January 23, 2026

The Washington Nationals acquired first-base prospect Abimelec Ortiz, along with Gavin Fien, Alejandro Rosario, Devin Fitz-Gerald, and Yeremy Cabrera from the Texas Rangers, in return for left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore. Gore saw his name in many trade discussions throughout the winter, and the Nationals were able to acquire several high-end prospects in return. Oritz was viewed as the No. 18-ranked prospect in the Texas system on MLB.com prior to the trade. Last summer, the first baseman opened the campaign with Double-A but was able to join Triple-A Round Rock after an 89-game stint. With Double-A, Ortiz held a .247/.343/.444 line with 19 doubles, 16 home runs, and three stolen bases. During his first taste of Triple-A, Ortiz looked quite comfortable, holding a .283/.388/.565 line with a .953 OPS and nine home runs (across 41 games). Given Washington's lack of options at first base, Ortiz could make a strong case to begin the season in the big leagues. He is a name to closely monitor heading into camp.--Andy Smith
Source: Robert Murray

January 22, 2026

The New York Mets announced they have designated left-handed reliever Richard Lovelady for assignment as a corresponding 40-man roster move following their acquisition of infielder Vidal Brujan from the Minnesota Twins. Lovelady is out of minor-league options, and if he clears waivers and is outrighted, he would have the right to elect free agency. The 30-year-old southpaw pitched just 11⅔ innings for the Mets in 2025, allowing seven earned runs while striking out nine and issuing four walks. Across his six-year major league career, Lovelady has struggled to find consistency, compiling a 5.35 ERA and 1.35 WHIP over 111 innings. For him to carve out a stable role at the major league level, he would need to rediscover his 2021 form, when he struck out 27.4 percent of opposing hitters and posted a 3.85 xERA. Looking ahead to 2026, even if Lovelady does find himself on a major league roster, he is unlikely to provide any meaningful fantasy value.--Marty Tallman
Source: New York Mets X Account

January 22, 2026

Free-agent outfielder Corey Julks signed a minor-league contract with the Detroit Tigers last week, and The Detroit Free Press' Evan Petzold reports that the deal includes a non-roster invitation to MLB spring training and would pay $875,000 if Julks makes the major-league roster. Julks has spent the past three seasons with the Houston Astros and Chicago White Sox. Across 525 MLB plate appearances, the 29-year-old has slashed .234/.288/.337 with nine home runs, 23 doubles, and 20 stolen bases, good for a 74 wRC+. He has also posted a 24.4% strikeout rate alongside a modest 7.0% walk rate. A right-handed hitter, Julks has historically crushed left-handed pitching in the minors but has yet to translate that success to the major league level. Defensively, he has experience at all three outfield spots, though he is best suited for a corner role. Looking ahead to 2026, the Tigers already have Riley Greene, Wenceel Perez, Kerry Carpenter, Parker Meadows, and Jahmai Jones on the 40-man roster. If Julks does receive a call-up, it is unlikely to be a long-term opportunity unless he significantly outperforms expectations. Outside of the deepest dynasty leagues, you can leave Julks off your fantasy radar for now.--Marty Tallman
Source: Evan Petzold

January 22, 2026

The Washington Nationals announced they have designated catcher Riley Adams for assignment, a corresponding move for their claim of right-hander Gus Varland. Adams had been one of the longest-tenured Nationals, having been acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021 in exchange for left-handed reliever Brad Hand. Over five major league seasons, the 29-year-old has slashed .211/.287/.354 with 21 home runs in 849 plate appearances. While Adams has shown occasional power, his 79 wRC+ over that span indicates his offense has done more harm than good, particularly given that he grades out as a below-average defender. Washington further crowded its catching depth chart in December by acquiring Harry Ford from the Seattle Mariners in the José A. Ferrer trade. With Keibert Ruiz and Drew Millas already on the 40-man roster, Adams' designation seemed inevitable.--Marty Tallman
Source: Washington Nationals X Account

January 22, 2026

The Minnesota Twins announced they have traded infielder Vidal Brujan to the New York Mets in exchange for cash considerations. Minnesota designated Bruján for assignment on Tuesday after acquiring Tristan Gray in a trade with the Boston Red Sox. The Mets have not yet made a corresponding roster move. Across five MLB seasons, the switch-hitting Bruján has slashed .199/.267/.276 with five home runs and 16 stolen bases in 645 plate appearances. Optimistically, Bruján has recently shown modest gains in power without sacrificing his low strikeout rate, but he has still been unable to find a long-term home. The 27-year-old Dominican Republic native was once a highly regarded prospect in the Tampa Bay Rays organization but has never been able to secure consistent playing time or production at the major league level. Bruján is out of minor-league options, meaning he would need to remain on the active roster to stay with the Mets. If he does stick around, he would likely serve as infield depth following the Mets' decision to trade Luisangel Acuna for Luis Robert earlier this week. For now, fantasy managers can safely leave Bruján off their radar.--Marty Tallman
Source: Minnesota Twins X Account

January 22, 2026

Veteran free-agent third baseman Eugenio Suarez remains on the open market, and Nick Deeds of MLBTradeRumors.com believes the Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Seattle Mariners remain the most likely landing spots. The Red Sox appear to be the most obvious fit after losing out on Alex Bregman and missing on other veteran power bats such as Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso earlier this winter. Boston is in clear need of right-handed power, and Suárez would immediately help fill that void. The Pirates also make sense as a potential destination. The front office has shown signs of attempting to field a more competitive roster around Cy Young winner Paul Skenes, and Suárez would likely slot into the heart of the lineup, hitting either third or fourth while playing every day. The Mariners have been linked to Suárez since the end of the season, though a reunion comes with concerns. The 34-year-old Venezuelan has historically struggled in Seattle, slashing just .227/.317/.424 across 365 games in a Mariners uniform, though he still managed to hit 66 home runs during that span. From a fantasy perspective, Suárez landing in Boston would be the most appealing outcome, but regardless of where he signs, he should see ample RBI opportunities in a middle-of-the-order role. On the downside, Suárez has become a below-average defender, and his strikeout rate has climbed to nearly 30 percent, limiting his overall fantasy ceiling.--Marty Tallman
Source: Nick Deeds

January 22, 2026

The Chicago White Sox and veteran free-agent first baseman/outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr. have agreed to a minor-league contract, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post. Wade will report to MLB camp as a non-roster invitee. Across seven MLB seasons, Wade owns a .236/.341/.390 slash line with 55 home runs and 185 RBI over 560 games. In 2025, the 32-year-old split time between the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Angels, struggling to a .167 batting average with just one home run in 242 plate appearances. The White Sox have become something of a landing spot for underperforming veteran bats, so it's not impossible that Wade makes the roster out of spring training. Even if he does, however, he would offer minimal fantasy value outside of the deepest AL-only leagues. Chicago already has Munetaka Murakami and Miguel Vargas, who could play first base.--Marty Tallman
Source: Jon Heyman

January 22, 2026

The Chicago Cubs signed free-agent outfielder Chas McCormick to a minor-league deal on Thursday that includes an invitation to spring training, a source told Chandler Rome of The Athletic. McCormick will be battling for a roster spot during camp this year in his new digs after he struggled in his final two seasons with the Houston Astros. The 30-year-old center fielder hit a career-high .273 with a career-best 22 home runs, 70 RBI, 59 runs, and a career-high 19 steals in 115 games for Houston in 2023, but the last two years combined, he has slashed a mere .211/.273/.301 with a .574 OPS, only six home runs, 32 RBI, 45 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases in 158 games played. There's a very good chance that McCormick is forced to open the 2026 campaign in the minors at Triple-A Iowa for outfield depth, depending on how he performs this spring.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome

January 22, 2026

After being acquired by the New York Mets on Wednesday night in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, right-hander Freddy Peralta is open to signing a contract extension with the Mets, sources told Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated. The Mets gave up two of their top-five prospects in infielder Jett Williams and right-hander Brandon Sproat, and they're also receiving right-hander Tobias Myers. Given the cost of acquiring Peralta, New York is incentivized to lock Peralta up for years to come before he hits free agency after the 2026 season. Peralta was one of the best pitchers in baseball in 2025, going 17-6 with a 2.70 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 204 strikeouts, and a 5.5 bWAR in 176 2/3 innings over 33 regular-season starts. While the landing spot with the Mets isn't ideal, Peralta's track record of consistency speaks for itself -- 3.59 ERA and 14.9 bWAR in 211 games with Milwaukee. He'll be a top-20 fantasy starter in his first year with the Mets.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Sports Illustrated - Pat Ragazzo

January 22, 2026

The Washington Nationals acquired right-hander Alejandro Rosario (elbow), third baseman Gavin Fien, shortstop Devin Fitz-Gerald, first baseman Abimelec Ortiz, and outfielder Yeremy Cabrera from the Texas Rangers on Thursday in exchange for left-hander MacKenzie Gore, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. Rosario, 24, was considered Texas' No. 6 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. The former fifth-rounder out of Miami delayed having Tommy John surgery for almost an entire year after missing the 2025 campaign in the minor leagues. It means that Rosario will miss two full seasons, but the Nationals were still interested in the right-hander. In 18 outings (17 starts) for Single-A Down East and High-A Hickory in 2024, he had a 2.24 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and a 129:13 K:BB in 88 1/3 innings on the farm. Rosario has the upside of a front-line starter, but his development has been delayed due to his elbow injury.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan

January 22, 2026

The Washington Nationals are acquiring infield prospect Gavin Fien, the 12th overall pick in the 2025 MLB draft, and four other players from the Texas Rangers on Thursday in exchange for left-hander MacKenzie Gore, a source told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Before the trade, Fien was considered the Rangers' No. 2 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, the Nats will also receive Alejando Rosario, Abimelec Ortiz, Devin Fitz-Gerald, and Yeremy Cabrera. The 18-year-old Fien hit .220/.267/.341 with seven RBI and four runs scored in 45 plate appearances at Single-A in 2025 in his first taste of pro ball. The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder hits from the right side and has a quick swing that gives him plus raw power. Fien was drafted as a shortstop, but scouts believe he'll profile better as a third baseman long term.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal

January 22, 2026

The Texas Rangers are acquiring left-hander MacKenzie Gore from the Washington Nationals on Thursday, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Nationals will receive third baseman Gavin Fien, the 12th overall pick last year out of high school. Gore was a first-time All-Star in 2025 in his third year in D.C., going 5-15 with a 4.17 ERA (3.74 FIP), 1.35 WHIP, career-high 185 strikeouts, and 64 walks in 30 starts over 159 2/3 innings. The 26-year-old southpaw looked like he was on his way to becoming a high-end fantasy starter in the first half, with a 3.02 ERA and 11.3 K/9 in his first 19 outings. But then everything fell apart, and Gore had a rough 6.75 ERA in his final 11 starts while also missing some time with ankle and shoulder injuries. Gore's strikeout upside gives him a decent floor, and the potential for more wins in Texas should raise his ADP going into the 2026 season.--Keith Hernandez
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman

January 22, 2026

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, multiple teams remain interested in free-agent first baseman Luis Arraez. Feinsand noted that, given his ability to play both first and second base, he has multiple suitors in the open market. Last season, the 28-year-old posted a .292 AVG, which was the lowest mark of his seven-year MLB career. He hit eight home runs and swiped 11 bags. Under the hood, he generated an elite 96th percentile xBA with a 3.1% K%, placing him within the 100th percentile among qualified hitters. From 2022 through 2024, Arraez held an overall .328/.371/.426 line with a .797 OPS. While his power production remains low, Arraez will be a top batting-average contributor in 2026, given his elite quality of contact. His counting stats could also see an uptick if he were to join a competing lineup.--Andy Smith
Source: Mark Feinsand

January 22, 2026

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Boston Red Sox are a team that could make a push for top free-agent third baseman Eugenio Suarez. Saurez has been linked to the Red Sox throughout the winter, and following the signings of Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, and Cody Bellinger, the third baseman is likely the top bat available. According to Feinsand, the Red Sox were pursuing both Bregman and Bichette before they signed their respective contracts. The 34-year-old would take on an everyday role at the hot corner in Boston and would shift young infielder Marcelo Mayer back to the middle of the infield, where he spent most of his minor league career. Last summer, Suarez enjoyed a resurgent campaign, hitting 49 home runs with a .228 AVG and an .824 OPS. Surez would carry a mid-range starting third base value in all formats if he were to join the Red Sox.--Andy Smith
Source: Mark Feinsand

January 22, 2026

According to Gary Phillips of The New York Daily News, the Yankees could look to further bolster their starting rotation ahead of spring training. Phillips noted that, even though a target of theirs, Freddy Peralta, was shipped to the Mets on Wednesday evening, they remain linked to several high-end trade targets, including MacKenzie Gore of the Nationals and Sandy Alcantara of the Marlins. The Yankees have also shown interest in Minnesota's top arms, Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez, but reports suggest the Twins are likely to hold them for the time being. Earlier in January, the Yankees acquired Ryan Weathers, who projects to hold a spot towards the back of their rotation. However, given that Gerrit Cole (elbow) and Carlos Rodon (elbow) will likely miss the start of the season, the Yankees could look to further bolster their rotation. If they were to make a trade, Phillips noted that the price would be high and could involve a trade of top outfield prospect Spencer Jones or current outfielder Jasson Dominguez.--Andy Smith
Source: Gary Phillips