January 27, 2026
The Minnesota Twins have hinted that second baseman
Luke Keaschall could make some appearances in the outfield during the 2026 season, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Keaschall was used solely at second base last season, largely because it was his first MLB campaign and he was coming back from Tommy John surgery. Now, though, he's 16 months removed from the operation and "feels much more confident in his arm strength and being smoother with his throwing actions than he was during the 2025 season," Hayes writes. A 2023 second-round pick out of Arizona State, Keaschall wasted no time making an impact at the plate during his debut season. He played in 49 games last year, slashing .302/.382/.445 with a 9.2% walk rate, a 14% strikeout rate, 134 wRC+, and 14 stolen bases. Given that he was one of the few bright spots of the Twins' 2025 season, he should work his way into the lineup on a near-everyday basis in 2026, even if he moves around defensively. He currently ranks as the #7 second baseman in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings for 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: Dan Hayes
January 27, 2026
Minnesota Twins executive chair Tom Pohlad told fans at the team's TwinsFest event that he expects the organization to make at least one more bullpen move before the regular season begins. "We know that we have to continue to improve the bullpen," Pohlad said, noting that the Twins' front office has a history of making late roster moves in February. While it's unclear which free agent relievers the Twins will pursue, they did create some additional flexibility with the signing of lefty
Taylor Rogers earlier this offseason. Having Rogers on the staff gives the Twins a premium southpaw, which means any subsequent moves probably won't be limited by player handedness. Furthermore, with Rogers in tow, the Twins might feel less compelled to spend big on a top-tier bullpen arm and instead settle for a more affordable depth piece. Excluding Rogers, who should be the Twins' closer, the average service time of each pitcher in Minnesota's projected bullpen (via FanGraphs) is just 1.56 years. It wouldn't hurt for the Twins to bring in another arm with more MLB experience before spring training gets underway.
--Andersen PickardSource: Bobby Nightengale
January 27, 2026
The Los Angeles Angels announced on Tuesday that they claimed right-hander
Osvaldo Bido off waivers from the Miami Marlins. Bido has been tossed around by five different teams so far this offseason after spending the last two seasons with the Athletics, where he posted a combined 4.78 ERA and 1.38 WHIP with one save, 131 strikeouts, and 61 walks in 143 innings over 42 appearances (19 starts). The 30-year-old had an ugly 5.87 ERA and 1.61 WHIP with a weak 18.7% strikeout rate last season. If Bido makes the Angels' roster out of spring training, he'll most likely be used in a low-leverage relief role while also being an option to make spot starts in the starting rotation. He has a career 5.07 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with a 20.9% strikeout rate. Fantasy managers can avoid Bido everywhere if he's on the Halos' Opening Day roster.
--Keith HernandezSource: Angels PR
January 27, 2026
Free-agent starting pitcher
Aaron Sanchez has agreed to a minor-league deal with the Royals after an impressive showing in the Dominican Winter League. Sanchez compiled a 1.55 ERA with 34 strikeouts and 9 walks in 46 1/3 innings to earn the Pitcher of the Year award in that league. Sanchez hasn't pitched in the majors since 2022, but he was an All-Star in 2016, going 15-2 with a 3.00 ERA. In 2022 and 2023, he spent time with the Nationals, Twins, and Diamondbacks before returning to the Blue Jays to pitch in Triple-A in 2024. The former top-prospect struggled at Triple-A Buffalo, giving up a 7.92 ERA in 61 1/3 innings. After re-emerging with his dominant work this winter, he'll get a shot to earn a spot in the Royals rotation as he continues to author his comeback story. He has been plagued by health issues, but if he's 100% and ready to go, he could be a SP worth watching in AL-only leagues. His strikeout numbers are strong enough that he could be a good streaming or DFS option to monitor as well if he earns a spot going into the season.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Robert Murray
January 27, 2026
Free-agent outfielder
Nelson Velazquez has reached an agreement with the St. Louis Cardinals on a minor-league deal that includes an invite to spring training. Last year, Velázquez played 51 games in Triple-A for the Royals and Pirates, hitting .234 with 11 homers, 31 RBI, and a .334 wOBA. The 27-year-old righty showed some power potential while slashing .212/.286/.433 with 31 homers in 615 plate appearances for the Cubs and Royals from 2022-24. He played in the Dominican and Puerto Rican Winter Leagues and showed enough upside to earn his opportunity to earn a spot in St. Louis as a right-handed platoon option. He's an option to monitor in Spring Training, but he doesn't have to be on your fantasy radar yet in most formats.
--Zach ThompsonSource: MLB.com
January 27, 2026
Free-agent infielder/outfielder
Dylan Moore has had conversations with the Boston Red Sox, which makes sense since the team still has a ways to go before finalizing its infield setup for 2026. After
Alex Bregman departed via free agency, the team has potential openings at 2B and 3B, with youngsters
Marcelo Mayer and
Kristian Campbell potentially ready to step in, but both coming with serious question marks as well. While the team could still try to add a bigger, more established name at either spot, the 33-year-old Moore is a utilityman who brings good defense at multiple positions and a little speed and power with double-digit homers in each of the last two seasons. However, he hit only .201 in each of those two years and had a .280 wOBA in 106 games with the Mariners and Rangers last season.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Chris Cotillo
January 27, 2026
Free agent first baseman
Paul Goldschmidt does not have a contract for 2026, but the 38-year-old is still planning to play in the upcoming season. After eight seasons in Arizona and six in St. Louis, he spent last year with the Yankees. His power production dropped, and he hit only 10 homers in 146 games, with 45 RBI, a .129 ISO, and a .316 wOBA. He did still hit for a good average at .274, but that was supported by a .325 BABIP that is like unsustainable. At this stage of his career, he could be a nice platoon option, and last year he hit .336 with seven homers and a .412 wOBA against lefties. He could also be a solid veteran presence for a young team, but there hasn't been much buzz about where he could land this offseason, with the Mets as the only team tied to him by earlier reporting this offseason.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Jon Morosi
January 27, 2026
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher
Bryce Miller is looking for a bounce-back 2026 season, and he reported on X that he's added 12 pounds this offseason and gained a little velocity. Miller went a solid 12-8 in 31 starts in 2024, with a 2.49 ERA and 3.58 FIP. He battled multiple injuries in 2025, making 18 starts and pitching about half the innings of the previous season, while going a disappointing 4-6 with a 5.68 ERA and a 5.17 FIP. Miller is still expected to be a key part of the team's rotation in 2026, and potentially, the extra bulk will make him more durable and give him some extra velocity to be more effective this season. He'll definitely be a pitcher to watch early in spring training to see if he can get things going in the right direction.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Bryce Miller
January 27, 2026
Seattle Mariners second base prospect
Michael Arroyo is quickly ascending the system and nearing Triple-A. In 2025, Arroyo began the season at High-A but needed only 65 games to move up to Double-A Arkansas. With High-A, Arroyo posted a .269/.422/.512 line with 14 doubles, 15 home runs, and three stolen bases. Through his first 56 games at the Double-A level, the team's No. 5-ranked prospect continued to perform at a high level, posting a .255/.376/.341 line with two home runs and nine stolen bases. While his power production declined, he still showed an elite eye at the plate, holding a 39:30 K:BB. Additionally, Adam Jude of The Seattle Times reported that Arroyo began seeing time in the outfield during winter league games, which could open even more opportunities for the young hitter. Managers should monitor his progress as he could earn an early-season promotion to Triple-A.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 27, 2026
San Francisco Giants right-handed pitching prospect
Blade Tidwell is expected to be in contention for a starting role during spring training. Tidwell began his MLB career with the New York Mets but was shipped to San Francisco ahead of the 2025 trade deadline. He made a brief MLB debut with the Mets last summer and struggled, allowing 15 runs across a 15-inning stint. He struck out only 10 batters. However, at the Triple-A level, Tidwell has shown strong promise and could take the next step with his new club. Though 97 innings at Triple-A last season (split between Syracuse and Sacramento), Tidwell posted a 3.62 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP. He struck out 111 hitters while allowing 37 walks. With the Giants not adding many major pieces to their rotation in the winter, outside of
Tyler Mahle and
Adrian Houser, Tidwell should be in consideration to compete for one of the final spots during spring training.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 27, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals left-handed pitching prospect
Quinn Mathews was expected to contend for his MLB debut early in the 2025 season, but was unable to earn the call. The southpaw struggled at Triple-A last season, finishing the campaign holding a 3.93 ERA with a 1.60 WHIP across 94 innings. He struck out 107 batters but served up a high 74 walks. However, during his final 57 1/3 innings, Mathews was able to lower his ERA to 3.30, suggesting he made some progress in the second half. During the 2024 season, Mathews progressed through the St. Louis system at a rapid rate. He began the season by making his professional debut with Low-A and would finish the season at Triple-A. Across 143 1/3 total innings, the Stanford product posted a 2.76 ERA with a 0.98 WHIP. Given that the Cardinals lack proven options at the back of their rotation, Mathews could contend for an early MLB debut if he can rekindle his 2024 form.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 27, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays outfield prospect
Jacob Melton could take on a large role in his debut season with the Rays. Melton was shipped to Tampa Bay in a three-team trade this offseason from the Houston Astros. Melton made his MLB debut last season and appeared in only 32 contests with the Astros. During this brief taste, the outfielder posted a .157/.234/.186, with an impressive seven stolen bases. Through 82 career games at Triple-A, the former second-round selection has held a .271/.347/.468 line with an .815 OPS. During this stretch, Melton has hit 11 home runs and stolen 23 bases. With
Josh Lowe being shipped to the Angels earlier in the offseason as well, Melton will face even less competition for a prominent role in Tampa Bay. Given his speed upside, he is worth monitoring in deeper five-outfielder leagues during spring training.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 27, 2026
Washington Nationals right-handed pitching prospect
Travis Sykora (elbow) was invited to spring training. However, given that he underwent UCL reconstruction surgery last season, the right-hander is not expected to take the mound at all in 2026. Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reported that the budding ace will continue his rehab process with the major league roster during camp. Sykora made his professional debut with Low-A in 2024 and immediately flashed upside, striking out 129 hitters in just 85 innings. In 2025, Sykora continued to ascend in the Washington system, finishing the season in Double-A. Across 45 1/3 innings spent primarily with High-A, Sykora would post an outstanding 1.79 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, and a 79:17 K:BB. While he is expected to be sidelined for the entirety of the 2026 season, he is a prime buy-low target in dynasty leagues, as he was on track to make his MLB debut this season.
--Andy SmithSource: Mark Zuckerman
January 27, 2026
Washington Nationals right-handed pitching prospect
Jarlin Susana (lat) has earned an invite to spring training. However, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reported that Susana is expected to remain in rehab from his last surgery last season during the start of camp. Susana is an emerging arm in the Washington system but saw his season cut short in the second half after suffering a late injury. Fantasy managers should monitor his status during camp, as he may be in danger of missing time early in the regular season. When on the bump, the 21-year-old was quite productive. He spent the majority of the 2025 season with Double-A Harrisburg and logged 47 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.61 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP. He struck out an impressive 79 batters but struggled with his command, serving up 32 free passes. Given his elite strikeout potential, he is worth following in deeper formats as he could be in contention for a second-half MLB debut.
--Andy SmithSource: Mark Zuckerman
January 26, 2026
Texas Rangers outfielder
Wyatt Langford, the fourth overall pick in 2023 out of the University of Florida, was on the injured list three separate times in 2025 with an oblique injury, but he still managed to hit 22 home runs and steal 22 bases in 134 games played. The 24-year-old right-handed slugger also missed time during his rookie campaign with a hamstring issue. If Langford can stay healthy over a full season, though, he could do considerable damage for fantasy managers. In his two seasons in the big leagues, he's produced a .247/.335/.423 slash line with a .758 OPS, 38 home runs, 136 RBI, 147 runs scored, and 41 stolen bases in 268 games and 1,130 plate appearances. Langford could see more time in center field against left-handed pitchers, which wouldn't exactly be ideal from a health perspective. Despite injury concerns in Langford's profile, his power/speed upside puts him firmly within the top 20 fantasy outfielders.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
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