February 4, 2026
The Pittsburgh Pirates have emerged as one of the most aggressive teams to pursue free-agent left-hander
Framber Valdez, people briefed on the matter told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The 32-year-old is the biggest name left on the open market this offseason, and adding him would enhance the Pirates' biggest strength -- their starting rotation, which is led by National League Cy Young winner
Paul Skenes. The Pirates' new pitching coach, Bill Murphy, worked with Valdez as both a minor-league and major-league coach with the Houston Astros. In addition to the Pirates, the Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays, Atlanta Braves, and San Diego Padres have been linked to Valdez this offseason. The 32-year-old southpaw would give the Bucs not only another strong arm but plenty of experience and durability, as he's just one of five pitchers to throw at least 900 innings in the last four seasons.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal
February 4, 2026
The Atlanta Braves announced on Wednesday that they signed free-agent right-hander
Tayler Scott to a minor-league deal with a non-roster invitation to spring training, according to Grant McAuley of 929 The Game. Scott, 33, split the 2025 season with the Houston Astros and Arizona Diamondbacks, posting a rough 7.90 ERA (6.32 FIP), 1.90 WHIP, 24 strikeouts, and 18 walks in 27 1/3 innings out of the bullpen. The South African native has a career 5.51 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, and 21.2% strikeout rate in five major-league seasons with eight different teams. Scott will compete for an Opening Day bullpen spot for the Braves in spring training, but he's most likely going to begin at Triple-A Gwinnett. He was originally a fifth-round selection by the Chicago Cubs in 2011 out of high school.
--Keith HernandezSource: 929 The Game - Grant McAuley
February 4, 2026
The Detroit Tigers invited outfield prospect
Max Clark to major-league spring training this year, according to the Detroit Free Press' Evan Petzold. Clark, who is considered the No. 10 overall prospect in baseball this year, hit a combined .271/.403/.432 with an .835 OPS, 14 home runs, 67 RBI, 85 runs scored, and 19 stolen bases in 111 games with High-A West Michigan and Double-A Erie last year. The left-handed-hitting former third overall pick in 2023 has plus tools with his bat, legs, arm, and glove. Power from the left side might be his biggest weakness, but he figures to develop more of it as his 6-foot, 205-pound frame matures. Clark had a 135 wRC+ AND 16.7% strikeout rate at Double-A, so he figures to open the 2026 season at Triple-A Toledo. If Clark picks up where he left off in the minors in 2026, it may not be long before he's starting in center field in Motown at the major-league level.
--Keith HernandezSource: Detroit Free Press - Evan Petzold
February 4, 2026
The Detroit Tigers have invited shortstop prospect
Kevin McGonigle to big-league spring training this year, according to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Per MLB Pipeline, McGonigle is the No. 2 prospect in all of baseball entering the 2026 season, behind only the Pirates'
Konnor Griffin. The 21-year-old is an advanced hitter for his age and slashed an impressive .305/.408/.583 with 19 home runs and 10 stolen bases in 88 games over three minor-league levels last season. In addition to being able to play the 6, he'll be an option at second and third base for the Tigers at the next level. However, McGonigle is expected to stick at short for now, which is the biggest need in Detroit. The left-handed hitter might need some time to mature and develop his power and speed, but there's no question he's already among the best pure hitting prospects in baseball.
--Keith HernandezSource: Detroit Free Press - Evan Petzold
February 4, 2026
The Pittsburgh Pirates have interest in signing free-agent outfielder/designated hitter
Marcell Ozuna, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic. The Pirates' lineup has enough versatility to accommodate a player like Ozuna, who at 35 years old profiles mostly as a DH at this point in his career. However, a potential addition of Ozuna could affect the playing time for
Jake Mangum and
Spencer Horwitz, who are projected to play left field and first base, respectively.
Ryan O'Hearn would likely split time between 1B and left field if Ozuna were signed. Ozuna, a three-time All-Star, would give the Bucs more thump in the middle of their lineup. The right-handed Dominican slugger clubbed a career-high 31 homers in 2024 with Atlanta, but he dropped off significantly last year with a .232/.355/.400 slash line and only 21 dingers in 145 games. He's a declining power bat that might see less playing time if he lands in Pittsburgh.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Katie Woo
February 4, 2026
The Kansas City Royals announced on Wednesday that they have signed free-agent veteran infielder
Brandon Drury to a minor-league deal with an invitation to major-league spring training. Drury will compete for a roster spot this spring with the Royals after hitting a miserable .169/.242/.228 with a .469 OPS, four home runs, 15 RBI, 28 runs scored, 27 walks, and 81 strikeouts in 97 games (360 plate appearances) with the Los Angeles Angels in 2024. He didn't appear at all in the big leagues in 2025. In 53 games in the minors with the Angels and Chicago White Sox last year, he hit .214/.338/.323. The 10-year veteran has a career .245/.297/.421 slash line with a .717 OPS, and 109 home runs with seven different teams. Even if Drury sticks around in KC in 2026, he'll be a long shot for any kind of fantasy value.
--Keith HernandezSource: Kansas City Royals
February 4, 2026
If healthy, The Athletic's Keith Law thinks that Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitching prospect
Rhett Lowder (forearm, oblique) could be a mid-rotation starter in 2026. The 23-year-old former seventh overall pick in 2023 out of Wake Forest began the 2025 season on the injured list with a forearm injury and then strained an oblique muscle during his rehab, which kept him out all year. However, during a stint in the Arizona Fall League, Lowder was back in the 93-95 mph range on his sinker and four-seam fastball while also displaying a plus changeup and a sharper slider that missed plenty of bats. He threw his slider more than any other pitch. Lowder will have to compete for a rotation spot this spring, but even if he doesn't win one out of camp, he'll be a name to watch given his pedigree. With four plus offerings, Lowder can keep hitters off balance.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Keith Law
February 4, 2026
Baltimore Orioles shortstop
Gunnar Henderson worked at Tinsley Performance in the offseason to try to increase his speed going into the 2026 season, according to Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. Henderson has increased his stolen base totals in each of his four seasons in the big leagues, culminating with a career-high 30 thefts in 154 games in 2025. Even though he stole 30 bags, he ranked only in the 79th percentile in sprint speed, so he worked to get faster. At the plate last year, Henderson regressed, slashing .274/.349/.438 with a career-low .787 OPS, only 17 home runs, 68 RBI, and 85 runs scored in 651 plate appearances, although he battled through a shoulder impingement for a good chunk of the season. The 24-year-old's current ADP suggests he won't come at much of a discount, with many fantasy managers expecting a bounce-back year with better health. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 4 fantasy shortstop.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Baltimore Banner - Andy Kostka
February 4, 2026
According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Boston Red Sox have checked in on infielder
Ramon Urias, but currently have "lukewarm" interest in signing him ahead of spring training. The Red Sox have been linked to several infield free agents throughout the winter but have yet to agree to terms with any of them. Earlier in the offseason, they expressed significant interest in resigning
Alex Bregman or acquiring
Bo Bichette. Additionally, they have been linked to Houston's third baseman,
Isaac Paredes, in a potential trade. Urias spent the 2025 season with the Orioles and Astros. Across 112 contests, the 31-year-old held a .241/.292/.384 slash line with 11 home runs and three stolen bases. For now,
Marcelo Mayer is projected to begin the season as Boston's primary third baseman.
--Andy SmithSource: Chris Cotillo
February 4, 2026
Washington Nationals right-handed pitcher
Josiah Gray could get the starting nod on Opening Day, according to Jessica Camerato of MLB.com. Gray was sidelined for nearly the entire 2025 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024. He returned to the bump late in 2025 in the minor leagues. Across a brief 5 2/3-inning stint, Gray did not allow a run and helda 5:5 K:BB. During his last full season in Washington (2023), Gray logged 159 innings to the tune of a 3.91 ERA with a 1.46 WHIP. He struck out 143 hitters while allowing walks at a 11.5% rate. With
MacKenzie Gore now in Texas, Gore figures to compete for the lead role in the rotation alongside
Jake Irvin and
Cade Cavalli. Given his inconsistent command, Gray is best left for deeper 15+ team formats as a streaming option.
--Andy SmithSource: Jessica Camerato
February 4, 2026
According to Jessica Camerato of MLB.com, the Nationals could explore shifting second baseman
Luis Garcia Jr. to first base to begin the season. Last summer, Garcia was given a brief two-game stint at first base and could begin to take on a larger role there, given Washington's current roster. Additionally, the Nationals could turn to
Matt Mervis,
Andres Chaparro, or prospect
Yohandy Morales to begin the campaign as the team's starting first baseman. In 2025, Garcia spent the majority of his time at the keystone and held a .252/.289/.412 slash line with 28 doubles, 16 home runs, and 14 stolen bases. Managers should monitor his usage in spring training, as he could earn more positional eligibility if he were to appear in enough games at first base. If he were to completely shift to first base,
Jose Tena and
Nasim Nunez would likely earn starts at second base.
--Andy SmithSource: Jessica Camerato
February 4, 2026
The Miami Marlins have approached young outfielder
Jakob Marsee on a potential contract extension. Marsee made his MLB debut last summer and looked quite comfortable during his first taste of the major leagues. Through 55 contests, the 24-year-old held a .292/.363/.478 slash line with five long balls and 14 stolen bases. Under the hood, he generated a promising .347 xwOBA and .275 xBA, with a 38.9% LA sweet-spot rate. He also drew walks at an above-average 9.4% rate and struck out at a 20.5% rate. Across 98 games at Triple-A Jacksonville prior to this promotion, Marsee held a .246/.379/.438 line with 14 home runs and 47 stolen bases. Given that the Marlins have already begun pursuing long-term decisions with Marsee, it suggests they view him as a vital piece of the franchise. Managers should expect Marsee to see everyday opportunities in the center field to begin the 2026 campaign. He carries high-end breakout appeal in category formats, given his potential to steal bases at a high rate.
--Andy SmithSource: Christine De Nicola
February 4, 2026
According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Boston Red Sox nearly acquired Chicago White Sox right-handed pitcher
Jordan Leasure in a trade. Last week, the Red Sox sent right-handed pitchers
Jordan Hicks and
David Sandlin to the White Sox in exchange for right-handed prospect Gage Ziehl. However, it appears the Red Sox were also very interested in bolstering their bullpen with Leasure. Last season, Leasure logged 64 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.92 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. He struck out an eye-catching 81 hitters while generating an above-average 3.19 xERA. Managers should expect the 27-year-old to operate as the primary setup man for
Seranthony Dominguez on the South Side. While his save opportunities could be limited, he should be given ample opportunities to tally double-digit holds.
--Andy SmithSource: Chris Cotillo
February 4, 2026
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, New York Mets outfield prospect
Carson Benge was never included in the package that brought right-handed pitcher
Freddy Peralta to Queens. This suggests that the Mets view Benge not only as a short-term answer but also as a long-term part of the team's future. Instead, the Mets traded right-handed pitching prospect
Brandon Sproat and top infield prospect
Jett Williams to Milwaukee. The Mets selected Benge in the opening round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Oklahoma State. Last summer, the 23-year-old posted an impressive .281/.385/.472 slash line with 25 doubles, 15 home runs, and 22 stolen bases across 116 games split between High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A. Given New York's current outfield, Benge appears to be in serious consideration for the starring role in left field.
--Andy SmithSource: Ken Rosenthal
February 4, 2026
Seattle Mariners right-handed pitching prospect Ryan Sloan is a name to closely monitor in dynasty formats ahead of the 2026 campaign. Sloan joined the Mariners in the second round (55th overall) in the 2024 MLB Draft out of York Community HS. After just one professional campaign, Sloan is now ranked as the sport's No. 44 prospect and Seattle's No. 4 prospect on MLB.com entering spring training. Additionally, Sloan is viewed as one of the top right-handed pitching prospects in baseball, ranking sixth at his position. He made his professional debut in 2025 with Low-A Modesto, where he spent most of his campaign. Through 70 2/3 innings, the right-hander posted a 3.44 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, with a 77:15 K:BB. He was then given a short 11 1/3-inning stint at High-A, where he allowed seven earned runs. While he is likely ticketed for High-A to open the 2026 season, managers should continue to closely monitor his progression as he could develop into one of the sport's top pitching prospects.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
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