February 19, 2026
Baltimore Orioles corner infielder
Coby Mayo could see more opportunities at third base in Baltimore if infielder
Jordan Westburg (elbow, oblique) is forced to miss time due to injuries to begin the 2026 season, according to Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. Westburg is unable to perform baseball activities in camp right now and could be forced to the injured list to begin the year, making Mayo the starting third baseman for the O's. The 24-year-old came up through the system as a third baseman, but the O's moved him across the diamond to first last year.
Pete Alonso is now locked in at first base, so Mayo could make the move back across the infield. Through his first 102 games played in the big leagues, Mayo has struggled at the plate, slashing .201/.285/.349 with a .634 OPS, 11 home runs, 28 RBI, and a 31.2% strikeout rate. There's hope that Mayo's strong finish to last season can carry over, but he's going to need to make more contact to find his way into Baltimore's lineup regularly.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Baltimore Banner - Andy Kostka
February 19, 2026
Chicago White Sox manager
Will Venable said that right-hander
Seranthony Dominguez will be the team's closer to begin the 2026 season, according to James Fegan of Sox Machine. The White Sox signed Dominguez to a two-year, $20 million contract last month. The 31-year-old veteran has only 40 career saves in seven big-league seasons with three different teams, with 16 of them coming in his first major-league season in 2018 with the Philadelphia Phillies. Dominguez struck out 30.3% of the hitters he faced and had an opponent's expected batting average of just .200, partly because of a new split-finger fastball that he introduced. In a career-high 62 2/3 innings pitched for the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays, he held a 3.16 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, two saves, 20 holds, 79 strikeouts, and 36 walks. Dominguez's splitter is nasty and regularly generates whiffs, but a career-high 13.8% walk rate is worrisome, and he's unlikely to see a ton of save chances on one of the worst teams in baseball.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sox Machine - James Fegan
February 19, 2026
Cleveland Guardians right-hander
Gavin Williams took another step last year, reaching personal bests across the board in ERA (3.06), strikeouts (173), innings (167 2/3), and starts (31). After the All-Star break, Williams had a 2.18 ERA over 12 starts, which tied him with
Tarik Skubal for first among qualified American League starters. In the first few months of 2025, he threw less than six innings in eight of his 11 starts, logging a 4.27 ERA with 32 walks in 52 2/3 frames. According to MLB.com's Tim Stebbins, a subtle mechanical adjustment that Williams made on June 16 was the catalyst for his excellent finish. The 26-year-old raised the position of his hands from resting at the belt to his chest, to create a longer arm path so he could better locate his pitches. Williams also added a sinker last year, although he only threw it 6.6% of the time. The adjustment helped Williams throw more strikes, but he still led the majors with 83 walks. Going into 2026, Williams is an anchor in Cleveland's starting rotation and is a high-end No. 4 starting pitcher in fantasy with upside for more if he continues to lower his walk rate.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins
February 19, 2026
Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitching prospect
Rhett Lowder is in the mix for the team's No. 5 starting rotation spot this spring, competing with
Chase Burns,
Brandon Williamson, and
Julian Aguiar, and so far, he has looked good, according to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. Lowder has faced hitters twice in live batting practice sessions and has looked "very polished," according to manager Terry Francona. "He's gross," a Reds hitter said of Lowder. The 23-year-old former seventh overall pick in 2023 out of Wake Forest missed all of last season with forearm and oblique injuries, but he had a normal offseason and looks primed and ready to return to the big leagues as a key part of the back end of Cincy's rotation. Lowder made his major-league debut in 2024 and made six starts, allowing only four earned runs while fanning 22 and walking 14 in 30 2/3 innings. He should already be stashed in dynasty/keeper leagues, and he could quickly emerge as a streamer on the redraft radar if he earns a rotation spot.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Mark Sheldon
February 19, 2026
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that corner infielder
Christian Encarnacion-Strand (hamstring) could get into Cactus League games at the beginning of next week, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. Encarnacion-Strand came to spring training a bit behind the other position players due to a minor hamstring injury that he suffered in January, but it doesn't appear to be anything that will keep the 26-year-old from being ready to go for Opening Day in late March.
Ke'Bryan Hayes is now locked in as the team's starting third baseman, while
Eugenio Suarez,
Sal Stewart, and Spencer Stewart should all rotate between first base and designated hitter in 2026, making it likely that Encarnacion-Strand will be on the outside looking in for an Opening Day roster spot. CEH has notable power, but he chases outside the zone too much. The former fourth-rounder hit just .208/.234/.377 with a .610 OPS in 36 big-league games in 2025 and finished the year in the minors.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
February 19, 2026
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that designated hitter/catcher
Moises Ballesteros should be in camp by Saturday or Sunday, according to Bruce Levine of Marquee Sports Network. Ballesteros is making his way through Colombia with visa issues.
Miguel Amaya and
Carson Kelly are expected to split the catching duties in 2026, with Ballesteros serving as the team's primary DH against right-handed pitchers. The 22-year-old left-handed hitter made his major-league debut with the Cubs last year and appeared in only 20 games, going 17-for-57 (.298) with two home runs, 11 RBI, and 12 runs scored. The fact that Ballesteros might not regain catching eligibility in fantasy is a major drawback, but his bat will play, and he could have 20-25-homer upside at the major-league level. At Triple-A Iowa in 2025, he slashed .316/.385/.473 with 13 home runs and just a 13.2% strikeout rate in 114 games.
--Keith HernandezSource: Marquee Sports Network - Bruce Levine
February 19, 2026
After signing in free agency on a modest two-year contract, Chicago Cubs starting pitcher
Matthew Boyd entered 2025 profiling as a quality depth arm but little more. The 35-year-old instead delivered a career season, posting a 14-8 record with a 3.21 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 154 strikeouts across 179 2/3 innings pitched (31 starts). Still, a look under the hood at Boyd could reveal that he's a prime regression candidate in 2026. Across 68 innings after the All-Star break, Boyd posted a 4.63 ERA. Additionally, with a below-average 21.4% strikeout rate, Boyd is unlikely to provide significant help to fantasy managers in the strikeout category. The veteran lefty also remains a significant health risk, as 2025 was his first time throwing more than 78 2/3 innings in a season since 2019. Boyd has a spot in the Cubs' rotation, which gives him a chance to rack up wins as long as he can stay on the mound. However, fantasy managers may want to price in some regression back to career norms and health risk before targeting him in drafts.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
In 2024, while pitching for the Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher
Griffin Jax emerged as one of the best high-leverage arms in baseball. Jax's performance declined in 2025, as he finished the year with a 4.23 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 99 strikeouts across 66 innings split between Minnesota and Tampa Bay. Still, Jax posted an elite 35% strikeout rate, and his ERA improved to a more manageable 3.60 across 23 appearances with the Rays after being acquired mid-season. Heading into 2026, Jax appears to be competing with right-hander
Edwin Uceta and left-hander
Garrett Cleavinger for the closer job in Tampa Bay. Rays manager Kevin Cash is known for using multiple relievers in the ninth inning, so the most likely scenario is that Jax will not see 100% of the team's save opportunities. However, given his ability to rack up strikeouts, he could be a useful relief option for fantasy managers even if he remains in a part-time closer role. With a current average draft position of pick 233, Jax could ultimately end up providing significant value for managers in the middle rounds of drafts.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
Across 695 plate appearances in 2025, San Francisco Giants outfielder
Heliot Ramos hit .256/.328/.400 with 21 home runs, 69 RBI, 85 runs scored, and six stolen bases. While Ramos' production doesn't jump off the page, he established himself as an everyday regular in the San Francisco lineup. The 26-year-old also made significant strides in terms of swing-and-miss, lowering his strikeout rate from 26.1% in 2024 to 22.7% in 2025. However, Ramos sacrificed some power to make contact more often, as his barrel rate dropped from 14.5% to 8.8%. His isolated slugging percentage dropped over 50 points, and he hit one fewer home run despite logging nearly 200 more plate appearances. If Ramos can combine the best aspects of his 2025 approach with the power he displayed in 2024, he could be in line for a breakout season. However, he may ultimately settle in at the overall level he showed in 2025, which could put him at risk of losing playing time with the Giants.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
Colorado Rockies shortstop
Ezequiel Tovar battled through a down year in 2025, posting a .253/.294/.400 slash line with nine home runs, 33 RBI, 44 runs scored, and five stolen bases in 390 plate appearances. Hip and groin injuries limited the 24-year-old to just 95 games played. With a career strikeout rate of 27.3% and a career walk rate of 4.1%, Tovar's plate skills leave a lot to be desired. He also makes a good amount of soft contact, as he's never posted a hard-hit rate above 40% in any of his four big league seasons. Still, while not a perfect player, Tovar had been an above-average compiler for fantasy managers in 2024, collecting 26 home runs across 695 plate appearances. Playing his home games at the hitter-friendly Coors Field has also helped Tovar run a career batting average on balls in play of .331, which mitigates the impact of his below-average strikeout rate. As long as he's healthy, Tovar should see everyday playing time at the top of the Colorado batting order, and could be a strong buy-low candidate for fantasy managers at the shortstop position.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop
Wander Franco is said to be "confident and optimistic" ahead of a new trial on charges of sexual abuse of a minor in the Dominican Republic, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Franco was found guilty of the charges in June, but both sides appealed the decision, leading to the ordering of a new trial, which begins Friday. The 24-year-old has not appeared in an MLB game since August of 2023 and remains on the league's restricted list. If found guilty in the new trial, Franco could face stricter punishment, including jail time. If cleared of the charges, he would likely still face an uphill battle to make it back to the big leagues and could still be subject to a suspension from MLB.
--Will BradySource: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
February 19, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (knee), who is recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee that he suffered last September, has been ahead of schedule in his rehab to the point where he thinks he could be ready for Opening Day, according to MLB.com's Steve Gilbert. Gurriel took live batting practice on Tuesday in camp and has been running the bases. However, manager Torey Lovullo already said that the 32-year-old Cuban outfielder won't be an option on Opening Day.
Alek Thomas, who has been a mainstay in center field for the Sankes in the last three years, has started taking fly balls in left field this spring.
Corbin Carroll (hand) also had surgery to remove a broken hamate bone from his hand, but he has a realistic chance to be ready for Opening Day. With an unknown timetable on Gurriel, he's currently outside RotoBaller's top-100 fantasy outfield rankings entering 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Steve Gilbert
February 19, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander
Drew Rasmussen will take the hill on Opening Day on March 26 against the St. Louis Cardinals, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Rasmussen gets the nod after exceeding expectations last year in his first full season back from right-elbow surgery. The 30-year-old veteran was a first-time All-Star in his sixth year in the big leagues and went 10-5 with a 2.76 ERA (3.84 FIP), 1.02 WHIP, career-high 127 strikeouts, and 37 walks in 150 innings pitched over 31 starts. Still, fantasy managers need to remember that Rasmussen has had three elbow surgeries in his career. The Rays could loosen the leash a bit in terms of his workload in 2026, but they will still probably be somewhat cautious, given his injury history. You can't argue with Rasmussen's results when he's been healthy, though, as he has the fourth-best ERA among all pitchers in the last five years. He has a decent floor as a No. 4 starting pitcher in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
February 19, 2026
Atlanta Braves right-hander
Reynaldo Lopez consistently sat around 93 mph and hit 94 mph during the second inning of his live batting practice session in camp on Thursday, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Lopez "seems to be where he needs to be in February." The 32-year-old former reliever has proven he can be effective as a big-league starter at 94-95 mph, with the ability to dial up 98 mph when he needs it. Lopez is attempting to return from a lost season in 2025, in which he made just one start for Atlanta before having arthroscopic right-shoulder surgery. He's back to full health now, though, and is looking to bounce back to his All-Star form in 2024, when he went 8-5 with a career-best 1.99 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 148:42 K:BB in 135 2/3 frames. Expecting a repeat of his 2024 success would be foolish. Lopez has only gone over 70 innings in a season once since 2019, and he's a good bet to be moved back to a relief role later in 2026. He's outside RotoBaller's top-100 starting pitcher rankings.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
February 19, 2026
MLB.com's Christina De Nicola reports that the Miami Marlins are expected to go with pitchers
Sandy Alcantara,
Eury Perez,
Max Meyer,
Braxton Garrett, and
Chris Paddack in their five-man starting rotation to begin the 2026 season, leaving left-handed pitching prospect
Thomas White on the outside looking in. It shouldn't come as a big surprise, as White is only 21 years old and has made only two starts for Triple-A Jacksonville. He will most likely begin this season back at Jacksonville, but if injuries arise to Miami's starting rotation during the year, he'll be one of the team's top options to plug any holes. In three minor-league levels in 2025, White went 4-3 with a 2.31 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 145:51 K: BB in 89 2/3 innings over 21 starts at High-A Beloit, Double-A Pensacola, and Jacksonville. The 6-foot-5 southpaw is a great dynasty/keeper league stash, but he must tighten up his control before he'll be allowed to make his MLB debut.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
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