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

January 22, 2026

According to Will Sammon and Chad Jennings of The Athletic, Milwaukee Brewers left-handed pitcher Robert Gasser could be a name to watch to earn a role in the starting rotation. On Wednesday evening, the Brewers traded their top pitcher, Freddy Peralta, to the New York Mets in exchange for two top prospects, Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams. While veteran Brandon Woodruff is expected to lead the rotation with emerging right-hander Jacob Misiorowski slotting behind him, the back of the rotation is open. Quinn Priester and Chad Patrick are projected to operate as the No. 3 and No. 4, but Gasser could be a name to watch for one of the final positions. The young southpaw has made seven MLB starts over his career and logged 33 2/3 innings to the tune of a 2.67 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. Through 205 2/3 innings at Triple-A, Gasser has struck out 250 hitters with a 3.72 ERA. While Logan Henderson would likely have the edge for the final position, Gasser could make a strong claim to operate as the No. 6 starter if the team uses a six-man rotation. He is a name to monitor in spring training and could be worth a late-round selection in deeper formats.--Andy Smith
Source: Will Sammon and Chad Jennings

January 22, 2026

New York Mets right-handed pitcher Christian Scott appears ticked for a depth role to begin the 2026 regular season. According to Will Sammon and Chad Jennings of The Athletic, Scott is projected to sit behind newly-acquired ace Freddy Peralta and the other primary starting pitchers on the roster, such as Sean Manaea, David Peterson, Kodai Senga, Nolan McLean, and Clay Holmes, leaving him a role as a middle reliever. Scott made his MLB debut during the 2024 campaign and posted a 4.56 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP across 47 1/3 innings. Earlier that season, the Florida product posted an impressive 2.76 ERA with a 0.97 WHIP across his first 42 1/3 innings at Triple-A. However, the right-hander would undergo a hybrid Tommy John operation in late 2024, which kept him on the shelf all last season. While he appears to be at full strength, Scott does not expect to hold much fantasy value to begin the 2026 campaign.--Andy Smith
Source: Will Sammon and Chad Jennings

January 22, 2026

According to Will Sammon and Chad Jennings of The Athletic, New York Mets right-handed pitching prospect Jonah Tong may be on the outside of the team's starting rotation to begin the 2026 season. On Wednesday evening, the Mets acquired right-handed pitcher Freddy Peralta from the Brewers, who is now slated to lead the rotation. In exchange, the Mets sent two top prospects, Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat. While Tong was already sitting towards the back of the current rotation, Sammon and Jennings project the young right-hander to open the season as a depth option, sitting behind Peralta, Sean Manaea, David Peterson, Clay Holmes, Nolan McLean, and Kodai Senga. While Tong could be shifted to the bullpen, it appears the team's No. 4 prospect may begin the season with Triple-A to continue his development. During his first look at the majors, Tong held a high 7.71 ERA across 18 2/3 innings. For now, he is best left for deeper NL-only formats as a late-round stash option.--Andy Smith
Source: Will Sammon and Chad Jennings

January 22, 2026

New York Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (elbow) should return to action "sometime around May," according to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic. Rodon has been sidelined since October after undergoing surgery to remove loose bodies and to shave down a bone spur in his left elbow. He was effective when healthy last year, posting a 3.78 FIP, 9.4 K/9, and 3.4 K/9 across 33 starts (195.1 innings). Although New York will open the 2026 season without Rodon and Gerrit Cole (elbow), the organization reportedly feels good about its rotation headlined by Max Fried, Will Warren, Cam Schlittler, and newcomer Ryan Weathers. Rodon's proven track record makes him an intriguing fantasy option, even though he won't be ready for Opening Day. As it stands, he ranks as the #59 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest 2026 fantasy baseball draft rankings.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Brendan Kuty

January 22, 2026

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Kutter Crawford (wrist) is expected to begin camp with the rest of the pitching staff, according to president of baseball operations Craig Breslow (via Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic). Crawford resumed throwing earlier this month, and as long as he stays healthy through spring training, he should compete for an Opening Day roster spot. The competition won't be easy, though. The Red Sox added Ranger Suarez and Sonny Gray behind Garrett Crochet this offseason, and Brayan Bello should earn the No. 4 starter role if he's not traded. Assuming Boston opens the year with a five-man rotation, that leaves one spot for Crawford, Johan Oviedo, Patrick Sandoval (elbow), Connelly Early, Payton Tolle, or Kyle Harrison. The pitchers who don't make the Opening Day rotation will end up in the bullpen or Triple-A. Crawford is the most familiar face of that group, racking up 313 innings between 2023 and 2024. During the 2024 campaign, he made a whopping 33 starts, posting a 4.35 xFIP, 8.6 K/9, and 2.5 BB/9. He missed all of last year due to wrist surgery.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Jen McCaffrey

January 22, 2026

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Patrick Sandoval (elbow) has resumed throwing and is expected to begin camp with the rest of the pitching staff, according to president of baseball operations Craig Breslow (via Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic). Sandoval hasn't pitched in an MLB game since June 2024 due to elbow surgery. Boston inked him to a two-year deal before last season in hopes that he could recover during 2025 before pitching meaningful innings in 2026. As it stands, it appears that Sandoval is on pace to do just that. However, even if healthy, he'll face competition in Boston's revamped rotation. The Red Sox added Ranger Suarez and Sonny Gray behind Garrett Crochet, and Brayan Bello should earn the No. 4 starter role if he's not traded. That leaves one rotation spot for Sandoval, Johan Oviedo, Kutter Crawford (wrist), Connelly Early, Payton Tolle, or Kyle Harrison. The pitchers who don't make the Opening Day rotation will end up in the bullpen or Triple-A. Sandoval could certainly be the victor of that group, as he's a veteran arm who has impressed in the past. Over 79.2 innings with the Angels in 2024, he posted a 3.87 FIP, 9.2 K/9, and 4.0 BB/9. This competition will be worth monitoring as spring training gets underway and Opening Day inches closer.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Jen McCaffrey

January 22, 2026

The Boston Red Sox continue to explore potential infield additions, but Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports that the organization prefers to play infielder Marcelo Mayer at third base. McCaffrey speculates that Mayer would be a strong fit at the hot corner, not only because he played well in Alex Bregman's absence last year, but also because Boston views him as its franchise shortstop after Trevor Story's contract expires, so they'd like to keep him on the left side of the infield. Plus, although president of baseball operations Craig Breslow wouldn't commit to Mayer at second base or third base, he did emphasize a desire to improve the infield defense. Mayer posted 2 OAA and 2 FRV at third base last year. Connecting the dots, this would seem to indicate that if the Red Sox do pursue an external addition, they may prefer a second baseman over a third baseman. McCaffrey writes that Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner, who would fetch a significant haul if traded, might make more sense than third baseman Isaac Paredes, who has struggled defensively. As the roster currently stands, Mayer projects to play third base while Romy Gonzalez, Nate Eaton, and Nick Sogard could platoon at second.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Jen McCaffrey

January 22, 2026

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Ivan Herrera (elbow) began throwing earlier this month, and manager Oliver Marmol said that he should start hitting and defensive drills this week. Marmol wasn't ready to commit to an exact role for Herrera, who could catch or play left field. The skipper noted that spring training games don't offer the best opportunity for the Cardinals to evaluate Herrera behind the dish, since opponents don't always start their best players, and they also don't steal as often. As a result, they might not have an exact vision for his role until after the regular season begins. The team does expect Herrera to demonstrate improved throwing after he underwent an offseason surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow. Meanwhile, Herrera has expressed his desire to be an everyday catcher in the future. However, as he continues to work his way back from injury, St. Louis is being non-committal about his role. We wouldn't be surprised to see him play some catcher and some left field during the first couple weeks of the regular season. Cardinals fans and fantasy managers will certainly be excited to see him back in action, as Herrera posted an impressive .284/.373/.464 slash line with 19 home runs and a 137 wRC+ through 107 games last year. He currently ranks as the #11 catcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Rob Rains

January 22, 2026

Free-agent relief pitcher Taylor Rogers is coming back to Minnesota after agreeing on a one-year, $2 million contract with the Twins. Rogers spent the first six seasons of his MLB career with the Twins, posting a career-high 30 saves in 2019 and earning an All-Star selection in 2021. He spent time with the Padres, Brewers, Giants, Reds, and Cubs in the four seasons since his departure, and last year, he had a 3.38 ERA and a 4.38 FIP in 50 2/3 innings with the Reds and Cubs. The 35-year-old lefty could be a key part of the Twins' bullpen in 2026, and he could even be in the mix for saves since the rest of the bullpen is relatively inexperienced.--Zach Thompson
Source: Aaron Gleeman