January 16, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates infield prospect
Konnor Griffin is considered the No. 1 prospect in the entire sport on MLB.com and is quickly climbing the minor leagues. Last summer, the former ninth-overall pick from the 2024 MLB Draft made his professional debut with Low-A but finished the season with Double-A Altoona. Through 101 games split between Low-A and High-A, the 19-year-old posted an elite .332/.414/.524 line with a .937 OPS. He hit 16 home runs and swiped 59 bases. Then, during his first 21 games at Double-A, Griffin continued to play at an elite level, carrying a .337/.418/.542 line with five home runs and six stolen bases. Given his impressive rise through the minor leagues, Girffin could be in play to not only make his MLB debut early in 2026 but potentially out of spring training. Reports earlier this offseason suggest that the Pirates may give Griffin an opportunity to claim the shortstop job. Even if it is unlikely for Griffin to debut in the majors at the start of this season, he should be in the mix to reach the big leagues by the second half.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 16, 2026
Detroit Tigers outfield prospect
Max Clark has continued to progress at a steady pace through the system and is nearing the top level of the minor leagues. In 2025, the former third overall pick began the season with High-A, but eventually made his debut at Double-A Erie in the second half. Through 68 games with High-A, Clark posted a strong .285/.430/.427 line with an elite 56:65 K:BB. During his first taste of Double-A action, the 21-year-old took a bit of a step back but remained productive, carrying a .251/.360/.439 line with a.799 OPS. He continued to show a strong eye at the plate, drawing 29 walks compared to 34 strikeouts. If Clark can see his production reach a new level with Double-A to begin the 20226 campaign, Clark could reach Triple-A early in the first half, which may leave the door open for a late-season MLB debut.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 16, 2026
Boston Red Sox left-handed pitching prospect
Payton Tolle made his MLB debut during the 2025 season and had mixed results. The southpaw logged 19 1/3 innings to the tune of a 6.09 ERA and a 1.59 WHIP. Tolle was deployed out of the rotation in each of his first three outings but was then shifted to the bullpen over his last four. Through six innings of relief, Tolle looked much more stable, allowing only two runs while striking out seven hitters. Earlier in 2025, Tolle made his professional debut with High-A and was able to quickly progress through the Boston system, which earned him the late-season promotion. Through 91 2/3 innings split between High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A, the No. 28-ranked prospect in baseball posted a 3.04 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and a dominant 133:23 K:BB. However, managers should keep an eye on him during spring training, as he may not be guaranteed a spot in the team's starting rotation given his inconsistent debut. Additionally, the Red Sox recently signed left-hander
Ranger Suarez, which will add yet another pitcher to a largely crowded rotation. For now, Tolle is best left for deeper redraft leagues given his unknown role.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 16, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies top pitching prospect
Andrew Painter was in the mix to make his MLB debut last season, but was unable to earn the call from Triple-A. After battling numerous injuries throughout his young career, including Tommy John surgery, Painter was able to log a career-high 118 innings in the minor leagues last season, most of which were spent with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Through his first 106 2/3 innings with the top team in the Phillies' system, Painter struggled, posting a 5.40 ERA and 1.55 WHIP. During this stretch, Painter struck out 111 hitters but allowed a rather high 46 walks. Over the last 38 2/3 innings of the season, the former 13th overall pick struggled even further, posting a high 6.05 ERA. However, with
Zack Wheeler (shoulder) working his way back from injury and
Ranger Suarez now in Boston, Painter could make a case to make the Opening Day roster out of spring training, given the state of their rotation. He is worth monitoring as he could be an intriguing late-round option if Wheeler's recovery is delayed.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 16, 2026
Minnesota Twins top outfield prospect
Walker Jenkins made his Triple-A debut late in the second half of the 2025 season and could be in the mix for his MLB debut sooner than expected. He began the 2025 season with Double-A, where he continued to perform at an elite level, carrying a .309/.426/.487 line with 11 doubles, seven home runs, and 11 stolen bases. He then earned the call to Triple-A St. Paul, where Jenkins took a bit of a step back, carrying an overall .242/.324/.396 line through 23 contests. However, the former fifth-overall pick from the 2023 MLB Draft showed significant progress over his last 16 games as he posted a much-improved .273/.333/.439 line, suggesting he had already begun to take strides forward. While managers should expect Jenkins to open the season at Triple-A, he may only need a brief stint before proving he is ready to join the MLB roster. Given his ability to get on base at an elite rate while showing nearly 20-SB upside in each season, he is a prime early-season stash option in deeper redraft leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 16, 2026
Cincinnati Reds infield prospect
Sal Stewart is primed to build off his strong MLB debut. The team's top prospect earned a call to the majors late in the second half and held an impressive .255/.293/.545 line over his first 18 gamd as the MLB level. However, over his last 10 games, Stewart took an even larger step forward, posting a .323/.382/.645 with three long balls. Early in the campaign, Stewart spent most of his time with Double-A and had a brief taste of Triple-A shortly before his MLB debut. Through 118 games in the Reds' system, Stewart posted a .309/.383/.524 line with a .907 OPS, 20 home runs, and 17 stolen bases. This upcoming season, managers should expect Stewart to operate as a super utility option in the infield, earning starts at first base, second base, and third base. His five-category skill sets set him up for a prime breakout season.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 16, 2026
The New York Mets and New York Yankees are expected to enter a bidding war for free agent outfielder
Cody Bellinger. Throughout the winter, both teams were in discussions with
Kyle Tucker before he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday night. Additionally, Bellinger has been linked to both teams, but with Tucker off the board, Bob Nightengale of USA Today expects both New York franchises to be in heavy pursuit of Bellinger. Last summer, Bellinger spent the season with the Yankees, where he posted a .272/.334/.480 line with 29 home runs and 13 stolen bases. While he only generated a low .327 xwOBA, his left-handed swing was a perfect match for Yankee Stadium. If he were to go to the Mets, he could block outfield prospect
Carson Benge from an early-season MLB debut. Bellinger projects to carry mid-end OF2 value in standard leagues given his ability to hit for power and steal double-digit bases.
--Andy SmithSource: Bob Nightengale
January 16, 2026
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Philadelphia Phillies are the "overwhelming" favorite to sign top free agent infielder
Bo Bichette. On Thursday evening, the Dodgers signed outfielder
Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million contract, leaving Bichette as the top available hitter. Throughout the winter, the Phillies have been in active pursuit of the 27-year-old and appear to be the clear favorites to land him in the coming weeks. Last season, Bichette turned in one of the most productive campaigns of his seven-year MLB career, posting a .311/.357/.483 line with 18 home runs and four stolen bases. Under the hood, he generated a .353 xwOBA with a 48.8% hard-hit rate. If he were to join the Phillies, the team would likely pursue a trade partner for current third baseman
Alec Bohm, as Bichette would take on an everyday role at the hot corner.
--Andy SmithSource: Bob Nightengale
January 16, 2026
According to Jim Duquette of SNY, the New York Mets offered superstar free agent
Kyle Tucker a four-year contract worth $220 million before he opted to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday evening. Tucker's contract offer with the Dodgers was slightly higher, at $240 million over the same four years. The Mets have been in heavy pursuit of Tucker since opting not to re-sign first baseman
Pete Alonso and relief pitcher
Edwin Diaz. The Mets could now turn their attention to the other high-end remaining free agents, such as
Cody Bellinger,
Eugenio Suarez, or
Bo Bichette. In addition to pursuing another bat, the Mets have also been linked to top trade target
Freddy Peralta. With Tucker opting to sign with the Dodgers, top outfield prospect
Carson Benge has a clearer path to breaking camp with the Opening Day roster and is seeing his fantasy value grow as a late-round target.
--Andy SmithSource: Jim Duquette
January 16, 2026
The Baltimore Orioles have claimed left-handed pitcher
Jose Suarez off waivers from the Atlanta Braves. In a corresponding move, the Orioles have opted to designate outfielder
Marco Luciano for assignment. Suarez logged a limited 19 1/3 innings with the Braves last season but showed solid upside, posting a 1.86 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP. Across seven outings, the primary reliever tallied one save and held a 16:10 K:BB. He made one start against the Nationals and logged seven innings of work, allowing just two runs with nine punchouts. Earlier in his career, the left-hander spent six seasons with the Angels operating as a reliever and a starter. Through those 376 2/3 innings, the left-hander held a 5.47 ERA. Managers should expect Suarez to compete for a middle-relief role in the Orioles bullpen with the possibility of earning some starting opportunities.
--Andy SmithSource: Roch Kubatko
January 16, 2026
The Baltimore Orioles have designated outfielder
Marco Luciano for assignment. In a corresponding move, the Orioles have claimed left-handed pitcher
Jose Suarez off waivers. Luciano was once considered a top prospect with the Giants, but has struggled to find his footing throughout his early MLB career. Luciano made his MLB debut in 2024 and held a .231/.333/.308 line across 14 contests. In 2025, he remained with the Giants but took a further step back, carrying a .211/.250/.303 line with a .562 OPS through 27 games. Through 226 career games at the Triple-A level, Luciano struggled as well, posting a .227/.351/.401 line. If Luciano draws interest on waivers, he could be in the mix to compete for a spot on an Opening Day roster. If he were to go unclaimed, he would begin the season with Triple-A Norfolk.
--Andy SmithSource: Roch Kubatko
January 16, 2026
The Chicago Cubs have claimed infielder
Ben Cowles off waivers from the Chicago White Sox. Cowles spent the majority of the 2025 season with the Cubs but was sent to the South Side to join the White Sox in September. However, the White Sox designated the third baseman for assignment in January, and he is now slated to return to the Cubs. The 25-year-old has yet to make his MLB debut. Last summer, he spent his entire campaign at the Triple-A level, playing with the Iowa Cubs and the Charlotte Knights. Through 128 total contests, Cowles held a .235/.300/.371 line with a modest .671 OPS. He went deep nine times and swiped 18 bags. The Maryland product is expected to begin the season at Triple-A and provide infield depth within the Cubs' system.
--Andy SmithSource: Chicago Cubs
January 15, 2026
The Cincinnati Reds are acquiring left-handed reliever
Brock Burke from the Los Angeles Angels on Friday in a three-team deal that also includes the Tampa Bay Rays, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. The Reds sent infielder
Gavin Lux and right-hander
Chris Clark to the Rays, and the Rays sent outfielder
Josh Lowe to the Angels. Burke, 29, probably isn't going to be closing games for Cincinnati, but he should fill a late-inning, high-leverage role in his new digs. In 61 2/3 innings pitched for the Halos last year, Burke posted a 3.36 ERA (4.16 FIP) and 1.23 WHIP with 52 strikeouts and 18 walks in 69 outings (one start). Burke has been in high-leverage roles the last couple of seasons with the Angels and Texas Rangers, but he still has no career saves in five big-league seasons. He sports a career 3.88 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 22.5% strikeout rate.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
January 15, 2026
The Tampa Bay Rays are acquiring infielder
Gavin Lux and right-hander
Chris Clark from the Cincinnati Reds on Friday in a three-team deal that also involves the Los Angeles Angels, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. In his first and only season with the Reds in 2025, Lux slashed .269/.350/.374 with only five home runs, 53 RBI, and 49 runs scored in 140 games played. The trade from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Reds allowed Lux to accumulate a career-high 503 plate appearances in an everyday role. The problem is that he hit just .179/.270/.196 against left-handed pitchers, which makes it unlikely he'll have an everyday role at second base in his new home in Tampa. Lux has a good command of the strike zone and takes plenty of walks, but he doesn't help himself with poor defensive metrics. He lost 2B eligibility going into 2026 and lacks power and speed, leaving him very little fantasy appeal.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
January 15, 2026
The Los Angeles Angels are acquiring outfielder
Josh Lowe from the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday in a three-team trade that also involves the Cincinnati Reds, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. The Reds are sending infielder
Gavin Lux and right-hander
Chris Clark to the Rays, and the Angels are sending left-hander
Brock Burke to the Reds. Lowe will give the Angels more outfield depth after they traded
Taylor Ward to the Baltimore Orioles this offseason for right-hander
Grayson Rodriguez. Lowe, a 27-year-old left-handed hitter, has struggled with injuries the last two years with Tampa, but his power/speed upside makes him worth a late-round gamble. The former first-rounder hit 20 homers and stole 32 bases in 2023, and he combined for 21 homers and 43 steals in 214 the last two years in Tampa. In addition to durability concerns, Lowe has struggled against left-handers. A change of scenery could help Lowe, but he still has to stay healthy, and he could be limited to a strong-side platoon outfield role.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
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