February 8, 2026

The Houston Astros' trade talks surrounding corner infielder Isaac Paredes are "intensifying," according to Chandler Rome of Crush City Territory. "There appears to be some pretty direct motivation, and it appears that things are gaining some momentum," Rome said. He added that up to five teams (including the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates) have expressed interest in acquiring the 26-year-old. Paredes' name has been one of the most oft-mentioned in trade rumors this offseason, and for good reason. He's appealing to opposing teams because he's a power-hitting threat with solid walk and strikeout numbers, and he's a reasonable trade candidate for the Astros because he's not currently in an everyday role. Carlos Correa is expected to spend most of the season at third base, and Christian Walker should play somewhat consistently at first base. As a result, Paredes' path to consistent playing time would likely be a trade. He's a free agent after the 2027 season, and any trade won't necessarily come cheap. He's coming off a strong campaign in which he slashed .254/.352/.458 across 102 games with 20 home runs, 53 RBI, 128 wRC+, an 11.7% walk rate, and a 17.4% strikeout rate. Of the two prospective teams that Rome mentioned, Boston has a clear need at third base after losing Alex Bregman, and Pittsburgh has been looking for an upgrade at the hot corner ever since trading away Ke'Bryan Hayes. The latest Steamer projections estimate that Paredes will post 125 wRC+ in 2026 if he stays in Houston. He currently ranks as the #30 corner infielder and #106 hitter in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Chandler Rome

February 7, 2026

On a per-inning basis, Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen was one of the best hurlers in the big leagues in 2025. Across 150 innings (31 starts), the 30-year-old posted a 10-5 record with a 2.76 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 127 strikeouts. However, volume remains a problem for Rasmussen's fantasy outlook, as he averaged fewer than five innings pitched per start. He also struck batters out at just a 21.7% clip, which means he will leave fantasy managers wanting in the strikeout category unless he can greatly increase his innings workload. On the bright side, 2025 was Rasmussen's first season after throwing just 73 1/3 combined innings across 2023 and 2024 due to injury. With a full season of health under his belt, Tampa Bay may look to push him closer to 175 innings in 2026. However, Rasmussen has already undergone three major elbow procedures in his career, so he carries significant injury risk. Fantasy managers can rely on Rasmussen for excellent ratios when healthy, but may be wise to temper expectations for his workload volume heading into 2026.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

February 7, 2026

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams posted a breakout season in 2025, recording a 12-5 record with a 3.06 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 173 strikeouts across 167 2/3 innings (31 starts). The 26-year-old was able to shake off the injury bug that limited him to just 76 big-league innings in 2024, and now appears to be locked in near the top of the Cleveland rotation heading into 2026. However, there are a few aspects of Williams' profile that point to some likely regression. For one, his 11.8% walk rate in 2025 was well below average for a starter and was a major contributor to his middling 1.27 ERA. Additionally, Williams logged an unsustainably high 83.8% strand rate in 2025, which helped suppress his ERA. If he allows baserunners to reach at the same rate in 2026, it's unlikely that he will repeat his excellent 3.06 ERA. Still, even with some regression, Williams is a talented young pitcher with a solid 24.1% career strikeout rate and room to improve his overall profile. With a current average draft position of pick 150, Williams could be a worthy mid-round starting pitcher option for fantasy managers in 2026.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

February 7, 2026

A former top prospect, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell finally had his long-awaited breakout season in 2025. Across 573 plate appearances, the 26-year-old posted a .236/.293/.485 slash line with 37 home runs, 98 RBI, 63 runs scored, and five stolen bases. Adell logged an elite 17.2% barrel rate, the best of his career by nearly six percentage points. Heading into 2026, Adell looks to have an everyday role in the middle of the Angels lineup. However, there are some warning signs in his profile. With a 5.8% walk rate and 26.4% strikeout rate, Adell's plate skills remain questionable and could lead to both a poor batting average and a drop in the batting order. Additionally, Adell has largely graded out as a well below-average defensive outfielder throughout his career, which could lead to a drop in playing time if he has any struggles with the bat. Still, Adell's power is real, and the Angels are not exactly swimming in outfield talent behind him. As a mid-round power bat, Adell could be a quality outfield option for fantasy managers once again in 2026.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

February 7, 2026

After missing the entire 2024 season due to a shoulder injury, Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff finally returned to the big-league mound in July 2025. The 32-year-old was excellent in 64 2/3 innings (12 starts), posting a 7-2 record with a 3.20 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 83 strikeouts. However, he suffered a lat injury in mid-September that ultimately ended his 2025 campaign. Woodruff accepted the qualifying offer from Milwaukee in November, meaning he will pitch for the Brewers in 2026 on a one-year, prove-it contract. Based on the 26.8% K-BB rate he posted in 2025 and his career WHIP of 1.03, Woodruff carries significant fantasy upside in redraft formats. However, he's also thrown just 131 2/3 innings since the start of 2023, so Woodruff's injury risk is obviously immense. Recent reporting indicates that Woodruff is having a normal offseason, and he will obviously be motivated to put up a banner season in a contract year. With a current average draft position of pick 117, Woodruff is a high-risk, high-reward starting pitcher option for fantasy managers in 2026.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

February 7, 2026

Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler (knee) was one of the breakout stars of the 2024 fantasy baseball season, recording an .807 OPS with 22 home runs and 18 stolen bases across just 451 plate appearances and earning a seven-year contract extension from his organization. However, the 25-year-old posted a somewhat underwhelming follow-up campaign in 2025. Across 630 plate appearances, Butler hit .234/.306/.404 with 21 home runs, 63 RBI, 83 runs scored, and 22 stolen bases. His strikeout rate jumped from 23.9% in 2024 to 28.4% in 2025, while his barrel rate fell from 11% to 9.2%. Over the offseason, Butler underwent knee surgery to repair a torn right patellar tendon, and reportedly battled knee troubles throughout 2025. He expects to be ready for the start of Spring Training, which means Butler could be in line for a bounce-back season with improved health. Even in a down year, Butler still provided fantasy managers with both power and speed, and he profiles as an everyday regular in an improving Athletics lineup. Butler carries some downside risk, but he could represent a value pick for fantasy managers as the 135th player off the board by current average draft position.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

February 7, 2026

Ex-major-league outfielder Yasiel Puig was found guilty of obstruction of justice and lying to federal officials investigating an illegal sports betting operation, according to David Payne Purdum of ESPN. Puig now faces up to 20 years in federal prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 26. The 35-year-old initially pled guilty to a felony charge of lying to federal agents. He acknowledged in an Aug. 2022 plea agreement that he racked up more than $280,000 in losses over a few months in 2019 while wagering on tennis, football, and basketball games through a third party who worked for an illegal gambling operation run by Wayne Nix, a former minor-league baseball player. Authorities said Puig placed at least 900 bets through Nix-controlled betting websites. Prosecutors said Puig denied knowing about the nature of his bests in a Jan. 2022 interview, but he changed his tune months later, announcing he was switching his plea to not guilty because of "significant new evidence." In seven major-league seasons (six with the Dodgers), Puig hit .277 with 132 home runs and 415 RBI.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - David Payne Purdum

February 7, 2026

Texas Rangers outfielder Brandon Nimmo continues to have a high floor in category formats heading into the 2026 campaign. Nimmo was shipped to the Rangers in the early stages of the offseason in exchange for infielder Marcus Semien. Over the past two seasons, Nimmo has hit at least 23 home runs while swiping double-digit bases. In 2025, Nimmo would launch a career-best 25 long balls with 13 stolen bases, a slight drop from the 15 he stole the year prior. He posted a .262/.324/.436 line with 81 runs and a solid 92 RBI, the highest of his career. His rise in power could continue in 2026, as he posted a career-best 50.2% hard-hit rate and a 112.3 max exit velocity. While the 32-year-old's counting stats could take a slight hit in the move to Texas, he holds 20/10 (HR/SB) upside while proving a solid batting average. He is a prime target as a No. 3 OF in NFBC drafts, at his current 142.2 ADP.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller

February 7, 2026

Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story appeared in 157 games in 2025, which matched a previous career high he set in 2018. Since joining the Red Sox in 2022, Story never appeared in more than 94 games in a season and has only surpassed the 50-game mark once, until 2025. Last season, Story looked like his former self, posting a .263/.308/.433 line with 25 home runs and 31 stolen bases. He tallied 91 runs and 96 RBI as he held a consistent spot in the heart of the Boston lineup. However, under the hood, Story generated a modest .311 xwOBA, suggesting he may take a bit of a step back in 2026. Additionally, his 26.9% K% and low 5.0% BB% significantly lower his floor in points formats. Given his injury history, Story does hold some risks heading into the 2026 campaign. However, when on the field, he possesses legit power and speed upside while providing high-end counting stats. He is a solid option at his 104.9 (No. 13 SS) on NFBC drafts when looking for upside, albeit with some risk.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller

February 7, 2026

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider had a slight delay to his 2025 campaign after recovering from an internal brace procedure he underwent in 2024. However, once he returned to the bump, the 27-year-old did not look like his usual dominant self. Across 125 1/3 innings, Strider stumbled and posted a 4.45 ERA with a 1.40 WHIP. He struck out hitters at a modest 24.3% rate while allowing walks at a high 9.5% rate, placing him in the 25th percentile among qualified pitchers. Under the hood, the hard-throwing right-hander placed in the 14th percentile in both xERA and barrel rate, which are not promising signs. Additionally, his changeup, which was his primary No. 3 pitch during his prime seasons, was ineffective in 2025, posting a low 29.4% whiff rate and a high .314 xwOBA, compared to the dominant 44.4% whiff rate and .196 xwOBA it generated in 2023. Given the struggles he endured, managers should draft Strider with caution at his near 100.0 ADP on NFBC drafts.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller

February 7, 2026

Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin looked quite comfortable in his debut campaign in the major leagues as he took home NL Rookie of the Year honors. In his first season in Atlanta, Baldwin would hold a strong .274/.341/.469 line with an .810 OPS. Baldwin would tally 18 doubles and 19 home runs, while scoring 56 runs with 80 RBI. He would not steal any bases but showed a solid eye at the plate, carrying a 68:38 K:BB. Under the hood, the young backstop generated a .353 xwOBA, .272 xBA, and .480 xSLG, which placed him in the 81st percentile or higher among qualified batters. He was also an elite defender, sitting in the 91st percentile in Blocks Above Average. With Sean Murphy (hip) still facing an unknown timeline, Baldwin is penciled in as the team's primary coach heading into 2026. Baldwin holds top-12 upside at the position, entering spring training.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller

February 7, 2026

New York Yankees first baseman/catcher Ben Rice could shift to a larger role behind the dish following the signing of veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. Goldschmidt split time at first base with Rice last season and typically kept the young first baseman in a platoon role. However, earlier this offseason, Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted that Rice would play "a lot more" against left-handed pitchers. With Goldschmidt rejoining the Bronx Bombers, Rice now faces much more competition for a consistent role. Despite this, The Athletic's Chris Kirschner noted that Goldschmidt's return could move Rice firmly into the No. 2 catcher role, behind Austin Wells. With another infielder on the team, the Yankees could look to keep Rice as the primary first baseman and backup catcher to save an outfield spot, which could allow Jasson Dominguez to stay on the other MLB roster. Last summer, Rice flashed immense upside, posting a .255/.337/.499 line with 26 home runs. He carries top-5 upside at the catcher position and could become a top-3 option if he were to see a full-time role.--Andy Smith
Source: Chris Kirschner

February 7, 2026

According to Meredith Marakovits of the YES Network, New York Yankees right-handed starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt (elbow) is still targeting a second-half return. Schmidt underwent an internal brace procedure last July and remains on track to return to the bump during the back half of the 2026 campaign. Before suffering the injury last summer, Schmidt was quite productive, logging 78 2/3 innings to the tune of a 3.32 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP. During this stint, the right-hander struck out 73 batters while generating a strong 3.02 xERA and an elite .198 xBA. In 2024, Schmidt was productive as well, posting a 2.85 ERA and 1.18 WHIP across 85 1/3 innings. Managers in deeper formats with IL spots should consider stashing Schmidt closer to his return, as he could provide solid SP3/SP4 upside down the stretch.--Andy Smith
Source: Meredith Marakovits

February 7, 2026

New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (shoulder) will start the 2026 season on the injured list after recovering from left-labrum surgery last October, and he's unlikely to return until at least May, according to Randy Miller of NJ Advance Media. Volpe's fantasy value obviously will take a pretty big hit this year with the expectation that he'll miss at least the first month of the campaign. He initially injured his left shoulder while diving for a ball on May 3 and required several cortisone shots to get through the season. It most definitely hurt Volpe's offensive production in 2025, and he finished with a depressed .212/.272/.391 slash line with a .663 OPS, career-low 19 home runs, career-high 72 RBI, 65 runs scored, and 18 stolen bases in 153 regular-season games. It could take the 24-year-old some time to work his way back as well in 2026. Until Volpe is cleared to make his season debut, speedster Jose Caballero is expected to handle most of the work at the 6 in the Bronx.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NJ Advance Media - Randy Miller

February 6, 2026

Tampa Bay Rays infielder Brett Wisely was designated for assignment by the organization on Friday. Wisely was the odd man out after the team acquired outfielder Victor Mesa Jr. from the Miami Marlins earlier in the day. Wisely never got a chance to play for the Rays, as he was acquired by the organization in a trade with the Atlanta Braves last month. The 26-year-old is slashing .214/.265/.319 with seven home runs and 49 RBI in 168 games across parts of three big league seasons. It's possible another team claims him and gives Wisely a chance to earn a spot in Spring Training.--Andy Webb
Source: Rays PR