-year, $20.5 million deal with the Giants in the offseason to be the everyday option in center field.
Will Brennan or Jerar Enarnacion could see more at-bats if Bader misses any time.
--Andy WebbSource: Justice De Los Santos
February 27, 2026
The Kansas City Chiefs could be a team to monitor in the market for Seattle Seahawks impending free-agent running back
Kenneth Walker III this offseason, with Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer saying that KC "looms as an interesting suitor" for the Super Bowl LX MVP. The Houston Texans are another team that has already been tied to Walker, and the Denver Broncos also seem like a good bet to be interested. Coming off his impressive postseason run to help the Seahawks lift the Lombardi Trophy, Walker figures to be one of, if not the best, RB available on the open market come next month. Seattle is not expected to place the franchise tag on Walker. The 2025 season was the first time Walker played all 17 games, and he ran for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns on 221 carries.
Kareem Hunt and
Isiah Pacheco are both free agents for the Chiefs, so if Walker were to sign in KC, he'd be in line for an RB1 role as the team looks to bounce back from missing the postseason in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sports Illustrated - Albert Breer
February 27, 2026
The Athletic's Josh Kendall writes that Atlanta Falcons tight end
Kyle Pitts Sr. is expected to "play this season on the franchise tag," which Atlanta officially put on him on Tuesday. The Falcons can still attempt to sign Pitts to a long-term deal, "but that's not the vibe" the team is giving when it comes to the tight end. "I just felt (the franchise tag) was best to give us some time to evaluate," new general manager Ian Cunningham said. Pitts had 68 catches for 1,026 yards as a rookie in 2021, but then had three straight years where he averaged 542 receiving yards before bouncing back in 2025 with a career-high 88 receptions for 928 yards. The Falcons are basically telling the 25-year-old former fourth overall pick that he needs to do it again in 2026 before they seriously consider inking him to a long-term extension. Pitts certainly has the skills to be a high-end TE1 again in fantasy, but the quarterback situation might not do him any favors with
Michael Penix Jr. coming off a serious knee injury and facing pressure to prove he's the franchise QB.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Josh Kendall
February 27, 2026
Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin (knee) will miss the rest of the 2025-26 season, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports. According to Friedman, Dallas filed paperwork declaring Seguin out for the rest of the regular season and playoffs. This will give the team full relief from Seguin's $9.85 million cap hit. The veteran forward underwent ACL surgery on his right knee on Dec. 19. Seguin will finish his 16th NHL campaign with 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists) in 27 games. Dallas has also just lost Mikko Rantanen (lower body), opening the door for Mavrik Bourque and Sam Steel to take on expanded roles.
--Taavi PailkSource: Elliotte Friedman
February 27, 2026
The New England Patriots are expected to be in active trade discussions for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver
A.J. Brown, one league source told Chad Graff of The Athletic. The Patriots most likely won't give up their first-round pick, but at the right price, Brown "would fit what the Patriots are looking for." If the Patriots cut receiver
Stefon Diggs to save salary cap space, they are expected to look at wideouts
Mike Evans or
Alec Pierce (if he's available) before potentially making a trade for Brown. If they whiff on both the free-agent and trade markets, they could look to take a receiver early in this year's NFL draft. The 28-year-old Brown may have worn out his welcome in Philly after airing frustration with his role in the offense last year. The three-time Pro Bowler still had his fourth straight 1,000-yard season. Brown played for Pats head coach Mike Vrabel in Tennessee and could definitely have a higher fantasy ceiling while working with young quarterback
Drake Maye.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Chad Graff
February 27, 2026
Buffalo Sabres left wing Zach Benson (upper body) could return to action on Friday against the Florida Panthers, Justin Alpert of Sabres.com reports. Benson skated Friday morning, and Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff hasn't ruled him out for the game. However, Ruff suggested Benson's return is more likely to come on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Benson has missed three games with an upper-body injury. He has contributed seven goals and 19 assists in 42 appearances this season. If Benson doesn't return on Friday, Peyton Krebs will continue to have a larger role.
--Taavi PailkSource: Justin Alpert
February 27, 2026
The Dallas Cowboys officially placed the franchise tag on impending free-agent wide receiver
George Pickens on Friday, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Now the two sides will try to work out a long-term contract extension before the July 15 deadline, with executive vice president Stephen Jones saying that the team isn't putting any timeframe on it. Rapoport said he does not expect Pickens to report to the team's facilities "unless and until there is a long-term deal." Rapoport also wonders if there is a team out there that would be willing to give up a premium draft pick and sign Pickens to a long-term deal themselves to try to pry the 24-year-old away from Dallas for 2026 and beyond. If Dallas and Pickens are unable to reach a long-term deal by July 15, and he's not traded, he'd play the upcoming season on a one-year, fully guaranteed $28 million contract. All signs point to the former second-rounder playing in Dallas again in 2026, where he had a career-best 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. Pickens is a locked-in WR1 in fantasy for this fall.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
February 27, 2026
Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (illness) will be in the lineup on Friday against the Vegas Golden Knights, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports. The power forward didn't play in Wednesday's 3-1 win over Philadelphia after waking up ill. Wilson will be part of the second line with Pierre-Luc Dubois and Connor McMichael, with Hendrix Lapierre scratched for the contest. It's safe to say Wilson has been Washington's best player this season, racking up 49 points (23 goals, 26 assists) and 132 hits in 50 outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sammi Silber
February 27, 2026
Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson (lower body) will remain out for the team's upcoming back-to-back set, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports. Washington faces Vegas on Friday and Montreal on Saturday. Carlson missed his fifth game of the season on Wednesday night against Philadelphia. Declan Chisholm entered the lineup on Wednesday and will remain part of the defensive group for Friday's game. Although Chisholm hasn't been very productive this season, he contributed an assist in Wednesday's 3-1 win. The 26-year-old didn't record any defensive stats but finished with a plus-one rating over 15:08 of action.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sammi Silber
February 27, 2026
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (not injury-related) is expected to return to the crease for Friday night's action against the Anaheim Ducks, Mitchell Clinton of the Jets' official site reports. Winnipeg started Eric Comrie between the sticks in its first post-Olympics game on Wednesday, giving Hellebuyck some extra rest after he helped Team USA win gold in Milan on Sunday. Hellebuyck had a great tournament with the U.S., but it's been a different story for him with the Jets this season. Across 36 starts, Hellebuyck has posted a 13-16-7 record. He hasn't yet registered a single shutout and holds a 2.79 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage. The three-time Vezina Trophy winner has allowed at least three goals in each of his last five starts, going 1-3-1.
--Taavi PailkSource: Mitchell Clinton
February 27, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Samuel Girard (lower body) didn't practice on Friday. The team announced that Girard is being evaluated for a lower-body injury. Girard, who was acquired from the Colorado Avalanche at the start of the week, just made his Penguins debut. He logged 17:53 of ice time in Thursday's 4-1 win over the New Jersey Devils, finishing with one shot on goal and four blocks. The Penguins face the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, and Girard is traveling with the team. This suggests he might be available for the contest. If Girard can't play, the Penguins will use Ilya Solovyov or Ryan Graves as his replacement.
--Taavi PailkSource: Pittsburgh Penguins
February 27, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder
Hyeseong Kim rebuilt his swing from the ground up in the offseason after struggling with big-league pitching in his first year in the league in 2025, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. Hitting coach Aaron Bates said Kim's swing last year was too "twisted," and his inability to adjust to breaking pitches made him vulnerable. Dodgers coaches worked to get the 5-foot-10 South Korean native to use the "ground to generate more of his power and stability," and they also made subtle adjustments to keep him "squared up to the ball longer." In his first four Cactus League games, Kim has gone 6-for-13 with a home run. The 27-year-old has really impressed this spring, putting him in position for a more prominent role in 2026. Kim didn't make the Opening Day roster last year. He finished with a .280 batting average, but it came with a .699 OPS and 30.6% strikeout rate. With
Tommy Edman (ankle) set to start on the injured list, Kim has made a strong case to open the year in a utility role on the big-league roster.
--Keith HernandezSource: The California Post - Jack Harris
February 27, 2026
Minnesota Twins right-hander
Bailey Ober was bothered by a hip injury last spring, and it lingered all season long, leading to "compromised mechanics, decreased velocity, and a career-worst 5.10 ERA in 146 1/3 innings." Ober has yet to appear in a Grapefruit League game in spring training, instead "ramping up with live bullpen sessions," according to Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic. "Physically, I'm feeling good," Ober said. "I'm throwing more bullpens this year, just making sure everything mechanically is lined up." The 30-year-old veteran also worked with a hip specialist in the offseason and is hoping to bounce back for the Twins in 2026. Before he battled injuries last year, Ober had three straight seasons with a sub-4.00 ERA, and he also had a career-high 191 punchouts in 178 2/3 innings over 31 starts in 2024. With better health and increased velocity, Ober could return to form and be a great value pick late in fantasy baseball drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Aaron Gleeman
February 27, 2026
The Denver Broncos are not tendering running back
Jaleel McLaughlin, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. McLaughlin will hit the open market as a free agent next month, although it's believed that the Broncos would be interested in bringing him back for backfield depth. The 25-year-old former undrafted free agent combined for 189 carries, 906 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns in 33 regular-season games over the first two years of his career in Denver, adding 55 catches for 236 yards and four more touchdowns as a receiver. He only played in eight games in 2025, though, and had a career-low 37 rushing attempts for 187 yards and one touchdown, adding four catches for 27 yards. The Broncos will most likely add to their RB room alongside
RJ Harvey this offseason, either through the draft or free agency, but McLaughlin won't be a priority.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
February 27, 2026
New York Mets right-handed reliever
Devin Williams gave up a home run on his first pitch in Grapefruit League action on Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post. It's not exactly what Mets fans wanted to see, especially after Williams' struggles across town with the New York Yankees in 2025. The home run was the only hit he allowed in his one inning of work, and he didn't walk or strike out a batter. The Mets signed the 31-year-old to a three-year, $51 million contract in December, likely locking him in as the closer to begin the year to replace
Edwin Diaz, who left in free agency. Williams blew four saves in 22 chances last year in the Bronx and ultimately lost his grip on the closer's role two separate times, finishing with a 4.79 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 90:25 K:BB in 62 frames. He'll be a top-10 closer in fantasy for one of the best teams in baseball, but Williams could have a short leash if he struggles again.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Mike Puma
February 27, 2026
San Francisco Giants first baseman
Rafael Devers (hamstring) was scratched from Friday's Cactus League game against the Los Angeles Dodgers due to a tight left hamstring, according to Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News. For now, Devers will be considered day-to-day until we know more about the severity of his injury. If it ends up being something more serious, young first baseman
Bryce Eldridge would handle everyday duties at the cold corner in San Fran to open up the 2026 season. The 29-year-old Dominican was traded to the Giants last year, and although he hit 20 homers in the Bay Area in 90 games played, he hit just .236 (79-for-335) with 116 K's and 56 walks. Overall, Devers had a .252/.372/.479 slash line, .851 OPS, 35 homers, and 109 RBI in 163 games played. A full season in a pitcher-friendly park in San Fran isn't ideal, but Devers is still a pretty solid option at first base with a high floor after the elite names come off the board.
--Keith HernandezSource: The San Jose Mercury News - Justice delos Santos
February 27, 2026
Boston Red Sox infielder
Marcelo Mayer, who has quickly developed an injury-prone label, "set out on a mission to gain more strength and speed" to withstand the rigors of his first full major-league season, according to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. The 23-year-old has never played more than 91 games in a season since he was taken fourth overall in 2021 due to back, shoulder, and wrist injuries. Mayer entered camp this year at 220 pounds, the most he's ever weighed, but he also feels "fast and explosive." He has much more to prove this year as he looks to lock down a starting job at either second or third base in 2026. Mayer's rookie season in 2025 ended early in August due to right-wrist surgery, and he hit just .228 with a .674 OPS in 44 games in Boston before the injury. If Mayer can stay healthy, steal more bases, and limit his strikeouts (especially against lefties) in 2026, he could be an excellent sleeper candidate in fantasy baseball with potential multi-position eligibility.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Jen McCaffrey
February 27, 2026
Boston Red Sox right-hander
Kutter Crawford (wrist) was scheduled to throw a live batting practice session in camp on Friday, according to Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. It will be Crawford's first time facing hitters since last summer, before he suffered a wrist injury that required surgery. Because the 29-year-old is behind the other pitchers in spring training -- he also missed time due to the flu -- there's a chance he'll open the 2026 regular season on the injured list. The injuries started for Crawford last spring after he threw a career-high 183 2/3 innings in 2024, with the Red Sox shutting him down due to patellar tendon soreness. He ended up not pitching at all in the big leagues for the BoSox in 2025, which means when he's ready to go this year, he'll likely have limited upside in deep-mixed and AL-only leagues while the Red Sox limit his workload.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
February 27, 2026
Baltimore Orioles right-hander
Shane Baz looked good in his Grapefruit League debut with the team on Friday, allowing no runs and no hits while walking two and striking out four in 2 1/3 innings pitched, according to Jake Rill of MLB.com. Baz threw 25 of his 39 pitches for strikes during the outing and retired seven of the nine batters he faced, including each of the final five. He generated eight whiffs, and his four-seam fastball maxed out at 98.6 mph. It was an impressive debut for the former Rays pitcher. Baz struggled in his final season in Tampa in 2025, particularly at home at Steinbrenner Field, and he finished with a 10-12 record, 4.87 ERA (4.37 FIP), 1.33 WHIP, a career-high 176 strikeouts, and 64 walks in 166 1/3 innings over 31 starts. If Baz can become more consistent in Baltimore -- the move to a more pitcher-friendly venue should help -- he can become a nice back-end rotation piece for fantasy managers in mixed leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Jake Rill
February 27, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that left-hander
Blake Snell (shoulder) has been making progress in his throwing progression in camp, but he's been limited to flat-ground work so far, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. Roberts acknowledged that, given the calendar, it will be "hard" for Snell to be ready for Opening Day at the end of March. Although the 33-year-old two-time Cy Young winner finished last season healthy and as a World Series champion, he admitted that he was gassed after missing four months due to left-shoulder issues during the regular season. Snell isn't dealing with a shoulder injury this spring, but the Dodgers are slow-playing so that he can be healthy for the entire 2026 campaign. He most likely will not be part of L.A.'s Opening Day starting rotation, and when he does debut in April, he will probably be on an inning limit. It might make Snell more of a value pick in upcoming drafts. He's still worthy of a SP3 spot for his strikeout upside on the best team in baseball.
--Keith HernandezSource: The California Post - Jack Harris
February 27, 2026
Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said that shortstop
Corey Seager (illness) was scratched from Friday's Cactus League game against the Chicago White Sox because he's feeling under the weather, according to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. Seager will be down for a couple of days or so. The 31-year-old veteran and five-time All-Star fell short of the 30-homer mark in 2025 to break a streak of three straight seasons with 30 homers. He once again missed considerable time due to injury and finished with a .271/.373/.487 slash line, .860 OPS, 21 home runs, 50 RBI, 61 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 445 plate appearances over 102 games played. Seager definitely has the skills to return to the 30-homer mark in Texas in 2026, but durability concerns are real, dropping him to No. 13 in RotoBaller's fantasy shortstop rankings.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
February 27, 2026
Cincinnati Reds shortstop
Elly De La Cruz is fully healthy this spring, which is evident by the way the ball is bouncing off his bat in spring training and by the way he's gliding around the bases, according to Charlie Goldsmith. "I've always been healthy," De La Cruz said. "It feels good to be healthy. That's for everybody. Everybody wants to be healthy to be able to play every day. I'm excited. I feel proud of my work. I put a lot of work in the offseason. It feels good to see it working." He has five hits in his first nine Cactus League at-bats, which includes three doubles, a triple, and a homer. It appears the 24-year-old's work in the offseason to get stronger is already paying off at the plate. De La Cruz battled a significant quad injury in the second half of 2025 and went into a prolonged slump where he didn't homer over a 74-game stretch. The Dominican was still an All-Star and stole 37 bases and hit 22 home runs, but it was a drop from his 2024 numbers. With better health this year, De La Cruz could easily end up being the most valuable fantasy shortstop in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Charlie Goldsmith
February 27, 2026
Kansas City Royals right-handed pitcher
Stephen Kolek (oblique) has been diagnosed with a Grade 1-plus left oblique strain and will be shut down for the next week or so, according to Anne Rogers of MLB.com. Kolek's timeline for a recovery will depend on how he responds to rest and recovery, putting his availability for Opening Day in late March very much up in the air. The 28-year-old's injury definitely hurts his chances of winning a spot in the starting rotation to begin the 2026 regular season. Kolek ended up making 19 starts with the Royals and San Diego Padres last year while going 5-7 with a 3.51 ERA (3.82 FIP), 1.14 WHIP, and 77:31 K:BB in 112 2/3 innings pitched. He started the year off with an impressive 14 1/3 straight scoreless innings and even threw a shutout at Coors Field before posting a 5.10 ERA in 12 starts. Kolek is a ground-ball artist with limited strikeout upside, limiting his fantasy appeal to AL-only leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
February 27, 2026
New York Giants running back
Cam Skattebo (ankle) emerged as a rookie in 2025, recording 617 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns on 125 touches across eight games. Unfortunately for Skattebo and the Giants, his first NFL campaign was cut short in Week 8 by a season-ending ankle injury. While Skattebo is expected to make a full recovery in time for the start of 2026, his physical style of play may lead to long-term durability concerns. Additionally, a recent report from Dan Benton of Giants Wire suggests that New York may be targeting University of Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the number five overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft. If the Giants add Love or another talented running back this offseason, the team's running back room will be very crowded heading into 2026. Skattebo's fantasy upside is largely dependent on his ability to handle a high volume of touches as both a rusher and receiver, so his dynasty outlook would be significantly impacted by the possible addition of Love in New York.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
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